bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure of a marine glycoside hydrolase family 99‐related protein lacking catalytic machinery
Authors: Robb Craig S. , Mystkowska Agata Anna , Hehemann Jan‐Hendrik
Published: September 2017

Algal polysaccharides of diverse structures are one of the most abundant carbon resources for heterotrophic, marine bacteria with coevolved digestive enzymes. A putative sulfo‐mannan polysaccharide utilization locus, which is conserved in marine flavobacteria, contains an unusual GH99‐like protein that lacks the conserved catalytic residues of glycoside hydrolase family 99. Using X‐ray crystallography, we structurally characterized this protein from the marine flavobacterium Ochrovirga pacifica to help elucidate its molecular function. The structure reveals the absence of potential catalytic residues for polysaccharide hydrolysis, which—together with additional structural features—suggests this protein may be noncatalytic and involved in carbohydrate binding.
Prediction of nearest neighbor effects on backbone torsion angles and NMR scalar coupling constants in disordered proteins
Authors: Shen Yang , Roche Julien , Grishaev Alexander , Bax Ad
Published: September 2017

Using fine‐tuned hydrogen bonding criteria, a library of coiled peptide fragments has been generated from a large set of high‐resolution protein X‐ray structures. This library is shown to be an improved representation of ϕ/ψ torsion angles seen in intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). The ϕ/ψ torsion angle distribution of the library, on average, provides good agreement with experimentally observed chemical shifts and 3JHN‐Hα coupling constants for a set of five disordered proteins. Inspection of the coil library confirms that nearest‐neighbor effects significantly impact the ϕ/ψ distribution of residues in the coil state. Importantly, 3JHN‐Hα coupling constants derived from the nearest‐neighbor modulated backbone ϕ distribution in the coil library show improved agreement to experimental values, thereby providing a better way to predict 3JHN‐Hα coupling constants for IDPs, and for identifying locations that deviate from fully random behavior.
Potential Role of Curcumin Against Biofilm‐Producing Organisms on the Skin: A Review
Authors: Vaughn Alexandra R. , Haas Kelly N. , Burney Waqas , Andersen Erich , Clark Ashley K. , Crawford Robert , Sivamani Raja K.
Published: September 2017

Turmeric root (Curcuma longa) is predominantly used as a spice, but has also long been known to possess antimicrobial, analgesic, antiinflammatory, and anticancer properties. One predominant group of active compounds in turmeric are curcuminoids, namely bright yellow‐pigmented curcumin. While modern science has yet to fully investigate the therapeutic claims of turmeric and its derivatives, results have proven promising in decreasing pain and inflammation in arthritis, improving insulin sensitivity in diabetes, and even curing a variety of infections. The purpose of this review is to discuss the potential for curcumin as an agent against microbial infections, with a special focus on the skin and in the development of bacterial biofilms. Curcumin has demonstrated bactericidal efficacy against a variety of infections when administered with antibiotics in several clinical studies, with consistent antimicrobial activity demonstrated in vitro, as well as in urinary tract infections, gingival infections, and chronic wound infections. Hypothesized mechanisms of action include curcumin's ability to perturb bacterial membranes, disturb protofillament assembly, and even impair bacterial virulence factors. Further investigation is needed to fully understand which organisms are most susceptible to the effects of curcumin and how curcumin can be implemented in dermatology to treat skin conditions such as chronic wounds and acne vulgaris. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fragmentation patterns of chromophore‐tagged peptides in visible laser induced dissociation
Authors: Garcia Lény , Lemoine Jérôme , Dugourd Philippe , Girod Marion
Published: September 2017

Rationale

Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is the pivotal tool for protein structural characterization and quantification. Identification relies on the fragmentation step of tryptic peptides in bottom‐up strategy. Specificity of fragmentation can be obtained using laser‐induced dissociation (LID) in the visible range, after tagging of the targeted peptides with an adequate chromophore. Backbone fragmentation is required to obtain specific fragments and confident identification. We present herein a study of fragmentation patterns of chromophore‐tagged peptides in LID, showing the potential of LID methodology to provide the maximum number of fragments for further identification and quantification.

Methods

A total of 401 cysteine‐containing tryptic peptides originating from the human proteome were derivatizated on the thiol group of cysteine with a Dabcyl maleimide chromophore, which has a high photo‐absorption cross section at 473 nm. The derivatized peptides were then analyzed by LID at 473 nm on a Q Exactive instrument.

Results

LID spectra present a characteristic fragment at m/z 252.112 for all precursors. This product ion arises from the internal dissociation of the Dabcyl chromophore. Several peptide‐backbone fragment ions are also detected. Results show the quasi absence of fragmentation at the cysteine site. This indicates that part of the energy must be redistributed across the entire system despite excitation initially localized at the chromophore. Indeed, the fragmentation mainly occurs at 3 to 5 amino acids from the derivatized cysteine residue.

Conclusions

LID of derivatized cysteine‐containing peptides displays the initial fragmentation of the chromophore. As energy is redistributed all along the peptide sequence, fragmentation of the peptide backbone is also observed. Thus, LID of chromophore‐tagged peptides produces adequate fragment ions, allowing both good sequence coverage for a greater confidence of identification, and a large choice of transitions for specific quantification.
"Bottom‐up" in situ proteomic differentiation of human and non‐human haemoglobins for forensic purposes by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Kamanna S. , Henry J. , Voelcker N. , Linacre A. , Kirkbride K. P.
Published: September 2017

Rationale

The detection and identification of human blood on crime‐related items are of particular relevance to many investigations because shed blood can provide evidence of violent contact between individuals. However, for any detection and identification technique, specificity is a critical performance characteristic to assess; that is, whether the technique has the capability to differentiate between human blood (which usually is of relevance to a criminal investigation) and non‐human blood (which usually would not be associated with a crime but may be detected incidentally).

Methods

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) approaches using "top‐down" (detection of intact proteins) and "bottom‐up" (detection of tryptic peptide markers) were used to detect and identify haemoglobin in blood from humans and from a range of Australian native mammals; the technique could be carried out directly on blood stains without the need to extract proteins (i.e., in situ measurement). Imaging of haemoglobin was achieved in bloodied fingermarks, including those that had been enhanced using two "industry standard" fingermark enhancement processes.

Results

Differentiation of intact haemoglobin proteins in human and non‐human blood using "top‐down" MALDI‐TOF‐MS was difficult. However, in situ "bottom‐up" approaches using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and de novo sequencing of tryptic digest peptides allowed unambiguous differentiation. Imaging mass spectrometry of human haemoglobin, even when it was mixed with animal blood, was achieved in bloodied fingermarks that had been enhanced using two common processes (staining with Amido Black or dusted with magnetic powder) and "lifted" using adhesive tape.

Conclusions

The MALDI‐TOF‐MS‐based in situ "bottom‐up" proteomic methodology described here shows great promise for the detection of human blood and even imaging of blood in bloodied fingermarks. The approach is sensitive, can differentiate between human blood and that from many animals (including several Australian native animals), and can be implemented after traditional crime scene fingermark enhancement techniques have been carried out.
Toward a Framework for Global Public Health Action Against Trafficking in Women and Girls
Authors: Le PhuongThao D. , Ryan Nessa E. , Bae Jin Yung , Colburn Kristen D.
Published: September 2017

Trafficking in women and girls is a serious human rights violation that has deleterious consequences for many individuals and communities worldwide. Although numerous anti‐trafficking programs and policies have been implemented, the majority have adopted a law enforcement approach that has yielded little progress. In this article, we draw on the public health lens to discuss a set of principles that aim to guide anti‐trafficking interventions toward a more comprehensive framework of action to address trafficking in women and girls. Given the complex causes and consequences associated with the issue, anti‐trafficking interventions must address a range of factors, from the social determinants enabling the gender discriminatory norms and conditions that facilitate the problem, to the diverse health needs of individuals throughout the trafficking process. Additionally, anti‐trafficking policies and programs should be implemented with the best available evidence and in partnership with relevant stakeholders, including the survivors themselves, while incorporating the unique opportunities and challenges of the different trafficking contexts.
Toward a Patient Registry for Cannabis Use: An Exploratory Study of Patient Use in an Outpatient Health‐Care Clinic in Oregon
Authors: Hoffman Kim A. , Ponce Terashima Javier , McCarty Dennis , Muench John
Published: September 2017

Movement toward legalization of cannabis grows in the United States yet little is known about long‐term use effects. This study was an initial step in the instrument development of a patient registry questionnaire of cannabis users who will be followed over time. Cannabis‐using patients (12 females, 10 males) aged 20–64, were sampled from a Portland, Oregon primary care health center. Respondents completed semi­structured qualitative interviews describing methods of cannabis use, motivations for use, and perceptions of risks and benefits. Qualitative analysis used a content analysis approach to assess and extract salient themes. Patients smoked, inhaled, ingested, and applied a wide variety of cannabis products. All participants but one reported using cannabis for perceived physiological or psychological pain and several used cannabis to alleviate cravings for opioid medications. Other motivations included relief from suicidal thoughts and depression, anxiety, migraines, and neuropathic pain. Relatively few perceived risks as compared to benefits were reported. This study provides relevant insight into how and why these primary care patients use cannabis. Results will be used to construct a quantitative questionnaire for a patient registry that can provide critical information about long‐term use effects.
Oral Health Matters in Bending the Cost Curve
Authors: Kelekar Uma
Published: September 2017

While there is sufficient evidence of an association between oral health and overall health, little is discussed in terms of the cost savings that can be realized by exploiting this linkage. Evidence of costs and savings generated from providing oral care to several populations is garnered from the scholarly literature to demonstrate a few strategies that can help policy makers in realizing these savings.
Transesophageal echocardiographic thromboembolic risk is associated with smoking status in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Inao Kyoko , Hirai Tadakazu , Nakagawa Keiko , Numa Satoshi , Ohara Kazumasa , Fukuda Nobuyuki , Kinugawa Koichiro , Inoue Hiroshi
Published: September 2017

Background

Smoking is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, but it is unclear whether smoking status, including environmental tobacco smoke, increases stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Abnormalities of the left atrium (LA) and aortic atherosclerosis, as detected by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), are risk factors for stroke and thromboembolism in AF patients. We investigated the impact of smoking status on thromboembolic risk by TEE in patients with nonvalvular AF.

Methods

In 122 patients with AF (mean age, 63 years; chronic AF 50%) who underwent TEE before catheter ablation of AF or for detection of the potential cardioembolic source, urinary concentrations of cotinine and clinical variables including smoking status and the CHA2DS2‐VASc score were determined.

Results

Severe aortic atherosclerosis and increased aortic wall thickness were more frequently detected by TEE in current smokers than in non‐smokers (p<0.05), though these findings did not significantly differ between non‐smokers and environmental smokers. Patients in AF rhythm during TEE, who were environmental smokers and at relatively low risk, as stratified by their CHA2DS2‐VASc score (≤ 2), showed lower LA appendage flow velocity than those without environmental smoking (47±22 vs. 34±13 cm/sec, p<0.05).

Conclusions

TEE findings indicated that smoking status could be associated with thromboembolic risk in patients with AF.
Banks’ earnings: Empirical evidence of the influence of economic and financial market factors
Authors: Albert Stéphane , Alexandre Hervé
Published: September 2017

The structure of income is a foremost address within research on banks’ performance, especially with regard to effects on the resilience of banks’ earnings. Indeed, given their central position in the economy, banks shall thrive to generate sustainable earnings and control for their potential volatility. Existing studies mostly consider the weight of non‐net interest income (nonNII) as opposed to the traditional NII income source. Such aggregated nonNII is found to increase earnings risk but more granular studies conflict. We propose an original investigation of the influence of economic and financial conditions on various income types, assuming that performance may actually be driven by both the income structure and external conditions.

We focus European banks, which have long been allowed to diversify beyond retail banking. Out of a straight panel framework, we question if the influence of external conditions spreads to earnings components other than credit losses and trading income and if it does allow for diversification benefits among components. We find that each component actually evolves owing to its own equation. Furthermore, effects of single variables may cumulate over different components of earnings (e.g. GDP) or provide with diversification benefits. These effects are all the more important since they are not mitigated by operating expenses. Hence, over a regarded period, banks’ performance depends upon their structure of income and upon volatilities and correlations of influential variables. Besides controlling for ex‐ante volatility, our approach shows that a given structure of income is not necessarily more resilient than others but that selected non‐banking income may support a higher stability of Earnings
Weak limits for the largest subpopulations in Yule processes with high mutation probabilities
Authors: Baur Erich , Bertoin Jean
Published: September 2017

We consider a Yule process until the total population reaches size n ≫ 1, and assume that neutral mutations occur with high probability 1 - p (in the sense that each child is a new mutant with probability 1 - p, independently of the other children), where p = pn ≪ 1. We establish a general strategy for obtaining Poisson limit laws and a weak law of large numbers for the number of subpopulations exceeding a given size and apply this to some mutation regimes of particular interest. Finally, we give an application to subcritical Bernoulli bond percolation on random recursive trees with percolation parameter pn tending to 0.
The quasispecies regime for the simple genetic algorithm with roulette wheel selection
Authors: Cerf Raphaël
Published: September 2017

We introduce a new parameter to discuss the behavior of a genetic algorithm. This parameter is the mean number of exact copies of the best-fit chromosomes from one generation to the next. We believe that the genetic algorithm operates best when this parameter is slightly larger than 1 and we prove two results supporting this belief. We consider the case of the simple genetic algorithm with the roulette wheel selection mechanism. We denote by ℓ the length of the chromosomes, m the population size, pC the crossover probability, and pM the mutation probability. Our results suggest that the mutation and crossover probabilities should be tuned so that, at each generation, the maximal fitness multiplied by (1 - pC)(1 - pM)ℓ is greater than the mean fitness.
EQUIVALENCE RELATIONS WHICH ARE BOREL SOMEWHERE
Authors: CHAN WILLIAM
Published: September 2017

The following will be shown: Let I be a σ-ideal on a Polish space X so that the associated forcing of I+${\bf{\Delta }}_1^1$ sets ordered by ⊆ is a proper forcing. Let E be a ${\bf{\Sigma }}_1^1$ or a ${\bf{\Pi }}_1^1$ equivalence relation on X with all equivalence classes ${\bf{\Delta }}_1^1$. If for all $z \in {H_{{{\left( {{2^{{\aleph _0}}}} \right)}^ + }}}$, z♯ exists, then there exists an I+${\bf{\Delta }}_1^1$ set C ⊆ X such that E ↾ C is a ${\bf{\Delta }}_1^1$ equivalence relation.
GENERIC LARGE CARDINALS AND SYSTEMS OF FILTERS
Authors: AUDRITO GIORGIO , STEILA SILVIA
Published: September 2017

We introduce the notion of ${\cal C}$-system of filters, generalizing the standard definitions of both extenders and towers of normal ideals. This provides a framework to develop the theory of extenders and towers in a more general and concise way. In this framework we investigate the topic of definability of generic large cardinals properties.
CHARACTERIZATION OF PROJECTIVE SPACES AND -BUNDLES AS AMPLE DIVISORS
Authors: LIU JIE
Published: September 2017

Let $X$ be a projective manifold of dimension $n$. Suppose that $T_{X}$ contains an ample subsheaf. We show that $X$ is isomorphic to $\mathbb{P}^{n}$. As an application, we derive the classification of projective manifolds containing a $\mathbb{P}^{r}$-bundle as an ample divisor by the recent work of Litt.
The missing Other: a review of Linklater’sViolence and Civilization in the Western States-System
Authors: Ling L. H. M.
Published: September 2017

As Andrew Linklater has shown, Europeans have decreased their tolerance for, or endorsement of, violence over the centuries. Various international and domestic conventions demonstrate the point. This accomplishment rightfully deserves celebration. But herein lies the rub. While Linklater recognises the role of imperialism and colonialism in perpetrating global violence, he does not grant equal opportunity to the Rest in contributing to the world’s new moral heights. Linklater assumes, for instance, that Las Casas never talked with indigenes to realise that they, too, warrant recognition as human beings; Catholic piety alone sufficed. The West thus towers in singular triumph, embedding International Relations (IR) in what I call Hypermasculine Eurocentric Whiteness (HEW). Still, the Other retains a sense of its Self. An effervescent spirit of play enables resilience and creativity toco-produceour world-of-worlds. Come out and play!, I urge. It’s time to shed IR’s ‘tragedy’ for the sparkle within.
Writing International Relations from the invisible side of the abyssal line
Authors: Çapan Zeynep Gülşah
Published: September 2017

The article discusses the manner in which the story of the international system and the relationship between violence and civilisation that Andrew Linklater tells inViolence and Civilization in the Western States-Systemsremains on the visible side of the absyssal line. Absyssal thinking refers to the distinctions created between visible and invisible realms and it is Eurocentrism as a system of knowledge that sustains and reproduces this abyssal line. The article will focus on two instances of reproducing this abyssal line. The first will be with respect to the way in which histories of Europe and colonialism are detached from each other. The second will be on where political and moral ‘progress’ is being located within the development of the ‘global civilizing process’.
Process sociology, the English School, and postcolonialism – understanding ‘civilization’ and world politics: a reply to the critics
Authors: Linklater Andrew
Published: September 2017

This article responds to critics of Violence and Civilization in the Western States-Systems (Cambridge University Press, 2016). It provides a rejoinder to challenges to the attempted synthesis of process sociology and the English School analysis of international society. It rebuts the postcolonial contention that the process-sociological analysis of the impact of the European ‘civilizing process’ on the modern states-system is Eurocentric. The article explains how process sociology contributes to the postcolonial critique of ‘civilization’. It concludes by arguing that their combined strengths of the two perspectives can inform the comparative study of Western and non-Western ‘civilizing processes’ and support the development of a more ‘global IR’.
Rising Powers, Responsibility, and International Society
Authors: Gaskarth Jamie
Published: September 2017

Responsibility is a key theme of recent debates over the ethics of international society. In particular, rising powers such as Brazil, China, and India regularly reject the idea that coercion should be a feature of world politics, and they portray military intervention as irresponsible. But this raises the problem of how a society's norms can be upheld without coercive measures. Critics have accused them of “free riding” on existing great powers and failing to address the dilemma of how to deal with actors undermining societal values. This article examines writing on responsibility and international society, with particular reference to the English School, to identify why the willingness and capacity to use force—as well as creative thinking in this regard—are seen as important aspects of responsibility internationally. It then explores statements made by Brazil, China, and India in UN Security Council meetings between 2011 and 2016 to identify which actors they see as responsible and how they define responsible action. In doing so, it pinpoints areas of concurrence as well as disagreements in their understandings of the concept of responsibility, and concludes that Brazil and India have a more coherent and practical understanding of the concept than China, which risks incurring the label “great irresponsible.”
Climate Engineering and the Playing God Critique
Authors: Hartman Laura M.
Published: September 2017

Climate engineering is subject to the “playing God” critique, which charges that humans should not undertake to control nature in ways that seem to overstep the proper scope of human agency. This argument is easily discredited, and in fact the opposite—that we should “play God”—may be equally valid in some circumstances. To revive the playing God critique, I argue that it functions not on a logical but on a symbolic and emotional level to highlight nostalgia for functional dualisms in the face of the bewildering problem of climate change. It also raises significant questions about the virtue of those who might engineer the climate. These two concerns point to questions about the proper role of human agency. I use the scholarship of Aldo Leopold and H. Richard Niebuhr to argue for a model of human agency based on contextual awareness and responsive, communal responsibility. I conclude with some implications of this view for decision-makers engaging the topic of climate engineering.
Contacts of healthcare workers, patients and visitors in general wards in Singapore
Authors: JIANG L. , NG H. L. , HO H. J. , LEO Y. S. , PREM K. , COOK A. R. , CHEN M. I.
Published: September 2017

To characterize contacts in general wards, a prospective survey of healthcare workers (HCWs), patients and visitors was conducted using self-reported diary, direct observation and telephone interviews. Nurses, doctors and assorted HCWs reported a median of 14, 18 and 15 contact persons over one work shift, respectively. Within 1 h, we observed 3·5 episodes with 25·6 min of cumulative contact time for nurses, 2·9 episodes and 22·1 min for doctors and 5·0 episodes with 44·3 min for assorted-HCWs. In interactions with patients, nurses had multiple brief episodes of contact; doctors had fewer episodes and less cumulative contact time; assorted-HCWs had fewer contact episodes of longer durations (than for nurses and doctors). Assortative mixing occurred amongst HCWs: those of the same HCW type were the next most frequent class of contact after patients. Over 24-h, patients contacted 14 persons with 23 episodes and 314·5 min of contact time. Patient-to-patient contact episodes were rare, but a maximum of five were documented from one patient participant. 22·9% of visitors reported contact with patients other than the one they visited. Our study revealed differences in the characteristics of contacts among different HCW types and potential transmission routes from patients to others within the ward environment.
Costly Values: The Limited Benefits and Potential Costs of Targeted Policy Justifications
Authors: Peterson Erik , Simonovits Gabor
Published: September 2017

Can politicians use targeted messages to offset position taking that would otherwise reduce their public support? We examine the effect of a politician’s justification for their tax policy stance on public opinion and identify limits on the ability of justifications to generate leeway for incongruent position taking on this issue. We draw on political communication research to establish expectations about the heterogeneous effects of justifications that employ either evidence or values based on whether or not constituents agree with the position a politician takes. In two survey experiments, we find small changes in support in response to these types of messages among targeted groups, but rule out large benefits for politicians to selectively target policy justifications toward subsets of the public. We also highlight a potential cost to selective messaging by showing that when these targeted messages reach unintended audiences they can backfire and reduce a candidate’s support.
What Do Evolutionary Models Teach Us About Sensitive Periods in Psychological Development?
Authors: Frankenhuis Willem E. , Fraley R. Chris
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Sensitive periods in development are widespread in nature. Many psychologists and biologists regard sensitive periods as byproducts of developmental processes. Although this view may be correct in some cases, it is unlikely to be the whole story. There is large variation in sensitive periods (a) between species in the same trait ( Beecher & Brenowitz, 2005 ), (b) between individuals of the same species ( Frankenhuis, Panchanathan, & Belsky, 2016 ), and (c) between different traits within a single individual ( Zeanah, Gunnar, McCall, Kreppner, & Fox, 2011 ). In this article, we discuss recent insights provided by formal models of the evolution of sensitive periods. These models help to identify the conditions in which sensitive periods are likely to evolve, and make predictions about the factors that affect their development. We conclude by discussing future directions for empirical research.
India’s Plans for Coal Clash with Paris Agreement
Authors: Witman Sarah
Published: September 2017

India’s proposed coal plants threaten to lock out its low-emission energy goals under the international climate accord.
Ecological and genomic profiling of anaerobic methane-oxidizing archaea in a deep granitic environment
Authors: Ino Kohei , Hernsdorf Alex W , Konno Uta , Kouduka Mariko , Yanagawa Katsunori , Kato Shingo , Sunamura Michinari , Hirota Akinari , Togo Yoko S , Ito Kazumasa , Fukuda Akari , Iwatsuki Teruki , Mizuno Takashi , Komatsu Daisuke D , Tsunogai Urumu , Ishimura Toyoho , Amano Yuki , Thomas Brian C , Banfield Jillian F , Suzuki Yohey
Published: September 2017

Recent single-gene-based surveys of deep continental aquifers demonstrated the widespread occurrence of archaea related to Candidatus Methanoperedens nitroreducens (ANME-2d) known to mediate anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM). However, it is unclear whether ANME-2d mediates AOM in the deep continental biosphere. In this study, we found the dominance of ANME-2d in groundwater enriched in sulfate and methane from a 300-m deep underground borehole in granitic rock. A near-complete genome of one representative species of the ANME-2d obtained from the underground borehole has most of functional genes required for AOM and assimilatory sulfate reduction. The genome of the subsurface ANME-2d is different from those of other members of ANME-2d by lacking functional genes encoding nitrate and nitrite reductases and multiheme cytochromes. In addition, the subsurface ANME-2d genome contains a membrane-bound NiFe hydrogenase gene putatively involved in respiratory H2 oxidation, which is different from those of other methanotrophic archaea. Short-term incubation of microbial cells collected from the granitic groundwater with 13C-labeled methane also demonstrates that AOM is linked to microbial sulfate reduction. Given the prominence of granitic continental crust and sulfate and methane in terrestrial subsurface fluids, we conclude that AOM may be widespread in the deep continental biosphere.
Achromatic super-oscillatory lenses with sub-wavelength focusing
Authors: Yuan Guang Hui , Rogers Edward TF , Zheludev Nikolay I
Published: September 2017

Lenses are crucial to light-enabled technologies. Conventional lenses have been perfected to achieve near-diffraction-limited resolution and minimal chromatic aberrations. However, such lenses are bulky and cannot focus light into a hotspot smaller than a half-wavelength of light. Pupil filters, initially suggested by Toraldo di Francia, can overcome the resolution constraints of conventional lenses but are not intrinsically chromatically corrected. Here we report single-element planar lenses that not only deliver sub-wavelength focusing, thus beating the diffraction limit of conventional refractive lenses, but also focus light of different colors into the same hotspot. Using the principle of super-oscillations, we designed and fabricated a range of binary dielectric and metallic lenses for visible and infrared parts of the spectrum that are manufactured on silicon wafers, silica substrates and optical fiber tips. Such low-cost, compact lenses could be useful in mobile devices, data storage, surveillance, robotics, space applications, imaging, manufacturing with light and spatially resolved nonlinear microscopies.
Prebiotic synthesis of 2-deoxy-d-ribose from interstellar building blocks promoted by amino esters or amino nitriles
Authors: Steer Andrew M. , Bia Nicolas , Smith David K. , Clarke Paul A.
Published: September 2017

Amino esters and amino nitriles can promote the selective formation of 2-deoxy-d-ribose from materials present in interstellar ices. The use of amino nitriles suggests the possibility that carbohydrates may have existed before amino acids on the prebiotic Earth.
A metal-lustrous porphyrin foil
Authors: Morisue Mitsuhiko , Hoshino Yuki , Shimizu Masaki , Tomita Shogo , Sasaki Sono , Sakurai Shinichi , Hikima Takaaki , Kawamura Ayaka , Kohri Michinari , Matsui Jun , Yamao Takeshi
Published: September 2017

A metal-lustrous self-standing film, named “porphyrin foil”, formed from a glass-forming polymeric porphyrin.
A series of color-tunable light-emitting open-framework lanthanide sulfates containing extra-large 36-membered ring channels
Authors: Xue Yun-Shan , Shi Dayou , Zhang Haitao , Ju Weiwei , Mei Hua , Xu Yan
Published: September 2017

A series of lanthanide sulfates contain 36-ring channels with the pore size (22.0 × 16.8 Å) based on Eu10clusters.
Structure and thermal relaxation of network units and crystallization of lithium silicate based glasses doped with oxides of Al and B
Authors: Gaddam Anuraag , Fernandes Hugo R. , Doumert Bertrand , Montagne Lionel , Ferreira José M. F.
Published: September 2017

The current study reports on the relaxation behaviour of lithium silicate based glasses as probed by NMR spectroscopy.
On the role of topology in regulating transcriptional cascades
Authors: Ghafari Mahan , Mashaghi Alireza
Published: September 2017

Topology of interactions in a transcriptional cascade determines the behavior of its signal-response profile and the activation states of genes.
Dispersion of Ni2+ ions via acetate precursor in the preparation of NaNiPO4 nanoparticles: effect of acetate vs. nitrate on the capacitive energy storage properties
Authors: Minakshi Sundaram M. , Mitchell D. R. G.
Published: September 2017

The influence of the precursors on the dispersion of Ni2+ ions and the presence of several other functional groups was investigated in the preparation of sodium nickel phosphate (NaNiPO4) cathode for a supercapacitor study.
Trinuclear complexes of palladium(ii) with chalcogenated N-heterocyclic carbenes: catalysis of selective nitrile–primary amide interconversion and Sonogashira coupling
Authors: Dubey Pooja , Gupta Sonu , Singh Ajai K.
Published: September 2017

The interconversion of nitriles to amides and Sonogashira coupling were catalyzed with Pd(ii) complexes (0.5–2 mol%).
Design and fabrication of energetic metal–organic framework [Cu(ntz)]n films with high energy-density and stability
Authors: Liu Wei , Yu Chunpei , Zhang Wenchao , Xie Qiang , Gao Yu , Zheng Zilong , Chen Houhe
Published: September 2017

Energetic MOF [Cu(ntz)]n films show promising applications in MEMS to achieve functional nanoenergetics-on-a-chip because of their excellent energy and ignition performances.
Fate and impacts of triclosan, sulfamethoxazole, and 17β-estradiol during nutrient recovery via ion exchange and struvite precipitation
Authors: Tong Yiran , McNamara Patrick J. , Mayer Brooke K.
Published: September 2017

Increasing emphasis on resource recovery from wastewater highlights the importance of capturing valuable products,e.g., nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, while removing contaminants,e.g., organic micropollutants.
The hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of polysaccharides from the petioles and pedicels of Euryale ferox Salisb. on alloxan-induced hyperglycemic mice
Authors: Wu Cheng-Ying , Wang Hong , He Xiao-Xiao , Wu Da-Wei , Yue Wei , Wu Qi-Nan
Published: September 2017

The present study investigated the potential hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of polysaccharides extracted from the petioles and pedicels of Euryale ferox Salisb. (EFPP) on alloxan-induced hyperglycemic mice.
Grape pomace reduced reperfusion arrhythmias in rats with a high-fat-fructose diet
Authors: Perdicaro Diahann J. , Rodriguez Lanzi Cecilia , Fontana Ariel R. , Antoniolli Andrea , Piccoli Patricia , Miatello Roberto M. , Diez Emiliano R. , Vazquez Prieto Marcela A.
Published: September 2017

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a risk factor of sudden cardiac death. GP containing bioactive compounds prevents/attenuates MetS-associated cardiovascular pathologies.
Determination of elemental concentration in geological samples using nanosecond laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Hu Yang , Li Zihan , Lü Tao
Published: September 2017

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) can be used for measuring the concentrations or ratios of various trace elements in solid samples.
Nematic structuring of transparent and multifunctional nanocellulose papers
Authors: Zhao M. , Ansari F. , Takeuchi M. , Shimizu M. , Saito T. , Berglund L. A. , Isogai A.
Published: September 2017

Nematic structuring of nanocellulose fibers is proposed as a strategy for exploiting the full potential of the multifunctional transparent papers of nanocellulose.
Preparation of a macroporous CuAl2O4 spinel monolith and its rapid selective adsorption towards some anionic dyes
Authors: Guo Xingzhong , Yin Pengan , Lei Wei , Yang Hui
Published: September 2017

Macroporous CuAl2O4 spinel, which was first synthesized, showed excellent selective adsorption performance towards some anionic dyes.
Nanotopography mediated osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp derived stem cells
Authors: Bachhuka Akash , Delalat Bahman , Ghaemi Soraya Rasi , Gronthos Stan , Voelcker Nicolas H. , Vasilev Krasimir
Published: September 2017

Via controlled surface nanoengineering we demonstrate that surface nanotopography induces osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp derived stem cells.
On the discovery of new potent human farnesyltransferase inhibitors: emerging pyroglutamic derivatives
Authors: Homerin Germain , Lipka Emmanuelle , Rigo Benoît , Farce Amaury , Dubois Joëlle , Ghinet Alina
Published: September 2017

In the current context of lack of emergence of innovative human farnesyltransferase inhibitors, and given all new therapeutic perspectives that open up for such molecules, we have just discovered a new series of powerful inhibitors with IC50values in the nanomolar range.
Oxidative functionalisation of alcohols and aldehydes via the merger of oxoammonium cations and photoredox catalysis
Authors: Nandi Jyoti , Ovian John M. , Kelly Christopher B. , Leadbeater Nicholas E.
Published: September 2017

The merger of oxoammonium cation mediated oxidation with visible-light photoredox catalysis is demonstrated in the oxidative amidation of aldehydes and alcohols.
Removal of Cd(ii) and Pb(ii) ions from natural water using a low-cost synthetic mineral: behavior and mechanisms
Authors: Chen Gongning , Shi Lin
Published: September 2017

A low-cost synthetic mineral (LCSM) was prepared by mechanochemical treatment of a solid-state mixture containing potassium feldspar, wollastonite, gypsum, limestone and dolomite powder at a molar ration of 1 : 1 : 1 : 6 : 3 and hydration process.
A promising strategy for improved solubilization of ionic drugs simply by electrostatic pushing
Authors: Afzal Mohd , Kundu Pronab , Das Sinjan , Ghosh Saptarshi , Chattopadhyay Nitin
Published: September 2017

Addition of soluble salts to the SDS-bound phenosafranin induces electrostatic pushing of the probe within the micellar interior from its initial location at the micelle–water interface.
Fast screening of whole blood samples for early detection and monitoring of thyroid diseases
Authors: Stefan-van Staden Raluca-Ioana , Mitrofan Grigorina
Published: September 2017

Stochastic sensors based on inulins-ionic liquids, and diamond paste were used for pattern recognition of TSH, and thyroid hormones.
Modeling of active swimmer suspensions and their interactions with the environment
Authors: Desai Nikhil , Ardekani Arezoo M.
Published: September 2017

In this article, we review mathematical models used to study the behaviour of suspensions of micro-swimmers and the accompanying biophysical phenomena, with specific focus on stimulus response.
Water-soluble chitosan-derived sustainable materials: towards filaments, aerogels, microspheres, and plastics
Authors: Dang Nhan Thi Thanh , Chau Trang The Lieu , Duong Hau Van , Le Hoa Thi , Tran Thi Thi Van , Le Thang Quoc , Vu Tuyen Phi , Nguyen Cuong Duc , Nguyen Long Viet , Nguyen Thanh-Dinh
Published: September 2017

Bioinspired materials: chitosan filaments, aerogels, microspheres, and plastics have been designed by transforming crystalline nanofibrils into amorphous sheets on solidification.
Inner Speech's Relationship With Overt Speech in Poststroke Aphasia
Authors: Stark Brielle C. , Geva Sharon , Warburton Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Relatively preserved inner speech alongside poor overt speech has been documented in some persons with aphasia (PWA), but the relationship of overt speech with inner speech is still largely unclear, as few studies have directly investigated these factors. The present study investigates the relationship of relatively preserved inner speech in aphasia with selected measures of language and cognition.

Method

Thirty-eight persons with chronic aphasia (27 men, 11 women; average age 64.53 ± 13.29 years, time since stroke 8–111 months) were classified as having relatively preserved inner and overt speech (n= 21), relatively preserved inner speech with poor overt speech (n= 8), or not classified due to insufficient measurements of inner and/or overt speech (n= 9). Inner speech scores (by group) were correlated with selected measures of language and cognition from the Comprehensive Aphasia Test (Swinburn, Porter, & Al, 2004).

Results

The group with poor overt speech showed a significant relationship of inner speech with overt naming (r= .95,p< .01) and with mean length of utterance produced during a written picture description (r= .96,p< .01). Correlations between inner speech and language and cognition factors were not significant for the group with relatively good overt speech.

Conclusions

As in previous research, we show that relatively preserved inner speech is found alongside otherwise severe production deficits in PWA. PWA with poor overt speech may rely more on preserved inner speech for overt picture naming (perhaps due to shared resources with verbal working memory) and for written picture description (perhaps due to reliance on inner speech due to perceived task difficulty). Assessments of inner speech may be useful as a standard component of aphasia screening, and therapy focused on improving and using inner speech may prove clinically worthwhile.

Supplemental Materials

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5303542
Successive torus doubling and birth of strange non‐chaotic attractors in non‐linear electronic circuit
Authors: Suresh K. , Palanivel J. , Thamilmaran K.
Published: September 2017

The authors experimentally demonstrate successive torus doubling and the birth of strange non‐chaotic attractors (SNAs) in a quasi‐periodically forced Chua's oscillator. So far it has been believed that the torus doubling occurs only a finite number of times. In this Letter, the authors report experimental observation of a certain kind of torus doubling called swollen shape bifurcation occurs an infinite number of times and leads to the birth of SNA. In the Poincaré of the section, the torus undergoes a series of period doubling and after a particular value of control parameter, the infinitely period doubled torus in the localised regime termed as a chaotic band. While the Lyapunov exponent of the attractor has a negative value and confirms the attractor becomes strange and non‐chaotic. Experimentally observed results are confirmed by a Poincaré map, singular‐continuous spectrum analysis and the finite‐time Lyapunov exponent.
Microfabrication of hybrid structure composed of rigid silicon and flexible PI membranes
Authors: Murakami Sunao , Ishihara Daisuke , Araki Masateru , Ohira Naoto , Ito Takahiro , Horie Tomoyoshi
Published: September 2017

The authors have designed and microfabricated millimetre‐scale wing‐shaped hybrid microstructures composed of rigid structures of single crystal silicon (SCS) substrates and flexible polyimide (PI) membranes. The wing‐shaped microstructures mimicking insect flapping flight have been newly designed using a fluid‐structure interaction analysis, and the hybrid microstructures based on the design method have been successfully microfabricated using a simple process flow with SCS substrates coated with PI membranes. Shape of the SCS parts in the hybrid microstructures have been successfully fabricated using deep reactive ion etching of the SCS substrate with small etching rate, and the wing plates of PI membranes have been prepared with the photolithography and the curing processes. The flexibility of the PI membranes of the fabricated hybrid microstructures was also confirmed using the bending test of the PI membranes.
Optimal product quality and pricing strategy for a two-period closed-loop supply chain with retailer variable markup
Authors: Giri B.C. , Mondal C. , Maiti T.
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we consider a two-period closed-loop supply chain which is comprised of a single manufacturer and a single retailer for trading a single product. At the retailer, the demand in the first period depends on the selling price, product quality and refund price, whereas in the second period, it depends on the selling price and the product quality. The retailer sets the selling prices with variable markups on the wholesale prices of the manufacturer and offers a return policy (immediate return and used product return) limited to the first period only. The immediate return is dependent on the refund price and the product quality, and the amount of returned used items is a fraction of the first period’s demand. The retailer sends the returned items to the manufacturer who reproduces/repairs those items and sells in the second period. We assume that the manufacturer acts as the Stackelberg leader and the retailer as the follower. We study the impacts of return policy, product quality and pricing strategy on the optimal decisions under two decision strategies (I and II). In the decision strategy I, both the players optimize their total profits over the entire selling season, whereas in the decision strategy II, they optimize each period’s profit sequentially. With the help of a numerical example we explore that the decision strategy I gives better result than the decision strategy II in terms of all decision variables except the product quality. We also investigate the effects of key model-parameters on the optimal decisions.
High-performance ultraviolet photodetectors based on lattice-matched InAlN/AlGaN heterostructure field-effect transistors gated by transparent ITO films
Authors: Li Lei , Hosomi Daiki , Miyachi Yuta , Hamada Takeaki , Miyoshi Makoto , Egawa Takashi
Published: September 2017

We demonstrate high-performance ultraviolet photodetectors (UV-PDs) based on lattice-matched (LM) InAlN/AlGaN heterostructure field-effect transistors (HFETs) gated by transparent ITO films. Low dark currents of 6.8 × 10−8 and 6.1 × 10−7 A/mm and high photocurrent gains over four and three orders of magnitude were obtained for the LM In0.12Al0.88N/Al0.21Ga0.79N and In0.10Al0.90N/Al0.34Ga0.66N HFETs, respectively. The negative threshold voltage shifts under illumination indicate that most of the photo-generated carriers are transported in the two-dimensional gas (2DEG) region around the InAlN/AlGaN interface. High peak responsivities of 2.2 × 104 and 5.4 × 104 A/W and large UV-to-visible rejection ratios greater than 104 and 103 were achieved for the LM In0.12Al0.88N/Al0.21Ga0.79N and In0.10Al0.90N/Al0.34Ga0.66N HFET-type UV-PDs, respectively. These improved performances with respect to other AlGaN UV-PDs around the same wavelength detection range may possibly be attributed to the greater contribution of the photogenerated electrons to the 2DEG, which results from the increase in the polarization sheet charge density at the InAlN/AlGaN interface. The LM InAlN/AlGaN heterostructures provide relatively promising candidates for realizing high-performance HFET-type UV-PDs.