bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRADITIONAL CULTIVATION PRACTICES MAY EFFICIENTLY PREVENT THE VIRUS SPREAD IN SUSCEPTIBLE CROPS: A CASE STUDY OF TURNIP MOSAIC VIRUS IN UKRAINE
Authors: SHEVCHENKO Oleksiy , TYMCHYSHYN Olha , SHEVCHENKO Tetiana
Published: April 2018

Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) is a member of the largest Potyviridae family of plantviruses. For domesticated Brassica plants, TuMV is considered one of the mostdamaging and economically important viruses. TuMV is mainly transmitted bymany aphid species non-persistently as well as mechanically from plant to plant.TuMV probably occurs worldwide and has been found in both temperate andsubtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania and North and SouthAmerica. In Europe, TuMV was reported from the UK, Spain, Italy, Greece,Germany, The Netherlands, Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria, Poland, andRussia. Despite Ukraine geographical location and wide cultivation of differentBrassica crops for centuries, it has been only recently that the authors haveregistered TuMV in this country. In this study, isolates of TuMV were collected inUkraine from naturally infected host plants, all from Brassicaceae family. For thefirst time, TuMV was shown to be widespread in agricultural and urban regions inUkraine where it naturally infects crops, weeds and introduced species withinfection rate reaching 50%. Also, we show that urban locations and concomitantweed plants are potent factors of virus epidemiology favoring extremely high virusincidence level of 89% in susceptible hosts. Importantly, we underpin thesignificance of trivial cultivation practices (crop rotation and eradication ofdiseased plants) as preventive measures for the control of damaging pathogen ofbrassicas, allowing for 3 times less TuMV incidence.
STATE AND PROSPECTS OF SUNFLOWER PRODUCTION IN UKRAINE
Authors: MELNYK Andrii , AKUAKU Jones , MAKARCHUK Anton
Published: April 2018

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is among the three most significant oilseedplants in the world (along with, soybean and rapeseed) and one of the two mostproduced oil crops in the European Union, together with rapeseed. Over the pastdecade, Ukraine has maintained its position as leading producer and exporter ofsunflower seeds and ranks first for sunflower oil consumption globally. A recentUnited States Department of Agriculture report in 2017 suggest that, Ukrainepresently (2015−2016) ranks first in sunflower production globally with a 29.3 %share of total world sunflower output of 40.57 million metric tons. Respectively,Russia and the European Union are currently ranked second and third, with a shareof 22.6 % and 18.9 %, followed by Argentina and China that produced 6.7 % each.The main goal in sunflower breeding is to create hybrids with high geneticpotential for seed yield above 5 t/ha, but environmental factors seems to limitcurrent sunflower yields to the production range of 1.5–3.0 t/ha. In this study,however, we report new sunflower varieties and hybrids in Ukraine that yield evenslightly above 3 t/ha. Thus, a unique sunflower production technology for theforest-steppe of Ukraine for instance now provides sunflower seed yields of 2.9-3.5t/ha. This became possible after the introduction of new high-yielding varieties andhybrids, and the improvement of sunflower cultivation technologies for specificnatural and climatic zones. Hence, further increases in global sunflower seedsoutput mainly from Ukraine are expected without expansions in limited agriculturallands.
EFFECT OF BIOFERTILIZER AND COMPOST ON NITRATE STATUS, YIELD AND QUALITY OF POTATO TUBER UNDER NEWLY RECLAIMED SANDY SOIL
Authors: EL-SAYED S.F. , GAHRIB A.A. , R. EID Rasha
Published: April 2018

This investigation was carried out during the two summer seasons of 2015 and2016 in sandy soil on potato culitvar "Sante" to study the effect of using 100%compost (15 t/fed.) and 50% compost + nitrogen fixing bacteria (Azotobacter, andPseudomonas alone or together) on potato yield and quality as compared to theconventional mineral fertilization (120-75-150 kg/fed. NPK + 5 toncompost/fed.(control)). No significant differences in tubers yield/fed. were detectedbetween mineral fertilization (control) and using 100% compost (15t/fed).However, control treatment significantly produced a high yield per feddan,more than using 50% compost + any biofertilizer treatment.Using composttreatment at 15 t/fed.execeed all biofertilizer treatments in marketable yield in bothseasons, but without significant differences as compared with mineral fertilization(control).No significant differences in tuber dray matter and content of starch intuber were found between using compost treatment at 15 ton/fed. and mineralfertilization treatment (control)in both seasons. Nevertheless, application of 50%compost+ 4 applications of Azotobacter and Pseudomonas had the highest tuberconcentrations of starch and nitrogen with significant differences as compared withthe mineral fertilization.Using50% compost + 4 applications of Azotobacter orPseudomonas or both (Azotobacter + Pseudomonas )and application of 100%compost caused producing potato tubers with the lowest concentration of nitratewith significant differences as compared with the mineral fertilization. Nosignificant differences were detected between mineral and organic fertilizersconcerning P and K concentrations in tubers.
Regional environmental conditions determine tolerance to future warming of a marine macroalgae forests
Authors: Verdura Jana , de Caralt Sonia , Santamaria Jorge , Vergés Alba , Mangialajo Luisa , Ivesa Ljiljana , Farina Simone , Cefalí Maria Elena , Fraschetti Simonetta , Ballesteros Enric , Cebrian Emma
Published: April 2018

Abstract: In the Mediterranean Sea, many species of Cystoseira, which are important habitat-forming species on shallow rocky bottoms, have gone missing from many coastal areas, impairing essential ecosystem services. Cystoseira crinita forests thrive in very shallow waters from sheltered environments and are currently regressing in several European shores. In the actual scenario of ocean warming it is essential to determine the vulnerability of these populations to thermal stress in order to design future conservation actions. Since the response of this macroalgae to thermal stress may be site-specific, here we compared the thermal tolerance of populations dwelling in the coldest and warmest areas of the Mediterranean Sea. We show that C. crinita populations from warmer areas (Eastern Mediterranean) had a temperature tolerance threshold 2ºC higher than Northwestern Mediterranean populations. There is a strong correlation between the observed differential phenotypic responses and the local temperature regimes experienced by each population. This is the first evidence for the role of thermal history in shaping the thermotolerance responses marine habitat-forming macroalgae under contrasting temperature environments. Financial support from EU2020 (R+I) under grant agreement No 689518 (MERCES) and MINECO (CGL2016-76341-R).
Neural retina-specific Aldh1a1 controls dorsal choroidal vascular development via Sox9 expression in retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Goto So , Onishi Akishi , Misaki Kazuyo , Yonemura Shigenobu , Sugita Sunao , Ito Hiromi , Ohigashi Yoko , Ema Masatsugu , Sakaguchi Hirokazu , Nishida Kohji , Takahashi Masayo
Published: April 2018

VEGF secreted from retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is responsible for the choroidal vascular development; however, the molecular regulatory mechanism is unclear. We found that Aldh1a1–/– mice showed choroidal hypoplasia with insufficient vascularization in the dorsal region, although Aldh1a1, an enzyme that synthesizes retinoic acids (RAs), is expressed in the dorsal neural retina, not in the RPE/choroid complex. The level of VEGF in the RPE/choroid was significantly decreased in Aldh1a1–/– mice, and RA-dependent enhancement of VEGF was observed in primary RPE cells. An RA-deficient diet resulted in dorsal choroidal hypoplasia, and simple RA treatment of Aldh1a1–/– pregnant females suppressed choroid hypoplasia in their offspring. We also found downregulation of Sox9 in the dorsal neural retina and RPE of Aldh1a1–/– mice and RPE-specific disruption of Sox9 phenocopied Aldh1a1–/– choroidal development. These results suggest that RAs produced by Aldh1a1 in the neural retina directs dorsal choroidal vascular development via Sox9 upregulation in the dorsal RPE cells to enhance RPE-derived VEGF secretion.
Interaction of a dinoflagellate neurotoxin with voltage-activated ion channels in a marine diatom
Authors: Kitchen Sheila A. , Bourdelais Andrea J. , Taylor Alison R.
Published: April 2018

Background

The potent neurotoxins produced by the harmful algal bloom speciesKarenia brevisare activators of sodium voltage-gated channels (VGC) in animals, resulting in altered channel kinetics and membrane hyperexcitability. Recent biophysical and genomic evidence supports widespread presence of homologous sodium (Na+) and calcium (Ca2+) permeable VGCs in unicellular algae, including marine phytoplankton. We therefore hypothesized that VGCs of these phytoplankton may be an allelopathic target for waterborne neurotoxins produced byK. brevisblooms that could lead to ion channel dysfunction and disruption of signaling in a similar manner to animal Na+VGCs.

Methods

We examined the interaction of brevetoxin-3 (PbTx-3), aK. brevisneurotoxin, with the Na+/Ca2+VGC of the non-toxic diatomOdontella sinensis using electrophysiology. Single electrode current- and voltage- clamp recordings fromO. sinensisin the presence of PbTx-3 were used to examine the toxin’s effect on voltage gated Na+/Ca2+currents.In silicoanalysis was used to identify the putative PbTx binding site in the diatoms. We identified Na+/Ca2+VCG homologs from the transcriptomes and genomes of 12 diatoms, including three transcripts fromO. sinensisand aligned them with site-5 of Na+VGCs, previously identified as the PbTx binding site in animals.

Results

Up to 1 µM PbTx had no effect on diatom resting membrane potential or membrane excitability. The kinetics of fast inward Na+/Ca2+currents that underlie diatom action potentials were also unaffected. However, the peak inward current was inhibited by 33%, delayed outward current was inhibited by 25%, and reversal potential of the currents shifted positive, indicating a change in permeability of the underlying channels. Sequence analysis showed a lack of conservation of the PbTx binding site in diatom VGC homologs, many of which share molecular features more similar to single-domain bacterial Na+/Ca2+VGCs than the 4-domain eukaryote channels.

Discussion

Although membrane excitability and the kinetics of action potential currents were unaffected, the permeation of the channels underlying the diatom action potential was significantly altered in the presence of PbTx-3. However, at environmentally relevant concentrations the effects of PbTx- on diatom voltage activated currents and interference of cell signaling through this pathway may be limited. The relative insensitivity of phytoplankton VGCs may be due to divergence of site-5 (the putative PbTx binding site), and in some cases, such asO. sinensis, resistance to toxin effects may be because of evolutionary loss of the 4-domain eukaryote channel, while retaining a single domain bacterial-like VGC that can substitute in the generation of fast action potentials.
Herbarium specimens can reveal impacts of climate change on plant phenology; a review of methods and applications
Authors: Jones Casey A. , Daehler Curtis C.
Published: April 2018

Studies in plant phenology have provided some of the best evidence for large-scale responses to recent climate change. Over the last decade, more than thirty studies have used herbarium specimens to analyze changes in flowering phenology over time, although studies from tropical environments are thus far generally lacking. In this review, we summarize the approaches and applications used to date. Reproductive plant phenology has primarily been analyzed using two summary statistics, the mean flowering day of year and first-flowering day of year, but mean flowering day has proven to be a more robust statistic. Two types of regression models have been applied to test for associations between flowering, temperature and time: flowering day regressed on year and flowering day regressed on temperature. Most studies analyzed the effect of temperature by averaging temperatures from three months prior to the date of flowering. On average, published studies have used 55 herbarium specimens per species to characterize changes in phenology over time, but in many cases fewer specimens were used. Geospatial grid data are increasingly being used for determining average temperatures at herbarium specimen collection locations, allowing testing for finer scale correspondence between phenology and climate. Multiple studies have shown that inferences from herbarium specimen data are comparable to findings from systematically collected field observations. Understanding phenological responses to climate change is a crucial step towards recognizing implications for higher trophic levels and large-scale ecosystem processes. As herbaria are increasingly being digitized worldwide, more data are becoming available for future studies. As temperatures continue to rise globally, herbarium specimens are expected to become an increasingly important resource for analyzing plant responses to climate change.
La pesca y la caza marina en el desierto de Atacama: Luces conceptuales desde los documentos escritos (siglos XVI-XIX)
Authors: Ballester Benjamin
Published: April 2018

El ser humano establece relaciones con los animales marinos de múltiples formas, y una de ellas es a través de su captura. En este artículo discutimos las constantes confusiones que se generan en la definición de las categorías de captura marina, especialmente de pesca, caza y recolección, y proponemos una clasificación que considera la captura como una relación interespecie entre humano y animal, atendiendo las múltiples perspectivas y agentes involucrados. La propuesta se ejemplifica a partir de un caso de estudio, la sociedad litoral del desierto de Atacama entre los siglos XVI y XIX a través de la información contenida en los documentos escritos. Finalmente, discutimos la aplicabilidad de la propuesta entre estas poblaciones, para afinar su definición conceptual y enriquecer el debate sobre las relaciones entre humanos y animales marinos en el litoral del desierto de Atacama, pero también fuera de la región.
Identidad étnica, discriminacion percibida y procesos afectivos en jóvenes mapuches urbanos
Authors: Zañartu Canihuante Natalia , Aravena Reyes Andrea , Grandón Fernández Pamela , Sáez Delgado Fabiola , Zañartu Canihuante Carola
Published: April 2018

Este artículo presenta una reflexión crítica a partir de la identidad en la disciplina científica de la psicología. Expone la importancia de considerar y enfatizar los aspectos afectivos de la identidad, tanto como los cognitivos. Plantea, además, que la construcción de la identidad sería un proceso diná- mico, ya que se encuentra en permanente movimiento y transformación a lo largo de todo el desarrollo humano. El proceso de conformación de la identidad es, además, afectado por su entorno cultural local y también por la globalización, sobre todo cuando existen tensiones identitarias, como es el caso de los jóvenes que se adscriben a algún pueblo originario. En esta dualidad, la identidad étnica de los jóvenes mapuches se negocia constantemente entre la tensión de mantener su cultura y formar parte de la cultura del grupo dominante, que comúnmente desvaloriza la identidad de los grupos minoritarios, a través de la instalación de prejuicios y prácticas discriminatorias, que tendrán consecuencias en la vida de los jóvenes discriminados. Este documento es un artículo teórico y tiene como objetivo principal aportar a la comprensión de la conformación identitaria en jóvenes que se identifican a sí mismos como personas mapuches, en el contexto actual, marcado por un clima de violencia y discriminación, en el Chile urbano de hoy.
Investigando a la élite económica: Lecciones y desafíos a partir del caso de Chile
Authors: Atria Jorge , Amenábar Josefina , Sánchez Javiera , Castillo Juan Carlos , Cociña Matías
Published: April 2018

Este artículo estudia los aprendizajes y desafíos que se desprenden de la investigación empírica sobre élites en Chile en las últimas dos décadas, con énfasis en la élite económica. Utilizando doce entrevistas semiestructuradas a expertos que han investigado a este grupo en Chile y una operacionalización específica para diferenciar los criterios y prioridades de cada investigador, los resultados sistematizan los fundamentos para optar por el concepto de élite por sobre otros (como clase dominante o aristocracia), las estrategias para definir el universo y muestra, y las dificultades de este tipo de estudios. Los resultados contribuyen al análisis reflexivo sobre las formas en que las élites contemporáneas son estudiadas, a lo que se añaden también desafíos pendientes y líneas de investigación a futuro que vinculen esta área con otros fenómenos de relevancia para la vida social.
La Reforma Agraria: un cambio gradual y profundo
Authors: Moya Díaz Emilio
Published: April 2018

Al cumplirse 50 años de la Reforma Agraria y, específicamente, de la aprobación de la Ley de Sindicalización Campesina y de la Ley de Reforma Agraria, ve la luz el trabajo de Octavio Avendaño que versa sobre el papel que jugaron los partidos políticos en dicha transformación. Representación, gradualismo y transformación estructural aparecen como las coordenadas claves para entender el rol que aquellas organizaciones desempeñaron en una de las principales transformaciones que ha experimentado la estructura de poder en Chile.
Desempenho fitométrico do milho sob efeito de doses de trinexapac-ethyl e clomazone
Authors: Barbosa André Prechlak , Alves Luiz Abilio Ribeiro , Bertoncelli Douglas Júnior , Furlan Felipe Favoretto , Alves Guilherme Augusto Cito , Bazzo José Henrique Bizzarri , Zucareli Claudemir
Published: April 2018

O incremento produtivo da cultura do milho pode ser maximizado pelo adensamento da lavoura e, para isso, a utilização de herbicidas e reguladores de crescimento, por favorecer a diminuição de porte das plantas, torna-se ferramenta importante. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar doses dos redutores de crescimento trinexapac-ethyl e clomazone sobre o desempenho fitométrico de híbrido simples de milho. O delineamento adotado foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 x 5, com quatro repetições. Como primeiro fator considerou-se os redutores de crescimento (trinexapac-ethyl e clomazone) e no segundo foram consideradas as cinco doses de cada redutor (0, 50, 100, 200 e 400 g i. a. ha-1). Os redutores de crescimento trinexapac-ethyl e clomazone modificam o desempenho fitométrico das plantas de milho. Cerca de 113 g i.a. ha-1 de clomazone proporciona aumento do diâmetro do colmo e da massa fresca. O herbicida clomazone também pode ser utilizado como redutor de crescimento.
Determinantes dos fluxos financeiros no Brasil no período 2000-2013: uma análise utilizando o modelo SVAR
Authors: Costa Peres Samuel , Ramalho Ribeiro da Fonseca Mateus , Tonin João Ricardo , De Araújo Eliane Cristina
Published: April 2018

Tendo em vista a acentuada volatilidade dos fluxos financeiros nos países em desenvolvimento, bem como suas implicações para a condução da política econômica no país receptor, este estudo investiga quais os determinantes macroeconômicos desses fluxos no Brasil no período de 2000 a 2013, seguindo a abordagem tradicional dos fatores push-pull, Os fatores pull referem-se às condições domésticas de atração do capital estrangeiro, e os fatores push envolvem as condições desfavoráveis nos países desenvolvidos, que “empurram” o capital para economias emergentes. A metodologia empírica empregada foi um modelo de Vetores Autorregressivos Estruturais (SVAR). Os resultados indicam que os fatores pull predominaram sobre os fatores push, sinalizando a percepção, por parte dos agentes externos, de uma maior robustez da economia brasileira nesse período.
O regime de metas de inflação no Brasil: um balanço do governo Dilma
Authors: Campedelli André Luis
Published: April 2018

O objetivo deste artigo é realizar uma análise histórica do regime de metas de inflação no Brasil, focando a análise no governo Dilma. Para isto, será feito uma breve abordagem do período completo do regime de metas de inflação, e uma análise mais completa do regime a partir do ano de 2011, início do governo Dilma. Na primeira seção deste artigo será realizada a análise histórica do período entre 1999 e 2010. Na segunda seção deste artigo também será feita uma análise histórica, só que contemplando agora o governo Dilma, entre 2011 e início de 2016. Na terceira seção, será feita uma avaliação da política monetária do governo Dilma, analisando se é possível considerar este período como um período que tenta romper com a ortodoxia e inflexibilidade da política monetária. O artigo é finalizado com suas conclusões e considerações finais.
Aspectos micro-analíticos da crise econômica de 2008/2009: evidências para os municípios brasileiros
Authors: Almeida Lucas Milanez de Lima , Almeida Aléssio Tony Cavalcanti , Ribeiro Nelson Rosas
Published: April 2018

O estudo examina a reação das atividades produtivas dos municípios brasileiros frente à crise do subprime que assolou a economia mundial. Através das informações socioeconômicas destas unidades, identificaram-se os que seguiram a tendência macroeconômica nacional de crise de modo imediato, em 2008, e/ou sua repercussão, em 2009. Por meio do modelo de regressão logit ordenado foram encontradas as probabilidades dos municípios sentirem os efeitos da crise em cada ano. Os resultados apontam que os municípios com maior PIB, população e proporção das atividades de serviços, apresentam maiores chances de sentir o que chamamos de efeito imediato. Já os municípios menores, tanto populacional quanto economicamente, e com maior participação da agropecuária e da administração pública, apresentaram maior probabilidade de sentir o efeito repercussão da crise.
On the Assembly of Microreactors with Parallel Enzymatic Pathways
Authors: Armada‐Moreira Adam , Thingholm Bo , Andreassen Kristine , Sebastião Ana M. , Vaz Sandra H. , Städler Brigitte
Published: April 2018

Cell mimicry aims to create artificial structures capable of mimicking certain functions of living cells. However, cell mimics are tremendously simpler than their natural role models. Thus, increasing their complexity is of great importance for the advancement of cell mimicry concepts and for further understanding of biological intracellular processes. Here, the successful co‐encapsulation of two enzymatic pathways with up to five enzymes into compartmentalized microreactors is reported. The microreactors are assembled by combining polymer layers and enzyme‐loaded liposomal subunits, which physically separate the two encapsulated enzymatic pathways. Specifically, this report confirms the activity of an encapsulated enzymatic cycle that conjugates the actions of glutamate dehydrogenase and glutathione reductase, using NADP+/NADPH as a common co‐factor, as well as an encapsulated enzymatic cascade combining β‐galactosidase, glucose oxidase, and catalase. This work represents a relevant advancement in encapsulated catalysis toward the assembly of therapeutic cell mimics.
Anomalous Tensile Strength and Fracture Behavior of Polycrystalline Iridium from Room Temperature to 1600 °C
Authors: Yang Jieren , Wang Hu , Hu Rui , Li Shuangming , Liu Yi , Luo Ximing
Published: April 2018

The nature of the brittleness of Iridium crystal is still unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the mechanism of ductile‐to‐brittle transition (DBT) and the fracture behavior in polycrystalline Iridium. Tensile tests are conducted from room temperature to 1600 °C. Furthermore, fracture morphology and deformation substructures are characterized by OM, SEM, and TEM. The results show that the tensile strength increases anomalously below 600 °C and then decreases with the increasing temperature. The elongation increases slowly from room temperature to 700 °C, and it then changes sharply from 9.88% at 700 °C to 31% at 800 °C. Below 700 °C, the polycrystalline Iridium exhibits intergranular and partial transgranular cleavage fracture pattern. In contrast, the ductile fracture morphologies associated with microvoids coalescence are observed between 800 and 1600 °C. Massive tangling screw dislocations form at 700 °C and less tangles appear when stretching at 900 °C, manifesting that the DBT is around 800 °C in polycrystalline Iridium.
Nonchemotherapic and Robust Dual‐Responsive Nanoagents with On‐Demand Bacterial Trapping, Ablation, and Release for Efficient Wound Disinfection
Authors: Yang Ye , Ma Lang , Cheng Chong , Deng Yiyi , Huang Jianbo , Fan Xin , Nie Chuanxiong , Zhao Weifeng , Zhao Changsheng
Published: April 2018

Recent emerged antibacterial agents provide enormous new possibilities to replace antibiotics in fighting bacterial infectious diseases. Although abundant types of nanoagents are developed for preventing pathogen colonization, however, rationally design of nonchemotherapic, robust, and clinical‐adaptable nanoagents with tunable bacterial trap and killing activities remains a major challenge. Here, a demonstration of controlling the trap, ablation, and release activities of pathogenic bacteria via stimulus‐responsive regulatory mechanism is reported. First, temperature‐sensitive polymer brush is chemically grown onto carbon nanotube–Fe3O4, whereby the synthesized nanoagents can transfer from hydrophilic dispersion to hydrophobic aggregation upon near‐infrared light irradiation, which thus controls the bacterial trap, killing, and detaching. In turn, the formed aggregations will serve as localized heating sources to enhance photothermal ablation of bacteria. Systematically antibacterial experiments and mouse wound disinfection demonstrate the ultrarobust and recyclable disinfection capability of nanoagents with nearly 100% killing ratio to Staphylococcus aureus. Overall, for the first time, we represent a pioneering study on designing nonchemotherapic and robust dual‐responsive nanoagents that can sensitively and reversibly trap, inactivate, and detach bacteria. We envision that such nanoagents will not only have potential applications in pathogenic bacteria prevention but also provide a new pathway for wound disinfection, implant sterilization, and also live bacteria transportation.
Porous Organic Polymers for Polysulfide Trapping in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Cheng Zhibin , Pan Hui , Zhong Hong , Xiao Zhubing , Li Xiaoju , Wang Ruihu
Published: April 2018

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have attracted considerable attentions in electronic energy storage and conversion because of their high theoretical energy density and cost effectiveness. The rapid capacity degradation, mainly caused by the notorious shuttle effect of polysulfides (PSs), remains a great challenge preventing practical application. Porous organic polymers (POPs) are one type of promising carbon materials to confine PSs within the cathode region. Here, the research progress on POPs and POPs‐derived carbon materials in Li–S batteries is summarized, and the importance of pore surface chemistry in uniform distribution of sulfur and effective trapping of PSs is highlighted. POPs serve as promising sulfur host materials, interlayers, and separators in Li–S batteries. Their significance and innovation, especially new synthetic methods for promoting sulfur content, reversible capacity, Coulombic efficiency and cycling stability, have been demonstrated. The perspectives and critical challenges that need to be addressed for POPs‐based Li–S batteries are also discussed. Some attractive electrode materials and concepts based on POPs have been proposed to improve energy density and electrochemical performance, which are anticipated to shed some light on future development of POPs in advanced Li–S batteries.
Interaction of Trace Rare‐Earth Dopants and Nanoheterogeneities Induces Giant Magnetostriction in Fe‐Ga Alloys
Authors: He Yangkun , Ke Xiaoqin , Jiang Chengbao , Miao Naihua , Wang Hui , Coey John Michael David , Wang Yunzhi , Xu Huibin
Published: April 2018

The discovery of a tenfold increase in magnetostriction of Fe by alloying nonmagnetic Ga was a breakthrough in magnetostrictive materials. The large magnetostriction is attributed to tetragonal nanoheterogeneities dispersed in the bcc matrix. A further remarkable fivefold increase is achieved by trace rare earth doping (<1 at%) up to a value of ≈1500 ppm, more than 50 times that of pure iron. However, it remains a mystery why trace rare earth dopants can induce such giant magnetostriction. Here, it is found that interaction of rare earth dopants with the nanoheterogeneities produces the giant magnetostriction, through a combination of experimental studies, first‐principles calculation and phase field simulations. The dopants tend to enter the nanoheterogeneities, increasing their distortion thereby creating a larger tetragonal distortion of the matrix as well as increased magnetocrystalline anisotropy. A mesoscopic model is developed using phase field simulation showing that the bulk tetragonal distortion arises mainly from those nanoheterogeneities with fixed Ga‐Ga pairs parallel to the applied magnetic field. Increased tetragonal distortion of the doped nanoheterogeneities leads to further distortion of the matrix. The results deepen the understanding of heterogeneous magnetostriction, and will guide the search for new magnetic materials with giant magnetostriction.
Versatility of Carbon Enables All Carbon Based Perovskite Solar Cells to Achieve High Efficiency and High Stability
Authors: Meng Xiangyue , Zhou Junshuai , Hou Jie , Tao Xia , Cheung Sin Hang , So Shu Kong , Yang Shihe
Published: April 2018

Carbon‐based perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) without hole transport materials are promising for their high stability and low cost, but the electron transporting layer (ETL) of TiO2 is notorious for inflicting hysteresis and instability. In view of its electron accepting ability, C60 is used to replace TiO2 for the ETL, forming a so‐called all carbon based PVSC. With a device structure of fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO)/C60/methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3)/carbon, a power conversion efficiency (PCE) is attained up to 15.38% without hysteresis, much higher than that of the TiO2 ones (12.06% with obvious hysteresis). The C60 ETL is found to effectively improve electron extraction, suppress charge recombination, and reduce the sub‐bandgap states at the interface with MAPbI3. Moreover, the all carbon based PVSCs are shown to resist moisture and ion migration, leading to a much higher operational stability under ambient, humid, and light‐soaking conditions. To make it an even more genuine all carbon based PVSC, it is further attempted to use graphene as the transparent conductive electrode, reaping a PCE of 13.93%. The high performance of all carbon based PVSCs stems from the bonding flexibility and electronic versatility of carbon, promising commercial developments on account of their favorable balance of cost, efficiency, and stability.
Directed Nanoscale Self‐Assembly of Low Molecular Weight Hydrogelators Using Catalytic Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Yiming , Versluis Frank , Oldenhof Sander , Lakshminarayanan Vasudevan , Zhang Kai , Wang Yunwei , Wang Jie , Eelkema Rienk , Guo Xuhong , van Esch Jan H.
Published: April 2018

The work presented here shows that the growth of supramolecular hydrogel fibers can be spatially directed at the nanoscale by catalytic negatively charged nanoparticles (NCNPs). The NCNPs with surfaces grafted with negatively charged polymer chains create a local proton gradient that facilitates an acid‐catalyzed formation of hydrogelators in the vicinity of NCNPs, ultimately leading to the selective formation of gel fibers around NCNPs. The presence of NCNPs has a dominant effect on the properties of the resulting gels, including gelation time, mechanical properties, and network morphology. Interestingly, local fiber formation can selectively entrap and precipitate out NCNPs from a mixture of different nanoparticles. These findings show a new possibility to use directed molecular self‐assembly to selectively trap target nano‐objects, which may find applications in therapy, such as virus infection prevention, or engineering applications, like water treatment and nanoparticle separation.
Entanglement Purification of Nonlocal Quantum‐Dot‐Confined Electrons Assisted by Double‐Sided Optical Microcavities
Authors: Liu Zi‐Chao , Hong Jian‐Song , Guo Jia‐Jie , Li Tao , Ai Qing , Alsaedi Ahmed , Hayat Tasawar , Deng Fu‐Guo
Published: April 2018

A nondestructive parity‐check detector (PCD) scheme for two single‐electron quantum dots embedded in double‐sided optical microcavities is presented here. Using a polarization‐entangled photon pair, the PCD works in a parallel style and is robust to the phase fluctuation of the optical path length. In addition, based on this nondestructive PCD, an economic entanglement purification protocol for electron pairs is presented. The parties in quantum communication can increase the purification efficiency and simultaneously decrease the quantum source consumed for some particular fidelity thresholds. Therefore, this protocol has good applications in the future quantum communication and distributed quantum networks.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of potential acetylcholinesterase inhibitors based on a benzoxazine core
Authors: Méndez‐Rojas Claudio , Quiroz Gabriel , Faúndez Mario , Gallardo‐Garrido Carlos , Pessoa‐Mahana C. David , Chung Hery , Gallardo‐Toledo Eduardo , Saitz‐Barría Claudio , Araya‐Maturana Ramiro , Kogan Marcelo J. , Zúñiga‐López María C. , Iturriaga‐Vásquez Patricio , Valenzuela‐Gutiérrez Carla , Pessoa‐Mahana Hernán
Published: April 2018

With the purpose of expanding the structural variety of chemical compounds available as pharmacological tools for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, we synthesized and evaluated a novel series of indole‐benzoxazinones (Family I) and benzoxazine‐arylpiperazine derivatives (Family II) for potential human acetylcholinesterase (hAChE) inhibitory properties. The most active compounds 7a and 7d demonstrated effective inhibitory profiles with Ki values of 20.3 ± 0.9 μM and 20.2 ± 0.9 μM, respectively. Kinetic inhibition assays showed non‐competitive inhibition of AChE by the tested compounds. According to our docking studies, the most active compounds from both series (Families I and II) showed a binding mode similar to donepezil and interact with the same residues.
The dependence of color constancy and brightness constancy on saturation
Authors: Reeves Adam
Published: April 2018

Color constancy and brightness constancy are not independent, as often assumed, since increasing sample saturation decreases the demand on color constancy mechanisms and increases the demand on brightness constancy mechanisms made by changes in illuminant color temperature. Re‐analyzed published data illustrates these tendencies for low saturations, but comprehensive measurements will be needed to pin down the postulated relationships over the full range.
Modified Light Weight distributed QoS Algorithm for wide area ad hoc networks
Authors: Hosseini Nazhad Ghazani Seyed Hossein
Published: April 2018

The direction and velocity of a node are the most important parameters to create a valuable path in ad hoc networks. A valuable path is one that has a longer life time and more durability than others. As we know, the durability of a path is under the influence of the nodes' velocity. This paper proposes an algorithm to provide QoS in ad hoc networks. The proposed algorithm entitled Modified Light Weight distributed QoS Algorithm, considering the direction and relative velocity of the nodes and predicting the value of link durability, chooses a path with longer duration time, minimizes the link breaks, and improves QoSs. We implemented it in a simulation environment by using the Network Simulator Version 2 software and evaluated the effectiveness of it in packet delivery ratio, packet delivery latency, average end‐to‐end delay, routing overhead, and dropped packets. The simulation results demonstrate that Modified Light Weight distributed QoS Algorithm improves the QoS parameters in ad hoc networks.
Measuring inferential importance of taxa using taxon influence indices
Authors: Denton John S. S. , Goolsby Eric W.
Published: April 2018

Assessing the importance of different taxa for inferring evolutionary history is a critical, but underutilized, aspect of systematics. Quantifying the importance of all taxa within a dataset provides an empirical measurement that can establish a ranking of extant taxa for ecological study and/or quantify the relative importance of newly announced or redescribed specimens to enable the disentangling of novelty and inferential influence. Here, we illustrate the use of taxon influence indices through analysis of both molecular and morphological datasets, introducing a modified Bayesian approach to the taxon influence index that accounts for model and topological uncertainty. Quantification of taxon influence using the Bayesian approach produced clear rankings for both dataset types. Bayesian taxon rankings differed from maximum likelihood (ML)‐derived rankings from a mitogenomic dataset, and the highest ranking taxa exhibited the largest interquartile range in influence estimate, suggesting variance in the estimate must be taken into account when the ranking of taxa is the feature of interest. Application of the Bayesian taxon influence index to a recent morphological analysis of the Tully Monster (Tullimonstrum) reveals that it exhibits consistently low inferential importance across two recent treatments of the taxon with alternative character codings. These results lend support to the idea that taxon influence indices may be robust to character coding and therefore effective for morphological analyses. These results underscore a need for the development of approaches to, and application of, taxon influence analyses both for the purpose of establishing robust rankings for future inquiry and for explicitly quantifying the importance of individual taxa. Quantifying the importance of individual taxa refocuses debates in morphological studies from questions of character choice/significance and taxon sampling to explicitly analytical techniques, and guides discussion of the context of new discoveries.
Rock art as microtopography
Authors: Jalandoni Andrea , Kottermair Maria
Published: April 2018

Structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry and geographic information system (GIS) tools were used to document an engraving site in Bontoc, Philippines. The natural discolorations of the rock obfuscated the engravings rendering traditional recording methods ineffective. Using a GIS software not only highlighted the engravings by applying an algorithm, but also allowed for a pioneering way to digitally trace and classify motifs, resulting in a spatially linked database. The digital tracings were also compared with manual tracings and proved to be more accurate. The database was then quantitatively analyzed for the seminal inventory of the rock art of Alab, Bontoc. This combination of SfM photogrammetry and GIS tools introduces a cost‐efficient method to effectively enhance, document, and analyze engraved rock art.
Strengthening the capacity of irrigation schemes to cope with flood through improved maintenance: a collaborative approach to analySe the case of Chókwè, Mozambique
Authors: Ducrot Raphaëlle , Leite Maira , Gentil Celine , Bouarfa Sami , Rollin Dominique , Famba Sebastião
Published: April 2018

Large‐scale irrigation schemes, which are often developed in flood plains, overvalue technical expertise and the control of natural hazards and are particularly vulnerable to flooding, but there has been limited study on the impact of floods on irrigation functioning. Using a transdisciplinary approach developed in the Chokwe Irrigation Scheme during the 2013 post‐flood recovery period, we analysed the impact of flooding on the scheme with a focus on maintenance. We argue that the flood crisis provided windows of opportunity to reconsider maintenance procedures by rethinking the relations and responsibilities between actors in this large‐scale irrigation scheme; but the robustness of the system can only be increased if the changes strengthen the collective action capacity. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deoxynivalenol as potential modulator of human steroidogenesis
Authors: Urbanek Kinga Anna , Habrowska‐Górczyńska Dominika Ewa , Kowalska Karolina , Stańczyk Anna , Domińska Kamila , Piastowska‐Ciesielska Agnieszka Wanda
Published: April 2018

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a type B trichothecene, produced by the Fusarium species. Exposure to DON might cause disruptive effects such as reduced weight gain, neuroendocrine changes and immune modulation in animals (rats, dogs, pigs). There is huge concern that similar effects can be observed in humans. DON is a potential regulator of intracellular steroidogenesis. It is also possible that DON will be involved in the regulation of miRNAs connected with steroidogenesis. This review summarizes the latest knowledge about the influence of DON on steroidogenesis and human hormonal balance.
Two optical coherence tomography systems detect topical gold nanoshells in hair follicles, sweat ducts and measure epidermis
Authors: Mogensen Mette , Bojesen Sophie , Israelsen Niels M. , Maria Michael , Jensen Mikkel , Podoleanu Adrian , Bang Ole , Haedersdal Merete
Published: April 2018

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an established imaging technology for in vivo skin investigation. Topical application of gold nanoshells (GNS) provides contrast enhancement in OCT by generating a strong hyperreflective signal from hair follicles and sweat glands, which are the natural skin openings. This study explores the utility of 150 nm diameter GNS as contrast agent for OCT imaging. GNS was massaged into skin and examined in four skin areas of 11 healthy volunteers. A commercial OCT system and a prototype with 3 μm resolution (UHR‐OCT) were employed to detect potential benefits of increased resolution and variability in intensity generated by the GNS. In both OCT‐systems GNS enhanced contrast from hair follicles and sweat ducts. Highest average penetration depth of GNS was in armpit 0.64 mm ± SD 0.17, maximum penetration depth was 1.20 mm in hair follicles and 15 to 40 μm in sweat ducts. Pixel intensity generated from GNS in hair follicles was significantly higher in UHR‐OCT images (P = .002) and epidermal thickness significantly lower 0.14 vs 0.16 mm (P = .027). This study suggests that GNSs are interesting candidates for increasing sensitivity in OCT diagnosis of hair and sweat gland disorders and demonstrates that choice of OCT systems influences results.
Synthesis of multi‐functionalized quinolines and 1,2‐dihydroquinolines through FeCl3‐mediated reactions of carbonyl compounds with 2‐vinylanilines
Authors: Liu Sha , Li Gaoqiang , Xu Feng
Published: April 2018

A facile and efficient approach toward the synthesis of functionalized quinolines and 1,2‐dihydroquinolines from carbonyl compounds and 2‐vinylanilines is described. The protocol utilizes the nonhazardous and less expensive FeCl3 as catalyst with wide functional group tolerance and avoiding heavy metal impurities in the products.
Is primary sidedness a prognostic factor in patients with resected colon cancer liver metastases (CLM)?
Authors: Marques Márcio C , C. Ribeiro Héber S. , Costa Wílson L. , de Jesus Victor Hugo F. , de Macedo Mariana P. , Diniz Alessandro L. , Godoy André L. , Farias Igor C. , Aguiar Samuel , Riechelmann Rachel S. P. , S. Begnami Maria Dirlei F. , Coimbra Felipe J. F.
Published: April 2018

Background and Objectives

Recent studies have suggested that sidedness of origin from colorectal adenocarcinomas is a predictor of survival, however the impact of this factor in patients with resected colon cancer liver metastases (CLM) is not clear. So, in this study, we compared clinic and pathologic characteristics and long‐term survival of patients with resected CLM according to the primary tumor location.

Methods

This is a retrospective analyzes of a prospective database. Patients with resected CLM from 1998 to 2012 were included. Right colon included tumors from cecum to middle transverse colon, and left colon included tumors from splenic flexure to sigmoid.

Results

One hundred fifty‐one patients were included, 27 right colon and 124 left colon. In the latter group, there were more patients with synchronous disease (67.7 × 6.2%, P = 0.026) and a higher CEA (22.0 × 11.7 ng/mL, P = 0.001). However, K‐Ras mutation was more frequent in right sided tumors (75.0 × 24.1%, P = 0.001). There was no difference in long term survival in both groups in this series even when adjusted for the confounding variables.

Conclusion

Sidedness do not seem to be a predictor of long term survival in patients with resected colon cancer liver metastases.
Applications of Livingston‐type inequalities to the generalized Zalcman functional
Authors: Efraimidis Iason , Vukotić Dragan
Published: April 2018

We obtain sharp estimates for a generalized Zalcman coefficient functional with a complex parameter for the Hurwitz class and the Noshiro–Warschawski class of univalent functions as well as for the closed convex hulls of the convex and starlike functions by using an inequality from [6]. In particular, we generalize an inequality proved by Ma for starlike functions and answer a question from his paper [17]. Finally, we prove an asymptotic version of the generalized Zalcman conjecture for univalent functions and discuss various related or equivalent statements which may shed further light on the problem.
Probing Chemical and Mechanical Nanodomains in Copolymer Nanorods with Correlative Atomic Force Microscopy—Nano‐correscopy
Authors: Khanal Dipesh , Zhang Bokai , Ramzan Iqbal , Marcott Curtis , Li Quan , Chrzanowski Wojciech
Published: April 2018

The interplay between size, shape, mechanical properties, and surface chemistry of nanoparticles orchestrates cellular internalization, toxicity, circulation time, and biodistribution. Therefore, the safety of nanoparticles hinges on our ability to quantify nanoscale physicochemical characteristics. Current characterization tools, due to their limited resolution, are unable to map these properties correlatively at nanoscale. An innovative use of atomic force microscopy‐based techniques, namely nano‐correscopy, overcomes this limitation and offers multiprobe capability to map mechanical (viscous and elastic) and chemical domains of nanoparticles correlatively. The strengths of this approach are demonstrated using polymer composite nanorods: m‐PEG‐PLGA ((m‐PEG–methoxy‐poly (ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid). Precise distribution of PLGA (monomers of lactide and glycolide) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) polymer across nanorods is identified. The hydrophobic lactide component is found predominantly at the apex, while hydrophilic glycolide and PEG assembled at the body of the nanorods and correlate with a gradient of nanomechanical properties. New knowledge of how both nanochemical domains and nanomechanical properties are distributed across the nanorod will allow elucidating the interactions of nanorods with the proteins and biomolecules in the future, which will directly influence the fate of nanorods in vivo and will guide new synthesis methods.