bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clipping has stronger effects on plant production than does warming in three alpine meadow sites on the Northern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Fu Gang , Shen Zhen Xi
Published: November 2017

The relative effects of warming and clipping on vegetation growth are not fully understood. Therefore, we compared the relative effects of experimental warming and clipping on the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), green NDVI (GNDVI), soil-adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), aboveground biomass (AGB) and gross primary production (GPP) in three alpine meadow sites (A, B and C) on the Northern Tibetan Plateau from 2013 to 2015. There were no obvious effects of experimental warming on the NDVI, GNDVI, SAVI, AGB and GPP at the three sites, which were most likely attributed to experimental warming-induced warming and drying conditions. In contrast, clipping significantly decreased the NDVI, SAVI and AGB by 27.8%, 31.3% and 18.2% at site A, by 27.1%, 31.8% and 27.7% at site B, and by 12.3%, 15.1% and 17.6% at site C, respectively. Clipping also significantly reduced the GNDVI and GPP by 11.1% and 28.2% at site A and by 18.9% and 33.7% at site B, respectively. Clipping marginally decreased the GNDVI by 8.7% (p = 0.060) and GPP (p = 0.082) by 14.4% at site C. Therefore, clipping had stronger effects on vegetation growth than did warming in the three alpine meadow sites on the Tibetan Plateau.
High-efficiency exfoliation of large-area mono-layer graphene oxide with controlled dimension
Authors: Park Won Kyu , Yoon Yeojoon , Song Young Hyun , Choi Su Yeon , Kim Seungdu , Do Youngjin , Lee Junghyun , Park Hyesung , Yoon Dae Ho , Yang Woo Seok
Published: November 2017

In this work, we introduce a novel and facile method of exfoliating large-area, single-layer graphene oxide using a shearing stress. The shearing stress reactor consists of two concentric cylinders, where the inner cylinder rotates at controlled speed while the outer cylinder is kept stationary. We found that the formation of Taylor vortex flow with shearing stress can effectively exfoliate the graphite oxide, resulting in large-area single- or few-layer graphene oxide (GO) platelets with high yields (>90%) within 60 min of reaction time. Moreover, the lateral size of exfoliated GO sheets was readily tunable by simply controlling the rotational speed of the reactor and reaction time. Our approach for high-efficiency exfoliation of GO with controlled dimension may find its utility in numerous industrial applications including energy storage, conducting composite, electronic device, and supporting frameworks of catalyst.
Novel predators emit novel cues: a mechanism for prey naivety towards alien predators
Authors: Carthey Alexandra J. R. , Bucknall Martin P. , Wierucka Kaja , Banks Peter B.
Published: November 2017

Detecting enemies is crucial for survival and a trait that develops over an evolutionary timeframe. Introduced species disrupt coevolved systems of communication and detection in their new ranges, often leading to devastating impacts. The classic example is prey naivety towards alien predators, whereby prey fail to recognise a new predator. Yet exactly why native prey fail to recognise alien predators remains puzzling. Naivety theory predicts that it is because novel predators emit novel cues. Distantly related animals have distinct evolutionary histories, physiologies and ecologies, predicting they will emit different cues. Yet it also possible that all predators emit similar cues because they are carnivorous. We investigate whether odour cues differ between placental and marsupial carnivores in Australia, where native prey experienced only marsupial mammal predation until ~4000 years ago. We compared volatile chemical profiles of urine, scats and bedding from four placental and three marsupial predators. Chemical profiles showed little overlap between placental and marsupial carnivores across all odour types, suggesting that cue novelty is a plausible mechanism for prey naivety towards alien predators. Our results also suggest a role for olfactory cues to complement visual appearance and vocalisations as biologically meaningful ways to differentiate species.
Performance on emotional tasks engaging cognitive control depends on emotional intelligence abilities: an ERP study
Authors: Megías A. , Gutiérrez-Cobo M. J. , Gómez-Leal R. , Cabello R. , Fernández-Berrocal P.
Published: November 2017

Cognitive control is a key process in decision making and adequately adapting our behavior to the environment. Previous studies have provided evidence of a lower capacity for cognitive control in emotion-laden contexts in comparison with neutral contexts. The aim of the present research was to study changes in cognitive control performance as a function of emotional intelligence (EI) level in contexts involving emotional information. The study sample was composed of 2 groups of 22 participants each: the high and low EI group. Participants carried out an emotional go/no-go task while brain activity was recorded by EEG. N2 and P3 ERPs were used as indices of cognitive control processing. Participants with higher EI showed a larger N2, reflecting a greater capacity for cognitive control related to changes in conflict monitoring, and to a better detection and evaluation of the emotional stimuli. Moreover, in general, response inhibition accuracy was reduced when emotional information was involved in this process. Our findings reveal that neural mechanisms underlying tasks that engage cognitive control depend on emotional content and EI level. This study indicates the important role played by EI in the relationship between emotion and cognition. EI training may be a very useful tool for improving performance in emotion-laden contexts.
Knowledge graph prediction of unknown adverse drug reactions and validation in electronic health records
Authors: Bean Daniel M. , Wu Honghan , Iqbal Ehtesham , Dzahini Olubanke , Ibrahim Zina M. , Broadbent Matthew , Stewart Robert , Dobson Richard J. B.
Published: November 2017

Unknown adverse reactions to drugs available on the market present a significant health risk and limit accurate judgement of the cost/benefit trade-off for medications. Machine learning has the potential to predict unknown adverse reactions from current knowledge. We constructed a knowledge graph containing four types of node: drugs, protein targets, indications and adverse reactions. Using this graph, we developed a machine learning algorithm based on a simple enrichment test and first demonstrated this method performs extremely well at classifying known causes of adverse reactions (AUC 0.92). A cross validation scheme in which 10% of drug-adverse reaction edges were systematically deleted per fold showed that the method correctly predicts 68% of the deleted edges on average. Next, a subset of adverse reactions that could be reliably detected in anonymised electronic health records from South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust were used to validate predictions from the model that are not currently known in public databases. High-confidence predictions were validated in electronic records significantly more frequently than random models, and outperformed standard methods (logistic regression, decision trees and support vector machines). This approach has the potential to improve patient safety by predicting adverse reactions that were not observed during randomised trials.
The computations that support simple decision-making: A comparison between the diffusion and urgency-gating models
Authors: Evans Nathan J. , Hawkins Guy E. , Boehm Udo , Wagenmakers Eric-Jan , Brown Scott D.
Published: November 2017

We investigate a question relevant to the psychology and neuroscience of perceptual decision-making: whether decisions are based on steadily accumulating evidence, or only on the most recent evidence. We report an empirical comparison between two of the most prominent examples of these theoretical positions, the diffusion model and the urgency-gating model, via model-based qualitative and quantitative comparisons. Our findings support the predictions of the diffusion model over the urgency-gating model, and therefore, the notion that evidence accumulates without much decay. Gross qualitative patterns and fine structural details of the data are inconsistent with the notion that decisions are based only on the most recent evidence. More generally, we discuss some strengths and weaknesses of scientific methods that investigate quantitative models by distilling the formal models to qualitative predictions.
5D proteomic approach for the biomarker search in plasma: Acute myeloid leukaemia as a case study
Authors: Raza Syed Kashif , Saleem Mahwish , Shamsi Tahir , Choudhary M. Iqbal , Atta-ur-Rahman  , Musharraf Syed Ghulam
Published: November 2017

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a type of cancer affecting all ages but it is more common in adults, as compared to children. Recent advancements in proteomics and mass spectrometry tools, offer a comprehensive solution to study the molecular complexity of diseases, such as cancers. This study is focused on the proteomic profiling of AML in comparison to healthy control for which, a systematic 5D proteomic approach for the fractionation of pooled plasma samples was used. Methodology includes depletion of Top-7 abundant proteins, ZOOM-isoelectric focusing (ZOOM-IEF), two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DGE), and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) analysis followed by the validation of identified biomarker proteins using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Up-/down-fold changes in concentration of proteins were observed in 2-DGE of AML in comparison with the healthy control and a total of 34 proteins were identified in fractioned plasma. Among them, fifteen proteins were significantly differentiated and five proteins; SAA1, complement factor C7, ApoE, plasminogen, and ApoA1 were later verified by ELISA in individual samples, which showed that SAA1 and plasminogen could be used as potential biomarker for AML.
Serum Uric Acid is Independently Associated with Enlarged Perivascular Spaces
Authors: Yang Shuna , Zhang Xiaoyu , Yuan Junliang , Yin Jiangmei , Hu Wenli
Published: November 2017

Enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) are reported to be associated with impaired cognitive function and sleep disorders. It is of clinical importance to understand the risk factors for EPVS. Hyperuricemia increases the risk of hypertension and endothelial dysfunction, which are well recognized to be associated with EPVS. Therefore, we postulated that serum uric acid (SUA) might be associated with EPVS. A total of 665 lacunar stroke patients were enrolled in this study. The SUA concentrations of patients with severe EPVS were much higher than those of patients with mild EPVS (for basal ganglia: 5.25 ± 1.40 mg/dl vs. 4.75 ± 1.40 mg/dl, p < 0.001; for white matter: 5.31 ± 1.41 mg/dl vs. 4.88 ± 1.37 mg/dl, p = 0.009). The percentage of subjects with severe EPVS tended to be higher in the highest quartile of SUA (chi-square test: P = 0.002 for basal ganglia and 0.006 for white matter). Spearman correlation analysis indicated that the SUA concentrations were positively correlated with the severity of EPVS (rho > 0, p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high normal SUA was independently associated with a higher severity of EPVS. This finding suggests that high SUA levels might be an independent risk factor for EPVS in lacunar stroke patients.
NumtS colonization in mammalian genomes
Authors: Calabrese F. M. , Balacco D. L. , Preste R. , Diroma M. A. , Forino R. , Ventura M. , Attimonelli M.
Published: November 2017

The colonization of the nuclear genome by mitochondrial DNA is an ongoing process in eukaryotes and plays an important role in genomic variability. Notwithstanding the DNA sequence availability of about 100 complete eukaryotic genomes, up to now NumtS distribution has been fully reported for a small number of sequenced eukaryotic species. With the aim to clarify the time and way of NumtS evolution, we explored the genomic distribution of NumtS in 23 eukaryotic species using an intra/interspecies in silico approach based on a cross-species similarity search and deeply investigate the evolution of NumtS in mammals. The intra- and interspecies analysis underlined how some mitochondrial regions that populated nuclear genomes can be considered as hotspots. Considering the large amount of NumtS we found in platypus and opossum genomes, we hypothesized the occurrence of an earlier colonization that happened prior to the Prototherian/Therian mammal divergence, approximately 160–210 million years ago. These events are still detectable due to the species-specific dynamics that have affected these genomes. Phylogenetic analyses of NumtS derived from two different mitochondrial DNA loci allowed us to recognize the unusual NumtS evolution that acted differently on primate and non-primate species’ genomes.
Colour discrimination thresholds in type 1 Bipolar Disorder: a pilot study
Authors: Fernandes Thiago Monteiro Paiva , Andrade Suellen Marinho , de Andrade Michael Jackson Oliveira , Nogueira Renata Maria Toscano Barreto Lyra , Santos Natanael Antonio
Published: November 2017

Although some studies have reported perceptual changes in psychosis, no definitive conclusions have been drawn about visual disturbances that are related to bipolar disorder (BPD). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate colour vision in BPD patients. Data were recorded from 24 participants: healthy control group (n = 12) and type 1 BPD group (n = 12). The participants were 20–45 years old and they were free from neurological disorders and identifiable ocular disease and had normal or corrected-to-normal visual acuity. Colour discrimination was evaluated using the Lanthony D-15d, Trivector and Ellipse tests, using a psychophysical forced-choice method. The relationship of visual measures to mood state and cognitive function was also investigated. The results showed that BPD patients had higher colour discrimination thresholds in the D15d (p < 0.001), Trivector (p < 0.001) and Ellipse (p < 0.01) tests compared with healthy controls. Linear regression analysis showed that mood state was related to colour discrimination. BPD individuals were not impaired in cognitive tasks. The present study provided new evidence of potential links between type 1 BPD and visual processing impairments. This research suggests a new direction for studies and the need for research in this field of study.
In situ investigation of phase transformations in Ti-6Al-4V under additive manufacturing conditions combining laser melting and high-speed micro-X-ray diffraction
Authors: Kenel C. , Grolimund D. , Li X. , Panepucci E. , Samson V. A. , Sanchez D. Ferreira , Marone F. , Leinenbach C.
Published: November 2017

We present combined in situ X-ray diffraction and high-speed imaging to monitor the phase evolution upon cyclic rapid laser heating and cooling mimicking the direct energy deposition of Ti-6Al-4V in real time. Additive manufacturing of the industrially relevant alloy Ti-6Al-4V is known to create a multitude of phases and microstructures depending on processing technology and parameters. Current setups are limited by an averaged measurement through the solid and liquid parts. In this work the combination of a micro-focused intense X-ray beam, a fast detector and unidirectional cooling provide the spatial and temporal resolution to separate contributions from solid and liquid phases in limited volumes. Upon rapid heating and cooling, the β ↔ α′ phase transformation is observed repeatedly. At room temperature, single phase α′ is observed. Secondary β-formation upon formation of α′ is attributed to V partitioning to the β-phase leading to temporary stabilization. Lattice strains in the α′-phase are found to be sensitive to the α′ → β phase transformation. Based on lattice strain of the β-phase, the martensite start temperature is estimated at 923 K in these experiments. Off-axis high speed imaging confirms a technically relevant solidification front velocity and cooling rate of 10.3 mm/s and 4500 K/s, respectively.
A Route to Terahertz Metamaterial Biosensor Integrated with Microfluidics for Liver Cancer Biomarker Testing in Early Stage
Authors: Geng Zhaoxin , Zhang Xiong , Fan Zhiyuan , Lv Xiaoqing , Chen Hongda
Published: November 2017

Engineered Terahertz (THz) metamaterials presented an unique characteristics for biosensing application due to their accurately tunable resonance frequency, which is in accord with vibrational frequency of some important biomolecules such as cancer biomarker. However, water absorption in THz regime is an obstacle to extend application in trace biomolecules of cancer antibody or antigen. Here, to overcome water absorption and enhance the THz biosensing sensitivity, two kinds of THz metamaterials biosensor integrated with microfluidics were fabricated and used to detect the Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and Glutamine transferase isozymes II (GGT-II) of liver cancer biomarker in early stage. There were about 19 GHz resonance shift (5 mu/ml) and 14.2 GHz resonance shift (0.02524 μg/ml) for GGT-II and AFP with a two-gap-metamaterial, respectively, which agreed with simulation results. Those results demonstrated the power and usefulness of metamaterial-assisted THz spectroscopy in trace cancer biomarker molecular detection for biological and chemical sensing. Moreover, for a particular cancer biomarker, the sensitivity could be further improved by optimizing the metamaterial structure and decreasing the permittivity of the substrate. This method might be powerful and potential for special recognition of cancer molecules in the early stage.
Rational design of cholesterol oxidase for efficient bioresolution of cholestane skeleton substrates
Authors: Qin Hui-Min , Zhu Zhangliang , Ma Zheng , Xu Panpan , Guo Qianqian , Li Songtao , Wang Jian-Wen , Mao Shuhong , Liu Fufeng , Lu Fuping
Published: November 2017

Cholesterol oxidase catalyzes the oxidation and isomerization of the cholestane substrates leading to the addition of a hydroxyl group at the C3 position. Rational engineering of the cholesterol oxidase from Pimelobacter simplex (PsChO) was performed. Mutagenesis of V64 and F70 improved the catalytic activities toward cholestane substrates. Molecular dynamics simulations, together with structure-activity relationship analysis, revealed that both V64C and F70V increased the binding free energy between PsChO mutants and cholesterol. F70V and V64C mutations might cause the movement of loops L56-P77, K45-P49 and L350-E354 at active site. They enlarged the substrate-binding cavity and relieved the steric interference with substrates facilitating recognition of C17 hydrophobic substrates with long side chain substrates.
An electrochemiluminescence sensor based on CdSe@CdS functionalized MoS2 and hemin/G-quadruplex-based DNAzyme biocatalytic precipitation for sensitive detection of Pb(ii)
Authors: Du Xiao-Li , Kang Tian-Fang , Lu Li-Ping , Cheng Shui-Yuan
Published: November 2017

A novel electrochemiluminescence biosensor based on CdSe@CdS quantum dots functionalized MoS2 modified electrode was developed for sensitive detection of Pb(ii) using HRP-mimicking DNAzyme biocatalytic reaction.
Bone-targeting poly(ethylene sodium phosphate)
Authors: Iwasaki Yasuhiko , Yokota Atsushi , Otaka Akihisa , Inoue Naoyuki , Yamaguchi Akane , Yoshitomi Toru , Yoshimoto Keitaro , Neo Masashi
Published: November 2017

Bone targeting: Poly(ethylene sodium phosphate) (PEP·Na) shows a high affinity for bone tissue in vivo. Due to its biocompatibility and molecular diversity, PEP·Na is a new candidate polymer for generating prodrugs for bone disease treatment.
Alkyl radical triggeredin situSO2-capture cascades
Authors: Su Xiaolong , Huang Honggui , Hong Wei , Cui Jianchao , Yu Menglin , Li Yi
Published: November 2017

Born to be useful: an unprecedentedin situSO2-capture cascade triggered by alkyl radicals has been documented herein.
Real-time observation of solubilization-induced morphological change in surfactant aggregates adsorbed on a solid surface
Authors: Koizumi Keito , Akamatsu Masaaki , Sakai Kenichi , Sasaki Shinya , Sakai Hideki
Published: November 2017

A solubilization-induced morphological change in surfactant surface aggregates was imaged in real-time, using high-speed atomic force microscopy.
Molecular dynamics simulations of propane in slit shaped silica nano-pores: direct comparison with quasielastic neutron scattering experiments
Authors: Gautam Siddharth , Le Thu , Striolo Alberto , Cole David
Published: November 2017

MD simulations reveal the origin of anomalous pressure dependence of propane diffusion in silica mesopores.
Estimation of electric field effects on the adsorption of molecular superoxide species on Au based on density functional theory
Authors: Rawal Saurin H. , McKee William C. , Xu Ye
Published: November 2017

The stability of molecular superoxide species can be materially affected by the presence of an interfacial electric field and solvent molecules, which needs to be taken into account in the first-principles modeling of oxygen reduction by metals and other related electrode reactions.
Influence of the anatase/rutile ratio on the charge transport properties of TiO2-NTs arrays studied by dual wavelength opto-electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Cottineau T. , Cachet H. , Keller V. , Sutter E. M. M.
Published: November 2017

Dual wavelength IMPS allows the determination of the charge transport properties of multiphasic photo-electrodes.
Excited state energy fluctuations in the Fenna–Matthews–Olson complex from molecular dynamics simulations with interpolated chromophore potentials
Authors: Kim Chang Woo , Choi Bongsik , Rhee Young Min
Published: November 2017

Environmental fluctuation of pigment excitation energies in the Fenna–Matthews–Olson complex is investigated by our realistic interpolated potential model.
CO ligands stabilize metal chalcogenide Co6Se8(CO)n clusters via demagnetization
Authors: Chauhan Vikas , Reber Arthur C. , Khanna Shiv N.
Published: November 2017

The role of carbon monoxide ligands on the magnetic moment of Co6Se8(CO)n clusters, n = 0–6 was investigated to better understand the interplay between the electronic structure of metal chalcogenide clusters and their ligands.
An ion-pair receptor comprising urea groups and N-benzyl-aza-18-crown-6: effective recognition and liquid–liquid extraction of KCl salt
Authors: Zakrzewski Maciej , Załubiniak Dominika , Piątek Piotr
Published: November 2017

Heteroditopic ion-pair receptor that contains two urea groups and N-benzyl-18-crown-6 is shown to effectively recognizes and extracts KCl salt.
Towards identifying the active sites on RuO2(110) in catalyzing oxygen evolution
Authors: Rao Reshma R. , Kolb Manuel J. , Halck Niels Bendtsen , Pedersen Anders Filsøe , Mehta Apurva , You Hoydoo , Stoerzinger Kelsey A. , Feng Zhenxing , Hansen Heine A. , Zhou Hua , Giordano Livia , Rossmeisl Jan , Vegge Tejs , Chorkendorff Ib , Stephens Ifan E. L. , Shao-Horn Yang
Published: November 2017

Surface structural transitions and active sites are identified using X-ray scattering and density functional theory.
High thermoelectric performance of p-BiSbTe compounds prepared by ultra-fast thermally induced reaction
Authors: Zheng Gang , Su Xianli , Xie Hongyao , Shu Yuejiao , Liang Tao , She Xiaoyu , Liu Wei , Yan Yonggao , Zhang Qingjie , Uher Ctirad , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. , Tang Xinfeng
Published: November 2017

High performance Bi2Te3-based thermoelectric material and modules with a conversion efficiency of 5.2% under a temperature gradient of 250 K were synthesized by TIFS.
Specific protein supplementation using soya, casein or whey differentially affects regional gut growth and luminal growth factor bioactivity in rats; implications for the treatment of gut injury and stimulating repair
Authors: Marchbank Tania , Mandir Nikki , Calnan Denis , Goodlad Robert A. , Podas Theo , Playford Raymond J.
Published: November 2017

Differential enhancement of luminal growth factor bioactivity and targeted regional gut growth occurs dependent on dietary protein supplement.
Throughput enhancement of parallel step emulsifier devices by shear-free and efficient nozzle clearance
Authors: Stolovicki Elad , Ziblat Roy , Weitz David A.
Published: November 2017

Overcrowded drops at the output channels of step emulsifier devices create a bottleneck, thereby limiting the production rate. Here bottlenecks are avoided by using an open collection channel and buoyancy.
Electron beam induced tunneling magnetoresistance in spatially confined manganite bridges
Authors: Jeon J. , Jung J. , Chow K. H.
Published: November 2017

Certain manganites exhibit rich and technologically relevant transport properties which can often be attributed to the existence and changes of the intrinsic electronic phase competition within these materials.
Self-cleaning by harnessing wrinkles in two-dimensional layered crystals
Authors: Sun Jia-Sheng , Jiang Jin-Wu , Park Harold S. , Zhang Sulin
Published: November 2017

Two-dimensional (2D) layered crystals are prone to bending and folding owing to their ultra-low bending stiffness.
Developing nanotube junctions with arbitrary specifications
Authors: Varshney Vikas , Unnikrishnan Vinu , Lee Jonghoon , Roy Ajit K.
Published: November 2017

A novel framework is presented to generate carbon nanotube junctions with arbitrary chiral and spatial specifications.
Cryogenically probing the surface trap states of single nanowires passivated with self-assembled molecular monolayers
Authors: Zhao Xingyan , Tu Peng , He Jiajing , Zhu Hong , Dan Yaping
Published: November 2017

We demonstrate a cryogenic technique that is capable of measuring the density of surface trap states in the full half bandgap without the exponential transient photoresponse assumption.
Effects of rhenium dopants on photocarrier dynamics and optical properties of monolayer, few-layer, and bulk MoS2
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Liu Qingfeng , Cui Qiannan , Qi Zeming , Wu Judy Z. , Zhao Hui
Published: November 2017

Time-integrated photoluminescence and time-resolved transient absorption measurements reveal that rhenium dopants reduce photocarrier lifetime in MoS2.
Controllable manipulation of bubbles in water by using underwater superaerophobic graphene-oxide/gold-nanoparticle composite surfaces
Authors: Xu Ruixin , Xu Xiangyang , He Minghui , Su Bin
Published: November 2017

Low-adhesion, underwater superaerophobic graphene-oxide/gold-nanoparticle hybrid films were prepared that can control the 1D and 2D movements and merging/reaction of bubbles in water.
Preparation of MoS2/TiO2 based nanocomposites for photocatalysis and rechargeable batteries: progress, challenges, and perspective
Authors: Chen Biao , Meng Yuhuan , Sha Junwei , Zhong Cheng , Hu Wenbin , Zhao Naiqin
Published: November 2017

In this review, we first summarize the recent progress in MoS2/TiO2-based nanomaterials for applications in photocatalysis and rechargeable batteries.
Novel conjugated polymers based on bis-dithieno[3,2-b;2′,3′-d]pyrrole vinylene donor and diketopyrrolopyrrole acceptor: side chain engineering in organic field effect transistors
Authors: Lin Fang-Ju , Lin Song-Di , Chin Chih-Hao , Chuang Wei-Tsung , Hsu Chain-Shu
Published: November 2017

Novel bulky and rigid vinyl-donor–DPP acceptor (D–A) polymers, poly[dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrrole vinylene dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrrolediketopyrrolopyrrole] (PB(DTP)V-DPP) were synthesized.
Simultaneous doping and crosslinking of polythiophene films
Authors: Reinold P. , Bruchlos K. , Ludwigs S.
Published: November 2017

We present a click chemistry approach for the synthesis of conjugated redox polymers based on highly regioregular polythiophenes with tunable amounts of pendant redox-active triphenylamine (TPA) groups. Solution-deposited films can be simultaneously doped and crosslinked by electrochemical or chemical oxidation.
Technological advances in current metabolomics and its application in tradition Chinese medicine
Authors: Song Qi , Zhang Ai-hua , Yan Guang-li , Liu Liang , Wang Xi-jun
Published: November 2017

During the last few years, many metabolomics technologies have been established in biomedical research for analyzing the changes of metabolite levels.
Applying target data screening followed by characteristic fragment filtering for the comprehensive screening and identification of alkaloids in Corydalis yanhusuo W. T. Wang by UPLC-Q-TOF/MSE
Authors: Wang Meiling , Liu Yuehong , Fu Shuang , Zhang Qingqing , Wang Qing , Gao Xiaoyan
Published: November 2017

A target data screening strategy followed by characteristic fragment filtering by UPLC-Q-TOF/MSE was developed for rapidly and comprehensively identifying alkaloids in Corydalis yanhusuo W. T. Wang (Yanhusuo).
Trace determination of chlorpheniramine in human plasma using magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction based on a graphene oxide/Fe3O4@polythionine nanocomposite combined with high-performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Daryakenary Maryam Ahmadi , Zeeb Mohsen
Published: November 2017

Graphene oxide/Fe3O4@polythionine (GO/Fe3O4@PTh) nanocomposite was fabricated for magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolent detection (HPLC) of chlorpheniramine in human plasma.
Trop2 promotes proliferation, invasion and EMT of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells through the NF-κB pathway
Authors: Cheng Nan , Li Haixia , Luo Junpeng
Published: November 2017

Human trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (Trop2), a cell surface transmembrane glycoprotein receptor, has been demonstrated to be closely associated with increasing tumor aggressiveness, metastasis and unfavorable prognosis.
Preparation and enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen-evolution activity of ZnGa2O4/N-rGO heterostructures
Authors: Bai X. P. , Zhao X. , Fan W. L.
Published: November 2017

Schematic diagram of photocatalytic hydrogen-evolution of ZnGa2O4/N-rGO illustrating that N-rGO acted as a catalyst support and electron sink for promoting charge separation and transfer.
Proton conducting electrospun sulfonated polyether ether ketone graphene oxide composite membranes
Authors: Reyes-Rodriguez Jose Luis , Escorihuela Jorge , García-Bernabé Abel , Giménez Enrique , Solorza-Feria Omar , Compañ Vicente
Published: November 2017

A series of novel composite membranes, based on sulfonated poly(ether ketone) (SPEEK) with a graphene oxide (GO) layer, were prepared.
Localized double phonon scattering and DOS induced thermoelectric enhancement of degenerate nonstoichiometric Li1−xNbO2 compounds
Authors: Rahman Jamil Ur , Van Du Nguyen , Rahman Gul , García-Suárez V. M. , Seo Won-Seon , Kim Myong Ho , Lee Soonil
Published: November 2017

We report the synthesis and thermoelectric properties of a new p-type oxide thermoelectric material (Li1−xNbO2, with x = 0–0.6), in which Li-vacancies play a significant role in the enhancement of the thermoelectric performance.
Yixinshu ameliorates hippocampus abnormality induced by heart failureviathe PPARγ signaling pathway
Authors: Xian Minghua , Wang Tingting , Zhang Wen , Gao Jinhuan , Zhang Yi , Li Defeng , Wei Junying , Yang Hongjun
Published: November 2017

Yizinshu (YXS) improves cardiac function and ameliorates hippocampus abnormality induced by heart failureviathe PPARγ signaling pathway.
Fabrication of sub-1 nm gap electrodes using metal-mask patterning and conductivity measurements of molecules in nanoscale spaces
Authors: Naitoh Yasuhisa , Albrecht Ken , Wei Qingshuo , Yamamoto Kimihisa , Shima Hisashi , Ishida Takao
Published: November 2017

Fabrications of sub-1 nm gap Au electrodes using a metal mask for patterning were achieved. Because the procedure does not involve wet processing, the ranges of possible electrode and substrate materials for the electrodes are greatly expanded.
Bio-conjugation of graphene quantum dots for targeting imaging
Authors: Jia Fei , Lv Shuyu , Xu Sha
Published: November 2017

We demonstrate GQD-based bio-conjugation. Targeted imaging can be achieved in both cells and tissue models with single or multi-color staining, showing universality for different kinds of biological models.
Supramolecular assemblies of a nitrogen-embedded buckybowl dimer with C60
Authors: Yokoi Hiroki , Hiroto Satoru , Sakamaki Daisuke , Seki Shu , Shinokubo Hiroshi
Published: November 2017

A directly connected azabuckybowl dimer forms a 1 : 1 complex with C60 in a diluted solution, while 1D chain supramolecular assemblies are obtained upon increasing the concentration.
Mesoscopic modelling and simulation of soft matter
Authors: Schiller Ulf D. , Krüger Timm , Henrich Oliver
Published: November 2017

This tutorial review gives a comparative introduction to some of the most popular mesoscopic simulation methods and their application to soft and flowing matter.
Polaron size and shape effects on oxygen vacancy interactions in lanthanum strontium ferrite
Authors: Das Tridip , Nicholas Jason D. , Qi Yue
Published: November 2017

A change in the oxygen vacancy polaron size with La/Sr ratio in La1−xSrxFeO3−δ, leads to a change in oxygen vacancy interactions at a higher vacancy concentration.
Near-infrared light triggered and separable microneedles for transdermal delivery of metformin in diabetic rats
Authors: Yu Weijiang , Jiang Guohua , Zhang Yang , Liu Depeng , Xu Bin , Zhou Junyi
Published: November 2017

We successfully developed a microneedle system integrated with a near-infrared light trigger and thermal ablation microneedles for transdermal delivery of metformin on diabetic rats.
Multimodal underwater adhesion using self-assembled Dopa-bearing ABA triblock copolymer networks
Authors: Tang Xiaomin , Bettinger Christopher J.
Published: November 2017

Self-assembled mechanically robust Dopa-bearing triblock copolymer networks improve underwater adhesion through both energy dissipation and interfacial bonding.
Dually responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles regulated by upper critical solution temperature polymers for intracellular drug delivery
Authors: Hei Mingyang , Wang Jun , Wang Kelly , Zhu Weiping , Ma Peter X.
Published: November 2017

A novel, dual responsive and intracellular delivery system was developed by grafting UCST-type polymers onto the surface of mesoporous silica nanoparticles through disulfide bonds.
Discretely distributed 1D V2O5 nanowires over 2D MoS2 nanoflakes for an enhanced broadband flexible photodetector covering the ultraviolet to near infrared region
Authors: Sahatiya Parikshit , Reddy K Chandra Sekhar , Badhulika Sushmee
Published: November 2017

Discrete distribution of 1D V2O5 nanowires over 2D MoS2 and metal contacts on MoS2 allows for broadband photodetection (360–780 nm).
Modelling, control and sensorless speed estimation of micro‐wind turbines for deployment in Antarctica
Authors: Llano Danilo Xavier , McMahon Richard Anthony
Published: November 2017

This study presents the modelling, control and sensorless speed estimation of two micro‐wind turbines deployed by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) in Antarctica. Mathematical models for the generators attached to an Ampair 100 and Rutland 913 wind turbines and their experimental validation are given. A model for the wind turbines, particularly taking into account the power coefficient versus tip speed ratio relationship, was proposed and successfully evaluated on a wind turbine emulator test rig. This study describes an analogue speed estimator board and a Kalman filter for estimating the shaft speed. These estimators use only DC‐side measurements to match the characteristics of the current version of the turbine control board. The wind turbine control and speed estimators were tested on the emulator test rig using real wind data from BAS research bases in Antarctica. Using only DC‐side measurements leads to low computation requirements to execute the algorithms in comparison with commonly used schemes that rely on AC measurements. The estimation algorithms are based on the model of a permanent magnet generator connected to a diode rectifier, as they can be used in a wider range of applications including DC–DC converters with maximum power point tracking algorithms.
Radio signatures of shock-accelerated electron beams in the solar corona
Authors: Mann G. , Melnik V. N. , Rucker H. O. , Konovalenko A. A. , Brazhenko A. I.
Published: November 2017

Context.The Sun’s activity can appear in terms of radio bursts. In the frequency range 8−33 MHz the radio telescope URAN-2 observed special fine structures appearing as a chain of stripes of enhanced radio emission in the dynamic radio spectrum. The chain drifts slowly from 26 to 23 MHz within 4 min. The individual structures consist of a “head” at the high-frequency edge and a “tail” rapidly drifting from the “head” to lower frequencies over an extent of ≈10 MHz within 8 s. Since they resemble the well-known “herring bones” in type II radio bursts, they are interpreted as shock accelerated electron beams.

Aims.The electron beams generating these fine structures are considered to be produced by shock drift acceleration (SDA). The beam electrons excite Langmuir waves which are converted into radio waves by nonlinear wave-plasma processes. That is called plasma emission. The aim of this paper is to link the radio spectral data of these fine structures to the theoretical results in order to gain a better understanding of the generation of energetic electrons by shocks in the solar corona.

Methods.Adopting SDA for generating energetic electrons, the accelerated electrons establish a beam-like velocity distribution. Plasma emission requires the excitation of Langmuir waves, which is efficient if the velocity of the beam electrons exceeds a few times thermal electron speed. That is the case if the angle between the shock normal and the upstream magnetic field is nearly perpendicular. Hence, the Rankine-Hugoniot relationships, which describe the shock transition in the framework of magnetohydrodynamics, are evaluated for the special case of nearly perpendicular shocks under coronal circumstances.

Results.The radio data deduced from the dynamic radio spectrum can be related in the best way to the theoretical results, if the electron beams, which generate these fine structures, are generated via SDA at an almost perpendicular shock, which is traveling nearly horizontally to the surface of the Sun.
A posteriori noise estimation in variable data sets
Authors: Czesla S. , Molle T. , Schmitt J. H. M. M.
Published: November 2017

Most physical data sets contain a stochastic contribution produced by measurement noise or other random sources along with the signal. Usually, neither the signal nor the noise are accurately known prior to the measurement so that both have to be estimated a posteriori. We have studied a procedure to estimate the standard deviation of the stochastic contribution assuming normality and independence, requiring a sufficiently well-sampled data set to yield reliable results. This procedure is based on estimating the standard deviation in a sample of weighted sums of arbitrarily sampled data points and is identical to the so-called DER_SNR algorithm for specific parameter settings. To demonstrate the applicability of our procedure, we present applications to synthetic data, high-resolution spectra, and a large sample of space-based light curves and, finally, give guidelines to apply the procedure in situation not explicitly considered here to promote its adoption in data analysis.
Supergiants and their shells in young globular clusters
Authors: Szécsi Dorottya , Mackey Jonathan , Langer Norbert
Published: November 2017

Context. Anomalous surface abundances are observed in a fraction of the low-mass stars of Galactic globular clusters, that may originate from hot-hydrogen-burning products ejected by a previous generation of massive stars.

Aims. We aim to present and investigate a scenario in which the second generation of polluted low-mass stars can form in shells around cool supergiant stars within a young globular cluster.

Methods. Simulations of low-metallicity massive stars (Mi ~ 150−600 M⊙) show that both core-hydrogen-burning cool supergiants and hot ionizing stellar sources are expected to be present simulaneously in young globular clusters. Under these conditions, photoionization-confined shells form around the supergiants. We have simulated such a shell, investigated its stability and analysed its composition.

Results. We find that the shell is gravitationally unstable on a timescale that is shorter than the lifetime of the supergiant, and the Bonnor-Ebert mass of the overdense regions is low enough to allow star formation. Since the low-mass stellar generation formed in this shell is made up of the material lost from the supergiant, its composition necessarily reflects the composition of the supergiant wind. We show that the wind contains hot-hydrogen-burning products, and that the shell-stars therefore have very similar abundance anomalies that are observed in the second generation stars of globular clusters. Considering the mass-budget required for the second generation star-formation, we offer two solutions. Either a top-heavy initial mass function is needed with an index of −1.71 to −2.07. Alternatively, we suggest the shell-stars to have a truncated mass distribution, and solve the mass budget problem by justifiably accounting for only a fraction of the first generation.

Conclusions. Star-forming shells around cool supergiants could form the second generation of low-mass stars in Galactic globular clusters. Even without forming a photoionizaton-confined shell, the cool supergiant stars predicted at low-metallicity could contribute to the pollution of the interstellar medium of the cluster from which the second generation was born. Thus, the cool supergiant stars should be regarded as important contributors to the evolution of globular clusters.
Charge exchange in galaxy clusters
Authors: Gu Liyi , Mao Junjie , de Plaa Jelle , Raassen A. J. J. , Shah Chintan , Kaastra Jelle S.
Published: November 2017

Context. Though theoretically expected, the charge exchange emission from galaxy clusters has never been confidently detected. Accumulating hints were reported recently, including a rather marginal detection with the Hitomi data of the Perseus cluster. As previously suggested, a detection of charge exchange line emission from galaxy clusters would not only impact the interpretation of the newly discovered 3.5 keV line, but also open up a new research topic on the interaction between hot and cold matter in clusters.

Aim. We aim to perform the most systematic search for the O VIII charge exchange line in cluster spectra using the RGS on board XMM-Newton.

Methods. We introduce a sample of 21 clusters observed with the RGS. In order to search for O VIII charge exchange, the sample selection criterion is a >35σ detection of the O VIII Lyα line in the archival RGS spectra. The dominating thermal plasma emission is modeled and subtracted with a two-temperature thermal component, and the residuals are stacked for the line search. The systematic uncertainties in the fits are quantified by refitting the spectra with a varying continuum and line broadening.

Results. By the residual stacking, we do find a hint of a line-like feature at 14.82 Å, the characteristic wavelength expected for oxygen charge exchange. This feature has a marginal significance of 2.8σ, and the average equivalent width is 2.5 × 10−4 keV. We further demonstrate that the putative feature can be barely affected by the systematic errors from continuum modeling and instrumental effects, or the atomic uncertainties of the neighboring thermal lines.

Conclusions. Assuming a realistic temperature and abundance pattern, the physical model implied by the possible oxygen line agrees well with the theoretical model proposed previously to explain the reported 3.5 keV line. If the charge exchange source indeed exists, we expect that the oxygen abundance could have been overestimated by 8−22% in previous X-ray measurements that assumed pure thermal lines. These new RGS results bring us one step forward to understanding the charge exchange phenomenon in galaxy clusters.
Research on a new detection method of slab surface crack in mould during continuous casting
Authors: Liu Yu , Wang Xudong , Sun Yi , Yao Man , Gao Yali , Wang Fuwang , Wang Junyao
Published: November 2017

Based on the mould temperature measured by thermocouples during slab continuous casting, a new thermograph with difference of temperature change is developed to detect slab cracks. This thermograph allows the characteristics of longitudinal crack during formation and propagation process to be captured and extracted by means of computer image processing algorithms, such as the maximum difference of temperature change, the mean difference of temperature change, height and width, aspect ratio and moving velocity. These characteristics are also compared to the normal and abnormal cold regions. The results show that the maximum and mean differences of temperature change are very large. The moving velocity is almost close to casting speed. The cold region is almost parallel to casting direction. The aspect ratio of cold region caused by longitudinal crack is very large, which is different to other abnormalities. These characteristics of abnormal regions can be used to judge longitudinal crack, normal continuous casting and other abnormalities. This method presents some visual characteristics of cold regions caused by longitudinal crack to operators clearly. Meanwhile, it also has a positive meaning to the intelligence and visualization of mould monitoring during slab continuous casting.
Posttraumatic Glabellar Mucocele: Case Report
Authors: Mandrioli Stefano , Valente Luisa , Galiè Manlio
Published: November 2017

Mucoceles are benign, expansile cystic masses covered by respiratory epithelium filled with mucus secreted by goblet cells interspersed in the ciliated mucosa. Mucoceles result from the accumulation and retention of the products of secretion, desquamation, and inflammation in cases where the drainage is obstructed. We present a case of a nasal mucocele that developed in a 50-year-old man, possibly related to a craniofacial trauma that had occurred 24 years earlier. This is an unusual case of posttraumatic glabellar mucocele with subcutaneous extension and nasal bone erosion without any neurologic or ophthalmologic involvement.
Role of Drug Anesthesia and Cancer
Authors: Moradkhani Mahmoud , Karimi Arash
Published: November 2017

Mortality and morbidity rate among cancer patients is at an alarming rate and its ratio of incidence is increasing as a result of its effects of metastasis and recurrence in its patients. Anesthetists are faced with the challenges daily of handling and treating cancer patients, for surgical resection to removal of the primary tumor. Retrospective analyses and studies have proposed a link between anesthetic technique and cancer outcomes. In this mini-review, we will give a summary of some of the available effects of anesthetic and analgesic techniques on cancer metastasis as derived from experimental cell culture and live animal data and also from clinical studies.