bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Direct and Indirect cold atmospheric-pressure plasma methods in the B16F10 melanoma cancer cells treatment
Authors: Saadati Fariba , Mahdikia Hamed , Abbaszadeh Hojjat-Allah , Abdollahifar Mohammad-Amin , Khoramgah Maryam Sadat , Shokri Babak
Published: May 2018

In this study a novel method was implemented and investigated in order to destroy cancer cells inside the mouse body on a clinical level. In the case of in-vitro study, MTT assay was employed to discover an effective dose of applied plasma and distinguish the plasma effect in direct and in indirect treatments. Tumor growth was also measured in in-vivo section so that the effectiveness of direct and indirect treatments could be compared. Furthermore, an investigation was conducted to study the interferences between a conventional method (chemotherapy) and plasma treatment so as to increase the effectiveness of treatment inside the body. Hematoxylin and Eosin, Flow Cytometry, TUNEL and Western Blot assay were used to investigate any cell alteration and the impact of various treatment methods on cancer cell and amount of their apoptosis and protein levels. Radiology and CT scan images were taken to determine the final tumor volume. The results showed a significant cell death and substantial reduction in tumor growth in direct plasma treatment in comparison with indirect plasma treatment. Eventually, dramatic destruction of cancer cells was observed while using of indirect plasma-chemotherapy combination, thus introducing an effective method for deep tissue tumors can be introduced.
Occurrence of tocopheryl fatty acid esters in vegetables and their non-digestibility by artificial digestion juices
Authors: Krauß Stephanie , Darwisch Vanessa , Vetter Walter
Published: May 2018

Tocopheryl fatty acid esters (TFAE) consist of tocopherols esterified to fatty acids, but only little is known about this substance class. In this study, twelve vegetable groups were screened on TFAE and contents of (free) tocopherols and TFAE were determined in red bell pepper, red chili pepper, cucumber and walnut (n = 5, respectively). Intact TFAE were separated by solid phase extraction from free tocopherols and analyzed by GC/MS. Highest TFAE values were determined in chili pepper (4.0–16 mg/100 g fresh weight, FW) and walnut (4.1–12 mg/100 g FW), followed by bell pepper (1.3–1.5 mg/100 g FW) and cucumber (0.06–0.2 mg/100 g FW). Contribution of TFAE to the total tocopherol content ranged from 7–84%. Neither the treatment with artificial digestion juices nor exposure to sunlight showed degradation of TFAE. This substance class might represent a hitherto overlooked storage form for free tocopherols in plants as they occur to be more stable. But as the ester bond in medium chain TFAE seems not to be fissile in the human body, they might not contribute in the same way as free tocopherols to the vitamin E activity of vegetables and might have to be determined separately.
Large positive linear magnetoresistance in the two-dimensional t
2g
electron gas at the EuO/SrTiO3 interface
Authors: Kormondy Kristy J. , Gao Lingyuan , Li Xiang , Lu Sirong , Posadas Agham B. , Shen Shida , Tsoi Maxim , McCartney Martha R. , Smith David J. , Zhou Jianshi , Lev Leonid L. , Husanu Marius-Adrian , Strocov Vladimir N. , Demkov Alexander A.
Published: May 2018

The development of novel nano-oxide spintronic devices would benefit greatly from interfacing with emergent phenomena at oxide interfaces. In this paper, we integrate highly spin-split ferromagnetic semiconductor EuO onto perovskite SrTiO3 (001). A careful deposition of Eu metal by molecular beam epitaxy results in EuO growth via oxygen out-diffusion from SrTiO3. This in turn leaves behind a highly conductive interfacial layer through generation of oxygen vacancies. Below the Curie temperature of 70 K of EuO, this spin-polarized two-dimensional t
2g
electron gas at the EuO/SrTiO3 interface displays very large positive linear magnetoresistance (MR). Soft x-ray angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (SX-ARPES) reveals the t
2g
nature of the carriers. First principles calculations strongly suggest that Zeeman splitting, caused by proximity magnetism and oxygen vacancies in SrTiO3, is responsible for the MR. This system offers an as-yet-unexplored route to pursue proximity-induced effects in the oxide two-dimensional t
2g
electron gas.
Nonlocal Position Changes of a Photon Revealed by Quantum Routers
Authors: Elitzur Avshalom C. , Cohen Eliahu , Okamoto Ryo , Takeuchi Shigeki
Published: May 2018

Since its publication, Aharonov and Vaidman’s three-box paradox has undergone three major advances: i). A non-counterfactual scheme by the same authors in 2003 with strong rather than weak measurements for verifying the particle’s subtle presence in two boxes. ii) A realization of the latter by Okamoto and Takeuchi in 2016. iii) A dynamic version by Aharonov et al. in 2017, with disappearance and reappearance of the particle. We now combine these advances together. Using photonic quantum routers the particle acts like a quantum “shutter.” It is initially split between Boxes A, B and C, the latter located far away from the former two. The shutter particle’s whereabouts can then be followed by a probe photon, split in both space and time and reflected by the shutter in its varying locations. Measuring the former is expected to reveal the following time-evolution: The shutter particle was, with certainty, in boxes A+C at t1, then only in C at t2, and finally in B+C at t3. Another branch of the split probe photon can show that boxes A+B were empty at t2. A Bell-like theorem applied to this experiment challenges any alternative interpretation that avoids disappearance-reappearance in favor of local hidden variables.
Endogenous testosterone and exogenous oxytocin influence the response to baby schema in the female brain
Authors: Holtfrerich Sarah K. C. , Pfister Roland , El Gammal Alexander T. , Bellon Eugen , Diekhof Esther K.
Published: May 2018

Nurturing behavior may be critically influenced by the interplay of different hormones. The neuropeptide oxytocin is known to promote maternal behavior and its reduction has been associated with postpartum depression risk and child neglect. Contrariwise, the observed decrease in testosterone level during early parenthood may benefit caretaking behavior, whereas increased testosterone may reduce attention to infants. Here we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the interactive influence of testosterone and oxytocin on selective attention to and neural processing of the baby schema (BS). 57 nulliparous women performed a target detection task with human faces with varying degree of BS following double-blinded placebo-controlled oxytocin administration in a between-subjects design. Our results support the idea that oxytocin enhances attention to the BS. Oxytocin had a positive effect on activation of the inferior frontal junction during identification of infant targets with a high degree of BS that were presented among adult distractors. Further, activation of the putamen was positively correlated with selective attention to the BS, but only in women with high endogenous testosterone who received oxytocin. These findings provide initial evidence for the neural mechanism by which oxytocin may counteract the negative effects of testosterone in the modulation of nurturing behavior.
Red algal extracts from Plocamium lyngbyanum and Ceramium secundatum stimulate osteogenic activities in vitro and bone growth in zebrafish larvae
Authors: Carson Matthew A. , Nelson John , Cancela M. Leonor , Laizé Vincent , Gavaia Paulo J. , Rae Margaret , Heesch Svenja , Verzin Eugene , Maggs Christine , Gilmore Brendan F. , Clarke Susan A.
Published: May 2018

Through the current trend for bioprospecting, marine organisms - particularly algae - are becoming increasingly known for their osteogenic potential. Such organisms may provide novel treatment options for osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal conditions, helping to address their large healthcare burden and the limitations of current therapies. In this study, extracts from two red algae – Plocamium lyngbyanum and Ceramium secundatum – were tested in vitro and in vivo for their osteogenic potential. In vitro, the growth of human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) was significantly greater in the presence of the extracts, particularly with P. lyngbyanum treatment. Osteogenic differentiation was promoted more by C. secundatum (70 µg/ml), though P. lyngbyanum had greater in vitro mineralisation potential. Both species caused a marked and dose-dependent increase in the opercular bone area of zebrafish larvae. Our findings therefore indicate the presence of bioactive components in P. lyngbyanum and C. secundatum extracts, which can promote both in vitro and in vivo osteogenic activity.
In Vitro generation of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) in clinical Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and its correlation with PVL variant, clonal complex, infection type
Authors: Zhang Chuanling , Guo Yuanyu , Chu Xu
Published: May 2018

The amount of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is diverse among Staphylococcus aureus isolates from different geographical regions, and its significance in some infections is disputed. However, data concerning this information in China are limited. Fifty-one lukSF-PV+ methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates gathered from varying infections were used for PVL production using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the quantity was analyzed in correlation with PVL isoform, genetic background of the isolate, and disease category. All isolates generated PVL with a range of 0.43–360.87 μg/mL, of which 56.9% isolates (29/51) generated 51–200 μg/mL of PVL; 11.8% (6/51) yielded PVL more than 200 μg/mL, and the rest (31.4%, 16/51) produced PVL of ≤50 μg/mL. The amount of PVL was not related to its variant and infection type, although isolates from skin and soft tissue infection had relatively high mean and median. Clonal complex (CC) 22 isolates might be the producer of relatively high concentrations of PVL; however, the difference among CCs was not analyzed due to a small number of CC isolates. The relevance of PVL production with the infection type, toxin isoform, and genetic characteristic of isolates may vary by clone type and also needs to be further evaluated using a large sample size and best concentration on in vivo environment.
Genetic variant for behavioral regulation factor of executive function and its possible brain mechanism in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Sun Xiao , Wu Zhaomin , Cao Qingjiu , Qian Ying , Liu Yong , Yang Binrang , Chang Suhua , Yang Li , Wang Yufeng
Published: May 2018

As a childhood-onset psychiatric disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is complicated by phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. Lifelong executive function deficits in ADHD are described in many literatures and have been proposed as endophenotypes of ADHD. However, its genetic basis is still elusive. In this study, we performed a genome-wide association study of executive function, rated with Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), in ADHD children. We identified one significant variant (rs852004, P = 2.51e-08) for the overall score of BRIEF. The association analyses for each component of executive function found this locus was more associated with inhibit and monitor components. Further principle component analysis and confirmatory factor analysis provided an ADHD-specific executive function pattern including inhibit and monitor factors. SNP rs852004 was mainly associated with the Behavioral Regulation factor. Meanwhile, we found the significant locus was associated with ADHD symptom. The Behavioral Regulation factor mediated its effect on ADHD symptom. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) analyses further showed evidence that this variant affected the activity of inhibition control related brain regions. It provided new insights for the genetic basis of executive function in ADHD.
Long-term impacts of prenatal synthetic glucocorticoids exposure on functional brain correlates of cognitive monitoring in adolescence
Authors: Ilg Liesa , Klados Manousos , Alexander Nina , Kirschbaum Clemens , Li Shu-Chen
Published: May 2018

The fetus is highly responsive to the level of glucocorticoids in the gestational environment. Perturbing glucocorticoids during fetal development could yield long-term consequences. Extending prior research about effects of prenatally exposed synthetic glucocorticoids (sGC) on brain structural development during childhood, we investigated functional brain correlates of cognitive conflict monitoring in term-born adolescents, who were prenatally exposed to sGC. Relative to the comparison group, behavioral response consistency (indexed by lower reaction time variability) and a brain correlate of conflict monitoring (the N2 event-related potential) were reduced in the sGC exposed group. Relatedly, source localization analyses showed that activations in the fronto-parietal network, most notably in the cingulate cortex and precuneus, were also attenuated in these adolescents. These regions are known to subserve conflict detection and response inhibition as well as top-down regulation of stress responses. Moreover, source activation in the anterior cingulate cortex correlated negatively with reaction time variability, whereas activation in the precuneus correlated positively with salivary cortisol reactivity to social stress in the sGC exposed group. Taken together, findings of this study indicate that prenatal exposure to sGC yields lasting impacts on the development of fronto-parietal brain functions during adolescence, affecting multiple facets of adaptive cognitive and behavioral control.
Genomic and functional characterisation of IncX3 plasmids encoding blaSHV-12 in Escherichia coli from human and animal origin
Authors: Liakopoulos Apostolos , van der Goot Jeanet , Bossers Alex , Betts Jonathan , Brouwer Michael S. M. , Kant Arie , Smith Hilde , Ceccarelli Daniela , Mevius Dik
Published: May 2018

The blaSHV-12 β-lactamase gene is one of the most prevalent genes conferring resistance to extended-spectrum β-lactams in Enterobacteriaceae disseminating within and between reservoirs, mostly via plasmid-mediated horizontal gene transfer. Yet, studies regarding the biology of plasmids encoding blaSHV-12 are very limited. In this study, we revealed the emergence of IncX3 plasmids alongside IncI1α/γ in blaSHV-12 in animal-related Escherichia coli isolates. Four representative blaSHV-12-encoding IncX3 plasmids were selected for genome sequencing and further genetic and functional characterization. We report here the first complete sequences of IncX3 plasmids of animal origin and show that IncX3 plasmids exhibit remarkable synteny in their backbone, while the major differences lie in their blaSHV-12-flanking region. Our findings indicate that plasmids of this subgroup are conjugative and highly stable, while they exert no fitness cost on their bacterial host. These favourable features might have contributed to the emergence of IncX3 amongst SHV-12-producing E. coli in the Netherlands, highlighting the epidemic potential of these plasmids.
Automatic emotion and attention analysis of young children at home: a ResearchKit autism feasibility study
Authors: Egger Helen L. , Dawson Geraldine , Hashemi Jordan , Carpenter Kimberly L. H. , Espinosa Steven , Campbell Kathleen , Brotkin Samuel , Schaich-Borg Jana , Qiu Qiang , Tepper Mariano , Baker Jeffrey P. , Bloomfield Richard A. , Sapiro Guillermo
Published: May 2018

Current tools for objectively measuring young children’s observed behaviors are expensive, time-consuming, and require extensive training and professional administration. The lack of scalable, reliable, and validated tools impacts access to evidence-based knowledge and limits our capacity to collect population-level data in non-clinical settings. To address this gap, we developed mobile technology to collect videos of young children while they watched movies designed to elicit autism-related behaviors and then used automatic behavioral coding of these videos to quantify children’s emotions and behaviors. We present results from our iPhone study Autism & Beyond, built on ResearchKit’s open-source platform. The entire study—from an e-Consent process to stimuli presentation and data collection—was conducted within an iPhone-based app available in the Apple Store. Over 1 year, 1756 families with children aged 12–72 months old participated in the study, completing 5618 caregiver-reported surveys and uploading 4441 videos recorded in the child’s natural settings. Usable data were collected on 87.6% of the uploaded videos. Automatic coding identified significant differences in emotion and attention by age, sex, and autism risk status. This study demonstrates the acceptability of an app-based tool to caregivers, their willingness to upload videos of their children, the feasibility of caregiver-collected data in the home, and the application of automatic behavioral encoding to quantify emotions and attention variables that are clinically meaningful and may be refined to screen children for autism and developmental disorders outside of clinical settings. This technology has the potential to transform how we screen and monitor children’s development.
Repetitive stretching of giant liposomes utilizing the nematic alignment of confined actin
Authors: Tanaka Shunsuke , Takiguchi Kingo , Hayashi Masahito
Published: May 2018

Giant liposomes encapsulating cytoskeletons have been constructed to further understand the mechanisms of cell movement and develop cell-sized chemical machineries. Innovative studies demonstrating liposomal movements using microtubules and the molecular motors kinesin/dynein have been reported. However, no one has succeeded in generating repetitive motions controlled by external stimuli. Here we show that if the actin concentration in liposomes is comparable to that of cytoplasm of living cells, the liposomes can be deformed into spindle shapes by encapsulating only actin filaments, even without the molecular motor myosin. Furthermore, their shapes can be changed reversibly between spindle and sphere shapes by adjusting osmotic pressure or by light irradiation of fluorescent-labeled actin. In the latter case, the repetitive shape changes are accompanied with stretching and shrinking of filopodia- or acrosome projection-like extensions. Our results indicate that filamentous polymer of variable length like actin filament is a potential material for the reproduction of cell-like movement.
Advantages to a diverging Raman amplifier
Authors: Sadler James D. , Silva Luís O. , Fonseca Ricardo A. , Glize Kevin , Kasim Muhammad F. , Savin Alex , Aboushelbaya Ramy , Mayr Marko W. , Spiers Benjamin , Wang Robin H. W. , Bingham Robert , Trines Raoul M. G. M. , Norreys Peter A.
Published: May 2018

The plasma Raman instability can efficiently compress a nanosecond long high-power laser pulse to sub-picosecond duration. Although, many authors envisaged a converging beam geometry for Raman amplification, here we propose the exact opposite geometry; the amplification should start at the intense focus of the seed. We generalise the coupled laser envelope equations to include this non-collimated case. The new geometry completely eradicates the usual trailing secondary peaks of the output pulse, which typically lower the efficiency by half. It also reduces, by orders of magnitude, the initial seed pulse energy required for efficient operation. As in the collimated case, the evolution is self similar, although the temporal pulse envelope is different. A two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulation demonstrates efficient amplification of a diverging seed with only 0.3 mJ energy. The pulse has no secondary peaks and almost constant intensity as it amplifies and diverges.
Understanding ageing in Li-ion batteries: a chemical issue
Authors: Palacín M. Rosa
Published: May 2018

Battery performance degradation is rooted in interrelated chemical processes dependent on materials, design, and operation conditions (current, voltage and temperature).
Displacement reduction routed Au–Pt bimetallic nanoparticles: a highly durable electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation and oxygen reduction
Authors: Gowthaman N. S. K. , Sinduja Bharathi , Shankar Sekar , John S. Abraham
Published: May 2018

Au@Pt core@shell NPs were synthesized by a galvanic displacement reduction method and fabricated on an electrode surface for the investigation of methanol oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions.
PET-RAFT polymerisation: towards green and precision polymer manufacturing
Authors: Phommalysack-Lovan Jamie , Chu Yingying , Boyer Cyrille , Xu Jiangtao
Published: May 2018

Photoinduced electron/energy transfer-reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT) process has opened up a new way of precision polymer manufacturing to satisfy the concept of green chemistry.
Crystal-in-glass architecture engineering: writing, erasing and rewriting by a femtosecond laser beam
Authors: Lipatiev Alexey S. , Lotarev Sergey V. , Okhrimchuk Andrey G. , Lipateva Tatiana O. , Fedotov Sergey S. , Sigaev Vladimir N.
Published: May 2018

Space-selectively erasing laser-written crystalline tracks by a femtosecond laser beam is demonstrated. It is possible to rewrite the oriented crystalline structure in re-melted glass and recover the crystal-in-glass architecture continuity.
“On demand” triggered crystallization of CaCO3from solute precursor species stabilized by the water-in-oil microemulsion
Authors: Stawski Tomasz M. , Roncal-Herrero Teresa , Fernandez-Martinez Alejandro , Matamoros-Veloza Adriana , Kröger Roland , Benning Liane G.
Published: May 2018

Reverse microemulsion stabilizes a solute CaCO3phase/species inside water nano-droplets.
Single-layer ZnMN2 (M = Si, Ge, Sn) zinc nitrides as promising photocatalysts
Authors: Bai Yujie , Luo Gaixia , Meng Lijuan , Zhang Qinfang , Xu Ning , Zhang Haiyang , Wu Xiuqiang , Kong Fanjie , Wang Baolin
Published: May 2018

The catalytic activity of single-layer ZnGeN2 is better and the band edge positions can be effectively tuned to match better with the redox potentials of water by biaxial strain.
A superhydrophobic mesostructured silica as a chiral organometallic immobilization platform for heterogeneous asymmetric catalysis
Authors: Han Bing , Zhao Lei , Song Yongkang , Zhao Zhongrui , Yang Dongfeng , Liu Rui , Liu Guohua
Published: May 2018

Super-hydrophobic and mesostructured silica-supported molecular catalysts were developed and their applications in enantioselective organic transformation were investigated.
Photochemical device for selective detection of phenol in aqueous solutions
Authors: Zhong Nianbing , Chen Ming , Wang Zhengkun , Xin Xin , Li Bingxin
Published: May 2018

A novel highly-sensitive lab-on-a-chip device was exploited to selectively detect phenol in aqueous solutions.
Challenges and opportunities for the utilisation of ionic liquids as solvents for CO2capture
Authors: Mota-Martinez Maria T. , Brandl Patrick , Hallett Jason P. , Mac Dowell Niall
Published: May 2018

Ionic liquids (ILs) have been extensively evaluated in the lab for use in CO2capture applications. In this contribution, we evaluate ILs from a process performance perspective, and identify key research priorities to be addressed if ILs are to be deployed at industrial scale.
Using cobalt/chromium layered double hydroxide nano-sheets as a novel packed in-tube solid phase microextraction sorbent for facile extraction of acidic pesticides from water samples
Authors: Asiabi Hamid , Yamini Yadollah , Shamsayei Maryam
Published: May 2018

Cobalt/chromium-layered double hydroxide (Co/Cr (NO3−)-LDH) nano-sheets were employed as a packed in-tube solid phase microextraction sorbent for efficient extraction of acidic pesticides from water samples.
Synthetic studies toward the marine metabolite prorocentin-4: synthesis of the C1–C23 fragment
Authors: AnkiReddy Praveen , AnkiReddy Sandeep , Gowravaram Sabitha
Published: May 2018

A synthetic study of the construction of the C1–C23 fragment of prorocentin-4, a novel linear polyketide, is described.
A catalyst-controlled switchable reaction of β-keto acids to silyl glyoxylates
Authors: Han Man-Yi , Pan Hong , Lin Jing , Li Wei , Li Pinhua , Wang Lei
Published: May 2018

A catalyst-controlled switchable reaction of β-keto acids to silyl glyoxylates was developed and the decarboxylative-addition products were generated by using a thiourea catalyst.
An efficient halometallate ionic liquid functionalized mesoporous ZSM-5 for the reduction of carbon–carbon multiple bonds
Authors: Sarmah Bhaskar , Kore Rajkumar , Srivastava Rajendra
Published: May 2018

Bi-functional activity and highly dispersed active sites present in halometallate ionic liquid functionalized mesoporous ZSM-5 makes it a unique and superior catalyst compared to various other catalysts reported in the literature.
Hydrogen generation performance of novel Al–LiH–metal oxides
Authors: Li Peng , Xu Fen , Sun Lixian , Xia Yongpeng , Chen Jun , Yang Xia , Wu Yipeng , Yu Fang , Luo Yumei
Published: May 2018

A series of novel hydrogen production materials, Al–LiH–metal oxide composites, have been prepared via high energy ball milling.
Stereoselective organocatalytic sulfa-Michael reactions of aryl substituted α,β-unsaturated N-acyl pyrazoles
Authors: Meninno Sara , Naddeo Simone , Varricchio Luca , Capobianco Amedeo , Lattanzi Alessandra
Published: May 2018

A variety of functionalised sulfides has been obtained in good to high stereoselectivity via sulfa-Michael reaction of α,β-unsaturated N-acyl pyrazoles with thiols or thioacetic acid using readily available organocatalysts and working under mild conditions.
Expanding the scope of peropyrenes and teropyrenes through a facile InCl3-catalyzed multifold alkyne benzannulation
Authors: Yang Wenlong , Kazemi Rezvan R. , Karunathilake Nelum , Catalano Vincent J. , Alpuche-Aviles Mario A. , Chalifoux Wesley A.
Published: May 2018

Synthesizing a broad scope of peropyrenes and teropyrenes with tunable bandgaps is now possible via an InCl3-catalyzed one-pot multifold alkyne benzannulation reaction.
Analysis of oxidation degree of graphite oxide and chemical structure of corresponding reduced graphite oxide by selecting different-sized original graphite
Authors: Shen Lu , Zhang Lihua , Wang Kui , Miao Lijing , Lan Qiaofeng , Jiang Kemin , Lu Huanming , Li Ming , Li Yong , Shen Bin , Zheng Wenge
Published: May 2018

The thermal reduction of GO is the most commonly used strategy for preparation of rGO, and the oxidation degree of GO would influence the chemical structure of prepared rGO, thereby affecting its physical and chemical properties.
In situ synthesis of molybdenum carbide/N-doped carbon hybrids as an efficient hydrogen-evolution electrocatalyst
Authors: Li Jing , Zhou Chenmin , Mu Jianshuai , Yang En-Cui , Zhao Xiao-Jun
Published: May 2018

The molybdenum carbide/N-doped carbon hybrids (Mo2C@NC) were synthesized facilely via one-step high-temperature pyrolysis, which exhibited efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance.
A vanillin-based copper(ii) metal complex with a DNA-mediated apoptotic activity
Authors: de Medeiros Wendy M. T. Q. , de Medeiros Mayara J. C. , Carvalho Edinilton M. , de Lima Jailma A. , da S. Oliveira Verônica , de B. Pontes Ana C. F. , da Silva Francisco O. N. , Ellena Javier A. , de O. Rocha Hugo A. , de Sousa Eduardo H. S. , de L. Pontes Daniel
Published: May 2018

Proposed catalytic cycle for ROS production in the vicinity of DNA after reduction of [Cu(phen)(van)2] by glutathion.
Damage in elastomers: healing of internally nucleated cavities and micro-cracks
Authors: Poulain Xavier , Lopez-Pamies Oscar , Ravi-Chandar K.
Published: May 2018

Cavities and micro-cracks self-heal completely!
Active hole generation in a liquid droplet dissolving into a binary solvent
Authors: Oikawa Noriko , Fukagawa Keita , Kurita Rei
Published: May 2018

Fluorescence micrograph of the active holes created in a droplet of an ionic liquid.
Highly efficient green electroluminescence of iridium(iii) complexes based on (1H-pyrazol-5-yl)pyridine derivatives ancillary ligands with low efficiency roll-off
Authors: Su Ning , Lu Guang-Zhao , Zheng You-Xuan
Published: May 2018

Four efficient green iridium(iii) complexes were applied as emitters in the organic light-emitting diodes, which showing high current efficiency of 92 cd A−1 and external quantum efficiency of 28.90% with low efficiency roll-off.
Interfacial effects on solution-sheared thin-film transistors
Authors: Guo Dong-Yue , Tsai Yi-bei , Yu Ting-Feng , Lee Wen-Ya
Published: May 2018

Interfaces showed great influence on polymer alignment, charge transport and meta-stable molecular packing for solution sheared devices.
How to pay less: a location‐specific approach to predict dynamic prices in ride‐on‐demand services
Authors: Guo Suiming , Chen Chao , Liu Yaxiao , Xu Ke , Guo Bin , Chiu Dah Ming
Published: May 2018

In emerging ride‐on‐demand (RoD) services, dynamic pricing plays an important role in regulating supply and demand and improving service efficiency. Despite this, it also makes passenger anxious: whether the current price is low enough, or otherwise, how to get a lower price. It is thus necessary to provide more information to ease the anxiety, and predicting the prices is one possible solution. In this study, the authors predict the dynamic prices to help passengers learn if there is a lower price around. They first use entropy of historical prices to characterize the predictability of prices in different locations and claim that different prediction algorithms should be used to balance between efficiency and accuracy. They present an ensemble learning approach to price prediction and compare it with two baseline predictors, namely a Markov and a neural network predictor. The performance evaluation is based on the real data from a major RoD service provider. Results verify that the two baseline predictors work well in locations with different levels of predictabilities, and that ensemble learning significantly increases the prediction accuracy. Finally, they also evaluate the effects of prediction, i.e., the probability that passengers could benefit from the prediction and get a lower price.
Investigation of MI between circular spiral coils with misalignments for EV battery charging
Authors: Srinivasa Rao Nayak Panugothu , Kishan Dharavath , Annaiah Pabbathi
Published: May 2018

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular due to ever increasing concern on the environmental effects and rising gasoline prices. However, the disadvantage of EV is their driving range and charging time. This can be overcome by a simple concept as inductive power transfer, which is an emerging EV battery charging technology. In static and dynamic charging of EV, the mutual inductance (MI) plays a key role in effective power transfer. This study proposes a new analysis concept for computation of MI between circular spiral inductive coils without core, with core and chassis. The MI is computed using Neumann's approximated equation for possible misalignments such as perfect, planar and angular misalignments. The computed values of MI for the above‐mentioned alignments are verified using finite element modelling analysis and also validated through experimentation. The comparative analysis conveys that the computed values of MIs are accurate and relative error is negligible.
Snapshot of photovoltaics − February 2018
Authors: Jäger-Waldau Arnulf
Published: May 2018

Solar photovoltaic electricity generation is the fastest growing power generation source world-wide. The significant cost reduction of solar PV over the last decade, and the zero fuel cost volatility have increased the attractiveness. In 2017, the newly installed solar PV power of over 90 GW was more than all the world-wide cumulative installed PV capacity until the mid of 2012. China was again the main driver behind this strong growth with more than 50 GW of annual installations in 2017. Apart from the electricity sector, renewable energy sources for the generation of heat and environmental friendly synthetic-fuels for the transport sector will become more and more important in the future.
Association between Insulin Resistance and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients
Authors: Wanderley Miriam da Silva , Pereira Lara Cristina Ribeiro , Santos Carla Borges , Cunha Vinícius Santos da , Neves Mariam Viviane Jovino
Published: May 2018

Objective To analyze the association between the indirect methods of evaluating insulin resistance (IR) and blood pressure, anthropometric and biochemical parameters in a population of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients.

Methods Cross-sectional study performed at the Hospital Universitário de Brasília (HUB, in the Portuguese acronym) involving PCOS patients diagnosed from January 2011 to January 2013. Four indirect methods, namely, fasting blood insulin level, fasting glucose/insulin ratio (G/I), homeostatic model-assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), were used to obtain the IR diagnosis. The data were analyzed using the test of proportions, the Chi-square test, and Fisher exact test, when indicated.

Results Out of the 83 patients assessed, aged 28.79 ± 5.85, IR was found in 51.81–66.2% of them using the G/I ratio and the QUICKI, respectively. The test of proportions did not show a significant difference between the methods analyzed. The proportion of IR diagnoses was statistically higher in obese women than in women with normal body mass index (BMI). We observed a statistically significant association between all the methods for diagnosing IR and BMI, waist circumference (WC) and lipid accumulation product (LAP). With regards to arterial hypertension (AH), we observed a significant association according to three methods, with the exception of the ratio G/I.

Conclusion Insulin resistance prevalence varied according to the diagnostic method employed, with no statistical difference between them. The proportion of IR diagnoses was statistically higher in obese women than in women with normal BMI. We observed a significant association between IR and WC, BMI, LAP, as well as dyslipidemia and AH in a high proportion of patients.
Endoscopic and Surgical Gastrostomy and Jejunostomy Tube Placement
Authors: El-Hayek Kevin , Bauman Marita
Published: May 2018

Enteral access is a common request for consulting surgeons and interventionists. Prior to the 1980s, such a consultation often necessitated open surgical intervention whereas today, enteral access is often performed via several minimally invasive methods. Tools and techniques for minimally invasive enteral access have changed drastically due to advancements in the fields of endoscopy, laparoscopy, and interventional radiology. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement is one such advancement. Since its first development, its basic principles have been applied to other minimally invasive techniques, which have resulted in an expansion of techniques for establishment of enteral access. In this article, we outline various endoscopic and surgical techniques for gastric and jejunal access.
On the co-existence of maximal and whiskered tori in the planetary three-body problem
Authors: Pinzari Gabriella
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we discuss about the possibility of the coexistence of stable and unstable quasi-periodic Kolmogorov–Arnold–Moser (kam) tori in a region of the phase space of the three-body problem. The argument of proof goes along kam theory and, especially, the production of two non-smoothly related systems of canonical coordinates in the same region of the phase space, the possibility of which is foreseen, for “properly degenerate” systems, by a theorem of Nekhoroshev and Miščenko and Fomenko. The two coordinate systems are alternative to the classical reduction of the nodes by Jacobi, described, e.g., in Arnold [“Small denominators and problems of stability of motion in classical and celestial mechanics,” 18, 85–191 (1963)].
Enhancing the magnetization of Mn4C by heating
Authors: Si Ping-Zhan , Qian Hui-Dong , Ge Hong-Liang , Park Jihoon , Choi Chul-Jin
Published: May 2018

Little is known about the physical properties of Mn4C for which is unstable and difficult to prepare. We herein report on the unusual thermomagnetic properties of high purity Mn4C powders obtained by plasma melting and magnetic separation processes. The saturation magnetization of Mn4C increases linearly with increasing temperature in the range of 50 K–590 K and remains stable at temperatures below 50 K. The anomalous magnetization increases of Mn4C with increasing temperature can be considered in terms of the Néel's P-type ferrimagnetism. At temperatures above 590 K, the Mn4C decomposes into Mn23C6 and Mn, which would be partially oxidized into manganosite when exposed to air. The remanent magnetization of Mn4C varies little with temperature. The Curie temperature of Mn4C is around ∼870 K. The positive temperature coefficient (∼0.0072 Am2 kg−1 K−1) of magnetization in Mn4C makes it potentially important in controlling the thermodynamics of magnetization in magnetic materials.
Magnetometric mapping of superconducting RF cavities
Authors: Schmitz B. , Köszegi J. , Alomari K. , Kugeler O. , Knobloch J.
Published: May 2018

A scalable mapping system for superconducting RF (SRF) cavities is presented. Currently, it combines local temperature measurement with 3D magnetic field mapping along the outer surface of the resonator. This allows for the observation of dynamic effects that have an impact on the superconducting properties of a cavity, such as the normal to superconducting phase transition or a quench. The system was developed for a single cell 1.3 GHz TESLA-type cavity, but can be easily adopted to arbitrary other cavity types. A data acquisition rate of 500 Hz for all channels simultaneously (i.e., 2 ms acquisition time for a complete map) and a magnetic field resolution of currently up to 14 mA/m/μ0 = 17 nT have been implemented. While temperature mapping is a well known technique in SRF research, the integration of magnetic field mapping opens the possibility of detailed studies of trapped magnetic flux and its impact on the surface resistance. It is shown that magnetic field sensors based on the anisotropic magnetoresistance effect can be used in the cryogenic environment with improved sensitivity compared to room temperature. Furthermore, examples of first successful combined temperature and magnetic-field maps are presented.
Analytical connection between thresholds and immunization strategies of SIS model in random networks
Authors: Zhou Ming-Yang , Xiong Wen-Man , Liao Hao , Wang Tong , Wei Zong-Wen , Fu Zhong-Qian
Published: May 2018

Devising effective strategies for hindering the propagation of viruses and protecting the population against epidemics is critical for public security and health. Despite a number of studies based on the susceptible-infected-susceptible (SIS) model devoted to this topic, we still lack a general framework to compare different immunization strategies in completely random networks. Here, we address this problem by suggesting a novel method based on heterogeneous mean-field theory for the SIS model. Our method builds the relationship between the thresholds and different immunization strategies in completely random networks. Besides, we provide an analytical argument that the targeted large-degree strategy achieves the best performance in random networks with arbitrary degree distribution. Moreover, the experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in both artificial and real-world networks.
Bacterial community analysis in three types of the fermented seafood, jeotgal, produced in South Korea
Authors: Song Eun-Ji , Lee Eun-Sook , Park So-Lim , Choi Hak-Jong , Roh Seong Woon , Nam Young-Do
Published: May 2018

Jeotgal is a traditional Korean seafood fermented by indigenous microbes. The bacterial community in five myeolchi-jeot (Engraulis japonica), five meongge-jeot (Halocynthia roretzi), and six saeu-jeot (Acetes japonicas) produced in South Korea was analyzed by barcoded pyrosequencing targeting the V1/V2 hyper-variable regions of the 16S rRNA gene. All samples were dominated by the phyla Firmicutes, which represented 67.7% (SD = 27.2%) of the population. Tetragenococcus halophilus and Tetragenococcus muriaticus were the predominant species in myeolchi-jeot. The LABs, Lactobacillus sakei, Lactobacillus curvatus, and Weissella koreensis were the predominant species in meongge-jeot. In myeolchi-jeot and meongge-jeot, the bacterial communities within samples were consistent in their predominance, however each of saeu-jeot samples had inter-individual variety in the bacterial community leading to the difficulties of standardization for the commercial production of saeu-jeot. The results of this study will conclusively help to expand our basic knowledge of jeotgal and the related microorganisms involved in food fermentation.
Defragmenting resource management on the southeast arm of Lake Malawi: Case of fisheries
Authors: Ngochera Maxon , Donda Steve , Hara Mafaniso , Berge Erling
Published: May 2018

The southeast arm of Lake Malawi catchment has a wide range of natural resources that require prudent management for sustainability and maximisation of benefits. The current management practice is government sector based, with individual Departments and Ministries using their own policies, legislations and management approaches, yet dealing with the same composite resource and user communities. This has resulted in fragmentation of management leading to the lack of alignment between formal and informal institutions, and competition for power and authority for management. Fragmentation is also leading to loss of resource rent. This article analyses how and why management is fragmented in the southeast arm of Lake Malawi catchment and suggests how management could be defragmented, with special interest on fisheries. Activities with high negative impacts on fisheries include: overfishing; soil erosion resulting in siltation and turbidity of the lake; chemical and organic pollution; loss of access to land and beaches; and habitat loss. There is need for a better and more holistic understanding of how human activities represent both livelihood benefits and a threat to sustainability of natural resources to find ways for balancing these two aspects. We suggest that to increase the efficacy of management of Lake Malawi's southeast arm will require ‘defragmented decentralization’, an approach whereby devolution of authority and responsibility are ceded to the district and local levels, respectively.
The modulation of corticospinal excitability and inhibition following acute resistance exercise in males and females
Authors: Latella Christopher , Hendy Ashlee , Vanderwesthuizen Dan , Teo Wei‐Peng
Published: May 2018

Objective: The acute responses to resistance training (RT) between males and females are poorly understood, especially from a neural perspective. Therefore, we aimed to compare the corticospinal and intracortical responses during fatigue and recovery following RT.

Methods: Twenty‐two participants (12M, 10F) completed one‐session of RT (3 × 12 repetition maximum) unilateral leg extensions with 60 s recovery. Single‐ and paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation measured changes in the motor‐evoked potential (MEP), corticospinal silent period (CSP), CSP/MEP ratio, and intracortical facilitation/inhibition (ICF, SICI). The maximal compound wave (MMAX) measured peripheral excitability of the rectus femoris (RF) and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) neuromuscular function of the leg extensors. Measures were taken immediately post, 30 min, 1 and 6 h post‐training.

Results: A significantly greater increase in MEP/MMAX ratio (p = .005) was observed for females immediately post‐training compared to males. While no sex differences in MEP/MMAX ratio was observed at 30 min and 1 h post‐training, a greater MEP/MMAX ratio for males was observed at 30 min (p < .001), which remained elevated up until 1 h post‐training for males when compared to baseline (p = .003). CSP trended to decrease for males compared to females immediately post‐training (d = 1.93). MVIC was decreased post‐training for males; 14.22% and females; 14.16% (P < .001), with MMAX reduced at 30 min for both groups (P < .001). No differences in the CSP/MEP ratio, SICI or ICF were observed (P > .05).

Conclusion: The net output of corticospinal excitability is similar between males and females during fatigue. However, the mechanism in which this is modulated (increased MEP, decreased CSP) appears to be sex‐specific.
Nuclear transport adapts to varying heat stress in a multistep mechanism
Authors: Ogawa Yutaka , Imamoto Naoko
Published: May 2018

Appropriate cell growth conditions are limited to a narrow temperature range. Once the temperature is out of this range, cells respond to protect themselves, but temperature thresholds at which various intracellular responses occur, including nuclear transport systems, remain unclear. Using a newly developed precise temperature shift assay, we found that individual transport pathways have different sensitivities to a rise in temperature. Nuclear translocations of molecular chaperone HSP70s occur at a much lower temperature than the inhibition of Ran-dependent transport. Subsequently, importin (Imp) α/β–dependent import ceases at a lower temperature than other Ran-dependent transport, suggesting that these are controlled by independent mechanisms. In vitro research revealed that the inhibition of Imp α/β–dependent import is caused by the dysfunction of Imp α1 specifically at lower temperature. Thus, the thermosensitivity of Imp α1 modulates transport balances and enables the multistep shutdown of Ran-dependent transport systems according to the degree of heat stress.
Application of network smoothing to glycan LC-MS profiling
Authors: Klein Joshua , Carvalho Luis , Zaia Joseph
Published: May 2018

Motivation

Glycosylation is one of the most heterogeneous and complex protein post-translational modifications. Liquid chromatography coupled mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is a common high throughput method for analyzing complex biological samples. Accurate study of glycans require high resolution mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometry data contains intricate sub-structures that encode mass and abundance, requiring several transformations before it can be used to identify biological molecules, requiring automated tools to analyze samples in a high throughput setting. Existing tools for interpreting the resulting data do not take into account related glycans when evaluating individual observations, limiting their sensitivity.

Results

We developed an algorithm for assigning glycan compositions from LC-MS data by exploring biosynthetic network relationships among glycans. Our algorithm optimizes a set of likelihood scoring functions based on glycan chemical properties but uses network Laplacian regularization and optionally prior information about expected glycan families to smooth the likelihood and thus achieve a consistent and more representative solution. Our method was able to identify as many, or more glycan compositions compared to previous approaches, and demonstrated greater sensitivity with regularization. Our network definition was tailored to N-glycans but the method may be applied to glycomics data from other glycan families like O-glycans or heparan sulfate where the relationships between compositions can be expressed as a graph.

Availability and implementation Built Executable

http://www.bumc.bu.edu/msr/glycresoft/ and Source Code: https://github.com/BostonUniversityCBMS/glycresoft.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.