bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous Objective Assessment of Near Work
Authors: Williams Rachel , Bakshi Suyash , Ostrin Edwin J. , Ostrin Lisa A.
Published: May 2019

Evidence regarding the role of near work in myopia is conflicting. We developed the RangeLife, a device for continuous, objective measurement of working distance. Four devices were built, calibrated, and validated. Then, adult subjects wore the device on weekdays and weekend days, while simultaneously wearing an actigraph device for objective measurements of light exposure and activity. Subjects maintained an activity log and answered a visual activity questionnaire. RangeLife data were downloaded and binned into 0.10 m intervals. Objective diopter hours (dh), a weighted measure of near work, were calculated. Diopter hours for all subjects were significantly higher on weekdays (14.73 ± 4.67 dh) compared to weekends (11.90 ± 4.84 dh, p = 0.05). 94 ± 1.85% of near and intermediate viewing distances were recorded when the subjects were exposed to mesopic and indoor photopic light levels (<1000 lux), and 80.03 ± 2.11% during periods of sedentary physical activity (<320 counts per minute). Subjective reports of time viewing near and intermediate distances significantly overestimated objective measures (p = 0.002). The RangeLife was shown to provide reliable measures of viewing distance, and can be further utilized to understand potential influences of viewing behaviors on refractive error.
Thallium(I) treatment induces nucleolar stress to stop protein synthesis and cell growth
Authors: Chou Yi-Ting , Lo Kai-Yin
Published: May 2019

Thallium is considered as an emergent contaminant owing to its potential use in the superconductor alloys. The monovalent thallium, Tl(I), is highly toxic to the animals as it can affect numerous metabolic processes. Here we observed that Tl(I) decreased protein synthesis and phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α. Although Tl(I) has been shown to interact with the sulfhydryl groups of proteins and cause the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, it did not activate endoplasmic reticulum stress. Notably, the level of 60S ribosomal subunit showed significant under-accumulation after the Tl(I) treatment. Given that Tl(I) shares similarities with potassium in terms of the ionic charge and atomic radius, we proposed that Tl(I) occupies certain K+-binding sites and inactivates the ribosomal function. However, we observed neither activation of ribophagy nor acceleration of the proteasomal degradation of 60S subunits. On the contrary, the ribosome synthesis pathway was severely blocked, i.e., the impairment of rRNA processing, deformed nucleoli, and accumulation of 60S subunits in the nucleus were observed. Although p53 remained inactivated, the decreased c-Myc and increased p21 levels indicated the activation of nucleolar stress. Therefore, we proposed that Tl(I) interfered the ribosome synthesis, thus resulting in cell growth inhibition and lethality.
Long DCL4-substrate dsRNAs efficiently induce RNA interference in plant cells
Authors: Kakiyama Sayaka , Tabara Midori , Nishibori Yuki , Moriyama Hiromitsu , Fukuhara Toshiyuki
Published: May 2019

RNA interference (RNAi) is induced by the direct transfer of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) into protoplasts prepared from Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. In this protoplast RNAi system, we compared the efficacies of various-sized dsRNAs (between 21 and 139 nucleotides [nt]) for inducing RNAi and assessed the dsRNA-cleaving activities of Dicer-like 3 (DCL3) and 4 (DCL4). After the direct transfer of dsRNAs into protoplasts, cleaved RNA products of 21 nt were detected from long 130- or 500-nt dsRNAs by DCL4 but not from 37-nt dsRNAs. These results indicate that DCL4 preferentially cleaves long dsRNAs in protoplasts, consistent with our previous biochemical data regarding the substrate specificity of DCL4. Direct transfer of long dsRNAs of approximately 130 nt into protoplasts induces RNAi much more effectively (by approximately 60- to 400-fold) than direct transfer of short 37-nt dsRNAs. Although transfer of 21-nt dsRNAs into protoplasts induced RNAi without DCL4 activity, the induction of RNAi was less effective (by approximately 0.01-fold) compared with long dsRNAs. These results indicate that cleavage of long dsRNAs exceeding 100 nt by DCL4 into 21-nt dsRNAs is essential for efficient induction of RNAi in plant cells.
Bile-duct proliferation as an unexpected side-effect after AAV2-LDLR gene transfer to rabbit liver
Authors: Hytönen Elisa , Laurema Anniina , Kankkonen Hanna , Miyanohara Atsushi , Kärjä Vesa , Hujo Mika , Laham-Karam Nihay , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo
Published: May 2019

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited disease of lipoprotein metabolism caused by a defect in the LDL receptor (LDLR) leading to severe hypercholesterolemia, and associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction. We have developed a gene therapy protocol for FH using AAV2, AAV9 and lentiviral vectors and tested safety and efficacy in LDL receptor deficient Watanabe Heritable Hyperlipidemic rabbits. We show that LV-LDLR produced a significant long-lasting decrease in total serum cholesterol whereas AAV9-LDLR resulted only in a transient decrease and AAV2-LDLR failed to reduce serum cholesterol levels. A significant pathological side effect, bile-duct proliferation, was seen in the liver of AAV2-LDLR rabbits associated with an increased expression of Cyr61 matricellular protein. Special attention should be given to liver changes in gene therapy applications when genes affecting cholesterol and lipoprotein metabolism are used for therapy.
The dynamic relationships between the active and catabolic vitamin D metabolites, their ratios, and associations with PTH
Authors: Tang Jonathan C. Y. , Jackson Sarah , Walsh Neil P. , Greeves Julie , Fraser William D. ,   Bioanalytical Facility team, Ball Nicole , Dutton John , Nicholls Holly , Piec Isabelle , Washbourne Christopher J.
Published: May 2019

Vitamin D status, assessed by serum concentration of 25(OH)D, is the prime candidate marker for many disease-association studies, but the interplay between the subsequent 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25(OH)2D) metabolites is unclear. In this study, we conducted an analysis from a large cohort of healthy, physically fit, young army recruits (n = 940). We found a significant, inverse relationship between serum 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D:24,25(OH)2D vitamin D metabolite ratio (VMR) (r2Exp = 0.582, p < 0.0001), and demonstrated a significant association with increasing PTH concentration (p < 0.001). Circannual rhythms were evident for all vitamin D metabolites and VMRs except for 1,25(OH)2D when fitted to Cosinor curves. We estimated 1,25(OH)2D:24,25(OH)2D VMR of ≥35 to be the threshold value for vitamin D insufficiency, and ≥51 to be predictive of vitamin D deficiency. Our three-dimensional model provides mechanistic insight into the vitamin D-PTH endocrine system, and further substantiates the role of 24,25(OH)2D in human physiology. The model sets a new paradigm for vitamin D treatment strategy, and may help the establishment of vitamin D-adjusted PTH reference intervals. The study was approved by the UK Ministry of Defence research ethics committee (MODREC 165/Gen/10 and 692/MoDREC/15). ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02416895.
Open-ocean polynyas and deep convection in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Cheon Woo Geun , Gordon Arnold L.
Published: May 2019

An open-ocean polynya is a large ice-free area surrounded by sea ice. The Maud Rise Polynya in the Southern Ocean occasionally occurs during the austral winter and spring seasons in the vicinity of Maud Rise near the Greenwich Meridian. In the mid-1970s the Maud Rise Polynya served as a precursor to the more persistent, larger Weddell Polynya associated with intensive open-ocean deep convection. However, the Maud Rise Polynya generally does not lead to a Weddell Polynya, as was the situation in the September to November of 2017 occurrence of a strong Maud Rise Polynya. Using diverse, long-term observation and reanalysis data, we found that a combination of weakly stratified ocean near Maud Rise and a wind induced spin-up of the cyclonic Weddell Gyre played a crucial role in generating the 2017 Maud Rise Polynya. More specifically, the enhanced flow over the southwestern flank of Maud Rise intensified eddy activity, weakening and raising the pycnocline. However, in 2018 the formation of a Weddell Polynya was hindered by relatively low surface salinity associated with the positive Southern Annular Mode, in contrast to the 1970s’ condition of a prolonged, negative Southern Annular Mode that induced a saltier surface layer and weaker pycnocline.
Handgrip strength attenuates the adverse effects of overweight on cardiometabolic risk factors among collegiate students but not in individuals with higher fat levels
Authors: Garcia-Hermoso Antonio , Tordecilla-Sanders Alejandra , Correa-Bautista Jorge Enrique , Peterson Mark D. , Izquierdo Mikel , Prieto-Benavides Daniel , Sandoval-Cuellar Carolina , González-Ruíz Katherine , Ramírez-Vélez Robinson
Published: May 2019

The aims of this study are to (i) examine a clustered metabolic syndrome composite score (MetScore) and fatness among college students across body mass index (BMI) categories, and (ii) determine whether fit individuals have lower MetScores, fewer individual metabolic syndrome components, and lower fatness than unfit individuals across BMI categories. A total of 1,795 participants aged  >18 years who participated in The FUPRECOL Study were selected for the present analyses. Handgrip strength was tested by a grip dynamometer and used to classify adults as fit or unfit. Among all participants, MetScore, percentage of body fat, and visceral adiposity increased linearly across the BMI categories among college students (all P < 0.001). Individuals who were overweight and fit had a lower MetScore (−0.6 SD; P = 0.02), body fat percentage (−2.6%; P < 0.001) and visceral adiposity (−0.2; P = 0.01) than unfit peers. Moderately fit obese individuals had significantly lower visceral fat levels than unfit obese peers (−3.0; P = 0.03). These results suggest that having adequate handgrip strength-a proxy of overall strength capacity-may attenuate obesity-related cardiometabolic risk. Moreover, weight loss should be recommended to all individuals with obesity, even among those who are currently considered fit.
Functional diversity drives ecosystem multifunctionality in a Pinus yunnanensis natural secondary forest
Authors: Huang Xiaobo , Su Jianrong , Li Shuaifeng , Liu Wande , Lang Xuedong
Published: May 2019

It is essential to understand how the loss of biodiversity impacts both ecosystem function (EF) and multifunctionality (EMF). Previous studies have mostly focused on predicting how species richness (SR) impacts EMF, while the effect of functional diversity (FD) on EMF remains unclear. Specifically, we know little about the primary functional drivers impacting EMF compared with SR. Therefore, we analysed 8 ecosystem functions within 58 natural secondary forest plots to investigate the effect of FD on both individual EF and EMF. Our results suggest that SR and FD had very significant positive effects on plant phosphorus, soil available phosphorus, and soil total nitrogen. FD explained significantly more variations in these functional responses than SR for individual ecosystem functioning. We also used a multiple threshold approach to test the effect of SR and FD on EMF. We found that FD and SR were positively related to EMF regardless of whether low-level function or high-level function was desired, but FD had a larger effect than SR. Based on the averaging approach, OLS regression, multivariate linear regression model and random forest analysis, we found that SR and FD were both drivers of EMF but that FD had a stronger effect and could explain more variation. As such, we conclude that FD drives ecosystem multifunctionality more than SR.
Ligustilide, a major bioactive component of Angelica sinensis, promotes bone formation via the GPR30/EGFR pathway
Authors: Yang F. , Lin Z. W. , Huang T. Y. , Chen T. T. , Cui J. , Li M. Y. , Hua Y. Q.
Published: May 2019

Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels is a widely-used traditional Chinese herbal medicine in treating osteoporosis. Ligustilide (LIG) is the main component of A. sinensis and is considered to be the most effective biologically active ingredient in this plant. LIG has been found to have multiple pharmacological activities, such as anti-atherosclerosis, neuroprotection, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and analgesic. However, little is known regarding its anti-osteoporotic effects. The aims of this study were to investigate any protective effect of LIG on bone formation. The results showed that LIG significantly ameliorated inhibition of bone formation in zebrafish caused by prednisolone. LIG promoted osteoblast differentiation, including that of the pre-osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1 and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. LIG greatly improved the viability of MC3T3-E1 cells exposed to H2O2, attenuated H2O2-induced apoptosis and increased the expression of Bcl-2. Furthermore, LIG treatment lead to marked activation of phosphorylated EGFR and ERK1/2. These effects could be obviously inhibited by blocking GPR30 signaling with the specific inhibitor G15. Collectively, the results reveal that GPR30 is a positive switch for LIG to increase bone formation via regulation of EGFR, and these results provide evidence for the potential of LIG to treat osteoporosis.
Artificial reefs facilitate tropical fish at their range edge
Authors: Paxton Avery B. , Peterson Charles H. , Taylor J. Christopher , Adler Alyssa M. , Pickering Emily A. , Silliman Brian R.
Published: May 2019

Spatial planning increasingly incorporates theoretical predictions that artificial habitats assist species movement at or beyond range edges, yet evidence for this is uncommon. We conducted surveys of highly mobile fauna (fishes) on artificial habitats (reefs) on the southeastern USA continental shelf to test whether, in comparison to natural reefs, artificial reefs enhance local abundance and biomass of fishes at their poleward range margins. Here, we show that while temperate fishes were more abundant on natural reefs, tropical, and subtropical fishes exhibited higher abundances and biomasses on deep (25–35 m) artificial reefs. Further analyses reveal that this effect depended on feeding guilds because planktivorous and piscivorous but not herbivorous fishes were more abundant on artificial reefs. This is potentially due to heightened prey availability on and structural complexity of artificial reefs. Our findings demonstrate that artificial habitats can facilitate highly mobile species at range edges and suggest these habitats assist poleward species movement.
Hierarchical self-assembly and emergent function of densely glycosylated peptide nanofibers
Authors: Restuccia Antonietta , Seroski Dillon T. , Kelley Karen L. , O’Bryan Christopher S. , Kurian Justin J. , Knox Kevin R. , Farhadi Shaheen A. , Angelini Thomas E. , Hudalla Gregory A.
Published: May 2019

Glycosylation alters protein form and function by establishing intermolecular forces that mediate specific interactions while preventing non-specific aggregation. Self-assembled peptide nanofibers modified with carbohydrates are increasingly used as biomaterials to mimic glycosylated protein function, yet the influence of carbohydrate conjugates on nanofiber structure remains poorly defined. Here we show that a dense carbohydrate surface layer can facilitate hierarchical organization of peptide nanofibers into anisotropic networks. Glycosylated peptide nanofibers remain dispersed in dilute conditions, whereas non-glycosylated nanofibers tend to aggregate. In crowded conditions, some glycosylated nanofibers laterally associate and align. This behavior depends on carbohydrate chemistry, particularly hydroxyls, suggesting involvement of short-range attractive forces. Macroscopic gels fabricated from densely glycosylated peptide nanofibers are resistant to non-specific interactions with proteins, mammalian cells, and bacteria, yet selectively bind lectins, analogous to natural low-fouling mucosal barriers. Collectively, these observations demonstrate that glycosylation can inform structure in addition to endowing function to peptide-based supramolecular biomaterials.
The FELion cryogenic ion trap beam line at the FELIX free-electron laser laboratory: infrared signatures of primary alcohol cations
Authors: Jusko Pavol , Brünken Sandra , Asvany Oskar , Thorwirth Sven , Stoffels Alexander , van der Meer Lex , Berden Giel , Redlich Britta , Oomens Jos , Schlemmer Stephan
Published: May 2019

The FELion beamline – a cryogenic 22-pole trap for vibrational spectroscopy of molecular ions at the FELIX Laboratory.
Energy-storage covalent organic frameworks: improving performance via engineering polysulfide chains on walls
Authors: Xu Fei , Yang Shuhao , Chen Xiong , Liu Qianhui , Li Hejun , Wang Hongqiang , Wei Bingqing , Jiang Donglin
Published: May 2019

The aligned one-dimensional channels found in covalent organic frameworks offer a unique space for energy storage.
A dual functional turn-on non-toxic chemosensor for highly selective and sensitive visual detection of Mg2+ and Zn2+: the solvent-controlled recognition effect and bio-imaging application
Authors: Wang Yang , Wang Zhi-Gang , Song Xue-Qing , Chen Qian , Tian He , Xie Cheng-Zhi , Li Qing-Zhong , Xu Jing-Yuan
Published: May 2019

A medium-controlled fluorescent probe was presented for the dual monitoring of Mg2+ and Zn2+ in biological, environmental and medical samples.
Highly stereoselective synthesis of 2,3-dihydrofurans via a cascade Michael addition-alkylation process: a nitro group as the leaving group
Authors: Mo Yiran , Liu Siyang , Liu Yingying , Ye Ling , Shi Zhichuan , Zhao Zhigang , Li Xuefeng
Published: May 2019

The Michael addition-alkylation process proceeded smoothly to provide 2,3-dihydrofurans as trans-diastereomers in moderate to good isolated yields (33–92%) and excellent enantioselectivities (29–>99% ee).
Silver(i) nanoclusters of carbazole-1,8-bis(acetylide): from visible to near-infrared emission
Authors: Zhang Xu , Wang Jin-Yun , Huang Ya-Zi , Yang Ming , Chen Zhong-Ning
Published: May 2019

High-nuclearity silver(i) nanoclusters of carbazole-1,8-bis(acetylide) exhibit visible to near-infrared luminescence and gradual emission spectral red-shift with the stepwise increase of cluster nuclearity following Ag8 → Ag16 → Ag29.
Facile tuning of strong near-IR absorption wavelengths in manganese(iii) phthalocyanines via axial ligand exchange
Authors: McKearney Declan , Zhou Wen , Zellman Carson , Williams Vance E. , Leznoff Daniel B.
Published: May 2019

We report two series of manganese(iii) phthalocyanines that possess intense, narrow absorptions tunable from 815 to 948 nm via simple axial ligand exchange on the metal centre, making them attractive as near-IR absorbing and emitting materials.
Highly efficient deep-blue OLEDs based on hybridized local and charge-transfer emitters bearing pyrene as the structural unit
Authors: Fu Caixia , Luo Shuai , Li Zhenzhen , Ai Xin , Pang Zhenguo , Li Chuan , Chen Kuan , Zhou Liang , Li Feng , Huang Yan , Lu Zhiyun
Published: May 2019

Pyrene is a quite promising structural unit for HLCT emitters, and deep-blue OLEDs showing quite high brightness over 10 000 cd m−2 and EQEmax over 10.5% have been achieved.
Photodeposition of a conformal metal oxide nanocoating
Authors: Chu Sheng , Rashid Roksana Tonny , Liu Xuedong , Mi Zetian
Published: May 2019

A variety of conformal metal oxide nanocoatings including Cr2O3, Al2O3, ZnO, and In2O3 can be accessed via simple photodeposition.
Cooperativity effect of the π⋯π interaction between drug and DNA on intercalative binding induced by H-bonds: a QM/QTAIM investigation of the curcumin⋯adenine⋯H2O model system
Authors: Shi Wen-jing , Ren Fu-de
Published: May 2019

Anti-cooperative effect of π⋯π interactions is the main driving force for the intercalative binding of drug to DNA bases.
Experimental and theoretical study of multinuclear indium–oxo clusters in CHA zeolite for CH4 activation at room temperature
Authors: Maeno Zen , Yasumura Shunsaku , Liu Chong , Toyao Takashi , Kon Kenichi , Nakayama Akira , Hasegawa Jun-ya , Shimizu Ken-ichi
Published: May 2019

The local structure of CHA-zeolite supported indium–oxo clusters and CH4 activation at room temperature were experimentally and theoretically studied.
Self-complementary and narcissistic self-sorting of bis-acridinium tweezers
Authors: Jacquot de Rouville Henri-Pierre , Gourlaouen Christophe , Heitz Valérie
Published: May 2019

A 1 : 1 mixture of two self-complementary tweezers incorporating different spacers led to a narcissistic self-sorting process under thermodynamic control.
What are the signatures of tunnelling in enzyme-catalysed reactions?
Authors: Johannissen Linus O. , Iorgu Andreea I. , Scrutton Nigel S. , Hay Sam
Published: May 2019

Computed tunnelling contributions and correlations between apparent activation enthalpy and entropy are explored for the interpretation of enzyme-catalysed H-transfer reactions.
Molecular mechanism of the interaction between resveratrol and trypsin via spectroscopy and molecular docking
Authors: Ren Guoyan , Sun He , Guo Jinying , Fan Jinling , Li Gen , Xu Saiwen
Published: May 2019

Mechanism of the interaction between resveratrol and trypsin and its effect on their biological activity.
Physicochemical interactions with (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate drive structural modification of celiac-associated peptide α2-gliadin (57–89) at physiological conditions
Authors: Van Buiten Charlene B. , Yennawar Neela H. , Pacheco Carlos N. , Hatzakis Emmanuel , Elias Ryan J.
Published: May 2019

EGCG forms protein-polyphenol complexes with α2-gliadin (57–89) in a multi-phase reaction.
Enzymatic synthesis of supported CdS quantum dot/reduced graphene oxide photocatalysts
Authors: Spangler Leah C. , Cline Joseph P. , Sakizadeh John D. , Kiely Christopher J. , McIntosh Steven
Published: May 2019

Biomineralization provides a route towards scalable, aqueous phase synthesis of heterostructured photocatalysts for solar driven hydrogen production.
Optically active and photoswitchable Tröger's base analogs
Authors: Kazem-Rostami Masoud
Published: May 2019

Azo carrying Tröger's base analogs introduced chirality, thermochromic and phototunable properties to an achiral liquid crystal host.
Two alkali calcium borates exhibiting second harmonic generation and deep-UV cutoff edges
Authors: Ren Peng , Yang Yun , Li Hao , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: May 2019

KCa4B3O9and K0.59Rb0.41Ca4B3O9crystallize in the polar space group with moderate SHG responses. Calculations were performed to elucidate the structure–property relationships.
Fluorescence-enhanced covalent organic framework nanosystem for tumor imaging and photothermal therapy
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Yapei , Li Xiaomin , Gao Xuefeng , Niu Xiaoyan , Wang Wei , Wu Qiang , Yuan Zhi
Published: May 2019

Fluorescence-enhanced imaging and photothermal therapy based on pH-responsive covalent organic framework nanoplatform.
Conjugated polymer/paraffin blends for organic field-effect transistors with high environmental stability
Authors: Choi Solip , Jeong Jae Won , Jo Gyounglyul , Ma Byung Chol , Chang Mincheol
Published: May 2019

High environmental stability of organic field-effect transistors is achieved by the use of conjugated polymer/paraffin blends.
New geldanamycin derivatives with anti Hsp properties by mutasynthesis
Authors: Hermane Jekaterina , Eichner Simone , Mancuso Lena , Schröder Benjamin , Sasse Florenz , Zeilinger Carsten , Kirschning Andreas
Published: May 2019

Four new non hydroquinone derivatives of geldanamycin are prepared by mutasynthesis and their antiproliferative as well as inhibitory properties for human as well as bacterial heatshock proteins are evaluated.
PLGA/xylitol nanoparticles enhance antibiofilm activity via penetration into biofilm extracellular polymeric substances
Authors: Anjum Anam , Chung Pooi-Yin , Ng Shiow-Fern
Published: May 2019

Biofilms are gelatinous masses of microorganisms attached to wound surfaces.
Synthesis of discrete catalytic oligomers and their potential in silica-supported cooperative catalysis
Authors: Chandra Prakash , Jonas Alain M. , Fernandes Antony E.
Published: May 2019

The synthesis of discrete catalytic oligomers and their potential in supported cooperative catalysis are presented.
An effective H2S sensor based on SnO2 nanowires decorated with NiO nanoparticles by electron beam evaporation
Authors: Ngoc Hoa Tran Thi , Hoa Nguyen Duc , Van Duy Nguyen , Hung Chu Manh , Thanh Le Dang Thi , Van Toan Nguyen , Phuong Nguyen Huy , Van Hieu Nguyen
Published: May 2019

NiO nanoparticles decorated on the surface of the on-chip grown SnO2 nanowires exhibited excellent response to highly toxic hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in air.
Selective shape control of cerium oxide nanocrystals for photocatalytic and chemical sensing effect
Authors: Kim Nam-Woon , Lee Dong-Kyu , Yu Hyunung
Published: May 2019

Selective shape control of cerium oxide nanocrystals is suggested for superior photocatalytic and chemical sensing.
Highly dispersed Ni nanoparticles on mesoporous silica nanospheres by melt infiltration for transfer hydrogenation of aryl ketones
Authors: Kweon Hyemin , Jang Sanha , Bereketova Akerke , Chan Park Ji , Park Kang Hyun
Published: May 2019

Nickel-based catalysts have been applied to the catalytic reactions for transfer hydrogenation of aryl ketones.
Enhanced charge separation and increased oxygen vacancies of h-BN/OV-BiOCl for improved visible-light photocatalytic performance
Authors: He Wenhui , Wang Yawen , Fan Caimei , Wang Yunfang , Zhang Xiaochao , Liu Jianxin , Li Rui
Published: May 2019

h-BN/OV-BiOCl composites were prepared to improve the visible-light photocatalytic activity of OV-BiOCl.
Heterogeneous activation of peroxymonosulfate for bisphenol AF degradation with BiOI0.5Cl0.5
Authors: Tang Weihong , Zhang Yongli , Guo Hongguang , Liu Yang
Published: May 2019

This study represents the first investigation on the application of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of bisphenol AF (BPAF) using halogen bismuth oxide composites (BiOI0.5Cl0.5).
Strain sensitivity of band structure and electron mobility in perovskite BaSnO3: first-principles calculation
Authors: Wang Yaqin , Sui Runqing , Bi Mei , Tang Wu , Ma Sude
Published: May 2019

A first-principles electronic structure calculation is utilized to contrastively investigate the crystal structure, band structure, electron effective mass and mobility of perovskite BaSnO3 under hydrostatic and biaxial strain.
Novel Al2O3/GO/halloysite nanotube composite for sequestration of anionic and cationic dyes
Authors: Barakat M. A. , Kumar Rajeev , Balkhyour M. , Taleb Md. Abu
Published: May 2019

In this study, an Al2O3/graphene oxide/halloysite nanotube (Al2O3/GO/HNT) nanocomposite has been synthesized and used as an adsorbent for the sequestration of cationic methylene blue (MB) and anionic congo red (CR) dyes from wastewater.
Symmetry-guided syntheses of mixed-linker Zr metal–organic frameworks with precise linker locations
Authors: Kim Hyehyun , Kim Dongwook , Moon Dohyun , Choi Yong Nam , Baek Seung Bin , Lah Myoung Soo
Published: May 2019

Symmetry-guided linker insertion produces an fcu Zr-MOF with both linkers of different symmetries placed at well-defined locations in the framework.
Effect of Auditory Task Type on Physiological and Subjective Measures of Listening Effort in Individuals With Normal Hearing
Authors: Lau Marcy K. , Hicks Candace , Kroll Tobias , Zupancic Steven
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Listening effort has traditionally been measured using subjective rating scales and behavioral measures. Recent physiological measures of listening effort have utilized pupil dilation. Using a combination of physiological and subjective measures of listening effort, this study aimed to identify differences in listening effort during 2 auditory tasks: sentence recognition and word recognition.

Method

Pupil dilation and subjective ratings of listening effort were obtained for auditory tasks utilizing AzBio sentences recognition and Northwestern University Auditory Test No. 6 words recognition, across 3 listening situations: in quiet, at +6 dB signal-to-noise ratio, and at 0 dB signal-to-noise ratio. Task accuracy was recorded for each of the 6 conditions, as well as peak pupil dilation and a subjective rating of listening effort.

Results

A significant impact of listening situation (quiet vs. noise) and task type (sentence recognition vs. word recognition) on both physiological and subjective measures was found. There was a significant interaction between listening situation and task type, suggesting that contextual cues may only be beneficial when audibility is uncompromised. The current study found no correlation between the physiological and subjective measures, possibly suggesting that these measures analyze different aspects of cognitive effort in a listening task.
Resolving the extended stellar atmospheres of asymptotic giant branch stars at (sub)millimetre wavelengths
Authors: Vlemmings W. H. T. , Khouri T. , Olofsson H.
Published: May 2019

Context. The initial conditions for mass loss during the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) phase are set in their extended atmospheres, where, among others, convection and pulsation driven shocks determine the physical conditions.

Aims. High resolution observations of AGB stars at (sub)millimetre wavelengths can now directly determine the morphology, activity, density, and temperature close to the stellar photosphere.

Methods. We used Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) high angular resolution observations to resolve the extended atmospheres of four of the nearest AGB stars: W Hya, Mira A, R Dor, and R Leo. We interpreted the observations using a parameterised atmosphere model.

Results. We resolve all four AGB stars and determine the brightness temperature structure between 1 and 2 stellar radii. For W Hya and R Dor we confirm the existence of hotspots with brightness temperatures > 3000 to 10 000 K. All four stars show deviations from spherical symmetry. We find variations on a timescale of days to weeks, and for R Leo we directly measure an outward motion of the millimetre wavelength surface with a velocity of at least 10.6 ± 1.4 km s−1. For all objects but W Hya we find that the temperature-radius and size-frequency relations require the existence of a (likely inhomogeneous) layer of enhanced opacity.

Conclusions. The ALMA observations provide a unique probe of the structure of the extended AGB atmosphere. We find highly variable structures of hotspots and likely convective cells. In the future, these observations can be directly compared to multi-dimensional chromosphere and atmosphere models that determine the temperature, density, velocity, and ionisation structure between the stellar photosphere and the dust formation region. However, our results show that for the best interpretation, both very accurate flux calibration and near-simultaneous observations are essential.
Case studies in brain dosimetry for internal emitters: Is more detail needed for epidemiology?
Authors: Leggett Richard W. , Tolmachev Sergei Y. , Boice John D.
Published: May 2019

Element-specific biokinetic models are used to reconstruct doses to systemic tissues from internal emitters. These models typically depict explicitly only those tissues that tend to dominate the systemic behaviour of the element over time. The remaining tissues are aggregated into a pool called Other tissue in which activity is assumed to be uniformly distributed. Explicitly identified tissues usually consist of some subset of the tissues liver, kidneys, bone, bone marrow, gonads, thyroid, spleen, and skin.
Présentation de la plate-forme CERES® destinée à l’évaluation des conséquences sanitaires des rejets de polluants dans l’environnement
Authors: Monfort M. , Lambert Wentzler M. , Patryl L. , Armand P.
Published: May 2019

Cet article décrit la plate-forme CERES® développée au CEA et utilisée pour l’évaluation des conséquences sur la population de rejets de radionucléides dans l’environnement. Les modèles disponibles sont présentés et les grands principes sont décrits.
Langzeitfolgen des Intensivaufenthalts
Authors: Jeitziner Marie-Madlen , Jenni-Moser Béatrice , Pooe Eliane
Published: May 2019

Der Aufenthalt auf einer Intensivstation ist für viele Betroffene ein
traumatisches Ereignis. Noch lange nach der Entlassung können sich diverse
Einschränkungen zeigen, auch über einen langen Zeitraum hinweg. Der folgende
Beitrag zeigt Ursachen, Risikofaktoren und klinische Darstellung dieses
sogenannten Post-Intensive Care Syndromes.
Soziale Kognitionen und Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung
Authors: Nesterko Yuriy
Published: May 2019

Die Konzeptualisierung der Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung (BPS) beruht auf der Objektbeziehungstheorie (OBT). Fertuck et al. fassen in der vorliegenden Übersicht Ergebnisse aus experimentellen, sozial-kognitiven und neurowissenschaftlichen Forschungsarbeiten zusammen, die die zentralen Annahmen der OBT bei BPS unterstützen, diskutieren diese und schlagen neue Methoden für die weitere Evaluation der OBT bei BPS vor.
Does Component Alignment Affect Patient Reported Outcomes following Bicruciate Retaining Total Knee Arthroplasty? An In Vivo Three-Dimensional Analysis
Authors: Peng Yun , Arauz Paul , An Shuai , Limmahakhun Sakkadech , Klemt Christian , Kwon Young-Min
Published: May 2019

This is an experimental study. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retaining bicruciate retaining (BCR) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have the potential to restore normal knee kinematics and thus improve patient outcome. Limited studies have examined the relationship between component alignment and patient-reported outcome measures (PROM). This study aims to determine (1) accurate three-dimensional (3D) component alignment of BCR TKA and (2) whether the component alignment of BCR TKA affects PROMs. The 3D modeling analysis was performed based on computed tomography images from 29 BCR TKAs. Component orientations were quantified for femoral and tibial components in the sagittal, axial, and coronal planes. The knee society scores (KSS) were collected preoperatively and postoperatively at 1-year follow-up. Multiple comparisons were performed to analyze the relationship between component alignment and patient outcomes. High variability was observed in the tibial component alignment (root–mean-square values: axial plane 6.6 degrees, sagittal plane 5.1 degrees, and coronal plane 4.0 degrees). At 1-year follow-up, significant improvement in KSS was noted in BCR TKA patients (p < 0.001). However, regression analysis adjusting for baseline KSS demonstrated the postoperative KSS was negatively associated with the posterior tibial slope (B [slope of the output of the regression analysis] = 2.597, p = 0.006). Patients with greater posterior tibial slopes were reported poorer postoperative functions at 1-year follow-up. Excessive posterior tibial slope may generate greater posterior force on the femur that leads to continuous overloading of the preserved ACL, suggesting optimal sagittal plane alignment of the tibial component may be important for the optimization of postoperative functions of BCR TKA patients.
Global solution to the inelastic Boltzmann equation with hard potentials
Authors: Huang Jianjun , Jiang Zhenglu
Published: May 2019

Some hypotheses of the restitution coefficient are made about the inelastic Boltzmann equation with hard potentials. It is shown that there exists a unique non-negative global solution to the Cauchy problem on the inelastic Boltzmann equation with the initial data decayed in the space according to an inverse power law. This is an extension of the results given by Alonso in a hard sphere model.
Site-resolved imaging of beryllium ion crystals in a high-optical-access Penning trap with inbore optomechanics
Authors: Ball H. , Marciniak Ch. D. , Wolf R. N. , Hung A. T.-H. , Pyka K. , Biercuk M. J.
Published: May 2019

We present the design, construction, and characterization of an experimental system capable of supporting a broad class of quantum simulation experiments with hundreds of spin qubits using 9Be+ ions in a Penning trap. This article provides a detailed overview of the core optical and trapping subsystems and their integration. We begin with a description of a dual-trap design separating loading and experimental zones and associated vacuum infrastructure design. The experimental-zone trap electrodes are designed for wide-angle optical access (e.g., for lasers used to engineer spin-motional coupling across large ion crystals) while simultaneously providing a harmonic trapping potential. We describe a near-zero-loss liquid-cryogen-based superconducting magnet, employed in both trapping and establishing a quantization field for ion spin-states and equipped with a dual-stage remote-motor LN2/LHe recondenser. Experimental measurements using a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) probe demonstrate part-per-million homogeneity over 7 mm-diameter cylindrical volume, with no discernible effect on the measured NMR linewidth from pulse-tube operation. Next, we describe a custom-engineered inbore optomechanical system which delivers ultraviolet (UV) laser light to the trap and supports multiple aligned optical objectives for topview and sideview imaging in the experimental trap region. We describe design choices including the use of nonmagnetic goniometers and translation stages for precision alignment. Furthermore, the optomechanical system integrates UV-compatible fiber optics which decouple the system’s alignment from remote light sources. Using this system, we present site-resolved images of ion crystals and demonstrate the ability to realize both planar and three-dimensional ion arrays via control of rotating wall electrodes and radial laser beams. Looking to future work, we include interferometric vibration measurements demonstrating root-mean-square trap motion of ∼33 nm (∼117 nm) in the axial (transverse) direction; both values can be reduced when operating the magnet in free-running mode. The paper concludes with an outlook toward extensions of the experimental setup, areas for improvement, and future experimental studies.
Ion induced passivation of grain boundaries in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Nandal Vikas , Nair Pradeep R.
Published: May 2019

Demonstration of high efficiency large area cells with excellent stability is an important requirement towards the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). With reports of high quality perovskite grains, it is evident that the performance of such large area cells will be strongly influenced by phenomena like carrier recombination and ion migration at grain boundaries (GBs). Here, we develop a modeling framework to address performance limitations due to GBs in large area PSCs. Through detailed numerical simulations, we show that photo-carrier recombination has a nontrivial dependence on the orientation of GBs. We find that ions at GBs lead to significant performance improvement through field effect passivation, which is influenced by critical parameters like density and polarity of ions, and the location of GBs. These results could have interesting implications toward long term stability and hence are relevant for the performance optimization of large area polycrystalline based thin film solar cells.
A computational model for bacterial run-and-tumble motion
Authors: Lee Miru , Szuttor Kai , Holm Christian
Published: May 2019

In this article we present a computational model for the simulation of self-propelled anisotropic bacteria. To this end we use a self-propelled particle model and augment it with a statistical algorithm for the run-and-tumble motion. We derive an equation for the distribution of reorientations of the bacteria that we use to analyze the statistics of the random walk and that allows us to tune the behavior of our model to the characteristics of an E. coli bacterium. We validate our implementation in terms of a single swimmer and demonstrate that our model is capable of reproducing E. coli’s run-and-tumble motion with excellent accuracy.
SiO2 layer effect on atomic layer deposition Al2O3-based resistive switching memory
Authors: Mahata Chandreswar , Kim Min-Hwi , Bang Suhyun , Kim Tae-Hyeon , Lee Dong Keun , Choi Yeon-Joon , Kim Sungjun , Park Byung-Gook
Published: May 2019

In this letter, we demonstrated improved resistive switching (RS) characteristics for a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor compatible Ni/Ti/Al2O3/SiO2/Si device structure. The robust SiO2 layer deposited by the additional low-pressure chemical vapor deposition process can improve the RS characteristics such as the endurance cycle, current level, and on/off ratio. Moreover, the multilevel capability is enhanced in the bilayer structure; the larger the reset stop voltage, the greater the on/off ratio demonstrated. Furthermore, for practical RS operation, several resistance states were obtained by adjusting the pulse amplitude. This property is desirable for highly integrated nonvolatile memory applications.
Enhanced bulk photovoltaic response in Sn doped BaTiO3 through composition dependent structural transformation
Authors: Kola Lakshmi , Murali D. , Pal Subhajit , Nanda B. R. K. , Murugavel P.
Published: May 2019

Polycrystalline BaTi1-xSnxO3 samples (x = 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, and 0.11) were synthesized by the solid state technique. The samples exhibit the tetragonal phase at 300 K. In addition, the samples x = 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, and 0.09 also show the orthorhombic phase with enhanced phase fractions upon poling. However, the % orthorhombic phase fractions show an increase up to x = 0.07 and a decrease with an increase in x. The dielectric studies indicate that TC (cubic to tetragonal phase transition) shifts toward lower temperature where the samples x = 0.10 and 0.11 show the tetragonal phase at 300 K. The samples exhibit the maximum remnant polarization and piezoelectric coefficient for x = 0.08. But the bandgap for the x = 0.07 sample shows the value of 2.61 eV before poling and 2.95 eV after poling. A giant photovoltaic (PV) response is seen in the samples with the open-circuit voltage (VOC) as large as 16 V (for x = 0.07). VOC shows a decreasing trend with an increase in the Sn content after x = 0.07, and it did not follow the trend in polarization and the bandgap. The observed results are correlated with the structural symmetry of the compound, and they are validated by the band-structure calculations. The experimental and theoretical studies indicate that the sample with the orthorhombic phase is preferable for the enhanced photovoltaic response in comparison to the tetragonal phase. These studies show a new way to achieve a large photovoltaic response so as to design the system for several device applications such as UV detectors and microactuators.
Maximum-entropy principle for ac and dc dynamic high-field transport in monolayer graphene
Authors: Trovato M. , Falsaperla P. , Reggiani L.
Published: May 2019

Using the maximum entropy principle, we present a general theory to describe ac and dc high-field transport in monolayer graphene within a dynamical context. Accordingly, we construct a closed set of hydrodynamic (HD) equations containing the same scattering mechanisms used in standard Monte Carlo (MC) approaches. The effects imputable to a linear band structure, the role of conductivity effective mass of carriers, and their connection with the coupling between the driving field and the dissipation phenomena are analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively for different electron densities. The theoretical approach is validated by comparing HD results with existing MC simulations.
Evaluation of oil production potential in fractured porous media
Authors: Li Haibo , Guo Hekun , Yang Zhengming , Ren Hongmei , Meng Lixin , Lu Haibing , Xu Hongcheng , Sun Yuping , Gao Tiening , Zhang Hewen
Published: May 2019

Based on rock samples of tight oil reservoirs in the buried hills of North China, conventional gas flooding and high-speed centrifugal experiments at different pressures were carried out. Combined with nuclear magnetic resonance experiments, an evaluation method of oil production potential in fractured porous media was established to quantitatively study the gas flooding potential of target reservoirs. Results indicated that the “gas fingering phenomenon” is serious in conventional gas flooding experiments of fractured cores even under low pressures because of fractures. With an increase in flooding pressure, the changes of T2 (T2 relaxation time) spectrum and displacement percentage are relatively small, which means that the displacement efficiency has not been improved significantly (the flooding pressure for these three cores increased from 0.014 MPa to 2.6 MPa, with an average increase in displacement percentage of 6.3%). High-speed centrifugation can realize “homogeneous displacement” of the cores and overcome the influence of gas channeling. With an increase in the displacement pressure, the T2 spectrum and percentage of displaced oil varied obviously, and the displacement efficiency improved greatly (the flooding pressure for these three cores increases from 0.014 MPa to 2.6 MPa, with an average percentage of displaced oil being increased to 16.16%). Using the method of this study, 13 cores of the target reservoir were evaluated for gas flooding potential. The percentage of available pores in the target reservoir ranges from 17.64% to 58.54%, with an average of 33.84%. Movable fluid controlled by microthroats in the reservoirs larger than 0.1 mD is about 20%, while that in the reservoirs smaller than 0.1 mD is about 5%. This study indicates that the development of fractures and microfractures controls the physical properties and fluid productivity of reservoirs.
Continuum model of magnetic field induced viscoelasticity in magnetorheological fluids
Authors: Potisk Tilen , Svenšek Daniel , Pleiner Harald , Brand Helmut R.
Published: May 2019

An effective macroscopic model of magnetorheological fluids in the viscoelastic regime is proposed. Under the application of an external magnetic field, columns of magnetizable particles are formed in these systems. The columns are responsible for solidlike properties, such as the existence of elastic shear modulus and yield stress, and are captured by the strain field, while magnetic properties are described by the magnetization. We investigate the interplay of these variables when static shear or normal pressure is imposed in the presence of the external magnetic field. By assuming a relaxing strain field, we calculate the flow curves, i.e., the shear stress as a function of the imposed shear rate, for different values of the applied magnetic field. Focusing on the small amplitude oscillatory shear, we study the complex shear modulus, i.e., the storage and the loss moduli, as a function of the frequency. We demonstrate that already such a minimal model is capable of furnishing many of the key physical features of these systems, such as yield stress, enhancement of the shear yield stress by pressure, threshold behavior in the spirit of the frequently employed Bingham law, and several features in the frequency dependence of storage and loss moduli.