bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographic causes of adult sex ratio variation and their consequences for parental cooperation
Authors: Eberhart-Phillips Luke J. , Küpper Clemens , Carmona-Isunza María Cristina , Vincze Orsolya , Zefania Sama , Cruz-López Medardo , Kosztolányi András , Miller Tom E. X. , Barta Zoltán , Cuthill Innes C. , Burke Terry , Székely Tamás , Hoffman Joseph I. , Krüger Oliver
Published: April 2018

The adult sex ratio (ASR) is a fundamental concept in population biology, sexual selection, and social evolution. However, it remains unclear which demographic processes generate ASR variation and how biases in ASR in turn affect social behaviour. Here, we evaluate the demographic mechanisms shaping ASR and their potential consequences for parental cooperation using detailed survival, fecundity, and behavioural data on 6119 individuals from six wild shorebird populations exhibiting flexible parental strategies. We show that these closely related populations express strikingly different ASRs, despite having similar ecologies and life histories, and that ASR variation is largely driven by sex differences in the apparent survival of juveniles. Furthermore, families in populations with biased ASRs were predominantly tended by a single parent, suggesting that parental cooperation breaks down with unbalanced sex ratios. Taken together, our results indicate that sex biases emerging during early life have profound consequences for social behaviour.
A phase transformable ultrastable titanium-carboxylate framework for photoconduction
Authors: Wang Sujing , Kitao Takashi , Guillou Nathalie , Wahiduzzaman Mohammad , Martineau-Corcos Charlotte , Nouar Farid , Tissot Antoine , Binet Laurent , Ramsahye Naseem , Devautour-Vinot Sabine , Kitagawa Susumu , Seki Shu , Tsutsui Yusuke , Briois Valérie , Steunou Nathalie , Maurin Guillaume , Uemura Takashi , Serre Christian
Published: April 2018

Porous titanium oxide materials are attractive for energy-related applications. However, many suffer from poor stability and crystallinity. Here we present a robust nanoporous metal–organic framework (MOF), comprising a Ti12O15 oxocluster and a tetracarboxylate ligand, achieved through a scalable synthesis. This material undergoes an unusual irreversible thermally induced phase transformation that generates a highly crystalline porous product with an infinite inorganic moiety of a very high condensation degree. Preliminary photophysical experiments indicate that the product after phase transformation exhibits photoconductive behavior, highlighting the impact of inorganic unit dimensionality on the alteration of physical properties. Introduction of a conductive polymer into its pores leads to a significant increase of the charge separation lifetime under irradiation. Additionally, the inorganic unit of this Ti-MOF can be easily modified via doping with other metal elements. The combined advantages of this compound make it a promising functional scaffold for practical applications.
Chemical diversity in a metal–organic framework revealed by fluorescence lifetime imaging
Authors: Schrimpf Waldemar , Jiang Juncong , Ji Zhe , Hirschle Patrick , Lamb Don C. , Yaghi Omar M. , Wuttke Stefan
Published: April 2018

The presence and variation of chemical functionality and defects in crystalline materials, such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), have tremendous impact on their properties. Finding a means of identifying and characterizing this chemical diversity is an important ongoing challenge. This task is complicated by the characteristic problem of bulk measurements only giving a statistical average over an entire sample, leaving uncharacterized any diversity that might exist between crystallites or even within individual crystals. Here, we show that by using fluorescence imaging and lifetime analysis, both the spatial arrangement of functionalities and the level of defects within a multivariable MOF crystal can be determined for the bulk as well as for the individual constituent crystals. We apply these methods to UiO-67 to study the incorporation of functional groups and their consequences on the structural features. We believe that the potential of the techniques presented here in uncovering chemical diversity in what is generally assumed to be homogeneous systems can provide a new level of understanding of materials properties.
Conformational dynamics in crystals reveal the molecular bases for D76N beta-2 microglobulin aggregation propensity
Authors: Le Marchand Tanguy , de Rosa Matteo , Salvi Nicola , Sala Benedetta Maria , Andreas Loren B. , Barbet-Massin Emeline , Sormanni Pietro , Barbiroli Alberto , Porcari Riccardo , Sousa Mota Cristiano , de Sanctis Daniele , Bolognesi Martino , Emsley Lyndon , Bellotti Vittorio , Blackledge Martin , Camilloni Carlo , Pintacuda Guido , Ricagno Stefano
Published: April 2018

Spontaneous aggregation of folded and soluble native proteins in vivo is still a poorly understood process. A prototypic example is the D76N mutant of beta-2 microglobulin (β2m) that displays an aggressive aggregation propensity. Here we investigate the dynamics of β2m by X-ray crystallography, solid-state NMR, and molecular dynamics simulations to unveil the effects of the D76N mutation. Taken together, our data highlight the presence of minor disordered substates in crystalline β2m. The destabilization of the outer strands of D76N β2m accounts for the increased aggregation propensity. Furthermore, the computational modeling reveals a network of interactions with residue D76 as a keystone: this model allows predicting the stability of several point mutants. Overall, our study shows how the study of intrinsic dynamics in crystallo can provide crucial answers on protein stability and aggregation propensity. The comprehensive approach here presented may well be suited for the study of other folded amyloidogenic proteins.
Strain-engineered inverse charge-funnelling in layered semiconductors
Authors: De Sanctis Adolfo , Amit Iddo , Hepplestone Steven P. , Craciun Monica F. , Russo Saverio
Published: April 2018

The control of charges in a circuit due to an external electric field is ubiquitous to the exchange, storage and manipulation of information in a wide range of applications. Conversely, the ability to grow clean interfaces between materials has been a stepping stone for engineering built-in electric fields largely exploited in modern photovoltaics and opto-electronics. The emergence of atomically thin semiconductors is now enabling new ways to attain electric fields and unveil novel charge transport mechanisms. Here, we report the first direct electrical observation of the inverse charge-funnel effect enabled by deterministic and spatially resolved strain-induced electric fields in a thin sheet of HfS2. We demonstrate that charges driven by these spatially varying electric fields in the channel of a phototransistor lead to a 350% enhancement in the responsivity. These findings could enable the informed design of highly efficient photovoltaic cells.
Label-free non-invasive quantitative measurement of lipid contents in individual microalgal cells using refractive index tomography
Authors: Jung JaeHwang , Hong Seong-Joo , Kim Han-Byeol , Kim Geon , Lee Moosung , Shin Seungwoo , Lee SangYun , Kim Dong-Jin , Lee Choul-Gyun , Park YongKeun
Published: April 2018

Microalgae are promising candidates for biofuel production due to their high lipid content. To facilitate utilization of the microalgae for biofuel, rapid quantification of the lipid contents in microalgae is necessary. However, conventional methods based on the chemical extraction of lipids require a time-consuming destructive extraction process. Here, we demonstrate label-free, non-invasive, rapid quantification of the lipid contents in individual micro-algal cells measuring the three-dimensional refractive index tomograms. We measure three-dimensional refractive index distributions within Nannochloropsis oculata cells and find that lipid droplets are identifiable in tomograms by their high refractive index. In addition, we alter N. oculata under nitrogen deficiency by measuring the volume, lipid weight, and dry cell weight of individual cells. Characterization of individual cells allows correlative analysis between the lipid content and size of individual cells.
Targeted mutagenesis in wheat microspores using CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Bhowmik Pankaj , Ellison Evan , Polley Brittany , Bollina Venkatesh , Kulkarni Manoj , Ghanbarnia Kaveh , Song Halim , Gao Caixia , Voytas Daniel F. , Kagale Sateesh
Published: April 2018

CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing is a transformative technology that will facilitate the development of crops to meet future demands. However, application of gene editing is hindered by the long life cycle of many crop species and because desired genotypes generally require multiple generations to achieve. Single-celled microspores are haploid cells that can develop into double haploid plants and have been widely used as a breeding tool to generate homozygous plants within a generation. In this study, we combined the CRISPR/Cas9 system with microspore technology and developed an optimized haploid mutagenesis system to induce genetic modifications in the wheat genome. We investigated a number of factors that may affect the delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 reagents into microspores and found that electroporation of a minimum of 75,000 cells using 10–20 µg DNA and a pulsing voltage of 500 V is optimal for microspore transfection using the Neon transfection system. Using multiple Cas9 and sgRNA constructs, we present evidence for the seamless introduction of targeted modifications in an exogenous DsRed gene and two endogenous wheat genes, including TaLox2 and TaUbiL1. This study demonstrates the value and feasibility of combining microspore technology and CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing for trait discovery and improvement in plants.
Characterization of germ cell differentiation in the male mouse through single-cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Lukassen S. , Bosch E. , Ekici A. B. , Winterpacht A.
Published: April 2018

Spermatogenesis in the mouse has been extensively studied for decades. Previous methods, such as histological staining or bulk transcriptome analysis, either lacked resolution at the single-cell level or were focused on a very narrowly defined set of factors. Here, we present the first comprehensive, unbiased single-cell transcriptomic view of mouse spermatogenesis. Our single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data on over 2,500 cells from the mouse testis improves upon stage marker detection and validation, capturing the continuity of differentiation rather than artificially chosen stages. scRNA-seq also enables the analysis of rare cell populations masked in bulk sequencing data and reveals new insights into the regulation of sex chromosomes during spermatogenesis. Our data provide the basis for further studies in the field, for the first time providing a high-resolution reference of transcriptional processes during mouse spermatogenesis.
Magnetic Field Enhanced Superconductivity in Epitaxial Thin Film WTe2
Authors: Asaba Tomoya , Wang Yongjie , Li Gang , Xiang Ziji , Tinsman Colin , Chen Lu , Zhou Shangnan , Zhao Songrui , Laleyan David , Li Yi , Mi Zetian , Li Lu
Published: April 2018

In conventional superconductors an external magnetic field generally suppresses superconductivity. This results from a simple thermodynamic competition of the superconducting and magnetic free energies. In this study, we report the unconventional features in the superconducting epitaxial thin film tungsten telluride (WTe2). Measuring the electrical transport properties of Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) grown WTe2 thin films with a high precision rotation stage, we map the upper critical field Hc2 at different temperatures T. We observe the superconducting transition temperature T
c
is enhanced by in-plane magnetic fields. The upper critical field Hc2 is observed to establish an unconventional non-monotonic dependence on temperature. We suggest that this unconventional feature is due to the lifting of inversion symmetry, which leads to the enhancement of Hc2 in Ising superconductors.
Author Correction: Enhanced Skin Permeation of Anti-wrinkle Peptides via Molecular Modification
Authors: Lim Seng Han , Sun Yuanyuan , Madanagopal Thulasi Thiruvallur , Rosa Vinicius , Kang Lifeng
Published: April 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Gold nanoparticle-mediated laser stimulation induces a complex stress response in neuronal cells
Authors: Johannsmeier Sonja , Heeger Patrick , Terakawa Mitsuhiro , Kalies Stefan , Heisterkamp Alexander , Ripken Tammo , Heinemann Dag
Published: April 2018

Stimulation of neuronal cells generally resorts to electric signals. Recent advances in laser-based stimulation methods could present an alternative with superior spatiotemporal resolution. The avoidance of electronic crosstalk makes these methods attractive for in vivo therapeutic application. In particular, nano-mediators, such as gold nanoparticles, can be used to transfer the energy from a laser pulse to the cell membrane and subsequently activate excitable cells. Although the underlying mechanisms of neuronal activation have been widely unraveled, the overall effect on the targeted cell is not understood. Little is known about the physiological and pathophysiological impact of a laser pulse targeted onto nanoabsorbers on the cell membrane. Here, we analyzed the reaction of the neuronal murine cell line Neuro-2A and murine primary cortical neurons to gold nanoparticle mediated laser stimulation. Our study reveals a severe, complex and cell-type independent stress response after laser irradiation, emphasizing the need for a thorough assessment of this approach’s efficacy and safety.
Comparing SVM and ANN based Machine Learning Methods for Species Identification of Food Contaminating Beetles
Authors: Bisgin Halil , Bera Tanmay , Ding Hongjian , Semey Howard G. , Wu Leihong , Liu Zhichao , Barnes Amy E. , Langley Darryl A. , Pava-Ripoll Monica , Vyas Himansu J. , Tong Weida , Xu Joshua
Published: April 2018

Insect pests, such as pantry beetles, are often associated with food contaminations and public health risks. Machine learning has the potential to provide a more accurate and efficient solution in detecting their presence in food products, which is currently done manually. In our previous research, we demonstrated such feasibility where Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based pattern recognition techniques could be implemented for species identification in the context of food safety. In this study, we present a Support Vector Machine (SVM) model which improved the average accuracy up to 85%. Contrary to this, the ANN method yielded ~80% accuracy after extensive parameter optimization. Both methods showed excellent genus level identification, but SVM showed slightly better accuracy  for most species. Highly accurate species level identification remains a challenge, especially in distinguishing between species from the same genus which may require improvements in both imaging and machine learning techniques. In summary, our work does illustrate a new SVM based technique and provides a good comparison with the ANN model in our context. We believe such insights will pave better way forward for the application of machine learning towards species identification and food safety.
Yucca fern shaped CuO nanowires on Cu foam for remitting capacity fading of Li-ion battery anodes
Authors: Wang Zhifeng , Zhang Yanshan , Xiong Hanqing , Qin Chunling , Zhao Weimin , Liu Xizheng
Published: April 2018

To remit capacity fading of lithium ion battery (LIB) anodes, freestanding yucca fern shaped CuO nanowires (NWs) on Cu foams are fabricated as anodes by combining facile and scalable anodization of copper foams followed by calcination. The porous and radial configuration of the hierarchical CuO NWs on the Cu foam substrate guarantees the remarkably improved electrochemical performance with durable cycle stability and excellent rate capability compared with CuO NWs on Cu foils. The reversible capacity remains 461.5 mAh/g after 100 repeated cycles at a current density of 100 mA/g, and a capacity of 150.6 mAh/g even at a high rate of 1000 mA/g. By examining the surface morphology of the cycled samples, possible performance fading route is proposed. The 3D CuO NWs network with a porous architecture simutaneously reduces the ion diffusion distances, promotes the electrolyte permeation and electronic conductivity. This novel strategy might open a new window to develop durable CuO based composite anodes for LIBs.
Skeletal muscle phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine respond to exercise and influence insulin sensitivity in men
Authors: Lee Sindre , Norheim Frode , Gulseth Hanne L. , Langleite Torgrim M. , Aker Andreas , Gundersen Thomas E. , Holen Torgeir , Birkeland Kåre I. , Drevon Christian A.
Published: April 2018

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) composition in skeletal muscle have been linked to insulin sensitivity. We evaluated the relationships between skeletal muscle PC:PE, physical exercise and insulin sensitivity. We performed lipidomics and measured PC and PE inm. vastus lateralisbiopsies obtained from 13 normoglycemic normal weight men and 13 dysglycemic overweight men at rest, immediately after 45 min of cycling at 70% maximum oxygen uptake, and 2 h post-exercise, before as well as after 12 weeks of combined endurance- and strength-exercise intervention. Insulin sensitivity was monitored by euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp. RNA-sequencing was performed on biopsies, and mitochondria and lipid droplets were quantified on electron microscopic images. Exercise intervention for 12 w enhanced insulin sensitivity by 33%, skeletal muscle levels of PC by 21%, PE by 42%, and reduced PC:PE by 16%. One bicycle session reduced PC:PE by 5%. PC:PE correlated negatively with insulin sensitivity (β = −1.6,P < 0.001), percent area of mitochondria (ρ = −0.52,P = 0.035), and lipid droplet area (ρ = 0.55,P = 0.017) on EM pictures, and negatively with oxidative phosphorylation and mTOR based on RNA-sequencing. In conclusion, PC and PE contents of skeletal muscle respond to exercise, and PC:PE is inversely related to insulin sensitivity.
Understanding the deformation mechanism and mechanical characteristics of cementitious mineral analogues from first principles and reactive force field molecular dynamics
Authors: Jiang Jinyang , Yan Yiru , Hou Dongshuai , Yu Jiao
Published: April 2018

The deformation mechanism and mechanical properties of C–S–H crystals are studied by DFT and ReaxFF MD.
Performance enhancement of a dye-sensitized solar cell by peripheral aromatic and heteroaromatic functionalization in di-branched organic sensitizers
Authors: Manfredi N. , Trifiletti V. , Melchiorre F. , Giannotta G. , Biagini P. , Abbotto A.
Published: April 2018

Suppression of back reaction and enhanced photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer through peripheral functionalization of triphenylamino based dibranched donor–acceptor dyes.
A simple architecture with self-assembled monolayers to build immunosensors for detecting the pancreatic cancer biomarker CA19-9
Authors: Soares Andrey Coatrini , Soares Juliana Coatrini , Shimizu Flavio Makoto , Rodrigues Valquiria da Cruz , Awan Iram Taj , Melendez Matias Eliseo , Piazzetta Maria Helena Oliveira , Gobbi Angelo Luiz , Reis Rui Manuel , Fregnani José Humberto T. G. , Carvalho André Lopes , Oliveira Osvaldo N.
Published: April 2018

Film architecture for the immunosensor.
Rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric hydroboration of γ,δ-unsaturated amide derivatives: δ-borylated amides
Authors: Hoang G. L. , Zhang S. , Takacs J. M.
Published: April 2018

A simple rhodium catalyst system promotes the regio- and enantioselective δ-borylation of γ,δ-unsaturated amide derivatives by pinacolborane to afford chiral benzylic boronic esters.
Solid state electrochemiluminescence from homogeneous and patterned monolayers of bifunctional spirobifluorene
Authors: Kudruk Sergej , Villani Elena , Polo Federico , Lamping Sebastian , Körsgen Martin , Arlinghaus Heinrich F. , Paolucci Francesco , Ravoo Bart Jan , Valenti Giovanni , Rizzo Fabio
Published: April 2018

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) from self-assembled monolayers of a spirobifluorene dye covalently linked to a transparent ITO surface is reported.
Self-assembled inorganic clusters of semiconducting quantum dots for effective solar hydrogen evolution
Authors: Gao Yu-Ji , Yang Yichen , Li Xu-Bing , Wu Hao-Lin , Meng Shu-Lin , Wang Yang , Guo Qing , Huang Mao-Yong , Tung Chen-Ho , Wu Li-Zhu
Published: April 2018

The catalytic activity of CdSe QDs could be enhanced more than 150-fold by forming self-assembled clusters with ZnSe QDs madeex situ.
Separation selectivity and structural flexibility of graphene-like 2-dimensional membranes
Authors: Zhang Liying , Wu Chao , Ding Xiangdong , Fang Yong , Sun Jun
Published: April 2018

Single-layer membranes of porous graphene, graphyne derivatives (α/α2/β-graphyne), and porous boron nitride (BN) with similar pore sizes (approximately 8 × 6 Å) have shown different separation properties toward alkane isomers.
Hematite/silica nanoparticle bilayers on mica: AFM and electrokinetic characterization
Authors: Morga Maria , Adamczyk Zbigniew , Kosior Dominik , Oćwieja Magdalena
Published: April 2018

Tuning the properties of bilayers by controlled deposition of nanoparticles.
Effects of CNT size on the desalination performance of an outer-wall CNT slit membrane
Authors: Ang Elisa Y. M. , Ng Teng Yong , Yeo Jingjie , Lin Rongming , Liu Zishun , Geethalakshmi K. R.
Published: April 2018

We investigate the effect of varying carbon nanotube (CNT) size on the desalination performance through slit confinements formed by horizontally aligned CNTs stacked on top of one another.
Static second hyperpolarizability of inverse sandwich compounds (M1–C5H5–M2) of alkali (M1 = Li, Na, K) and alkaline earth metals (M2 = Be, Mg, Ca)
Authors: Hatua Kaushik , Mondal Avijit , Nandi Prasanta K.
Published: April 2018

In the investigated inverse sandwich complexes, charge transfer from alkali metal (M1) led to aromatically stabilized Cp ring, which prevented further charge transfer from the alkaline earth metal (M2).
Modeling TADF in organic emitters requires a careful consideration of the environment and going beyond the Franck–Condon approximation
Authors: Mewes Jan-Michael
Published: April 2018

Twisted: Efficient thermally-activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) of organic emitters emerges from a delicate interplay of nuclear relaxation, dielectric stabilization and post Franck–Condon effects along the donor–acceptor twisting coordinate.
Excellent rate capability and cycling stability in Li+-conductive Li2SnO3-coated LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Mou Jirong , Deng Yunlong , Song Zhicui , Zheng Qiaoji , Lam Kwok Ho , Lin Dunmin
Published: April 2018

High-voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 is a promising cathode candidate for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its considerable energy density and power density, but the material generally undergoes serious capacity fading caused by side reactions between the active material and organic electrolyte.
Selecting the spin crossover profile with controlled crystallization of mononuclear Fe(iii) polymorphs
Authors: Vicente Ana I. , Ferreira Liliana P. , Carvalho Maria de Deus , Rodrigues Vítor H. N. , Dîrtu Marinela M. , Garcia Yann , Calhorda Maria José , Martinho Paulo N.
Published: April 2018

Two polymorphic species of the [Fe(5-Br-salEen)2]ClO4 compound were obtained, each of them being selectively recovered after evaporation of the solvent at a controlled rate.
Light-assisted synthesis MoSx as a noble metal free cocatalyst formed heterojunction CdS/Co3O4 photocatalyst for visible light harvesting and spatial charge separation
Authors: Yang Hao , Jin Zhiliang , Wang Guorong , Liu Duanduan , Fan Kai
Published: April 2018

In this paper, a novel photocatalyst with visible light harvesting and spatial charge separation is reported, in which cobalt oxide and molybdenum sulfide are assembled on the surface of cadmium sulfide nanorods.
Philip Power at 65: an icon of organometallic chemistry
Authors: Fischer Roland C. , Hill Michael S. , Liptrot David J.
Published: April 2018

We are delighted to present this collection of articles to celebrate the work of Philip Power on the occasion of his 65th birthday.
The dietary compound luteolin inhibits pancreatic cancer growth by targeting BCL-2
Authors: Li Zhimei , Zhang Yiyuan , Chen Lixia , Li Hua
Published: April 2018

Luteolin, a bioactive flavonoid from celery (Apium graveolens), has been rationally proved to trigger SW1990 cells to apoptosis by targeting BCL-2, and may serve as a potential agent for this cancer therapy.
An overview of recent molecular dynamics applications as medicinal chemistry tools for the undruggable site challenge
Authors: Perricone Ugo , Gulotta Maria Rita , Lombino Jessica , Parrino Barbara , Cascioferro Stella , Diana Patrizia , Cirrincione Girolamo , Padova Alessandro
Published: April 2018

Molecular dynamics has been demonstrated to be crucial for unveiling otherwise hidden binding sites especially for the undruggable target challenge.
Green synthesis of red-emission carbon based dots by microbial fermentation
Authors: Fang Qingqing , Guan Yi , Wang Min , Hou Linxi , Jiang Xiancai , Long Jinlin , Chi Yuwu , Fu Fengfu , Dong Yongqiang
Published: April 2018

A green and facile fermentation method for the synthesis of red-emission carbon based dots has been developed for the first time.
Accelerating the acidic degradation of a novel thermoresponsive polymer by host–guest interaction
Authors: Wei Peng , Götz Stefan , Schubert Stephanie , Brendel Johannes C. , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: April 2018

Carboxylate modified pillar arenes can not only shift the LCST of acetalized polymers but can also accelerate their hydrolysis under acidic conditions.
Towards potent but less toxic nanopharmaceuticals – lipoic acid bioconjugates of ultrasmall gold nanoparticles with an anticancer drug and addressing unit
Authors: Dzwonek Maciej , Załubiniak Dominika , Piątek Piotr , Cichowicz Grzegorz , Męczynska-Wielgosz Sylwia , Stępkowski Tomasz , Kruszewski Marcin , Więckowska Agnieszka , Bilewicz Renata
Published: April 2018

Modification of ultrasmall gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with the lipoic acid derivative of folic acid was found to enhance their accumulation in the cancer cell, as compared to AuNPs without addressing units.
Nontargeted SWATH acquisition mode for metabolites identification of osthole in rats using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Liao Man , Diao Xinpeng , Cheng Xiaoye , Sun Yupeng , Zhang Lantong
Published: April 2018

Osthole (OST), 7-methoxy-8-isopentenoxycoumarin, is the characteristic constituent found inCnidium monnieri(L.) Cuss. and possesses excellent pharmacological activities, including anticancer, anti-apoptosis and neuroprotection.
A new mechanism for improving electromagnetic properties based on tunable crystallographic structures of FeCoNiSixAl0.4 high entropy alloy powders
Authors: Zhang Bin , Duan Yuping , Cui Yulong , Ma Guojia , Wang Tongmin , Dong Xinglong
Published: April 2018

Mechanical grinding method was employed to prepare FeCoNiSixAl0.4 high entropy alloy powders, which present a simple solid solution structure (FCC and BCC).
Aqueous solution-processed off-stoichiometric Cu–In–S QDs and their application in quantum dot-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Chiang Ya-Han , Lin Kuan-Yu , Chen Yu-Hsuan , Waki Keiko , Abate Mulu Alemayehu , Jiang Jyh-Chiang , Chang Jia-Yaw
Published: April 2018

Off-stoichiometric CuInS2 quantum dots (CuInS2, a mixture of In2S3/CuInS2, and a Mn-doped mixture of In2S3/CuInS2) were prepared in a one-pot reaction, and the corresponding sensitized solar cells exhibit promising photovoltaic performances.
Engineered exciton diffusion length enhances device efficiency in small molecule photovoltaics
Authors: Sajjad Muhammad T. , Blaszczyk Oskar , Jagadamma Lethy Krishnan , Roland Thomas J. , Chowdhury Mithun , Ruseckas Arvydas , Samuel Ifor D. W.
Published: April 2018

A post processing method of solvent vapor annealing (SVA) enhances the diffusion length (LD) and domain size in small molecule organic semiconductors which leads to an enhancement in device performance in bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaics.
Robust graphene-wrapped PtNi nanosponge for enhanced oxygen reduction reaction performance
Authors: Tran Quoc Chinh , An Hyesung , Ha Hyunwoo , Nguyen Van Toan , Quang Nguyen Duc , Kim Hyun You , Choi Ho-Suk
Published: April 2018

A graphene-wrapped 3D-PtNi nanosponge was synthesized using carbon dots as a structure-directing agent.
Enhanced ion transport in densified CNT arrays
Authors: Zhou Shenglin , Sheng Jiadong , Yang Zhaohui , Zhang Xiaohua
Published: April 2018

The formation of water channels greatly improves the overall ion transport rate through densified carbon nanotube arrays.
Two-dimensional GeAs with a visible range band gap
Authors: Jung Chan Su , Kim Doyeon , Cha Seunghwan , Myung Yoon , Shojaei Fazel , Abbas Hafiz Ghulam , Lee Jung Ah , Cha Eun Hee , Park Jeunghee , Kang Hong Seok
Published: April 2018

Few layered GeAs nanosheets exhibit a band gap of 2.1 eV, corresponding to that of monolayer predicted from first-principles calculations.
Contact resistance reduction of carbon nanotube via through O2 plasma post-synthesis treatment
Authors: Li Suwen , Liu Yanghui , Zhou Shaolin , Zhou Changjian , Chan Mansun
Published: April 2018

A less invasive oxygen plasma post-synthesis treatment to reduce the contact resistance of CNT vias.
The state of bisphenol research in the lesser developed countries of the EU: a mini-review
Authors: Thoene Michael , Rytel Liliana , Nowicka Natalia , Wojtkiewicz Joanna
Published: April 2018

Bisphenol compounds are a class of chemical epoxy resins that are found throughout the world in food packaging, thermal paper products, dental materials, and more. These compounds were deemed to be safe until recently, when some studies noticed adverse effects at very low doses, due to the fact that bisphenol acts as an endocrine disruptor. Over the last ten years, studies have been performed to detect bisphenols (especially BPA) in serum and blood samples throughout the world. Essentially, the majority of the earth's population seems to have significantly measurable levels of bisphenol in their blood plasma or urine. However, the majority of the population is unaware that a potential danger may exist. The purpose of this mini-review is to report upon the state of bisphenol research in the lesser developed member-states of the European Union and to increase awareness of the exposure level and possible adverse health effects of this endocrine disruptor. The results show that only three of the most newly admitted members of the European Union have published research concerning the health effects and/or environmental exposure of EU citizens to bisphenol compounds. Those countries were Slovenia, Poland and the Czech Republic. The rest of the surveyed member-states had little or no published research in relation to bisphenol compounds. Furthermore, even the three nations referred to above still lagged far behind the more advanced EU member-states. The lack of research could translate into a lack of awareness amongst the citizenry of nearly half of the EU, and may be unnecessarily putting those EU citizens at an increased risk of exposure.
Auditory–Perceptual Assessment of Fluency in Typical and Neurologically Disordered Speech
Authors: Penttilä Nelly , Korpijaakko-Huuhka Anna-Maija , Kent Ray D.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate how speech fluency in typical and atypical speech is perceptually assessed by speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Our research questions were as follows: (a) How do SLPs rate fluency in speakers with and without neurological communication disorders? (b) Do they differentiate the speaker groups? and (c) What features do they hear impairing speech fluency?

Method

Ten SLPs specialized in neurological communication disorders volunteered as expert judges to rate 90 narrative speech samples on a Visual Analogue Scale (see Kempster, Gerratt, Verdolini Abbott, Barkmeier-Kraemer, & Hillman, 2009; p. 127). The samples—randomly mixed—were from 70 neurologically healthy speakers (the control group) and 20 speakers with traumatic brain injury, 10 of whom had neurogenic stuttering (designated as Clinical Groups A and B).

Results

The fluency rates were higher for typical speakers than for speakers with traumatic brain injury; however, the agreement among the judges was higher for atypical fluency. Auditory–perceptual assessment of fluency was significantly impaired by the features of stuttering and something else but not by speech rate. Stuttering was also perceived in speakers not diagnosed as stutterers. A borderline between typical and atypical fluency was found.

Conclusions

Speech fluency is a multifaceted phenomenon, and on the basis of this study, we suggest a more general approach to fluency and its deviations that will take into account, in addition to the motor and linguistic aspects of fluency, the metalinguistic component of expression as well. The results of this study indicate a need for further studies on the precise nature of borderline fluency and its different disfluencies.
High‐efficiency, 6.6–29 V pulse driver using charge redistribution
Authors: Choi K.‐J. , Jee D.‐W.
Published: April 2018

Fully integrated high‐voltage pulse driver with low voltage supplies and low voltage switching signals is described. Using charge redistribution for the output drive significantly reduces switching losses in the load capacitors even with the high‐voltage output swing. The proposed circuit implemented with 0.18 µm HV LDMOS technology achieves 24–55% efficiency improvement for 20 k–1 MHz 29 V pulse generation with 1.2 and 3.3 V supply voltage.
Statistical geometric components of straight lines (SGCSL) feature extraction method for offline Arabic/Persian handwritten words recognition
Authors: Tavoli Reza , Keyvanpour Mohammadreza , Mozaffari Saeed
Published: April 2018

In this study, the authors present a new feature extraction method for handwritten Arabic/Persian language word recognition. This feature is based on the angle, number, location, and size of straight lines which represents geometric and quantitative attributes of a word. At first, word image is broken into an m × n window and straight lines are extracted from each window. Then, the proposed features are taken from these lines and combined together. Finally, the features of the images are used for training and testing support vector machine classifier. The proposed method is tested on three datasets: IBN‐SINA and IFN/ENIT for Arabic words and Iran‐cities for Persian words recognition. Recognition accuracy of the proposed method is about 67.47, 86.22 and 80.78% for the Iran‐cities, IBN‐SINA and IFN/ENIT Arabic dataset, respectively, which is better than state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Plane detection in 3D point cloud using octree‐balanced density down‐sampling and iterative adaptive plane extraction
Authors: El‐Sayed Emad , Abdel‐Kader Rehab F. , Nashaat Heba , Marei Mahmoud
Published: April 2018

In this paper, a new technique for plane detection from 3D point clouds is proposed. The algorithm depends on two concepts to balance between high‐accuracy and fast performance. The first is the use of a new fast octree‐based balanced density down‐sampling technique to reduce the number of points. The second is the fact that the number of planes in any dataset is much less than the number of the points. Random points are examined to find the 3D planes. To increase the accuracy, the system utilizes an adaptive plane extraction technique to overcome data noise. Initially, the point cloud is subdivided using octree into small cubes with a limited number of points. Then the cubes are down‐sampled based on the local density of each cube. The points are explored randomly for finding a planar surface by applying principal component analysis (PCA) on the points’ spherical neighborhood obtained by the down‐sampled octree structure. The adaptive plane extraction is used to adjust the plane orientation to find the best position that includes the maximum number of points. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is capable of processing large amounts of data efficiently to produce accurate results that are robust to noise.
Numerical modeling of lander interaction with a low-gravity asteroid regolith surface
Authors: Thuillet Florian , Michel Patrick , Maurel Clara , Ballouz Ronald-Louis , Zhang Yun , Richardson Derek C. , Biele Jens , Tatsumi Eri , Sugita Seiji
Published: April 2018

Context. Landing on the surface of small bodies is particularly challenging, as the physical properties of the surface material are not well known and the mechanical response of this material in a low-gravity environment is not well understood.

Aims. In order to improve our understanding of low-speed impact processes on granular media and their outcome in low-gravity environments, we consider the landing of the package MASCOT, to be released by the JAXA asteroid sample return mission Hayabusa2 on (162173) Ryugu in October 2018. Beyond addressing the theoretical aspects of the mechanical response of granular media in low gravity, this study also supports both engineering and scientific teams of Hayabusa2 in the search for the lander and in the determination of Ryugu’s surface properties.

Methods. A campaign of hundreds of numerical simulations using the soft-sphere discrete element method implemented in the N-body code pkdgrav were performed to study the interaction between the lander and the low-gravity surface of the asteroid made of a granular medium representing the regolith. Assuming a broad range of regolith properties, and the lander’s trajectory and motion, we analyzed the outcomes of the landing (distance traveled by the lander, penetration depth, and shape of the traces left in the regolith surface) to determine the influence of the many parameters defining the properties of MASCOT and of the grains, and the ingoing motion of the lander.

Results. We identify well-marked trends for the fate of the lander and the traces left in the granular material. Distances traveled by the lander are greater and penetrations are shallower for gravel-like media than for less frictional material. A similar trend is found for grazing impacts as opposed to vertical ones. Different regolith properties also generate different traces on the ground after the impact.
Rotational spectroscopy of the two conformers of 3-methylbutyronitrile (C4H9CN) between 2 and 400 GHz
Authors: Wehres Nadine , Hermanns Marius , Wilkins Olivia H. , Borisov Kirill , Lewen Frank , Grabow Jens-Uwe , Schlemmer Stephan , Müller Holger S. P.
Published: April 2018

We present high-resolution rotational spectroscopy of the two conformers of 3-methylbutyronitrile (C4H9CN). Spectra were taken between 2 and 24 GHz by means of Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. Spectra between 36 and 403 GHz were recorded by means of frequency modulated (FM) absorption spectroscopy. The analysis yields precise rotational constants and higher order distortion constants, as well as a set of 14N nuclear electric quadrupole coupling parameters for each of the two conformers. In addition, quantum chemical calculations were performed in order to assist the assignments. Frequency calculations yield insight into the vibrational energy structure of the two conformers, from which partition functions and vibrational correction factors are determined. These factors are used to determine experimentally and computationally the energy difference between the two conformers, which is revealed to be negligible. Overall, this study provides precise spectroscopic constants for the search of 3-methylbutyronitrile in the interstellar medium. In particular, this molecule is a perfect test case for our knowledge of branched molecule formation in space.
New experimental research stand SVICKA neutron field analysis using neutron activation detector technique
Authors: Varmuza Jan , Katovsky Karel , Zeman Miroslav , Stastny Ondrej , Haysak Ivan , Holomb Robert
Published: April 2018

Knowledge of neutron energy spectra is very important because neutrons with various energies have a different material impact or a biological tissue impact. This paper presents basic results of the neutron flux distribution inside the new experimental research stand SVICKA which is located at Brno University of Technology in Brno, Czech Republic. The experiment also focused on the investigation of the sandwich biological shielding quality that protects staff against radiation effects. The set of indium activation detectors was used to the investigation of neutron flux distribution. The results of the measurement provide basic information about the neutron flux distribution inside all irradiation channels and no damage or cracks are present in the experimental research stand biological shielding.
First radioactive beams at ACCULINNA-2 facility and first proposed experiment
Authors: Bezbakh A.A. , Beekman W. , Chudoba V. , Fomichev A.S. , Golovkov M.S. , Gorshkov A.V. , Grigorenko L.V. , Kaminski G. , Krupko S.A. , Mentel M. , Nikolskii E.Yu. , Parfenova Yu.L. , Plucinski P. , Sidorchuk S.I. , Slepnev R.S. , Sharov P.G. , Ter-Akopian G.M. , Zalewski B.
Published: April 2018

New fragment separator ACCULINNA-2 was installed at the primary beam line of the U-400M cyclotron in 2016. Recently, first radioactive ion beams were obtained. The design parameters of new facility were experimentally confirmed. Intensity, purity and transverse profile of several secondary beams at the final focal plane were studied. The intensities obtained for the secondary beams of 14B, 12Be, 9;11Li, 6;8He in the fragmentation reaction 15N (49.7 AMeV) + Be (2 mm) are in average 15 times higher in comparison to the ones produced at its forerunner ACCULINNA separator. The ACCULINNA-2 separator will become a backbone facility at the FLNR for the research in the field of light exotic nuclei in the vicinity of the nuclear drip lines. The planned first experiment, aimed for the observation of the 7H nucleus at ACCULINNA-2, is outlined.
Band head spin for triaxial super-deformed bands in 165,167Lu
Authors: Jain Poonam , Mandal Samit K.
Published: April 2018

We use VMI model for the prediction of band head spin of Triaxial Super- Deformed (TSD) rotational bands. The calculated and observed transition energies are agreed well when an accurate band head spin (I0) is predicted. The results are in good agreement with the experimentally known values of spin and transition energies. In the present paper, we have reported the band head spin of TSD bands for Lu isotope. This method brings comprehensive interpretation for spin assignment of TSD bands which could help in designing future experiments for these bands. Thus, we have reported the band head spin value of 5 TSD rotational band of Lu isotope.
Determination of the phase ϕs at LHCb
Authors: Batozskaya Varvara
Published: April 2018

The determination of the mixing-induced CP-violating phase ϕs in the B0s - B0s system is one of the key goals of the LHCb experiment. Using several B0s decay modes it has been measured by the LHCb collaboration exploiting the Run I data set. The first observation of the B0s → ηcϕ and B0s → ηcπ+π- decay modes which can be used to measure ϕs with Run II data is presented.
Studying the strong interaction with baryon-(anti)baryon femtoscopy in Pb-Pb collisions measured by ALICE
Authors: Niedziela Jeremi
Published: April 2018

The shape of the baryon-(anti)baryon femtoscopic correlation function is influenced by the size of the emission source, strong and Coulomb interactions and Quantum Statistics. Another factor introducing additional correlation structures is related to the residual correlations, which are related to the fact that baryons may come from decays of heavier particles. The correlation function of a given pair of baryons (for example pp) is closely connected with correlation functions of other particles (such as pΛ). Analysing correlation functions of multiple baryon pairs simultaneously can further constrain measured strong scattering parameters. A newly developed fitting procedure allowing for a combined fit of several correlation functions is presented. The procedure was applied to 2.76 TeV and 5.02 TeV Pb-Pb data measured by ALICE. The analysis was performed for all combinations of (anti)protons and (anti)lambdas for different collision centralities. Measured strong interaction parameters for pΛ, ΛΛ and heavier baryon-antibaryon (bb) pairs are shown and possible underlying physical processes are discussed.
Ef: Software for Nonrelativistic Beam Simulation by Particle-in-Cell Algorithm
Authors: Boytsov A. Yu. , Bulychev A.A.
Published: April 2018

Understanding of particle dynamics is crucial in construction of electron guns, ion sources and other types of nonrelativistic beam devices. Apart from external guiding and focusing systems, a prominent role in evolution of such low-energy beams is played by particle-particle interaction. Numerical simulations taking into account these effects are typically accomplished by a well-known particle-in-cell method. In practice, for convenient work a simulation program should not only implement this method, but also support parallelization, provide integration with CAD systems and allow access to details of the simulation algorithm. To address the formulated requirements, development of a new open source code - Ef - has been started. It's current features and main functionality are presented. Comparison with several analytical models demonstrates good agreement between the numerical results and the theory. Further development plans are discussed.
Magnetic field errors tolerances of Nuclotron booster
Authors: Butenko Andrey , Kazinova Olha , Kostromin Sergey , Mikhaylov Vladimir , Tuzikov Alexey , Khodzhibagiyan Hamlet
Published: April 2018

Generation of magnetic field in units of booster synchrotron for the NICA project is one of the most important conditions for getting the required parameters and qualitative accelerator operation. Research of linear and nonlinear dynamics of ion beam 197Au31+ in the booster have carried out with MADX program. Analytical estimation of magnetic field errors tolerance and numerical computation of dynamic aperture of booster DFO-magnetic lattice are presented. Closed orbit distortion with random errors of magnetic fields and errors in layout of booster units was evaluated.
Spectral Triples in Particle Physics
Authors: Bochniak Arkadiusz
Published: April 2018

We give an overview of the approach to the Standard Model of Particle Physics and its extensions based on the Noncommutative Geometry. The notion of spectral triples is introduced and their applications in particle physics are presented. We revisit known results based on different approaches within Noncommutative Geometry, list problems which appeared in these methods, propose possible solutions and indicate future directions of research.
Reinforcement learning and convolutional neural network system for firefighting rescue robot
Authors: Yu Tien Kun , Chieh Yang Ming , Samani Hooman
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we combine the machine learning and neural network to build some modules for the fire rescue robot application. In our research, we build the robot legs module with Q-learning. We also finish the face detection with color sensors and infrared sensors. It is usual that image fusion is done when we want to use two kinds of sensors. Kalman filter is chosen to meet our requirement. After we finish some indispensable steps, we use sliding windows to choose our region of interest to make the system’s calculation lower. The least step is convolutional neural network. We design a seven layers neural network to find the face feature and distinguish it or not.