bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of an ideal turbine in an inviscid shear flow
Authors: Draper S. , Nishino T. , Adcock T. A. A. , Taylor P. H.
Published: April 2016

Although wind and tidal turbines operate in turbulent shear flow, most theoretical results concerning turbine performance, such as the well-known Betz limit, assume the upstream velocity profile is uniform. To improve on these existing results we extend the classical actuator disc model in this paper to investigate the performance of an ideal turbine in steady, inviscid shear flow. The model is developed on the assumption that there is negligible lateral interaction in the flow passing through the disc and that the actuator applies a uniform resistance across its area. With these assumptions, solution of the model leads to two key results. First, for laterally unbounded shear flow, it is shown that the normalised power extracted is the same as that for an ideal turbine in uniform flow, if the average of the cube of the upstream velocity of the fluid passing through the turbine is used in the normalisation. Second, for a laterally bounded shear flow, it is shown that the same normalisation can be applied, but allowance must also be made for the fact that non-uniform flow bypassing the turbine alters the background pressure gradient and, in turn, the turbines ‘effective blockage’ (so that it may be greater or less than the geometric blockage, defined as the ratio of turbine disc area to cross-sectional area of the flow). Predictions based on the extended model agree well with numerical simulations approximating the incompressible Euler equations. The model may be used to improve interpretation of model-scale results for wind and tidal turbines in tunnels/flumes, to investigate the variation in force across a turbine and to update existing theoretical models of arrays of tidal turbines.
Quantitative analysis of the ecological dominance of benthic disaster taxa in the aftermath of the end-Permian mass extinction
Authors: Petsios Elizabeth , Bottjer David J.
Published: April 2016

The end-Permian mass extinction, the largest extinction of the Phanerozoic, led to a severe reduction in both taxonomic richness and ecological complexity of marine communities, eventually culminating in a dramatic ecological restructuring of communities. During the Early Triassic recovery interval, disaster taxa proliferated and numerically dominated many marine benthic invertebrate assemblages. These disaster taxa include the bivalve generaClaraia,Unionites,Eumorphotis, andPromyalina, and the inarticulate brachiopodLingularia. The exact nature and extent of their dominance remains uncertain. Here, a quantitative analysis of the dominance of these taxa within the fossil communities of Panthalassa and Tethys benthic realms is undertaken for the stages of the Early Triassic to examine temporal and regional changes in disaster-taxon dominance as recovery progresses. Community dominance and disaster-taxon abundance is markedly different between Panthalassic and Tethyan communities. In Panthalassa, community evenness is low in the Induan stage but increases significantly in the Smithian and Spathian. This is coincident with a significant decrease in the relative abundance and occurrence frequency of the disaster taxa, most notably of the low-oxygen-affinity taxaClaraiaandLingularia. While the disaster taxa are present in post-Induan assemblages, other taxa, including two articulate brachiopod genera, outrank the disaster taxa in relative abundance. In the Tethys, assemblages are generally more even than contemporaneous Panthalassic assemblages. We observe an averaged trend toward more even communities with fewer disaster taxa in both Panthalassic and Tethyan assemblages over time.
Can the parasitoid Necremnus tutae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) improve existing biological control of the tomato leafminer Tuta aboluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)?
Authors: Calvo F.J. , Soriano J.D. , Stansly P.A. , Belda J.E.
Published: April 2016

Necremnus tutae is native to the Mediterranean region where it has been observed in greenhouses parasitizing the invasive Tuta absoluta on tomato. The objective of the present study was to determine whether augmentative releases of N. tutae can improve existing biological control of T. absoluta based on predation by Nesidicoris tenuis. Two experiments were carried out, of which the first evaluated different N. tutae release rates (1 and 2 N. tutae m−2 week−1). The parasitoid reduced plant and fruit damage, especially at the higher rate. However, such reduction was considered insufficient given the large numbers of parasitoids needed and still unacceptable level of fruit damage. The second experiment focused on combining the most efficient rate of N. tutae of those evaluated during the first experiment, with the pre- and post-planting release of N. tenuis and supplemental additions of Ephestia kuehniella eggs. Addition of N. tutae decreased leaf damage by T. absoluta regardless the release method for N. tenuis, but the pre-plant release of N. tenuis alone was sufficient to prevent fruit damage by T. absoluta. This suggested that the addition of N. tutae may not be necessary to obtain satisfactory control of T. absoluta following pre-plant application of N. tenuis, although different options for using N. tutae in commercial crops may still be possible.
Spirobolbolaimus undulatussp. nov. in intertidal sediment from the East China Sea, with transfer of twoMicrolaimusspecies toMolgolaimus(Nematoda, Desmodorida)
Authors: Shi Benze , Xu Kuidong
Published: April 2016

Spirobolbolaimus undulatussp. nov. is described in intertidal sandy sediment from the East China Sea. The new species is characterized by six jointed outer labial setae much thicker and longer than the four slender cephalic setae, anterior and posterior pharynx bulbs, sclerotized multispiral amphid fovea, eight longitudinal rows of postamphideal setae, gubernaculum apophysis and many precloacal supplements. The new species differs distinctly from the type speciesSpirobolbolaimus bathyalisin the presence (vsabsence) of jointed outer labial setae, eight additional small teeth, gubernaculum apophysis and many precloacal supplements and eight (vssix) rows of postamphideal setae. It differs from the other known congenerSpirobolbolaimus boucherorumin the jointed outer labial setae (vssetae with smooth outline), three main teeth with eight additional small teeth (vsonly three main teeth) and many distinct precloacal supplements (vsseven tiny papillate ones). We emend the diagnosis of the genusSpirobolbolaimusbased on the description.Microlaimus pecticaudaandMicrolaimus spiriferpossess two opposed reflexed ovaries, and thus are transferred from the family Microlaimidae toMolgolaimusof the family Desmodoridae:Molgolaimus pecticaudacomb. nov. andMolgolaimus spirifercomb. nov.
Trajan's Column and Mars Ultor
Authors: Beckmann Martin
Published: April 2016

This paper makes two arguments. The first is that Trajan deliberately orchestrated the dedication of his Column on 12 May, the anniversary of the dedication of the Temple of Mars Ultor, to coincide with the beginning of a new war against Parthia ina.d. 113. The second is that although most modern commentators focus on the function of Mars Ultor as avenger of Caesar, the evidence of his actual invocation from the late first centuryb.c. through the third centurya.d. more strongly supports another interpretation: as agent of vengeance against foreign enemies, and against Parthia/Persia in particular.
The Regime of Contract in South African Retailing: A History of Race, Gender, and Skill in Precarious Labor
Authors: Kenny Bridget
Published: April 2016

This article examines the history of precarious labor within the retail sector in South Africa since the early decades of the twentieth century. It argues that a “regime of contract” characterized through a bifurcated legal apparatus for black and white workers and skill segmentation naturalized by race and gender can be used to track the continuities as well as explain the changes within forms of precarious labor in the present. The history of struggle for regulation as well as employer efforts to refragment the employment contract have been a key part of this story. This article suggests that “regimes of contract” can be used to develop comparative and transnational study to explain precarious labor regimes globally.
Queers are Workers, Workers are Queer, Workers' Rights are Hot! The Emerging Field of Queer Labor History
Authors: Smith Sara R.
Published: April 2016

Gay male stewards performing drag shows on large passenger ships in the 1930s. Male hustlers selling sex to men for money and then going home to their girlfriends in the 1950s. Lesbian bus drivers organizing in the 1970s to include “sexual orientation” in their union contract's antidiscrimination clause. Gay male flight attendants fired from their jobs for being HIV-positive in the 1980s. These are some of the stories told in the four books under review, each about the queer labor history of the United States.
Dancing Chiax, Dancing Sovereignty: Performing Protocol in Unceded Territories
Authors: Dangeli Mique'l
Published: April 2016

This article focuses on the work of Squamish dance artist S7aplek (Bob Baker) and the ways in which the assertion, negotiation, and enactment of Chiax (Squamish protocol) is vital to his artistic process and performance. Unceded Squamish territory includes the lower mainland of Vancouver, Howe Sound, and the Whistler corridor in British Columbia. Through an analysis of two of S7aplek's collaborations, I argue that his practice affirms Squamish land rights, epistemology, and hereditary privileges among diverse audiences and collaborators. Grounded in Chiax, these assertions of sovereignty are an embodiment of politics and self-determination that I refer to as dancing sovereignty.
Changes in the nutritional status of children and adolescents in Shandong, China
Authors: Zhang Ying-Xiu
Published: April 2016

Objective

Nutritional status during childhood plays an important role in the human life cycle. The present study examined the prevalence trends in different grades of nutritional status (thinness, normal weight, overweight and obesity) among children and adolescents in Shandong, China.

Design

Data for the study were obtained from six cross-sectional surveys of schoolchildren carried out in 1985, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2014. Height and weight of all children were measured; BMI was calculated from their height and weight. International BMI cut-offs were used to define thinness, overweight and obesity.

Setting

Shandong Province, China.

Subjects

A total of 56 045 students aged 7–18 years were included in the current analysis.

Results

In the past 29 years, the prevalence of thinness decreased from 18·22 % and 23·45 % in 1985 to 7·18 % and 9·49 % in 2014 for boys and girls, respectively. Conversely, the prevalence of combined overweight and obesity increased from 1·79 % and 1·66 % in 1985 to 31·12 % and 20·11 % in 2014 for boys and girls, respectively.

Conclusions

The nutritional profile of Shandong children and adolescents had an obvious change over the past 29 years. Special attention should be paid to controlling the rapid rise of childhood overweight and obesity.
Bewegtes Lernen numerischer Kompetenzen
Authors: Dackermann Tanja , Fischer Ursula , Cress Ulrike , Nuerk Hans-Christoph , Moeller Korbinian
Published: April 2016

Zusammenfassung. Nicht nur in Konzepten wie der Bewegten Schule ist körperliche Bewegung zur Unterstützung des Lernens von großer Bedeutung. Inzwischen liegen erste empirische Befunde zum positiven Einfluss spezifischer körperlicher Bewegungen vor, wie zum Beispiel dem Einsatz der Finger beim Erstrechnen oder dem Laufen entlang eines Zahlenstrahls. Diese aktuellen Studien deuten darauf hin, dass Bewegung den Erwerb numerischer Konzepte unterstützen kann. Neue bewegungssensitive Eingabemedien (z. B. Tanzmatte, Kinect Sensor) ermöglichen nicht nur solche Bewegungen in der Interaktion mit einer Lernumgebung, sondern machen diese mess- und damit spezifisch nutzbar. Dadurch können Trainings realisiert werden, die gezielt den Zusammenhang von Zahlen und Raum und damit für die Ausprägung des mentalen Zahlenstrahls relevante Prozesse trainieren. Die Entwicklung solcher Trainings ist von besonderer Bedeutung, weil der mentale Zahlenstrahl wichtig für eine erfolgreiche numerisch-mathematische Entwicklung zu sein scheint. In diesem Artikel stellen wir neben den theoretischen Grundlagen eine Zusammenfassung der Ergebnisse verschiedener eigener Arbeiten zu verkörperlichten numerischen Trainings vor.
Richard P. Von Herzen (1930–2016)
Authors: Becker Keir , Sclater John
Published: April 2016

Richard P. Von Herzen, a pioneer of marine heat flow studies who helped validate plate tectonics and discover oceanic hydrothermal vents, passed away on 28 January 2016. He was 85.
GSK-3β-induced Tau pathology drives hippocampal neuronal cell death in Huntington’s disease: involvement of astrocyte–neuron interactions
Authors: L'Episcopo F , Drouin-Ouellet J , Tirolo C , Pulvirenti A , Giugno R , Testa N , Caniglia S , Serapide M F , Cisbani G , Barker R A , Cicchetti F , Marchetti B
Published: April 2016

Glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β) has emerged as a critical factor in several pathways involved in hippocampal neuronal maintenance and function. In Huntington’s disease (HD), there are early hippocampal deficits both in patients and transgenic mouse models, which prompted us to investigate whether disease-specific changes in GSK-3βexpression may underlie these abnormalities. Thirty-three postmortem hippocampal samples from HD patients (neuropathological grades 2–4) and age- and sex-matched normal control cases were analyzed using real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCRs (qPCRs) and immunohistochemistry.In vitroandin vivostudies looking at hippocampal pathology and GSK-3βwere also undertaken in transgenic R6/2 and wild-type mice. We identified a disease and stage-dependent upregulation of GSK-3βmRNA and protein levels in the HD hippocampus, with the active isoform pGSK-3β-Tyr216being strongly expressed in dentate gyrus (DG) neurons and astrocytes at a time when phosphorylation of Tau at the AT8 epitope was also present in these same neurons. This upregulation of pGSK-3β-Tyr216was also found in the R6/2 hippocampusin vivoand linked to the increased vulnerability of primary hippocampal neuronsin vitro. In addition, the increased expression of GSK-3βin the astrocytes of R6/2 mice appeared to be the main driver of Tau phosphorylation and caspase3 activation-induced neuronal death, at least in part via an exacerbated production of major proinflammatory mediators. This stage-dependent overactivation of GSK-3βin HD-affected hippocampal neurons and astrocytes therefore points to GSK-3βas being a critical factor in the pathological development of this condition. As such, therapeutic targeting of this pathway may help ameliorate neuronal dysfunction in HD.
Glutathione peroxidase 1 deficiency attenuates concanavalin A-induced hepatic injury by modulation of T-cell activation
Authors: Lee D H , Son D J , Park M H , Yoon D Y , Han S B , Hong J T
Published: April 2016

Concanavalin A (Con A)-induced hepatitis model is well-established experimental T cell-mediated liver disease. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is associated with T-cell activation and proliferation, but continued ROS exposure induces T-cell hyporesponsiveness. Because glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1) is an antioxidant enzyme and is involved in T-cell development, we investigated the role of Gpx1 during Con A-induced liver injury in Gpx1 knockout (KO) mice. Male wild-type (WT) mice and Gpx1 KO mice were intravenously injected with Con A (10 mg/kg), and then killed after 8 h after Con A injection. Serum levels of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase were measured to assess hepatic injury. To identify that Gpx1 affects T cell-mediated inflammation, we pretreated Gpx1 inhibitor to Human Jurkat T cells then treated Con A. Con A-induced massive liver damage in WT mice but its damage was attenuated in Gpx1 KO mice. Con A-induced Th1 cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-2 were also decreased in the liver and spleen of Gpx1 KO mice compared with WT mice. In Jurkat T cells, Con A-induced mRNA levels of IL-2, IFN-γ and TNF-α were downregulated by pretreatment of Gpx inhibitor, mercaptosuccinic acid. We also observed that Gpx1 KO mice showed increasing oxidative stress in the liver and spleen compared with WT mice. These results suggest that Gpx1 deficiency attenuates Con A-induced liver injury by induction of T-cell hyporesponsiveness through chronic ROS exposure.
DNMT3B isoforms without catalytic activity stimulate gene body methylation as accessory proteins in somatic cells
Authors: Duymich Christopher E. , Charlet Jessica , Yang Xiaojing , Jones Peter A. , Liang Gangning
Published: April 2016

Promoter DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mechanism for stable gene silencing, but is correlated with expression when located in gene bodies. Maintenance and de novo DNA methylation by catalytically active DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1 and DNMT3A/B) require accessory proteins such as UHRF1 and DNMT3L. DNMT3B isoforms are widely expressed, although some do not have active catalytic domains and their expression can be altered during cell development and tumourigenesis, questioning their biological roles. Here, we show that DNMT3B isoforms stimulate gene body methylation and re-methylation after methylation-inhibitor treatment. This occurs independently of the isoforms’ catalytic activity, demonstrating a similar functional role to the accessory protein DNMT3L, which is only expressed in undifferentiated cells and recruits DNMT3A to initiate DNA methylation. This unexpected role for DNMT3B suggests that it might substitute for the absent accessory protein DNMT3L to recruit DNMT3A in somatic cells.
Correction: Corrigendum: TET-catalyzed 5-hydroxymethylcytosine regulates gene expression in differentiating colonocytes and colon cancer
Authors: Chapman Christopher G. , Mariani Christopher J. , Wu Feng , Meckel Katherine , Butun Fatma , Chuang Alice , Madzo Jozef , Bissonnette Marc B. , Kwon John H. , Godley Lucy A.
Published: April 2016

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 17568; published online: 03 December 2015; updated: 28 April 2016 The original version of this Article contained a typographical error in the spelling of the author Marc B. Bissonnette, which was incorrectly given as Marc B. Bissonette. This has now been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
A phased antenna array for surface plasmons
Authors: Dikken Dirk Jan W. , Korterik Jeroen P. , Segerink Frans B. , Herek Jennifer L. , Prangsma Jord C.
Published: April 2016

Surface plasmon polaritons are electromagnetic waves that propagate tightly bound to metal surfaces. The concentration of the electromagnetic field at the surface as well as the short wavelength of surface plasmons enable sensitive detection methods and miniaturization of optics. We present an optical frequency plasmonic analog to the phased antenna array as it is well known in radar technology and radio astronomy. Individual holes in a thick gold film act as dipolar emitters of surface plasmon polaritons whose phase is controlled individually using a digital spatial light modulator. We show experimentally, using a phase sensitive near-field microscope, that this optical system allows accurate directional emission of surface waves. This compact and flexible method allows for dynamically shaping the propagation of plasmons and holds promise for nanophotonic applications employing propagating surface plasmons.
COD capture: a feasible option towards energy self-sufficient domestic wastewater treatment
Authors: Wan Junfeng , Gu Jun , Zhao Qian , Liu Yu
Published: April 2016

Although the activated sludge process, one of the most remarkable engineering inventions in the 20th century, has made significant contribution to wastewater reclamation in the past 100 years, its high energy consumption is posing a serious impact and challenge on the current wastewater industry worldwide and is also inevitably linked to the issue of global climate change. In this study, we argued that substantial improvement in the energy efficiency might be no longer achievable through further optimization of the activated sludge process. Instead, we should devote more effort to the development or the adoption of novel treatment configurations and emerging technologies. Of which an example is A-B process which can significantly improve the energy recovery potential at A-stage, while markedly reduces energy consumption at B-stage. Various configurations of A-B process with energy analysis are thus discussed. It appears highly possible to achieve an overall energy gain in WWTPs with A-B process as a core.
Li-Assisted Low-Temperature Phase Transitions in Solution-Processed Indium Oxide Films for High-Performance Thin Film Transistor
Authors: Nguyen Manh-Cuong , Jang Mi , Lee Dong-Hwi , Bang Hyun-Jun , Lee Minjung , Jeong Jae Kyeong , Yang Hoichang , Choi Rino
Published: April 2016

Lithium (Li)-assisted indium oxide (In2O3) thin films with ordered structures were prepared on solution-processed zirconium oxide (ZrO2) gate dielectrics by spin-casting and thermally annealing hydrated indium nitrate solutions with different Li nitrate loadings. It was found that the Li-assisted In precursor films on ZrO2 dielectrics could form crystalline structures even at processing temperatures (T) below 200 °C. Different In oxidation states were observed in the Li-doped films, and the development of such states was significantly affected by both temperature and the mol% of Li cations, [Li+]/([In3+] + [Li+]), in the precursor solutions. Upon annealing the Li-assisted precursor films below 200 °C, metastable indium hydroxide and/or indium oxyhydroxide phases were formed. These phases were subsequently transformed into crystalline In2O3 nanostructures after thermal dehydration and oxidation. Finally, an In2O3 film doped with 13.5 mol% Li+ and annealed at 250 °C for 1 h exhibited the highest electron mobility of 60 cm2 V−1 s−1 and an on/off current ratio above 108 when utilized in a thin film transistor.
A novel type 2 diabetes risk allele increases the promoter activity of the muscle-specific small ankyrin 1 gene
Authors: Yan Rengna , Lai Shanshan , Yang Yang , Shi Hongfei , Cai Zhenming , Sorrentino Vincenzo , Du Hong , Chen Huimei
Published: April 2016

Genome-wide association studies have identified Ankyrin-1 (ANK1) as a common type 2 diabetes (T2D) susceptibility locus. However, the underlying causal variants and functional mechanisms remain unknown. We screened for 8 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ANK1 between 2 case-control studies. Genotype analysis revealed significant associations of 3 SNPs, rs508419 (first identified here), rs515071, and rs516946 with T2D (P < 0.001). These SNPs were in linkage disequilibrium (r2 > 0.80); subsequent analysis indicated that the CCC haplotype associated with increased T2D susceptibility (OR 1.447, P < 0.001). Further mapping showed that rs508419 resides in the muscle-specific ANK1 gene promoter. Allele-specific mRNA and protein level measurements confirmed association of the C allele with increased small ANK1 (sAnk1) expression in human skeletal muscle (P = 0.018 and P < 0.001, respectively). Luciferase assays showed increased rs508419-C allele transcriptional activity in murine skeletal muscle C2C12 myoblasts, and electrophoretic mobility-shift assays demonstrated altered rs508419 DNA-protein complex formation. Glucose uptake was decreased with excess sAnk1 expression upon insulin stimulation. Thus, the ANK1 rs508419-C T2D-risk allele alters DNA-protein complex binding leading to increased promoter activity and sAnk1 expression; thus, increased sAnk1 expression in skeletal muscle might contribute to T2D susceptibility.
The effects of magnetic fields exposure on relative permittivity of saline solutions measured by a high resolution SPR system
Authors: Jiang Li , Zhao Xinyuan , Fei Yue , Yu Dongdong , Qian Jun , Tong Jinguang , Chen Guangdi , He Sailing
Published: April 2016

A measurement system for the relative permittivity of a physiological solution under 50 Hz magnetic fields (MF) is presented. It is based on a phase-sensitive surface plasmon resonance (SPR) system. Relative permittivity was analyzed for different solute concentrations of sodium chloride under various MF exposure parameters. We found that MF exposure at 0.2–4.0 mT step-wise decreased significantly the SPR phase signal of a 0.9% sodium chloride solution while 0.1 mT of MF exposure did not. The decreases in the SPR phase signal depended on the duration of MF exposure and the signal reached a plateau after 15 min of exposure. Interestingly, the decreased SPR phase signal showed a gradual increase and approached the background level when the exposure was drawn off. In addition, we found that the response of the sodium chloride solution to MF also depended on its concentration. In brief, the relative permittivity of sodium chloride in solutions appears to be practically affected by 50 Hz MF exposure. Our data indicates that the relative permittivity of the saline solution influenced by MF exposure should be considered when investigating the biological effects of MF exposure on organisms in experimental study.
A high-throughput neutralizing assay for antibodies and sera against hepatitis E virus
Authors: Cai Wei , Tang Zi-Min , Wen Gui-Ping , Wang Si-Ling , Ji Wen-Fang , Yang Min , Ying Dong , Zheng Zi-Zheng , Xia Ning-Shao
Published: April 2016

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the aetiological agent of enterically transmitted hepatitis. The traditional methods for evaluating neutralizing antibody titres against HEV are real-time PCR and the immunofluorescence foci assay (IFA), which are poorly repeatable and operationally complicated, factors that limit their applicability to high-throughput assays. In this study, we developed a novel high-throughput neutralizing assay based on biotin-conjugated p239 (HEV recombinant capsid proteins, a.a. 368–606) and staining with allophycocyanin-conjugated streptavidin (streptavidin APC) to amplify the fluorescence signal. A linear regression analysis indicated that there was a high degree of correlation between IFA and the novel assay. Using this method, we quantitatively evaluated the neutralization of sera from HEV-infected and vaccinated macaques. The anti-HEV IgG level had good concordance with the neutralizing titres of macaque sera. However, the neutralization titres of the sera were also influenced by anti-HEV IgM responses. Further analysis also indicated that, although vaccination with HEV vaccine stimulated higher anti-HEV IgG and neutralization titres than infection with HEV in macaques, the proportions of neutralizing antibodies in the infected macaques’ sera were higher than in the vaccinated macaques with the same anti-HEV IgG levels. Thus, the infection more efficiently stimulated neutralizing antibody responses.
Ti–Ag–Pd alloy with good mechanical properties and high potential for biological applications
Authors: Zadorozhnyy V. Yu. , Shi X. , Gorshenkov M. V. , Kozak D. S. , Wada T. , Louzguine-Luzgin D. V. , Inoue A. , Kato H.
Published: April 2016

Ti-based alloys containing Ag were produced by tilt-casting method and their properties were studied. Even in its as-cast state, Ti94Ag3Pd3showed relatively high tensile properties, good electrochemical behavior and good biocompatibility. The relatively good mechanical properties of the as-cast α-Ti-type Ti94Ag3Pd3alloy (tensile strength up to 850 MPa and elongation of ~10%) can be explained by its severely deformed, fine crystalline structure. The high biocompatibility of Ti94Ag3Pd3can be explained by the Ag–Pd interaction, which inhibits the release of Ag ions from the surface. Ag, in combination with Pd has no toxic effects and demonstrates useful antimicrobial properties. The Ti94Ag3Pd3alloy shows a good potential to be applied as a biomedical implant alloy.
The estrogenicity of methylparaben and ethylparaben at doses close to the acceptable daily intake in immature Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Sun Libei , Yu Tong , Guo Jilong , Zhang Zhaobin , Hu Ying , Xiao Xuan , Sun Yingli , Xiao Han , Li Junyu , Zhu Desheng , Sai Linlin , Li Jun
Published: April 2016

The estrogenicity of parabens at human exposure levels has become a focus of concern due to the debate over whether the estrogenicity of parabens is strong enough to play a role in the increased incidence of breast cancer. In this study, the uterotrophic activities of methylparaben (MP) and ethylparaben (EP) at doses close to the acceptable daily intake as allocated by JECFA were demonstrated in immature Sprague-Dawley rats by intragastric administration, and up-regulations of estrogen-responsive biomarker genes were found in uteri of the rats by quantitative real-time RT–PCR (Q-RT-PCR). At the same time, the urinary concentrations of MP and EP, as measured by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in rats that received the same doses of MP and EP, were found to be near the high urinary levels reported in human populations in recent years. These results show the in vivo estrogenicity of MP and EP at human exposure levels, and indicate that populations exposed to large amounts of MP and EP may have a high burden of estrogenicity-related diseases. In addition, a molecular docking simulation showed interaction between the parabens and the agonist-binding pocket of human estrogen receptor α (hERα).
Quantification of dopaminergic neuron differentiation and neurotoxicity via a genetic reporter
Authors: Cui Jun , Rothstein Megan , Bennett Theo , Zhang Pengbo , Xia Ninuo , Reijo Pera Renee A.
Published: April 2016

Human pluripotent stem cells provide a powerful human-genome based system for modeling human diseases in vitro and for potentially identifying novel treatments. Directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells produces many specific cell types including dopaminergic neurons. Here, we generated a genetic reporter assay in pluripotent stem cells using newly-developed genome editing technologies in order to monitor differentiation efficiency and compare dopaminergic neuron survival under different conditions. We show that insertion of a luciferase reporter gene into the endogenous tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) locus enables rapid and easy quantification of dopaminergic neurons in cell culture throughout the entire differentiation process. Moreover, we demonstrate that the cellular assay is effective in assessing neuron response to different cytotoxic chemicals and is able to be scaled for high throughput applications. These results suggest that stem cell-derived terminal cell types can provide an alternative to traditional immortal cell lines or primary cells as a quantitative cellular model for toxin evaluation and drug discovery.
Gains following perceptual learning are closely linked to the initial visual acuity
Authors: Yehezkel Oren , Sterkin Anna , Lev Maria , Levi Dennis M. , Polat Uri
Published: April 2016

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the dependence of perceptual learning gains on initial visual acuity (VA), in a large sample of subjects with a wide range of VAs. A large sample of normally sighted and presbyopic subjects (N = 119; aged 40 to 63) with a wide range of uncorrected near visual acuities (VA, −0.12 to 0.8 LogMAR), underwent perceptual learning. Training consisted of detecting briefly presented Gabor stimuli under spatial and temporal masking conditions. Consistent with previous findings, perceptual learning induced a significant improvement in near VA and reading speed under conditions of limited exposure duration. Our results show that the improvements in VA and reading speed observed following perceptual learning are closely linked to the initial VA, with only a minor fraction of the observed improvement that may be attributed to the additional sessions performed by those with the worse VA.
Non-commutativity measure of quantum discord
Authors: Guo Yu
Published: April 2016

Quantum discord is a manifestation of quantum correlations due to non-commutativity rather than entanglement. Two measures of quantum discord by the amount of non-commutativity via the trace norm and the Hilbert-Schmidt norm respectively are proposed in this paper. These two measures can be calculated easily for any state with arbitrary dimension. It is shown by several examples that these measures can reflect the amount of the original quantum discord.
Using ultra-sensitive next generation sequencing to dissect DNA damage-induced mutagenesis
Authors: Wang Kaile , Ma Xiaolu , Zhang Xue , Wu Dafei , Sun Chenyi , Sun Yazhou , Lu Xuemei , Wu Chung-I , Guo Caixia , Ruan Jue
Published: April 2016

Next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have dramatically improved studies in biology and biomedical science. However, no optimal NGS approach is available to conveniently analyze low frequency mutations caused by DNA damage treatments. Here, by developing an exquisite ultra-sensitive NGS (USNGS) platform “EasyMF” and incorporating it with a widely used supF shuttle vector-based mutagenesis system, we can conveniently dissect roles of lesion bypass polymerases in damage-induced mutagenesis. In this improved mutagenesis analysis pipeline, the initial steps are the same as in the supF mutation assay, involving damaging the pSP189 plasmid followed by its transfection into human 293T cells to allow replication to occur. Then “EasyMF” is employed to replace downstream MBM7070 bacterial transformation and other steps for analyzing damage-induced mutation frequencies and spectra. This pipeline was validated by using UV damaged plasmid after its replication in lesion bypass polymerase-deficient 293T cells. The increased throughput and reduced cost of this system will allow us to conveniently screen regulators of translesion DNA synthesis pathway and monitor environmental genotoxic substances, which can ultimately provide insight into the mechanisms of genome stability and mutagenesis.
Demonstration of fluorescence enhancement via Bloch surface waves in all-polymer multilayer structures
Authors: Fornasari Lucia , Floris Francesco , Patrini Maddalena , Comoretto Davide , Marabelli Franco
Published: April 2016

An all-polymer photonic structure constituted by a distributed Bragg reflector topped with an ultrathin fluorescent polymer film has been studied. A Bloch surface wave resonance has been exploited to improve pumping efficiency and enhance the fluorescence signal.
Biofilm development on carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Goodwin David G. , Xia Z. , Gordon T. B. , Gao C. , Bouwer E. J. , Fairbrother D. H.
Published: April 2016

Carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposite surfaces impact biofilm development through the cytotoxic effect of exposed carbon nanotubes on microorganisms.
Double remote electrochemical addressing and optical readout of electrochemiluminescence at the tip of an optical fiber
Authors: Li Haidong , Garrigue Patrick , Bouffier Laurent , Arbault Stéphane , Kuhn Alexander , Sojic Neso
Published: April 2016

A double remote strategy based on wireless addressing and remote readout of electrochemiluminescence at the tip of an optical fiber is reported.
One-step growth of lanthanoid metal–organic framework (MOF) films under solvothermal conditions for temperature sensing
Authors: Liu Xue , Fu Wentian , Bouwman Elisabeth
Published: April 2016

MOFs were deposited onto a Gd2O3 substrate; the Gd ions act as nucleation sites leading to high quality crystalline films.
The drastic effect of cobalt and chromium catalysts in the borylation of arylzinc reagents
Authors: Komeyama Kimihiro , Kiguchi Shinnosuke , Takaki Ken
Published: April 2016

A new synthetic approach to arylboronic esters from arylzinc reagents with boryl electrophiles MeOB(OR)2 has been developed. Furthermore, this protocol could be applied to the cyclization/borylation of alkynylaryl iodides to afford cyclized vinylboronic esters.
Hydrogen adsorption on two catalysts for the ortho- to parahydrogen conversion: Cr-doped silica and ferric oxide gel
Authors: Hartl Monika , Gillis Robert Chad , Daemen Luke , Olds Daniel P. , Page Katherine , Carlson Stefan , Cheng Yongqiang , Hügle Thomas , Iverson Erik B. , Ramirez-Cuesta A. J. , Lee Yongjoong , Muhrer Günter
Published: April 2016

Interaction of molecular hydrogen with the surface of the ortho–para conversion catalyst.
Spin and structural features of oxygen dissociation on tetrahedral Ag20 and Ag19Au clusters
Authors: Pichugina D. A. , Polynskaya Y. G. , Kuz'menko N. E.
Published: April 2016

The spin-crossing mechanism of oxygen dissociation on Ag20 and monodoped Ag19Au clusters was investigated using spin-polarized scalar-relativistic DFT. The activation energy decreases by 11–29 kJ mol−1 relative to that for the spin-conserving pathway.
A soluble and fluorescent new type thienylpyrrole based conjugated polymer: optical, electrical and electrochemical properties
Authors: Soganci Tugba , Soyleyici Hakan Can , Ak Metin
Published: April 2016

Recently, increased attention has been focused on the synthesis of soluble and processable conducting polymers due to interest in their potential application. For this purpose a new type electroactive 2,5-di(2-thienyl)pyrrole derivative was synthesized and its novel solution-processable and fluorescent polymer, namely poly(N-(2,5-di(thiophen-2-yl)-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)-3,4,5-tris(dodecyloxy benzamide) (P(TPDOB)), was electrochemically synthesized.
Impacts of metal-based engineered nanomaterials on soil communities
Authors: McKee Moira S. , Filser Juliane
Published: April 2016

A comprehensive review of the effects of metal-based nanoparticles on trophic groups, interactions, ecosystem functions and biodiversity of soil communities.
A new class of radiopeptides for PET imaging of neuromedin-B receptor: 68Ga-ranatensin analogs
Authors: Morgat C. , Varshney R. , Vimont D. , Savona-Baron C. , Riès C. , Chanseau C. , Bertrand S. S. , Mishra A. K. , Hindié E. , Fernandez P. , Schulz J.
Published: April 2016

The neuromedin B receptor NMB-R is frequently over-expressed in tumors of the lung, pancreas, colon, carcinoids (bronchial, intestinal) and also pruritus. We have developed a new class of radiopeptide for NMB-R targeting.
Cobalt(iii)-catalyzed efficient synthesis of indenones through carboannulation of benzoates and alkynes
Authors: Kong Lingheng , Yang Xifa , Zhou Xukai , Yu Songjie , Li Xingwei
Published: April 2016

Cobalt(iii)-catalyzed C–H activation of simple benzoate esters has been achieved, and redox-neutral annulative coupling with internal alkynes allowed efficient synthesis of indenones.
Preparation and application of novel biodegradable polyurethane copolymer
Authors: Ou Baoli , Chen Meilong , Huang Rao , Zhou Hu
Published: April 2016

Polyurethanes and polylactides are widely used due to their excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and flexible construction options and their degradable, hydrolyzable and biocompatible characteristics, respectively.
Electrical characterization and conductivity optimization of laser reduced graphene oxide on insulator using point-contact methods
Authors: Marquez Carlos , Rodriguez Noel , Ruiz Rafael , Gamiz Francisco
Published: April 2016

The present work is focused on the electrical characterization of laser-assisted reduced graphene oxide by point-contact techniques and the optimization of its electrical conductivity.
Ferrocene catalysed heteroarylation of BODIPy and reaction mechanism studies by EPR and DFT methods
Authors: Dixit Swati , Patil Mahendra , Agarwal Neeraj
Published: April 2016

Spin cross-over experiment using EPR and DFT calculations show the radical formation.
Flower-like Bi4O5I2/Bi5O7I nanocomposite: facile hydrothermal synthesis and efficient photocatalytic degradation of propylparaben under visible-light irradiation
Authors: Tu Shunheng , Lu Mingli , Xiao Xin , Zheng Chunxia , Zhong Huan , Zuo Xiaoxi , Nan Junmin
Published: April 2016

A novel nonstoichiometric inter-bismuth oxyiodides heterostructure photocatalyst are synthesized and exhibited high potential for applications in visible-light photocatalytic environmental cleaning.
The dicarbonylation of indoles via Friedel–Crafts reaction with dicarbonyl nitrile generated in situ and retro-cyanohydrination
Authors: Yan Jianwei , He Guangjie , Yan Fulin , Zhang Jixia , Zhang Guisheng
Published: April 2016

The reaction of indole and β-carbonyl nitrile to generate dicarbonyl indoles has been developed. This process involves α-oxonation of the β-carbonyl nitrile, Friedel–Crafts reaction with indoles and retro-cyanohydrination form dicarbonyl indoles.
Synergistic effects of elastic modulus and surface topology of Ti-based implants on early osseointegration
Authors: Dai Xiaohan , Zhang Xuehui , Xu Mingming , Huang Ying , Heng Boon Chin , Mo Xiaoju , Liu Yun , Wei Daqing , Zhou Yu , Wei Yan , Deng Xuming , Deng Xuliang
Published: April 2016

Elastic modulus and surface micro-scale topographical structure of Ti alloy implants have a synergistic effect on cell attachment, osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs in vitro and early osseointegration in vivo.
TiO2fibre/particle nanohybrids as efficient anodes for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Damien D. , Anjusree G. S. , Sreekumaran Nair A. , Shaijumon M. M.
Published: April 2016

Nanostructured TiO2with fiber/particle hybrid morphology, obtained by a simultaneous electrospinning and electrospraying technique, shows excellent electrochemical performance as efficient anodes for the Li-ion battery.
Biomimetic fabrication of robust self-assembly superhydrophobic surfaces with corrosion resistance properties on stainless steel substrate
Authors: Chen Tianchi , Liu Hongtao , Yang Haifeng , Yan Wei , Zhu Wei , Liu Hao
Published: April 2016

The anti-corrosion and robust superhydrophobic stainless surface is obtained by nanosecond laser direct writing.
Solvothermally synthesized SnS nanorods with high carrier mobility leading to thermoelectric enhancement
Authors: Tan Qing , Wu Chao-Feng , Sun Wei , Li Jing-Feng
Published: April 2016

Rod-shaped SnS nanocrystals synthesized by solvothermal method enhances thermoelectric figure of merit due to higher carrier mobility.
Adsorption–reduction of chromium(vi) from aqueous solution by phenol–formaldehyde resin microspheres
Authors: Chang Xiaoqing , Li Mei , Liu Qiang , Liu Qinze , Yao Jinshui
Published: April 2016

A novel adsorbent of phenol–formaldehyde resin (PF) microspheres was prepared at a low temperature, and had an excellent performance for the adsorption–reduction of Cr(vi).
Synthesis of benzimidazole-based 1,3,4-oxadiazole-1,2,3-triazole conjugates as glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitors with antidepressant activity in in vivo models
Authors: Tantray Mushtaq A. , Khan Imran , Hamid Hinna , Alam Mohammad Sarwar , Dhulap Abhijeet , Kalam Abul
Published: April 2016

Synthesized benzimidazole based 1,3,4-oxadiazole-1,2,3-triazole conjugates were found to inhibit GSK-3β activityin vitroand exhibit antidepressant-like activity inin vivostudies.
Corrosion of aluminium alloy 1100 in post-LOCA solutions of a nuclear reactor
Authors: Guo S. , Leavitt J. J. , Zhou X. , Lahti E. , Zhang J.
Published: April 2016

The influence of pH and temperature on aluminium corrosion in post-LOCA solutions was investigated and the role of adsorbed boron was discussed.
One pot synthesis of Zr–carboxylate porous hybrid materials: orthogonal C–C heterocoupling and carboxylate–Zr assembly
Authors: Haikal Rana R. , Elmansi Ahmed M. , Ali Poussy , Hassan Youssef S. , Alkordi Mohamed H.
Published: April 2016

We report on a one-pot synthesis of Zr–carboxylate porous polymers.
Model system study of environmentally persistent free radicals formation in a semiconducting polymer modified copper clay system at ambient temperature
Authors: Nwosu Ugwumsinachi G. , Khachatryan Lavrent , Youm Sang Gil , Roy Amitava , dela Cruz Albert Leo N. , Nesterov Evgueni E. , Dellinger Barry , Cook Robert L.
Published: April 2016

This work reports on a mechanistic study of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) formation in soils using a polymer-modified and copper-loaded montmorillonite clays as model soil surrogates, utilizing phenol as a precursor pollutant.
Ultrasensitive detection of telomerase activity in a single cell using stem-loop primer-mediated exponential amplification (SPEA) with near zero nonspecific signal
Authors: Wang Honghong , Wang Hui , Liu Chenghui , Duan Xinrui , Li Zhengping
Published: April 2016

A SPEA strategy is developed for the detection of telomerase activity in a single cell with a near zero nonspecific signal.
Boosting reverse intersystem crossing by increasing donors in triarylboron/phenoxazine hybrids: TADF emitters for high-performance solution-processed OLEDs
Authors: Liu Yuan , Xie Guohua , Wu Kailong , Luo Zhenghui , Zhou Tao , Zeng Xuan , Yu Jie , Gong Shaolong , Yang Chuluo
Published: April 2016

A triarylboron/phenoxazine hybrid TADF emitter exhibits efficient reverse intersystem crossing and the device achieves a maximum external quantum efficiency of 13.9%.
Telepractice, Telehealth, and Telemedicine: Acquiring Knowledge From Other Disciplines
Authors: Cohn Ellen R. , Cason Jana
Published: April 2016

Telepractice for speech-language pathology and audiology operates within a complex and dynamic environment that is beset with many influencers: state and federal regulations, state professional licensure boards, reimbursement policies, standards and guidelines, and the interests of powerful financial drivers. While much that is written about telepractice does not reference telemedicine-based standards and guidelines, the latter can provide valuable information. Knowledge of the aspirational practices of other healthcare professions will benefit speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists and is essential for practitioners who work as part of interdisciplinary teams. The aspirational practices of other professions can also be drawn upon when devising telepractice curricula for university programs.
Dual function ferroresonance and fault current limiter based on DC reactor
Authors: Radmanesh Hamid , Heidary Amir , Fathi Seyed Hamid , Babamalek Gharehpetian Gevork
Published: April 2016

This study presents a novel DC reactor‐based ferroresonance and fault current limiter (DRFFCL) for stabilising ferroresonance oscillations of potential transformer (PT) in 33 kV distribution network and decreasing the amplitude of the fault current to an acceptable level. At first, the ferroresonance overvoltage is introduced and various types of overvoltage in the PT are studied. Then, the effects of the suggested DRFFCL on these oscillations are investigated. It is shown that the proposed DRFFCL not only can control the ferroresonance oscillations, but also can decrease the fault current amplitude in the case of short‐circuit faults occurrence. The DRFFCL performance is simulated using MATLAB software and a scaled‐down laboratory prototype is implemented and tested for the simulation results validation. The measured results are in agreement with the simulation results and clearly show the ability of the DRFFCL for controlling both the ferroresonance overvoltage and fault current.