bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bond behavior between steel reinforcing bars and concrete under dynamic loads
Authors: Gao Xiangling , Ren Xiaodan , Li Jie , Zhang Yanbo
Published: March 2018

In this study, 120 pullout specimens with anchorage length of 5d and 3d (where d denotes the diameter of the rebar) have been tested to investigate the bond performance under dynamic loading. The specimens were divided into 8 groups, with 5 loading rates applied to each group. Besides the loading rate, concrete strength, rebar diameter, and bond length were taken into account. In general, the experimental results indicated that most of the specimens demonstrated a splitting failure pattern, for which abrupt drops in measured load were usually observed following the peak of load–displacement curves. In addition, the bond‐slips during the load drop were almost equal to the distance of the ribs of the reinforcing bars. Following the drop, the bond stress increase or decrease periodically with slip induced by the ribs on steel reinforcing bars. Both the bond strength and the bond stiffness showed noticeable increases following the increase of loading rate. An empirical model was developed to describe the bond strength with respect to concrete strength and loading rate. Eventually, the predicted results agree well with the experimental data.
Experimental behavior of strengthening of masonry infilled reinforced concrete frames by adding rebar‐reinforced stucco
Authors: Kaya Fatih , Tekeli Hamide , Anil Özgür
Published: March 2018

Strengthening of structures may become a necessity to overcome the mistakes made during the design and construction phases of existing reinforced concrete (RC) buildings. In recent years, researches have been intensified on the economical and easy application of the strengthening of masonry infill walls in RC buildings. Strengthening of masonry infill wall with steel reinforcing mesh and additional mortar layer, fiber reinforced polymers and prefabricated concrete panels have become in the forefront of these techniques. In this study, the RC frame infilled with masonry walls and strengthened with steel reinforcing mesh and mortar layer was examined experimentally. One of the most important reasons for choosing this method is that the strengthening could be achieved with less cost, workmanship and without the need to prepare molds for reinforcement. The main variables that have been examined in the current study are: the anchorage length, spacing, and configuration which were applied to the frame and infill wall and the added layer are on the inside or outside wall. A total of 11 specimen, 1/3 scale, one‐bay, one‐story nonductile RC frames with masonry infill wall which representing the deficiency in the existence building by using low‐compressive concrete, insufficient stirrups, and strong beam in comparison to column were constructed and tested under the effect of repeated seismic load. Load–displacement behaviors, initial stiffness, displacement ductility rates, and energy consumption capacities are interpreted.
A questionnaire system with an authentication framework considering online activities of users
Authors: Seki Yosuke , Matsuura Kenji , Sano Masahiko , Ueta Tetsushi
Published: March 2018

It is difficult to distribute online questionnaire adequately to those subjects who satisfy the requirements of investigations. In addition, low questionnaire response rates, because of factors such as overlooking request emails and noncooperation to answer the questionnaires, sometimes annoy the investigators. As today's organizational systems adopt a unified authentication framework because of which logging function stores authentication records of users in federated systems, the possible solution for these problems arises by utilizing the log data and adding the questionnaire process to the framework. The present paper proposes a flow‐controlling mechanism arranged in a major unified authentication framework and describes how to utilize log data on the framework to select target persons for questionnaires and increase the response rates. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Rainfall intensity in the Genoa Metropolitan Area: secular variations and consequences
Authors: Acquaotta Fiorella , Faccini Francesco , Fratianni Simona , Paliaga Guido , Sacchini Alessandro
Published: March 2018

According to historical papers, the Genoa Metropolitan Area (GMA) has been affected by floods since the Middle Ages. An increase in flash floods has been recorded over the last few years, and in 2014 at least four floods were observed, three of which occurred during autumn. Following these observations, the secular pluviometric variations for the region have been analysed.

Pluviometric data recorded at the Genoa University station (since 1833) and Chiavari station (since 1877), which represent the central and the eastern zones of the GMA along the coast, have been analysed. Weather data recorded at the Isoverde station (since 1921) and Giacopiane Dam station (since 1925) have allowed the analysis to be completed in the western valley and eastern mountain regions of the GMA hinterland, respectively. This analysis was based on the mean annual, seasonal and monthly rainfall amounts, the number of rainy days and the rainfall rate (the ratio between the former and the latter) recorded at the four stations. Furthermore, the annual maximum hourly rainfall data have been analysed for the Pontecarrega station (at the Bisagno stream, the most affected valley in Genoa) and the Giacopiane Dam station. No trend was found for annual rainfall, though significant decreases were observed for the numbers of rainy days. As a result, an increase in the rainfall rate for the coastal and mountain stations was found. Moreover, an increase has also been found in the 3‐ and 6‐hourly rainfall values. These findings could be related to the intensification of flash flood events that has been observed over the last decade. Interventions to reduce flood risks in the GMA should therefore no longer be postponed.
Genetic variants in mRNA untranslated regions
Authors: Steri Maristella , Idda M. Laura , Whalen Michael B. , Orrù Valeria
Published: March 2018

Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have mapped thousands of genetic variants associated with complex disease risk and regulating quantitative traits, thus exploiting an unprecedented high‐resolution genetic characterization of the human genome. A small fraction (3.7%) of the identified associations is located in untranslated regions (UTRs), and the molecular mechanism has been elucidated for few of them. Genetic variations at UTRs may modify regulatory elements affecting the interaction of the UTRs with proteins and microRNAs. The overall functional consequences include modulation of messenger RNA (mRNA) transcription, secondary structure, stability, localization, translation, and access to regulators like microRNAs (miRNAs) and RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs). Alterations of these regulatory mechanisms are known to modify molecular pathways and cellular processes, potentially leading to disease processes. Here, we analyze some examples of genetic risk variants mapping in the UTR regulatory elements. We describe a recently identified genetic variant localized in the 3′UTR of the TNFSF13B gene, associated with autoimmunity risk and responsible of an increased stability and translation of TNFSF13B mRNA. We discuss how the correct use and interpretation of public GWAS repositories could lead to a better understanding of etiopathogenetic mechanisms and the generation of robust biological hypothesis as starting point for further functional studies.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics and Chemistry

RNA Evolution and Genomics > Computational Analyses of RNA

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
ON A NEW PARADIGM OF OPTIMAL REINSURANCE: A STOCHASTIC STACKELBERG DIFFERENTIAL GAME BETWEEN AN INSURER AND A REINSURER
Authors: Chen Lv , Shen Yang
Published: March 2018

This paper proposes a new continuous-time framework to analyze optimal reinsurance, in which an insurer and a reinsurer are two players of a stochastic Stackelberg differential game, i.e., a stochastic leader-follower differential game. This allows us to determine optimal reinsurance from joint interests of the insurer and the reinsurer, which is rarely considered in the continuous-time setting. In the Stackelberg game, the reinsurer moves first and the insurer does subsequently to achieve a Stackelberg equilibrium toward optimal reinsurance arrangement. Speaking more precisely, the reinsurer is the leader of the game and decides on an optimal reinsurance premium to charge, while the insurer is the follower of the game and chooses an optimal proportional reinsurance to purchase. Under utility maximization criteria, we study the game problem starting from the general setting with generic utilities and random coefficients to the special case with exponential utilities and constant coefficients. In the special case, we find that the reinsurer applies the variance premium principle to calculate the optimal reinsurance premium and the insurer's optimal ceding/retained proportion of insurance risk depends not only on the risk aversion of itself but also on that of the reinsurer.
Transformative Learning: A Precursor to Preparing Health Science Students to Work in Indigenous Health Settings?
Authors: Bullen Jonathan , Roberts Lynne
Published: March 2018

Australian undergraduate programmes are implementing curriculum aimed at better preparing graduates to work in Indigenous health settings, but the efficacy of these programmes is largely unknown. To begin to address this, we obtained baseline data upon entry to tertiary education (Time 1) and follow-up data upon completion of an Indigenous studies health unit (Time 2) on student attitudes, preparedness to work in Indigenous health contexts and transformative experiences within the unit. The research involved 336 health science first-year students (273 females, 63 males) who completed anonymous in-class paper questionnaires at both time points. Paired sample t-tests indicated significant change in student attitudes towards Indigenous Australians, perceptions of Indigenous health as a social priority, perceptions of the adequacy of health services for Indigenous Australians and preparedness to work in Indigenous health settings. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that after controlling for Time 1 measures, the number of precursor steps to transformative learning experienced by students accounted for significant variance in measures of attitudes and preparedness to work in Indigenous health contexts at Time 2. The knowledge gained further informs our understanding of both the transformative impact of such curriculum, and the nature of this transformation in the Indigenous studies health context.
The trader perspective: researching extortion in Palermo
Authors: Mete Vittorio
Published: March 2018

This article presents the results of some empirical research on extortion in Palermo. The project is based on the administration of a structured questionnaire with traders in various districts within Palermo and villages in the provincial interior, in two phases, the first in 2007 and second in 2012. The objective was to explore traders’ opinions on the various aspects of the phenomenon of extortion: its characteristics, causes, possible solutions, and the responsibilities of every actor in the battle against this illegal enterprise. In the period in which the research was undertaken, there was a wave of strong anti-mafia and anti-racketeering activism, particularly stimulated by the emergence in 2004 of the Comitato Addiopizzo and culminating in the establishment of the first ‘antiracket’ association in Palermo.
Give Them Fish or Teach Them to Fish? The Effects of Stability of Social Stratification and Forms of Help on Higher Socioeconomic Status Group Members’ Attitudes Towards Anti-Poverty Programs
Authors: Ferolino Austin Jay P.
Published: March 2018

Building on social identity approach and intergroup helping as status relations model, the current research examined the explored effects of stability of social stratification and forms of help on higher socioeconomic status (SES) members’ attitudes towards anti-poverty programs. Two studies were conducted in a 2 (social stratification stability) × 2 (forms of help) design on willingness to support anti-poverty programs. Study 1 examined the conditions of unstable and stable social stratification that might pattern differences in support of hypothetical anti-poverty programs construed as dependency-oriented or autonomy-oriented help. Study 2 replicated and extended study 1 by examining higher SES (subjective) participants’ attitudes towards the cash transfer programs (conditional vs. unconditional, which were determined by their perceptions of the stability of social stratification). Overall, the results of the two studies confirmed that attitudes towards anti-poverty programs could be construed as specific forms of help (dependency-oriented and/or autonomy-oriented help) depending on the nature of the intergroup relations (stability of the social stratification). Finally, the theoretical contribution of the current research is discussed.
The Marine Radiocarbon Reservoir Effect in Tomales Bay, California
Authors: Panich Lee M , Schneider Tsim D , Engel Paul
Published: March 2018

This paper examines the marine reservoir effect for Tomales Bay, a 25.5-km-long tidal estuary along the northern coast of California. We determined the regional ∆R through radiocarbon (14C) measurements of pre-1950 shells from a museum collection as well as archaeologically recovered shell samples from a historical railroad grade of known construction date. These results are compared against four sets of paired shell and bone samples from two local archaeological sites. Our results indicate little spatial variation along the inner bay, but the proposed ∆R value is lower than those previously reported for nearby areas along the Pacific Coast. We also note potential variability in regional ∆R of approximately 200 14C years for the late Holocene, and comparison with an older paired bone and shell sample points toward more significant temporal variation earlier in time.
Science and self-assessment: phrenological charts 1840–1940
Authors: SYSLING FENNEKE
Published: March 2018

This paper looks at phrenological charts as mediators of (pseudo-)scientific knowledge to individual clients who used them as a means of self-assessment. Phrenologists propagated the idea that the human mind could be categorized into different mental faculties, with each particular faculty represented in a different area of the brain and by bumps on the head. In the US and the UK popular phrenologists examined individual clients for a fee. Drawing on a collection of phrenological charts completed for individual clients, this paper shows how charts aspired to convey new ideals of selfhood by using the authority of science in tailor-made certificates, and by teaching clients some of the basic practices of that science. Hitherto historians studying phrenology have focused mainly on the attraction of the content of phrenological knowledge for the wider public, but in this paper I show how the charts enabled clients to participate actively in creating knowledge of their own bodies and selves.
Innovative transportable laboratories for polar science
Authors: Noor Liesbeth H.W. , van der Kroef Dick A. , Wattam David , Pinnock Michael , van Rossum Ronald , Smit Marck G. , Brussaard Corina P.D.
Published: March 2018

The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research and the British Antarctic Survey have built a transportable laboratory facility, named the Dirck Gerritsz Laboratory, to accommodate new scientific research on and from the western Antarctic Peninsula. The design provides a flexible, modular, plug-and-play, innovative and sustainable laboratory setup. The docking station houses four 20-foot ISO standard high-cube containers, each of which contains a different laboratory. Special technological features were used to minimise the environmental impact. The four laboratory containers are flexible and can be installed and used as required, and renewed or removed when necessary. The container laboratories have provided, since opening in 2013, enhanced facilities for global climate change research through studying the community composition of phytoplankton; the ecological impact of virus-induced mortality in different phytoplankton groups; dimethylsulphide and brominated compound fluxes; and CO2 concentrations and trace elements in sea water. Transportable research laboratory facilities provide an effective and efficient approach for undertaking scientific research in challenging environments and might be the start of a new way of undertaking research, including exchanging laboratory modules between research stations in Antarctica.
On the arithmetic of a family of degree - two K3 surfaces
Authors: BOUYER FLORIAN , COSTA EDGAR , FESTI DINO , NICHOLLS CHRISTOPHER , WEST MCKENZIE
Published: March 2018

Let ℙ denote the weighted projective space with weights (1, 1, 1, 3) over the rationals, with coordinates x, y, z and w; let $\mathcal{X}$ be the generic element of the family of surfaces in ℙ given by

\begin{equation*}
X\colon w^2=x^6+y^6+z^6+tx^2y^2z^2.
\end{equation*}

The surface $\mathcal{X}$ is a K3 surface over the function field ℚ(t). In this paper, we explicitly compute the geometric Picard lattice of $\mathcal{X}$, together with its Galois module structure, as well as derive more results on the arithmetic of $\mathcal{X}$ and other elements of the family X.
Tibet's Invisible Languages and China's Language Endangerment Crisis: Lessons from the Gochang Language of Western Sichuan
Authors: Roche Gerald , Tsomu Yudru
Published: March 2018

China is facing a language endangerment crisis, with half of its languages decreasing in number of speakers. This article contributes to the understanding of language endangerment in China with a case study of the Gochang language, which is spoken by about 10,000 Tibetans in western Sichuan. We describe Gochang as an “invisible” language – one that is overlooked by the state's ethnic and linguistic policies and thus is more vulnerable to the social transformations wrought by statist development. Using UNESCO's language vitality and endangerment framework to assess the endangerment of Gochang, we conclude that the language is “definitely endangered.” Our comparison of Gochang with other “invisible” languages in China shows that most are in a similar predicament, suggesting that China's language endangerment crisis is likely to continue unless these languages receive formal recognition or local governments take advantage of ambiguities in the policy framework to support them. The social impacts of a continuing, deepening language endangerment crisis in China are as yet unknown.
An Improved Method of Land Masking for Synthetic Aperture Radar-based Ship Detection
Authors: Yang Chan-Su , Park Ju-Han , Rashid Ahmed Harun-Al
Published: March 2018

Land masking of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images is generally accomplished by applying either archived shoreline databases or image segmentation. However, those methods cannot be solely applied to geographical areas complicated with many small islands and exposed rocks. Therefore, we have proposed a new procedure where Sobel edge extraction is applied to detect the edges of all objects from KOMPSAT-5 X-band SAR images, followed by a merging process with the edges from the land objects based on Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) coastlines. Using the land mask data, geometrically corrected SAR images were masked before applying a ship detection algorithm. This land masking procedure was applied to several images covering different areas of the Korean Peninsula. The results show that land targets such as newly constructed and natural objects were also masked, and thus did not create false alarms during ship detection. Therefore, this method can be used to assist precise ship detection using SAR images in coastal waters.
Developmental trends of hot and cool executive function in school-aged children with and without autism spectrum disorder: Links with theory of mind
Authors: Kouklari Evangelia-Chrysanthi , Tsermentseli Stella , Monks Claire P.
Published: March 2018

The development of executive function (EF) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been investigated using only “cool”-cognitive EF tasks while there is limited knowledge regarding the development of “hot”-affective EF. Although cool EF development and its links to theory of mind (ToM) have been widely examined, understanding of the influence of hot EF to ToM mechanisms is minimal. The present study introduced a longitudinal design to examine the developmental changes in cool and hot EF of children with ASD (n = 45) and matched (to age and IQ) controls (n = 37) as well as the impact of EF on ToM development over a school year. For children with ASD, although selective cool (working memory and inhibition) and hot (affective decision making) EF domains presented age-related improvements, they never reached the performance level of the control group. Early cool working memory predicted later ToM in both groups but early hot delay discounting predicted later ToM only in the ASD group. No evidence was found for the reverse pattern (early ToM predicting later EF). These findings suggest that improvements in some EF aspects are evident in school age in ASD and highlight the crucial role that both cool and hot EF play in ToM development.
PRIMITIVE CRITICISM AND THE NOVEL: G. H. LEWES AND HIPPOLYTE TAINE ON DICKENS
Authors: Logan Peter Melville
Published: March 2018

In a controversial article onthe life and fiction of Charles Dickens, George H. Lewes ponders the inexplicable preference of readers for the novelist's too-simplistic characters over the more complex characters of other writers. He finds an answer in the primitive reaction to fine art: “To a savage there is so little suggestion of a human face and form in a painted portrait that it is not even recognized as the representation of a man” (“Dickens” 150). The implication, it would seem, is that readers turn to Dickens because they are similarly incapable of appreciating more refined modes of art. Today the remark reads as gratuitous and insulting to readers, to Dickens, and to the other cultures Lewes stereotypes as savage. At the same time, the casual nature of the passage also suggests that it reflects commonly held beliefs about primitive life, beliefs we do not have but that Lewes and his readers took for granted. He was clearly safe in assuming such a body of common knowledge, for many other articles in theFortnightly Review(in which Lewes's article appeared in 1872) had similar references to primitivism. Reading through the journal issues of the time, the extent to which anthropological concepts had escaped the covers of books on primitive society and taken up residence in the pages of review essays on contemporary issues – from history, to life in the colonies, to life in Britain itself – is striking. In its print context, the comment about savages and art is less isolated and inexplicable than it is representative of a broad turn to the topic of primitivism in social commentary and analysis during the 1870s.
The Mediating Role of Coping between Competitive Anxiety and Sport Commitment in Adolescent Athletes
Authors: Pons Joan , Viladrich Carme , Ramis Yago , Polman Remco
Published: March 2018

Framed in cognitive-motivational-relational theory of emotions (Lazarus, 1999), this study aimed to test how coping mediated the relationship between competitive anxiety and sport commitment in a sample of adolescent athletes. Five-hundred adolescents (M = 16.42; SD = 1.54) participated in our study. Participants completed competitive anxiety, coping, and sport commitment measures. We defined the measurement model using confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling; and compared two different models of mediation (i.e., total and partial mediation) using structural equation modeling. Results favored partial mediation model where cognitive anxiety factors predicted sport commitment. Results from this model suggest direct and mediated structural relations between concepts. Somatic anxiety had a weak influence on sport commitment (total effects = 0.090 [–.131, .311]). Worry showed a positive influence on sport commitment (total effects = .375 [.262, .486]) through direct and mediated effects. Concentration disruption showed a negative impact on sport commitment (total effects = –.544 [–.724, –.363]) trough mediated effects only, showing a negative path on task-oriented coping and a positive path on disengagement-oriented coping. As a whole, our findings identify task coping efforts undertaken by adolescent athletes as a key element in the relationship between competitive anxiety and sport commitment. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the design of coping interventions in adolescents.
Behandlung der Spastik
Authors: Blanco Javier , Kätterer Christian
Published: March 2018

Zusammenfassung. Die Spastik kann als eine motorische Störung bezeichnet werden, die zu einer geschwindigkeitsabhängigen Zunahme des Muskeldehnungsreflexes führt und auf einen abnormen intraspinalen Prozess mit einem verstärkten afferenten Input beruht. Sie gilt als eine wesentliche Komponente des „Syndroms des ersten motorischen Neurons“, entsteht üblicherweise nach Schädigungen des Zentralnervensystems und führt zu beträchtlichen Einschränkungen der Motorik und Lebensqualität. Die quantitative Erfassung der Spastik und der Muskelspasmen ist von hoher Bedeutung, um das Potential möglicher Behandlungseffekte abschätzen zu können. Ein spezialisiertes und zielorientiertes Managementprogramm ist die Hauptvoraussetzung für eine erfolgreiche Spastikbehandlung. In dieser Arbeit werden die Entstehungsmechanismen, die Indikationsstellung und die Wirkungen und Nebenwirkungen der üblichen und akzeptierten therapeutischen Spastikkonzepte diskutiert. Diese beinhalten die orale Medikation mit zentral aktiven Antispastika wie Baclofen und Tizanidin sowie auch Benzodiazepine und peripher wirkende Substanzen wie das Dantrolen. Darüber hinaus werden auch interventionelle Therapien wie fokale Botox-Injektionen und die Behandlung mit intrathekalem Baclofen mittels programmierbarer Pumpe diskutiert. Chirurgische Eingriffe zur Spastikbehandlung wie die selektive dorsale Rhizotomie oder die Neurektomie sind viel seltener geworden und für einige Autoren gelten sie sogar als obsolet.
Endobag separation – an ominous sign after endovascular aneurysm sealing with the Nellix device
Authors: Tasleem Sadia , Badri Hassan , Ranjeet Narlawar , Antoniou George A.
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Our report aims to alert physicians performing endovascular aneurysm sealing with the Nellix endoprosthesis to the risk of rupture when endobag separation is noticed on computed tomography. Endobag separation when observed with acute presentation of abdominal pain is an indicator of imminent rupture and prompt interventional treatment should be undertaken.
Aspermerodione, a novel fungal metabolite with an unusual 2,6-dioxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane skeleton, as an inhibitor of penicillin-binding protein 2a
Authors: Qiao Yuben , Zhang Xiaotian , He Yan , Sun Weiguang , Feng Wenya , Liu Junjun , Hu Zhengxi , Xu Qianqian , Zhu Hucheng , Zhang Jinwen , Luo Zengwei , Wang Jianping , Xue Yongbo , Zhang Yonghui
Published: March 2018

Rising drug resistance limits the treatment options infected by methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA). A promising solution for overcoming the resistance of MRSA is to inhibit the penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a). A novel terpene-polyketide hybrid meroterpenoid, aspermerodione (1), characterized by an unusual 2,6-dioxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane core skeleton, and a new heptacyclic analogue, andiconin C (2), were isolated and identified from the liquid cultures of endophytic fungusAspergillussp. TJ23. The structures and their absolute configurations of all chiral centers were elucidated via extensive spectroscopic analyses and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations and determined via single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Aspemerodione (1) was found to be a potential inhibitor of PBP2a, and work synergistically with theβ-lactam antibiotics oxacillin and piperacillin against MRSA.
Assessment of susceptible chemical modification sites of trastuzumab and endogenous human immunoglobulins at physiological conditions
Authors: Schmid Ingrid , Bonnington Lea , Gerl Monika , Bomans Katrin , Thaller Anna Louisa , Wagner Katharina , Schlothauer Tilman , Falkenstein Roberto , Zimmermann Boris , Kopitz Jürgen , Hasmann Max , Bauss Frieder , Haberger Markus , Reusch Dietmar , Bulau Patrick
Published: March 2018

The quality control testing of chemical degradations in the bio-pharmaceutical industry is currently under controversial debate. Here we have systematically applied in vitro and in vivo stress conditions to investigate the influence of protein degradation on structure-function. Extensive purification and characterization enabled identification and functional assessment of the physiological degradation of chemical modification sites in the variable complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) and conserved region of trastuzumab. We demonstrate that the degradation of the solvent-accessible residues located in the CDR and the conserved fragment crystallizable region (Fc) occurs faster in vivo (within days) compared to the levels observed for bio-process and real-time storage conditions. These results hence question the rationality of extreme monitoring of low level alterations in such chemical modifications as critical patient safety parameters in product quality control testing, given that these modifications merely mirror the natural/physiological aging process of endogenous antibodies.
Stable metal–organic frameworks as a host platform for catalysis and biomimetics
Authors: Qin Jun-Sheng , Yuan Shuai , Lollar Christina , Pang Jiandong , Alsalme Ali , Zhou Hong-Cai
Published: March 2018

Recent years have witnessed the exploration and synthesis of an increasing number of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). The utilization of stable MOFs as a platform for catalysis and biomimetics is discussed.
Failure mechanisms of 2D silicon film anodes: in situ observations and simulations on crack evolution
Authors: Yang Le , Chen Hao-Sen , Jiang Hanqing , Wei Yu-Jie , Song Wei-Li , Fang Dai-Ning
Published: March 2018

An in situ optical system was used to observe the failure processes of two-dimensional silicon film anodes, suggesting a new debonding mode based on crack crushing.
Room-temperature ferromagnetism in Ni(ii)-chromia based core–shell nanoparticles: experiment and first principles calculations
Authors: Hossain M. D. , Mayanovic R. A. , Dey S. , Sakidja R. , Benamara M.
Published: March 2018

We have synthesized bimagnetic core–shell nanoparticles containing a first-of-its-kind Ni(ii)-chromia nanophase shell and a well-defined, epitaxial core–shell interface.
The heat capacities and critical behaviors of binary ionic solutions
Authors: Wang Xue , Xu Chen , Tao Xiaoyi , Yin Tianxiang , Chen Zhiyun , Shen Weiguo
Published: March 2018

The screening of both Coulombic forces and solvophobic interactions increased with relative permittivity,εr,c.
Casein glycomacropeptide hydrolysates inhibit PGE2 production and COX2 expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cellsviaAkt mediated NF-κB and MAPK pathways
Authors: Li Tiange , Gao Dongxiao , Du Min , Cheng Xue , Mao Xueying
Published: March 2018

A casein glycomacropeptide hydrolysate (GMPH) was found to possess inhibitory activity against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in our previous study.
Ru(ii)–thyminate complexes: new metallodrug candidates against tumor cells
Authors: Correa Rodrigo S. , Freire Vitória , Barbosa Marília I. F. , Bezerra Daniel P. , Bomfim Larissa M. , Moreira Diogo R. M. , Soares Milena B. P. , Ellena Javier , Batista Alzir A.
Published: March 2018

Herein, we used thymine (HThy) as a ligand to form two new ruthenium(ii) complexes with formula [Ru(PPh3)2(Thy)(bipy)]PF6 (1) and [Ru(Thy)(bipy)(dppb)]PF6 (2).
Resolving the optical anisotropy of low-symmetry 2D materials
Authors: Shen Wanfu , Hu Chunguang , Tao Jin , Liu Jun , Fan Shuangqing , Wei Yaxu , An Chunhua , Chen Jiancui , Wu Sen , Li Yanning , Liu Jing , Zhang Daihua , Sun Lidong , Hu Xiaotang
Published: March 2018

Azimuthal-dependence reflectance difference microscopy was developed to visualize and characterize the optical anisotropy of low-symmetry 2D materials.
Thiol–ene photoimmobilization of chymotrypsin on polysiloxane gels for enzymatic peptide synthesis
Authors: Wang Meng , Xing Jun , Sun Yu-Tang , Guo Ling-Xiang , Lin Bao-Ping , Yang Hong
Published: March 2018

Here we report a strategy to photoimmobilize chymotrypsin onto polysiloxane gels via thiol-ene click chemistry. The polysiloxane-immobilized chymotrypsin shows enhanced catalytic activity, thermal stability and recyclability.
Identification of metabolites of liquiritin in rats by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS: metabolic profiling and pathway comparisonin vitroandin vivo
Authors: Zhang Xia , Liang Caijuan , Yin Jintuo , Sun Yupeng , Zhang Lantong
Published: March 2018

Liquiritin (LQ), the main bioactive constituent of licorice, is a common flavoring and sweetening agent in food products and has a wide range of pharmacological properties, including antidepressant-like, neuroprotective and anti-cancer properties.
A Fluorescent detection method for copper ions based on a direct redox route and desk study of wax-printed paper-based probes
Authors: Li Jiawei , Li Pan , Bian Minghong , Huo Danqun , Hou Changjun , Qin Hui , Zhang Suyi , Zhang Liang
Published: March 2018

A fluorescent detection method for copper ions based on a direct redox route and desk study of paper-based probes.
Applications of zeolites in biotechnology and medicine – a review
Authors: Bacakova Lucie , Vandrovcova Marta , Kopova Ivana , Jirka Ivan
Published: March 2018

Zeolites are microporous natural or synthetic tectosilicates, promising for organism detoxification, improvement of the nutrition status and immunity, separation of various biomolecules and cells, detection of biomarkers of various diseases, controlled drug and gene delivery, radical scavenging, haemostasis, tissue engineering and biomaterial coating.
Raman-encoded, multivalent glycan-nanoconjugates for traceable specific binding and killing of bacteria
Authors: Mahadevegowda Surendra H. , Hou Shuai , Ma Jielin , Keogh Damien , Zhang Jianhua , Mallick Asadulla , Liu Xue-Wei , Duan Hongwei , Chan-Park Mary B.
Published: March 2018

Raman-encoded plasmonic glycan-nanoconjugates lead to traceable multivalent binding and photothermal killing of selective bacterial pathogens.
Chloroplast-containing coacervate micro-droplets as a step towards photosynthetically active membrane-free protocells
Authors: Pavan Kumar B. V. V. S. , Fothergill James , Bretherton Joshua , Tian Liangfei , Patil Avinash J. , Davis Sean A. , Mann Stephen
Published: March 2018

Encapsulation of structurally and functionally intact chloroplasts within coacervate micro-droplets is used to prepare photosynthetically active membrane-free protocells.
Lanthanide-based near-infrared emitting metal–organic frameworks with tunable excitation wavelengths and high quantum yields
Authors: Nguyen Tu N. , Capano Gloria , Gładysiak Andrzej , Ebrahim Fatmah Mish , Eliseeva Svetlana V. , Chidambaram Arunraj , Valizadeh Bardiya , Petoud Stéphane , Smit Berend , Stylianou Kyriakos C.
Published: March 2018

The introduction of –NH2 group in SION-100 allows the visible light absorption, and both SION-100 and SION-100-NH2 luminesce NIR light with long lifetimes and high quantum yields.
Highly enantioselective transfer hydrogenation of racemic α-substituted β-keto sulfonamidesviadynamic kinetic resolution
Authors: Xiong Zhichao , Pei Chengfeng , Xue Peng , Lv Hui , Zhang Xumu
Published: March 2018

An efficient enantioselective transfer hydrogenation of racemic α-substituted β-keto sulfonamidesviadynamic kinetic resolution has been achieved, affording α-substituted β-hydroxyl sulfonamides in good yields and excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities.
Oxidation of a germanium(ii) dication to access cationic germanium(iv) fluorides
Authors: Suter Riccardo , Swidan Ala'aeddeen , Macdonald Charles L. B. , Burford Neil
Published: March 2018

Herein we describe the synthesis and characterization of the tris(1-ethyl-benzoimidazol-2-ylmethyl)amine (BIMEt3 = L) complex of Ge(ii)2+ and its oxidation with XeF2 to access the cationic germanium fluorides [LGeF2][OTf]2 and [LGeF(OTf)][OTf]2.
Silica-supported isolated molybdenum di-oxo species: formation and activation with organosilicon agent for olefin metathesis
Authors: Yamamoto Keishi , Chan Ka Wing , Mougel Victor , Nagae Haruki , Tsurugi Hayato , Safonova Olga V. , Mashima Kazushi , Copéret Christophe
Published: March 2018

A well-defined silica-supported molybdenum dioxo species, (SiO)2Mo(O)2, prepared via Surface Organometallic Chemistry, is highly active in metathesis upon reaction with organosilicon reducing agent.
Correction: Jadomycins, put a bigger ring in it: isolation of seven- to ten-membered ring analogues
Authors: Forget Stephanie M. , Martinez-Farina Camilo F. , Jakeman David L.
Published: March 2018

Correction for ‘Jadomycins, put a bigger ring in it: isolation of seven- to ten-membered ring analogues’ by Camilo F. Martinez-Farina et al., Chem. Commun., 2015, 51, 14617–14619.
Synthesis and luminescence properties of NaGdF4: Yb3+, Ce3+, and Ho3+ upconversion nanoparticles doped with Zn2+
Authors: Kuang Ye , Xu Jiating , Wang Chen , Wang Chuanqing , Shao Hua , Yang Dan , Gai Shili , He Fei , Yang Piaoping
Published: March 2018

Due to shrinkage of crystal lattice and formation of F− vacancies, the luminescence intensities show a rise-and-fall change with growing Zn2+ concentration in β-NaGdF4 UCNPs.
Nonbirefringent bands in thin films of a copolymer melt: rapid rhythmic crystal growth with an unusual crystal–melt interface
Authors: Li Yiguo , Yao Zhilong , Wu Lin , Wang Zongbao
Published: March 2018

Rhythmic-growth-induced nonbirefringent bands that are comprised of repetitive stacks of discrete flat-on lamellae along the growth directions are reported in a thin film of an asymmetric PCL-b-PEO during isothermal melt crystallization.
Oriented nucleation and crystal growth in SrO–Al2O3–SiO2 tectosilicate glasses
Authors: Wisniewski Wolfgang , Fernández-Carrión Alberto J. , Schöppe Philipp , Rüssel Christian , Allix Mathieu
Published: March 2018

Oriented nucleation is proven in three surface crystallizing tectosilicate (SrO/Al2O3 = 1) glasses in the system Sr1−x/2Al2−xSixO4.
Plasmonic sphere-on-plane systems with semiconducting polymer spacer layers
Authors: Yu Binxing , Tracey Jill I. , Cheng Zhongkai , Vacha Martin , O'Carroll Deirdre M.
Published: March 2018

Scattering color changes are investigated in plasmonic sphere-on-plane samples containing resonant and non-resonant conjugated polymer spacers.
Decomposition of methanol-d4 on Au–Rh bimetallic nanoclusters on a thin film of Al2O3/NiAl(100)
Authors: Lee Hsuan , Liao Zhen-He , Hsu Po-Wei , Wu Yu-Cheng , Cheng Meng-Chin , Wang Jeng-Han , Luo Meng-Fan
Published: March 2018

The reactivity of Au nanoclusters was sharply enhanced by incorporating a few Rh atoms.
Functional and stability orientation synthesis of materials and structures in aprotic Li–O2batteries
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhao Yong , Zhang Xinbo
Published: March 2018

This review presents the recent advances made in the functional and stability orientation synthesis of materials/structures for Li–O2batteries.
Modulation of dielectric and viscoelastic features of silicone rubber (SR) by nano-hydroxylapatite (n-HA) embedding
Authors: Bindu M. , Unnikrishnan G.
Published: March 2018

We report the modulation of dielectric and dynamic mechanical features of silicone rubber (SR), the extensively employed biocompatible elastomer, by embedding it with nano-hydroxylapatite (n-HA) particles.
Low addition amount of self-healing ionomer binder for Si/graphite electrodes with enhanced cycling
Authors: Huang Shu , Ren Jianguo , Liu Rong , Bai Yang , Li Xiaolong , Huang Youyuan , Yue Min , He Xueqin , Yuan Guohui
Published: March 2018

A self-healing ionomer binder is designed and synthesized for commercial Si/graphite anodes (areal capacity of 3 mA h cm−2) with a low binder content of 1.8 wt% in Li-ion batteries showing enhanced cycling.
Magnetic solid phase extraction using Fe3O4@SiO2@C8 nanoparticles performed in a narrow-bore tube followed by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for extraction and preconcentration of nine pesticides
Authors: Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Yadeghari Adeleh , Khoshmaram Leila
Published: March 2018

In the present work, a new magnetic solid phase extraction method performed in a narrow-bore tube using synthesized Fe3O4@SiO2@C8 magnetic nanoparticles has been developed.
Efficient removal of anti-inflammatory phenylbutazone from an aqueous solution employing a composite material based on poly(aniline-co-pyrrole)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: do Nascimento Tienne Aparecida , Dutra Flávia Viana Avelar , Pires Bruna Carneiro , Borges Keyller Bastos
Published: March 2018

Poly(Ani-co-Py)/MWCNT was synthesized by chemical oxidation in a triple-phase interface system and presented a high capacity for the removal of PBZ from wastewater.
An efficient Nb-modified BiVO4 film for photo-induced bacterial inactivation and photocatalytic removal of organic pollutants
Authors: Monfort Olivier , Dworniczek Ewa , Satrapinskyy Leonid , Seniuk Alicja , Nyblova Daniela , Plesch Gustav
Published: March 2018

For the first time, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was inactivated using a Nb-modified BiVO4 photocatalyst.
A step-ladder manganese(iii) metallacrown hosting mefenamic acid and a manganese(ii)–mefanamato complex: synthesis, characterization and cytotoxic activity
Authors: Tarushi Alketa , Geromichalos George D. , Lafazanis Kostas , Raptopoulou Catherine P. , Psycharis Vassilis , Lalioti Nikolia , Pantazaki Anastasia A. , Kessissoglou Dimitris P. , Tangoulis Vassilis , Psomas George
Published: March 2018

Manganese complexes of mefenamic acid in the presence or absence of salicylaldoxime have been evaluated for their cytotoxic activity.
Mimicking plasmonic nanolaser emission by selective extraction of electromagnetic near-field from photonic microcavity
Authors: Deng Qian , Kang Meng , Zheng Di , Zhang Shunping , Xu Hongxing
Published: March 2018

3D localized laser-like emission with deep subwavelength mode volume is demonstrated in individual metallic nanoparticle based on a hybrid semiconductor waveguide-insulator-silver nanorod system.
Efficient polymerization and post-modification of N-substituted eight-membered cyclic carbonates containing allyl groups
Authors: Yuen Alexander Y. , Bossion Amaury , Veloso Antonio , Mecerreyes David , Hedrick James L. , Dove Andrew P. , Sardon Haritz
Published: March 2018

Aliphatic polycarbonates are promising materials in the biomedical field due to their low toxicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability.
Highly stable Y(iii)-based metal organic framework with two molecular building block for selective adsorption of C2H2 and CO2 over CH4
Authors: Duan Xing , Lv Ran , Ji Zhenguo , Li Bin , Cui Yuanjing , Yang Yu , Qian Guodong
Published: March 2018

A novel microporous MOF ZJU-16 exhibited high thermal and chemical stability and moderately high selective separation of C2H2/CH4 and CO2/CH4.
High-performance rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries with a poly(benzoquinonyl sulfide) cathode
Authors: Dawut Gulbahar , Lu Yong , Miao Licheng , Chen Jun
Published: March 2018

Aqueous Zn-ion batteries with a poly(benzoquinonyl sulfide) cathode show good electrochemical performance.
1,4-Dithiothreitol mediated cleavage of the acetal and ketal type of diol protecting groups
Authors: Liu Yan , Zeng Jing , Sun Jiuchang , Cai Lei , Zhao Yueqi , Fang Jing , Hu Bo , Shu Penghua , Meng Lingkui , Wan Qian
Published: March 2018

An efficient deprotection of the ketal and acetal type protecting groups has been achieved with Brønsted acid as a catalyst and 1,4-dithiothreitol as a ketal or acetal exchange reagent.
Role of ceria in the improvement of NO removal of lanthanum-based perovskite-type catalysts
Authors: Li Xiaochen , Gao Hongwei
Published: March 2018

Ce-doped LaBO3 perovskites exhibiting the best activity must contain separated CeO2.
Kinetic model of biomass hydrolysis by a polysulfone membrane with chemically linked acidic ionic liquids via catalytic reactor
Authors: Lu Peng , Cao Yong , Wang Xiaolan
Published: March 2018

The PSF-ILs membrane exhibits higher catalytic performance and a kinetic model between conversion and membrane structure was established successfully.
Synthesis and characterisation of highly branched polyisoprene: exploiting the “Strathclyde route” in anionic polymerisation
Authors: Habibu Shehu , Sarih Norazilawati Muhamad , Mainal Azizah
Published: March 2018

Copolymerisation of isoprene and divinylbenzene was achieved in tolueneviaanionic chain transfer polymerization to yield highly branched polymers with good solution and rheological properties.
Hydroformylation of vinyl acetate and cyclohexene over TiO2 nanotube supported Rh and Ru nanoparticle catalysts
Authors: Chuai Hongyuan , Liu Xiaotong , Chen Ya , Zhu Baolin , Zhang Shoumin , Huang Weiping
Published: March 2018

Supported Rh and Ru catalysts show better catalytic performance in hydroformylation of vinyl acetate while not in that of cyclohexene.
Smart cellulose/graphene composites fabricated byin situchemical reduction of graphene oxide for multiple sensing applications
Authors: Chen Yian , Pötschke Petra , Pionteck Jürgen , Voit Brigitte , Qi Haisong
Published: March 2018

Multifunctional sensing abilities of cellulose/in situreduced graphene oxide composites prepared by a simple and “green” approach are presented.
Chemical strain formation through anion substitution in Cu2WS4 for efficient electrocatalysis of water dissociation
Authors: Tiwari Anand P. , Azam Ashraful , Novak Travis G. , Prakash Om , Jeon Seokwoo
Published: March 2018

The electrocatalytic activity of ternary metal chalcogenides is improved by anion substitution that creates a chemical strain in the lattice.
Highly wettable and metallic NiFe-phosphate/phosphide catalyst synthesized by plasma for highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhang Qixing , Li Tiantian , Liang Junhui , Wang Ning , Kong Xiangbin , Wang Jiaou , Qian Haijie , Zhou Yurong , Liu Fengzhen , Wei Changchun , Zhao Ying , Zhang Xiaodan
Published: March 2018

A NiFe-based catalyst was prepared using plasma and exhibits enhanced catalytic activity in the oxygen evolution reaction.
Target construction of ultrathin graphitic carbon encapsulated FeS hierarchical microspheres featuring superior low-temperature lithium/sodium storage properties
Authors: Fan Hong-Hong , Li Huan-Huan , Guo Jin-Zhi , Zheng Yan-Ping , Huang Ke-Cheng , Fan Chao-Ying , Sun Hai-Zhu , Li Xi-Fei , Wu Xing-Long , Zhang Jing-Ping
Published: March 2018

Hierarchical FeS spheres coated with ultrathin graphitic carbon layer exhibit superior low-temperature Li/Na-storage properties.
Quantitative analysis of improved bending fracture behavior of large-scale graphene monolayer-intervened flexible oxide thin films
Authors: Choi Hong Je , Kim Da Bin , Kim Moo Hyun , Lee Gwan-Hyoung , Cho Yong Soo
Published: March 2018

A graphene layer improves the fracture resistance of flexible transparent conducting films by ∼61%.
Enhanced red emissions of europium(iii) chelates in DNA–CTMA complexes
Authors: Nakamura Kazuki , Minami Haruki , Sagara Amika , Itamoto Natsumi , Kobayashi Norihisa
Published: March 2018

Incorporation of a europium(iii) complex in DNA–CTMA enhances red emission and induces circularly polarized luminescence.
Piezo-capacitive behavior of a magnetically structured particle-based conductive polymer with high sensitivity and a wide working range
Authors: Fan Yuqin , Liao Changrong , Xie Lei , Chen Xianping
Published: March 2018

A magnetically structured conductive polymer-based flexible tactile sensor features extraordinary sensitivity, high temperature stability and a wide working range.