bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of strain and functionalization on the optical properties of borophene
Authors: Mogulkoc A. , Mogulkoc Y. , Kecik D. , Durgun E.
Published: August 2018

The variation of the optical properties of borophene by applying strain and surface functionalization is revealed.
Review of electrical energy storage technologies, materials and systems: challenges and prospects for large-scale grid storage
Authors: Gür Turgut M.
Published: August 2018

Large scale storage technologies are vital to increase the share of renewable electricity in the global energy mix.
Similar nature leads to improved properties: cyclic organosilicon triperoxides as promising curing agents for liquid polysiloxanes
Authors: Deriabin Konstantin V. , Yaremenko Ivan A. , Chislov Mikhail V. , Fleury Fabrice , Terent'ev Alexander O. , Islamova Regina M.
Published: August 2018

Cyclic organosilicon triperoxides were found to be vinyl-selective free-radical initiators for thermal curing at 100–180 °C of vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane and trimethylsilyl-terminated polymethylhydrosiloxane producing homogeneous transparent silicone rubbers with antibacterial properties.
A photoactive {Ti16} metal–organic capsule: structural, photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic properties
Authors: Huang Yang , Zou Guo-Dong , Li Hua-Min , Cui Ying , Fan Yang
Published: August 2018

A photoactive and highly porous {Ti16} metal–organic coordination capsule with a cavity length of ∼1.4 nm was synthesized, in which photosensitizers and Ti-oxo cluster units can work cooperatively to promote the photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic performance.
Native roles of Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenases in the microbial metabolism of natural compounds
Authors: Tolmie Carmien , Smit Martha S. , Opperman Diederik J.
Published: August 2018

Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenases function in the primary metabolism of atypical carbon sources, as well as the synthesis of complex microbial metabolites.
Pd–Ru core–shell nanoparticles with tunable shell thickness for active and stable oxygen evolution performance
Authors: Gloag Lucy , Benedetti Tania M. , Cheong Soshan , Webster Richard F. , Marjo Christopher E. , Gooding J. Justin , Tilley Richard D.
Published: August 2018

Pd–Ru nanoparticles with thin shells and a stable core are shown to improve stability in oxygen evolution reaction catalysis while retaining high activity.
Sandwiched spherical tin dioxide/graphene with a three-dimensional interconnected closed pore structure for lithium storage
Authors: Zhao Bing , Wang Zhixuan , Wang Shanshan , Jiang Jinlong , Si Jian , Huang Shoushuang , Chen Zhiwen , Li Wenrong , Jiang Yong
Published: August 2018

A three-dimensional interconnected SnO2/graphene composite with a sandwiched spherical closed pore structure is introduced. Distinct recovery of SnO2 and no particle agglomeration are identified after 100 cycles.
Mesoporous MnCo2S4nanosheet arrays as an efficient catalyst for Li–O2batteries
Authors: Sadighi Zoya , Liu Jiapeng , Ciucci Francesco , Kim Jang-Kyo
Published: August 2018

Ternary metal sulfides and ternary metal oxides have received much attention as potential electrodes for high performance rechargeable batteries.
Bioinspired fiber-like porous Cu/N/C electrocatalyst facilitating electron transportation toward oxygen reaction for metal–air batteries
Authors: Wang Qiyu , Zhang Zhian , Wang Mengran , Liu Fangyang , Jiang Liangxing , Hong Bo , Li Jie , Lai Yanqing
Published: August 2018

Fiber-like porous Cu/N/C inspired by laccase was designed as efficient ORR catalysts and applied into Al–air batteries.
Highly active bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts derived from nickel– or cobalt–phytic acid xerogel for zinc–air batteries
Authors: Wang Shuai , Nam Gyutae , Li Ping , Jang Haeseong , Wang Jia , Kim Min Gyu , Wu Zexing , Liu Xien , Cho Jaephil
Published: August 2018

Two new kinds of Ni (POxN3−x)2/NPC and Co (POxN3−x)2/NPC exhibit outstanding performances for primary zinc–air batteries.
Tandem Diels–Alder/oxidation–aromatization reactions involving 2-styrylchromones and arynes
Authors: Addepalli Yesu , Yu Zhimei , Ji Jie , Zou Cheng , Wang Zhen , He Yun
Published: August 2018

Transition-metal-free tandem Diels–Alder/oxidation–aromatization reactions between 2-styrylchromones and arynes have been demonstrated, providing a wide range of benzo[c]xanthone derivatives with good yields.
Recent advances in the synthesis of azaphenalene alkaloids: first enantioselective approaches
Authors: Alujas-Burgos Sílvia , Bayón Pau , Figueredo Marta
Published: August 2018

This review provides an update of the synthetic progress towards azaphenalene alkaloids, including the pioneering enantioselective approaches.
Diastereoselective construction of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline-based bispirooxindoles through a three-component [3 + 2] cycloaddition
Authors: Guo Jiaomei , Zhao Yang , Fang Dongmei , Wang Qilin , Bu Zhanwei
Published: August 2018

An efficient and highly diastereoselective three-component one-pot [3 + 2] cycloaddition of isatins, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines and methyleneindolinones has been developed to afford a wide range of pyrrolo[1,2-a]isoquinoline-based bispirooxindoles in up to 91% yields.
Cu-Catalyzed/mediated synthesis of N-fluoroalkylanilines from arylboronic acids: fluorine effect on the reactivity of fluoroalkylamines
Authors: Wang Hui , Tu Yuan-Hong , Liu De-Yong , Hu Xiang-Guo
Published: August 2018

A copper catalyzed/mediated oxidative coupling of arylboronic acids and fluoroalkylated amines with an interesting reactivity trend is disclosed.
Cu(0)-RDRP of styrene: balancing initiator efficiency and dispersity
Authors: Whitfield Richard , Anastasaki Athina , Jones Glen R. , Haddleton David M.
Published: August 2018

The optimisation of all components within Cu(0)-wire mediated polymerisation of styrene is illustrated yielding well-defined polystyrene with enhanced initiator efficiency and dispersity at higher molecular weights.
Loop-stabilized BAB triblock copolymer morphologies by PISA in water
Authors: Biais Pauline , Beaunier Patricia , Stoffelbach François , Rieger Jutta
Published: August 2018

Assemblies of BAB triblock copolymers are prepared by PISA via aqueous RAFT dispersion polymerization. The importance of charges in the middle of the hydrophilic stabilizer loops is highlighted.
Adsorptive catalysis of hierarchical porous heteroatom-doped biomass: from recovered heavy metal to efficient pollutant decontamination
Authors: Wang Jing , Yang Qingfeng , Yang Weixia , Pei Hanna , Zhang Liang , Zhang Tianshu , Hu Na , Suo Yourui , Wang Jianlong
Published: August 2018

Hierarchical porous heteroatom-doped biomass integrates enhanced selective adsorption for heavy metal recovery and reuse in catalytic pollutant decontamination.
Prognostic value of lncRNA ROR expression in various cancers: a meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Renfu , Chen Junjian , Kong Lingwen , Zhu Hao
Published: August 2018

Background: There is a dispute on the prognostic value of long non-coding RNA regulator of reprogramming (lncRNA ROR) in cancers. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of lncRNA ROR expression in human cancers. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched to look for relevant studies. The meta-analyses of prognostic and clinicopathological parameters (CPs) were conducted. Results: A total of ten studies were finally included into the meta-analysis. High lncRNA ROR expression was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.16–3.84, P<0.01) and disease-free survival (HR = 3.25, 95% CI = 2.30–4.60, P<0.01) compared with low lncRNA ROR expression. Besides, high lncRNA ROR expression was obviously related to more advanced clinical stage (P<0.01), earlier tumor metastasis (P=0.02), lymph node metastasis (P<0.01), and vascular invasion (P<0.01) compared with low lncRNA ROR expression. However, there was no significant correlation between lncRNA ROR expression and other CPs, including age (P=0.18), gender (P=0.33), tumor size (P=0.25), or tumor differentiation (P=0.13). Conclusion: High lncRNA ROR expression was associated with worse prognosis in cancers. LncRNA ROR expression could serve as an unfavorable prognostic factor in various cancers.
Four‐bit W‐band switched line phase shifter in 90 nm SiGe
Authors: Chieh J.C.S. , Rowland J. , Sharma S.
Published: August 2018

A switched delay line phase shifter implemented in a 90 nm SiGe BiCMOS process utilising PIN diodes is presented. The 4‐bit phase shifter utilises four SP4T switches for a simplified architecture. The frequency of operation is from 75 to 100 GHz, and the simulated input referred P1dB is 28.5 dBm. This type of phase shifter is especially suitable for high power transmit linear phased arrays. The chip occupies an area of 2.76 mm2 including the pads.
Fast faulted line identification method for wide‐area backup protection with PMU optimal placement strategy
Authors: Zhang Chengwen , Wang Xiaoyang , Liu Yadong , Shi Dongyuan , Li Yinhong
Published: August 2018

This study presents a novel faulted line identification method that is applicable in power systems with only sparse synchronised measurements, and at the same time, with significantly reduced computational burden so that it can be a competitive choice for wide‐area backup protection schemes. By revealing the behaviour pattern of bus voltages from the perspective of high‐dimensional unitary space, the method is enabled to avoid unnecessary computation and thus to remarkably improve its efficiency. Analysis in high‐dimensional unitary space also gives a direct and feasible guideline for phasor measurement unit (PMU) placement, from which a PMU optimal placement strategy is developed. Performed on the IEEE benchmark systems of 39 and 118 buses, the proposed method gives encouraging results.
T–S fuzzy‐based multi‐LAE approach for sensor linearisation
Authors: Sarawade Prashant Dattatraya , Srinivasan Kannan
Published: August 2018

Most sensors exhibit a non‐linear input–output relationship. Sensor linearity is essential for the true representation of measurand in modern instrumentation systems. Although several linearisation techniques (LTs) have been proposed in recent years, they incur common problems of scalability, reliability, flexibility, complexity and cost. Hence, an effective software lineariser is needed to overcome these difficulties. This study presents a Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy‐based sensor LT using piecewise linearisation. The non‐linear static relationship splits into ‘N’ multiple linear algebraic equations, which are combined using T–S fuzzy logic to ensure a smooth transfer from one region to another. The linearity (mean square error) of 0.1663 is obtained for negative temperature coefficient thermistor in simulation over a temperature range of 307 to 373 K, and of 0.0255 is achieved for infrared sensor in real time over a distance range of 12–30 cm. The performance of the proposed LT is compared with popular curve fitting, a look‐up table and soft computing approaches. The results show that the proposed LT outperforms other approaches regarding performance indices. This technique eliminates hardware complexity rendering better accuracy over the span of measurement.
Properties and redshift evolution of star-forming galaxies with high [O III]/[O II] ratios with MUSE at 0.28 < z < 0.85
Authors: Paalvast M. , Verhamme A. , Straka L. A. , Brinchmann J. , Herenz E. C. , Carton D. , Gunawardhana M. L. P. , Boogaard L. A. , Cantalupo S. , Contini T. , Epinat B. , Inami H. , Marino R. A. , Maseda M. V. , Michel-Dansac L. , Muzahid S. , Nanayakkara T. , Pezzulli G. , Richard J. , Schaye J. , Segers M. C. , Urrutia T. , Wendt M. , Wisotzki L.
Published: August 2018

We present a study of the [O III]/[O II] ratios of star-forming galaxies drawn from Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) data spanning a redshift range 0.28 < z < 0.85. Recently discovered Lyman continuum (LyC) emitters have extremely high oxygen line ratios: [O III]λ5007/[O II]λλ3726, 3729 > 4. Here we aim to understand the properties and the occurrences of galaxies with such high line ratios. Combining data from several MUSE Guaranteed Time Observing (GTO) programmes, we select a population of star-forming galaxies with bright emission lines, from which we draw 406 galaxies for our analysis based on their position in the z-dependent star formation rate (SFR)–stellar mass (M∗) plane. Out of this sample 15 are identified as extreme oxygen emitters based on their [O III]/[O II] ratios (3.7%) and 104 galaxies have [O III]/[O II] > 1 (26%). Our analysis shows no significant correlation between M∗, SFR, and the distance from the SFR−M∗ relation with [O III]/[O II]. We find a decrease in the fraction of galaxies with [O III]/[O II] > 1 with increasing M∗, however, this is most likely a result of the relationship between [O III]/[O II] and metallicity, rather than between [O III]/[O II] and M∗. We draw a comparison sample of local analogues with ⟨z⟩ ≈ 0.03 from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, and find similar incidence rates for this sample. In order to investigate the evolution in the fraction of high [O III]/[O II] emitters with redshift, we bin the sample into three redshift subsamples of equal number, but find no evidence for a dependence on redshift. Furthermore, we compare the observed line ratios with those predicted by nebular models with no LyC escape and find that most of the extreme oxygen emitters can be reproduced by low metallicity models. The remaining galaxies are likely LyC emitter candidates.
ALMA observations of RCW 120 Fragmentation at 0.01 pc scale
Authors: Figueira M. , Bronfman L. , Zavagno A. , Louvet F. , Lo N. , Finger R. , Rodón J.
Published: August 2018

Context. Little is known about how high-mass stars form. Around 30% of the young high-mass stars in the Galaxy are observed at the edges of ionized (H II) regions. Therefore these are places of choice to study the earliest stages of high-mass star formation, especially toward the most massive condensations. High spatial resolution observations in the millimeter range might reveal how these stars form and how they assemble their mass.

Aims. We want to study the fragmentation process down to the 0.01 pc scale in the most massive condensation (1700 M⊙) observed at the southwestern edge of the H ii region RCW 120 where the most massive Herschel cores (~124 M⊙ in average) could form high-mass stars.

Methods. Using ALMA 3 mm continuum observations toward the densest and most massive millimetric condensation (Condensation 1) of RCW 120, we used the getimages and getsources algorithms to extract the sources detected with ALMA and obtained their physical parameters. The fragmentation of the Herschel cores is discussed through their Jeans mass to understand the properties of these future stars.

Results. We extracted 18 fragments from the ALMA continuum observation at 3 mm toward eight cores detected with Herschel, whose mass and deconvolved size range from 2 M⊙ to 32 M⊙ and from 1.6 mpc to 28.8 mpc, respectively. The low degree of fragmen- tation observed regarding thermal Jeans fragmentation suggests that the observed fragmentation is inconsistent with ideal gravitational fragmentation and other ingredients such as turbulence or magnetic fields should be added to explain this inconsistency. Finally, the range of the mass of the fragments indicates that the densest condensation of RCW 120 is a favorable place for the formation of high-mass stars with the presence of a probable UCH ii region associated with the 27 M⊙ Fragment 1 of Core 2.
Gaia GraL: Gaia DR2 gravitational lens systems
Authors: Krone-Martins A. , Delchambre L. , Wertz O. , Ducourant C. , Mignard F. , Teixeira R. , Klüter J. , Le Campion J.-F. , Galluccio L. , Surdej J. , Bastian U. , Wambsganss J. , Graham M. J. , Djorgovski S. G. , Slezak E.
Published: August 2018

Context. Multiply imaged gravitationally lensed quasars are among the most interesting and useful observable extragalactic phenomena. Because their study constitutes a unique tool in various fields of astronomy, they are highly sought, but difficult to find. Even in this era of all-sky surveys, discovering them remains a great challenge, with barely a few hundred systems currently known.

Aims. We aim to discover new multiply imaged quasar candidates in the recently published Gaia Data Release 2 (DR2), which is the astrometric and photometric all-sky survey with the highest spatial resolution that achieves effective resolutions from 0.4″ to 2.2″.

Methods. We cross-matched a merged list of quasars and candidates with Gaia DR2 and found 1 839 143 counterparts within 0.5″. We then searched matches with more than two Gaia DR2 counterparts within 6″. We further narrowed the resulting list using astrometry and photometry compatibility criteria between the Gaia DR2 counterparts. A supervised machine-learning method, called extremely randomized trees, was finally adopted to assign a probability of being lensed to each remaining system.

Results. We report the discovery of two quadruply imaged quasar candidates that are fully detected in Gaia DR2. These are the most promising new quasar lens candidates from Gaia DR2 and a simple singular isothermal ellipsoid lens model is able to reproduce their image positions to within ~1 mas. This Letter demonstrates the discovery potential of Gaia for gravitational lenses.
Measurements of low energy observables, elastic pp interactions and exclusive production in proton-proton collisions with the ATLAS Detector
Authors: Bussey P.J. ,   On behalf of the ATLAS Collaboration
Published: August 2018

A summary is given of recent ATLAS results at the LHC, covering a number of areas that reflect the Collaboration's work in low energy physical observables in multiparticle events, elastic photon-photon scattering, proton-proton scattering and the tagging of diffractive events.
Abelian Decomposition and Monopole Condensation in QCD
Authors: Cho Y.M.
Published: August 2018

We demonstrate the monopole condensation in QCD using the Abelian decomposition. The Abelian decomposition decomposes the gluons to the color neutral binding gluons (the neurons and the monopoles) and the colored valence gluons (the chromons), and shows that QCD can be viewed as the restricted QCD (RCD) made of the binding gluons which has the chromons as colored source. This simplifies the QCD dynamics greatly. In the perturbative regime this decomposes the gluon propagater to the neuron propagaters and the chromon propagaters, and simplifies the Feynman diagram. In the non-perturbative regime this allows us to calculate the QCD effective potential gauge independently, and demonstrate the monopole condensation unambiguously.
Top-quark properties and mass measurements with the ATLAS detector
Authors: Dado Tomas ,   On behalf of the ATLAS collaboration
Published: August 2018

The top quark is unique among the known quarks in that it decays before it has an opportunity to form hadronic bound states. This makes measurements of its properties particularly interesting as one can access directly the properties of a bare quark. The latest measurements of these properties with the ATLAS detector at the LHC [1] are presented. Measurements of top-quark spin observables in top-antitop events, each sensitive to a different coefficient of the spin density matrix, are presented and compared to the Standard Model predictions. The helicity of the W boson from the top decays and the production angles of the top quark are further discussed. Limits on the rate of flavour changing neutral currents in the production or decay of the top quark are reported. The production of top-quark pairs in association with W and Z bosons is also presented. The measurement probes the coupling between the top quark and the Z boson. The cross-section measurement of photons produced in association with top-quark pairs is also discussed. These process are all compared to the best available theoretical calculations. The latest ATLAS measurements of the top-quark mass in lepton+jets, dilepton, and all-hadronic final states are also reported. In addition, measurements aiming to measure the mass in a well-defined scheme are presented.
The ICARUS experiment
Authors: Farnese Christian ,   On behalf of the ICARUS collaboration
Published: August 2018

The 760 ton liquid argon ICARUS T600 detector performed a successful threeyear physics run at the underground LNGS laboratories, studying neutrino oscillations with the CNGS neutrino beam and searching for atmospheric neutrino interactions in cosmic rays. A sensitive search for LSND like anomalous ve appearance has been performed, contributing to constrain the allowed parameters to a narrow region around Δm2 ~ eV2, where all the experimental results can be coherently accommodated at 90% C.L.. After a significant overhauling, the T600 detector will be exposed at Fermilab to the Booster Neutrino Beam acting as the far detector, in order to search for sterile neutrino within the SBN program. In the present contribution, the ICARUS LNGS achievements, the present status of the detector and the ongoing analyses also finalized to the next physics run at Fermilab will be addressed.
Exploring finite-size effects in strongly correlated systems
Authors: Buraczynski M. , Dawkins W. , Ismail N. , Gezerlis A.
Published: August 2018

Complexities greatly limit any study of strongly correlated systems to a small number of particles. Thus, any attempt at understanding infinite systems such as those arising from neutron matter (NM) must consider finite-size (FS) effects at play when below the thermodynamic limit (TL). In these conference proceedings we provide some examples of FS effects at work and discuss our prescription for extrapolating the physics of extended systems. We present our methodology and calculations performed for an assortment of strongly correlated (SC) systems. Ab initio, non-perturbative Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) methods can be employed to accurately compute ground-state energies and finite-temperature properties. We apply these to periodically modulated NM and use our results to constrain phenomenological theories of nuclei and study the static response of NM.
Gauge Theories and non-Commutative Geometry: A review
Authors: Iliopoulos John
Published: August 2018

This is a very brief report on the attempts to introduce the concepts of noncommutative geometry in the theoretical description of the fundamental interactions. A particular emphasis will be given to gauge theories. A large part of the report is based on some on-going work in collaboration with Prof. Manolis Floratos. The main results have already been published[1], but there are many open problems remaining.
Azimuthal Angular correlations in high energy processes in QCD
Authors: Jalilian-Marian Jamal
Published: August 2018

Angular (azimuthal or polar) correlations between produced particles in high energy hadronic/nuclear collisions carry a wealth of information on the dynamics of the strong interactions in the novel regime where parton densities of the target hadron or nucleus are high. As such they probe a relatively unexplored region of QCD kinematic phase space. Here we consider azimuthal angular correlations between three jets produced in Deep Inelastic Scattering in the kinematics region corresponding to low xBjorken of the target and show that high gluon density effects in the target lead to a disappearance of the away-side peaks.
Excited vector mesons: phenomenology and predictions for a yet unknown vector ss state with a mass of about 1.93 GeV
Authors: Piotrowska M. , Giacosa F.
Published: August 2018

The firm understanding of standard quark-antiquark states (including excited states) is necessary to search for non-conventional mesons with the same quantum numbers. In this work, we study the phenomenology of two nonets of excited vector mesons, which predominantly correspond to radially excited vector mesons with quantum numbers n2S+1LJ = 23S1 and to orbitally excited vector mesons with quantum numbers n2S+1LJ = 13D1. We evaluate the decays of these mesons into two pseudoscalar mesons and into a pseudoscalar and a ground-state vector meson by making use of a relativistic quantum field theoretical model based on flavor symmetry. Moreover, we also study the radiative decays into a photon and a pseudoscalar meson by using vector meson dominance. We compare our results to the PDG and comment on open issues concerning the corresponding measured resonances. Within our approach, we are also able to make predictions for a not-yet discovered ss state in the n2S+1LJ = 13D1 nonet, which has a mass of about 1.93 GeV. This resonance can be searched in the upcoming GlueX and CLAS12 experiments which take place at the Jefferson Lab.
SUSY (ATLAS)
Authors: Sopczak André
Published: August 2018

During the LHC Run-II data-taking period, several searches for supersymmetric particles were performed by the ATLAS collaboration. The results from these searches are concisely reviewed. Model-independent and model-dependent limits on new particle production are set, and interpretations in supersymmetric models are given.
ESD versus EMR in non-ampullary superficial duodenal tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pérez-Cuadrado-Robles Enrique , Quénéhervé Lucille , Margos Walter , Moreels Tom G. , Yeung Ralph , Piessevaux Hubert , Coron Emmanuel , Jouret-Mourin Anne , Deprez Pierre H.
Published: August 2018

Background and study aims Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been developed as an option for treatment of esophageal, gastric and colorectal lesions. However, there is no consensus on the role of ESD in duodenal tumors.

Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis compared ESD and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) in sporadic non-ampullary superficial duodenal tumors (NASDTs), including local experience. We conducted a search in PubMed, Scopus and the Cochrane library up to August 2017 to identify studies that compared both techniques reporting at least one main outcome (en-bloc/complete resection, local recurrence). Pooled outcomes were calculated under fixed and random-effect models. Subgroup analyses were conducted.

Results A total of 753 patients presenting with 784 NASDTs (242 ESD, 542 EMR) in 14 studies were included. Tumor size (MD: 5.88, [CI95 %: 2.15, 9.62], P = 0.002, I2 = 79 %) and procedure time (MD: 65.65, [CI95 %: 40.39, 90.92], P < 0.00001, I2 = 88 %) were greater in the ESD group. En-bloc resection rate was significantly higher in Asian studies (OR: 2.16 [CI95 %: 1.15, 4.08], P = 0.02, I2: 46 %). ESD provided a higher complete resection rate (OR: 1.63 [I95 %: 1.06, 2.50], P = 0.03, I2: 59 %), but there was no risk difference in the risk of local recurrence (RD: – 0.03 [CI95 %: – 0.07, 0.01], P = 0.15, I2: 0 %) or delayed bleeding. ESD was associated with an increased number of intraoperative perforations [RD: 0.12 (CI95 %: 0.04, 0.20), P = 0.002, I2: 56 %] and emergency surgery for delayed perforations. The inclusion of eligible studies was limited to retrospective series with inequalities in comparative groups.

Conclusions Duodenal ESD for NASDTs may achieve higher en-bloc and complete resections at the expense of a greater perforation rate compared to EMR. The impact on local recurrence remains uncertain.
Investigation of Antidepressant, Anxiolytic and Sedative Activities of the Aqueous Leaf Extract of Musa sapientum Linn. (Banana; Musaceae)
Authors: Salako Olanrewaju , Akindele Abidemi , Balogun Aishat , Adeyemi Olufunmilayo
Published: August 2018

Background Musa sapientum Linn. (Musaceae) is used in traditional African medicine in the management of mental disorders. This study was conducted to evaluate the central nervous system activities of the aqueous leaf extract of M. sapientum (MS).

Materials and methods MS (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered to separate groups of mice 1 h before behavioural studies. The antidepressant effect was studied using the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) while the elevated plus maze (EPM) and the hole-board tests were used to evaluate the anxiolytic effect. The probable mechanism of antidepressant-like effect was also investigated.

Results MS (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) produced significant (P<0.0001) reduction in the duration of immobility with peak effect at 200 mg/kg (79.6%) in FST and 66.9 % in TST respectively when compared with control. The pre-treatment of mice with prazosin (α1-adrenoceptor antagonist, 62.5 µg/kg, i.p.) and sulpiride (dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, 50 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly prevented the antidepressant effect produced by MS in FST. However, pre-treatment of mice with metergoline (5-HT2 receptor antagonist, 4 mg/kg, i.p.) and yohimbine (α2-adrenoceptor antagonist, 1 mg/kg, i.p.) did not prevent the antidepressant effect of MS. In the EPM test, MS did not significantly increase open arm exploration. It also did not significantly increase the number of head dips in the hole-board test.

Conclusions Results showed that MS had antidepressant activity possibly mediated through α1-adrenergic and D2 dopaminergic receptors, without significant anxiolytic effect.
Short Runs for a Long Slide: Principalization in Complex Facial Restoration after Acid Attack Burn Injury
Authors: Hughes Christopher D. , Dabek RobertJaroslaw , Riesel Johanna N. , Baletic Nemanja , Chodosh James , Bojovic Branko
Published: August 2018

Burn injuries are responsible for a significant portion of surgically treatable morbidity throughout the world and particularly in underdeveloped and developing countries. Intentional flame, chemical, and contact burns are unfortunately a common mechanism of injury. It is estimated that intentional chemical burns are responsible for between 2 and 20% of burn injuries seen at burn centers in lower income countries. Women are commonly targeted and the perpetrators are often known to the victims. The combination of a high disease prevalence, limited surgical and anesthetic resources, a vulnerable patient population, and largely disfiguring, nonlethal injuries present unique challenges for the reconstructive surgeon who may not encounter such cases regularly. In this article, we present a case of a 16-year-old female who sustained severe, full-thickness burns to the face including eyelids, neck, abdomen, and upper extremities after an intentional acid attack. She began her treatment course with us approximately 1 year after the injury. The deformities of her oral and periorbital regions presented particularly difficult reconstructive problems, including impending visual loss. Using plastic surgical principalization, we provided our patient adequate restoration of facial form and function through numbers of interventions using fundamental and state-of-the-art techniques.
Generic HKT geometries in the harmonic superspace approach
Authors: Fedoruk Sergey , Ivanov Evgeny , Smilga Andrei
Published: August 2018

We explain how a generic hyper-Kähler with torsion (HKT) geometry can be derived using the language of N=4 supersymmetric quantum mechanics. To this end, one should consider a Lagrangian involving several (4, 4, 0) multiplets defined in harmonic superspace and subject to nontrivial harmonic constraints. Conjecturally, this general construction presented in the paper of F. Delduc and E. Ivanov [Nucl. Phys. B 855, 815 (2012)] gives a complete classification of all HKT geometries. Each such geometry is generated by two different functions (potentials) of a special type that depend on harmonic superfields and on harmonics. Given these two potentials, one can derive the vielbeins, metric, connections, and curvatures, but this is not so simple: one should solve rather complicated differential equations. We illustrate the general construction by giving a detailed derivation of the metric for hyper-Kähler Taub-NUT manifolds. In the generic case, we arrive at an HKT geometry. In this paper, we give a simple proof of this assertion.
Deep subwavelength imaging via tunable terahertz plasmons
Authors: Abbas Hasan Tahir , Zeng Xiaodong , Nevels Robert D. , Zubairy M. Suhail
Published: August 2018

A deep subwavelength structured illumination microscopy scheme via tunable plasmons is proposed. The sample is placed on a semiconductor heterostructure where terahertz plasmons generated by a current-driven instability illuminate it. Full coverage of the spatial frequency regime is obtained by tuning the plasmons through adjusting gate voltage. Hence, it is possible to reconstruct an image with a resolution down to 75 nm and up to two orders of magnitude beyond the diffraction limit. Due to the linear nature of the technique, only a weak illumination signal is required, which minimizes the likelihood of sample damage and has potential applications in bioimaging.
Effect of water vapor on the thermal resistance between amorphous silica nanoparticles
Authors: Meng Fanhe , Liu Jin , Richards Robert F.
Published: August 2018

Nanoparticle-based materials are of interest because of their unique thermal properties. Possessing the lowest thermal conductivities of any solid materials known, they have been widely used as insulating materials. However, the presence of water vapor has been shown to have a large influence on those properties. In this work, we investigate the effect of water vapor on the heat transfer between nanoparticles using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. We calculate the absolute thermal resistance and Kapitza resistance between adjacent amorphous spherical silica nanoparticles, when water molecules are allowed to diffuse as vapor into the interstitial pores between particles. The thermal resistance between nanoparticles is shown to decrease rapidly when water vapor is introduced into the pores between particles. The largest decrease in interparticle resistance occurs as a result of the silanization of the silica particle surfaces. A secondary decrease is attributable to the liquid bridge that forms as water molecules condense around the contact point between nanoparticles. Most of the decrease in resistance between nanoparticles occurs when water vapor is first introduced at relative humidities (rh) of less than 1%. As the relative humidity increases above 1%, the interparticle thermal resistance decreases more slowly, approaching a constant value near 50% rh. Numerical results are compared to experimental measurements of heat transfer across packed beds of 20 nm silica nanoparticles exposed to water vapor. The simulation results are shown to be consistent with the experimental measurements for relative humidities below 15% rh, while underpredicting the experimental measurements above 15% rh.
Blob- and hole-like structures outstanding during the transition from attached to detached divertor states in GAMMA 10/PDX
Authors: Tanaka H. , Sakamoto M. , Ezumi N. , Nojiri K. , Terakado A. , Mikami T. , Kinoshita Y. , Kobayashi K. , Yoshikawa M. , Kohagura J. , Ohno N.
Published: August 2018

We have measured multipoint fluctuations inside a divertor simulation experimental module (D-module) during the transient discharge from attached to detached states in the tandem mirror device GAMMA 10/PDX. It was first observed that blob-/hole- like positive/negative spikes of the ion saturation current appeared non-periodically around the radially outer side edge on the V-shaped target plate. This tendency became outstanding in the transient state, and the typical speed and size of the isolated blob-like structures in the azimuthal direction were estimated. Additionally, lower-frequency periodic mode fluctuations and their changes due to plasma detachment were investigated not only in the D-module but also in the central cell with the microwave interferometer, etc. Odd and even modes continuously appeared during the discharge, in the range of several kilohertz.
Crystal nucleation rates in glass-forming molecular liquids: D-sorbitol, D-arabitol, D-xylitol, and glycerol
Authors: Huang Chengbin , Chen Zhenxuan , Gui Yue , Shi Chenyang , Zhang Geoff G. Z. , Yu Lian
Published: August 2018

The rate of crystal nucleation has been measured in four glass-forming molecular liquids: D-sorbitol, D-arabitol, D-xylitol, and glycerol. These polyalcohols have similar rates of crystal growth when compared at the same temperature relative to Tg (the glass transition temperature), peaking near 1.4 Tg, while the nucleation rates J are vastly different. In D-sorbitol and D-arabitol, J reaches a maximum of ∼108 m−3 s−1 near 1.1 Tg, whereas J < 10−2 m−3 s−1 in D-xylitol and <1 m−3 s−1 in glycerol based on no nucleation in large samples after long waits. This confirms the fundamentally different mechanisms for nucleation and growth. Near Tg, both nucleation and growth slow down with a similar temperature dependence, suggesting a similar kinetic barrier for the two processes. This temperature dependence is significantly weaker than that of viscosity η, approximately following η−0.75. This indicates that viscosity is a poor representative of the kinetic barrier for nucleation, and a better choice is the crystal growth rate. Under the latter assumption, the classical nucleation theory (CNT) describes our data reasonably well, yielding σ = 0.013 J/m2 for D-sorbitol and 0.026 J/m2 for D-arabitol, where σ is the critical nucleus/liquid interfacial free energy. There is no strong indication that the CNT fails as the length scale for corporative rearrangement exceeds the size of the critical nucleus, as recently suggested for lithium disilicate.
InAs QDs on (111)-faceted Si (001) hollow substrates with strong emission at 1300 nm and 1550 nm
Authors: Wei Wen-Qi , Wang Jian-Huan , Zhang Bin , Zhang Jie-Yin , Wang Hai-Ling , Feng Qi , Xu Hong-Xing , Wang Ting , Zhang Jian-Jun
Published: August 2018

Highly uniform (111)-faceted Si sawtooth with underlying hollow structures is formed by homo-epitaxy on a U-shaped patterned Si (001) substrate. With in-situ III-V growth on such substrates by the III-V/IV dual chamber molecular beam epitaxy, a high-quality GaAs film is obtained. The (111)-faceted sawtooth structures are found effectively annihilating the antiphase boundaries and terminating mostly the lattice mismatch induced dislocations at the III-V/Si interface, while the hollow structures can effectively reduce the thermal stress. The high-quality GaAs layers on (111)-faceted hollow Si (001) are measured with a threading dislocation density of ∼106 cm−2 via the electron channeling contrast image method. By implementing the designed structure, strong room-temperature emission of InAs/GaAs and InAs/InGaAs quantum dots (QDs) at both O-band (1300 nm) and C/L-band (1550 nm) telecommunication wavelengths are achieved on Si (001) substrates. The O-band emission of InAs/GaAs QDs on Si (001) shows similar intensity to that on the GaAs substrate.
Paschen's curve in microgaps with an electrode surface protrusion
Authors: Fu Yangyang , Zhang Peng , Verboncoeur John P.
Published: August 2018

Paschen's curve in microgaps with a hemi-ellipsoidal protrusion on the electrode surface is studied using a two-dimensional fluid model. The breakdown voltage is identified when the discharge enters the subnormal region, according to voltage-current characteristics. It is found that the breakdown in a microgap with a surface protrusion on the electrode can result in a combined Paschen's curve, which transits from long-gap (distance between the cathode and anode without the presence of protrusion) behavior at low pressure to short-gap (distance between the protrusion apex to the opposite electrode) behavior at high pressure. As gas pressure decreases, the length of the optimal discharge path increases, automatically moving from the top of the protrusion to its side surface and then to the wider non-protrusion electrode gap. The effects of the protrusion height and radius as well as the discharge polarity on the Paschen's curve are examined in detail. The effects of the protrusion aspect ratio on field enhancement are also considered. This work provides insights into the design of microgaps with controlled breakdown voltage across many orders in pressure via engineered electrode morphology.
Insights into the molecular mechanism for hyperpolarization-dependent activation of HCN channels
Authors: Flynn Galen E. , Zagotta William N.
Published: August 2018

Significance

Unlike most other voltage-activated ion channels, hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels open in response to hyperpolarizing membrane voltages. The molecular mechanism that is responsible for this unique voltage dependence in HCN channels is unknown. Here, we show that the covalent linkage between the voltage-sensing domain and the pore domain, the S4-S5 linker, is not required for hyperpolarization-dependent activation or ligand-dependent gating, as previously thought. Instead the voltage-sensing domain is inhibitory on the pore domain, and hyperpolarizing voltages relieve this autoinhibition, allowing the pore to open. This model explains the unique hyperpolarization-dependent activation of HCN channels.
Integrated control of formin-mediated actin assembly by a stationary inhibitor and a mobile activator
Authors: Garabedian Mikael V. , Stanishneva-Konovalova Tatiana , Lou Chenyu , Rands Thomas J. , Pollard Luther W. , Sokolova Olga S. , Goode Bruce L.
Published: August 2018

Formins are essential actin assembly factors whose activities are controlled by a diverse array of binding partners. Until now, most formin ligands have been studied on an individual basis, leaving open the question of how multiple inputs are integrated to regulate formins in vivo. Here, we show that the F-BAR domain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hof1 interacts with the FH2 domain of the formin Bnr1 and blocks actin nucleation. Electron microscopy of the Hof1–Bnr1 complex reveals a novel dumbbell-shaped structure, with the tips of the F-BAR holding two FH2 dimers apart. Deletion of Hof1’s F-BAR domain in vivo results in disorganized actin cables and secretory defects. The formin-binding protein Bud6 strongly alleviates Hof1 inhibition in vitro, and bud6Δ suppresses hof1Δ defects in vivo. Whereas Hof1 stably resides at the bud neck, we show that Bud6 is delivered to the neck on secretory vesicles. We propose that Hof1 and Bud6 functions are intertwined as a stationary inhibitor and a mobile activator, respectively.
Developing a toolkit for the assessment and monitoring of musculoskeletal ageing
Authors: Kemp Graham J , Birrell Fraser , Clegg Peter D , Cuthbertson Daniel J , De Vito Giuseppe , van Dieën Jaap H , Del Din Silvia , Eastell Richard , Garnero Patrick , Goljanek–Whysall Katarzyna , Hackl Matthias , Hodgson Richard , Jackson Malcolm J , Lord Sue , Mazzà Claudia , McArdle Anne , McCloskey Eugene V , Narici Marco , Peffers Mandy J , Schiaffino Stefano , Mathers John C
Published: August 2018

The complexities and heterogeneity of the ageing process have slowed the development of consensus on appropriate biomarkers of healthy ageing. The Medical Research Council–Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA) is a collaboration between researchers and clinicians at the Universities of Liverpool, Sheffield and Newcastle. One of CIMA’s objectives is to ‘Identify and share optimal techniques and approaches to monitor age-related changes in all musculoskeletal tissues, and to provide an integrated assessment of musculoskeletal function’—in other words to develop a toolkit for assessing musculoskeletal ageing. This toolkit is envisaged as an instrument that can be used to characterise and quantify musculoskeletal function during ‘normal’ ageing, lend itself to use in large-scale, internationally important cohorts, and provide a set of biomarker outcome measures for epidemiological and intervention studies designed to enhance healthy musculoskeletal ageing. Such potential biomarkers include: biochemical measurements in biofluids or tissue samples, in vivo measurements of body composition, imaging of structural and physical properties, and functional tests. This review assesses candidate biomarkers of musculoskeletal ageing under these four headings, details their biological bases, strengths and limitations, and makes practical recommendations for their use. In addition, we identify gaps in the evidence base and priorities for further research on biomarkers of musculoskeletal ageing.
Linkage disequilibrium maps to guide contig ordering for genome assembly
Authors: Pengelly Reuben J , Collins Andrew
Published: August 2018

Motivation

Efforts to establish reference genome sequences by de novo sequence assembly have to address the difficulty of linking relatively short sequence contigs to form much larger chromosome assemblies. Efficient strategies are required to span gaps and establish contig order and relative orientation. We consider here the use of linkage disequilibrium (LD) maps of sequenced contigs and the utility of LD for ordering, orienting and positioning linked sequences. LD maps are readily constructed from population data and have at least an order of magnitude higher resolution than linkage maps providing the potential to resolve difficult areas in assemblies. We empirically evaluate a linkage disequilibrium map-based method using single nucleotide polymorphism genotype data in a 216 kilobase region of human 6p21.3 from which three shorter contigs are formed.

Results

LD map length is most informative about the correct order and orientation and is suggested by the shortest LD map where the residual error variance is close to one. For regions in strong LD this method may be less informative for correcting inverted contigs than for identifying correct contig orders. For positioning two contigs in linkage disequilibrium with each other the inter-contig distances may be roughly estimated by this method.

Availability and implementation

The LDMAP program is written in C for a linux platform and is available at https://www.soton.ac.uk/genomicinformatics/research/ld.page.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Clinical Importance of Myc Family Oncogene Aberrations in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Jung MoonSun , Russell Amanda J , Kennedy Catherine , Gifford Andrew J ,   Australian Ovarian Cancer Study Group, Mallitt Kylie-Ann , Sivarajasingam Siva , Bowtell David D , DeFazio Anna , Haber Michelle , Norris Murray D , Henderson Michelle J
Published: August 2018

Background

The Myc oncogene family has been implicated in many human malignancies and is often associated with particularly aggressive disease, suggesting Myc as an attractive prognostic marker and therapeutic target. However, for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), there is little consensus on the incidence and clinical relevance of Myc aberrations. Here we comprehensively investigated alterations in gene copy number, expression, and activity for Myc and evaluated their clinical significance in EOC.

Methods

To address inconsistencies in the literature regarding the definition of copy number variations, we developed a novel approach using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) coupled with a statistical algorithm to estimate objective thresholds for detecting Myc gain/amplification in large cohorts of serous (n = 150) and endometrioid (n = 80) EOC. MYC, MYCN, and MYCL1 mRNA expression and Myc activity score for each case were examined by qPCR. Kaplan–Meier and Cox-regression analyses were conducted to assess clinical significance of Myc aberrations.

Results

Using a large panel of cancer cell lines (n = 34), we validated the statistical algorithm for determining clear thresholds for Myc gain/amplification. MYC was the most predominantly amplified of the Myc oncogene family members, and high MYC mRNA expression levels were associated with amplification in EOC. However, there was no association between prognosis and increased copy number or gene expression of MYC/MYCN/MYCL1 or with a pan-Myc transcriptional activity score, in EOC, although MYC amplification was associated with late stage and high grade in endometrioid EOC.

Conclusion

A systematic and comprehensive analysis of Myc genes, transcripts, and activity levels using qPCR revealed that although such aberrations commonly occur in EOC, overall they have limited impact on outcome, suggesting that the biological relevance of Myc oncogene family members is limited to certain subsets of this disease.