bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extending the Second‐Generation Phosphorus–Nitrogen PN3‐Pincer Ligand Family through Ligand Post‐Modification
Authors: Huang Mei‐Hui , Hu Jinsong , Huang Kuo‐Wei
Published: October 2017

A series of air‐stable nickel complexes containing triazine‐based PN3P‐pincer ligands were synthesized and fully characterized. Complex 3 contains a de‐aromatized central triazine ring from the deprotonation of one of the N–H arms. With a post‐modification strategy, the Me‐PN3P*NiCl complex (3) could be converted into a new class of diimine–traizine PN3P‐pincer nickel complexes.
Synthesis, Structures, and Luminescent Properties of Sodium Rare‐Earth Metal(III) Chloride Oxotellurates(IV), Na2Ln3Cl3[TeO3]4 (Ln = Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, and Ho)
Authors: Charkin Dmitri O. , Zitzer Sabine , Greiner Stefan , Dorofeev Sergey G. , Olenev Andrei V. , Berdonosov Peter S. , Schleid Thomas , Dolgikh Valery A.
Published: October 2017

Six sodium rare‐earth metal(III) chloride oxotellurates(IV), Na2Ln3Cl3[TeO3]4, isostructural to Na2Y3Cl3[TeO3]4, were synthesized by flux techniques and characterized by single‐crystal XRD. The compounds crystallize in the monoclinic space group C2/c with lattice constants a = 23.967(1), b = 5.6342(3), c = 16.952(1) Å, β = 134.456(5)° for Ln = Sm, a = 23.932(2), b = 5.6044(5), c = 17.134(1) Å, β = 135.151(6)° for Ln = Eu, a = 23.928(1), b = 5.5928(1), c = 17.1133(8) Å, β = 135.366(3)° for Ln = Gd, a = 23.907(1), b = 5.569(3), c = 16.745(1) Å, β = 134.205(3)° for Ln = Tb, a = 23.870(1), b = 5.547(3), c = 16.665(1) Å, β = 134.102(3)° for Ln = Dy, and a = 23.814(1), b = 5.526(3), c = 16.626(1) Å, β = 134.016(3)° for Ln = Ho and Z = 4. Their crystal structure can be considered as a framework built of intergrowing Ln–O and Na–(O,Cl) slabs with channel walls decorated by tellurium atoms of [TeO3]2– groups. The luminescent properties of the new compounds due to the Ln3+ cations are described and discussed. We also discuss the crystal chemistry of various alkali‐metal rare‐earth metal(III) halide oxochalcogenates(IV).
Investigation of aerodynamic coefficients at Mach 6 over conical, hemispherical and flat-face spiked body
Authors: Kalimuthu R. , Mehta R. C. , Rathakrishnan E.
Published: October 2017

A forward spike attached to a blunt body significantly alters its flow field characteristics and influences aerodynamic characteristics at hypersonic flow due to formation of separated flow and re-circulation region around the spiked body. An experimental investigation was performed to measure aerodynamic forces for spikes blunt bodies with a conical, hemispherical and flat-face spike at Mach 6 and at an angle-of-attack range from 0° to 8° and length-to-diameterL/Dratio of spike varies from 0.5 to 2.0, whereLis the length of the spike andDis diameter of blunt body. The shape of the leading edge of the spiked blunt body reveals different types of flow field features in the formation of a shock wave, shear layer, flow separation, re-circulation region and re-attachment shock. They are analysed with the help of schlieren pictures. The shock distance ahead of the hemisphere and the flat-face spike is compared with the analytical solution and is showing satisfactory agreement with the schlieren pictures. The influence of geometrical parameters of the spike, the shape of the spike tip and angle-of-attack on the aerodynamic coefficients are investigated by measuring aerodynamic forces in a hypersonic wind tunnel. It is found that a maximum reduction of drag of about 77% was found for hemisphere spike ofL/D= 2.0 at zero angle-of-attack. Consideration for compensation of increased pitching moment is required to stabilise the aerodynamic forces.
Reinterpreting Exceptions to the Use of Force in the Interest of Security: Forcible Intervention by Invitation and the Demise of the Negative Equality Principle
Authors: de Wet Erika
Published: October 2017

This essay describes tensions that arise between two types of public goods enshrined in the United Nations Charter—the right to self-determination of people(s) within a territorial state and peace and security—in situations in which recognized governments in conflict-torn countries request military assistance from third states against opposition groups. It illuminates legal challenges in reconciling these public goods in practice, at a time when collective peacekeeping mechanisms appear unable to prevent or terminate civil conflicts and their destabilizing regional impact.
Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy treated as ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Parr Christopher J. , Sharma Rajat , Garber Philip J.
Published: October 2017

Electrocardiographic changes resulting from apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may mimic an acute coronary syndrome. A 67-year-old Sudanese male without cardiac risk factors presented to hospital with chest pain and electrocardiographic findings of septal ST-segment elevation, ST-segment depression in V4-V6, and diffuse T-wave inversion. He was treated as an acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction with thrombolytics. There was no cardiac biomarker rise and coronary angiography did not reveal evidence of significant coronary arterial disease. Ventriculography, transthoracic echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were consistent with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The patient was discharged three days later with outpatient cardiology follow-up. We highlight the clinical and electrocardiographic findings of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, with an emphasis on distinguishing this from acute myocardial infarction.
Difficult Dialogues in the South: Questions about Practice
Authors: Nakata Martin
Published: October 2017

This is a reflective opinion piece, on our efforts in Australia to achieve alignment between the goals of Indigenous self-determination, Indigenous studies programmes and decolonising theory for an open and critical dialogue in south–south scholarship agendas. In this spirit, extant approaches to Indigenous studies in the Australian higher education context are questioned, the scholarship recruited for this is challenged, and its advocated role in the education of all students is raised as a major concern.
TEMPORALITIES OF LATE CLASSIC TO POSTCLASSIC (ca. AD 600–1521) MAYA FIGURINES FROM CENTRAL PETÉN, GUATEMALA
Authors: Halperin Christina T.
Published: October 2017

Maya figurine styles from the Late Classic to Postclassic periods (ca. AD 600–1521) from central Petén, Guatemala undergo an abrupt change at the Terminal Classic-Postclassic transition (ca. AD 830–1000). Despite the intimate association of figurines with households, such shifts parallel those on stone monuments and decorated vessels, underscoring the role of figurines in processes of political upheaval. Documenting figurine chronologies over broad periods of time, however, tells us little about how people in the past may have experienced temporal changes. Thus, in concert with a focus on figurine chronologies, this article explores the temporalities of figurines as manifested through their discard, the simultaneous experience of old and new figurine styles, and tensions between personal and monumental time.
Long-Term GNSS Analysis for Local Geodetic Datum After 2011 Tohoku Earthquake
Authors: Kim Su-Kyung , Bae Tae-Suk
Published: October 2017

The current Korean national geodetic reference frame, KGD2002, refers to the fixed epoch at 2002·0 under the assumption that there is no crustal movement of the Korean peninsula. A discontinuity in the coordinates of the reference stations may occur due to the relocation of the stations, antenna replacement, or earthquakes. The static reference frame has difficulty in covering continuous and/or discontinuous crustal movements at the same time. A new dynamic local geodetic reference frame has been calculated based on eight years (2007–2014) of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data. The final geodetic coordinates and velocities were calculated on the basis of the IGb08 reference frame. The discontinuity caused by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake can be addressed using the newly proposed model in this study, which ensures the consistency and continuity of the local geodetic datum.
In vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential of milks, yoghurts, fermented milks and cheeses: a narrative review of evidence
Authors: Fardet Anthony , Rock Edmond
Published: October 2017

The antioxidant potential (AP) is an important nutritional property of foods, as increased oxidative stress is involved in most diet-related chronic diseases. In dairy products, the protein fraction contains antioxidant activity, especially casein. Other antioxidants include: antioxidant enzymes; lactoferrin; conjugated linoleic acid; coenzyme Q10; vitamins C, E, A and D3; equol; uric acid; carotenoids; and mineral activators of antioxidant enzymes. The AP of dairy products has been extensively studied in vitro, with few studies in animals and human subjects. Available in vivo studies greatly differ in their design and objectives. Overall, on a 100 g fresh weight-basis, AP of dairy products is close to that of grain-based foods and vegetable or fruit juices. Among dairy products, cheeses present the highest AP due to their higher protein content. AP of milk increases during digestion by up to 2·5 times because of released antioxidant peptides. AP of casein is linked to specific amino acids, whereas β-lactoglobulin thiol groups play a major role in the AP of whey. Thermal treatments such as ultra-high temperature processing have no clear effect on the AP of milk. Raw fat-rich milks have higher AP than less fat-rich milk, because of lipophilic antioxidants. Probiotic yoghurts and fermented milks have higher AP than conventional yoghurt and milk because proteolysis by probiotics releases antioxidant peptides. Among the probiotics, Lactobacillus casei/acidophilus leads to the highest AP. The data are insufficient for cheese, but fermentation-based changes appear to make a positive impact on AP. In conclusion, AP might participate in the reported dairy product-protective effects against some chronic diseases.
Effects of videoconference-embedded classrooms (VEC) on learners’ perceptions toward English as an international language (EIL)
Authors: Lee Ju Seong , Nakamura Yuji , Sadler Randall
Published: October 2017

Despite the accumulated body of research on teaching English as an international language (EIL), few have offered a detailed overview of how to implement an EIL classroom, and still fewer empirical studies have been conducted. Twenty-one university students at a Japanese university participated in the study in the spring semester of 2015. The videoconference-embedded classroom (VEC) as an instructional intervention was implemented for 14 weeks: (1) pre-videoconference task (i.e. reading and presenting/discussing EIL issues) (11 weeks), (2) during-videoconference task (i.e. interacting online with EIL experts from three circle countries) (2 weeks), and (3) post-videoconference task (i.e. writing/presenting the final term paper on EIL issues) (1 week). Using a mixed research method consisting of a questionnaire, post-course class evaluations in spring 2014 (without VEC) and spring 2015 (with VEC), and in-class observations, VEC was found to have important pedagogical benefits as it created an interactive learning environment and deepened the understanding of the EIL content. Additionally, 81% of the participants had positive perceptions of EIL. Pedagogically, practitioners can implement EIL ideas using VEC pedagogy at the instructional level. Theoretically, it can also add new empirical findings to the field, which may help bridge a discrepancy between theory and practice.
The impact of reference isocentre position on set-up errors in head-and-neck image-guided radiotherapy
Authors: Lenko Helena , Peterlin Primož
Published: October 2017

Aim

To examine and quantify set-up errors in patient positioning in head-and-neck radiotherapy and to investigate the impact of the choice of reference isocentre—on the patient neck or patient skull—on the magnitude of set-up errors.

Materials and methods

Set-up position corrections obtained using online kV 2D/2D matching were recorded automatically for every treatment fraction. 3,413 treatment records for 117 patients treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy during 2013 and 2014 on a single treatment machine in our clinic were analysed. In 79 treatment plans the reference isocentre was set to the patient skull, and in 47 to the neck.

Results

Standard deviation of group systematic error in the vertical, longitudinal and lateral direction and the couch rotation were found to be 2·5 mm, 2·1 mm, 1·9 mm and 0·43° (skull) and 2·5 mm, 1·8 mm, 1·7 mm and 0·49° (neck), respectively. Random error of the vertical, longitudinal, lateral and rotational position correction was 1·8 mm, 1·5 mm, 1·6 mm and 0·62° (skull) and 1·9 mm, 1·6 mm, 1·5 mm and 0·60° (neck), respectively. Positional shifts in different directions were found to be uncorrelated.

Conclusions

Neither reference isocentre set-up shows a clear advantage over the other in terms of interfraction set-up error.
Nucleosome stability measured in situ by automated quantitative imaging
Authors: Imre László , Simándi Zoltán , Horváth Attila , Fenyőfalvi György , Nánási Péter , Niaki Erfaneh Firouzi , Hegedüs Éva , Bacsó Zsolt , Weyemi Urbain , Mauser Rebekka , Ausio Juan , Jeltsch Albert , Bonner William , Nagy László , Kimura Hiroshi , Szabó Gábor
Published: October 2017

Current approaches have limitations in providing insight into the functional properties of particular nucleosomes in their native molecular environment. Here we describe a simple and powerful method involving elution of histones using intercalators or salt, to assess stability features dependent on DNA superhelicity and relying mainly on electrostatic interactions, respectively, and measurement of the fraction of histones remaining chromatin-bound in the individual nuclei using histone type- or posttranslational modification- (PTM-) specific antibodies and automated, quantitative imaging. The method has been validated in H3K4me3 ChIP-seq experiments, by the quantitative assessment of chromatin loop relaxation required for nucleosomal destabilization, and by comparative analyses of the intercalator and salt induced release from the nucleosomes of different histones. The accuracy of the assay allowed us to observe examples of strict association between nucleosome stability and PTMs across cell types, differentiation state and throughout the cell-cycle in close to native chromatin context, and resolve ambiguities regarding the destabilizing effect of H2A.X phosphorylation. The advantages of the in situ measuring scenario are demonstrated via the marked effect of DNA nicking on histone eviction that underscores the powerful potential of topological relaxation in the epigenetic regulation of DNA accessibility.
Bagging Nearest-Neighbor Prediction independence Test: an efficient method for nonlinear dependence of two continuous variables
Authors: Wang Yi , Li Yi , Liu Xiaoyu , Pu Weilin , Wang Xiaofeng , Wang Jiucun , Xiong Momiao , Yao Shugart Yin , Jin Li
Published: October 2017

Testing dependence/correlation of two variables is one of the fundamental tasks in statistics. In this work, we proposed an efficient method for nonlinear dependence of two continuous variables (X and Y). We addressed this research question by using BNNPT (Bagging Nearest-Neighbor Prediction independence Test, software available at https://sourceforge.net/projects/bnnpt/). In the BNNPT framework, we first used the value of X to construct a bagging neighborhood structure. We then obtained the out of bag estimator of Y based on the bagging neighborhood structure. The square error was calculated to measure how well Y is predicted by X. Finally, a permutation test was applied to determine the significance of the observed square error. To evaluate the strength of BNNPT compared to seven other methods, we performed extensive simulations to explore the relationship between various methods and compared the false positive rates and statistical power using both simulated and real datasets (Rugao longevity cohort mitochondrial DNA haplogroups and kidney cancer RNA-seq datasets). We concluded that BNNPT is an efficient computational approach to test nonlinear correlation in real world applications.
Moiré Superstructure and Dimensional Crossover of 2D Electronic States on Nanoscale Lead Quantum Films
Authors: Kim Hyo Sung , Gye Gyeongcheol , Lee Sung-Hoon , Wang Lihai , Cheong Sang-Wook , Yeom Han Woong
Published: October 2017

We investigate using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy electronic aspects of Moiré superstructures in nanoscale Pb quantum films grown on IrTe2, which is a unique layered material with charge-order transitions into stripe phases. Pb ultrathin films exhibit a Moiré superstructure due to the lattice mismatch of Pb and IrTe2, which produces strong lateral electronic modulation of hexagonal symmetry and discreet subbands. Moreover, strongly anisotropic or 1D electronic states are formed in Pb films as modulated by the stripe charge order. Present results indicate the controllability of lateral electronic structures of various ultrathin films by extra interfacial potentials due not only to Moiré superstructures but also to novel electronic orderings of substrates.
Safety assessment of antibiotic and probiotic feed additives for Gallus gallus domesticus
Authors: Neveling D. P. , van Emmenes L. , Ahire J. J. , Pieterse E. , Smith C. , Dicks L. M. T.
Published: October 2017

Antibiotics in feed select for resistant strains and is thus a threat to human health. In this study, the effect of a multi-strain probiotic and antibiotics on the growth and health of broilers was studied. Equal numbers of broilers received on a daily basis either a multi-strain probiotic or a combination of sulphadiazine, colistin and trimethoprim, whereas the control group received standard feed. The villi of immature broilers (19 days old) administered antibiotics had a larger surface area and their lymphocyte and basophil counts were higher compared to broilers from the probiotic and control groups. The cecal microbiomes of mature broilers (29 days old) that received probiotics had higher levels of Enterobacteriaceae, but lower numbers of Clostridiales, Brucellaceae, Synergistaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae and Coriobacteriaceae compared to the antibiotic-treated group. A decline in the bioluminescence of Listeria monocytogenes observed for broilers on probiotics suggested that the probiotic may be used to control bacterial infections. No significant differences in total red blood cell, haemoglobin and haematocrit content, and mean values for corpuscular volume, corpuscular haemoglobin and corpuscular haemoglobin numbers were recorded amongst broilers from the different treatment groups. This study provides valuable information on the health and performance of broilers when administered probiotics and antibiotics as additives.
Genetic variants affecting equivalent protein family positions reflect human diversity
Authors: Raimondi Francesco , Betts Matthew J. , Lu Qianhao , Inoue Asuka , Gutkind J. Silvio , Russell Robert B.
Published: October 2017

Members of diverse protein families often perform overlapping or redundant functions meaning that different variations within them could reflect differences between individual organisms. We investigated likely functional positions within aligned protein families that contained a significant enrichment of nonsynonymous variants in genomes of healthy individuals. We identified more than a thousand enriched positions across hundreds of family alignments with roles indicative of mammalian individuality, including sensory perception and the immune system. The most significant position is the Arginine from the Olfactory receptor “DRY” motif, which has more variants in healthy individuals than all other positions in the proteome. Odorant binding data suggests that these variants lead to receptor inactivity, and they are mostly mutually exclusive with other loss-of-function (stop/frameshift) variants. Some DRY Arginine variants correlate with smell preferences in sub-populations and all 2,504 humans studied contain a unique spectrum of active and inactive receptors. The many other variant enriched positions, across hundreds of other families might also provide insights into individual differences.
Reactive metabolites of acetaminophen activate and sensitize the capsaicin receptor TRPV1
Authors: Eberhardt Mirjam J. , Schillers Florian , Eberhardt Esther M. , Risser Linus , de la Roche Jeanne , Herzog Christine , Echtermeyer Frank , Leffler Andreas
Published: October 2017

The irritant receptor TRPA1 was suggested to mediate analgesic, antipyretic but also pro-inflammatory effects of the non-opioid analgesic acetaminophen, presumably due to channel activation by the reactive metabolites parabenzoquinone (pBQ) and N-acetyl-parabenzoquinonimine (NAPQI). Here we explored the effects of these metabolites on the capsaicin receptor TRPV1, another redox-sensitive ion channel expressed in sensory neurons. Both pBQ and NAPQI, but not acetaminophen irreversibly activated and sensitized recombinant human and rodent TRPV1 channels expressed in HEK 293 cells. The reducing agents dithiothreitol and N-acetylcysteine abolished these effects when co-applied with the metabolites, and both pBQ and NAPQI failed to gate TRPV1 following substitution of the intracellular cysteines 158, 391 and 767. NAPQI evoked a TRPV1-dependent increase in intracellular calcium and a potentiation of heat-evoked currents in mouse spinal sensory neurons. Although TRPV1 is expressed in mouse hepatocytes, inhibition of TRPV1 did not alleviate acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Finally, intracutaneously applied NAPQI evoked burning pain and neurogenic inflammation in human volunteers. Our data demonstrate that pBQ and NAQPI activate and sensitize TRPV1 by interacting with intracellular cysteines. While TRPV1 does not seem to mediate acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity, our data identify TRPV1 as a target of acetaminophen with a potential relevance for acetaminophen-induced analgesia, antipyresia and inflammation.
Enhancing robustness of interdependent network under recovery based on a two-layer-protection strategy
Authors: Gong Maoguo , Wang Yixing , Wang Shanfeng , Liu Wenfeng
Published: October 2017

The robustness of coupled networks has attracted great attention recently, because the spread of failures from one network to its coupled network makes the coupled networks more vulnerable. Most existing achievements mainly focused on the integrity properties of coupled networks. However, failures also exist when networks are being reconstructed. Moreover, existing node-protection methods which aim to enhance the robustness of coupled networks only protect the influential nodes in one layer. In this paper, firstly, a two-layer-protection strategy is proposed to enhance the robustness of coupled networks under their reconstruction. Secondly, we adopt five strategies based on different centralities to select influential nodes, and propose a two-layer vision for each of them. Lastly, experiments on three different coupled networks show that by applying the two-layer-protection strategy, the robustness of coupled networks can be enhanced more efficiently compared with other methods which only protect nodes in one layer.
Organs on chip approach: a tool to evaluate cancer -immune cells interactions
Authors: Biselli Elena , Agliari Elena , Barra Adriano , Bertani Francesca Romana , Gerardino Annamaria , De Ninno Adele , Mencattini Arianna , Di Giuseppe Davide , Mattei Fabrizio , Schiavoni Giovanna , Lucarini Valeria , Vacchelli Erika , Kroemer Guido , Di Natale Corrado , Martinelli Eugenio , Businaro Luca
Published: October 2017

In this paper we discuss the applicability of numerical descriptors and statistical physics concepts to characterize complex biological systems observed at microscopic level through organ on chip approach. To this end, we employ data collected on a microfluidic platform in which leukocytes can move through suitably built channels toward their target. Leukocyte behavior is recorded by standard time lapse imaging. In particular, we analyze three groups of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC): heterozygous mutants (in which only one copy of the FPR1 gene is normal), homozygous mutants (in which both alleles encoding FPR1 are loss-of-function variants) and cells from ‘wild type’ donors (with normal expression of FPR1). We characterize the migration of these cells providing a quantitative confirmation of the essential role of FPR1 in cancer chemotherapy response. Indeed wild type PBMC perform biased random walks toward chemotherapy-treated cancer cells establishing persistent interactions with them. Conversely, heterozygous mutants present a weaker bias in their motion and homozygous mutants perform rather uncorrelated random walks, both failing to engage with their targets. We next focus on wild type cells and study the interactions of leukocytes with cancerous cells developing a novel heuristic procedure, inspired by Lyapunov stability in dynamical systems.
Circulating microRNAs: a novel potential biomarker for diagnosing acute aortic dissection
Authors: Dong Jian , Bao Junmin , Feng Rui , Zhao Zhiqing , Lu Qingsheng , Wang Guokun , Li Haiyan , Su Dingfeng , Zhou Jian , Jing Qing , Jing Zaiping
Published: October 2017

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a catastrophic emergency with high mortality and misdiagnosis rate. We aimed to determine whether circulating microRNAs allow to distinguish AAD from healthy controls and chest pain patients without AAD (CP). Plasma microRNAs expression were determined in 103 participants, including 37 AAD patients, 26 chronic aortic dissection patients, 17 healthy volunteers, 23 patients without AAD. We selected 16 microRNAs from microarray screening as candidates for further testing via qRT-PCR. The results showed that plasma miR-15a in patients with AAD (n = 37) had significantly higher expression levels than it from control group (n = 40; P = 0.008). By receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the sensitivity was 75.7%; the specificity was 82.5%; and the AUC was 0.761 for detection of AAD. Furthermore, 37 patients with AAD had significantly higher plasma expression levels of let-7b, miR-15a, miR-23a and hcmv-miR-US33-5p compared with 14 CP patients of 40 controls (P = 0.000, 0.000, 0.026 and 0.011, respectively). The corresponding sensitivity were 79.4%, 75.7%, 91.9% and 73.5%, respectively; the specificity were 92.9%, 100%, 85.7% and 85.7%, respectively; and the AUCs of these microRNAs were 0.887, 0.855, 0.925 and 0.815, respectively. These data indicate that plasma miR-15a and miR-23a have promising clinical value in diagnosing AAD.
Transition of Femtosecond-Filament-Solid Interactions from Single to Multiple Filament Regime
Authors: Skrodzki P. J. , Burger M. , Jovanovic I.
Published: October 2017

High-peak-power fs-laser filaments offer unique characteristics attractive to remote sensing via techniques such as remote laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (R-LIBS). The dynamics of several ablation mechanisms following the interaction between a filament and a solid determines the emission strength and reproducibility of target plasma, which is of relevance for R-LIBS applications. We investigate the space- and time-resolved dynamics of ionic and atomic emission from copper as well as the surrounding atmosphere in order to understand limitations of fs-filament-ablation for standoff energy delivery. Furthermore, we probe the shock front produced from filament-target interaction using time-resolved shadowgraphy and infer laser-material coupling efficiencies for both single and multiple filament regimes through analysis of shock expansion with the Sedov model for point detonation. The results provide insight into plasma structure for the range of peak powers up to 30 times the critical power for filamentation P
cr
. Despite the stochastic nucleation of multiple filaments at peak-powers greater than 16 P
cr
, emission of ionic and neutral species increases with pump beam intensity, and short-lived nitrogen emission originating from the ambient is consistently observed. Ultimately, results suggest favorable scaling of emission intensity from target species on the laser pump energy, furthering the prospects for use of filament-solid interactions for remote sensing.
All-optical control on a graphene-on-silicon waveguide modulator
Authors: Ooi Kelvin J. A. , Leong Peng Chuen , Ang Lay Kee , Tan Dawn T. H.
Published: October 2017

The hallmark of silicon photonics is in its low loss at the telecommunications wavelength, economic advantages and compatibility with CMOS design and fabrication processes. These advantages are however impeded by its relatively low Kerr coefficient that constrains the power and size scaling of nonlinear all-optical silicon photonic devices. Graphene, with its unprecedented high Kerr coefficient and uniquely thin-film structure, makes a good nonlinear material to be easily integrated onto all-optical silicon photonic waveguide devices. We study the design of all-optical graphene-on-silicon (GOS) waveguide modulators, and find the optimized performance of MW cm−2 in optical pump intensities and sub-mm device lengths. The improvements brought by the integration of graphene onto silicon photonic waveguides could bring us a step closer to realising compact all-optical control on a single chip.
Degradable and biocompatible hydrogels bearing a hindered urea bond
Authors: Ying Hanze , Yen Jonathan , Wang Ruibo , Lai Yang , Hsu Jer-Luen-Aaron , Hu Yuhang , Cheng Jianjun
Published: October 2017

Polymers containing hindered urea bonds are novel platforms for designing degradable hydrogels suitable for protein release and stem cell encapsulation.
Silver-mediated oxidative C–H difluoromethylation of phenanthridines and 1,10-phenanthrolines
Authors: Zhu Sheng-Qing , Xu Xiu-Hua , Qing Feng-Ling
Published: October 2017

An efficient silver-mediated oxidative C–H difluoromethylation of phenanthridines and 1,10-phenanthrolines with TMSCF2H was developed.
Size and shape evolution of highly magnetic iron nanoparticles from successive growth reactions
Authors: McGrath A. J. , Cheong S. , Henning A. M. , Gooding J. J. , Tilley R. D.
Published: October 2017

Monodisperse iron nanoparticles are synthesized via successive seed-mediated growth reactions. By performing additional growth reactions, the nanoparticles’ magnetic character post-surface oxidation is tuned from superparamagnetic to ferromagnetic.
The role of a metallic copper interlayer during visible photocatalytic hydrogen generation over a Cu/Cu2O/Cu/TiO2 catalyst
Authors: Zhen Wenlong , Jiao Wenjun , Wu Yuqi , Jing Huanwang , Lu Gongxuan
Published: October 2017

Cu/Cu2O/Cu/TiO2 catalyst was fabricated by in-situ photoreduction from Cu2O/TiO2, and it showed an excellent photocatalytic performance and high stability for H2 evolution. The interlayer metallic Cu provided a bridge for electrons fast transfer from TiO2 to Cu2O.
Towards the upgrading of fermentation broths to advanced biofuels: a water tolerant catalyst for the conversion of ethanol to isobutanol
Authors: Pellow Katy J. , Wingad Richard L. , Wass Duncan F.
Published: October 2017

The conversion of methanol/ethanol mixtures to isobutanol with the pre-catalyst trans-[RuCl2(dppm)2] (1) is tolerant to the addition of water to the system, achieving an isobutanol yield of 36% at 78% selectivity with water concentrations typical of that of a crude fermentation broth.
First demonstration of surface enhanced-stimulated Raman spectroscopy (SE-SRS) using low-power CW sources
Authors: Lee C. L. D. , Hewitt K. C.
Published: October 2017

Using commercially available nanoparticles, continuous wave Surface-Enhanced Stimulated Raman spectroscopy (CW SE-SRS) is demonstrated for the first time using two Ti:Sapphire lasers producing a pump beam (785 nm, 100 mW) and appropriately varying probe/Stokes beams (860–870 nm, 120 mW). The Ti-Sapphire lasers are co-pumped by a 10 W low noise 532 nm Spectra Physics Millennia laser. Pulsed SE-SRS is also demonstrated using a Coherent Chameleon Ultra laser for the Stokes/probe (863–871 nm) beam and a Coherent Ultra II as the pump laser (785 nm). In both cases lock-in techniques are used to extract the small signal (1 in 109) successfully. These experiments convincingly demonstrate that SRS with CW sources is possible using appropriate nanoparticles, and this realization creates opportunities for a wider range of stimulated Raman spectroscopy applications.
A quest for polycarbonates provided via sustainable epoxide/CO2copolymerization processes
Authors: Poland Stephanie J. , Darensbourg Donald J.
Published: October 2017

Bio-derived epoxides and impure sources of carbon dioxide offer exciting resources for renewable polycarbonate production.
Controlled droplet discretization and manipulation using membrane displacement traps
Authors: Padmanabhan S. , Misteli T. , DeVoe D. L.
Published: October 2017

Active trap arrays allow on-demand droplet formation, ejection, metering, capture, and merging using a simple membrane-actuated design.
On-chip polyelectrolyte coating onto magnetic droplets – towards continuous flow assembly of drug delivery capsules
Authors: Alorabi Ali Q. , Tarn Mark D. , Gómez-Pastora Jenifer , Bringas Eugenio , Ortiz Inmaculada , Paunov Vesselin N. , Pamme Nicole
Published: October 2017

A chip design inspired by the “Snakes-and-Ladders” boardgame was used to deposit a bilayer of polyelectrolytes onto magnetic droplets within 30 seconds.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of fatty acid profiles of Chinese pecans (Carya cathayensis) during storage using an electronic nose combined with chemometric methods
Authors: Jiang Shui , Wang Jun , Sun Yubing
Published: October 2017

Chinese pecans (Carya cathayensis) continuously deteriorate during storage because of their high fatty acid contents.
Enhanced osteointegration of tantalum-modified titanium implants with micro/nano-topography
Authors: Shi Junyu , Zhang Xiaomeng , Qiao Shichong , Ni Jie , Mo Jiaji , Gu Yingxin , Lai Hongchang
Published: October 2017

Ta modification enhanced the osteointegration of an SLA surface with micro/nano topography and the possible mechanism might be activation of the Wnt pathway.
Catalytic deoxygenation of triglycerides to green diesel over modified CaO-based catalysts
Authors: Asikin-Mijan N. , Lee H. V. , Juan J. C. , Noorsaadah A. R. , Taufiq-Yap Y. H.
Published: October 2017

Renewable fuel is a promising alternative as a petroleum replacement in view of the current worldwide demand for petroleum fuel, which is catching up with the world's petroleum supply.
Synthesis of Ni/Co/Al-layered triple hydroxide@brominated graphene hybrid on nickel foam as electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Jabeen Maher , Ishaq Muhammad , Song Weiming , Xu Liyang , Deng Qigang
Published: October 2017

The determined need for a sustainable energy economy has evoked the increasing interest of researchers concerning the discovery of smart material designs of layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites for energy-based applications.
Bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-derived porous carbon-based materials with efficient synergistic microwave absorption properties: the role of calcining temperature
Authors: Wang Suyun , Ke Xiang , Zhong Suting , Lai Yaru , Qian Danlin , Wang Yanping , Wang Qinghua , Jiang Wei
Published: October 2017

The porous and graphitized carbon-based materials prepared by sacrificing template and in situ reduction show an excellent microwave absorbing performance.
Effect of inorganic–organic surface modification of calcium sulfate whiskers on mechanical and thermal properties of calcium sulfate whisker/poly(vinyl chloride) composites
Authors: Lu Yunhua , Jiang Nan , Li Xingwei , Xu Shiai
Published: October 2017

(A) CSW modified by coupling agent and (B) CSW modified by NaOH and coupling agent.
Synthesis and characterization of metal–organic frameworks fabricated by microwave-assisted ball milling for adsorptive removal of Congo red from aqueous solutions
Authors: Wei Fu-hua , Chen Ding , Liang Zhao , Zhao Shuai-qi , Luo Yun
Published: October 2017

In this study, four metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) were prepared using a simple, low-cost, and high-efficiency technique utilizing simple carboxylic acids and metal salts by microwave-assisted ball milling.
Facile synthesis of NASICON-type Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 solid electrolyte and its application for enhanced cyclic performance in lithium ion batteries through the introduction of an artificial Li3PO4 SEI layer
Authors: Liu Jianyu , Liu Tao , Pu Yujie , Guan Mingming , Tang Zhiyuan , Ding Fei , Xu Zhibin , Li Yang
Published: October 2017

Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 powder was synthesized with CO(NH2)2 as a molten flux and Li3PO4 SEI layer was used to improve cycle stability of the battery.
Enhanced broadband photoresponse of substrate-free reduced graphene oxide photodetectors
Authors: Tian Hua , Cao Yang , Sun Jialin , He Junhui
Published: October 2017

Broadband responsivity enhancement of substrate-free device is achieved from the ultraviolet to near-infrared range just by removing the substrate of rGO film device.
High performance polymer binders inspired by chemical finishing of textiles for silicon anodes in lithium ion batteries
Authors: Wei Liangming , Hou Zhongyu
Published: October 2017

Inspired by the chemical finishing method for textile, theN-methylol acrylamide functionalized carboxymethyl cellulose binder has been developed for Si anodes. This binder can help maintain integration of the Si electrodes, leading to significant improvement in cycling performance of the Si based lithium ion batteries.
A nacre-mimetic superstructure of poly(butylene succinate) structured by using an intense shear flow and ramie fiber as a promising strategy for simultaneous reinforcement and toughening
Authors: Xie Xu-Long , Sun Qiang-Sheng , Lei Jun , Tian Feng , Xu Ling , Yan Zheng , Zhong Gan-Ji , Li Zhong-Ming
Published: October 2017

Structuring nacre-mimetic superstructures in polymeric materials is an ideal way to enhance simultaneously their strength and toughness.
Reversible core-crosslinked nanocarriers with pH-modulated targeting and redox-controlled drug release for overcoming drug resistance
Authors: Zhao Dan , Ma Shujie , Yi Xiaoqing , Cheng Sixue , Zhuo Renxi , Li Feng
Published: October 2017

Herein, by means of ligand–receptor mediated endocytosis and TQR-mediated P-gp inhibition, the IC50 value of DOX to MCF-7/ADR cells reduced from more than 100 mg mL−1 to 8.55 mg mL−1, exhibiting great potential in overcoming drug resistance.
A dendritic catiomer with an MOF motif for the construction of safe and efficient gene delivery systems
Authors: Dong Shuqi , Chen Qixian , Li Wei , Jiang Zhu , Ma Jianbiao , Gao Hui
Published: October 2017

The dendritic catiomer using biocompatible Zr-MOFs as the core exhibited a markedly higher transfection efficiency and lower cytotoxicity than the commercial gold standard branched PEI25k in A549 cells.
H2O2-Responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles integrated with microneedle patches for the glucose-monitored transdermal delivery of insulin
Authors: Xu Bin , Jiang Guohua , Yu Weijiang , Liu Depeng , Zhang Yang , Zhou Junyi , Sun Shiqing , Liu Yongkun
Published: October 2017

We successfully developed a microneedle patch system integrated with H2O2-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles for the glucose-monitored transdermal delivery of insulin.
Noise-based approximation to thermal spin-injection in Fe/GaAs
Authors: Wagner T. , Haigh J. A. , Olejník K. , Irvine A. C. , Novák V. , Wunderlich J.
Published: October 2017

We analyze the prospects for thermal spin-injection from iron into gallium arsenide via the application of electrical noise. By estimating the applied effective temperature-equivalent gradients, we characterize the magnitude of any electrical part of the thermal spin-injection efficiency or the spin-dependent Seebeck effect. The magnitude of the non-local spin signal associated with this effect suggests that temperature differences on the order of ∼100 K would be needed for true thermal spin-injection experiments. The large size of the effective temperature gradients induced by the noise-based method means that even very small thermo-electric effects can be quantified.
Impact of ionic aggregate structure on ionomer mechanical properties from coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Sampath Janani , Hall Lisa M.
Published: October 2017

Using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, we study ionomers in equilibrium and under uniaxial tensile deformation. The spacing of ions along the chain is varied, allowing us to consider how different ionic aggregate morphologies, from percolated to discrete aggregates, impact the mechanical properties. From the equilibrium simulations, we calculate the stress-stress auto correlation function, showing a distinct deviation from the Rouse relaxation due to ionic associations that depends on ion content. We then quantify the morphology during strain, particularly the degree to which both chains and ionic aggregates tend to align. We also track the location of the ionomer peak in the anisotropic structure factor during strain. The length scale of aggregate order increases in the axial direction and decreases in the transverse direction, in qualitative agreement with prior experimental results.
Plasmon polariton enhanced mid-infrared photodetectors based on Ge quantum dots in Si
Authors: Yakimov A. I. , Kirienko V. V. , Bloshkin A. A. , Armbrister V. A. , Dvurechenskii A. V.
Published: October 2017

Quantum dot based infrared (IR) photodetectors (QDIPs) have the potential to provide meaningful advances to the next generation of imaging systems due to their sensitivity to normal incidence radiation, large optical gain, low dark currents, and high operating temperature. SiGe-based QDIPs are of particular interest as they are compatible with silicon integration technology but suffer from the low absorption coefficient and hence small photoresponse in the mid-wavelength IR region. Here, we report on the plasmonic enhanced Ge/Si QDIPs with tailorable wavelength optical response and polarization selectivity. Ge/Si heterostructures with self-assembled Ge quantum dots are monolithically integrated with periodic two-dimensional arrays of subwavelength holes (2DHAs) perforated in gold films to convert the incident electromagnetic IR radiation into the surface plasmon polariton (SPP) waves. The resonant responsivity of the plasmonic detector at a wavelength of 5.4 μm shows an enhancement of up to thirty times over a narrow spectral bandwidth (FWHM = 0.3 μm), demonstrating the potentiality of this approach for the realization of high-performance Ge/Si QDIPs that require high spectral resolution. The possibility of the polarization-sensitive detection in Ge/Si QDIPs enhanced with a stretched-lattice 2DHA is reported. The excitation of SPP modes and the near-field components are investigated with the three-dimensional finite-element frequency-domain method. The role that plasmonic electric field plays in QDIP enhancement is discussed.
Nanopore fabricated in pyramidal HfO2 film by dielectric breakdown method
Authors: Wang Yifan , Chen Qi , Deng Tao , Liu Zewen
Published: October 2017

The dielectric breakdown method provides an innovative solution to fabricate solid-state nanopores on insulating films. A nanopore generation event via this method is considered to be caused by random charged traps (i.e., structural defects) and high electric fields in the membrane. Thus, the position and number of nanopores on planar films prepared by the dielectric breakdown method is hard to control. In this paper, we propose to fabricate nanopores on pyramidal HfO2 films (10-nm and 15-nm-thick) to improve the ability to control the location and number during the fabrication process. Since the electric field intensity gets enhanced at the corners of the pyramid-shaped film, the probability of nanopore occurrence at vertex and edge areas increases. This priority of appearance provides us chance to control the location and number of nanopores by monitoring a sudden irreversible discrete increase in current. The experimental results showed that the probability of nanopore occurrence decreases in an order from the vertex area, the edge area to the side face area. The sizes of nanopores ranging from 30 nm to 10 nm were obtained. Nanopores fabricated on the pyramid-shaped HfO2 film also showed an obvious ion current rectification characteristic, which might improve the nanopore performance as a biomolecule sequencing platform.
Magnetic refrigeration with paramagnetic semiconductors at cryogenic temperatures
Authors: Vlasov Alexander , Guillemette Jonathan , Gervais Guillaume , Szkopek Thomas
Published: October 2017

We propose paramagnetic semiconductors as active media for refrigeration at cryogenic temperatures by adiabatic demagnetization. The paramagnetism of impurity dopants or structural defects can provide the entropy necessary for refrigeration at cryogenic temperatures. We present a simple model for the theoretical limitations to specific entropy and cooling power achievable by demagnetization of various semiconductor systems. Performance comparable to that of the commonly used paramagnetic salt cerous magnesium nitrate hydrate is predicted.
Free volume: An indicator of the glass-forming ability in binary alloys
Authors: Liao Bing. , Wu Shi-yang , Yang L.
Published: October 2017

As a specific concept, free volume is proposed to affect the glass formation in alloys, while such issue remains unsolved, because free volume itself is ambiguous and elusive. In this work, the correlation between the free volume and the glass-forming ability (GFA) in some binary alloy systems has been investigated by a series of simulations combined with synchrotron-radiation based experiments. A new approach for detecting void spaces and even free volumes quantitatively in metallic glasses is developed, based on which we reveal that the size of free volumes significantly affects the glass formation. In particular, for ribbons with different compositions but the same thickness, a composition where there is a local maximum of GFA, there is a local bump of size value of free volumes, making it possible for free volumes to be an effective indicator of GFA. The present work provides new insight into the glass formation from free volume aspect, which can be helpful for understanding of both structure and properties in metallic glasses.
Elementary wave interactions in blood flow through artery
Authors: Raja Sekhar T. , Minhajul
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we consider the Riemann problem and interaction of elementary waves for the quasilinear hyperbolic system of conservation laws that arises in blood flow through arteries. We study the properties of solution involving shocks and rarefaction waves and establish the existence and uniqueness conditions. We show that the Riemann problem is solvable for arbitrary initial data under certain condition and construct the condition for no-feasible solution. Finally, we present numerical examples with different initial data and discuss all possible interactions of elementary waves.
Equivalence groupoid of a class of variable coefficient Korteweg–de Vries equations
Authors: Vaneeva Olena , Pošta Severin
Published: October 2017

We classify the admissible transformations in a class of variable coefficient Korteweg–de Vries equations. As a result, a full description of the structure of the equivalence groupoid of the class is given. The class under study is partitioned into six disjoint normalized subclasses. The widest possible equivalence group for each subclass is found which appears to be generalized extended in five cases. Ways for improvement of transformational properties of the subclasses are proposed using gaugings of arbitrary elements and mapping between classes. The group classification of one of the subclasses is carried out as an illustrative example.