bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the transferability of 15 European-derived fasting plasma glucose SNPs in Mexican children and adolescents
Authors: Langlois Christine , Abadi Arkan , Peralta-Romero Jesus , Alyass Akram , Suarez Fernando , Gomez-Zamudio Jaime , Burguete-Garcia Ana I. , Yazdi Fereshteh T. , Cruz Miguel , Meyre David
Published: October 2016

Genome wide association studies (GWAS) have identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are associated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in adult European populations. The contribution of these SNPs to FPG in non-Europeans and children is unclear. We studied the association of 15 GWAS SNPs and a genotype score (GS) with FPG and 7 metabolic traits in 1,421 Mexican children and adolescents from Mexico City. Genotyping of the 15 SNPs was performed using TaqMan Open Array. We used multivariate linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, body mass index standard deviation score, and recruitment center. We identified significant associations between 3 SNPs (G6PC2 (rs560887), GCKR (rs1260326), MTNR1B (rs10830963)), the GS and FPG level. The FPG risk alleles of 11 out of the 15 SNPs (73.3%) displayed significant or non-significant beta values for FPG directionally consistent with those reported in adult European GWAS. The risk allele frequencies for 11 of 15 (73.3%) SNPs differed significantly in Mexican children and adolescents compared to European adults from the 1000G Project, but no significant enrichment in FPG risk alleles was observed in the Mexican population. Our data support a partial transferability of European GWAS FPG association signals in children and adolescents from the admixed Mexican population.
A fully functionalized metamaterial perfect absorber with simple design and implementation
Authors: Fu Sze Ming , Zhong Yan Kai , Tu Ming Hsiang , Chen Bo Ruei , Lin Albert
Published: October 2016

Broadband perfect metamaterial absorbers have been drawing significant attention in recent years. A close-to-unity absorption over a broad spectral range is established and this facilitates many photonic applications. A more challenging goal is to construct a broadband absorber with a tailored spectral absorption. The spectral absorption control and spectral shaping are very critical in many applications, such as thermal-photovoltaic, thermal emitters, spectrum imaging system, biomedical and extraterrestrial sensing, and refractive index sensor. In this work, one-dimensional (1D) planar stacking structure is designed to achieve the ultimate goal of a functionalized absorber with a fully tailorable spectral absorption. The lithography and etching process are totally eliminated in this proposed structure, and the fabrication is fully compatible with the regular silicon IC processing. By using ~2 nm ultra-thin metallic layers with a 10-pair (10X) SiO2/Si3N4 integrated dielectric filter, we can achieve decent spectral response shaping. The planar configuration of the ultra-thin-metal metamaterial perfect absorber (MPA) is the key to the easy design/integration of the dielectric filters on top of the MPA. Specifically, band-rejected, high-pass, low-pass and band-pass structure are constructed successfully. Finally, experimental evidence to support our simulation result is also provided, which proves the feasibility of our proposal.
Fast voltammetry of metals at carbon-fiber microelectrodes: towards an online speciation sensor
Authors: Pathirathna Pavithra , Siriwardhane Thushani , McElmurry Shawn P. , Morgan Stephen L. , Hashemi Parastoo
Published: October 2016

Speciation controls the chemical behavior of trace metals.
Diastereoselective synthesis of 2-methoxyimidoyloxiranes via dimethyl phosphite-mediated coupling of α-keto N-sulfinyl imidates with aldehydes
Authors: Huang Wei , Liu Hui , Lu Chong-Dao , Xu Yan-Jun
Published: October 2016

A dimethyl phosphite-triggered coupling of α-keto N-tert-butylsulfinyl imidates with aldehydes provides access to enantioenriched 2-methoxyimidoyloxiranes with excellent diastereoselectivities.
Rational design of a flu-type heterometallic cluster-based Zr-MOF
Authors: Tan Yan-Xi , Yang Xue , Li Bei-Bei , Yuan Daqiang
Published: October 2016

The first heterometallic cluster-based Zr-MOF with flu-type topology was rationally designed by the cooperative assembly of [Cu4I4(Ina)4]4− and [Zr6(μ3-OH)8(OH)8]8+ clusters.
Hydrogen evolution from glycerol aqueous solution under aerobic conditions over Pt/TiO2and Au/TiO2granular photocatalysts
Authors: Sakurai Hiroaki , Kiuchi Masato , Heck Claire , Jin Tetsuro
Published: October 2016

Hydrogen was efficiently evolved from glycerol aqueous solution upon vertical photoirradiation of a Pt/TiO2or Au/TiO2bed under aerobic conditions.
Boosting carbon quantum dots/fullerene electron transfer via surface group engineering
Authors: Privitera Alberto , Righetto Marcello , Mosconi Dario , Lorandi Francesca , Isse Abdirisak A. , Moretto Alessandro , Bozio Renato , Ferrante Camilla , Franco Lorenzo
Published: October 2016

Thiophene functionalization of N-doped carbon quantum dots greatly increases their electron donating capabilities under visible light excitation.
Metastable cobalt nitride structures with high magnetic anisotropy for rare-earth free magnets
Authors: Zhao Xin , Ke Liqin , Wang Cai-Zhuang , Ho Kai-Ming
Published: October 2016

Cobalt nitride can exhibit a tetragonal structure and large magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy, which make it a promising material for rare-earth free magnets.
Carbon-nanorings ([10]CPP and [6]CPPA) as fullerene (C60 and C70) receptors: a comprehensive dispersion-corrected DFT study
Authors: González-Veloso Iván , Rodríguez-Otero Jesús , Cabaleiro-Lago Enrique M.
Published: October 2016

The good performance of [10]CPP for catching fullerenes C60 and C70 is made clear. The largest complexation energy corresponds to the C70@[10]CPP complex: −53.32 kcal mol−1 at the B97-D2/def2-TZVP level.
Self-assembling diacetylene molecules on atomically flat insulators
Authors: Verveniotis Elisseos , Okawa Yuji , Makarova Marina V. , Koide Yasuo , Liu Jiangwei , Šmíd Břetislav , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Komatsu Katsuyoshi , Minari Takeo , Liu Xuying , Joachim Christian , Aono Masakazu
Published: October 2016

The diacetylene self-assembly mechanism on atomically flat insulators is elucidated, towards using polydiacetylene wires in molecular electronic devices.
Bio-inspired photonic crystals with superwettability
Authors: Kuang Minxuan , Wang Jingxia , Jiang Lei
Published: October 2016

This review focus on the recent developments in the mechanism, fabrication and application of bio-inspired PCs with superwettability.
Selectivity of a thiosemicarbazonatocopper(ii) complex towards duplex RNA. Relevant noncovalent interactions both in solid state and solution
Authors: Gil-García Rubén , Ugalde María , Busto Natalia , Lozano Héctor J. , Leal José M. , Pérez Begoña , Madariaga Gotzon , Insausti Maite , Lezama Luis , Sanz Roberto , Gómez-Sainz Lidia M. , García Begoña , García-Tojal Javier
Published: October 2016

Intercalation of [CuL]+into RNA causes an increase of melting temperature of 28 °C in contrast to the 0.6 °C for DNA.
Reduction of a tris(picolyl)amine copper(ii) complex by a polymeric flavo-reductase model in water
Authors: Cheaib K. , Roux Y. , Herrero C. , Trehoux A. , Avenier F. , Mahy J.-P.
Published: October 2016

An artificial reductase, made by incorporation of FMN cofactors into the locally hydrophobic micro-environment of a modified polyethyleneimine, catalytically reduces Cu(ii) complexes in water.
Palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative ortho-arylation of 2-pyridyl sulfoxides with benzoyl peroxides
Authors: Sun Meng , Wang Zhe , Wang Jiaxin , Guo Peiyu , Chen Xiangxiang , Li Ya-Min
Published: October 2016

A palladium catalyzed efficient strategy for regio-selective ortho-arylation of sulfoxides with aryl acyl peroxides via decarboxylation has been developed.
Influence of temperature on molecular interactions of imidazolium-based ionic liquids with acetophenone: thermodynamic properties and quantum chemical studies
Authors: Bahadur Indra , Kgomotso Masilo , Ebenso Eno E. , Redhi Gan
Published: October 2016

The thermophysical properties of a series of alkyl imidazolium-based ionic liquids with acetophenone over the wide range of composition and at (293.15, 303.15, 313.15, 323.5 and 333.15) K under atmospheric pressure is reported in this study.
The bio-reduction of chromate with periplasmic reductase using a novel isolated strain Pseudoalteromonas sp. CF10-13
Authors: Li Na , Pan Yanzhuo , Zhang Na , Wang Xueyan , Zhou Weizhi
Published: October 2016

A novel isolated bacteriumPseudoalteromonassp. CF10-13 could reduce Cr(vi) to Cr(iii) by periplasic reductase with Cr(iii) bound to functional groups in extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) or leached to media as soulbe organic-Cr(iii).
Bioadhesion-inspired fabrication of robust thin-film composite membranes with tunable solvent permeation properties
Authors: Mu Wenrui , Liu Jindun , Wang Jingtao , Mao Heng , Wu Xiaoli , Li Zhongjun , Li Yifan
Published: October 2016

Dopamine chemistry arising from marine mussel bioadhesion principles has attracted growing interest in designing and fabricating robust thin films/membranes for various chemical separation processes.
Design of a novel wound dressing consisting of alginate hydrogel and simvastatin-incorporated mesoporous hydroxyapatite microspheres for cutaneous wound healing
Authors: Yu Weilin , Jiang Ying-Ying , Sun Tuan-Wei , Qi Chao , Zhao Huakun , Chen Feng , Shi Zhongmin , Zhu Ying-Jie , Chen Daoyun , He Yaohua
Published: October 2016

Wound dressings consisting of alginate hydrogel and simvastatin-incorporated mesoporous hydroxyapatite microspheres stimulated angiogenesis and accelerated cutaneous wound healing.
Optical and surface band bending mediated fluorescence sensing properties of MoS2 quantum dots
Authors: Hariharan S. , Karthikeyan B.
Published: October 2016

Band bending assisted fluorescence sensing of glucose and bovine serum albumin using MoS2 quantum dots.
Rumen tissue derived decellularized submucosa collagen or its chitosan-treated film as a cutaneous wound healant and1H NMR-metabolite profiling of plasma
Authors: Shankar K. Gopal , Kumar S. Udhaya , Sowndarya S. , Sridevi J. , Angel S. Soniya , Rose C.
Published: October 2016

Developing an ideal wound dressing material for skin defects is of significant importance in a clinical emergency and is currently a global burden.
One-step preparation of carbon dot-grafted trisodium citrate dihydrate for tunable photoluminescence and white light-emitting diodes
Authors: He Jiangling , He Youling , Chen Yonghao , Lei Bingfu , Zhang Haoran , Zhuang Jianle , Zheng Mingtao , Liu Yingliang
Published: October 2016

Emitting-color of (B-CDs/SC and Y-CDs/SC)-based composites can be systematically tailored. Meanwhile, both of them can be successfully fabricated in WLEDs.
Coupling properties between plasmonic modes and cavity modes in corrugated metal–dielectric–metal waveguide
Authors: Jiang Xiangqian , Yuan Haiming , Zhang Bing , Sun Xiudong
Published: October 2016

We investigate the coupling properties between plasmonic modes and cavity modes in corrugated metal–dielectric–metal structures.
Controlled synthesis of pure Au25(2-Nap)18 and Au36(2-Nap)24 nanoclusters from 2-(diphenylphosphino)pyridine protected Au nanoclusters
Authors: Zhang Yifei , Liu Chao , Yang Xiujuan , Bao Ming , Huang Jiahui , Shen Wenjie
Published: October 2016

The controlled synthesis of pure Au25(2-Nap)18 and Au36(2-Nap)24 nanoclusters were realized via etching 2-(diphenylphosphino)pyride protected polydispersed Au nanoclusters with the mass of 1 kDa to 3 kDa at 80 °C and 50 °C, respectively.
From micro/nano structured isotactic polypropylene to a multifunctional low-density nanoporous medium
Authors: Saniei Mehdi , Tran Minh-Phuong , Bae Seong-Soo , Boahom Piyapong , Gong Pengjian , Park Chul B.
Published: October 2016

A homogeneous low-density nano-porous medium of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) with a low thermal conductivity was fabricated using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2).
Phytofabricated metallic nanoparticles and their clinical applications
Authors: Baranwal Anupriya , Mahato Kuldeep , Srivastava Ananya , Maurya Pawan Kumar , Chandra Pranjal
Published: October 2016

Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) have seen myriad applications in various fields of science and technology.
Characterization of a Chinese lignite and the corresponding derivatives using direct analysis in real time quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Fan Xing , Wang Chu-Fan , You Chun-Yan , Wei Xian-Yong , Chen Lu , Cao Jing-Pei , Zhao Yun-Peng , Zhao Wei , Wang Yu-Gao , Lu Jin-Li
Published: October 2016

Direct analysis in real time ionization technique coupled with a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF MS) was applied to characterize raw coal and coal derivatives in the solid state.
Optical-quality controllable wet-chemical doping of graphene through a uniform, transparent and low-roughness F4-TCNQ/MEK layer
Authors: Misseeuw Lara , Krajewska Aleksandra , Pasternak Iwona , Ciuk Tymoteusz , Strupinski Wlodek , Reekmans Gunter , Adriaensens Peter , Geldof Davy , Blockhuys Frank , Van Vlierberghe Sandra , Thienpont Hugo , Dubruel Peter , Vermeulen Nathalie
Published: October 2016

We developed a uniform, transparent and low-roughness F4-TCNQ/MEK layer to controllably dope graphene with superior optical quality.
Modular synthesis of allyl vinyl ethers for the enantioselective construction of functionalized quaternary stereocenters
Authors: Muthusamy Gopinathan , Pansare Sunil V.
Published: October 2016

A flexible synthesis of allyl vinyl ethers, precursors of functionalized quaternary stereocenters, was developed by employing a regioselective Petasis olefination of haloallyl oxalates and subsequent cross-coupling with alkyl- and aryl boronic acids.
Chemical vapour deposition of metalloporphyrins: a simple route towards the preparation of gas separation membranes
Authors: Boscher Nicolas D. , Wang Minghui , Gleason Karen K.
Published: October 2016

The simultaneous polymerisation and chemical vapour deposition (CVD) of metalloporphyrins yield a new class of defect-free and nanoporous layers with outstanding gas separation properties.
Gadolinium functionalized carbon dots for fluorescence/magnetic resonance dual-modality imaging of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Chen Hao , Wang Lina , Fu Han , Wang Zhiying , Xie Yujie , Zhang Zhijun , Tang Yu
Published: October 2016

The gadolinium(iii) functionalized carbon dots (Gd-CDs) can promote the proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), which is tracked by the fluorescence/magnetic resonance dual-modality imaging of hMSCs by the Gd-CDs.
Versatile rare-earth oxide nanocomposites: enhanced chemo/photothermal/photodynamic anticancer therapy and multimodal imaging
Authors: Shen Tingting , Zhang Yu , Kirillov Alexander M. , Hu Binbin , Shan Changfu , Liu Weisheng , Tang Yu
Published: October 2016

A novel theranostic nanocomposite was assembled by a stepwise modification of rare-earth oxide nanoparticles; both the photothermal and photodynamic therapy effects are enhanced due to the effective light protection of a two-photon sensitized Eu3+complex.
Comprehensive structure–function correlation of photoactive ionic π-conjugated supermolecular assemblies: an experimental and computational study
Authors: Adinehnia Morteza , Borders Bryan , Ruf Michael , Chilukuri Bhaskar , Hipps K. W. , Mazur Ursula
Published: October 2016

Experimental and computational structure–function study of an organic crystalline photoconductor composed of oppositely charged ionic porphyrins.
Temporal Discrimination in Aphasoid and Normal Children
Authors: Lowe Audrey D. , Campbell Richard A.
Published: October 2016

This study investigated the ability of eight normal and eight aphasoid children to perform tasks involving judgments of succession and order. There was a significant difference in performance between the two groups on the order task only. These findings support the belief that a temporal ordering malfunction could be a major factor in the aphasoid child’s communication problem.
Computer-Mediated Cognitive-Communicative Intervention for Residents with Dementia in a Special Care Unit: An Exploratory Investigation
Authors: Postman Whitney Anne
Published: October 2016

Residents of “lockdown” dementia units, also referred to as “Special Care Units” of skilled nursing facilities, constitute a population of rapidly escalating needs. These entail rising demands for speech-language pathology services to treat and manage symptoms of dementia. This article recounts an exploratory investigation of rehabilitation sessions with an elderly resident of a Special Care Unit, using a new computer-based program targeting cognitive-communicative capacities. Preliminary results suggest that this resident with moderate dementia achieved a higher degree of functional recovery and superior quality of life than would have been possible with more traditional therapeutic approaches alone. An iPad-based software platform was used to administer tasks to train attention, working memory, and executive functions. The resident demonstrated significant gains in task performance that were coupled with increased independence and safety, enhanced participation in non-computerized therapeutic tasks, adaptation to surroundings, and reduction of negative behaviors. The resident's improved cognitive-communicative performance was sufficient to warrant a transfer to a long-term care wing within the same facility. This proof of concept demonstration invites formulation of testable hypotheses, which should be pursued in future research on optimizing interventions for institutionalized people with dementia using leading-edge computerized therapies.
Outcome Analysis of End-to-End and End-to-Side Anastomoses in 131 Patients Undergoing Microsurgical Free Flap Reconstruction of the Lower Extremity
Authors: Könneker Sören , Broelsch G.F. , Kuhbier J.W. , Framke T. , Neubert N. , Dastagir K. , Mett T. , Vogt P.M. , Jokuszies A.
Published: October 2016

Background End-to-end and end-to-side anastomoses remain the most common techniques in microsurgical free flap reconstruction. Still, there is an ongoing effort to optimize established techniques and develop novel techniques. Numerous comparative studies have investigated flow dynamics and patency rates of microvascular anastomoses and their impact on flap survival. In contrast, few studies have investigated whether the type of anastomosis influences the outcome of microvascular free flap reconstruction of a lower extremity.

Patients and Methods Retrospectively, we investigated the outcome of 131 consecutive free flaps for lower extremity reconstruction related to the anastomotic technique.

Results No statistical significance between arterial or venous anastomoses were found regarding the anastomotic techniques (p = 0.5470). However, evaluated separately by vessel type, a trend toward statistical significance for anastomotic technique was observed in the arterial (p = 0.0690) and venous (p = 0.1700) vessels. No thromboses were found in arterial end-to-end anastomoses and venous end-to-side anastomoses. More venous (n = 18) than arterial thromboses (n = 9) occurred in primary anastomoses undergoing microsurgical free flap reconstruction (p = 0.0098). Flap survival rate was 97.37% in the end-to-end arterial group versus 86.36% in the end-to-side group. No thromboses were found in five arterial anastomoses using T-patch technique.

Conclusion For lower extremities, there is a connate higher risk for venous thrombosis in anastomotic regions compared with arterial thrombosis. We observed divergent rates for thromboses between end-to-end and end-to-side anastomoses.

However, if thrombotic events are explained by anastomotic technique and vessel type, the latter carries more importance.
Employing an interaction picture to remove artificial correlations in multilayer multiconfiguration time-dependent Hartree simulations
Authors: Wang Haobin , Thoss Michael
Published: October 2016

The multilayer multiconfiguration time-dependent Hartree (ML-MCTDH) method is implemented in the interaction picture to allow a more effective description of correlation effects. It is shown that the artificial correlation present in the original Schrödinger picture can be removed with an appropriate choice of the zeroth-order Hamiltonian. Thereby, operators in the interaction picture are obtained through time-dependent unitary transformations, which have negligible computational cost compared with other parts of the ML-MCTDH algorithm. The efficiency of the method is demonstrated by application to a model of vibrationally coupled charge transport in molecular junctions.
Dilatometer setup for low coefficient of thermal expansion materials measurements in the 140 K-250 K temperature range
Authors: Spannagel Ruven , Hamann Ines , Sanjuan Josep , Schuldt Thilo , Gohlke Martin , Johann Ulrich , Weise Dennis , Braxmaier Claus
Published: October 2016

Space applications demand light weight materials with excellent dimensional stability for telescopes, optical benches, optical resonators, etc. Glass-ceramics and composite materials can be tuned to reach very low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) at different temperatures. In order to determine such CTEs, very accurate setups are needed. Here we present a dilatometer that is able to measure the CTE of a large variety of materials in the temperature range of 140 K to 250 K. The dilatometer is based on a heterodyne interferometer with nanometer noise levels to measure the expansion of a sample when applying small amplitude controlled temperature signals. In this article, the CTE of a carbon fiber reinforced polymer sample has been determined with an accuracy in the 10−8 K−1 range.
Electrostatic interactions and electro-osmotic properties of semipermeable surfaces
Authors: Maduar Salim R. , Vinogradova Olga I.
Published: October 2016

We consider two charged semipermeable membranes which bound bulk electrolyte solutions and are separated by a thin film of salt-free liquid. Small ions permeate into the gap, which leads to a steric charge separation in the system. To quantify the problem, we define an effective surface charge density of an imaginary impermeable surface, which mimics an actual semipermeable membrane and greatly simplifies the analysis. The effective charge depends on separation, generally differs from the real one, and could even be of the opposite sign. From the exact and asymptotic solutions of the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation, we obtain the distribution of the potential and of ions in the system. We then derive explicit formulae for the disjoining pressure in the gap and electro-osmotic velocity and show that both are controlled by the effective surface charge.
Ultra-compact and highly efficient silicon polarization splitter and rotator
Authors: Zhang Yong , He Yu , Jiang Xinhong , Liu Boyu , Qiu Ciyuan , Su Yikai , Soref Richard A.
Published: October 2016

We propose and experimentally demonstrate an ultra-compact and highly efficient polarization splitter and rotator based on a silicon bent directional coupler structure. The TM-to-TE cross-polarization coupling occurs between the two parallel bent waveguides, if the phase matching condition is satisfied. Efficient polarization splitting and rotating are simultaneously achieved. The device is fabricated by a single step of exposure and etching. The measured peak TM-to-TE polarization conversion efficiency reaches 96.9%. The TM-to-TE conversion loss is lower than 1 dB in the wavelength range of 1544 nm–1585 nm, and the insertion loss for the TE polarization is lower than 0.3 dB in the wavelength regime of 1530 nm–1600 nm. The cross talk values are lower than −20 and −18 dB for the TE- and TM-polarizations over a wavelength range of 70 nm, respectively. The coupling length of the polarization splitter and rotator is 8.77μm. To the best of our knowledge, our device achieves the shortest coupling length.
Phosphor coated NiO-based planar inverted organometallic halide perovskite solar cells with enhanced efficiency and stability
Authors: Cui Jin , Li Pengfei , Chen Zhifan , Cao Kun , Li Dan , Han Junbo , Shen Yan , Peng Mingying , Fu Yong Qing , Wang Mingkui
Published: October 2016

This work investigates non-rare-earth phosphor (Sr4Al14O25:Mn4+, 0.5%Mg) with intensively red luminescence as a luminescent down-shifting layer for perovskite solar cells. The power conversion efficiency of the fabricated device with a structure of NiO/CH3NH3PbI3/[6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester/Au coated with phosphor layer shows a 10% increase as compared with that of the control devices. Importantly, the phosphor layer coating can realize UV-protection as well as waterproof capability, achieving a reduced moisture-degradation of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite upon applying an UV irradiation. Therefore, perovskite devices using this luminescent coating show a combined enhancement in both UV down-shifting conversion and long term stability. This can be expanded as a promising encapsulation technique in the perovskite solar cell community.
Dust ion acoustic solitary and shock waves in strongly coupled dusty plasma in presence of attractive interparticle interaction potential
Authors: Borah Prathana , Bhattacharjee Saurav , Das Nilakshi
Published: October 2016

The streaming of ions through the dust particles significantly modifies the repulsive Debye-Hückel type of interaction in the sheath and pre-sheath regions and leads to the appearance of oscillatory and attractive wake type interaction. In this paper, we investigate the formation of dust-ion acoustic solitary and shock waves in the presence of streaming ions in a strongly coupled dusty plasma. The generalized hydrodynamic equation is used to describe the dust dynamics, and the dust-dust interaction has been taken into account via the electrostatic pressure term. The novel feature of the present study is the incorporation of both the repulsive and attractive interactions in the electrostatic pressure term. The flow of ions along the vertical direction in the sheath/presheath region of the plasma brings asymmetry to the dust dynamics, which has been carefully handled while considering the effect of strong coupling in the formation of nonlinear structures in such plasma. The study reveals that the ion streaming velocity has a crucial role in controlling the nonlinear coherent structures.
Study on the structure and transition of the hollow plume in a multi-cusped field thruster
Authors: Hu Peng , Liu Hui , Gao Yuanyuan , Yu Daren
Published: October 2016

The multi-cusped field thruster is a kind of electrostatic thruster used for spacecraft propulsion. The thruster typically operates in both high and low current modes with a visual change in the thruster plume. A Faraday probe and a retarding potential analyzer were employed to discover the structures of the hollow plume in these two modes. The results show that in the small angle region (from 0° to 15°), the ion energy distribution function in the high current mode contains two peaks. While in the low current mode, only the low-energy peak is remained. Besides, during the mode transition between these two modes, a reverse variation trend of ion energy distribution occurs in the middle angle region (from 15° to 40°), which indicates that there are two kinds of acceleration routes for the ions generated in the discharge channel. It is suggested that the change of ion current in these two routes could lead to the transition of the hollow plume between different operating modes.
Temporal shock wave analysis produced by copper exploding wires in air at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Barbaglia M. , Rodríguez Prieto G.
Published: October 2016

In this work, experimental results concerning the temporal evolution of the shock wave radii generated by an exploding copper wire of fixed length are presented. The variables of the experience were the diameter dimension—from 50 to 500 μm—and the initial capacitor voltage—from 5 to 25 kV. The diagnostic device was a streak shadow image system synchronized with the experiment. The result is a parametric collection of data showing the shock wave position across the time depicting the different stages of the experience.
Optimal sizing and siting of DGs for loss reduction using an iterative-analytical method
Authors: Forooghi Nematollahi A. , Dadkhah A. , Asgari Gashteroodkhani O. , Vahidi B.
Published: October 2016

This paper proposes an iterative-analytical method to find the optimal size and site of distributed generation units in a radial distribution system to reduce the maximum possible amount of network loss. The proposed analytical method is an advanced form of the Improved Analytical approach used in other papers. Three types of distributed generation units with different capabilities of active and reactive power generation are considered. To show the efficiency of the iterative analytical approach, different scenarios are tested in 33- and 69-bus standard distribution test systems. A 49-bus real network is also used to prove the efficiency of the proposed method for applying in real-world systems. Comparison between results of the proposed and existing methods demonstrates the advantage of the proposed technique in loss reduction.
An electro-optic polymer-cladded TiO2 waveguide modulator
Authors: Qiu Feng , Miura Hiroki , Spring Andrew M. , Hong Jianxun , Maeda Daisuke , Ozawa Masa-aki , Odoi Keisuke , Yokoyama Shiyoshi
Published: October 2016

Organic electro-optic (EO) materials and their hybrid systems have received considerable attention for high-performance modulators. In this work, we demonstrate the design and fabrication of an EO modulator with a low half-wave voltage (Vπ) and a RF modulation response up to at least 10 GHz. The polymer used in this work has a glass transition temperature of 172 °C, which makes it stable even under high temperature RF sputtering. As a result, an EO polymer-cladded titanium dioxide (TiO2) waveguide structure can be utilized to enlarge the confinement factor, and thus, enable a low Vπ. The response of the modulator from 4 to 10 GHz has been measured, which shows a flat frequency response up to 10 GHz and a potential for the application in several tens GHz.
The influence of front‐of‐pack nutrition information on consumers’ portion size perceptions
Authors: Brown Hannah May , de Vlieger Nienke , Collins Clare , Bucher Tamara
Published: October 2016

Issue addressed

Portion size guidance strategies have been suggested as an important component of weight management; therefore, the Health Star Rating (HSR) front‐of‐pack labels could influence consumers’ portion‐size decisions. However, this has not been investigated to date. This study aims to evaluate whether presenting energy content information and HSRs influences portion size self‐selection of specific foods and meals.

Methods

Adults were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups in this randomised controlled experiment. Each participant was given either a kJ/100 g food label or a HSR label, or was given no information on nutrient composition. They were then asked to serve themselves an adequate portion of breakfast cereal (Kellogg’s Nutri‐Grain), fruit salad and chocolate, plus a three‐component meal (chicken, fries and mixed vegetables). Portion serves and meal weights were compared between each experimental group using ANOVA and the discretionary foods were also compared with the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE).

Results

Neither the kilojoule nor HSR information influenced the self‐served portion size of foods or meal components. Mean self‐served portion size of the discretionary foods were significantly greater than the standard serving sizes as specified in the AGHE.

Conclusion

Although food labels have the potential to assist consumers in making product choices, this study indicates that presenting nutrition information does not affect portion size decisions in young adults.

So what?

Strategies that assist consumers to choose appropriate portion sizes should be developed as a weight management tool.
Area burned in alpine treeline ecotones reflects region-wide trends
Authors: Cansler C. Alina , McKenzie Donald , Halpern Charles B.
Published: October 2016

The direct effects of climate change on alpine treeline ecotones – the transition zones between subalpine forest and non-forested alpine vegetation – have been studied extensively, but climate-induced changes in disturbance regimes have received less attention. To determine if recent increases in area burned extend to these higher-elevation landscapes, we analysed wildfires from 1984–2012 in eight mountainous ecoregions of the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rocky Mountains. We considered two components of the alpine treeline ecotone: subalpine parkland, which extends upward from subalpine forest and includes a fine-scale mosaic of forest and non-forested vegetation; and non-forested alpine vegetation. We expected these vegetation types to burn proportionally less than the entire ecoregion, reflecting higher fuel moisture and longer historical fire rotations. In four of eight ecoregions, the proportion of area burned in subalpine parkland (3%–8%) was greater than the proportion of area burned in the entire ecoregion (2%–7%). In contrast, in all but one ecoregion, a small proportion (≤4%) of the alpine vegetation burned. Area burned regionally was a significant predictor of area burned in subalpine parkland and alpine, suggesting that similar climatic drivers operate at higher and lower elevations or that fire spreads from neighbouring vegetation into the alpine treeline ecotone.
Endocytosis of Wingless via a dynamin-independent pathway is necessary for signaling in
Drosophila
wing discs
Authors: Hemalatha Anupama , Prabhakara Chaitra , Mayor Satyajit
Published: October 2016

Significance

Regulated interaction of secreted morphogens with their receptors is necessary for patterning of tissues during development. The morphogen Wingless (Wg) is apically secreted at the dorso-ventral boundary of
Drosophila
wing imaginal discs, and its receptor, DFrizzled2 (DFz2), is localized basally in recipient cells. Here, we show that Wg is endocytosed by a dynamin-independent endocytic pathway, the CLIC/GEEC pathway, at the apical surface of the epithelium, whereas DFz2 is internalized basally via the conventional clathrin-dependent mechanism. Subsequently, Wg requires the acidic milieu of the merged endosome derived from the fusion of these two pathways to interact with DFz2 for subsequent signaling. This study provides evidence for a mechanism wherein cells leverage multiple endocytic pathways to coordinate signaling during patterning.
Veiling at the American University of Beirut: religious values, social norms and integration of veiled students
Authors: Itani Bayan
Published: October 2016

This article presents the Islamic veil worn by students at the American University of Beirut (AUB) through the theory of symbolic interactionism. By questioning the background of the students and their closer social circles, the manifest appearance and latent beliefs and behaviours can be further analyzed. This study builds on the juxtaposition of the historical background of the AUB and the increase of veiled students on campus. It investigates what the veil means in a liberal Western institution like AUB. The two concepts sound contradictory for many people in Lebanon, who assume a correlation between veil and conservatism, and students within AUB negotiate different sets of values. The research is also concerned with investigating how students are reconciling these values, and what they are taking from each of the two poles of liberalism and conservatism.
Kidney dysfunction in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Nickel N.P. , O’Leary J.M. , Brittain E.L. , Fessel J.P. , Zamanian R.T. , West J.D. , Austin E.D.
Published: October 2016

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PH) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) both profoundly impact patient outcomes, whether as primary disease states or as co‐morbid conditions. PH is a common co‐morbidity in CKD and vice versa. A growing body of literature describes the epidemiology of PH secondary to chronic kidney disease and end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) (WHO group 5 PH). But, there are only limited data on the epidemiology of kidney disease in group 1 PH (pulmonary arterial hypertension [PAH]). The purpose of this review is to summarize the current data on epidemiology and discuss potential disease mechanisms and management implications of kidney dysfunction in PAH. Kidney dysfunction, determined by serum creatinine or estimated glomerular filtration rate, is a frequent co‐morbidity in PAH and impaired kidney function is a strong and independent predictor of mortality. Potential mechanisms of PAH affecting the kidneys are increased venous congestion, decreased cardiac output, and neurohormonal activation. On a molecular level, increased TGF‐β signaling and increased levels of circulating cytokines could have the potential to worsen kidney function. Nephrotoxicity does not seem to be a common side effect of PAH‐targeted therapy. Treatment implications for kidney disease in PAH include glycemic control, lifestyle modification, and potentially Renin‐Angiotensin‐Aldosterone System (RAAS) blockade.
Moderation of neoclassical impurity accumulation in high temperature plasmas of helical devices
Authors: Velasco J.L. , Calvo I. , Satake S. , Alonso A. , Nunami M. , Yokoyama M. , Sato M. , Estrada T. , Fontdecaba J.M. , Liniers M. , McCarthy K.J. , Medina F. , Ph Van Milligen B. , Ochando M. , Parra F. , Sugama H. , Zhezhera A.
Published: October 2016

Achieving impurity and helium ash control is a crucial issue in the path towards fusion-grade magnetic confinement devices, and this is particularly the case of helical reactors, whose low-collisionality ion-root operation scenarios usually display a negative radial electric field which is expected to cause inwards impurity pinch. In this work we discuss, based on experimental measurements and standard predictions of neoclassical theory, how plasmas of very low ion collisionality, similar to those observed in the impurity hole of the large helical device (Yoshinuma et al and The LHD Experimental Group 2009 Nucl. Fusion
49 062002, Ida et al and The LHD Experimental Group 2009 Phys. Plasmas
16 056111 and Yokoyama et al and LHD Experimental Group 2002 Nucl. Fusion
42 143), can be an exception to this general rule, and how a negative radial electric field can coexist with an outward impurity flux. This interpretation is supported by comparison with documented discharges available in the International Stellarator-Heliotron Profile Database, and it can be extrapolated to show that achievement of high ion temperature in the core of helical devices is not fundamentally incompatible with low core impurity content.
Modeling non-stationary, non-axisymmetric heat patterns in DIII-D tokamak
Authors: Ciro D. , Evans T.E. , Caldas I.L.
Published: October 2016

Non-axisymmetric stationary magnetic perturbations lead to the formation of homoclinic tangles near the divertor magnetic saddle in tokamak discharges. These tangles intersect the divertor plates in static helical structures that delimit the regions reached by open magnetic field lines reaching the plasma column and leading the charged particles to the strike surfaces by parallel transport. In this article we introduce a non-axisymmetric rotating magnetic perturbation to model the time evolution of the three-dimensional magnetic field of a single-null DIII-D tokamak discharge developing a rotating tearing mode. The non-axiymmetric field is modeled using the magnetic signals to adjust the phases and currents of a set of internal filamentary currents that approximate the magnetic field in the plasma edge region. The stable and unstable manifolds of the asymmetric magnetic saddle are obtained through an adaptive calculation providing the cuts at a given poloidal plane and the strike surfaces. For the modeled shot, the experimental heat pattern and its time development are well described by the rotating unstable manifold, indicating the emergence of homoclinic lobes in a rotating frame due to the plasma instabilities.
Quantifying dorsal closure in three dimensions
Authors: Lu Heng , Sokolow Adam , Kiehart Daniel P. , Edwards Glenn S.
Published: October 2016

Dorsal closure is an essential stage of Drosophila embryogenesis and is a powerful model system for morphogenesis, wound healing, and tissue biomechanics. During closure, two flanks of lateral epidermis close an eye-shaped dorsal opening that is filled with amnioserosa. The two flanks of lateral epidermis are zipped together at each canthus (“corner” of the eye). Actomyosin-rich purse strings are localized at each of the two leading edges of lateral epidermis (“lids” of the eye). Here we report that each purse string indents the dorsal surface at each leading edge. The amnioserosa tissue bulges outward during the early-to-mid stages of closure to form a remarkably smooth, asymmetric dome indicative of an isotropic and uniform surface tension. Internal pressure of the embryo and tissue elastic properties help to shape the dorsal surface.
Climate Change Communication in Colombia
Authors: Lema Vélez Luisa Fernanda , Hermelin Daniel , Fontecha María Margarita , Urrego Dunia H.
Published: October 2016

Colombia is in a privileged position to take advantage of international climate agreements to finance sustainable development initiatives. The country is a signatory of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreements. As a non-Annex I party to the UNFCCC, Colombia produces low emissions in relation to global numbers (0.46% of total global emissions for 2010) and exhibits biogeographical conditions that are ideal for mitigation of climate change through greenhouse gas sequestration and emission reductions. Simultaneously, recent extreme climatic events have harshly compromised the country’s economy, making Colombia’s vulnerability to climate change evident.

While these conditions should justify a strong approach to climate change communication that motivates decision making and leads to mitigation and adaptation, the majority of sectors still fall short of effectively communicating their climate change messages. Official information about climate change is often too technical and rarely includes a call for action. However, a few exceptions exist, including environmental education materials for children and a noteworthy recent strategy to deliver the Third Communication to the UNFCCC in a form that is more palatable to the general public. Despite strong research on climate change, particularly related to agricultural, environmental, and earth sciences, academic products are rarely communicated in a way that is easily understood by decision makers and has a clear impact on public policy. Messages from the mass media frequently confuse rather than inform the public. For instance, television news refers to weather-related disasters, climate variability, and climate change indiscriminately. This shapes an erroneous idea of climate change among the public and weakens the effectiveness of communications on the issue.

The authors contrast the practices of these sectors with those of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working in Colombia to show how they address the specific climate communication needs facing the country. These NGOs directly face the challenge of working with diverse population groups in this multicultural, multiethnic, and megadiverse country. NGOs customize languages, channels, and messages for different audiences and contexts, with the ultimate goal of building capacity in local communities, influencing policymakers, and sensitizing the private sector. Strategies that result from the work of interdisciplinary groups, involve feedback from the audiences, and incorporate adaptive management have proven to be particularly effective.
Progression and Treatment Outcomes of Lung Disease Caused by Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacterium massiliense
Authors: Park Jimyung , Cho Jaeyoung , Lee Chang-Hoon , Han Sung Koo , Yim Jae-Joon
Published: October 2016

Background

Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacterium massiliense are grouped as the Mycobacterium abscessus complex. The aim of this study was to elucidate the differences between M. abscessus and M. massiliense lung diseases in terms of progression rate, treatment outcome, and the predictors thereof.

Methods

Between 1 January 2006 and 30 June 2015, 56 patients and 54 patients were diagnosed with M. abscessus and M. massiliense lung diseases, respectively. The time to progression requiring treatment and treatment outcomes were compared between the 2 groups of patients, and predictors of progression and sustained culture conversion with treatment were analyzed. In addition, mediation analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of susceptibility to clarithromycin on treatment outcomes.

Results

During follow-up, 21 of 56 patients with M. abscessus lung diseases and 21 of 54 patients with M. massiliense lung diseases progressed, requiring treatment. No difference was detected in the time to progression between the 2 patient groups. Lower body mass index, bilateral lung involvement, and fibrocavitary-type disease were identified as predictors of disease progression. Among the patients who began treatment, infection with M. massiliense rather than M. abscessus and the use of azithromycin rather than clarithromycin were associated with sustained culture conversion. The difference in treatment outcomes was partly mediated by the organism’s susceptibility to clarithromycin.

Conclusions

Progression rates were similar but treatment outcomes differed significantly between patients with lung disease caused by M. abscessus and M. massiliense. This difference in treatment outcomes was partly explained by the susceptibility of these organisms to clarithromycin.
Reconstruction of global ex-vessel prices of fished species
Authors: Melnychuk Michael C. , Clavelle Tyler , Owashi Brandon , Strauss Kent
Published: October 2016

Economic dimensions of global fishery analyses are often limited by unavailable or inconsistent ex-vessel price data from the world’s fishing nations. We describe a novel method for estimating ex-vessel price time series for individual species by converting export prices of fishery commodities into ex-vessel prices and pairing these with species. The method relies exclusively on global, publicly-available data from the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO). National datasets of ex-vessel prices are not used as inputs for the method, but comparisons of reconstructed ex-vessel prices with actual prices from national datasets showed strong correspondence. Correlation coefficients for paired reconstructed prices and actual prices of the same species were typically between 0.60 and 0.75 annually in the past two decades. There was a tendency for reconstructed prices to be less variable than actual prices, over-estimating actual prices at low values of actual prices and under-estimating actual prices at high values, likely the result of incomplete price transmission or assigning a given price time series to multiple species. However, there was no evidence of overall bias between reconstructed prices and actual prices, and correlations were strongest for comparisons involving multiple taxonomic groups. The method described carries advantages of global comprehensiveness and consistency across countries in reconstructed ex-vessel prices, reflecting the comprehensiveness and consistency of export price information. The method described links to species from the global FAO landings database, but can be modified to pair with other species lists or to focus on specific regions or countries. Data tables and source code are publicly available and ex-vessel price estimates can be updated annually following annual releases of the FAO fishery commodities database.