bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Xi Jinping in Command: Solving the Principal–Agent Problem in CCP–PLA Relations?
Authors: Kou Chien-wen
Published: November 2017

The PLA has been a key player in Chinese elite politics since 1949. However, a series of developments over the last four years has prompted China watchers to re-evaluate Party–military relations. This paper argues that CCP–PLA relations in the Xi Jinping era are characterized by the centralization of power in a single civilian individual. This centralization is reflected by events such as a new emphasis on the CMC chairman responsibility system, the establishment of new coordination bodies under the top leader, radical reforms to the military command structure, the promotion of Xi's public image as the top leader, and large-scale personnel reshuffes during which Xi's trustees have gradually come to occupy key military posts while his rivals have been removed. For Xi, these measures are an antidote to the principal–agent problem in CCP–PLA relations caused by both information asymmetry and the discrepant interests of civilian leaders and the top brass of the PLA.
Transitional Women in the Transnational Era: Female Voices through Art
Authors: Pellicer-Ortín Silvia
Published: November 2017

This article supports the belief that transnational and glocal mechanisms have drastically affected identity and memory formation processes; thus, very diverse memories regarding complex episodes of migration or trauma are currently regarded as connected through multidirectional and cross-cultural patterns. Drawing on the fields of Trauma and Memory Studies, which consider the therapeutic role of art to represent and abreact troubled individual and collective experiences, the new hybrid identities born from this exchange and relationality have proved to demand new forms of representation. In particular, numerous groups of transitional women have recently fostered transnational engagements of womanhood through their creative works. Thus, some contemporary examples will be provided to show how art can be an empowering tool for contemporary transitional women to acquire a voice as well as a promoter of empathy for the modern glocal subject.
Monitoring the South African population’s salt intake: spot urine v. 24 h urine
Authors: Swanepoel Bianca , Schutte Aletta E , Cockeran Marike , Steyn Krisela , Wentzel-Viljoen Edelweiss
Published: November 2017

Objective

The present study set out to determine whether morning spot urine samples can be used to monitor Na (and K) intake levels in South Africa, instead of the ‘gold standard’ 24 h urine sample.

Design

Participants collected one 24 h and one spot urine sample for Na and K analysis, after which estimations using three different formulas (Kawasaki, Tanaka and INTERSALT) were calculated.

Setting

Between 2013 and 2015, urine samples were collected from different population groups in South Africa.

Subjects

A total of 681 spot and 24 h urine samples were collected from white (n 259), black (n 315) and Indian (n 107) subgroups, mostly women.

Results

The Kawasaki and the Tanaka formulas showed significantly higher (P≤0·001) estimated Na values than the measured 24 h excretion in the whole population (5677·79 and 4235·05 v. 3279·19 mg/d). The INTERSALT formula did not differ from the measured 24 h excretion for the whole population. The Kawasaki formula seemed to overestimate Na excretion in all subgroups tested and also showed the highest degree of bias (−2242 mg/d, 95 % CI−10 659, 6175) compared with the INTERSALT formula, which had the lowest bias (161 mg/d, 95 % CI−4038, 4360).

Conclusions

Estimations of Na excretion by the three formulas should be used with caution when reporting on Na intake levels. More research is needed to validate and develop a specific formula for the South African context with its different population groups. The WHO’s recommendation of using 24 h urine collection until more studies are carried out is still supported.
Physical activity promotion by health practitioners: a distance-learning training component to improve knowledge and counseling
Authors: Florindo Alex A. , Andrade Douglas R. , Guerra Paulo H. , Mota Jorge , Crone Diane , Mafra Ana C.C.N. , Bracco Mario M.
Published: November 2017

Aim

To report an evaluation of health professionals’ participation in a distance-learning physical activity training course developed in a low socio-economic region of São Paulo city, Brazil.

Background

In countries with public universal health systems, physical activity promotion in primary health care settings can reap results, particularly given that such interventions have the potential to reach a large percentage of the population. However, few studies proposed physical activity training for health professionals in low- and middle-income countries. Brazil is a continental country and has the Unified Health System which incorporates family health teams in over 85% of Brazilian cities.

Methods

The physical activity training was part of the fifth module of an educational intervention throughout a distance-learning course focusing on health professionals at M’Boi Mirim district in São Paulo city. The training totaled 3 h and had five themes of physical activity: (1) concepts, definitions benefits; (2) evaluation; (3) recommendation; (4) interventions; (5) physical activity counseling. The opinion of health professionals was evaluated after training by two open questions.

Findings

Out of 106 professionals who took part of the course, only 22.6% (n=24) had accessed the fifth module. These professionals were predominantly female (79.2%), nurses (66.7%) and aged 30 years or older. Responses highlighted the course approach focused on physical activity for improving patient’s quality of life and well-being, disease prevention and health improvements. Regarding the themes for improvement, the health professionals identified that there was a need to experience physical activity classes first-hand, and the need to link physical activity counseling to the local venues that provide structured physical activity programs. We recommend that further training courses can be conducted based on this model for health professionals to promote physical activity to the community in Brazil.
Linear to left- and right-hand circular polarization conversion by using a metasurface structure
Authors: Akgol Oguzhan , Altintas Olcay , Unal Emin , Karaaslan Muharrem , Karadag Faruk
Published: November 2017

By using a metasurface (MS) structure, a linearly polarized wave is converted to circularly polarized waves. Both right- and left-handed circular polarizations (RHCPs and LHCP) are obtained by a simple configuration in the proposed structure which consists of 16 unit cells arranged in a 4 × 4 layout. Each unit cell contains five horizontal and parallel strips embedded in a rectangular frame in which a single diagonal strip is placed from one corner to the opposed one. It is shown that the orientation of the diagonal line determines the handedness of the converted signal to be either LHCP or RHCP. In order to show the working conditions of the MS structure, scattering parameters are found for both co-polarized and cross-polarized responses. Axial ratio, an indicator for polarization conversion, is then obtained by dividing cross-polar response to co-polar response to demonstrate the transformation. The structure works for horizontally and vertically polarized linear waves in a wide band frequency range which is approximately 510 MHz. Since the suggested MS model is composed of a simple geometry for polarization conversion, it can be easily adjusted in any desired frequency bands for a variety of applications from the defence industry to medical, education, or communication areas.
Psychological and psychosocial interventions for refugee children resettled in high-income countries
Authors: Fazel M.
Published: November 2017

Large numbers of refugee children are arriving in high-income countries. The evidence to date suggests that they have mental health needs that are higher than for the general population and that these are exacerbated by the numbers of traumatic events they have experienced and the post-migration stressors they continue to be exposed to. The importance of a thorough and thoughtful assessment is discussed. Treatments of note are described for post-traumatic stress disorder, family functioning, general mental health problems and school environments. Future opportunities to operationalise outcome measures, develop multimodal interventions and utilise implementation science methodology are considered.
Factors of Impulsivity and Cluster B Personality Dimensions
Authors: Lootens Christopher M. , Robertson Christopher D. , Mitchell John T. , Kimbrel Nathan A. , Hundt Natalie E. , Nelson-Gray Rosemery O.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The goal of the present investigation was to expand the literature on impulsivity and Cluster B personality disorders (PDs) by conceptualizing impulsivity in a multidimensional manner. Two separate undergraduate samples (n = 223; n = 204) completed measures of impulsivity and Cluster B dimensions. Impulsivity was indeed predictive of Cluster B dimensions and, importantly, each PD scale exhibited a unique impulsivity profile. Findings for borderline PD scores were highly consistent across samples and strongly and positively associated with urgency and lack of perseverance, as expected. Findings for the other PD dimensions also exhibited a fair amount of consistency. Implications of these findings for diagnostic classification and treatment are discussed.
Relationships Between Hostile Attribution Bias, Negative Urgency, and Reactive Aggression
Authors: Gagnon Jean , Rochat Lucien
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Negative urgency defined as the tendency to act rashly when faced with intense negative emotions and hostile attribution bias (HAB) which refers to the tendency to interpret the intention of others as hostile when social context cues are ambiguous are two key psychological factors underlying reactive aggression. However, the specific associations between these factors in relation to reactive aggression have not been tested yet with competing models. The objective of the study was to test three putative models: (1) negative urgency moderates the association between HAB and reactive aggression; (2) HAB mediates the link between negative urgency and reactive aggression; (3) negative urgency mediates the relation between HAB and reactive aggression. One-hundred seventy-six participants were given self-report questionnaires to assess impulsivity, reactive aggression, as well as vignettes featuring a social situation measuring HAB in response to an ambiguous social provocation. The results showed that negative urgency constitutes a significant mediator in the association between HAB and reactive aggression. These results provide valuable insight into the cognitive processes underlying reactive aggression and may hold implications for diagnosis and intervention on aggressive behaviors.
The Role of Visuospatial Ability in the Raven’s Progressive Matrices
Authors: Waschl Nicolette A. , Nettelbeck Ted , Burns Nicholas R.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Debate surrounding the role of visuospatial ability in performance on the Raven’s Progressive Matrices (RPM) has existed since their conception. This issue has yet to be adequately resolved, and may have implications regarding sex differences in scores. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between RPM performance, visuospatial ability and fluid ability, and any sex differences in these relationships. Data were obtained from three samples: two University samples completed the Advanced RPM and one population-based sample of men completed the Standard RPM. All samples additionally completed an alternative measure of fluid ability, and one or more measures of visuospatial ability. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationships between performance on the visuospatial and fluid ability tests and performance on the RPM. Visuospatial ability was found to significantly contribute to performance on the RPM, over and above fluid ability, supporting the contention that visuospatial ability is involved in RPM performance. No sex differences were found in this relationship, although sex differences in visuospatial ability may explain sex differences in RPM scores.
Interested in Different Things or in Different Ways?
Authors: Fayn Kirill , Silvia Paul J. , MacCann Carolyn , Tiliopoulos Niko
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Openness and intellect may differentially predict engagement for two possible reasons. First, engagement with sensory experiences is associated with openness, whereas engagement with abstract information is associated with intellect – a distinction based on content. Second, openness reflects affective, and intellect cognitive processing – a distinction based on affect. These two positions are contrasted through associations of both openness and intellect with interest in a broad range of stimuli. Participants (N = 191) viewed images of visual art, philosophical quotations, and scientific discoveries and rated them on interest, appraised novelty and understanding. Only openness predicted greater interest in all stimuli types. Appraised understanding mediated the openness-interest relationship for visual art and philosophy, while intellect was associated with greater appraised understanding of science and philosophy. Openness was associated with weaker understanding-interest relationships for visual art, and greater reactivity to novelty for science and philosophy. We conclude that one way to think of the engagement distinction between openness and intellect is in terms of emotional versus cognitive engagement. That is, the aspects reflect engagement in different ways rather than in different things.
Jolivet Receives 2017 Jason Morgan Early Career Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: November 2017

Romain Jolivet will receive the 2017 Jason Morgan Early Career Award at the 2017 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, held 11–15 December in New Orleans, La. The award is for “outstanding and significant early career contributions to tectonophysics through a combination of research, education, and outreach activities.”
White Draws Fire as Nominee to Head Key Environmental Agency
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: November 2017

Kathleen Hartnett White, nominated to chair the White House Council on Environmental Quality, distanced herself from a new climate report and squabbled with Democrats at a Senate confirmation hearing.
Phage mobility is a core determinant of phage–bacteria coexistence in biofilms
Authors: Simmons Emilia L , Drescher Knut , Nadell Carey D , Bucci Vanni
Published: November 2017

Many bacteria are adapted for attaching to surfaces and for building complex communities, termed biofilms. The biofilm mode of life is predominant in bacterial ecology. So too is the exposure of bacteria to ubiquitous viral pathogens, termed bacteriophages. Although biofilm–phage encounters are likely to be common in nature, little is known about how phages might interact with biofilm-dwelling bacteria. It is also unclear how the ecological dynamics of phages and their hosts depend on the biological and physical properties of the biofilm environment. To make headway in this area, we develop a biofilm simulation framework that captures key mechanistic features of biofilm growth and phage infection. Using these simulations, we find that the equilibrium state of interaction between biofilms and phages is governed largely by nutrient availability to biofilms, infection likelihood per host encounter and the ability of phages to diffuse through biofilm populations. Interactions between the biofilm matrix and phage particles are thus likely to be of fundamental importance, controlling the extent to which bacteria and phages can coexist in natural contexts. Our results open avenues to new questions of host–parasite coevolution and horizontal gene transfer in spatially structured biofilm contexts.
Erratum: Gene dosage reductions of Trf1 and/or Tin2 induce telomere DNA damage and lymphoma formation in aging mice
Authors: Hartmann K , Illing A , Leithäuser F , Baisantry A , Quintanilla-Martinez L , Rudolph K L
Published: November 2017

Correction to: Leukemia (2016) 30, 749–753; doi:10.1038/leu.2015.173; published online 31 July 2015 Following the publication of this article the authors noted that the article was lacking the information on n-numbers for some of the panels of the figures. The description of the results section is specified for the following information on n-numbers of mice: The western blots in Figure 1D and Supplementary Figure 1F were conducted as biological replicates (testis and thymus) using pools of mice of the indicated genotypes (n=6 mice per genotype for thymus, n=4 mice per genotype for testis).
Super-achromatic monolithic microprobe for ultrahigh-resolution endoscopic optical coherence tomography at 800 nm
Authors: Yuan Wu , Brown Robert , Mitzner Wayne , Yarmus Lonny , Li Xingde
Published: November 2017

Endoscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT) has emerged as a valuable tool for advancing our understanding of the histomorphology of various internal luminal organs and studying the pathogenesis of relevant diseases. To date, this technology affords limited resolving power for discerning subtle pathological changes associated with early diseases. In addition, it remains challenging to access small luminal organs or pass through narrow luminal sections without potentially causing trauma to tissue with a traditional OCT endoscope of a 1-1.5 mm diameter. Here we report an ultracompact (520 µm in outer diameter and 5 mm in rigid length) and super-achromatic microprobe made with a built-in monolithic fiber-optic ball lens, which achieves ultrahigh-resolution (1.7 µm axial resolution in tissue and 6 µm transverse resolution) for endoscopic OCT imaging at 800 nm. Its performance and translational potential are demonstrated by in vivo imaging of a mouse colon, a rat esophagus, and small airways in sheep.
Assessing species biomass contributions in microbial communities via metaproteomics
Authors: Kleiner Manuel , Thorson Erin , Sharp Christine E. , Dong Xiaoli , Liu Dan , Li Carmen , Strous Marc
Published: November 2017

Microbial community structure can be analyzed by quantifying cell numbers or by quantifying biomass for individual populations. Methods for quantifying cell numbers are already available (e.g., fluorescence in situ hybridization, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing), yet high-throughput methods for assessing community structure in terms of biomass are lacking. Here we present metaproteomics-based methods for assessing microbial community structure using protein abundance as a measure for biomass contributions of individual populations. We optimize the accuracy and sensitivity of the method using artificially assembled microbial communities and show that it is less prone to some of the biases found in sequencing-based methods. We apply the method to communities from two different environments, microbial mats from two alkaline soda lakes, and saliva from multiple individuals. We show that assessment of species biomass contributions adds an important dimension to the analysis of microbial community structure.
Quantum suppression of antihydrogen formation in positronium-antiproton scattering
Authors: Kadyrov A. S. , Bray I. , Charlton M. , Fabrikant I. I.
Published: November 2017

The interaction of antiprotons with low-energy positronium atoms is a fundamental three-body problem whose significance is its utility for formation of antihydrogen. Particular importance resides in understanding processes involving excited positronium states. Until recently such studies were performed using classical techniques. However, they become inapplicable in the low-energy domain. Here we report the results of comprehensive quantum calculations, which include initial excited positronium states with principal quantum numbers up to ni = 5. Contrary to expectation from earlier work, there are only muted increases in the cross-sections for antihydrogen formation for ni > 3. We interpret this in terms of quantum suppression of the reaction at higher angular momenta. Furthermore, the cross-sections for elastic scattering are around two orders of magnitude higher, which we attribute to the degeneracy of the positronium states. We outline some experimental consequences of our results.
Precise control of alloying sites of bimetallic nanoclusters via surface motif exchange reaction
Authors: Yao Qiaofeng , Feng Yan , Fung Victor , Yu Yong , Jiang De-en , Yang Jun , Xie Jianping
Published: November 2017

Precise control of alloying sites has long been a challenging pursuit, yet little has been achieved for the atomic-level manipulation of metallic nanomaterials. Here we describe utilization of a surface motif exchange (SME) reaction to selectively replace the surface motifs of parent [Ag44(SR)30]4− (SR = thiolate) nanoparticles (NPs), leading to bimetallic NPs with well-defined molecular formula and atomically-controlled alloying sites in protecting shell. A systematic mass (and tandem mass) spectrometry analysis suggests that the SME reaction is an atomically precise displacement of SR–Ag(I)–SR-protecting modules of Ag NPs by the incoming SR–Au(I)–SR modules, giving rise to a core-shell [Ag32@Au12(SR)30]4−. Theoretical calculation suggests that the thermodynamically less favorable core-shell Ag@Au nanostructure is kinetically stabilized by the intermediate Ag20 shell, preventing inward diffusion of the surface Au atoms. The delicate SME reaction opens a door to precisely control the alloying sites in the protecting shell of bimetallic NPs with broad utility.
De novo Transcriptome Sequencing of MeJA-Induced Taraxacum koksaghyz Rodin to Identify Genes Related to Rubber Formation
Authors: Cao XinWen , Yan Jie , Lei JiLiang , Li Jin , Zhu JianBo , Zhang HuiYan
Published: November 2017

Increase in the consumption of natural rubber (NR) has necessitated the identification of alternative sources of NR. The quality of NR produced by Taraxacum koksaghyz Rodin (TKS) is comparable to that from Hevea brasiliensis (H.brasiliensis), and therefore, TKS is being considered as an alternative source of NR. Here, we sequenced the TKS root transcriptome after wild TKS seedlings were treated with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) for 0, 6, and 24 h. The clean reads generated for each experimental line were assembled into 127,833 unigenes. The Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway prediction suggested that methyl jasmonate regulated secondary metabolism in TKS. Differential expression analysis showed that the expression of HMGCR, FPPS, IDI, GGPPS, and REF/SRPP increased with methyl jasmonate treatment. Interestingly, differential expression analysis of the jasmonate (JA)-related transcription factors (TFs), indicated that certain genes encoding these transcription factors (namely, bHLH, MYB, AP2/EREBP, and WRKY) showed the same expression pattern in the lines treated for 6 h and 24 h. Moreover, HMGCR was up-regulated in the transgenic seedlings overexpressing DREB. We predicted that methyl jasmonate regulated secondary metabolism and affected rubber biosynthesis via the interaction of the JA-related TFs with genes associated with rubber biosynthesis in TKS.
Specific Targeting of Melanotic Cells with Peptide Ligated Photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Bigliardi Paul Lorenz , Rout Bhimsen , Pant Aakanksha , Krishnan-Kutty Viknish , Eberle Alex N. , Srinivas Ramasamy , Burkett Brendan Adrian , Bigliardi-Qi Mei
Published: November 2017

A strategy combining covalent conjugation of photosensitizers to a peptide ligand directed to the melanocortin 1 (MC1) receptor with the application of sequential LED light dosage at near-IR wavelengths was developed to achieve specific cytotoxicity to melanocytes and melanoma (MEL) with minimal collateral damage to surrounding cells such as keratinocytes (KER). The specific killing of melanotic cells by targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) described in this study holds promise as a potentially effective adjuvant therapeutic method to control benign skin hyperpigmentation or superficial melanotic malignancy such as Lentigo Maligna Melanoma (LMM).
Quantum channels from reflections on moving mirrors
Authors: Gianfelici Giulio , Mancini Stefano
Published: November 2017

Light reflection on a mirror can be thought as a simple physical effect. However if this happens when the mirror moves a rich scenario opens up. Here we aim at analyzing it from a quantum communication perspective. In particular, we study the kind of quantum channel that arises from (Gaussian) light reflection upon an accelerating mirror. Two competing mechanisms emerge in such a context, namely photons production by the mirror’s motion and interference between modes. As consequence we find out a quantum amplifier channel and quantum lossy channel respectively below and above a threshold frequency (that depends on parameters determining mirror’s acceleration). Exactly at the threshold frequency the channel behaves like a purely classical additive channel, while it becomes purely erasure for large frequencies. In addition the time behavior of the channel is analyzed by employing wave packets expansion of the light field.
Leveraging genome characteristics to improve gene discovery for putamen subcortical brain structure
Authors: Chen Chi-Hua , Wang Yunpeng , Lo Min-Tzu , Schork Andrew , Fan Chun-Chieh , Holland Dominic , Kauppi Karolina , Smeland Olav B. , Djurovic Srdjan , Sanyal Nilotpal , Hibar Derrek P. , Thompson Paul M. , Thompson Wesley K. , Andreassen Ole A. , Dale Anders M.
Published: November 2017

Discovering genetic variants associated with human brain structures is an on-going effort. The ENIGMA consortium conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with standard multi-study analytical methodology and identified several significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Here we employ a novel analytical approach that incorporates functional genome annotations (e.g., exon or 5′UTR), total linkage disequilibrium (LD) scores and heterozygosity to construct enrichment scores for improved identification of relevant SNPs. The method provides increased power to detect associated SNPs by estimating stratum-specific false discovery rate (FDR), where strata are classified according to enrichment scores. Applying this approach to the GWAS summary statistics of putamen volume in the ENIGMA cohort, a total of 15 independent significant SNPs were identified (conditional FDR < 0.05). In contrast, 4 SNPs were found based on standard GWAS analysis (P < 5 × 10−8). These 11 novel loci include GATAD2B, ASCC3, DSCAML1, and HELZ, which are previously implicated in various neural related phenotypes. The current findings demonstrate the boost in power with the annotation-informed FDR method, and provide insight into the genetic architecture of the putamen.
A rapid-response ultrasensitive biosensor for influenza virus detection using antibody modified boron-doped diamond
Authors: Nidzworski Dawid , Siuzdak Katarzyna , Niedziałkowski Paweł , Bogdanowicz Robert , Sobaszek Michał , Ryl Jacek , Weiher Paulina , Sawczak Mirosław , Wnuk Elżbieta , Goddard William A. , Jaramillo-Botero Andrés , Ossowski Tadeusz
Published: November 2017

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 2 billion people each year are infected worldwide with flu-like pathogens including influenza. This is a contagious disease caused by viruses belonging to the family Orthomyxoviridae. Employee absenteeism caused by flu infection costs hundreds of millions of dollars every year. To successfully treat influenza virus infections, detection of the virus during the initial development phase of the infection is critical, when tens to hundreds of virus-associated molecules are present in the patient’s pharynx. In this study, we describe a novel universal diamond biosensor, which enables the specific detection of the virus at ultralow concentrations, even before any clinical symptoms arise. A diamond electrode is surface-functionalized with polyclonal anti-M1 antibodies, which then serve to identify the universal biomarker for the influenza virus, M1 protein. The absorption of the M1 protein onto anti-M1 sites of the electrode change its electrochemical impedance spectra. We achieved a limit of detection of 1 fg/ml in saliva buffer for the M1 biomarker, which corresponds to 5–10 viruses per sample in 5 minutes. Furthermore, the universality of the assay was confirmed by analyzing different strains of influenza A virus.
Significant enhanced uranyl ions extraction efficiency with phosphoramidate-functionalized ionic liquids via synergistic effect of coordination and hydrogen bond
Authors: Xie Xiang , Qin Zhen , He Yao , Xiong Penghui , Huang Zeng , Mao Yiwu , Wei Hongyuan , Zhuo Liangang
Published: November 2017

The influence of the linking group between the phosphoryl and bridging moieties in phosphoryl-containing task-specific ionic liquids (TSILs) on the extraction of uranyl ions was experimentally and theoretically investigated. A novel phosphoramidate-based TSIL with an amine group as the linking moiety resulted in a higher uranyl ion extraction efficiency compared with that of other phosphoryl-based TSILs. A distribution ratio of 4999 ± 51 can be achieved for uranyl ions. The uranyl ions (76.7 ± 1.5%) were stripped from the loaded ionic liquid phase in a single stage using 0.05 M diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid in a 1.0 M guanidine carbonate solution. The extraction stoichiometry of the uranyl ions was determined by a slope analysis of the extraction data. Furthermore, the fundamental nature of the interaction between the phosphoramidate-based TSIL and uranyl ions was theoretically studied for the first time. The theoretical calculations demonstrated that the synergistic effect of the complexation interaction and H-bond formation between the phosphoramidate-functional ionic liquid and uranyl nitrate led to the higher extraction efficiency. These results provide a basis for rational design, synthesis and potential applications of novel TSILs for uranyl extraction.
Flow behavior of N2 huff and puff process for enhanced oil recovery in tight oil reservoirs
Authors: Lu Teng , Li Zhaomin , Li Jian , Hou Dawei , Zhang Dingyong
Published: November 2017

In the present work, the potential of N2 huff and puff process to enhance the recovery of tight oil reservoir was evaluated. N2 huff and puff experiments were performed in micromodels and cores to investigate the flow behaviors of different cycles. The results showed that, in the first cycle, N2 was dispersed in the oil, forming the foamy oil flow. In the second cycle, the dispersed gas bubbles gradually coalesced into the continuous gas phase. In the third cycle, N2 was produced in the form of continuous gas phase. The results from the coreflood tests showed that, the primary recovery was only 5.32%, while the recoveries for the three N2 huff and puff cycles were 15.1%, 8.53% and 3.22%, respectively.The recovery and the pressure gradient in the first cycle were high. With the increase of huff and puff cycles, and the oil recovery and the pressure gradient rapidly decreased. The oil recovery of N2 huff and puff has been found to increase as the N2 injection pressure and the soaking time increased. These results showed that, the properly designed and controlled N2 huff and puff process can lead to enhanced recovery of tight oil reservoirs.
Skin hydration: interplay between molecular dynamics, structure and water uptake in the stratum corneum
Authors: Mojumdar Enamul Haque , Pham Quoc Dat , Topgaard Daniel , Sparr Emma
Published: November 2017

Hydration is a key aspect of the skin that influences its physical and mechanical properties. Here, we investigate the interplay between molecular and macroscopic properties of the outer skin layer – the stratum corneum (SC) and how this varies with hydration. It is shown that hydration leads to changes in the molecular arrangement of the peptides in the keratin filaments as well as dynamics of C-H bond reorientation of amino acids in the protruding terminals of keratin protein within the SC. The changes in molecular structure and dynamics occur at a threshold hydration corresponding to ca. 85% relative humidity (RH). The abrupt changes in SC molecular properties coincide with changes in SC macroscopic swelling properties as well as mechanical properties in the SC. The flexible terminals at the solid keratin filaments can be compared to flexible polymer brushes in colloidal systems, creating long-range repulsion and extensive swelling in water. We further show that the addition of urea to the SC at reduced RH leads to similar molecular and macroscopic responses as the increase in RH for SC without urea. The findings provide new molecular insights to deepen the understanding of how intermediate filament organization responds to changes in the surrounding environment.
Incidence and mortality of kidney cancer: temporal patterns and global trends in 39 countries
Authors: Wong Martin C. S. , Goggins William B. , Yip Benjamin H. K. , Fung Franklin D. H. , Leung Colette , Fang Yuan , Wong Samuel Y. S. , Ng C. F.
Published: November 2017

We tested the hypotheses that kidney cancer incidence was increasing globally whilst its mortality was reducing; and its incidence was positively correlated with country-specific socioeconomic development. The incidence and mortality figures of each country were projected to 2030. Data on age-standardized incidence/mortality rates were retrieved from the GLOBOCAN in 2012. Temporal patterns were examined for 39 countries from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents volumes I-X and other national registries. We evaluated the correlation between the incidence/mortality rates and Human Development Index (HDI)/Gross Domestic Product (GDP]). The average annual percent change of its incidence and mortality in the most recent 10 years was obtained from joinpoint regression. The highest incidence rates were observed in Eastern Europe and North America, while its mortality rates were the highest in European countries. Incidence was positively correlated with HDI and GDP per capita. Many countries experienced incidence rise over the most recent 10 years, and a substantial reduction in mortality rates was observed for a significant number of countries, yet increases in mortality rates were observed in Eastern Europe. By 2030, Brazil and Ecuador may have the greatest rise in incidence both in men and women, which requires urgent need for planning healthcare resources.
A Microfluidic Platform for the Characterisation of CNS Active Compounds
Authors: MacKerron Christopher , Robertson Graham , Zagnoni Michele , Bushell Trevor J.
Published: November 2017

New in vitro technologies that assess neuronal excitability and the derived synaptic activity within a controlled microenvironment would be beneficial for the characterisation of compounds proposed to affect central nervous system (CNS) function. Here, a microfluidic system with computer controlled compound perfusion is presented that offers a novel methodology for the pharmacological profiling of CNS acting compounds based on calcium imaging readouts. Using this system, multiple applications of the excitatory amino acid glutamate (10 nM–1 mM) elicited reproducible and reversible transient increases in intracellular calcium, allowing the generation of a concentration response curve. In addition, the system allows pharmacological investigations to be performed as evidenced by application of glutamatergic receptor antagonists, reversibly inhibiting glutamate-induced increases in intracellular calcium. Importantly, repeated glutamate applications elicited significant increases in the synaptically driven activation of the adjacent, environmentally isolated neuronal network. Therefore, the proposed new methodology will enable neuropharmacological analysis of CNS active compounds whilst simultaneously determining their effect on synaptic connectivity.
A continuous 13.3-ka record of seismogenic dust events in lacustrine sediments in the eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Jiang Hanchao , Zhong Ning , Li Yanhao , Ma Xiaolin , Xu Hongyan , Shi Wei , Zhang Siqi , Nie Gaozhong
Published: November 2017

Lacustrine sediments on the eastern Tibetan Plateau (TP) contain a wealth of information on local and regional tectonic activity. High-resolution grain-size and magnetic susceptibility measurements were conducted on the 23.4-m-thick Lixian lacustrine sedimentary sequence spanning from 19.3 to 6.0 ka, revealing 70 prehistoric seismic events on the eastern TP. The seismic events caused intermittent increases in source materials that endowed the samples of an individual event layer with a gradual fining trend along the C = M line on a C (one percentile)-M (median diameter) plot. Grain-size distribution and end-member modeling imply that dust particles of <20 μm in size were transported primarily by long-term suspension, while medium to coarse silt and sand were transported primarily by short-term suspension, such as aeolian transport constrained by local topography. Provenance analysis based on U-Pb zircon ages indicates that dust particles generated by earthquakes at Lixian had no effect on dust deposition at Xinmocun and Diaolin, and vice versa. These prehistoric seismic events, revealed by variations in grain size and magnetic susceptibility, thus provide invaluable information on the long-term behavior of local seismic activity.
Microbial communities in the native habitats of Agaricus sinodeliciosus from Xinjiang Province revealed by amplicon sequencing
Authors: Zhou Jiemin , Bai Xuming , Zhao Ruilin
Published: November 2017

Agaricus sinodeliciosus is an edible species described from China and has been successfully cultivated. However, no studies have yet reported the influence factors implicated in the process of fructification. To better know abiotic and biotic factors, physiochemical characteristics and microbial communities were investigated in five different soil samples collected in the native habitats of specimens from northern Xinjiang, southern Xinjiang, and Zhejiang Province, respectively. There are major differences in texture and morphology among different specimens of A. sinodeliciosus from Xinjiang Province. A. sinodeliciosus from southern Xinjiang was the largest. Concentrations of DOC and TN and C/N ratio are not the main reason for the differences. Microbial communities were analyzed to find out mushroom growth promoting microbes (MGPM), which may lead to the differences. Functional microbes were picked out and can be divided into two categories. Microbes in the first category may belong to MGPM. There may be symbiotic relationships between microbes in the second category and A. sinodeliciosus. Certain analyses of microbial communities support the hypothesis that interactions between microbes and mushrooms would be implicated in morphological variation of the collected mushrooms. Redundancy analysis results indicate that high DOC/NH4+-N ratio and NH4+-N concentration can improve the yield of A. sinodeliciosus.
Computational Investigation of Homologous Recombination DNA Repair Deficiency in Sporadic Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Yue , Ung Matthew H. , Cantor Sharon , Cheng Chao
Published: November 2017

BRCAness has important implications in the management and treatment of patients with breast and ovarian cancer. In this study, we propose a computational framework to measure the BRCAness of breast and ovarian tumor samples based on their gene expression profiles. We define a characteristic profile for BRCAness by comparing gene expression differences between BRCA1/2 mutant familial tumors and sporadic breast cancer tumors while adjusting for relevant clinical factors. With this BRCAness profile, our framework calculates sample-specific BRCA scores, which indicates homologous recombination (HR)-mediated DNA repair pathway activity of samples. We found that in sporadic breast cancer high BRCAness score is associated with aberrant copy number of HR genes rather than somatic mutation and other genomic features. Moreover, we observed significant correlations of BRCA score with genome instability and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. More importantly, BRCA score provides significant prognostic value in both breast and ovarian cancers after considering established clinical variables. In summary, the inferred BRCAness from our framework can be used as a robust biomarker for the prediction of prognosis and treatment response in breast and ovarian cancers.
Ruthenium-catalyzed olefinic C–H alkenylation of enol-carbamates: highly stereo-selective synthesis of (Z,Z) and (Z,E)-butadienes
Authors: Li Tingyan , Zhang Jian , Yu Chunbing , Lu Xiunan , Xu Liqing , Zhong Guofu
Published: November 2017

Cross-coupling reactions of enol carbamates with alkynes or alkenes are reported, using an inexpensive ruthenium catalyst.
Influence of mole-ratio on the coordination behaviour of a ditopic N2O2S2-macrocycle: endo/exocyclic silver(i) coordination polymer exhibiting desolvation-induced SCSC transformation
Authors: Seo Sujin , Lee Eunji , Ju Huiyeong , Kim Seulgi , Park In-Hyeok , Jung Jong Hwa , Lee Shim Sung
Published: November 2017

Mole-ratio dependent macrocyclic silver(i) complexes including an endo/exocyclic 1-D coordination polymer exhibiting desolvation-induced SCSC transformation are reported.
Photo-induced radical polarization and liquid-state dynamic nuclear polarization using fullerene nitroxide derivatives
Authors: Liu Guoquan , Liou Shu-Hao , Enkin Nikolay , Tkach Igor , Bennati Marina
Published: November 2017

Continuous wave laser irradiation of fullerene–nitroxide derivatives at room temperature leads to spin polarization and NMR signal enhancement of toluene solvent protons.
Carbon vacancies in Ti2CT2MXenes: defects or a new opportunity?
Authors: Hu Tao , Yang Jinxing , Wang Xiaohui
Published: November 2017

Carbon vacancies that are usually considered as defects substantially endow MXenes with improved flexibility and enhanced electronic conductivity.
Optical and electronic configuration of a novel semiconductor-silver nitroprusside for enhanced electrocatalytic and photocatalytic performance
Authors: Rahut Sibsankar , Bharti Awinash , Basu Jayanta Kumar
Published: November 2017

This study presents a novel n-type semiconductor material, silver nitroprusside, possessing a π-acceptor ligand bridged octahedral geometry with a poor spin state metal ligand charge transfer effect.
A protected excitation-energy reservoir for efficient upconversion luminescence
Authors: Huang Kai , Liu Haichun , Kraft Marco , Shikha Swati , Zheng Xiang , Ågren Hans , Würth Christian , Resch-Genger Ute , Zhang Yong
Published: November 2017

Protecting high-concentration sensitizers in the core benefits upconversion energy transfers.
Synthesis of block copolymers by mechanistic transformation from photoinitiated cationic polymerization to a RAFT process
Authors: Puglisi A. , Murtezi E. , Yilmaz G. , Yagci Y.
Published: November 2017

A novel synthetic strategy for the synthesis of block copolymers based on mechanistic transformation from photoinitiated cationic polymerization to radical addition fragmentation transfer polymerization is presented.
Electrospinning Cu–TiO2nanofibers used for photocatalytic disinfection of bacteriophage f2: preparation, optimization and characterization
Authors: Zheng Xiang , Shen Zhi-peng , Cheng Can , Shi Lei , Cheng Rong , Dong Jing
Published: November 2017

Cu-Doped TiO2nanofibers were prepared using the electrospinning method and applied for the disinfection of bacteriophage f2.
Graphene growth controlled by the position and number of layers (n = 0, 1, and more than 2) using Ni and MgO patterned ultra-flat Cu foil
Authors: Lee Aram , Choi Kyoung Soon , Park Jinheon , Kim Tae Soo , Lee Jouhahn , Choi Jae-Young , Yu Hak Ki
Published: November 2017

We have successfully controlled the number of graphene layers (n-layer) by using a Cu–Ni–MgO hetero catalyst having a different catalytic activity and carbon solubility.
Facile fabrication of hybrid PA6-decorated TiO2 fabrics with excellent photocatalytic, anti-bacterial, UV light-shielding, and super hydrophobic properties
Authors: Zhou Shunli , Wang Feng , Balachandran Subramanian , Li Gen , Zhang Xiuqin , Wang Rui , Liu Peng , Ding Yanfen , Zhang Shimin , Yang Mingshu
Published: November 2017

A type of multi-functional self-cleaning fabric prepared through a green and eco-friendly method could be utilized in toxic dye removal, anti-bacterial, UV light-shielding and super hydrophobic material applications.
Peperomin E and its synthetic amino derivatives: potent agents targeting leukaemia stem cells
Authors: Gao Ming , Wang Xin-zhi , Shu Ye-ting , Liang Jie , Chen Liang , Liu Rui , Liang Jing-yu , Wen Hong-mei
Published: November 2017

A series of amino derivatives of Peperomin E have been synthesized. Compound 6, derived from N-methylethanolamine, exhibited exclusive cytotoxicity against leukaemia stem cells (IC50 = 0.5 μM) and low toxicity against normal bone marrow cells.
Esterification mechanism of lignin with different catalysts based on lignin model compounds by mechanical activation-assisted solid-phase synthesis
Authors: Zhao Xiaohong , Zhang Yanjuan , Wei Liping , Hu Huayu , Huang Zuqiang , Yang Mei , Huang Aimin , Wu Juan , Feng Zhenfei
Published: November 2017

Four lignin model compounds were used in the reaction with acetic anhydride, with 4-dimethyl amino pyridine, sodium acetate, and sulfuric acid as catalysts to learn about the esterification mechanism of lignin by MASPS technology.
Charge regulation of nonpolar colloids
Authors: Hallett James E. , Gillespie David A. J. , Richardson Robert M. , Bartlett Paul
Published: November 2017

Individual colloids often carry a charge as a result of the dissociation (or adsorption) of weakly-ionized surface groups.
Millisecond-pulsed photonically-annealed tin oxide electron transport layers for efficient perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhu Menghua , Liu Weiwei , Ke Weijun , Clark Sarah , Secor Ethan B. , Song Tze-Bin , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. , Li Xin , Hersam Mark C.
Published: November 2017

A rapid, low-temperature, solution-based photonic-annealing method is developed to prepare tin oxide electron transport layers for efficient perovskite solar cells.
Manipulation and exploitation of singlet and triplet excitons for hybrid white organic light-emitting diodes with superior efficiency/CRI/color stability
Authors: Miao Yanqin , Wang Kexiang , Zhao Bo , Gao Long , Wang Yiwen , Wang Hua , Xu Bingshe , Zhu Furong
Published: November 2017

A tetra-chromatic hybrid WOLED exhibits good warm white emission, showing stable EL spectra with a maximum CRI of 94, and also reveals a high EQE of 17.71%.
Trait stacking in modern agriculture: application of genome editing tools
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Chen Wei , Novak Stephen
Published: November 2017

Advances in plant transgenic technology in the 20th century overcame the major hurdle for transfer of genetic material between species. This not only enabled fundamental insights into plant biology, but also revolutionized commercial agriculture. Adoption of transgenic plants in industrial agriculture has reduced pesticide application, while bringing significant increase in crop yields and farmers' profits. The progress made in transgenic technology over the last three decades paved the way mainly for simple single-gene insect and herbicide tolerance (HT) trait products. Modern agriculture demands stacking and pyramiding of complex traits that provide broad-spectrum insect and HT with other agronomic traits. In addition, more recent developments in genome editing provide unique opportunities to create precise on-demand genome modifications to enhance crop productivity. The major challenge for the plant biotech industry therefore remains to combine multiple forms of traits needed to create commercially viable stacked product. This review provides a historical perspective of conventional breeding stacks, current status of molecular stacks and future developments needed to enable genome-editing technology for trait stacking.