bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in Group III–V Nanowire Infrared Detectors
Authors: Sun Jiamin , Han Mingming , Gu Yu , Yang Zai‐xing , Zeng Haibo
Published: July 2018

1D III–V semiconductor nanowires (NWs) attract significant interests in fundamental physics and promising applications of high‐performance room‐temperature infrared (IR) detectors. Here, a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the study of III–V NW‐based IR detectors is presented, starting from the rationale of III–V NWs for IR detectors, the controllable synthesis of III–V NWs to the precise manipulation of III–V NW‐based IR detector performances. With a bandgap covering the whole IR wavelength range and a high carrier mobility, III–V NWs are considered as the most optimal channel materials for high‐performance IR detectors. The synthesis methods and growth mechanisms of high quality III–V NWs are discussed, emphasizing the low‐cost solid source chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique, which is developed as the two‐step and surfactant‐assisted CVD methods in the growth of various III–V NWs. Next, the representative types of III–V NW IR detectors are discussed and typical strategies to resolve main challenges limiting the performance of III–V NW‐based IR detectors are reviewed, including high density of surface trap states, large dark current, etc. Finally, the possible challenges and opportunities in the future development of III–V NW‐based IR detectors are discussed.
Nonlinear Plasmonic Metasurfaces
Authors: Rahimi Esmaeil , Gordon Reuven
Published: July 2018

The nonlinear optical response of materials allows optical functionality not seen in linear devices, such as switching, wavelength conversion, and adaptive optics. Unfortunately, the nonlinear optical response is weak in naturally occurring materials, making many ultrafast information processing applications impractical from an efficiency point of view. Nonlinear plasmonic metasurfaces, as a subset of metamaterials, aim to provide a more efficient and functional nonlinear optical response by tailoring the configuration of nanostructures. Metasurfaces are compact, cascadable, and easy to fabricate with established planar technologies, and therefore deserve particular attention. In this review, advances in nonlinear plasmonic metasurfaces are presented, including theoretical approaches, design methodologies, and key demonstrations of functionality. The theoretical approach first considers the linear response of the plasmonic metal and then uses this to calculate the nonlinear scattering. Design methodologies are considered including limits on gap size enhancements, tunneling and charging effects, and thermal management. Key demonstrations such as efficiency in wavelength conversion, functional wavelength conversion, and switching are also reviewed. Finally, an outlook on the future development in this field of research is offered, aiming at efficient and ultrafast optical information processing.
Plasmon–Exciton Coupling in Complex Systems
Authors: Li Xiaoguang , Zhou Li , Hao Zhonghua , Wang Qu‐Quan
Published: July 2018

In recent years, optical properties of the complex systems involving both metal plasmons and molecular/semiconductor excitons have attracted great attentions due to their rich and varied optical characteristics. In this type of hybrid systems, the plasmon plays a role to drastically enhance the coupling between the system and external field, while the exciton plays a role to control the detailed spectral properties, providing tempting avenues for manipulating new optical control beyond what can be achieved using either of the components. In addition to the mutual coupling between the plasmon and exciton, their different linewidths and the abilities to couple with external field provide a variety of control handles to tune the optical properties of the hybrid systems. It thus allows to precisely manipulate light on the nanometer‐scale, opening up opportunities for novel sensing, light‐emitting, and photovoltaic devices. Here, the recent progress in both theoretical and experimental developments is reviewed. The theoretical part is focused on studies of the absorption/scattering spectral line shapes of the hybrid systems, especially the transition between Fano resonance and Rabi splitting peaks. The various technical approaches to tune the plasmon–exciton coupling in complex systems are reviewed in the experimental part.
Ultrahigh Quality Upconverted Single‐Mode Lasing in Cesium Lead Bromide Spherical Microcavity
Authors: Tang Bing , Sun Liaoxin , Zheng Weihao , Dong Hongxing , Zhao Binbin , Si Quanquan , Wang Xiaoxia , Jiang Xiongwei , Pan Anlian , Zhang Long
Published: July 2018

The realization of ultrahigh quality upconverted single‐mode lasing in wavelength‐scale cavity is still a great challenge, because of limitation of microcavity quality, gain medium, and low spontaneous emission coupling efficiency β. In this work, it is demonstrated that inorganic cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) perovskite spheres with size of ≈780 nm serve as a gain medium and whispering‐gallery cavity simultaneously for two‐photon excited single‐mode laser. Lasing mode with a very narrow linewidth (≈0.037 nm) is realized, corresponding to an ultrahigh Q factor ≈1.5 × 104. Surprisingly, the lasing performance of such small microcavity is best among reported naturally formed semiconductor microcavities. Furthermore, room‐temperature single‐mode lasing at same wavelength can be obtained at any angle between −30° and 30°, showing the nearly uniform emission output of the spherical microcavity. This work paves a simple and straight way to obtain ultrahigh Q two‐photon excited single‐mode lasing in micro/nanostructures, holding great promise for practical applications in frequency upconversion, high sensitive sensing in nano‐optics.
Efficient n‐Dopants and Their Roles in Organic Electronics
Authors: Bin Zhengyang , Liu Ziyang , Qiu Yong , Duan Lian
Published: July 2018

The n‐type doping is an effective method to improve electron injection/extraction which not only provides a way to fine‐control the energy level of organic semiconductors, but also greatly improves the efficiency and even enhances the stability of organic electronics, such as organic light‐emitting diodes, organic solar cells, and organic field‐effect transistors. Over the decades, n‐dopants are highly concerned by researchers and rapid advances are made in n‐doping species and models. In this paper, the recent progress on efficient n‐dopants and their roles in organic electronics are comprehensively reviewed from the perspective of doping physics, doping chemistry, and doping performance for devices.
Metalenses: Advances and Applications
Authors: Tseng Ming Lun , Hsiao Hui‐Hsin , Chu Cheng Hung , Chen Mu Ku , Sun Greg , Liu Ai‐Qun , Tsai Din Ping
Published: July 2018

Metasurfaces, the 2D counterpart of artificial metamaterials, have attracted much attention because of their exceptional ability to manipulate the electromagnetic wave such as amplitude, phase, polarization, propagation direction, and so on. Different from conventional lenses, metalenses based on the metasurface optics are truly flat and compact and exhibit superior performance. In this report, recent progress in the development of metalenses is explored. First, the working principle and characteristics of metalenses are discussed. Then, it is described how the dispersion aberration in metalenses can be eliminated to make them suitable for being employed in a range of applications that are difficult or impossible for traditional lenses. In addition, various metalens‐based applications are introduced, including imaging, high spectral resolution spectroscopy, and multiplex color routing. Furthermore, a survey of reconfigurable and tunable metalenses is conducted. Finally, the report concludes by addressing future prospects of metalenses.
TiC MXene High Energy Density Cathode for Lithium–Air Battery
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Chen Xin , Shen Fei , Hang Xiaogang , Niu Chunming
Published: July 2018

MXenes are reported to be great supercapacitor and lithium‐ion battery material recently. In this article, the density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that using TiC MXene TinCn − 1O2 (n = 2, 3, 4) as the cathode of lithium–air batteries (LABs) can potentially improve its efficiency by increasing the cathode conductivity and lowering the charging overpotential. In addition, the conservative predicted storage density is as high as ≈0.5 kWh kg−1. Compared with the bulk TiC{111}, the favorable structural agreement between the TiC MXenes and Li2O2, and better interfacial conduction help Li2O2 continuously grow on the TiC MXene; and the higher specific surface area (SSA) makes more Li2O2 deposition possible. The predicted reaction path calculations reveal that TiC MXenes have the charging overpotential of 0.13 V because they are excellent catalysts in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Thus, the lower charging overpotential can extremely suppress the side reactions and accelerate the OER rate. All the evidence supports that TiC MXene is a potential high energy density cathode for LABs.
Biocrusts benefit from plant removal
Authors: Dettweiler‐Robinson Eva , Sinsabaugh Robert L. , Rudgers Jennifer A.
Published: July 2018

Premise of the Study

Productivity in drylands may depend on the sensitivity of interactions between plants and biocrusts. Given future climate variability, it is essential to understand how interactions may be context‐dependent with precipitation regime. Furthermore, little is known about the additional interactions of these producers with the belowground biota (e.g., roots, fungi, microarthropods). We evaluated the effect of removal (such as could occur following disturbance) and net interaction of plants and biocrusts and additionally manipulated the abiotic and biotic context.

Methods

We established field mesocosms containing grass (Bouteloua gracilis) and surrounding biocrusts, then clipped the plant or heat‐sterilized the biocrust to simulate the loss of dryland producers. To test for context‐dependency on the precipitation pattern, we imposed a large, infrequent or small, frequent precipitation regime. A mesh barrier was used to impede belowground connections that may couple the dynamics of producers. Productivity was assessed by plant biomass and biocrust chlorophyll content.

Key Results

Biocrusts increased chlorophyll content more when plants were removed than when they were present in the first year, but only in the small, frequent precipitation regime. In contrast, plant growth slightly declined with biocrust removal. Plant biomass and biocrust chlorophyll content were negatively correlated in the second year, suggesting net competition. Belowground connectivity weakly promoted overall biocrust relative productivity, but was generally weakly detrimental to plant relative productivity.

Conclusions

Altered precipitation patterns can amplify positive effects of plant removal on biocrust producers. Furthermore, we discovered that belowground networks contributed to dryland productivity by promoting biocrust performance.
Rapid alignment of functional trait variation with locality across the invaded range of Sahara mustard (Brassica tournefortii)
Authors: Winkler Daniel E. , Gremer Jennifer R. , Chapin Kenneth J. , Kao Melanie , Huxman Travis E.
Published: July 2018

Premise of Study

Mechanisms by which invasive species succeed across multiple novel environmental contexts are poorly understood. Functional traits show promise for identifying such mechanisms, yet we lack knowledge of which functional traits are critical for success and how they vary across invaded ranges and with environmental features. We evaluated the widespread recent invasion of Sahara mustard (Brassica tournefortii) in the southwestern United States to understand the extent of functional trait variation across the invaded range and how such variation is related to spatial and climatic gradients.

Methods

We used a common garden approach, growing two generations of plants in controlled conditions sourced from 10 locations across the invaded range. We measured variation within and among populations in phenological, morphological, and physiological traits, as well as performance.

Key Results

We found nine key traits that varied among populations. These traits were related to phenology and early growth strategies, such as the timing of germination and flowering, as well as relative allocation of biomass to reproduction and individual seed mass. Trait variation was related most strongly to variation in winter precipitation patterns across localities, though variations in temperature and latitude also had significant contributions.

Conclusions

Our results identify key functional traits of this invasive species that showed significant variation among introduced populations across a broad geographic and climatic range. Further, trait variation among populations was strongly related to key climatic variables, which suggests that population divergence in these traits may explain the successful colonization of Sahara mustard across its invaded US range.
Creating a new index to evaluate imbalance in medical demand and supply when disasters occur
Authors: Takahashi Kohei , Morimura Naoto , Takeuchi Ichiro , Abe Takeru , Toida Chiaki , Hattori Jun , Hattori Kyoko , Honda Hideki , Uchiyama Munehito , Matsuda Kiyoshi , Nakagawa Yoshihide , Asari Yasushi
Published: July 2018

Aim

This study examines the use of the medical risk/resource ratio (RRR) and need for medical resources (NMR) as new indicators of the imbalance in medical demand and supply in disasters. These indicators are used to quantify the medical demand–supply imbalance per disaster base hospital, examine the demand–supply imbalance in the region, and verify the need for medical support.

Methods

We calculated the RRR of each disaster base hospital by dividing the revised estimate of the number of patients with the number of empty beds. We calculated the required number of hospital beds as the NMR to restore the RRR of each disaster base hospital to two. The RRR and NMR were combined, and prioritization for medical support was classified into three levels.

Results

The median RRR was 23 (range, 1–101), and the median NMR was 943 (range, 0–2,124). Fifteen hospitals had a medical support priority of 1, five hospitals had a priority of 2, and 13 hospitals had a priority of 3.

Conclusion

The medical demand–supply imbalance and amount of medical support needed can be quantified using RRR and NMR, which allows examination of the priority level for medical support.
Electric Field Writing of Ferroelectric Nano‐Domains Near 71° Domain Walls with Switchable Interfacial Conductivity
Authors: Yang Shuzhen , Peng Ren‐Ci , He Qing , Huang Yen‐Lin , Huang Yijing , Yang Jan‐Chi , Chen Tianzhe , Guo Jingwen , Chen Long‐Qing , Chu Ying‐Hao , Nan Ce‐Wen , Yu Pu
Published: July 2018

Conducting ferroelectric domain walls attract a wide range of research interest due to their promising applications in nanoelectronics. In this study, we reveal an unexpected enhanced conductivity near the well‐aligned 71° nonpolar domain walls in BiFeO3. Such an interfacial conductivity is induced by the creation of up‐polarized nano‐domains near the 71° domain walls, as revealed by the combination of the piezo‐response force microscopy (PFM) and conducting atomic force microscopy (c‐AFM) imaging techniques, as well as phase‐field simulations. The upward polarized domains are suggested to lower the Schottky barrier at the interface between the tip and sample surface, and then give rise to the enhanced interfacial conductivity. The result provides a new strategy to tune the local conductance in ferroelectric materials and opens up new opportunities to design novel nanoelectronic devices.
Capturing variation in Lens (Fabaceae): Development and utility of an exome capture array for lentil
Authors: Ogutcen Ezgi , Ramsay Larissa , von Wettberg Eric Bishop , Bett Kirstin E.
Published: July 2018

Premise of the Study

Lentil is an important legume crop with reduced genetic diversity caused by domestication bottlenecks. Due to its large and complex genome, tools for reduced representation sequencing are needed. We developed an exome capture array for use in various genetic diversity studies.

Methods

Based on the CDC Redberry draft genome, we developed an exome capture array using multiple sources of transcript resources. The probes were designed to target not only the cultivated lentil, but also wild species. We assessed the utility of the developed method by applying the generated data set to population structure and phylogenetic analyses.

Results

The data set includes 16 wild lentils and 22 cultivar accessions of lentil. Alignment rates were over 90%, and the genic regions were well represented in the capture array. After stringent filtering, 6.5 million high‐quality variants were called, and the data set was used to assess the interspecific relationships within the genus Lens.

Discussion

The developed exome capture array provides large amounts of genomic data to be used in many downstream analyses. The method will have useful applications in marker‐assisted breeding programs aiming to improve the quality of cultivated lentil.
SpheroidSim—Preliminary evaluation of a new computational tool to predict the influence of cell cycle time and phase fraction on spheroid growth
Authors: Little J. P. , Pettet G. J. , Hutmacher D. W. , Loessner D.
Published: July 2018

Background

There is a relative paucity of research that integrates materials science and bioengineering with computational simulations to decipher the intricate processes promoting cancer progression. Therefore, a first‐generation computational model, SpheroidSim, was developed that includes a biological data set derived from a bioengineered spheroid model to obtain a quantitative description of cell kinetics.

Results

SpheroidSim is a 3D agent‐based model simulating the growth of multicellular cancer spheroids. Cell cycle time and phases mathematically motivated the population growth. SpheroidSim simulated the growth dynamics of multiple spheroids by individually defining a collection of specific phenotypic traits and characteristics for each cell. Experimental data derived from a hydrogel‐based spheroid model were fit to the predictions providing insight into the influence of cell cycle time (CCT) and cell phase fraction (CPF) on the cell population. A comparison of the number of active cells predicted for each analysis showed that the value and method used to define CCT had a greater effect on the predicted cell population than CPF. The model predictions were similar to the experimental results for the number of cells, with the predicted total number of cells varying by 8% and 12%, respectively, compared to the experimental data.

Conclusions

SpheroidSim is a first step in developing a biologically based predictive tool capable of revealing fundamental elements in cancer cell physiology. This computational model may be applied to study the effect of the microenvironment on spheroid growth and other cancer cell types that demonstrate a similar multicellular clustering behavior as the population develops. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:1335–1343, 2018
Did Greek houses survive appeal in hazing case?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: July 2018

As a prospective pledge of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, Northern Illinois University student David Bogenberger was required to attend an event called “Mom and Dad's Night.”
Theory and Simulations for the Electron Transfer/Ion Transfer Mode of SECM with Electroactive Species Present in Both Liquid Phases
Authors: Oleinick Alexander , Yu Yun , Mirkin Michael V. , Svir Irina , Amatore Christian
Published: July 2018

The electron transfer/ion transfer mode of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), in which a nanopipette containing a solvent immiscible with the outer solution is used as a tip to approach a microelectrode substrate, is investigated by simulations in order to analyze the effect of the electroactive species being simultaneously present inside the nanopipette and in the external liquid phase. The simulations consider conventional transport modes of the species inside the nanopipette as well as in the bulk solution coupled with their transfer across the liquid‐liquid nanointerface supported at the nanopipette tip. The shapes of the simulated approach curves (tip current vs. tip‐substrate distance) are highly sensitive to the ratio of initial concentrations in the nanopipette and in the outer solution for a given partition coefficient value providing a direct method to determine its value. The effect of the 1st and 2nd order homogeneous reaction consuming the product electrogenerated at the microelectrode surface onto its collection by the nanopipette is also presented.
Spectroscopic Fingerprints of Intermolecular H‐Bonding Interactions in Carbon Nitride Model Compounds
Authors: Lanzilotto Valeria , Silva J. Luis , Zhang Teng , Stredansky Matuš , Grazioli Cesare , Simonov Konstantin , Giangrisostomi Erika , Ovsyannikov Ruslan , De Simone Monica , Coreno Marcello , Araujo C. Moyses , Brena Barbara , Puglia Carla
Published: July 2018

The effect of intermolecular H‐bonding interactions on the local electronic structure of N‐containing functional groups (amino group and pyridine‐like N) that are characteristic of polymeric carbon nitride materials p‐CN(H), a new class of metal‐free organophotocatalysts, was investigated. Specifically, the melamine molecule, a building block of p‐CN(H), was characterized by X‐ray photoelectron (XPS) and near edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. The molecule was studied as a noninteracting system in the gas phase and in the solid state within a H‐bonded network. With the support of DFT simulations of the spectra, it was found that the H‐bonds mainly affect the N 1s level of the amino group, leaving the N 1s level of the pyridine‐like N mostly unperturbed. This is responsible for a reduction of the chemical shift between the two XPS N 1s levels relative to free melamine. Consequently, N K‐edge NEXAFS resonances involving the amino N 1s level also shift to lower photon energies. Moreover, the solid‐state absorption spectra showed significant modification/quenching of resonances related to transitions from the amino N 1s level to σ* orbitals involving the NH2 termini.
Enantioselective α‐Allylation of Acyclic Esters Using B(pin)‐Substituted Electrophiles: Independent Regulation of Stereocontrol Elements through Cooperative Pd/Lewis Base Catalysis
Authors: Scaggs W. Rush , Snaddon Thomas N.
Published: July 2018

Cooperation between a Lewis base and Pd catalyst enables the direct enantioselective α‐functionalization of aryl and vinyl acetic acid esters using a bifunctional B(pin)‐substituted electrophile. Critical to the success of this method was the recognition that both catalysts could control the necessary stereochemical aspects; the Lewis base catalyst controls the enantioselectivity of the reaction, whereas the Pd catalyst regulates alkenyl‐B(pin) configuration. This is the first example of using cooperative catalysis to control both stereochemical features during Pd‐catalyzed allylic alkylation.
Design and Synthesis of DNA‐Interactive β‐Carboline–Oxindole Hybrids as Cytotoxic and Apoptosis‐Inducing Agents
Authors: Tokala Ramya , Thatikonda Sowjanya , Vanteddu Usha Sree , Sana Sravani , Godugu Chandraiah , Shankaraiah Nagula
Published: July 2018

A new series of (E)‐3‐[(1‐aryl‐9H‐pyrido[3,4‐b]indol‐3‐yl)methylene]indolin‐2‐one hybrids were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against a panel of selected human cancer cell lines, namely, HCT‐15, HCT‐116, A549, NCI‐H460, and MCF‐7, including HFL. Among the tested compounds, (E)‐1‐benzyl‐5‐bromo‐3‐{[1‐(2,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐9H‐pyrido[3,4‐b]indol‐3‐yl]methylene}indolin‐2‐one (10 s) showed potent cytotoxicity against HCT‐15 cancer cells with an IC50 value of 1.43±0.26 μm and a GI50 value of 0.89±0.06 μm. Notably, induction of apoptosis by 10 s on the HCT‐15 cell line was characterized by using different staining techniques, such as acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) and DAPI. Further, to understand the mechanism of anticancer effects, various assays such as annexin V‐FITC/PI, DCFDA, and JC‐1were performed. The flow cytometric analysis revealed that compound 10 s arrests the HCT‐15 cancer cells at the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. Additionally, western blot analysis indicated that treatment of 10 s on HCT‐15 cancer cells led to decreased expression of anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 and increased protein expression of both pro‐apoptotic Bax and caspase‐3, ‐8, and ‐9, and cleaved PARP with reference to actin. Next, a clonogenic assay revealed the inhibition of colony formation in HCT‐15 cancer cells by 10 s in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, upon testing on normal human lung cells (HFL), the compounds were observed to be safer with a low toxicity profile. In addition, viscosity and molecular‐docking studies showed that compound 10 s has typical intercalation with DNA.
o‐Benzenediol‐Functionalized Carbon Nanosheets as Low Self‐Discharge Aqueous Supercapacitors
Authors: Xiong Ting , Yu Zhi Gen , Lee Wee Siang Vincent , Xue Junmin
Published: July 2018

Widening the voltage window is often proposed as a way to increase the energy density of aqueous supercapacitors. However, attempting to operate beyond the aqueous supercapacitor stability region can undermine the supercapacitor reliability due to pronounced electrolyte decomposition, which can lead to a significant self‐discharge process. To minimize this challenge, charge injection by grafting o‐benzenediol onto the carbon electrode is proposed through a simple electrochemical cycling technique. Due to charge injection from o‐benzenediol into the carbon electrode, the equilibrium potential of the individual electrode can be reduced. In addition, due to its small molecular size, charge distribution, which is commonly faced by bulk pseudocapacitive materials, is also avoided. The assembled supercapacitor based on the o‐benzenediol‐grafted carbon demonstrated a maximum energy density of 24 Wh kg−1 and a maximum power density of 69 kW kg−1, with a retention of 89 % after 10 000 cycles at 10 A g−1. A low self‐discharge of about 4 h was recorded; this could be attributed to the low driving force arising from the lower equilibrium potential. Thus, the proposed technique may provide insight towards the tuning of the equilibrium potential to attain reliable, high‐performing supercapacitors with a low self‐discharge process.
Work with campus safety officials to keep students with autism safe
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: July 2018

Individuals on the autism spectrum are statistically more likely to have contact with law enforcement than others. In fact, by some estimates, they are seven times as likely to have contact with law enforcement officers compared with their neurotypical peers. These contacts can occur because individuals with autism spectrum disorder might behave in ways that arouse suspicion, or they might behave inappropriately because they don't understand social expectations. And people with ASD are at high risk of becoming victims. In fact, they are more likely to be victims than criminals, said Dennis Debbaudt, who provides training to police departments on working with individuals on the spectrum through his business Autism Risk and Safety Management.
Emotional support animals on campus: Know the facts, review your policies
Authors: Bedrossian Louise
Published: July 2018

In 2016, the National Institutes of Health estimated that 18.3 percent of adults in the United States had mental illness. Young adults 18 to 25 had the highest incidence, with 22.1 percent affected. Emotional support animals are becoming more common, and requests for them are rapidly increasing in student housing and on campuses, generating a host of questions and challenges for disability services offices.
AT in the classroom and clinic
Authors: Littrell Clay
Published: July 2018

Determining appropriate assistive technology for the classroom and clinical settings differs from determining other accommodations. To effectively assess barriers and determine appropriate AT, disability services providers need to be familiar with, and trained on, the most common AT solutions.
Suppression of sea clutter and detection of small ship observed by an S‐band Radar
Authors: Sayama Shuji
Published: July 2018

I have observed sea clutter including a target (small ship) using an S‐band radar with a frequency of 3.05 GHz, a beamwidth of 1.8°, a pulsewidth of 0.5 μs, and a pulse‐repetition frequency of 1600 Hz. To investigate the sea clutter amplitude statistics, I introduce the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). I have found that the sea clutter amplitudes obey the log‐normal distribution with the shape parameter of σ = 0.385 for entire data and the log‐normal,Weibull, and log‐Weibull distributions with the shape parameters of σ = 0.379‐0.505, c = 2.92‐4.81, and c = 12.33‐15.28, respectively, for data within the beam width of an antenna. The number of the smallest AIC (MAIC) of the log‐normal, Weibull, and log‐Weibull distributions to data are 3, 5, and 4, respectively, from 12 range sweep numbers. I have used the Weibull/CFAR (constant false alarm rate) circuit which is modified a Cell‐Averaging (CA) LOG/CFAR circuit. It is found that small ship is detected and sea clutter is suppressed with improvement of 24.83 dB by Weibull/CFAR.
Exciplex Formation and Aggregation Induced Emission in Di‐(N‐benzyl)cyclen and Its Complexes – Selective Fluorescence with Lead(II), and as the Cadmium(II) Complex, with the Chloride Ion
Authors: Correia Bruna B. , Brown Thomas R. , Reibenspies Joseph H. , Lee Hee‐Seung , Hancock Robert D.
Published: July 2018

DB‐cyclen [1,7‐bis(phenylmethyl)‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane] was investigated in 50 % CH3OH/H2O (v/v) as a fluorescent sensor for heavy metal ions, and as the CdII complex as a sensor for anions. The PbII complex showed a unique strong emission at 447 nm, possibly a charge‐transfer band involving the 6p←6s2 transition of PbII and the benzyl fluorophore. ZnII uniquely produced a significant emission at 353 nm, suggested to be due to an aggregation induced (AIE) mechanism, possibly involving exciplex formation. The free DB‐cyclen ligand produces a fluorescence band at 354 nm above pH ca. 9, accompanied by the slow formation of an aggregate in suspension as indicated by the presence of light scattering peaks in the absorbance spectra, an AIE effect, due to formation of an intermolecular exciplex in the solid state. The role of M···C π contacts in quenching fluorescence in DB‐cyclen complexes or in AIE effects was investigated in the structures of [Pb(DB‐cyclen)(ClO4)2] (1), [Cu(DB‐cyclen)(ClO4)2] (2), [Ag(DB‐cyclen)(ClO4)] (3), and [Cd(DB‐cyclen)(ClO4)(H2O)]ClO4 (4). In 1 there is an intermolecular π contact between the PbII and a benzyl group from an adjacent complex individual, which is also the case in 3, where very short η2 intermolecular Ag···C π contacts are found. A strong band at 336 nm is shown in the CdII DB‐cyclen complex on titration with Cl– only: Br–, I–, S2O32–, and SCN– produced no AIE/exciplex band in the CdII DB‐cyclen complex: the exciplex forming species may be a Cl– bridged dimer [Cd(DB‐cyclen)Cl]22+.
Synthesis, Structure, and Synthetic Potential of Arenediazonium Trifluoromethanesulfonates as Stable and Safe Diazonium Salts
Authors: Filimonov Victor D. , Krasnokutskaya Elena A. , Kassanova Assia Zh. , Fedorova Valentina A. , Stankevich Ksenia S. , Naumov Nikolay G. , Bondarev Alexander A. , Kataeva Veronika A.
Published: July 2018

Aromatic diazonium salts are valuable building blocks for organic synthesis; however, in most cases, they are unstable, unsafe, poorly soluble, and/or expensive. In this paper, we have shown that a variety of stable and safe arenediazonium triflates ArN2+ TfO– can be obtained easily and in high yields by diazotization of anilines with tert‐butyl nitrite in the presence of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid. Arenediazonium triflates are relatively shelf‐stable in the dry state. They dissolve well in water, as well as polar and even nonpolar organic solvents. Less than 800 J/g of energy is released during the thermal decomposition of these salts, which indicates their explosion safety. Arenediazonium triflates have a high reactivity in the known reactions of diazonium chemistry, and undergo an unusual metal‐free chlorodediazonization reaction with chloroform and CCl4.
A Catalyst‐Free Self‐Catalyzed [3+2] Cycloaddition Reaction of 3‐Isothiocyanato Oxindoles and Vinylpyridines
Authors: Gui Hou‐Ze , Wei Yin , Shi Min
Published: July 2018

A catalyst‐free self‐catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of 3‐isothiocyanato oxindoles with vinylpyridines has been established, affording the desired products in high yields (up to 97 %) with moderate to good diastereoselectivities (up to 11:1) under mild conditions. The reaction mechanism has been investigated by control experiments, DFT calculations of pKa values and the kinetic studies, revealing that this reaction featured the mutual activation between 3‐isothiocyanato oxindole and vinylpyridine to generate the reactive species. Furthermore, these products could be easily transformed into the corresponding methylated and hydroxylated products under basic conditions.
Evaluation of the performance of Illumina's ForenSeq™ system on serially degraded samples
Authors: Zhang Qingzhen , Zhou Zhe , Liu Qiqi , Liu Liyan , Shao Liting , Zhang Minli , Ding Xiaoran , Gao Yue , Wang Shengqi
Published: July 2018

The use of next generation sequencing is increasing in the field of forensic genomics. This study assesses the performance of Illumina's MiSeq FGx System in the recovery of forensic genomic sequencing information from degraded and low‐template DNA. The analysis involved a sensitivity study where a range of 1 ng to 5 pg of 2800M DNA was utilized. DNA was artificially and systematically degraded by incubating 2800 M DNA at 98°C for 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 120 and 180 min (resulting in degradation index values ranging from 0.837 to 232.247). The results revealed the detected allele call frequencies were greater than 80% when the DNA input was > = 50 pg or the degradation index was lower than 72.28. The allele balance was lower than 0.6 when the samples were heated for more than 120 min or the input quantity was less than 25 pg. Our data also indicated that the stutter type and ratio depend on the specific locus, while the sequencing run was the most significant factor in noise occurrence. The results of this study will help laboratories to develop workflows for the analysis of challenging samples using the ForenSeq FGx system.
Light‐induced self‐thermophoresis of Janus spheroidal nanoparticles
Authors: Miloh Touvia , Nagler Jacob
Published: July 2018

A theoretical framework is provided for determining the self‐thermophoretic velocity of a light irradiated spheroidal Janus nanoparticle consisting of symmetric dielectric and perfectly conducting semi‐spheroids. The analysis is based on solving the linearized Joule heating problem due to uniform laser irradiance and on explicitly determining the temperature fields inside and outside the particle. We employ the thermoelectric (Peltier‐ Seebeck) methodology to find the surface self ‐ induced temperature gradient and the related slip velocity which determines the autonomous phoretic (self ‐ propulsion) mobility of the Janus particle. Simplified explicit expressions for the self ‐ thermophoretic velocities of spheroidal (prolate and oblate) Janus particles in terms of their aspect ratios are found and few practical limiting cases (i.e., sphere, disk and needle) are also discussed.
Millisecond Dynamics of the Magnetocaloric Effect in a First‐ and Second‐Order Phase Transition Material
Authors: Döntgen Jago , Rudolph Jörg , Gottschall Tino , Gutfleisch Oliver , Hägele Daniel
Published: July 2018

The millisecond‐dynamics of the magnetocaloric effect in Gd and La‐Fe‐Si‐Mn, which exhibit first‐ and second‐order phase‐transitions, respectively, are investigated. Direct measurements of the adiabatic temperature change ΔT are obtained from modulation infrared thermometry with field‐cycling frequencies exceeding 1 kHz at amplitudes of up to 45 mT. The peak amplitude of ΔT(T) shows a dependence on sample thickness and decreases with increasing modulation frequency for both materials despite a frequency independent susceptibility of Gd. The adiabatic ΔT depends quadratically on the external field for Gd while La−Fe−Si−Mn shows a peculiar bucket‐shaped curve for temperatures below the peak maximum. A comparative study of non‐caloric samples shows that dissipative heating by eddy currents or magnetic hysteresis does not explain the observed behavior. The transient ΔT(t) instead suggests a mechanism involving strong temperature gradients at the ferromagnetic–paramagnetic boundaries and underlines the importance of further dynamical studies for a fundamental understanding of the magnetocaloric effect in first‐order materials.
Dramatic evolution of body length due to postembryonic changes in cell size in a newly discovered close relative ofCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Woodruff Gavin C. , Willis John H. , Phillips Patrick C.
Published: July 2018

Understanding morphological diversity—and morphological constraint—has been a central question in evolutionary biology since its inception. Nematodes of the genus Caenorhabditis, which contains the well-studied model organism C. elegans, display remarkable morphological consistency in the face of extensive genetic divergence. Here, we provide a description of the broad developmental patterns of a newly discovered species, C. sp. 34, which was isolated from fresh figs in Okinawa and which is among the closest known relatives of C. elegans. C. sp. 34 displays an extremely large body size; it can grow to be nearly twice as long as C. elegans and all other known members of the genus. Observations of the timing of developmental milestones reveal that C. sp. 34 develops about twice as slowly as C. elegans. Measurements of embryonic and larval size show that the size difference between C. sp. 34 and C. elegans is largely due to postembryonic events, particularly during the transition from larval to adult stages. This difference in size is not attributable to differences in germ line chromosome number or the number of somatic cells. The overall difference in body size is therefore largely attributable to changes in cell size via increased cytoplasmic volume. Because of its close relationship to C. elegans, the distinctness of C. sp. 34 provides an ideal system for the detailed analysis of evolutionary diversification. The context of over 40 years of C. elegans developmental genetics also reveals clues into how natural selection and developmental constraint act jointly to promote patterns of morphological stasis and divergence in this group.
Effects of ball milling treatment on physicochemical properties and digestibility of Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) protein powder
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Chang Sijia , Li Yajing , Kong Liu , Wu Di , Qin Lei , Yu Cuiping , Wu Chao , Du Ming
Published: July 2018

The oyster protein was ball milling treated in this work, and the effects on particle size, conformation, physicochemical properties, and in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) were investigated. After ball milling treatment, the particle size obviously decreased, and the protein powder became denser and more homogeneous. The ball milling treatment could not change the primary structure of oyster protein. However, it could affect the secondary structure and physicochemical properties. The disulfide bond increased from 8.18 to 9.14 μmol/g protein, while the protein surface hydrophobicity index increased from 0.088 to 0.176. The decreasing water‐holding capacity from 390% to 226% and the increasing oil‐binding capacity from 91.2% to 189.1% were related to the alterations of conformation and physicochemical properties. Ball milling could also improve the IVPD from 54.6% to 82.4%. These results provided theoretical basis for the application of ball milling treatment in the utilization of oyster protein in the food industry.
Secure edge computing: An architectural approach and industrial use case
Authors: Rani Shalli , Ahmed Syed Hassan
Published: July 2018

Internet of Things (IoT) perceived as the connection among heterogeneous thing or devices and end users anticipate for the rapid response or connection via their devices connected to the internet. This expectation of the users from the IoT, gave rise to many challenges (scalability, security, low end to end latency, etc.) and which motivated us to propose a novel architecture for the security of internet of smart edge computing. Edge computing is transforming the way of communication and proposed scheme will leverage it. The main trait of novel approach is the convergence of numerous technologies via exploiting communication between control gateways and sensor nodes/objects/things by intelligent computation and security. A use case from the industrial perspective implies its justification.
Synthetic small RNAs: Current status, challenges, and opportunities
Authors: Patel Shreya , Panchasara Happy , Braddick Darren , Gohil Nisarg , Singh Vijai
Published: July 2018

Small regulatory RNAs act at the levels of transcription, posttranscription, and translation, with numerous roles that include binding to protein targets, protein modification, binding to messenger RNA targets, and regulation of gene expression. We discuss the development of a number of riboregulators and riboswitches, highlighting their use in metabolic engineering and genetic control. Riboregulators and riboswitches are self‐assembled RNA molecules that can dynamically change their conformation, acting as regulatory switches that affect biological changes. They have currently been designed, characterized, and implemented in a wide range of organisms and cell types, including bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells. We have identified and examined the recent advances in RNA synthetic biology, underlining the potential future development of their use and capabilities, noting how these can be ultimately expanded and improved into novel biotechnological, biomedical, and industrial applications.
Disruption of SOX6 gene using CRISPR/Cas9 technology for gamma‐globin reactivation: An approach towards gene therapy of β‐thalassemia
Authors: Shariati Laleh , Rohani Fattah , Heidari Hafshejani Nahid , Kouhpayeh Shirin , Boshtam Maryam , Mirian Mina , Rahimmanesh Ilnaz , Hejazi Zahra , Modarres Mehran , Pieper Ina Laura , Khanahmad Hossein
Published: July 2018

Elevation of Hemoglobin F ameliorates symptoms of β‐thalassemia, a common autosomal recessive disorder. The transcription factor SOX6 plays a key role in the γ to β‐globin gene switching. In the current investigation, a mutation was induced using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology in the binding domain region of SOX6 to reactivate γ‐globin expression. Three CRISPR/Cas9 cassettes were provided, whose single‐guide RNAs targeted different regions in the SOX6 gene‐binding domain. After transfection of K562 cells with CRISPR a, b and c, and subsequent erythroid differentiation, the indel percentage of the cells was about 30%, 25%, and 24%, respectively. Relative quantification showed that the γ‐globin mRNA level increased to 1.3‐, 2.1‐, and 1.1‐fold in the cells treated with CRISPR/Cas9 a, b, and c, respectively, compared with untreated cells. Our results show that mutation induction in the binding site of the SOX6 gene leads to γ‐globin reactivation. These findings support the idea that CRISPR interrupts the SOX6 binding site, and, as a result, SOX6 is incapable of binding the γ‐globin promoter. In conclusion, SOX6 disruption could be considered as a therapeutic approach for β‐thalassemia treatment. CRISPR/Cas9 was selected for this purpose as it is the most rapidly evolving technology.
When Good Consumers Turn Bad: Psychological Contract Breach in Committed Brand Relationships
Authors: Montgomery Nicole Votolato , Raju Sekar , Desai Kalpesh Kaushik , Unnava H. Rao
Published: July 2018

To better understand the conditions under which committed consumers continue to support their preferred brand after a transgression versus turn against the brand and the underlying theoretical process, we study the interplay between brand commitment and specific types of transgressions. Across three scenario‐based and field studies, we show that consumers have psychological contracts with brands, which dictate the terms of the relationship, and for committed consumers, violations of any aspect in (out of) the contract results in a negative (indifferent) response. Furthermore, we demonstrate that consumer trust is the underlying mechanism: committed consumers exhibit more negative responses to in‐contract transgressions as a result of their lower trust in the brand.
Corinthian raisins (Vitis vinifera L., var. Apyrena) antioxidant and sugar content as affected by the drying process: a 3‐year study
Authors: Panagopoulou Eirini A , Chiou Antonia , Nikolidaki Eirini K , Christea Margarita , Karathanos Vaios T
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Corinthian raisins or Corinthian currants are dried grape products that account for approximately 3% of dried vine fruit production worldwide. Greece is the major Corinthian raisin producer. In this study Corinthian raisins were produced by applying two traditional drying methods, i.e. sun and shade drying. The drying process effect on the raisin phytochemical and sugar content was assessed; samples obtained over three consecutive crops were evaluated to prevail over climatic condition variations.

RESULTS

Total phenolic, flavanol, and anthocyanin content were higher in Corinthian raisins dried under shade as compared with the sun‐dried ones; individual anthocyanidin‐3‐O‐glucosides were also qualitatively and quantitatively higher under shade drying in most cases. Differences were observed in Corinthian raisin phytochemical content among the crop years evaluated. The drying process applied did not discriminatively affect the sugar content of Corinthian raisin.

CONCLUSION

Drying under shade was proven superior to sun drying with respect to Corinthian raisin phytochemicals and could be considered as an appealing drying method for the production of dried raisins and perhaps other dried fruits. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Systematical characterization of physiochemical and rheological properties of thermal‐induced polymerized whey protein
Authors: Zhang Xuefei , Sun Xiaomeng , Gao Feng , Wang Jiaqi , Wang Cuina
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Effects of pH (6–8), protein concentration (60–110, g kg−1), heating temperature (70–95 °C) and time (5–30 min) on physiochemical and rheological properties of thermal‐induced polymerized whey protein isolate (PWP) were systematically investigated. Degree of denaturation, particle size, zeta potential, free sulfhydryl group content, surface hydrophobicity and apparent viscosity were determined.

RESULTS

Heating whey protein above 75 °C at pH 7 or 8 resulted in denaturation of 80–90% whey protein. pH variation had a remarkable influence on particle size of samples (P < 0.05), whereas heating temperature and time did not generate significant changes. Zeta potential of PWP samples fell in the range of −30 to −40 mV. Free sulfhydryl group content of PWP samples decreased with increasing level regarding each factor. Surface hydrophobicity analysis showed that samples at higher pH or concentration became less hydrophobic, and increasing heating temperature or time resulted in higher hydrophobicity index. Time sweep test revealed that increasing protein concentration, heating temperature or time led to higher apparent viscosity. Flow behavior of PWP samples approached Newtonian character as protein concentration, heating temperature or time decreased.

CONCLUSION

Systematic data may provide helpful information in designing a heating process for dairy products and application of PWP in the food industry. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry