bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple dietary criteria to improve serumn-3 fatty acid levels of mothers and their infants
Authors: Hautero Ulla , Poussa Tuija , Laitinen Kirsi
Published: October 2016

Objective

Sufficient maternal dietary intake ofn-3 fatty acids (FA) supports offspring development. We aimed to construct simple criteria for dietary counselling to improve intake ofn-3 FA.

Design

Serum phospholipid FA from mothers and infants were analysed by GC one month after delivery. Dietary intake of foods during pregnancy and one month after delivery were recorded using 3 d food diaries and an index for healthy eating was calculated. Fish consumption was established by questionnaires. Dietary consumption of foods resulting in an increase in serumn-3 FA was defined.

Setting

A mother–child follow-up study in Southwest Finland.

Subjects

Mothers (n90) and 1-month-old infants (n63).

Results

After delivery, the mother’s consumption of fish at least three times per week resulted in an increase in total serumn-3 FA (mean difference (95 % CI): 1·7 (0·7, 2·8) % of total FA,P<0·001) and DHA (1·1 (0·5, 1·8) % of total FA,P<0·001) compared with non-consumers. Persistent fish intake once weekly throughout pregnancy increased total serumn-3 FA (P=0·001) and DHA (P<0·001). Overall, a healthy diet (middle and highest tertiles of healthy eating index scorev. the lowest tertile) resulted in higher total serumn-3 FA (P=0·004) and DHA (P=0·008). Mother’s diet along with higher serum levels ofn-3 FA were related to serum FA levels in 1-month-old infants.

Conclusions

An overall healthy diet and persistent consumption of fish at least once weekly throughout pregnancy or more frequent fish intake three times per week increasesn-3 FA in serum phospholipids of both mothers and their infants.
Internal Structure and Clinical Utility of the Anxiety Control Questionnaire-Revised (ACQ-R) Spanish Version
Authors: Osma Jorge , Barrada Juan Ramón , García-Palacios Azucena , Navarro-Haro María , Aguilar Alejandra
Published: October 2016

Perceived control has shown predictive value for anxiety severity symptoms as well as cognitive-behavior therapy outcomes. The most commonly used measure of perceived control is the Anxiety Control Questionnaire (ACQ), and more recently the ACQ Revised (ACQ-R). However, both questionnaires have shown structural inconsistencies among several studies. Also, although the ACQ and ACQ-R seem to be multidimensional instruments, a single total score have been commonly used. This study examined the internal structure of the ACQ-R Spanish version using exploratory factor and exploratory bi-factor analysis in a sample of 382 college students and 52 people diagnosed of panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia). Also, in this study we assessed the preliminary diagnostic value of the ACQ-R scores. The results indicated that the ACQ-R Spanish version structure consisted of two factors: one related with perceived control of internal emotional reactions (Emotion Control) and another related with perceived control of external events (Threat and Stress Control). Both specific factors can be adequately summarized by a general factor (General Anxiety Perception of Control; CFI = .973, TLI = .954, RMSEA = .039; p = .002), which accounted for 70% of the common explained variance. The correlations between the ACQ-R scores and with variables like anxiety (r = –.66) or anxiety sensitivity (r = –.50) presented the expected pattern of results. Either the two dimensions structure or the total score have proved to be a good tool to distinguish between participants with panic disorder and non-clinical samples (area under the curve = 0.79).
P53 regulates disruption of neuronal development in the adult hippocampus after irradiation
Authors: Li Y-Q , Cheng ZW-C , Liu SK-W , Aubert I , Wong C S
Published: October 2016

Inhibition of hippocampal neurogenesis is implicated in neurocognitive dysfunction after cranial irradiation for brain tumors. How irradiation results in impaired neuronal development remains poorly understood. The Trp53 (p53) gene is known to regulate cellular DNA damage response after irradiation. Whether it has a role in disruption of late neuronal development remains unknown. Here we characterized the effects of p53 on neuronal development in adult mouse hippocampus after irradiation. Different bromodeoxyuridine incorporation paradigms and a transplantation study were used for cell fate mapping. Compared with wild-type mice, we observed profound inhibition of hippocampal neurogenesis after irradiation in mice deficient in p53 despite the absence of acute apoptosis of neuroblasts. The putative neural stem cells were apoptosis resistant after irradiation regardless of p53 genotype. Cell fate mapping using different bromodeoxyuridine incorporation paradigms revealed enhanced activation of neural stem cells and their consequential exhaustion in the absence of p53 after irradiation. Both p53-knockout and wild-type mice demonstrated similar extent of microglial activation in the hippocampus after irradiation. Impairment of neuronal differentiation of neural progenitors transplanted in irradiated hippocampus was not altered by p53 genotype of the recipient mice. We conclude that by inhibiting neural progenitor activation, p53 serves to mitigate disruption of neuronal development after irradiation independent of apoptosis and perturbation of the neural stem cell niche. These findings suggest for the first time that p53 may have a key role in late effects in brain after irradiation.
A modular platform for one-step assembly of multi-component membrane systems by fusion of charged proteoliposomes
Authors: Ishmukhametov Robert R. , Russell Aidan N. , Berry Richard M.
Published: October 2016

An important goal in synthetic biology is the assembly of biomimetic cell-like structures, which combine multiple biological components in synthetic lipid vesicles. A key limiting assembly step is the incorporation of membrane proteins into the lipid bilayer of the vesicles. Here we present a simple method for delivery of membrane proteins into a lipid bilayer within 5 min. Fusogenic proteoliposomes, containing charged lipids and membrane proteins, fuse with oppositely charged bilayers, with no requirement for detergent or fusion-promoting proteins, and deliver large, fragile membrane protein complexes into the target bilayers. We demonstrate the feasibility of our method by assembling a minimal electron transport chain capable of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, combining Escherichia coli F1Fo ATP-synthase and the primary proton pump bo3-oxidase, into synthetic lipid vesicles with sizes ranging from 100 nm to ∼10 μm. This provides a platform for the combination of multiple sets of membrane protein complexes into cell-like artificial structures.
Erratum: Brain-mechanistic responses to varying difficulty levels of approximate solutions to arithmetic problems
Authors: Xiang Yanhui , Jiang Yiqi , Chao Xiaomei , Wu Qihan , Mo Lei
Published: October 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number:24194; published online: 13 April 2016; updated: 03 October 2016 In this Article, the legend of Figure 3 is incorrect: Grand averaged event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited at the midline, lateral electrodes during small split and medium split arithmetic. Should read:
Differential photosynthetic and morphological adaptations to low light affect depth distribution of two submersed macrophytes in lakes
Authors: Chen Jianfeng , Cao Te , Zhang Xiaolin , Xi Yilong , Ni Leyi , Jeppesen Erik
Published: October 2016

To evaluate the relative importance of photosynthetic versus morphological adaptations of submersed macrophytes to low light intensity in lakes, rapid light curves (RLCs), morphological parameters, relative growth rate (RGR), clonal reproduction and abundance of two submersed macrophytes (Potamogeton maackianus and Vallisneria natans) were examined under 2.8%, 7.1%, 17.1% and 39.5% ambient light in a field and outdoor experimental study. The plants increased their initial slope of RLCs (α) and decreased their minimum saturating irradiance (Ek) and maximum relative electron transport rate (ETRm) of RLCs under low light stress, but V. natans was more sensitive in RLCs than P. maackianus. Accordingly, the RGR, plant height and abundance of P. maackianus were higher in the high light regimes (shallow water) but lower in the low light regimes than those of V. natans. At the 2.8% ambient light, V. natans produced ramets and thus fulfilled its population expansion, in contrast to P. maackianus. The results revealed that P. maackianus as a canopy-former mainly elongated its shoot length towards the water surface to compensate for the low light conditions, however, it became limited in severe low light stress conditions. V. natans as a rosette adapted to low light stress mainly through photosynthetic adjustments and superior to severely low light than shoot elongation.
Transport of cerium oxide nanoparticles in saturated silica media: influences of operational parameters and aqueous chemical conditions
Authors: Zhang Zhaohan , Gao Peng , Qiu Ye , Liu Guohong , Feng Yujie , Wiesner Mark
Published: October 2016

This paper aimed to investigate the influences of operational parameters and aqueous chemical conditions on transport behaviors of cerium oxides nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs) in saturated silica media. Results indicated that increasing rates of attachment efficiency (α) were related with cationic types and critical deposition concentration (CDC) for divalent cation (Ca2+ and Mg2+) were more than 31-fold of that for monovalent cation (Na+ and K+). Increase or reduction of electrolyte pH could both promote the mobility of CeO2-NPs in glass beads, while influence was more evident at alkaline conditions. α increased linearly with NPs concentrations, while decreased linearly with flow velocity in the column and effects were related with electrolyte contents. Presence of surfactants could sharply decreased α and SDS was more effective to facilitate CeO2-NPs transport than Triton X–100. With DOMs concentrations increasing, α firstly kept constant, then sharply declined and finally reduced very slowly. The influence of DOMs on NPs deposition was in order of SA > HA > TA >  BSA. Overall, this study revealed that aqueous chemical conditions was crucial to NPs transport in porous media and would provide significant information for our understanding on the fate and transport of nanoparticles in natural environment.
3D bioprinting matrices with controlled pore structure and release function guide in vitro self-organization of sweat gland
Authors: Liu Nanbo , Huang Sha , Yao Bin , Xie Jiangfan , Wu Xu , Fu Xiaobing
Published: October 2016

3D bioprinting matrices are novel platforms for tissue regeneration. Tissue self-organization is a critical process during regeneration that implies the features of organogenesis. However, it is not clear from the current evidences whether 3D printed construct plays a role in guiding tissue self-organization in vitro. Based on our previous study, we bioprinted a 3D matrix as the restrictive niche for direct sweat gland differentiation of epidermal progenitors by different pore structure (300-μm or 400-μm nozzle diameters printed) and reported a long-term gradual transition of differentiated cells into glandular morphogenesis occurs within the 3D construct in vitro. At the initial 14-day culture, an accelerated cell differentiation was achieved with inductive cues released along with gelatin reduction. After protein release completed, the 3D construct guide the self-organized formation of sweat gland tissues, which is similar to that of the natural developmental process. However, glandular morphogenesis was only observed in 300-μm–printed constructs. In the absence of 3D architectural support, glandular morphogenesis was not occurred. This striking finding made us to identify a previously unknown role of the 3D-printed structure in glandular tissue regeneration, and this self-organizing strategy can be applied to forming other tissues in vitro.
Pollen-mediated gene flow and seed exchange in small-scale Zambian maize farming, implications for biosafety assessment
Authors: Bøhn Thomas , Aheto Denis W. , Mwangala Felix S. , Fischer Klara , Bones Inger Louise , Simoloka Christopher , Mbeule Ireen , Schmidt Gunther , Breckling Broder
Published: October 2016

Gene flow in agricultural crops is important for risk assessment of genetically modified (GM) crops, particularly in countries with a large informal agricultural sector of subsistence cultivation. We present a pollen flow model for maize (Zea mays), a major staple crop in Africa. We use spatial properties of fields (size, position) in three small-scale maize farming communities in Zambia and estimate rates of cross-fertilisation between fields sown with different maize varieties (e.g. conventional and transgene). As an additional factor contributing to gene flow, we present data on seed saving and sharing among farmers that live in the same communities. Our results show that: i) maize fields were small and located in immediate vicinity of neighboring fields; ii) a majority of farmers saved and shared seed; iii) modeled rates of pollen-mediated gene flow showed extensive mixing of germplasm between fields and farms and iv) as a result, segregation of GM and non-GM varieties is not likely to be an option in these systems. We conclude that the overall genetic composition of maize, in this and similar agricultural contexts, will be strongly influenced both by self-organised ecological factors (pollen flow), and by socially mediated intervention (seed recycling and sharing).
Phycocyanin Inhibits Tumorigenic Potential of Pancreatic Cancer Cells: Role of Apoptosis and Autophagy
Authors: Liao Gaoyong , Gao Bing , Gao Yingnv , Yang Xuegan , Cheng Xiaodong , Ou Yu
Published: October 2016

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDA) is one of the most lethal human malignancies and unresponsive to current chemotherapies. Here we investigate the therapeutic potential of phycocyanin as an anti-PDA agent in vivo and in vitro. Phycocyanin, a natural product purified from Spirulina, effectively inhibits the pancreatic cancer cell proliferation in vitro and xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Phycocyanin induces G2/M cell cycle arrest, apoptotic and autophagic cell death in PANC-1 cells. Inhibition of autophagy by targeting Beclin 1 using siRNA significantly suppresses cell growth inhibition and death induced by phycocyanin, whereas inhibition of both autophagy and apoptosis rescues phycocyanin-mediated cell death. Mechanistically, cell death induced by phycocyanin is the result of cross-talk among the MAPK, Akt/mTOR/p70S6K and NF-κB pathways. Phycocyanin is able to induce apoptosis of PANC-1 cell by activating p38 and JNK signaling pathways while inhibiting Erk pathway. On the other hand, phycocyanin promotes autophagic cell death by inhibiting PI3/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. Furthermore, phycocyanin promotes the activation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB, which plays an important role in balancing phycocyanin-mediated apoptosis and autosis. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate that phycocyanin exerts anti-pancreatic cancer activity by inducing apoptotic and autophagic cell death, thereby identifying phycocyanin as a promising anti-pancreatic cancer agent.
Detection of evoked acetylcholine release in mouse brain slices
Authors: Asri R. , O'Neill B. , Patel J. C. , Siletti K. A. , Rice M. E.
Published: October 2016

The study of transmitter interactions in the brain requires methodology to detect stimulus-driven neurotransmitter release. This report introduces an enzyme-coated 7 μm carbon-fiber microelectrode used with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry to detect evoked acetylcholine release in mouse brain slices.
Synthesis, properties, and optical applications of low-dimensional perovskites
Authors: Zhang Yupeng , Liu Jingying , Wang Ziyu , Xue Yunzhou , Ou Qingdong , Polavarapu Lakshminarayana , Zheng Jialu , Qi Xiang , Bao Qiaoliang
Published: October 2016

This feature article provides an overview of synthesis, properties and applications of low-dimensional perovskites.
G-Quadruplex formation using fluorescent oligonucleotides as a detection method for discriminating AGG trinucleotide repeats
Authors: Park Yoojin , Kim Ki Tae , Kim Byeang Hyean
Published: October 2016

A fluorescent oligonucleotide probe induces the formation of intermolecular G-quadruplexes with AGG trinucleotide repeats. The probe also exhibits 35.0- and 44.7-fold enhanced fluorescence signals for DNA AGG and RNA agg repeat oligonucleotides with respect to the low background signal.
Precise determination of water exchanges on a mineral surface
Authors: Stack Andrew G. , Borreguero Jose M. , Prisk Timothy R. , Mamontov Eugene , Wang Hsiu-Wen , Vlcek Lukas , Wesolowski David J.
Published: October 2016

Solvent exchanges on solid surfaces and dissolved ions are a fundamental property important for understanding chemical reactions, but the rates of fast exchanges are poorly constrained.
A delicate case of unidirectional proton transfer from water to an aromatic heterocyclic anion
Authors: Biswas Sohag , Mallik Bhabani S.
Published: October 2016

One of the hydroxyl modes of the surrounding water molecules with the lowest stretching frequency facilitates the proton transfer from water to an anion.
Isolation and characterization of gem-diaurated species having two C–Au σ bonds in gold(i)-activated amidiniumation of alkynes
Authors: Wang Jiwei , Lv Shichang , Chen Haifeng , Shi Min , Zhang Jun
Published: October 2016

We have observed the transformation of vinyl gold species into a gem-digold intermediate comprising two C–Au σ bonds, which represents a new binding mode for gem-digold species in the gold promoted transformation of alkynes.
High performance aliphatic-heterocyclic benzyl-quaternary ammonium radiation-grafted anion-exchange membranes
Authors: Ponce-González Julia , Whelligan Daniel K. , Wang Lianqin , Bance-Soualhi Rachida , Wang Ying , Peng Yanqiu , Peng Hanqing , Apperley David C. , Sarode Himanshu N. , Pandey Tara P. , Divekar Ashutosh G. , Seifert Soenke , Herring Andrew M. , Zhuang Lin , Varcoe John R.
Published: October 2016

High performance benzylpyrrolidinium anion-exchange membrane.
Rapid room temperature solubilization and depolymerization of polymeric lignin at high loadings
Authors: Sun Jian , Dutta Tanmoy , Parthasarathi Ramakrishnan , Kim Kwang Ho , Tolic Nikola , Chu Rosalie K. , Isern Nancy G. , Cort John R. , Simmons Blake A. , Singh Seema
Published: October 2016

The relatively poor solubility of lignin in most pretreatment solvents remains one of the biggest challenges in lignin valorization to improve overall biorefinery economics.
Reducing emission of carcinogenic by-products in the production of thermally reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Jankovský Ondřej , Lojka Michal , Nováček Michal , Luxa Jan , Sedmidubský David , Pumera Martin , Kosina Jiří , Sofer Zdeněk
Published: October 2016

Graphene oxide thermal reduction is accompanied by formation of broad spectra of hydrocarbons including benzene and toluene. Optimization of exfoliation procedure can significantly reduce its amount.
Interfacial acidity in ligand-modified ruthenium nanoparticles boosts the hydrogenation of levulinic acid to gamma-valerolactone
Authors: Albani Davide , Li Qiang , Vilé Gianvito , Mitchell Sharon , Almora-Barrios Neyvis , Witte Peter T. , López Núria , Pérez-Ramírez Javier
Published: October 2016

Supported Ru-HHDMA nanoparticles are superior catalysts for the continuous-flow hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone due to the bifunctional nature of the metal–ligand interface.
Measuring systematic changes in invasive cancer cell shape using Zernike moments
Authors: Alizadeh Elaheh , Lyons Samanthe Merrick , Castle Jordan Marie , Prasad Ashok
Published: October 2016

Cancer cells show similar changes in two dimensional cell shape analyzed using Zernike moments.
Additively manufactured MEMS multiplexed coaxial electrospray sources for high-throughput, uniform generation of core–shell microparticles
Authors: Olvera-Trejo D. , Velásquez-García L. F.
Published: October 2016

This study reports the first MEMS multiplexed coaxial electrospray sources in the literature. The devices demonstrate a low-cost, uniform, and high-throughput microencapsulation technology that is compatible with big-market applications such as drug delivery, food processing, self-healing composites, and dye-sensitized solar cells.
Thermally actuated wax valves for paper-fluidic diagnostics
Authors: Phillips Elizabeth A. , Shen Rui , Zhao Siyu , Linnes Jacqueline C.
Published: October 2016

Wax-ink valves can be printed onto paper membranes allowing the controlled stop and start of fluid flow. Each valve can perform multiple actuation steps (e.g. open–close–open) enabling increased complexity of fluidic operations on paper platforms.
Trapping, manipulation, and crystallization of live cells using magnetofluidic tweezers
Authors: Timonen J. V. I. , Raimondo C. , Pilans D. , Pillai P. P. , Grzybowski B. A.
Published: October 2016

Live mammalian cells are captured and manipulated in magnetofluidic traps created in a suspension of biocompatible, magnetic nanoparticles by a coaxial magnetic/non-magnetic “micropen”.
Magnesium(ii) 1-(1-adamantylsulfanyl)phthalocyanine – synthesis, photochemical and electrochemical properties
Authors: Kryjewski Michal , Rebis Tomasz , Milczarek Grzegorz , Gdaniec Zofia , Goslinski Tomasz , Mielcarek Jadwiga
Published: October 2016

Phthalocyanine with moderate fluorescence and singlet oxygen quantum yield was obtained and its electrochemical properties were assessed.
Selection and analysis of DNA aptamers to berberine to develop a label-free light-up fluorescent probe
Authors: Wang Jine , Zhang Yajie , Wang Hongyan , Chen Yang , Xu Lijun , Gao Tian , Pei Renjun
Published: October 2016

Three DNA aptamers for berberine were successfully selected and the final shortened 21-mer aptamer showed higher fluorescence enhancement than G-quadruplexes.
A binder free synthesis of 1D PANI and 2D MoS2nanostructured hybrid composite electrodes by the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method for supercapacitor application
Authors: Nam Min Sik , Patil Umakant , Park Byeongho , Sim Heung Bo , Jun Seong Chan
Published: October 2016

A facile, binder-free electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method is applied to fabricate large-scale, hybrid 2D MoS2nanosheets and 1D polyaniline (PANI) nanowires based electrodes for supercapacitor applications.
Interactions of the N-terminal domain of human islet amyloid polypeptide with lipid membranes: the effect of cholesterol
Authors: Li Yang , Guan Liping , Lu Tong , Li Haichao , Li Zhengqiang , Li Fei
Published: October 2016

Cholesterol facilitates the insertion and aggregation of hIAPP1–19 in membrane and the CARC motif mediates the peptide–cholesterol interaction.
Synergetic effect of CoNPs and graphene as cocatalysts for enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity of MoS2
Authors: Heydari-Bafrooei Esmaeil , Shamszadeh Nazgol Sadat
Published: October 2016

Highly active and stable electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution have been developed on the basis of molybdenum sulfide on CoNPs–graphene hybrid support via a modified hydrothermal method.
Photocatalytic degradation of a low concentration pharmaceutical pollutant by nanoporous TiO2film with exposed {001} facets
Authors: Xu Tongzhou , Zheng Hong , Zhang Pengyi , Lin Wei
Published: October 2016

Nanoporous TiO2film with exposed {001} facets shows considerable potential for removing low concentration PPCPs under UV or VUV irradiation.
Heterogeneous sensors of pressure sensor and ultraviolet photodetector fabricated by vertical 3D stacking as a multi-functional device
Authors: Hsueh H. T. , Lai L. T. , Juan Y. M. , Huang S. W. , Cheng T. C. , Lin Y. D.
Published: October 2016

Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) piezoresistive pressure sensor and ZnO nanowires (NWs) ultraviolet (UV) photodetector were 3D integrated into a single chip with a vertically stacked structure.
Alteration of mitochondrial phospholipid due to the PLA2activation in rat brains under cadmium toxicity
Authors: Sivaprakasam Chinnarasu , Vijayakumar Rajendran , Arul Mathivanan , Nachiappan Vasanthi
Published: October 2016

Cadmium exposure significantly reduced Phospholipids in a time dependent manner.
Perceptions of Disability: Families From Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds
Authors: Sanchez Katrina , Wood Carla
Published: October 2016

The aim of the current study was to explore the perceptions of disability of families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Investigators interviewed 10 families from diverse backgrounds and used qualitative inquiry techniques to identify shared and distinctive themes between families. Results produced themes related to diverse beliefs about the causes of disability, perceived helpfulness of intervention, reactions to diagnosis, informational resources, and perceptions of bilingual services.
Characterization of the primary hydration shell of the hydroxide ion with H2 tagging vibrational spectroscopy of the OH− ⋅ (H2O)n=2,3 and OD− ⋅ (D2O)n=2,3 clusters
Authors: Gorlova Olga , DePalma Joseph W. , Wolke Conrad T. , Brathwaite Antonio , Odbadrakh Tuguldur T. , Jordan Kenneth D. , McCoy Anne B. , Johnson Mark A.
Published: October 2016

We report the isotope-dependent vibrational predissociation spectra of the H2-tagged OH− ⋅ (H2O)n=2,3 clusters, from which we determine the strongly coordination-dependent energies of the fundamentals due to the OH groups bound to the ion and the intramolecular bending modes of the water molecules. The HOH bending fundamental is completely missing in the delocalized OH− ⋅ (H2O) binary complex but is recovered upon adding the second water molecule, thereby establishing that the dihydrate behaves as a hydroxide ion solvated by two essentially intact water molecules. The energies of the observed OH stretches are in good agreement with the values predicted by Takahashi and co-workers [Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 17, 25505 (2015); 15, 114 (2013)] with a theoretical model that treats the strong anharmonicities at play in this system with explicit coupling between the bound OH groups and the O–O stretching modes on an extended potential energy surface. We highlight a surprising similarity between the spectral signatures of OH− ⋅ (H2O)3 and the excess proton analogue, H3O+ ⋅ (H2O)3, both of which correspond to completed hydration shells around the proton defect. We discuss the origin of the extreme solvatochromicity displayed by both OH− and H+ in the context of the anomalously large “proton polarizabilities” of the H5O2+ and H3O2− binary complexes.
Markov state model of the two-state behaviour of water
Authors: Hamm Peter
Published: October 2016

With the help of a Markov State Model (MSM), two-state behaviour is resolved for two computer models of water in a temperature range from 255 K to room temperature (295 K). The method is first validated for ST2 water, for which the so far strongest evidence for a liquid-liquid phase transition exists. In that case, the results from the MSM can be cross-checked against the radial distribution function g5(r) of the 5th-closest water molecule around a given reference water molecule. The latter is a commonly used local order parameter, which exhibits a bimodal distribution just above the liquid-liquid critical point that represents the low-density form of the liquid (LDL) and the high density liquid. The correlation times and correlation lengths of the corresponding spatial domains are calculated and it is shown that they are connected via a simple diffusion model. Once the approach is established, TIP4P/2005 will be considered, which is the much more realistic representation of real water. The MSM can resolve two-state behavior also in that case, albeit with significantly smaller correlation times and lengths. The population of LDL-like water increases with decreasing temperature, thereby explaining the density maximum at 4 °C along the lines of the two-state model of water.
Initial measurements of plasma current and electron density profiles using a polarimeter/interferometer (POINT) for long pulse operation in EAST (invited)
Authors: Liu H. Q. , Qian J. P. , Jie Y. X. , Ding W. X. , Brower D. L. , Zou Z. Y. , Li W. M. , Lian H. , Wang S. X. , Yang Y. , Zeng L. , Lan T. , Yao Y. , Hu L. Q. , Zhang X. D. , Wan B. N.
Published: October 2016

A double-pass, radially viewing, far-infrared laser-based POlarimeter-INTerferometer (POINT) system utilizing the three-wave technique has been implemented for diagnosing the plasma current and electron density profiles in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). POINT has been operated routinely during the most recent experimental campaign and provides continuous 11 chord line-integrated Faraday effect and density measurement throughout the entire plasma discharge for all heating schemes and all plasma conditions (including ITER relevant scenario development). Reliability of both the polarimetric and interferometric measurements is demonstrated in 25 s plasmas with H-mode and 102 s long-pulse discharges. Current density, safety factor (q), and electron density profiles are reconstructed using equilibrium fitting code (EFIT) with POINT constraints for the plasma core.
The design and analysis of channel transmission communication system of XCTD profiler
Authors: Zheng Yu , Wang Xiao-Rui , Jin Xiang-Yu , Song Guo-Min , Shang Ying-Sheng , Li Hong-Zhi
Published: October 2016

In this paper, a channel transmission communication system of expendable conductivity-temperature-depth is established in accordance to the operation characteristics of the transmission line to more accurately assess the characteristics of deep-sea abandoned profiler channel. The wrapping inductance is eliminated to maximum extent through the wrapping pattern of the underwater spool and the overwater spool and the calculation of the wrapping diameter. The feasibility of the proposed channel transmission communication system is verified through theoretical analysis and practical measurement of the transmission signal error rate in the amplitude shift keying (ASK) modulation. The proposed design provides a new research method for the channel assessment of complex abandoned measuring instrument and an important experiment evidence for the rapid development of the deep-sea abandoned measuring instrument.
Mechanisms of high-regularity periodic structuring of silicon surface by sub-MHz repetition rate ultrashort laser pulses
Authors: Gnilitskyi Iaroslav , Gruzdev Vitaly , Bulgakova Nadezhda M. , Mocek Tomáš , Orazi Leonardo
Published: October 2016

Silicon is one of the most abundant materials which is used in many areas of modern research and technology. A variety of those applications require surface nanopatterning with minimum structure defects. However, the high-quality nanostructuring of large areas of silicon surface at industrially acceptable speed is still a challenge. Here, we report a rapid formation of highly regular laser-induced periodic surface structures (HR-LIPSS) in the regime of strong ablation by infrared femtosecond laser pulses at sub-MHz repetition rate. Parameters of the laser-surface interactions and obtained experimental results suggest an important role of electrostatically assisted bond softening in initiating the HR-LIPSS formation.
State-to-state differential cross sections for a four-atom reaction: H2 + OH → H2O + H in full dimensions
Authors: Zhao Zhiqiang , Liu Shu , Zhang Dong H.
Published: October 2016

The time-dependent wave packet method has been employed to calculate state-to-state differential cross sections for the title reaction in full dimensions. It is found that the majority of H2O is produced in the first stretching excited states, with a large fraction of available energy for the reaction ending up as product internal motion. The differential cross sections for collision energy up to 0.4 eV are all peaked in the backward direction, but the width of the angular distribution increases considerably as the increase of collision energy. The isotope effect was also examined by comparing the scattering angular distribution for the title reaction with those for the HD + OH and D2 + OH reactions obtained in our previous work.
A single-pulse shock tube coupled with high-repetition-rate time-of-flight mass spectrometry and gas chromatography for high-temperature gas-phase kinetics studies
Authors: Sela P. , Shu B. , Aghsaee M. , Herzler J. , Welz O. , Fikri M. , Schulz C.
Published: October 2016

Shock tubes are frequently used to investigate the kinetics of chemical reactions in the gas phase at high temperatures. Conventionally, two complementary arrangements are used where either time-resolved intermediate species measurements are conducted after the initiation of the reaction or where the product composition is determined after rapid initiation and quenching of the reaction through gas-dynamic processes. This paper presents a facility that combines both approaches to determine comprehensive information. A single-pulse shock tube is combined with high-sensitivity gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for product composition and concentration measurement as well as high-repetition-rate time-of-flight mass spectrometry for time-dependent intermediate concentration determination with 10 μs time resolution. Both methods can be applied simultaneously. The arrangement is validated with investigations of the well-documented thermal unimolecular decomposition of cyclohexene towards ethylene and 1,3-butadiene at temperatures between 1000 and 1500 K and pressures ranging from 0.8 to 2.4 bars. The comparison shows that the experimental results for both detections are in very good agreement with each other and with literature data.
Edge states of graphene wrinkles in single-layer graphene grown on Ni(111)
Authors: Liu Liwei , Xiao Wende , Wang Dongfei , Yang Kai , Tao Lei , Gao Hong-Jun
Published: October 2016

As quasi-one-dimensional (1D) structures with characteristic widths of nanometer scale, graphene wrinkles (GWs) have been widely observed in graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition. Similar to conventional 1D graphene-based nanostructures, e.g., carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoribbons, 1D electron confinement has been observed in the GWs. However, it remains an open question whether the GWs have effective edges and exhibit corresponding edge states. Here, we report on the edge states of the GWs in single-layer graphene grown on Ni(111) by means of low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. We show that the GWs are decoupled from the substrate, while the surrounding planar graphene are strongly coupled with the substrate. The different graphene-substrate coupling leads to effective edges and 1D character of the GWs. The chiral edges of the GWs give rise to pronounced edge states around the Fermi level in the density of states.
The role of Zn vacancies in UV sensing with ZnO nanorods
Authors: Barbagiovanni E. G. , Strano V. , Franzò G. , Mirabella S.
Published: October 2016

The UV sensing properties of ZnO nanorods (NRs) fabricated by a chemical bath deposition using two different hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) concentrations, 25 mM and 50 mM, are studied in this work. The NRs are investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and photoconductivity measurements. The SEM images indicate that 25 mM HMTA NRs exhibit merging that increases the growth induced defects in this sample with respect to the 50 mM sample. PL measurements demonstrate a higher optical transition from the doubly ionized Zn vacancy (VZn2−) at 2.52 eV in the 50 mM ZnO NRs due to the reduced growth defect density. The photoconductivity measurements indicate better sensitivity and spectral selectivity in the 50 mM NRs, which we present as a result of the VZn2− state. These results are summarised with a UV sensing model based on the optical properties of ZnO NRs, which provides a route for the development of improved sensors.
Interaction of elastocapillary flows in parallel microchannels across a thin membrane
Authors: Reddy S. P. , Samy R. A. , Sen A. K.
Published: October 2016

We report the interaction of counter elastocapillary flows in parallel microchannels across a thin membrane. At the crossing point, the interaction between the capillary flows via the thin membrane leads to significant retardation of capillary flow. The drop in velocity at the crossing point and velocity variation after the crossing point are predicted using the analytical model and measured from experiments. A non-dimensional parameter J, which is the ratio of the capillary force to the mechanical restoring force, governs the drop in velocity at the crossing point with the maximum drop of about 60% for J = 1. The meniscus velocity after the crossing point decreases (J < 0.5), remains constant (0.5 < J < 0.6), or increases (J > 0.6) depending on the value of J. The proposed technique can be applied for the manipulation of capillary flows in microchannels.
A comparative study of the impact of horizontal-to-tilted solar irradiance conversion in modelling small PV array performance
Authors: Polo J. , Garcia-Bouhaben S. , Alonso-García M. C.
Published: October 2016

The capabilities of modelling the performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems depend both on the available PV models and on the accuracy of the input information that the models need. The meteorological input to any model consists mainly of the solar irradiance incident in the module as well as other influencing variables (temperature, wind speed, etc.). Since incident solar irradiance on characteristic inclined surfaces is not frequently available, the performance models use to incorporate specific models for computing tilted solar irradiance from the other components (global horizontal and direct normal) with higher availability. In this work, System Advisor Model (SAM), a performance model, has been used to analyze the contribution of some well-known transposition models to the uncertainty in modelling the system performance. The study has been performed for a small-scale photovoltaic array of CdTe placed at the roof of a building in Madrid. The performance predicted by SAM is rather good with around 3% of root mean squared error in the daily AC power when the input irradiance is taken from experimental measurements at the modules tilt angle. A 3% of an additional error increase compared to the results with the experimental tilt irradiance was observed for using all of the transposition models included in SAM.
Atomic Force Microscopy Studies of the Interaction of Antimicrobial Peptides with Bacterial Cells
Authors: Mularski Anna , Separovic Frances
Published: October 2016

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising therapeutic alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Many AMPs are membrane-active but their mode of action in killing bacteria or in inhibiting their growth remains elusive. Recent studies indicate the mechanism of action depends on peptide structure and lipid components of the bacterial cell membrane. Owing to the complexity of working with living cells, most of these studies have been conducted with synthetic membrane systems, which neglect the possible role of bacterial surface structures in these interactions. In recent years, atomic force microscopy has been utilized to study a diverse range of biological systems under non-destructive, physiologically relevant conditions that yield in situ biophysical measurements of living cells. This approach has been applied to the study of AMP interaction with bacterial cells, generating data that describe how the peptides modulate various biophysical behaviours of individual bacteria, including the turgor pressure, cell wall elasticity, bacterial capsule thickness, and organization of bacterial adhesins.
Introduced social bees reduce nectar availability during the breeding season of the swift parrot (Lathamus discolor)
Authors: Hingston Andrew B. , Wotherspoon Simon
Published: October 2016

Numerous pollinators are declining across the world. One of these, the swift parrot (Lathamus discolor) is a critically endangered Australian bird that feeds largely on the nectar and pollen of Eucalyptus trees. The Swift Parrot Recovery Plan includes competition for food from introduced social bees as a threatening process, although little evidence exists in support of this. Here, we present the strongest evidence yet to support this theory. We examined nectar standing crops in the species of trees that are important to swift parrots during their breeding season, Tasmanian blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) and black gum (E. ovata). By comparing the amounts of nectar between flowers exposed to visitors and those bagged to exclude visitors throughout the day, we discovered that introduced honey bees (Apis mellifera) and bumble bees (Bombus terrestris) consumed most of the nectar and that exposed flowers often contained little nectar. Honey bees were the more common species, but bumble bees had greater per capita rates of nectar consumption. However, at low densities these bees had no effect on standing crops of nectar, and in such situations some nectar could be harvested by managed honey bees without reducing nectar availability for swift parrots. Although this study suggests that introduced social bees may pose a threat to swift parrots, further work is needed to determine whether our results are indicative of the impacts of bees across greater scales of time and space and whether these affect the reproductive success and conservation status of the swift parrot.
Minerals control phosphorus solubility in long-term-cultivated calcareous soils
Authors: Jalali Mohsen , Jalali Mahdi
Published: October 2016

Little information is available on phosphorus (P) solubility in long-term cultivated calcareous soils. Improved characterisation of P-containing minerals and soil P species in calcareous soils leads to better management of crop production, water quality and soil quality. In this study, we investigated the solubility relationships of P for 20 surface-soil samples from Hamedan, western Iran, with a wide range of physical and chemical properties. Two equilibration times (0.5 and 168h) were used to evaluate the effect of equilibration times on P activities. We observed up to 67% decrease in mean P concentration when equilibration time was increased from 0.5 to 168h. Solubility diagrams support the stability of hydroxyapatite with 0.5h equilibration and hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate with 168h equilibration. Geochemical modelling predicted that dicalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate and magnesium-P minerals would be unstable and thus would gradually dissolve and supply P in solution in these calcareous soils. The information obtained can be used to predict the behaviour of P and its availability for agricultural crops in calcareous soils.
Effects of crop rotation on properties of a Vietnam clay soil under rice-based cropping systems in small-scale farmers' fields
Authors: Linh Tran Ba , Guong Vo Thi , Tran Vo Thi Thu , Van Khoa Le , Olk Daniel , Cornelis Wim M.
Published: October 2016

In tropical deltas, intensive monoculture with three rice crops per year (RRR) has been the standard for decades. However, in recent years some farmers have started rice-based rotations with one or more upland crops per year. The trends for increased grain yields with this new system raises the question as to whether the introduction of upland crops affects properties of alluvial clay paddy soil. This was evaluated in the present study, which was performed at 40 paddy fields in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta under four different cropping systems (10 farms per system) on paddy rice soils: RRR; crop rotation with two rice crops and one upland crop per year (RUR); crop rotation with one rice and two upland crops per year (RUU); and upland crop (UUU). Soil samples were collected at depths of 0–10, 10–20 and 20–30cm. Most soil properties differed significantly between the RRR and the RUR, RUU or UUU. The RUR, RUU and UUU systems alleviated soil compaction, resulting in reduced penetration resistance and bulk density and increased total and macroporosity at 20–30cm depth. In addition, aggregate stability index and plant-available water capacity were higher for RUR, RUU and UUU compared with RRR at the 20–30cm depth. Average soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks ranged from 59.3tha–1 in UUU to 72.3tha–1 in RUR, with SOC stocks in RRR and RUU being intermediate (66.4 and 68.3tha–1) and not significantly different to that of the RUR system. Carbon hydrolysable by HCl (Chydrolysable) was 74–84% greater in the RUR, RUU and UUU than in RRR systems. In conclusion, rice–upland crop systems may alleviate soil degradation resulting from continuous rice monoculture.
Rapid-response tools and datasets for post-fire remediation: linking remote sensing and process-based hydrological models
Authors: Miller M. E. , Elliot W. J. , Billmire M. , Robichaud P. R. , Endsley K. A.
Published: October 2016

Post-wildfire flooding and erosion can threaten lives, property and natural resources. Increased peak flows and sediment delivery due to the loss of surface vegetation cover and fire-induced changes in soil properties are of great concern to public safety. Burn severity maps derived from remote sensing data reflect fire-induced changes in vegetative cover and soil properties. Slope, soils, land cover and climate are also important factors that require consideration. Many modelling tools and datasets have been developed to assist remediation teams, but process-based and spatially explicit models are currently underutilised compared with simpler, lumped models because they are difficult to set up and require properly formatted spatial inputs. To facilitate the use of models in conjunction with remote sensing observations, we developed an online spatial database that rapidly generates properly formatted modelling datasets modified by user-supplied soil burn severity maps. Although assembling spatial model inputs can be both challenging and time-consuming, the methods we developed to rapidly update these inputs in response to a natural disaster are both simple and repeatable. Automating the creation of model inputs facilitates the wider use of more accurate, process-based models for spatially explicit predictions of post-fire erosion and runoff.
Contribution of 2-methyl-3-furanthiol to the cooked meat-like aroma of fermented soy sauce
Authors: Meng Qi , Kitagawa Riho , Imamura Miho , Katayama Hiroshi , Obata Akio , Sugawara Etsuko
Published: October 2016

The cooked meat-like aroma compound, 2-methyl-3-furanthiol (2M3F), was detected in fermented soy sauce (FSS) by GC-olfactometry and GC-MS. 2M3F was present in FSS at a concentration considerably greater than the perception threshold, and the 2M3F concentration increased with heating temperature. Sensory analysis indicated that with the addition of only 0.2 μg/L of 2M3F to the soy sauce sample, the cooked meat-like aroma is significantly stronger than that of sample without the addition of 2M3F. Hence, 2M3F contributes to the cooked meat-like aroma of FSS, which constitutes the key aroma component of FSS. In addition, 2M3F was generated from the addition of ribose and cysteine in FSS by heating at 120 °C, but it was not detected in a phosphate buffer under the same condition. Furthermore, 2M3F was not detected in acid-hydrolyzed vegetable-protein-mixed soy sauce (ASS) and heated ASS. These results indicated that fermentation by micro-organisms facilitates the generation of 2M3F in FSS.