bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nano-Photothermal ablation effect of Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Functionalized Gold Nanorods on Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes
Authors: Mahmoud Nouf N. , Alkilany Alaaldin M. , Khalil Enam A. , Al-Bakri Amal G.
Published: April 2018

The potential photothermal bactericidal activity of hydrophilic functionalized poly ethylene glycol (PEG)-gold nanorods (GNR) and hydrophobic functionalized polystyrene (PS)-GNR was evaluated towards strains of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) by measuring the percentage reduction of bacterial viable count upon GNR excitation with a near infra-red (NIR) laser beam. Our results suggest that functionalized GNR had a minimal bactericidal activity against S. aureus and P. acnes (≤85%, i.e. ≤1 log10 cycle reduction of bacterial viable count). However, the local heat generated upon exciting the functionalized GNR with NIR laser beam has a significant photothermal ablation effect (≥99.99%, i.e. ≥4 log10 cycles reduction of bacterial viable count). Such photothermolysis effect could potentiate the antibacterial activity of GNR, which may call for minimum concentration and side effects of these nanotherapeutics.
Discrepancy between pregnancy dating methods affects obstetric and neonatal outcomes: a population-based register cohort study
Authors: Kullinger Merit , Granfors Michaela , Kieler Helle , Skalkidou Alkistis
Published: April 2018

To assess associations between discrepancy of pregnancy dating methods and adverse pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes, odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for discrepancy categories among all singleton births from the Medical Birth Register (1995–2010) with estimated date of delivery (EDD) by last menstrual period (LMP) minus EDD by ultrasound (US) −20 to +20 days. Negative/positive discrepancy was a fetus smaller/larger than expected when dated by US (EDD postponed/changed to an earlier date). Large discrepancy was <10th or >90th percentile. Reference was median discrepancy ±2 days. Odds for diabetes and preeclampsia were higher in pregnancies with negative discrepancy, and for most delivery outcomes in case of large positive discrepancy (+9 to +20 days): shoulder dystocia [OR 1.16 (95% CI 1.01–1.33)] and sphincter injuries [OR 1.13 (95% CI 1.09–1.17)]. Odds for adverse neonatal outcomes were higher in large negative discrepancy (−4 to −20 days): low Apgar score [OR 1.18 (95% CI 1.09–1.27)], asphyxia [OR 1.18 (95% CI 1.11–1.25)], fetal death [OR 1.47 (95% CI 1.32–1.64)], and neonatal death [OR 2.19 (95% CI 1.91–2.50)]. In conclusion, especially, large negative discrepancy was associated with increased risks of adverse perinatal outcomes.
Diversity of nonribosomal peptide synthetase and polyketide synthase gene clusters among taxonomically close Streptomyces strains
Authors: Komaki Hisayuki , Sakurai Kenta , Hosoyama Akira , Kimura Akane , Igarashi Yasuhiro , Tamura Tomohiko
Published: April 2018

To identify the species of butyrolactol-producing Streptomyces strain TP-A0882, whole genome-sequencing of three type strains in a close taxonomic relationship was performed. In silico DNA-DNA hybridization using the genome sequences suggested that Streptomyces sp. TP-A0882 is classified as Streptomyces diastaticus subsp. ardesiacus. Strain TP-A0882, S. diastaticus subsp. ardesiacus NBRC 15402T, Streptomyces coelicoflavus NBRC 15399T, and Streptomyces rubrogriseus NBRC 15455T harbor at least 14, 14, 10, and 12 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), respectively, coding for nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) and polyketide synthases (PKSs). All 14 gene clusters were shared by S. diastaticus subsp. ardesiacus strains TP-A0882 and NBRC 15402T, while only four gene clusters were shared by the three distinct species. Although BGCs for bacteriocin, ectoine, indole, melanine, siderophores such as deferrioxamine, terpenes such as albaflavenone, hopene, carotenoid and geosmin are shared by the three species, many BGCs for secondary metabolites such as butyrolactone, lantipeptides, oligosaccharide, some terpenes are species-specific. These results indicate the possibility that strains belonging to the same species possess the same set of secondary metabolite-biosynthetic pathways, whereas strains belonging to distinct species have species-specific pathways, in addition to some common pathways, even if the strains are taxonomically close.
Quantitative comparison of different iron forms in the temporal cortex of Alzheimer patients and control subjects
Authors: Bulk Marjolein , van der Weerd Louise , Breimer Wico , Lebedev Nikita , Webb Andrew , Goeman Jelle J. , Ward Roberta J. , Huber Martina , Oosterkamp Tjerk H. , Bossoni Lucia
Published: April 2018

We present a quantitative study of different molecular iron forms found in the temporal cortex of Alzheimer (AD) patients. Applying the methodology we developed in our previous work, we quantify the concentrations of non-heme Fe(III) by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), magnetite/maghemite and ferrihydrite by SQUID magnetometry, together with the MRI transverse relaxation rate$$({{\rm{R}}}_{2}^{\ast })$$(R2⁎), to obtain a systematic view of molecular iron in the temporal cortex. Significantly higher values of$${{\rm{R}}}_{2}^{\ast }$$R2⁎, a larger concentration of ferrihydrite, and a larger magnetic moment of magnetite/maghemite particles are found in the brain of AD patients. Moreover, we found correlations between the concentration of the iron detected by EPR, the concentration of the ferrihydrite mineral and the average iron loading of ferritin. We discuss these findings in the framework of iron dis-homeostasis, which has been proposed to occur in the brain of AD patients.
Subwavelength hyperspectral THz studies of articular cartilage
Authors: Stantchev Rayko I. , Mansfield Jessica C. , Edginton Ryan S. , Hobson Peter , Palombo Francesca , Hendry Euan
Published: April 2018

Terahertz-spectroscopy probes dynamics and spectral response of collective vibrational modes in condensed phase, which can yield insight into composition and topology. However, due to the long wavelengths employed (λ = 300 μm at 1THz), diffraction limited imaging is typically restricted to spatial resolutions around a millimeter. Here, we demonstrate a new form of subwavelength hyperspectral, polarization-resolved THz imaging which employs an optical pattern projected onto a 6 μm-thin silicon wafer to achieve near-field modulation of a co-incident THz pulse. By placing near-field scatterers, one can measure the interaction of object with the evanescent THz fields. Further, by measuring the temporal evolution of the THz field a sample’s permittivity can be extracted with 65 μm spatial resolution due to the presence of evanescent fields. Here, we present the first application of this new approach to articular cartilage. We show that the THz permittivity in this material varies progressively from the superficial zone to the deep layer, and that this correlates with a change in orientation of the collagen fibrils that compose the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the tissue. Our approach enables direct interrogation of the sample’s biophysical properties, in this case concerning the structure and permittivity of collagen fibrils and their anisotropic organisation in connective tissue.
CuI p-type thin films for highly transparent thermoelectric p-n modules
Authors: Morais Faustino Bruno Miguel , Gomes Diogo , Faria Jaime , Juntunen Taneli , Gaspar Guilherme , Bianchi Catarina , Almeida António , Marques Ana , Tittonen Ilkka , Ferreira Isabel
Published: April 2018

Developments in thermoelectric (TE) transparent p-type materials are scarce and do not follow the trend of the corresponding n-type materials – a limitation of the current transparent thermoelectric devices. P-type thermoelectric thin films of CuI have been developed by three different methods in order to maximise optical transparency (>70% in the visible range), electrical (σ = 1.1 × 104 Sm−1) and thermoelectric properties (ZT = 0.22 at 300 K). These have been applied in the first planar fully transparent p-n type TE modules where gallium-doped zinc oxide (GZO) thin films were used as the n-type element and indium thin oxide (ITO) thin films as electrodes. A thorough study of power output in single elements and p-n modules electrically connected in series and thermally connected in parallel is inclosed. This configuration allows for a whole range of highly transparent thermoelectric applications.
DNA Methylation of T1R1 Gene in the Vegetarian Adaptation of Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella
Authors: Cai Wenjing , He Shan , Liang Xu-Fang , Yuan Xiaochen
Published: April 2018

Although previous studies have indicated importance of taste receptors in food habits formation in mammals, little is known about those in fish. Grass carp is an excellent model for studying vegetarian adaptation, as it shows food habit transition from carnivore to herbivore. In the present study, pseudogenization or frameshift mutations of the umami receptors that hypothesized related to dietary switch in vertebrates, were not found in grass carp, suggesting other mechanisms for vegetarian adaptation in grass carp. T1R1 and T1R3 strongly responded to L-Arg and L-Lys, differing from those of zebrafish and medaka, contributing to high species specificity in amino acid preferences and diet selection of grass carp. After food habit transition of grass carp, DNA methylation levels were higher in CPG1 and CPG3 islands of upstream control region of T1R1 gene. Luciferase activity assay of upstream regulatory region of T1R1 (−2500-0 bp) without CPG1 or CPG3 indicated that CPG1 and CPG3 might be involved in transcriptional regulation of T1R1 gene. Subsequently, high DNA methylation decreased expression of T1R1 in intestinal tract. It could be a new mechanism to explain, at least partially, the vegetarian adaptation of grass carp by regulation of expression of umami receptor via epigenetic modification.
Association between pupil dilation and implicit processing prior to object recognition via insight
Authors: Suzuki Yuta , Minami Tetsuto , Nakauchi Shigeki
Published: April 2018

Insight refers to the sudden conscious shift in the perception of a situation following a period of unconscious processing. The present study aimed to investigate the implicit neural mechanisms underlying insight-based recognition, and to determine the association between these mechanisms and the extent of pupil dilation. Participants were presented with ambiguous, transforming images comprised of dots, following which they were asked to state whether they recognized the object and their level of confidence in this statement. Changes in pupil dilation were not only characterized by the recognition state into the ambiguous object but were also associated with prior awareness of object recognition, regardless of meta-cognitive confidence. Our findings indicate that pupil dilation may represent the level of implicit integration between memory and visual processing, despite the lack of object awareness, and that this association may involve noradrenergic activity within the locus coeruleus-noradrenergic (LC-NA) system.
Dragonfly wing decorated by gold nanoislands as flexible and stable substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)
Authors: Shi Guo Chao , Wang Ming Li , Zhu Yan Ying , Shen Lin , Ma Wan Li , Wang Yu Hong , Li Rui Feng
Published: April 2018

A flexible and stable biomimetic SERS substrate was successfully fabricated by depositing gold (Au) nanoislands on the dragonfly wings (DW) via a simple DC magnetron sputtering system. Characterizations of the Au/DW nanostructure indicated that the optimum Au/DW-45 (sputtering time was 45 min) substrate owns high sensitivity, good stability and outstanding reproducibility. The limit of detection (LOD) for Rhodamine 6 G (R6G) was as low as 10−7 M and enhancement factor (EF) was calculated to be 2.8 × 106. 70-day-duration stability tests showed that Raman intensity of R6G reduced only by 12.9% after aging for 70 days. The maximum relative standard deviations (RSD) of SERS intensities from 100 positions of Au/DW-45 substrate were less than 8.3%, revealing outstanding uniformity and reproducibility. Moreover, the flexible Au/DW-45 bioscaffold arrays were employed to solve the vital problem of pesticide residues. By directly sampling from tomato peels via a “press and peel off” approach, cypermethrin has been rapidly and reliably determined with a LOD centered at 10−3 ng/cm2 and a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.987. The positive results demonstrated that the Au-based DW biomimetic arrays may offer an efficient SERS platform for the identification of various pesticide residues on real samples.
Label-free quantitative evaluation of breast tissue using Spatial Light Interference Microscopy (SLIM)
Authors: Majeed Hassaan , Nguyen Tan Huu , Kandel Mikhail Eugene , Kajdacsy-Balla Andre , Popescu Gabriel
Published: April 2018

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women worldwide. The standard histopathology of breast tissue, the primary means of disease diagnosis, involves manual microscopic examination of stained tissue by a pathologist. Because this method relies on qualitative information, it can result in inter-observer variation. Furthermore, for difficult cases the pathologist often needs additional markers of malignancy to help in making a diagnosis, a need that can potentially be met by novel microscopy methods. We present a quantitative method for label-free breast tissue evaluation using Spatial Light Interference Microscopy (SLIM). By extracting tissue markers of malignancy based on the nanostructure revealed by the optical path-length, our method provides an objective, label-free and potentially automatable method for breast histopathology. We demonstrated our method by imaging a tissue microarray consisting of 68 different subjects −34 with malignant and 34 with benign tissues. Three-fold cross validation results showed a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 85% for detecting cancer. Our disease signatures represent intrinsic physical attributes of the sample, independent of staining quality, facilitating classification through machine learning packages since our images do not vary from scan to scan or instrument to instrument.
Dissecting Structure-Encoded Determinants of Allosteric Cross-Talk between Post-Translational Modification Sites in the Hsp90 Chaperones
Authors: Stetz Gabrielle , Tse Amanda , Verkhivker Gennady M.
Published: April 2018

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) represent an important regulatory instrument that modulates structure, dynamics and function of proteins. The large number of PTM sites in the Hsp90 proteins that are scattered throughout different domains indicated that synchronization of multiple PTMs through a combinatorial code can be invoked as an important mechanism to orchestrate diverse chaperone functions and recognize multiple client proteins. In this study, we have combined structural and coevolutionary analysis with molecular simulations and perturbation response scanning analysis of the Hsp90 structures to characterize functional role of PTM sites in allosteric regulation. The results reveal a small group of conserved PTMs that act as global mediators of collective dynamics and allosteric communications in the Hsp90 structures, while the majority of flexible PTM sites serve as sensors and carriers of the allosteric structural changes. This study provides a comprehensive structural, dynamic and network analysis of PTM sites across Hsp90 proteins, identifying specific role of regulatory PTM hotspots in the allosteric mechanism of the Hsp90 cycle. We argue that plasticity of a combinatorial PTM code in the Hsp90 may be enacted through allosteric coupling between effector and sensor PTM residues, which would allow for timely response to structural requirements of multiple modified enzymes.
Blooming Artifact Reduction in Coronary Artery Calcification by A New De-blooming Algorithm: Initial Study
Authors: Li Ping , Xu Lei , Yang Lin , Wang Rui , Hsieh Jiang , Sun Zhonghua , Fan Zhanming , Leipsic Jonathon A.
Published: April 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of de-blooming algorithm in coronary CT angiography (CCTA) for optimal evaluation of calcified plaques. Calcified plaques were simulated on a coronary vessel phantom and a cardiac motion phantom. Two convolution kernels, standard (STND) and high-definition standard (HD STND), were used for imaging reconstruction. A dedicated de-blooming algorithm was used for imaging processing. We found a smaller bias towards measurement of stenosis using the de-blooming algorithm (STND: bias 24.6% vs 15.0%, range 10.2% to 39.0% vs 4.0% to 25.9%; HD STND: bias 17.9% vs 11.0%, range 8.9% to 30.6% vs 0.5% to 21.5%). With use of de-blooming algorithm, specificity for diagnosing significant stenosis increased from 45.8% to 75.0% (STND), from 62.5% to 83.3% (HD STND); while positive predictive value (PPV) increased from 69.8% to 83.3% (STND), from 76.9% to 88.2% (HD STND). In the patient group, reduction in calcification volume was 48.1 ± 10.3%, reduction in coronary diameter stenosis over calcified plaque was 52.4 ± 24.2%. Our results suggest that the novel de-blooming algorithm could effectively decrease the blooming artifacts caused by coronary calcified plaques, and consequently improve diagnostic accuracy of CCTA in assessing coronary stenosis.
Cardiotoxicity with vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor therapy
Authors: Touyz Rhian M. , Herrmann Joerg
Published: April 2018

Angiogenesis inhibitors targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway (VSP) have been important additions in the therapy of various cancers, especially renal cell carcinoma and colorectal cancer. Bevazicumab, the first VSP to receive FDA approval in 2004 targeting all circulating isoforms of VEGF-A, has become one of the best-selling drugs of all times. The second wave of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), which target the intracellular site of VEGF receptor kinases, began with the approval of sorafenib in 2005 and sunitinib in 2006. Heart failure was subsequently noted, in 2–4% of patients on bevacizumab and in 3–8% of patients on VSP-TKIs. The very fact that the single-targeted monoclonal antibody bevacizumab can induce cardiotoxicity supports a pathomechanistic role for the VSP and the postulate of the “vascular” nature of VSP inhibitor cardiotoxicity. In this review we will outline this scenario in greater detail, reflecting on hypertension and coronary artery disease as risk factors for VSP inhibitor cardiotoxicity, but also similarities with peripartum and diabetic cardiomyopathy. This leads to the concept that any preexisting or coexisting condition that reduces the vascular reserve or utilizes the vascular reserve for compensatory purposes may pose a risk factor for cardiotoxicity with VSP inhibitors. These conditions need to be carefully considered in cancer patients who are to undergo VSP inhibitor therapy. Such vigilance is not to exclude patients from such prognostically extremely important therapy but to understand the continuum and to recognize and react to any cardiotoxicity dynamics early on for superior overall outcomes.
Different effects of nano-scale and micro-scale zero-valent iron particles on planktonic microorganisms from natural reservoir water
Authors: Nguyen Nhung H. A. , Špánek Roman , Kasalický Vojtěch , Ribas David , Vlková Denisa , Řeháková Hana , Kejzlar Pavel , Ševců Alena
Published: April 2018

This study compares the effect of nanoscale and microscale zerovalent iron on natural freshwater microplankton over 21 days.
Alkaline earth cation-mediated photoluminescent complexes of thioflavin T with twisted cucurbit[14]uril
Authors: Wang Cheng-Hui , Tang Qing , Zhang Jing , Yao Yu-Qing , Xiao Xin , Huang Ying , Tao Zhu
Published: April 2018

The introduction of alkaline earth metal cations into the tQ[14]–ThT interaction system leds to the precipitation of solid tQ[14]/ThT/AE2+ interaction products, which emitted strong blue fluorescence.
High-performance water oxidation electrocatalysis enabled by a Ni-MOF nanosheet array
Authors: Liu Qin , Xie Lisi , Shi Xifeng , Du Gu , Asiri Abdullah M. , Luo Yonglan , Sun Xuping
Published: April 2018

An Ni-MOF nanosheet array on Ni foam (Ni-MOF/NF) acts as a high-performance and durable electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction in 1.0 M KOH, needing an overpotential of 320 mV to drive 100 mA cm−2.
Angular momentum–scattering angle quantum correlation: a generalized deflection function
Authors: Jambrina P. G. , Menéndez M. , Aoiz F. J.
Published: April 2018

A quantum generalized deflection function is aimed at unravelling quantum effects in chemical reactions.
Microfluidic solvent extraction of poly(vinyl alcohol) droplets: effect of polymer structure on particle and capsule formation
Authors: Sharratt W. N. , Brooker A. , Robles E. S. J. , Cabral J. T.
Published: April 2018

We investigate the formation of poly(vinyl alcohol) capsules and particles by microfluidic solvent extraction, establishing robust design criteria for shape, dimensions and internal microstructure based on molecular and process variable.
Multicomponent self-assembly as a tool to harness new properties from peptides and proteins in material design
Authors: Okesola Babatunde O. , Mata Alvaro
Published: April 2018

Nature is enriched with a wide variety of complex, synergistic and highly functional protein-based multicomponent assemblies.
Supramolecular hydrogels for antimicrobial therapy
Authors: Hu Benhui , Owh Cally , Chee Pei Lin , Leow Wan Ru , Liu Xuan , Wu Yun-Long , Guo Peizhi , Loh Xian Jun , Chen Xiaodong
Published: April 2018

The programmable nature of supramolecular interactions enables various supramolecular hydrogels to perform antimicrobial therapy.
Thermodynamic and spectroscopic study on the solvation and complexation behavior of Ln(iii) in ionic liquids: binding of Ln(iii) with CMPO in C4mimNTf2
Authors: Wu Wenchao , Sun Taoxiang , Pu Ning , Meng Dechao , Li Youzhen , Dang Jiahao , Yang Ying , Chen Jing , Xu Chao
Published: April 2018

Thermodynamics of Ln(iii) complexation with CMPO in “dry” and “wet” ionic liquids reflects how solvation of Ln(iii) affects the complexation and helps identify the extractive species involved in solvent extraction.
The owl sensor: a ‘fragile’ DNA nanostructure for the analysis of single nucleotide variations
Authors: Karadeema Rebekah J. , Stancescu Maria , Steidl Tyler P. , Bertot Sophia C. , Kolpashchikov Dmitry M.
Published: April 2018

A deliberately unstable fluorescent DNA nanostructure (owl structure) is not formed upon destabilization by a single nucleotide variation.
A size-shrinkable nanoparticle-based combined anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory strategy for enhanced cancer therapy
Authors: Lu Zhengze , Long Yang , Cun Xingli , Wang Xuhui , Li Jianping , Mei Ling , Yang Yiliang , Li Man , Zhang Zhirong , He Qin
Published: April 2018

The co-administration of RDDG and RMDG NPs simultaneously inhibits the tumor growth and the cancer-related inflammation.
Development of functional black phosphorus nanosheets with remarkable catalytic and antibacterial performance
Authors: Wu Qiong , Liang Meijuan , Zhang Simin , Liu Xiaoqing , Wang Fuan
Published: April 2018

Highly stable AuNPs/BPNs nanohybrids were constructed through a convenient and environmentally friendly synthesis strategy and show synergistically enhanced catalytic and antibacterial performance.
PEGylated graphene oxide-mediated quercetin-modified collagen hybrid scaffold for enhancement of MSCs differentiation potential and diabetic wound healing
Authors: Chu Jing , Shi Panpan , Yan Wenxia , Fu Jinping , Yang Zhi , He Chengmin , Deng Xiaoyuan , Liu Hanping
Published: April 2018

Nanoscale delivery based on polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylated graphene oxide (GO-PEG) merits attention for biomedical applications owing to its functional surface modification and superior solubility/biocompatibility.
A “cross-stitched” peptide with improved helicity and proteolytic stability
Authors: Speltz Thomas E. , Mayne Christopher G. , Fanning Sean W. , Siddiqui Zamia , Tajkhorshid Emad , Greene Geoffrey L. , Moore Terry W.
Published: April 2018

Peptide “cross-stitching” maintains binding affinity and can enhance helical and proteolytic stability.
Iodine-catalyzed oxidative annulation of 3-cyanoacetylindoles with benzylamines: facile access to 5-(3-indolyl)oxazoles
Authors: Liu Xiaozu , Zhou Yuxiang , Chen Guojun , Yang Zhongqin , Li Qin , Liu Peijun
Published: April 2018

An iodine-catalyzed oxidative annulation of 3-cyanoacetylindoles with benzylamines has been developed. This reaction enables the convenient synthesis of a variety of 5-(3-indolyl)oxazoles under mild conditions with broad functional group compatibility.
Copper-catalyzed cyanation of heterocycle C–H bonds with ethyl(ethoxymethylene)cyanoacetate as a cyanating agent and its mechanism
Authors: Li Ze-lin , Sun Kang-kang , Cai Chun
Published: April 2018

A method for copper-catalyzed cyanation of heterocycles with ethyl(ethoxymethylene)cyanoacetate as a nontoxic and easily available cyanating agent via C–H bond activation has been developed.
Cobalt-catalyzed intermolecular hydroacylation of aldehydes: initiation of hydride transfer enables turnover
Authors: Li Ting , Xu Bao-Hua , Zhu De-Ping , Wang Yao-Feng , Zhang Suo-Jiang
Published: April 2018

Intermolecular hydroacylation of aldehydes catalyzed by a low-valent cobalt system was developed. Mechanistic studies disclosed that the rate of the insertion step is significantly promoted in the presence of iPr2NEt, which functions as an initiator of hydride transfer.
Thermoelectric properties of n-type ZrNiSn prepared by rapid non-equilibrium laser processing
Authors: Yan Yonggao , Geng Wuqian , Qiu Junhao , Ke Hongquan , Luo Chuang , Yang Jihui , Uher Ctirad , Tang Xinfeng
Published: April 2018

The traditional manufacturing of thermoelectric (TE) modules is a complex process that requires a long processing time and is high cost.
A graphene oxide polymer brush based cross-linked nanocomposite proton exchange membrane for direct methanol fuel cells
Authors: Yang Tianjian , Li Zhongli , Lyu Huilong , Zheng Jianjun , Liu Jinglan , Liu Fanna , Zhang Ziyong , Rao Huaxin
Published: April 2018

A novel proton exchange nanocomposite which was cross-linked by functional graphene oxide polymer brushes shows interesting and comprehensive advantages for DMFCs.
Synthesis and application of hydrophilically-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles in oil sands separation
Authors: Zhang Zisheng , Li Hongda , Sui Hong , He Lin , Li Xingang
Published: April 2018

A new kind of hydrophilic magnetic nanoparticle has been synthesized and investigated for the performance in floatation experiments.
Hemoglobin-driven iron-directed assembly of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Egan Jacquelyn G. , Drossis Nicole , Ebralidze Iraklii I. , Fruehwald Holly M. , Laschuk Nadia O. , Poisson Jade , de Haan Hendrick W. , Zenkina Olena V.
Published: April 2018

The ability to form complex 3D architectures using nanoparticles as the building blocks and complex macromolecules that direct these assemblies remains a challenging objective for nanotechnology.
One-step fabrication of carbonaceous solid acid derived from lignosulfonate for the synthesis of biobased furan derivatives
Authors: Yu Xin , Peng Lincai , Gao Xueying , He Liang , Chen Keli
Published: April 2018

An easy-prepared and bio-supported lignosulfonate-based acidic carbonaceous catalyst was developed for the synthesis of promising furan biofuels from biorenewable feedstocks.
Restructuring of poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)/tannic acid multilayers into fibers
Authors: Adatoz E. Beruhil , Hendessi S. , Ow-Yang C. W. , Demirel A. L.
Published: April 2018

Free floating PEOX/TA multilayer sheet restructures into pH-responsive fibers of hydrogen-bonded PEOX and TA molecules in pH3 phosphate buffer.
Highly efficient quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells using polyethylene oxide (PEO) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based printable electrolytes
Authors: Venkatesan Shanmuganathan , Liu I.-Ping , Lin Jian-Ci , Tsai Ming-Hsiang , Teng Hsisheng , Lee Yuh-Lang
Published: April 2018

PEO/PMMA/TiO2-based printable electrolytes for highly efficient quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells.
Intercalating cation specific self-repairing of vermiculite nanofluidic membrane
Authors: Gogoi Raj Kumar , Raidongia Kalyan
Published: April 2018

The balance between expanding and contracting forces of lamellar clay minerals was exploited for preparing self-repairable nanofluidic membranes.
Flexible metal-templated fabrication of mesoporous onion-like carbon and Fe2O3@N-doped carbon foam for electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Li Jing , Wang Ning , Deng Jie , Qian Weizhong , Chu Wei
Published: April 2018

We report herein a facile and general methodology for the synthesis of multifunctional materials, specifically mesoporous onion-like carbon (OLC) and core–shell Fe2O3@N-doped carbon hybrids, for the applications of supercapacitors (SCs) and Li-ion batteries (LIBs).
Intrinsically microporous polymer-based hierarchical nanostructuring of electrodesvianonsolvent-induced phase separation for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Jeon Jun Woo , Han Jae Hee , Kim Sung-Kon , Kim Dong-Gyun , Kim Yong Seok , Suh Dong Hack , Hong Young Taik , Kim Tae-Ho , Kim Byoung Gak
Published: April 2018

Hierarchically porous carbons derived from an intrinsically microporous polymerviaa nonsolvent-induced phase separation show outstanding supercapacitor performance.
Creating and stabilizing Bi NIR-emitting centers in low Bi content materials by topo-chemical reduction and tailoring of the local glass structure
Authors: Cao Jiangkun , Li Liyi , Wang Liping , Li Xiaoman , Zhang Ziyang , Xu Shanhui , Peng Mingying
Published: April 2018

Introducing nitride into a glass network creates and stabilizes Bi NIR-emitting centers, and therefore enhances their emission.
In vivo imaging of hepatic neutrophil migration in severe alcoholic hepatitis with 111In-radiolabelled leucocytes
Authors: Potts Jonathan R. , Farahi Neda , Howard Mark R. , Taylor Mark R. , Heard Sarah , Shankar Arun N. , Alexander Graeme J. , Chilvers Edwin R. , Verma Sumita , Peters A. Michael
Published: April 2018

The study’s aim was to image severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH) using 111In-labelled leucocytes with two objectives in mind: firstly for non-invasive diagnosis and secondly to provide a platform for experimental therapies aiming to inhibit intrahepatic neutrophil migration. 111In-leucocyte scintigraphy was performed 30 min and 24 h post-injection in 19 patients with SAH, 14 abstinent patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis and 11 normal controls. Eleven with SAH and seven with cirrhosis also had 99mTc-nanocolloid scintigraphy. Change in hepatic 111In radioactivity was expressed as decay-corrected 24 h:30 min count ratio and, in SAH, compared with histological grading of steatohepatitis and expression of granulocyte marker, CD15. Hepatic microautoradiography on biopsy specimens obtained 24 h post-injection of 111In-leucocytes was performed in one patient. Median 24 h:30 min hepatic 111In activity ratio was higher in SAH (2.5 (interquartile range (IQR): 1.7–4.0) compared with cirrhotics and normal controls (1.0 (0.8–1.1) and 0.8 (0.7–0.9) respectively, P<0.0001). In SAH, it correlated with CD15 expression (r = 0.62, P=0.023) and was higher in marked compared with mild/moderate steatohepatitis (4.0 (3.0–4.6) compared with 1.8 (1.5–2.6), P=0.006). Hepatic-to-splenic 99mTc count rate ratio was reduced in SAH (0.5 (0.4–1.4)) compared with cirrhotics (2.3( 0.6–3.0)) and three historic normal controls (4.2 (3.8–5.0); P=0.003), consistent with impaired hepatic reticuloendothelial function. Scintigraphic findings in SAH included prominent lung radioactivity at 30 min, likely the result of neutrophil primimg. Microautoradiography demonstrated cell-associated 111In in areas of parenchymal neutrophil infiltration. In conclusion, 111In-leucocyte scintigraphy can non-invasively diagnose SAH and could provide a platform for evaluation of novel treatments aiming to inhibit intrahepatic neutrophil migration.
Fast enhancement algorithm of highway tunnel image based on constraint of imaging model
Authors: Yongxue Li , Min Zhao , Dihua Sun
Published: April 2018

Due to uneven illumination and dim environment in the tunnel, the monitored image is blurred, which makes it difficult to recognise the traffic status. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance the tunnel image in advance. In this study, a fast image enhancement algorithm based on imaging model constraint is proposed. First, the method uses the combination of global atmospheric light and partitioned atmospheric light to estimate the local atmospheric light. Second, the transmission is estimated based on the formula derived from the imaging model constraints. Third, the method uses a constant instead of illumination to balance tunnel image illumination. Last, the tunnel image is enhanced according to the imaging model. Experimental and comparative analysis results show that the proposed method can rapidly and effectively enhance the tunnel image.
Highly dispersive Ba0.6 Sr0.4 TiO3 nanoparticles modified P(VDF‐HFP)/PMMA composite films with improved energy storage density and efficiency
Authors: Feng Zunpeng , Hao Yanan , Bi Meihua , Dai Qionglin , Bi Ke
Published: April 2018

Polymer composite films with high energy density as well as high efficiency are promising dielectric materials in pulsed power systems. In improving the energy discharged efficiency, poly vinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene [P(VDF‐HFP)] film blended with 20 vol.% poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), which has a much slimmer ferroelectric hysteresis loop, is employed as the polymer matrix. Highly dispersive Ba0.6 Sr0.4 TiO3 (BST) nanoparticles with an average particle size of 12.1 nm are utilised to improve the polarisation of the blend film without sacrificing the dielectric strength. Uniform nanocomposite films with high flexibility and excellent energy‐storage performance are obtained. Especially, due to the optimisation of both polymer matrix and fillers, the BST modified P(VDF‐HFP)/PMMA blend films show improved breakdown strength and depressed energy loss, which leads to an enhanced energy density of 10.3 J/cm3 at 378 kV/mm.
Metal–insulator–metal waveguide‐coupled asymmetric resonators for sensing and slow light applications
Authors: Akhavan Ali , Ghafoorifard Hassan , Abdolhosseini Saeed , Habibiyan Hamidreza
Published: April 2018

In this study, a compact plasmonic structure for realising plasmon‐induced transparency is proposed and numerically investigated by using the finite‐difference time‐domain method. The suggested device consists of double side‐coupled square ring resonators based on a metal–insulator–metal platform. The coupled mode theory is introduced to describe the spectral response of the proposed structure, which is verified by numerical simulations. By changing the geometrical and material parameters such as outer side length and width of square ring resonators and metal collision frequency, the transmission characteristics can be easily tuned. The simulation results show that the proposed plasmonic system is used as a sensor by filling the insulator region with different refractive index. The sensitivity and figure of merit of this sensor are calculated, 806 nm/RIU and 66 RIU–1, respectively. It is found that the slow light effect can appear in the proposed structure. By design optimisation, the maximum value of the group index is achieved close to 65. Meanwhile, the group index profile is obtained for different values of geometrical parameters like coupling aperture widths. The proposed structure provides a new way to utilise in nanosensor devices and slow light systems.
Abundances of Mg and K in the atmospheres of turn-off starsin Galactic globular cluster 47 Tucanae
Authors: Černiauskas A. , Kučinskas A. , Klevas J. , Dobrovolskas V. , Korotin S. , Bonifacio P. , Ludwig H.-G. , Caffau E. , Steffen M.
Published: April 2018

Aims. We determined abundances of Mg and K in the atmospheres of 53 (Mg) and 75 (K) turn-off (TO) stars of the Galactic globular cluster 47 Tuc. The obtained abundances, together with those of Li, O, and Na that we had earlier determined for the same sample of stars, were used to search for possible relations between the abundances of K and other light elements, Li, O, Na, and Mg, as well as the connections between the chemical composition of TO stars and their kinematical properties.

Methods. Abundances of Mg and K were determined using archival high resolution VLT FLAMES/GIRAFFE spectra, in combination with the one-dimensional (1D) non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) spectral synthesis methodology. Spectral line profiles were computed with the MULTI code, using 1D hydrostatic ATLAS9 stellar model atmospheres. We also utilized three-dimensional (3D) hydrodynamical CO5BOLD and 1D hydrostatic LHD model atmospheres for computing 3D–1D LTE abundance corrections for the spectral lines of Mg and K, in order to assess the influence of convection on their formation in the atmospheres of TO stars.

Results. The determined average abundance-to-iron ratios and their root mean square variations due to star-to-star abundance spreads were 〈[Mg/Fe]〉1D NLTE = 0.47 ± 0.12, and 〈[K/Fe]〉1D NLTE = 0.39 ± 0.09. Although the data suggest the possible existence of a weak correlation in the [K/Fe]–[Na/Fe] plane, its statistical significance is low. No statistically significant relations between the abundance of K and other light elements were detected. Also, we did not find any significant correlations or anti-correlations between the [Mg/Fe] and [K/Fe] ratios and projected distance from the cluster center. Similarly, no relations between the absolute radial velocities of individual stars and abundances of Mg and K in their atmospheres were detected. The 3D–1D abundance corrections were found to be small (≤0.1 dex) for the lines of Mg and K used in this study, thus indicating that the influence of convection on their formation is small.
The Arches cluster revisited
Authors: Lohr M. E. , Clark J. S. , Najarro F. , Patrick L. R. , Crowther P. A. , Evans C. J.
Published: April 2018

We have carried out a spectroscopic variability survey of some of the most massive stars in the Arches cluster, using K-band observations obtained with SINFONI on the VLT. One target, F2, exhibits substantial changes in radial velocity (RV); in combination with new KMOS and archival SINFONI spectra, its primary component is found to undergo RV variation with a period of 10.483 ± 0.002 d and an amplitude of ~350 km s−1. A secondary RV curve is also marginally detectable. We reanalysed archival NAOS-CONICA photometric survey data in combination with our RV results to confirm this object as an eclipsing SB2 system, and the first binary identified in the Arches. We have modelled it as consisting of an 82 ± 12 M⊙ WN8–9h primary and a 60 ± 8 M⊙ O5–6 Ia+ secondary, and as having a slightly eccentric orbit, implying an evolutionary stage prior to strong binary interaction. As one of four X-ray bright Arches sources previously proposed as colliding-wind massive binaries, it may be only the first of several binaries to be discovered in this cluster, presenting potential challenges to recent models for the Arches’ age and composition. It also appears to be one of the most massive binaries detected to date; the primary’s calculated initial mass of ≳120 M⊙ would arguably make this the most massive binary known in the Galaxy.
GaiaData Release 2
Authors: Luri X. , Brown A. G. A. , Sarro L. M. , Arenou F. , Bailer-Jones C. A. L. , Castro-Ginard A. , de Bruijne J. , Prusti T. , Babusiaux C. , Delgado H. E.
Published: April 2018

Context.The secondGaiadata release (GaiaDR2) provides precise five-parameter astrometric data (positions, proper motions, and parallaxes) for an unprecedented number of sources (more than 1.3 billion, mostly stars). This new wealth of data will enable the undertaking of statistical analysis of many astrophysical problems that were previously infeasible for lack of reliable astrometry, and in particular because of the lack of parallaxes. However, the use of this wealth of astrometric data comes with a specific challenge: how can the astrophysical parameters of interest be properly inferred from these data?

Aims.The main focus of this paper, but not the only focus, is the issue of the estimation of distances from parallaxes, possibly combined with other information. We start with a critical review of the methods traditionally used to obtain distances from parallaxes and their shortcomings. Then we provide guidelines on how to use parallaxes more efficiently to estimate distances by using Bayesian methods. In particular we also show that negative parallaxes, or parallaxes with relatively large uncertainties still contain valuable information. Finally, we provide examples that show more generally how to use astrometric data for parameter estimation, including the combination of proper motions and parallaxes and the handling of covariances in the uncertainties.

Methods.The paper contains examples based on simulatedGaiadata to illustrate the problems and the solutions proposed. Furthermore, the developments and methods proposed in the paper are linked to a set of tutorials included in theGaiaarchive documentation that provide practical examples and a good starting point for the application of the recommendations to actual problems. In all cases the source code for the analysis methods is provided.

Results.Our main recommendation is to always treat the derivation of (astro-)physical parameters from astrometric data, in particular when parallaxes are involved, as an inference problem which should preferably be handled with a full Bayesian approach.

Conclusions.Gaiawill provide fundamental data for many fields of astronomy. Further data releases will provide more data, and more precise data. Nevertheless, to fully use the potential it will always be necessary to pay careful attention to the statistical treatment of parallaxes and proper motions. The purpose of this paper is to help astronomers find the correct approach.
SMA observations of polarized dust emission in solar-type Class 0 protostars: Magnetic field properties at envelope scales
Authors: Galametz Maud , Maury Anaëlle , Girart Josep M. , Rao Ramprasad , Zhang Qizhou , Gaudel Mathilde , Valdivia Valeska , Keto Eric , Lai Shih-Ping
Published: April 2018

Aims. Although from a theoretical point of view magnetic fields are believed to play a significant role during the early stages of star formation, especially during the main accretion phase, the magnetic field strength and topology is poorly constrained in the youngest accreting Class 0 protostars that lead to the formation of solar-type stars.

Methods. We carried out observations of the polarized dust continuum emission with the SMA interferometer at 0.87 mm to probe the structure of the magnetic field in a sample of 12 low-mass Class 0 envelopes in nearby clouds, including both single protostars and multiple systems. Our SMA observations probed the envelope emission at scales ~600 − 5000 au with a spatial resolution ranging from 600 to 1500 au depending on the source distance.

Results. We report the detection of linearly polarized dust continuum emission in all of our targets with average polarization fractions ranging from 2% to 10% in these protostellar envelopes. The polarization fraction decreases with the continuum flux density, which translates into a decrease with the H2column density within an individual envelope. Our analysis show that the envelope-scale magnetic field is preferentially observed either aligned or perpendicular to the outflow direction. Interestingly, our results suggest for the first time a relation between the orientation of the magnetic field and the rotational energy of envelopes, with a larger occurrence of misalignment in sources in which strong rotational motions are detected at hundreds to thousands of au scales. We also show that the best agreement between the magnetic field and outflow orientation is found in sources showing no small-scale multiplicity and no large disks at ~100 au scales.
Combined dynamical effects of the bar and spiral arms in a Galaxy model. Application to the solar neighbourhood
Authors: Michtchenko T. A. , Lépine J. R. D. , Barros D. A. , Vieira R. S. S.
Published: April 2018

Context. Observational data indicate that the Milky Way is a barred spiral galaxy. Computation facilities and availability of data from Galactic surveys stimulate the appearance of models of the Galactic structure, however further efforts are needed to build dynamical models containing both spiral arms and the central bar/bulge.

Aims. We expand the study of the stellar dynamics in the Galaxy by adding the bar/bulge component to a model with spiral arms introduced in one of our previous publications. The model is tested by applying it to the solar neighbourhood, where observational data are more precise.

Methods. We model analytically the potential of the Galaxy to derive the force field in its equatorial plane. The model comprises an axisymmetric disc derived from the observed rotation curve, four spiral arms with Gaussian-shaped groove profiles, and a classical elongated/oblate ellipsoidal bar/bulge structure. The parameters describing the bar/bulge are constrained by observations and the stellar dynamics, and their possible limits are determined.

Results. A basic model results in a bar of 2.9 kpc in length, with a mass of the order of a few 109M⊙ (which does not include the axisymmetric part of the bulge, which has a mass of about 1010M⊙). The size and orientation of the bar are also restricted by the position of masers with Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI). The bar’s rotation speed is constrained to Ωbar < 50 km s−1 kpc−1 taking into account the allowed mass range.

Conclusions. We conclude that our basic model is compatible with observations and with the dynamical constraints. The model explains simultaneously the bulk of the main moving groups, associated here with the spiral corotation resonance, and the Hercules stream, associated with several inner high-order spiral resonances; in particular, with the 8/1 resonance. From the dynamical constraints on the bar’s angular speed, it is unlikely that the bar’s outer Lindblad resonance (OLR) lies near the solar circle; moreover, its proximity would compromise the stability of the local arm structure.
Detection of CI line emission towards the oxygen-rich AGB star omi Ceti
Authors: Saberi M. , Vlemmings W. H. T. , De Beck E. , Montez R. , Ramstedt S.
Published: April 2018

We present the detection of neutral atomic carbon CI(3P1–3P0) line emission towards omi Cet. This is the first time that CI is detected in the envelope around an oxygen-rich M-type asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star. We also confirm the previously tentative CI detection around V Hya, a carbon-rich AGB star. As one of the main photodissociation products of parent species in the circumstellar envelope (CSE) around evolved stars, CI can be used to trace sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in CSEs. The observed flux density towards omi Cet can be reproduced by a shell with a peak atomic fractional abundance of 2.4 × 10−5 predicted based on a simple chemical model where CO is dissociated by the interstellar radiation field. However, the CI emission is shifted by ~4 km s−1 from the stellar velocity. Based on this velocity shift, we suggest that the detected CI emission towards omi Cet potentially arises from a compact region near its hot binary companion. The velocity shift could, therefore, be the result of the orbital velocity of the binary companion around omi Cet. In this case, the CI column density is estimated to be 1.1 × 1019 cm−2. This would imply that strong UV radiation from the companion and/or accretion of matter between two stars is most likely the origin of the CI enhancement. However, this hypothesis can be confirmed by high-angular resolution observations.
Über Bande spielen
Authors: Holtel Markus
Published: April 2018

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