bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A STRONG REFLECTION PRINCIPLE
Authors: ROBERTS SAM
Published: November 2017

This article introduces a new reflection principle. It is based on the idea that whatever is true in all entities of some kind is also true in a set-sized collection of them. Unlike standard reflection principles, it does not re-interpret parameters or predicates. This allows it to be both consistent in all higher-order languages and remarkably strong. For example, I show that in the language of second-order set theory with predicates for a satisfaction relation, it is consistent relative to the existence of a 2-extendible cardinal (Theorem 7.12) and implies the existence of a proper class of 1-extendible cardinals (Theorem 7.9).
Placeboanalgesie und Nocebohyperalgesie – Mechanismen und klinische Nutzung
Authors: Krummenacher Peter
Published: October 2017

Zusammenfassung. Placebophänomene und seine negative Kehrseite – sog. Nocebophänomene – sind aktive und objektivierbare psychoneurobiologische Reaktionen des Organismus, die als solche Einfluss auf den Heilungsprozess haben und daher klinisch relevant sind. Sie sind dem therapeutischen Gesamtbehandlungskontext zuzuordnen und können dadurch sowohl bei Schein- als auch bei Verumbehandlungen auftreten. Psychologische Erklärungsansätze zeigen, dass diese auf bewussten und unbewussten Lernprozessen basieren und das Ausmass der Placebo- und Noceboreaktion primär durch Erwartungshaltungen, die Qualität der Arzt-Patient-Kommunikation und Konditionierung bestimmt wird. Neurobiologisch werden diese Prozesse über unterschiedliche Signalsysteme vermittelt, die verschiedene Arten von Placeboreaktionen bedingen. Am besten erforscht sind diese bisher bei der Schmerzmodulation in Form der Placeboanalgesie bei positiver bzw. der Nocebohyperalgesie bei negativer Erwartung. Die Erkenntnisse der Placebo- und Noceboforschung können dafür genutzt werden, die mit dem Behandlungskontext assoziierten psychosozialen Komponenten besser und gezielter in der alltäglichen medizinischen Praxis einzusetzen, um damit bereits wirksame Verumbehandlungen zum Wohle des Patienten weiter zu optimieren. Durch die Maximierung von Placebo- und Minimierung von Nocebokomponenten kann die Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit von pharmakologischen Substanzen ohne Täuschung gesteigert, unerwünschte Nebenwirkungen reduziert, die Compliance erhöht und Kosten gespart werden. Im Artikel werden verschiedene praxisrelevante Ansätze und psychologische Strategien für die systematische Nutzung dieser Mechanismen zur Optimierung von Schmerztherapien vorgestellt.
Effectiveness of the Prevention Program for Externalizing Problem Behavior (PEP) in Preschoolers with Severe and No or Mild ADHD Symptoms
Authors: Eichelberger Ilka , Plücka Julia , Hautmann Christopher , Hanisch Charlotte , Döpfner Manfred
Published: November 2017

Abstract. ﻿Zusammenfassung:﻿ ﻿Fragestellung:﻿ Das Präventionsprogramm für Expansives Problemverhalten (PEP), entwickelt für Eltern (EL) und ErzieherInnen (ER) von Vorschulkindern, zeigte in beiden Modulen (PEP-EL und PEP-ER) in der Routineversorgung positive Effekte. Das Ziel dieser Sekundäranalyse war die Untersuchung der Effekte beider Module bezogen auf Vorschulkinder mit hoch ausgeprägter ADHS-Symptomatik im Vergleich zu Kindern mit keiner oder wenig ausgeprägter ADHS-Symptomatik. ﻿Methodik:﻿ In einem Eigenkontrollgruppendesign werden die Veränderungen der Symptomatik und des Problemverhaltens der Kinder in spezifischen Situationen zu Hause und in der Schule in einer Wartephase mit den Veränderungen in einer Interventionsphase verglichen (jeweils 3 Monate). ﻿Ergebnisse:﻿ Durch das Elterntraining reduzieren sich für Kinder mit hoch ausgeprägter ADHS-Symptomatik die spezifischen Problemsituationen zu Hause (HSQ-D) und durch das ErzieherInnentraining zeigen sich signifikante Effekte für oppositionell-aggressives Verhalten und im Gesamtscore des Fragebogen für ErzieherInnen von Klein- und Vorschulkindern (C-TRF 1½-5). Kinder mit keiner oder weniger ausgeprägter ADHS-Symptomatik zeigen Veränderungen im HSQ-D, im oppositionell-aggressiven Verhalten und im Gesamtwert des Elternfragebogen für Klein- und Vorschulkinder (CBCL 1½-5), während sich für das ErzieherInnentraining in allen Zielvariablen signifikante Effekte zeigen. ﻿Schussfolgerungen:﻿ Die Befunde, dass sich Effekte auf unterschiedlichen Dimensionen von Problemverhalten zeigen, legen nahe, dass die Kombination beider Trainingsmodule eine potentielle präventive Strategie für Vorschulkinder mit ADHS darstellt.
Alcool et troubles cognitifs chez la personne	âgée
Authors: Daeppen Jean-Bernard
Published: November 2017

Zusammenfassung. Erwachsene in der Schweiz trinken durchschnittlich zwei Gläser Wein pro Tag. Alkoholmissbrauch und kognitive Störungen sind eng verknüpft, vor allem bei älteren Personen. Die klinische Untersuchung muss nach Anzeichen von Unterernährung suchen und eine neuropsychologische Untersuchung einschliessen, wenn der Mini-Mental-Status pathologisch ist. Bei Anzeichen einer Gayet-Wernicke-Krankheit muss eine intravenöse B1-Vitamin-Therapie zur prophylaktischen oder therapeutischen Behandlung eingeleitet werden. Kognitive Beeinträchtigung ist eine schlechte Prognose für die Behandlung von Alkoholabhängigkeit, sollte aber nicht dazu führen, die Behandlungsbemühungen aufzugeben.
Ultra-antireflective synthetic brochosomes
Authors: Yang Shikuan , Sun Nan , Stogin Birgitt Boschitsch , Wang Jing , Huang Yu , Wong Tak-Sing
Published: October 2017

Since the early discovery of the antireflection properties of insect compound eyes, new examples of natural antireflective coatings have been rare. Here, we report the fabrication and optical characterization of a biologically inspired antireflective surface that emulates the intricate surface architectures of leafhopper-produced brochosomes—soccer ball-like microscale granules with nanoscale indentations. Our method utilizes double-layer colloidal crystal templates in conjunction with site-specific electrochemical growth to create these structures, and is compatible with various materials including metals, metal oxides, and conductive polymers. These brochosome coatings (BCs) can be designed to exhibit strong omnidirectional antireflective performance of wavelengths from 250 to 2000 nm, comparable to the state-of-the-art antireflective coatings. Our results provide evidence for the use of brochosomes as a camouflage coating against predators of leafhoppers or their eggs. The discovery of the antireflective function of BCs may find applications in solar energy harvesting, imaging, and sensing devices.
Plasmodium DNA-mediated TLR9 activation of T-bet+ B cells contributes to autoimmune anaemia during malaria
Authors: Rivera-Correa J. , Guthmiller J. J. , Vijay R. , Fernandez-Arias C. , Pardo-Ruge M. A. , Gonzalez S. , Butler N. S. , Rodriguez A.
Published: October 2017

Infectious pathogens contribute to the development of autoimmune disorders, but the mechanisms connecting these processes are incompletely understood. Here we show that Plasmodium DNA induces autoreactive responses against erythrocytes by activating a population of B cells expressing CD11c and the transcription factor T-bet, which become major producers of autoantibodies that promote malarial anaemia. Additionally, we identify parasite DNA-sensing through Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) along with inflammatory cytokine receptor IFN-γ receptor (IFN-γR) as essential signals that synergize to promote the development and appearance of these autoreactive T-bet+ B cells. The lack of any of these signals ameliorates malarial anaemia during infection in a mouse model. We also identify both expansion of T-bet+ B cells and production of anti-erythrocyte antibodies in ex vivo cultures of naive human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) exposed to P. falciprum infected erythrocyte lysates. We propose that synergistic TLR9/IFN-γR activation of T-bet+ B cells is a mechanism underlying infection-induced autoimmune-like responses.
A simple tensor network algorithm for two-dimensional steady states
Authors: Kshetrimayum Augustine , Weimer Hendrik , Orús Román
Published: October 2017

Understanding dissipation in 2D quantum many-body systems is an open challenge which has proven remarkably difficult. Here we show how numerical simulations for this problem are possible by means of a tensor network algorithm that approximates steady states of 2D quantum lattice dissipative systems in the thermodynamic limit. Our method is based on the intuition that strong dissipation kills quantum entanglement before it gets too large to handle. We test its validity by simulating a dissipative quantum Ising model, relevant for dissipative systems of interacting Rydberg atoms, and benchmark our simulations with a variational algorithm based on product and correlated states. Our results support the existence of a first order transition in this model, with no bistable region. We also simulate a dissipative spin 1/2 XYZ model, showing that there is no re-entrance of the ferromagnetic phase. Our method enables the computation of steady states in 2D quantum lattice systems.
AQP3 is regulated by PPARγ and JNK in hepatic stellate cells carrying PNPLA3 I148M
Authors: Tardelli Matteo , Bruschi Francesca V. , Claudel Thierry , Moreno-Viedma Veronica , Halilbasic Emina , Marra Fabio , Herac Merima , Stulnig Thomas M. , Trauner Michael
Published: November 2017

Aquaglyceroporins (AQPs) allow the movement of glycerol that is required for triglyceride formation in hepatic stellate cells (HSC), as key cellular source of fibrogenesis in the liver. The genetic polymorphism I148M of the patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3) is associated with hepatic steatosis and its progression to steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis and cancer. We aimed to explore the role of AQP3 for HSC activation and unveil its potential interactions with PNPLA3. HSC were isolated from human liver, experiments were performed in primary HSC and human HSC line LX2. AQP3 was the only aquaglyceroporin present in HSC and its expression decreased during activation. The PPARγ agonist, rosiglitazone, recovered AQP3 expression also in PNPLA3 I148M carrying HSC. When PNPLA3 was silenced, AQP3 expression increased. In liver sections from patients with NASH, the decreased amount of AQP3 was proportional to the severity of fibrosis and presence of the PNPLA3 I148M variant. In PNPLA3 I148M cells, the blockade of JNK pathway upregulated AQP3 in synergism with PPARγ. In conclusion, we demonstrated profound reduction of AQP3 in HSC carrying the PNPLA3 I148M variant in parallel to decreased PPARγ activation, which could be rescued by rosiglitazone and blockade of JNK.
Ventricular depolarisation vectors in exercise induced myocardial ischaemia
Authors: Vellani Cameruddin W. , Yusuf Mohammad , Mahmud Sadia , Hashmi Satwat
Published: November 2017

Ischaemia reduces membrane excitability and conduction of myocardial depolarisation. This would alter the synergy of electromotive forces that contribute to a resultant force at any instant. Changes in magnitude and direction of resultant forces are reflected in electrocardiographic signals. Here we show a method for obtaining the coordinates of resultant electrical forces during exercise derived from a bipolar orthogonal lead system for calculation of electrical vectors in three planes. In a trial, analysis of changes in vectors indicated that the extent of reduction in magnitude with exercise was significantly greater in groups of patients categorized by impaired effort tolerance and signs of ischaemia. Measurement of changes in the spectrum of depolarisation vectors during exercise has the potential for non-invasive assessment of myocardial ischaemia. This could be the basis of a portable, low-cost tool for investigation of patients with symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease.
Real-time Acute Stress Facilitates Allocentric Spatial Processing in a Virtual Fire Disaster
Authors: Cao Zhengcao , Wang Yamin , Zhang Liang
Published: October 2017

Prior studies have shown that spatial cognition is influenced by stress prior to task. The current study investigated the effects of real-time acute stress on allocentric and egocentric spatial processing. A virtual reality-based spatial reference rule learning (SRRL) task was designed in which participants were instructed to make a location selection by walking to one of three poles situated around a tower. A selection was reinforced by either an egocentric spatial reference rule (leftmost or rightmost pole relative to participant) or an allocentric spatial reference rule (nearest or farthest pole relative to the tower). In Experiment 1, 32 participants (16 males, 16 females; aged from 18 to 27) performed a SRRL task in a normal virtual reality environment (VRE). The hit rates and rule acquisition revealed no difference between allocentric and egocentric spatial reference rule learning. In Experiment 2, 66 participants (32 males, 34 females; aged from 19 to 30) performed the SRRL task in both a low-stress VRE (a mini virtual arena) and a high-stress VRE (mini virtual arena with a fire disaster). Allocentric references facilitated learning in the high-stressful VRE. The results suggested that acute stress facilitate allocentric spatial processing.
On the observability of Pauli crystals in experiments with ultracold trapped Fermi gases
Authors: Rakshit Debraj , Mostowski Jan , Sowiński Tomasz , Załuska-Kotur Magdalena , Gajda Mariusz
Published: October 2017

The best known manifestation of the Fermi-Dirac statistics is the Pauli exclusion principle: no two identical fermions can occupy the same one-particle state. This principle enforces high-order correlations in systems of many identical fermions and is responsible for a particular geometric arrangement of trapped particles even when all mutual interactions are absent. These geometric structures, called Pauli crystals, are predicted for a system of N identical atoms trapped in a harmonic potential. They emerge as the most frequent configurations in a collection of single-shot pictures of the system. Here we study how fragile Pauli crystals are when realistic experimental limitations are taken into account. The influence of the number of single-shots pictures available to analysis, thermal fluctuations and finite efficiency of detection are considered. The role of these sources of noise on the possibility of experimental observation of Pauli crystals is shown and conditions necessary for the detection of the geometrical arrangements of particles are identified.
Anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of intravenous adipose-derived stem cell transplantation in a mouse model of bleomycin-induced interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Kotani Takuya , Masutani Ryota , Suzuka Takayasu , Oda Katsuhiro , Makino Shigeki , Ii Masaaki
Published: October 2017

Adipose-derived stem cells (AdSCs) have recently been considered a useful treatment tool for autoimmune disease because of their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. We investigated the therapeutic effect of intravenous AdSC transplantation in a mouse model of bleomycin-induced lung injury. AdSCs accumulated in the pulmonary interstitium and inhibited both inflammation and fibrosis in the lung, markedly improving the survival rate of mice with bleomycin-induced lung injury in a cell number-dependent manner. AdSCs inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-12 in activated macrophages, and AdSCs also induced the apoptosis of activated macrophages. AdSCs inhibited the differentiation and proliferation of Th2-type mCD4+ T cells but promoted the differentiation and proliferation of regulatory T cells, suggesting that the phenotypic conversion of T cells may be one of the mechanisms for the anti-inflammatory effect of AdSCs on pulmonary fibrosis. These findings suggest that intravenous AdSCs could be a promising treatment for patients with interstitial pneumonia.
Task-Correlated Cortical Asymmetry and Intra- and Inter-Hemispheric Separation
Authors: Cohen Yaniv , Wilson Donald A.
Published: October 2017

Cerebral lateralization is expressed at both the structural and functional levels, and can exist as either a stable characteristic or as a dynamic feature during behavior and development. The anatomically relatively simple olfactory system demonstrates lateralization in both human and non-human animals. Here, we explored functional lateralization in both primary olfactory cortex – a region critical for odor memory and perception- and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) – a region involved in reversal learning- in rats performing an odor learning and reversal task. We find significant asymmetry in both olfactory and orbitofrontal cortical odor-evoked activity, which is expressed in a performance- and task-dependent manner. The emergence of learning-dependent asymmetry during reversal learning was associated with decreased functional connectivity both between the bilateral OFC and between the OFC-olfactory cortex. The results suggest an inter-hemispheric asymmetry and olfactory cortical functional separation that may allow multiple, specialized processing circuits to emerge during a reversal task requiring behavioral flexibility.
Integrated plasmon-enhanced Raman scattering (iPERS) spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Hailong , Li Haibo , Xu Shuping , Zhao Bing , Xu Weiqing
Published: November 2017

A new strategy named integrated plasmon-enhanced Raman scattering (iPERS) spectroscopy that features a configuration of evanescent field excitation and inverted collection is presented, which well unites the local field enhancement and far field emission, couples localized and propagating surface plasmons, integrates the SERS substrates and Raman spectrometers via a self-designed aplanatic solid immersion lens. A metallic nanoparticle-on-a film (NOF) system was adopted in this configuration because it improves the amplification of the incidence light field in near field by 10 orders of magnitude due to the simultaneous excitation of quadrupolar and dipolar resonance modes. This iPERS allows for higher excitation efficiency to probed molecules and full collection of the directional-radiation Raman scattering signal in an inverted way, which exhibits a practical possibility to monitor plasmonic photocatalytic reactions in nanoscale and a bright future on interfacial reaction studies.
A Functional Study of Human Inflammatory Arthritis Using Photoacoustic Imaging
Authors: Jo Janggun , Xu Guan , Cao Meng , Marquardt April , Francis Sheeja , Gandikota Girish , Wang Xueding
Published: October 2017

By using our dual-modality system enabling simultaneous real-time ultrasound (US) and photoacoustic (PA) imaging of human peripheral joints, we explored the potential contribution of PA imaging modality to rheumatology clinic. By performing PA imaging at a single laser wavelength, the spatially distributed hemoglobin content reflecting the hyperemia in synovial tissue in metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of 16 patients were imaged, and compared to the results from 16 healthy controls. In addition, by performing PA imaging at two laser wavelengths, the spatially distributed hemoglobin oxygenation reflecting the hypoxia in inflammatory joints of 10 patients were imaged, and compared to the results from 10 healthy controls. The statistical analyses of the PA imaging results demonstrated significant differences (p < 0.001) in quantified hemoglobin content and oxygenation between the unequivocally arthritic joints and the normal joints. Increased hyperemia and increased hypoxia, two important physiological biomarkers of synovitis reflecting the increased metabolic demand and the relatively inadequate oxygen delivery in affected synovium, can both be objectively and non-invasively evaluated by PA imaging. The proposed dual-modality system has the potential of providing additional diagnostic information over the traditional US imaging approaches and introducing novel imaging biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment evaluation of inflammatory arthritis.
Determination of total and unbound docetaxel in plasma by ultrafiltration and UPLC-MS/MS: application to pharmacokinetic studies
Authors: Sheu Ming-Thau , Wu Chen-Yuan , Su Chia-Yu , Ho Hsiu-O
Published: October 2017

A sensitive and specific liquid chromatographic/tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for quantifying total and unbound docetaxel drug concentrations in plasma. Calibration curves for unbound and total docetaxel were linear over the respective ranges of 0.108~10.8 and 0.54~216 ng/mL. The intra- and interday assay accuracy and precision did not exceed 15%. The methods were validated to show the standard range linearity, sensitivity, selectivity, accuracy, precision, and stability of docetaxel in the matrices tested. In addition, this method is fast and simple with a short run time of 4.5 min and a small plasma sample volume (500 µL). The validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of a docetaxel micelle formulation in rat plasma after intravenous administration at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Docetaxel micelles slowly released their drug payload, and protein-bound, unbound, and micellar drug pools existed simultaneously. These various forms in plasma pools were also measured in the study. We confirmed that most of the docetaxel in plasma was micelle-associated (96.52% at 24 h and 83.14% at 72 h) after micellar docetaxel administration, as a result of sequestration of the drug in long-circulating micelles.
Context-dependent compensation among phosphatidylserine-recognition receptors
Authors: Penberthy Kristen K. , Rival Claudia , Shankman Laura S. , Raymond Michael H. , Zhang Jianye , Perry Justin S. A. , Lee Chang Sup , Han Claudia Z. , Onengut-Gumuscu Suna , Palczewski Krzysztof , Lysiak Jeffrey J. , Ravichandran Kodi S.
Published: November 2017

Phagocytes express multiple phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) receptors that recognize apoptotic cells. It is unknown whether these receptors are interchangeable or if they play unique roles during cell clearance. Loss of the PtdSer receptorMertkis associated with apoptotic corpse accumulation in the testes and degeneration of photoreceptors in the eye. Both phenotypes are linked to impaired phagocytosis by specialized phagocytes: Sertoli cells and the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE). Here, we overexpressed the PtdSer receptor BAI1 in mice lacking MerTK (Mertk−/−Bai1Tg) to evaluate PtdSer receptor compensationin vivo. WhileBai1overexpression rescues clearance of apoptotic germ cells in the testes ofMertk−/−mice it fails to enhance RPE phagocytosis or prevent photoreceptor degeneration. To determine why MerTK is critical to RPE function, we examined visual cycle intermediates and performed unbiased RNAseq analysis of RPE fromMertk+/+andMertk−/−mice. Prior to the onset of photoreceptor degeneration,Mertk−/−mice had less accumulation of retinyl esters and dysregulation of a striking array of genes, including genes related to phagocytosis, metabolism, and retinal disease in humans. Collectively, these experiments establish that not all phagocytic receptors are functionally equal, and that compensation among specific engulfment receptors is context and tissue dependent.
Serial dependence is absent at the time of perception but increases in visual working memory
Authors: Bliss Daniel P. , Sun Jerome J. , D’Esposito Mark
Published: November 2017

Recent experiments have shown that visual cognition blends current input with that from the recent past to guide ongoing decision making. This serial dependence appears to exploit the temporal autocorrelation normally present in visual scenes to promote perceptual stability. While this benefit has been assumed, evidence that serial dependence directly alters stimulus perception has been limited. In the present study, we parametrically vary the delay between stimulus and response in a spatial delayed response task to explore the trajectory of serial dependence from the moment of perception into post-perceptual visual working memory. We find that behavioral responses made immediately after viewing a stimulus show evidence of adaptation, but not attractive serial dependence. Only as the memory period lengthens is a blending of past and present information apparent in behavior, reaching its maximum with a delay of six seconds. These results dovetail with other recent findings to bolster the interpretation that serial dependence is a phenomenon of mnemonic rather than perceptual processes. However, even while this pattern of effects in group-averaged data has now been found consistently, we show that the relative strengths of adaptation and serial dependence vary widely across individuals. Finally, we demonstrate that when leading mathematical models of working memory are adjusted to account for these trial-history effects, their fit to behavioral data is substantially improved.
Characterization of ApoJ-reconstituted high-density lipoprotein (rHDL) nanodisc for the potential treatment of cerebral β-amyloidosis
Authors: Fernández-de-Retana Sofía , Cano-Sarabia Mary , Marazuela Paula , Sánchez-Quesada Jose Luis , Garcia-Leon Annabel , Montañola Alex , Montaner Joan , Maspoch Daniel , Hernández-Guillamon Mar
Published: November 2017

Cerebral β-amyloidosis is a major feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), characterized by the accumulation of β-amyloid protein (Aβ) in the brain. Several studies have implicated lipid/lipoprotein metabolism in the regulation of β-amyloidosis. In this regard, HDL (High Density Lipoprotein)-based therapies could ameliorate pathological features associated with AD. As apolipoprotein J (ApoJ) is a natural chaperone that interacts with Aβ, avoiding its aggregation and toxicity, in this study we propose to prepare reconstituted rHDL-rApoJ nanoparticles by assembling phospholipids with recombinant human ApoJ (rApoJ). Hence, rHDL particles were prepared using the cholate dialysis method and characterized by N-PAGE, dynamic light scattering, circular dichroism and electron transmission microscopy. The preparation of rHDL particles showed two-sized populations with discoidal shape. Functionally, rHDL-rApoJ maintained the ability to prevent the Aβ fibrillization and mediated a higher cholesterol efflux from cultured macrophages. Fluorescently-labelled rHDL-rApoJ nanoparticles were intravenously administrated in mice and their distribution over time was determined using an IVIS Xenogen® imager. It was confirmed that rHDL-rApoJ accumulated in the cranial region, especially in old transgenic mice presenting a high cerebral Aβ load. In conclusion, we have standardized a reproducible protocol to produce rHDL-rApoJ nanoparticles, which may be potentially considered as a therapeutic option for β-amyloid-related pathologies.
Fabrication of Artificial Leaf to Develop Fluid Pump Driven by Surface Tension and Evaporation
Authors: Lee Minki , Lim Hosub , Lee Jinkee
Published: November 2017

Plants transport water from roots to leaves via xylem through transpiration, which is an evaporation process that occurs at the leaves. During transpiration, suction pressure is generated by the porous structure of mesophyll cells in the leaves. Here, we fabricate artificial leaf consisting of micro and nano hierarchy structures similar to the mesophyll cells and veins of a leaf using cryo-gel method. We show that the microchannels in agarose gel greatly decrease the flow resistance in dye diffusion and permeability experiments. Capillary tube and silicone oil are used for measuring the suction pressure of the artificial leaf. We maintain low humidity (20%) condition for measuring suction pressure that is limited by Laplace pressure, which is smaller than the water potential of air followed by the Kelvin-Laplace relation. Suction pressure of the artificial leaf is maximized by changing physical conditions, e.g., pore size, wettability of the structure. We change the agarose gel’s concentration to decrease the pore size down to 200 nm and add the titanium nano particles to increase the wettability by changing contact angle from 63.6° to 49.4°. As a result, the measured suction pressure of the artificial leaf can be as large as 7.9 kPa.
Recent advances in droplet wetting and evaporation
Authors: Brutin D. , Starov V.
Published: November 2017

Wetting and evaporation of a simple sessile droplet is a very complex problem involving strongly coupled physics.
Reaching for the limits in continuous-flow dielectrophoretic DNA analysis
Authors: Täuber Sarah , Kunze Lena , Grauberger Oleg , Grundmann Armin , Viefhues Martina
Published: November 2017

We investigated the limits of continuous-flow dielectrophoretic analysis of DNA with regards on the topological conformation and size resolution.
Simultaneous crystallization of anin situformed conjugated polymer and inorganic matrix for structure solving
Authors: Liu Guangfeng , Gu Peiyang , Nie Lina , Zhang Qichun
Published: October 2017

We have, for the first time, reported the crystal structure of a conjugated polymer–inorganic composite by encapsulating conjugated polymer chains into a bromoplumbate matrix.
A naphthalimide-based solid state luminescent probe for ratiometric detection of aluminum ions: in vitro and in vivo applications
Authors: Gupta Neha , Kaur Taranjeet , Bhalla Vandana , Parihar Ripu D. , Ohri Puja , Kaur Gurcharan , Kumar Manoj
Published: November 2017

A naphthalimide-based solid state luminescent probe has been designed and synthesized for the detection of Al3+ ions in solution as well as in the solid state with its versatile applications as materials and as a bio-imaging tool for the detection of Al3+ ions under in vitro and in vivo milieu.
Residual stress analysis of 4H-SiC crystals obtained by a top-seeded solution growth method
Authors: Yu Yeong-Jae , Byeon Dae-Seop , Shin Yun-Ji , Choi Su-Hun , Lee Myung-Hyun , Lee Won-Jae , Jeong Seong-Min
Published: November 2017

The top-seeded solution growth (TSSG) method is an alternative technique for growing SiC which can reduce the defect levels in the crystal.
Optically sensing phospholipid induced coil–helix transitions in the phosphoinositide-binding motif of gelsolin
Authors: Mondal Samsuzzoha , Chandra Amitava , Venkatramani Ravindra , Datta Ankona
Published: November 2017

A FRET-based probe reveals that coil–helix transitions in the phospholipid binding sequence of gelsolin occur at physiological phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate concentrations.
Utilization of fluoroform for difluoromethylation in continuous flow: a concise synthesis of α-difluoromethyl-amino acids
Authors: Köckinger Manuel , Ciaglia Tanja , Bersier Michael , Hanselmann Paul , Gutmann Bernhard , Kappe C. Oliver
Published: October 2017

Difluoromethylated esters, malonates and amino acids (including the drug eflornithine) are obtained by a gas–liquid continuous flow protocol employing the abundant waste product fluoroform as an atom-efficient reagent.
Cooperative effects of inorganic and organic structure-directing agents in ZSM-5 crystallization
Authors: Chawla Aseem , Li Rui , Jain Rishabh , Clark R. John , Sutjianto James G. , Palmer Jeremy C. , Rimer Jeffrey D.
Published: October 2017

A combination of bulk crystallization studies and molecular modelling are used to elucidate the role of dual inorganic/organic SDAs in ZSM-5 synthesis. Our findings reveal unexpected synergistic effects on crystallization times and physicochemical properties.
Sliced graphene foam films for dual-functional wearable strain sensors and switches
Authors: Zheng Qingbin , Liu Xu , Xu Hongru , Cheung Ming-Shu , Choi Yuk-Wa , Huang Hsing-Chih , Lei Ho-Yin , Shen Xi , Wang Zhenyu , Wu Ying , Kim Soo Young , Kim Jang-Kyo
Published: October 2017

We report dual-functional wearable strain sensors and switches with tunable sensitivities and switching capabilities for wearable wireless health monitoring.
Efficient non-doped deep-blue electroluminescence devices based on unsymmetrical and highly twisted pyrene derivatives
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Zheng Caijun , Fu Weijun , Xu Chen , Wu Jiasheng , Ji Baoming
Published: October 2017

Pyrene derivatives with unsymmetrical and highly twisted structure appropriately confined the conjugation extent of molecules resulting in efficient deep-blue emissions.
Silver nanoprism-based paper as a ratiometric sensor for extending biothiol detection in serum
Authors: Ko Yu-Chien , Lin Tien-Li , Yeh Chiu-Ting , Sun Ning-Kuei , Shyue Jing-Jong , Liu Guang-Yang , Chou Shang-Wei , Liu Yu-Ci , Hsu Chia-Hui , Ho Mei-Lin
Published: October 2017

A paper-based method with selectivity and a wider linear range for the detection of l-Cys in serum using DTNB-modified Ag nanoprisms (AgP-DTNB).
Metal-free denitrative arylation of β-nitrostyrenes using benzoyl peroxide: an easy access to trans-stilbenes
Authors: Yadav Arvind Kumar , Singh Krishna Nand
Published: October 2017

A novel, efficient and stereoselective synthesis of trans-stilbenes has been achieved from β-nitrostyrenes and benzoyl peroxide without using any catalyst.
Highly selective and sensitive biosensing of dopamine based on glutathione coated silver nanoclusters enhanced fluorescence
Authors: Rajamanikandan Ramar , Ilanchelian Malaichamy
Published: November 2017

The emission intensity of red emissive GSH-AgNCs is notably enhanced after the addition of dopamine. The increasing emission intensity is attributed to the hydrogen bonding interaction between the carboxyl groups of GSH-AgNCs and amino groups of dopamine.
Correction: Cobalt ion-coordinated self-assembly synthesis of nitrogen-doped ordered mesoporous carbon nanosheets for efficiently catalyzing oxygen reduction
Authors: Wang Haitao , Wang Wei , Asif Muhammad , Yu Yang , Wang Zhengyun , Wang Junlei , Liu Hongfang , Xiao Junwu
Published: October 2017

Correction for ‘Cobalt ion-coordinated self-assembly synthesis of nitrogen-doped ordered mesoporous carbon nanosheets for efficiently catalyzing oxygen reduction’ by Haitao Wang, et al., Nanoscale, 2017, 9, 15534–15541.
The association betweenCD28gene rs3116496 polymorphism and breast cancer risk in Chinese women
Authors: Yan Yuxiang , Zhang Xianbo
Published: November 2017

T-lymphocyte activation plays an important role in suppressing the development of human cancers including breast cancer (BC). Cluster of differentiation 28 (CD28) is the primary T-cell costimulatory molecule and enhances T-cell activation and proliferation. To examine the role of CD28 gene polymorphism in BC, we conducted a case–control study involving 312 BC patients and 312 controls in a Chinese Han population. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted to analyze the expression level of CD28 and its association with overall survival (OS) of BC. Genotyping was performed using a custom-by-design 48-Plex single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) Scan™ Kit. Our results indicated that CD28 mRNA level was down-regulated in the BC patients, whereas high expression of CD28 showed better OS for BC. In addition, an increased risk of BC was associated with the rs3116496 CC genotype of CD28 gene (CC vs. TT). The significant association was also observed in the recessive model. In conclusion, CD28 may be a tumor suppressor gene and rs3116496 polymorphism of CD28 gene showed positively correlation with the increased risk of BC. However, larger studies with more diverse ethnic populations are needed to confirm these results.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism and colorectal cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Lingyan , Qin Zhiqiang , Wang Feng , Si Shuhui , Li Lele , Lin Peinan , Han Xiao , Cai Xiaomin , Yang Haiwei , Gu Yanhong
Published: November 2017

The association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism and colorectal cancer (CRC) susceptibility has been researched in numerous studies. However, the results of these studies were controversial. Therefore, the objective of this meta-analysis was to offer a more convincible conclusion about such association with more included studies. Eligible studies published till May 1, 2017 were searched from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI database about such association. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) together with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate such association. And the Begg’s funnel plot and Egger’s test were applied to assess the publication bias. This meta-analysis contained 37049 cases and 52444 controls from 87 publications with 91 eligible case–control studies. Because of lack of data for a particular genotype in several studies, all the included studies were analysed barely in the dominant model. Originally, there was no association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and CRC susceptibility (OR =0.99, 95% CI =0.94–1.05). After excluding 13 studies according to their heterogeneity and publication bias, rs1801133 polymorphism was found to reduce the risks of CRC significantly (OR =0.96, 95% CI =0.94–0.99). In the subgroup analysis of ethnicity, there was a significant association in Asians (OR =0.94, 95% CI =0.89–1.00). Furthermore, when stratified by the source of controls and genotyping methods, the positive results were observed in population-based control group (OR =0.97, 95% CI =0.93–1.00) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method (OR =0.95, 95% CI =0.91–0.99. The results of the meta-analysis suggested that MTHFR C677T polymorphism was associated with CRC susceptibility, especially in Asian population.
Spatial distribution and tectonic framework of fossil tubular concretions as onshore analogues of cold seep plumbing systems, North Island of New Zealand
Authors: Malie Pierre , Bailleul Julien , Chanier Frank , Toullec Renaud , Mahieux Geoffroy , Caron Vincent , Field Brad , Mählmann Rafael Ferreiro , Potel Sébastien
Published: October 2017

Analysis of offshore seismic lines suggests that a strong relationship exists between tectonic structures and fluid migration in accretionary prisms. However, only few field analogues of plumbing systems and their tectonic frameworks have been investigated in detail until now. The uplifted accretionary prism of the Hikurangi Margin (North Island, New Zealand) exposes early to late Miocene mudrocks in coastal cliffs of Cape Turnagain and in the Akitio syncline, south-east of the Pongaroa city. These outcrops display tubular carbonate concretions corresponding to complex subsurface plumbing networks of paleo-seeps within Miocene trench slope basins. We present here, new results on the spatial distribution of these tubular carbonate concretions, with particular attention to their relation to tectonic structures. In the Pongaroa area, tubular carbonate concretions in lower Miocene mudrocks occur along a N-S trend, while in middle Miocene strata they occur along a NNE-SSW direction. The N-S trend parallels a major fault zone (i.e.the Breakdown fault zone), which separates two wide synclines, the Waihoki and the Akitio synclines. During the Early-Middle Miocene, the Breakdown fault zone controlled the evolution of the Akitio trench slope basin constituting its western edge. The NNE-SSW strike parallels the axis of the Akitio syncline and is also parallel to the present-day subduction front. Our results therefore show that tubular concretions are parallel to post-Middle Miocene second order folding and thrusting in the northeastern limb of the Akitio syncline. In the Cape Turnagain area, tubular concretions occur in the western limb of the Cape Turnagain syncline, in the footwall of the major seaward-verging Cape Turnagain fault. This suggests that fluid migrations may occur not only in the crests of anticlines, as observed offshore for present-day plumbing system of cold seeps, but also in the footwalls of thrust faults. All these observations show that the spatial distribution of tubular concretions is controlled by regional tectonic structures with paleo-fluid migrations related to major deformation episodes of the accretionary prism. Thus, we distinguish three episodes events that likely triggered fluid migration leading to the formation of the tubular concretions: (1) In the Early Miocene, shortly after the onset of development of the Akitio trench slope basin, on its inner (western) edge; (2) During the late Middle Miocene, during an extensional deformation episode on the western limb of the Akitio trench slope basin; (3) At the end of the Late Miocene, during a second major shortening period at the footwall of major thrust fault, such as in the Cape Turnagain area.
β-NTF reduction and fast kriging simulation of optimal engine configurations
Authors: Cagin Stephanie , Fischer Xavier , Delacourt Éric , Bourabaa Nachida , Morin Céline , Coutelier Daniel , Carré Bertrand , Loumé Sylvain
Published: November 2017

In an optimization process, models are applied to simulate different design behaviors in order to determine the most suitable one. However, this requires the use of a structured methodology to correctly explore the design space and truly converge to the best solution. It is therefore necessary to test and validate the optimal design. For engines, two ways are essentially used: building and testing a real cylinder, or simulating the new design with Computational-Fluid-Dynamics (CFD) models. These two techniques are both expensive and time consuming. An alternative way is proposed to test new designs with a fast simulation based on a kriging method. The exploration of the design space is based on 27 cylinder configurations and the results of their CFD models. It converged to an optimal design depending on the objective function. A kriging method was used to interpolate the behavior of the optimal design just found. In this paper we present the β-NTF model reduction (to define the data set used by the kriging method) and the principle of the kriging technique. We then briefly discuss the results. The results underline the method's advantages despite the small gap between the expected results and those for kriging.
Self-deception in and out of illness: are some subjects responsible for their delusions?
Authors: Gibson Quinn Hiroshi
Published: October 2017

This paper raises a slightly uncomfortable question: are some delusional subjects responsible for their delusions? This question is uncomfortable because we typically think that the answer is pretty clearly just ‘no’. However, we also accept thatself-deceptionis paradigmatically intentional behavior for which the self-deceiver isprima facieblameworthy. Thus, if there is overlap between self-deception and delusion, this will put pressure on our initial answer. This paper argues that there is indeed such overlap by offering a novel philosophical account of self-deception. The account offered is independently plausible and avoids the main problems that plague other views. It also yields the result that some delusional subjects are self-deceived. The conclusion is not, however, that those subjects are blameworthy. Rather, a distinction is made between blameworthiness and ‘attributability’. States or actions can be significantly attributable to a subject—in the sense that they are expressions of their wills—without it being the case that the subject is blameworthy, if the subject has an appropriate excuse. Understanding delusions within this framework of responsibility and excuses not only illuminates the ways in which the processes of delusional belief formation and maintenance are continuous with ‘ordinary’ processes of belief formation and maintenance, it also provides a way of understanding the innocence of the delusional subject that does not involve the denial of agency.
Experimental and numerical investigation of the iso-thermal flow characteristics within a cylindrical chamber with multiple planar-symmetric impinging jets
Authors: Long Shen , Lau Timothy C. W. , Chinnici Alfonso , Tian Zhao Feng , Dally Bassam B. , Nathan Graham J.
Published: October 2017

We present a joint experimental and numerical study of the flow structure within a cylindrical chamber generated by planar-symmetric isothermal jets, under conditions of relevance to a wide range of practical applications, including the Hybrid Solar Receiver Combustor (HSRC) technology. The HSRC features a cavity with a coverable aperture to allow it to be operated as either a combustion chamber or a solar receiver, with multiple burners to direct a flame into the chamber and a heat exchanger that absorbs the heat from both energy sources. In this study, we assess the cases of two or four inlet jets (simulating the burners), configured in a planar-symmetric arrangement and aligned at an angle to the axis (αj) over the range of 0°–90°, at a constant inlet Reynolds number of ReD = 10 500. The jets were positioned in the same axial plane near the throat and interact with each other and the cavity walls. Measurements obtained with particle image velocimetry were used together with numerical modeling employing Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes methods to characterize the large-scale flow field within selected configurations of the device. The results reveal a significant dependence of the mean flow-field on αj and the number of inlet jets (Nj). Four different flow regimes with key distinctive features were identified within the range of αj and Nj considered here. It was also found that αj has a controlling influence on the extent of back-flow through the throat, the turbulence intensity, the flow stability, and the dominant recirculation zone, while Nj has a secondary influence on the turbulence intensity, the flow stability, and the transition between each flow regime.
Design and experiment of a small-scale walking robot employing stick-slip motion principle
Authors: Wang Gangqiang , Li Chaodong , Yuan Tao
Published: November 2017

We describe the design and control of a four legged walking robot, 45 g in weight and 130 mm × 105 mm × 25 mm in size. Each leg consists of two piezoelectric bimorph actuators that are bonded at the free end by a flexure and an end-effector. The robot generates stick-slip locomotion when applying sawtooth shaped voltage signals. Friction between legs and a contact surface is analyzed by using the Coulomb friction model. Locomotion characteristics are measured in several experiments. The robot was driven with frequencies up to 75 Hz, and a maximum velocity of 65 mm/s was obtained at two frequencies: 45 Hz with 190 Vpp driving voltage and 60 Hz with 170 Vpp driving voltage, respectively.
Mini-grand canonical ensemble: Chemical potential in the solvation shell
Authors: Dixit Purushottam D. , Bansal Artee , Chapman Walter G. , Asthagiri Dilip
Published: October 2017

Quantifying the statistics of occupancy of solvent molecules in the vicinity of solutes is central to our understanding of solvation phenomena. Number fluctuations in small solvation shells around solutes cannot be described within the macroscopic grand canonical framework using a single chemical potential that represents the solvent bath. In this communication, we hypothesize that molecular-sized observation volumes such as solvation shells are best described by coupling the solvation shell with a mixture of particle baths each with its own chemical potential. We confirm our hypotheses by studying the enhanced fluctuations in the occupancy statistics of hard sphere solvent particles around a distinguished hard sphere solute particle. Connections with established theories of solvation are also discussed.
Revealing the recombination dynamics in squaraine-based bulk heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Scheunemann Dorothea , Kolloge Oliver , Wilken Sebastian , Mack Majvor , Parisi Jürgen , Schulz Matthias , Lützen Arne , Schiek Manuela
Published: October 2017

We combine steady-state with transient optoelectronic characterization methods to understand the operation of photovoltaic devices based on a benchmark model squaraine blended with a fullerene acceptor. These devices suffer from a gradual decrease in the fill factor when increasing the active layer thickness and incident light intensity. Using transient photocurrent, transient photovoltage, and bias-assisted charge extraction measurements, we show that the fill factor deteriorates due to slow charge carrier collection competing with bimolecular recombination. Under normal operating conditions, we find a bimolecular recombination rate constant of ∼10–17 m3 s−1, which corresponds to a reduction of one to two orders of magnitude compared to the Langevin model.