bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancellation of Bessel beam side lobes for high-contrast light sheet microscopy
Authors: Di Domenico Giuseppe , Ruocco Giancarlo , Colosi Cristina , DelRe Eugenio , Antonacci Giuseppe
Published: November 2018

An ideal illumination for light sheet fluorescence microscopy entails both a localized and a propagation invariant optical field. Bessel beams and Airy beams satisfy these conditions, but their non-diffracting feature comes at the cost of the presence of high-energy side lobes that notably degrade the imaging contrast and induce photobleaching. Here, we demonstrate the use of a light droplet illumination whose side lobes are suppressed by interfering Bessel beams of specific k-vectors. Our droplet illumination readily achieves more than 50% extinction of the light distributed across the Bessel side lobes, providing a more efficient energy localization without loss in transverse resolution. In a standard light sheet fluorescence microscope, we demonstrate a two-fold contrast enhancement imaging micron-scale fluorescent beads. Results pave the way to new opportunities for rapid and deep in vivo observations of large-scale biological systems.
Differential impacts of different keyboard inputting methods on reading and writing skills
Authors: Siok Wai Ting , Liu Chun Yin
Published: November 2018

Nowadays, typewriting has become an important mode of written communication. A report that typewriting may hinder Chinese children’s reading development has sparked substantial concern about whether typing on electronic devices would increase the rate of reading disorders, wherein children used a pronunciation-based input system that associates alphabet letters with phonemes in standard Chinese (Putonghua) and may conflict with the traditional visuomotor-based learning processes for written Chinese. If orthographic-based input methods that require good awareness of the orthographic structure of characters are used, different outcomes might be observed. This study examined the impact of participants’ experience in different typewriting methods on the literacy abilities of fluent Chinese-English bilingual readers. We found that orthographic-based typewriting measures correlated positively with Chinese reading measures, whereas pronunciation-based typewriting measures did not correlate with Chinese reading measures but correlated positively with English reading and spelling performance. Orthographic-based typewriters also performed better than pronunciation-based typewriters in Chinese reading and dictation when their age, typewriting skills and pre-University language ability were statistically controlled. Our findings based on two contrastive writing systems suggest that typewriting methods that tally with the learning principles of a writing system should be used to promote and preserve literacy skills in the digital era.
Author Correction: Stretching Reduces Tumor Growth in a Mouse Breast Cancer Model
Authors: Berrueta L. , Bergholz J. , Munoz D. , Muskaj I. , Badger G. J. , Shukla A. , Kim H. J. , Zhao J. J. , Langevin H. M.
Published: November 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Freshwater lake ecosystem shift caused by social-economic transitions in Yangtze River Basin over the past century
Authors: Zhang Ke , Yang Xiangdong , Kattel Giri , Lin Qi , Shen Ji
Published: November 2018

Global lake systems have undergone rapid degradation over the past century. Scientists and managers are struggling to manage the highly degraded lake systems to cope with escalating anthropogenic pressures. Improved knowledge of how lakes and social systems co-evolved up to the present is vital for understanding, modeling, and anticipating the current and future ecological status of lakes. Here, by integrating paleoenvironmental, instrumental and historical documentary resources at multi-decadal scales, we demonstrate how a typical shallow lake system evolved over the last century in the Yangtze River Basin, an urbanized region containing thousands of shallow lakes. We find abrupt ecological shift happened in the lake ecosystem around the 1970s, with the significant reorganization of macrophyte, diatom and cladocera communities. The lake social-ecological system went through three stages as the local society transformed from a traditional agricultural before 1950s to an urbanized and industrialized society during the recent thirty years. The timing and interaction between social, economic and ecological feedbacks govern the transient and long-term dynamics of the freshwater ecosystem. Our results highlight the importance of accounting for the long-term dynamics and feedbacks between ecological, social and economic changes when defining safe operating spaces for sustainable freshwater ecosystem management.
DolFin: an innovative digital platform for studying Risso’s dolphins in the Northern Ionian Sea (North-eastern Central Mediterranean)
Authors: Maglietta Rosalia , Renò Vito , Cipriano Giulia , Fanizza Carmelo , Milella Annalisa , Stella Ettore , Carlucci Roberto
Published: November 2018

The Risso’s dolphin is a widely distributed species, found in deep temperate and tropical waters. Estimates of its abundance are available in a few regions, details of its distribution are lacking, and its status in the Mediterranean Sea is ranked as Data Deficient by the IUCN Red List. In this paper, a synergy between bio-ecological analysis and innovative strategies has been applied to construct a digital platform,DolFin. It contains a collection of sighting data and geo-referred photos ofGrampus griseus, acquired from 2013 to 2016 in the Gulf of Taranto (Northern Ionian Sea, North-eastern Central Mediterranean Sea), and the first automated tool forSmart Photo Identification of the Risso’s dolphin(SPIR). This approach provides the capability to collect and analyse significant amounts of data acquired over wide areas and extended periods of time. This effort establishes the baseline for future large-scale studies, essential to providing further information on the distribution ofG. griseus. Our data and analysis results corroborate the hypothesis of a resident Risso’s dolphin population in the Gulf of Taranto, showing site fidelity in a relatively restricted area characterized by a steep slope to around 800 m in depth, north of the Taranto Valley canyon system.
Comparative survival analysis of preoperative and postoperative radiotherapy in stage II-III rectal cancer on the basis of long-term population data
Authors: Lim Yu Jin , Kim Youngkyong , Kong Moonkyoo
Published: November 2018

This study compared long-term population-based survival outcomes of preoperative and postoperative radiotherapy (RT) approaches in rectal cancer. Patients with stage II-III rectal cancer between 1998 and 2013 were identified using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) rates were estimated in propensity-matched study population according to the use of RT. Among the 28,320 eligible patients, a total of 18,400 patients were identified from propensity score matching process balancing the distribution of prognostic covariates. The 10-year OS and DSS rates were higher in patients with preoperative RT than the postoperative group (51.6% vs. 49.8% with P < 0.001, and 65.4% vs. 64.8% with P = 0.037, respectively). However, in multivariate analysis, selection of combined RT sequence did not affect the survival (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04 and 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98−1.10 for OS; HR 0.97 and 95% CI 0.90−1.05 for DSS). Regarding hazard rate functions of cancer-specific mortality, the overall time-course risks after preoperative and postoperative RT were comparable. This study provides additional insight into the long-term prognostic implications of the two RT strategies, suggesting that the sequence of RT does not lead to differential survival in stage II-III rectal cancer.
Interplay among steroids, body condition and immunity in response to long-term captivity in toads
Authors: Titon Stefanny Christie Monteiro , Titon Junior Braz , Assis Vania Regina , Kinker Gabriela Sarti , Fernandes Pedro Augusto Carlos Magno , Gomes Fernando Ribeiro
Published: November 2018

Stressful experiences can promote harmful effects on physiology and fitness. However, stress-mediated hormonal and immune changes are complex and may be highly dependent on body condition. Here, we investigated captivity-associated stress effects, over 7, 30, 60, and 90 days on plasma corticosterone (CORT) and testosterone (T) levels, body index, and innate immunity (bacterial killing ability and phagocytosis of peritoneal cells) in toads (Rhinella icterica). Toads in captivity exhibited elevated CORT and decreased T and immunity, without changes in body index. The inter-relationships between these variables were additionally contrasted with those obtained previously for R. schneideri, a related species that exhibited extreme loss of body mass under the same captive conditions. While T and phagocytosis were positively associated in both species, the relationship between CORT and bacterial killing ability was dependent on body index alterations. While CORT and bacterial killing ability were positively associated for toads that maintained body index, CORT was negatively associated with body index in toads that lost body mass over time in captivity. In these same toads, body index was positively associated with bacterial killing ability. These results demonstrate that steroids-immunity inter-relationships arising from prolonged exposure to a stressor in toads are highly dependent on body condition.
Need for high-resolution Genetic Analysis in iPSC: Results and Lessons from the ForIPS Consortium
Authors: Popp Bernt , Krumbiegel Mandy , Grosch Janina , Sommer Annika , Uebe Steffen , Kohl Zacharias , Plötz Sonja , Farrell Michaela , Trautmann Udo , Kraus Cornelia , Ekici Arif B. , Asadollahi Reza , Regensburger Martin , Günther Katharina , Rauch Anita , Edenhofer Frank , Winkler Jürgen , Winner Beate , Reis André
Published: November 2018

Genetic integrity of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is essential for their validity as disease models and for potential therapeutic use. We describe the comprehensive analysis in the ForIPS consortium: an iPSC collection from donors with neurological diseases and healthy controls. Characterization included pluripotency confirmation, fingerprinting, conventional and molecular karyotyping in all lines. In the majority, somatic copy number variants (CNVs) were identified. A subset with available matched donor DNA was selected for comparative exome sequencing. We identified single nucleotide variants (SNVs) at different allelic frequencies in each clone with high variability in mutational load. Low frequencies of variants in parental fibroblasts highlight the importance of germline samples. Somatic variant number was independent from reprogramming, cell type and passage. Comparison with disease genes and prediction scores suggest biological relevance for some variants. We show that high-throughput sequencing has value beyond SNV detection and the requirement to individually evaluate each clone.
Origin of the largest South American transcontinental water divide
Authors: Ribeiro Alexandre Cunha , Riccomini Claudio , Leite Jayme Alfredo Dexheimer
Published: November 2018

Interbasin arches between hydrographic systems have a heterogeneous geological origin, forming under the influence of several different geomorphological processes. Independent of the underlying processes, these arches compartmentalize present-day river basins, encompassing different water chemistries, habitat types, soil domains, potential energy and, on a geological/evolutionary time scale, aquatic life varieties in the ecosystem. Through most of its length, the water divide between the Amazonian, Paraná-Paraguay, and São Francisco river basins in central South America coincides with an Upper Cretaceous intracontinental igneous alkaline province. This magmatism, independent of its nature, caused intense crustal uplift and influenced hydrological networks at different scales: from continental-scale crustal doming to continental break-up, and finally to local-scale phenomena. The available ages for alkaline rocks indicate a well-defined time-interval between 72.4 to 91 Ma (concentrated between 76 and 88 Ma) period of uplift that contributed to large-scale drainage compartmentalization in the region. Here we show that uplift associated with intrusive magmatism explains the origin and maintenance of the divide between the Amazonian, Paraná-Paraguay, and São Francisco river basins.
Reduced Uteroplacental Perfusion Pressure (RUPP) causes altered trophoblast differentiation and pericyte reduction in the mouse placenta labyrinth
Authors: Natale Bryony V. , Mehta Prutha , Vu Priscilla , Schweitzer Christina , Gustin Katarina , Kotadia Ramie , Natale David R. C.
Published: November 2018

This study characterized the effect of the reduced utero-placental perfusion pressure (RUPP) model of placental insufficiency on placental morphology and trophoblast differentiation at mid-late gestation (E14.5). Altered trophoblast proliferation, reduced syncytiotrophoblast gene expression, increased numbers of sinusoidal trophoblast giant cells, decreased Vegfa and decreased pericyte presence in the labyrinth were observed in addition to changes in maternal blood spaces, the fetal capillary network and reduced fetal weight. Further, the junctional zone was characterized by reduced spongiotrophoblast and glycogen trophoblast with increased trophoblast giant cells. Increased Hif-1α and TGF-β-3 in vivo with supporting hypoxia studies in trophoblast stem (TS) cells in vitro, support hypoxia as a contributing factor to the RUPP placenta phenotype. Together, this study identifies altered cell populations within the placenta that may contribute to the phenotype, and thus support the use of RUPP in the mouse as a model of placenta insufficiency. As such, this model in the mouse provides a valuable tool for understanding the phenotypes resulting from genetic manipulation of isolated cell populations to further understand the etiology of placenta insufficiency and fetal growth restriction. Further this study identifies a novel relationship between placental insufficiency and pericyte depletion in the labyrinth layer.
Limited prefrontal cortical regulation over the basolateral amygdala in adolescent rats
Authors: Selleck Ryan A. , Zhang Wei , Mercier Hannah D. , Padival Mallika , Rosenkranz J. Amiel
Published: November 2018

Cognitive regulation of emotion develops from childhood into adulthood. This occurs in parallel with maturation of prefrontal cortical (PFC) regulation over the amygdala. The cellular substrates for this regulation may include PFC activation of inhibitory GABAergic elements in the amygdala. The purpose of this study was to determine whether PFC regulation over basolateral amygdala area (BLA)in vivois immature in adolescence, and if this is due to immaturity of GABAergic elements or PFC excitatory inputs. Usingin vivoextracellular electrophysiological recordings from anesthetized male rats we found thatin vivosummation of PFC inputs to the BLA was less regulated by GABAergic inhibition in adolescents (postnatal day 39) than adults (postnatal day 72–75). In addition, stimulation of either prelimbic or infralimbic PFC evokes weaker inhibition over basal (BA) and lateral (LAT) nuclei of the BLA in adolescents. This was dictated by both weak recruitment of inhibition in LAT and weak excitatory effects of PFC in BA. The current results may contribute to differences in adolescent cognitive regulation of emotion. These findings identify specific elements that undergo adolescent maturation and may therefore be sensitive to environmental disruptions that increase risk for psychiatric disorders.
Rapid Pulsed Light Sintering of Silver Nanowires on Woven Polyester for personal thermal management with enhanced performance, durability and cost-effectiveness
Authors: Hwang Hyun-Jun , Devaraj Harish , Yang Chen , Gao Zhongwei , Chang Chih-hung , Lee Howon , Malhotra Rajiv
Published: November 2018

Fabric-based personal heating patches have small geometric profiles and can be attached to selected areas of garments for personal thermal management to enable significant energy savings in built environments. Scalable fabrication of such patches with high thermal performance at low applied voltage, high durability and low materials cost is critical to the widespread implementation of these energy savings. This work investigates a scalable Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) sintering process for fabricating silver nanowire on woven polyester heating patches. Just 300 microseconds of IPL sintering results in 30% lesser electrical resistance, 70% higher thermal performance, greater durability (under bending up to 2 mm radius of curvature, washing, humidity and high temperature), with only 50% the added nanowire mass compared to state-of-the-art. Computational modeling combining electromagnetic and thermal simulations is performed to uncover the nanoscale temperature gradients during IPL sintering, and the underlying reason for greater durability of the nanowire-fabric after sintering. This large-area, high speed, and ambient-condition IPL sintering process represents an attractive strategy for scalably fabricating personal heating fabric-patches with greater thermal performance, higher durability and reduced costs.
Ring-opening Polymerization Promoted by Brønsted Acid Catalysts
Authors: Martin-Vaca Blanca , Bourissou Didier
Published: November 2018

The variety of Brønsted acids (BAs) capable of promoting controlled ring-opening polymerization of heterocyclic monomers (mainly lactones and cyclic carbonates) has been significantly enlarged over the last decade. In this chapter, the different sub-classes of BAs shown to promote this transformation are presented, focusing on their behavior in polymerization (scope of monomers and performances in terms of activity and polymerization control), and on their mode of action. Examples of controlled preparation of functionalized polymers and copolymers are also discussed, including the possibility to combine BA-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization with other types of polymerization.
Organic Catalysis for the Polymerization of Lactide and Related Cyclic Diesters
Authors: Guillaume Sophie M.
Published: November 2018

Poly(lactic acid)/poly(lactide) (PLA) is an aliphatic polyester nowadays emerging as the most popular and promising bio-based, sustainable, (bio)degradable, biocompatible and ecological/environmentally friendly “plastic” candidate. PLA is a commercialized viable alternative to the traditional petrochemically derived polymeric materials in many short-time commodity and engineering applications. Whereas polycondensation of lactic acid gives PLA, ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactide (LA) is the preferred route towards well-defined PLA. Following the traditional metal-catalyzed ROP, the organocatalyzed ROP (OROP) of LA, enables, under mild and highly selective polymerization conditions, to prepare PLA with predictable/tunable molar mass values and extremely narrow dispersities. Organic activators most typically used in the ROP of LA, most commonly based on commercially available molecules, revolve around single organic initiators, Brønsted/Lewis acids or bases featuring different functional groups including amines and pyridine derivatives, amidines and guanidines, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), as well as phosphines and phosphazenes, and mono- or multi-component dual catalytic systems involving hydrogen-bond interactions. Recent advances in LA OROP developed over the past decade are thus accordingly addressed, emphasizing polymerization mechanism aspects and monomer activation modes, catalyst development, methodologies, stereocontrol/stereoselectivity, and functional group incorporation. The OROP of O-carboxy anhydrides (OCAs), which similarly to LA produce poly(α-hydroxy acid)s, thus enabling the introduction of functional groups along the polyester backbone, is also covered.
Ring-opening Polymerization of N-carboxyanhydrides Using Organic Initiators or Catalysts
Authors: Siefker David , Zhang Donghui
Published: November 2018

Ring-opening polymerizations (ROPs) of amino acid-derived N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) or N-substituted glycine-derived N-carboxyanhydrides (R-NCAs) are commonly used to produce polypeptides or polypeptoids. These polymers have been increasingly investigated for various biotechnological or biomedical applications, for which the absence of metal residues is often desired. This chapter will be focused on the discussion of recent advances in the development of controlled ROPs of NCAs or R-NCAs using organic initiators/catalysts to access well-defined polypeptides or polypeptoids in the context of historical development. Examples of recent efforts in the development of controlled ROPs of amino acid-derived N-thiocarboxyanhydrides (NTAs) or N-substituted glycine-derived N-thiocarboxyanhydrides (R-NCAs), which are the mercapto analogs of NCAs or R-NCAs, will also be discussed.
Organopolymerization of Acrylic Monomers
Authors: Zhao Wuchao , Zhang Yuetao
Published: November 2018

Organopolymerization has become a powerful metal-free strategy for synthesis of polymers in the rapidly growing field of organocatalysis. This chapter briefly reviews the most recent developments and advancements achieved in the organopolymerization of polar vinyl monomers. It details the following three parts: group transfer polymerization, Lewis pair polymerization, and organopolymerization of acrylic monomers by organic catalysts. Selected polymerization results are summarized and mechanisms are discussed in detail for chain initiation, propagation and chain termination. This chapter will serve as good guidelines or a resource for researchers who are interested in organopolymerization of polar vinyl monomers.
Imaging of intracellular-specific microRNA in tumor cells by symmetric exponential amplification-assisted fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Chen Jun , Yin Wen , Ma Yingjun , Yang Huihui , Zhang Yanfei , Xu Mengfei , Zheng Xuling , Dai Zong , Zou Xiaoyong
Published: November 2018

A symmetric exponential amplification-assisted fluorescence in situ hybridization (SEXPAR-FISH) strategy was reported for imaging intracellular-specific microRNAs.
Potential application of 2D monolayer β-GeSe as an anode material in Na/K ion batteries
Authors: Zhou You , Zhao Ming , Chen Zhi Wen , Shi Xiang Mei , Jiang Qing
Published: November 2018

Sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) and potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) have attracted increasing attention due to the high cost and finite abundance of lithium.
Energy transfer and spatial scrambling of an exciton in a conjugated dendrimer
Authors: Ondarse-Alvarez D. , Oldani N. , Roitberg A. E. , Kleiman V. , Tretiak S. , Fernandez-Alberti S.
Published: November 2018

Photoexcitation of multichromophoric light harvesting molecules induces a number of intramolecular electronic energy relaxation and redistribution pathways that can ultimately lead to ultrafast exciton self-trapping on a single chromophore unit.
New ferrocene-based 2-thio-imidazol-4-ones and their copper complexes. Synthesis and cytotoxicity
Authors: Guk D. A. , Krasnovskaya O. O. , Dashkova N. S. , Skvortsov D. A. , Rubtsova M. P. , Dyadchenko V. P. , Yudina E. S. , Kosarev M. A. , Soldatov A. V. , Shapovalov V. V. , Semkina A. S. , Vlasova K. Y. , Pergushov V. I. , Shafikov R. R. , Andreeva A. A. , Melnikov M. Ya. , Zyk N. V. , Majouga A. G. , Beloglazkina E. K.
Published: November 2018

Characterization and cytotoxicity of ferrocene-based imidazolones and their copper complexes.
Temperature dependence of the spin state and geometry in tricobalt paddlewheel complexes with halide axial ligands
Authors: Srinivasan Anandi , Wang Xiaoping , Clérac Rodolphe , Rouzières Mathieu , Falvello Larry R. , McGrady John E. , Hillard Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2018

A series of tricobalt EMACs with halide axial ligands demonstrate diverse spin-crossover behaviors as a function of the molecular geometry and the nature of the axial ligand.
A tetranuclear CuII2DyIII2 coordination cluster as a Suzuki (C–C) coupling reaction promoter
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Griffiths Kieran , Anson Christopher E. , Powell Annie K. , Kostakis George E.
Published: November 2018

The air stable and high yielding tetranuclear coordination cluster [CuII2DyIII2L4(NO3)2(CH3CN)2]·2(CH3CN) promotes the Suzuki coupling reaction of phenylboronic acid with substituted aryl halides under environmentally benign conditions.
Health functions and structure–activity relationships of natural anthraquinones from plants
Authors: Li Yu , Jiang Jian-Guo
Published: November 2018

Anthraquinone compounds with the anthraquinone ring structure are widely found in traditional Chinese medicines and they are attracting a lot of attention due to their good pharmacological activity.
Computational redesign of penicillin acylase for cephradine synthesis with high kinetic selectivity
Authors: He Jinwen , Huang Xiaoqiang , Xue Jing , Zhu Yushan
Published: November 2018

A penicillin acylase variant was designed to catalyze the enzymatic synthesis of β-lactam antibiotic cephradine under industrial conditions.
The size dependant behaviour of particles driven by a travelling surface acoustic wave (TSAW)
Authors: Fakhfouri Armaghan , Devendran Citsabehsan , Ahmed Asif , Soria Julio , Neild Adrian
Published: November 2018

Travelling surface acoustic waves (TSAW) can cause particles to follow the swirling patterns of acoustic streaming, collect in lines or migrate away from the sound source, this paper examines how particle size determines which one of these behaviours occur.
Aggregation-induced emission: fundamental understanding and future developments
Authors: Chen Yuncong , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Liu Bin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: November 2018

In-depth discussion on recent progress of fundamental understanding of AIE mechanisms, identifying the existing challenges and opportunities for future developments.
Compatibility between the cysteine-cyclopentenedione reaction and the copper(i)-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition
Authors: Agramunt Jordi , Saltor Laia , Pedroso Enrique , Grandas Anna
Published: November 2018

The cysteine-cyclopentenedione reaction and CuAAC can be combined for double conjugation provided that the former is carried out firstly.
Hydroximoyl fluorides as the precursors of nitrile oxides: synthesis, stability and [3 + 2]-cycloaddition with alkynes
Authors: Gao Feng-Teng , Fang Zheng , Su Rui-Rui , Rui Pei-Xin , Hu Xiang-Guo
Published: November 2018

This work describes the synthesis, stability study of hydroximoyl fluorides and their first successful transformation to nitrile oxides for [3 + 2]-cycloaddition with alkynes.
Tuning PBT vitrimer properties by controlling the dynamics of the adaptable network
Authors: Zhou Yanwu , Groote Ramon , Goossens Johannes G. P. , Sijbesma Rint P. , Heuts Johan P. A.
Published: November 2018

Vitrimers, which form a bridge between thermosets and thermoplastics, are a class of materials with promising opportunities for modern material innovations.
Non-layered Ti2N synthesized by plasma process for the anodes of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Tsai Hsu-Sheng , Hsu Chih-Hao , Chi Chong-Chi , Wang Yi-Chung , Liu Fan-Wei , Tang Shin-Yi , Tsai Cho-Jen , Ouyang Hao , Chueh Yu-Lun , Liang Jenq-Horng
Published: November 2018

ε-Ti2N synthesized by an N2 plasma-assisted process is first applied to lithium-ion batteries with good performance.
Synthesis and biological characterization of alloyed silver–platinum nanoparticles: from compact core–shell nanoparticles to hollow nanoalloys
Authors: Grasmik Viktoria , Breisch Marina , Loza Kateryna , Heggen Marc , Köller Manfred , Sengstock Christina , Epple Matthias
Published: November 2018

Bimetallic nanoparticles consisting of silver and platinum were prepared by a modified seeded-growth process in water in the full composition range in steps of 10 mol%.
Proteomics for studying the effects ofL. rhamnosusLV108 against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats
Authors: Qu Hengxian , Yu Hongbo , Gu Ruixia , Chen Dawei , Chen Xia , Huang Yingping , Xi Wenbo , Huang Yujun
Published: November 2018

Probiotics show protective effects against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Formation and photochemical properties of aqueous brown carbon through glyoxal reactions with glycine
Authors: Gao Yan , Zhang Yunhong
Published: November 2018

In recent years, brown carbon aerosols, as important contributors to light absorption and climate forcing by aerosols, have been forefront in the field of atmospheric research.
Facile fabrication of hierarchical film composed of Co(OH)2@Carbon nanotube core/sheath nanocables and its capacitive performance
Authors: Fang Hua , Chen Gaoyun , Wang Lixia , Yan Ji , Zhang Linsen , Gao Kezheng , Zhang Yongxia , Wang Lizhen
Published: November 2018

A uniform Co(OH)2 sheath was anchored on the surface of a conductive CNT by a facile strategy, exhibiting comparatively high specific capacitance and outstanding long cycle life stability.
Ni(ii)-based coordination polymers for efficient electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Jiang Zhi-Qiang , Li Yu-Feng , Zhu Xue-Jun , Lu Jin , Zhang Lei , Wen Tian
Published: November 2018

An alkaline-stable cationic Ni(ii) coordination polymer showed remarkable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalytic activity due to capturing Fe ions.
Green-solvent-processed hybrid solar cells based on donor–acceptor conjugated polyelectrolyte
Authors: Yao Shiyu , Liu Leijing , Jiang Shan , Han Wenkun , Liu Yang , Ma Wenyue , Liu Yi , Cui Tian , Tian Wenjing
Published: November 2018

In this work we synthesized a donor–acceptor conjugated polyelectrolyte as a donor for green-solvent-processed hybrid solar cells with a PCE of 5.03%.
Numbering-up of capillary microreactors for homogeneous processes and its application in free radical polymerization
Authors: Qiu Min , Zha Li , Song Yang , Xiang Liang , Su Yuanhai
Published: November 2018

Different numbered-up capillary microreactor systems were assembled with commercially available parts for homogeneous processes with significant variation of fluid properties (e.g., free radical polymerization), and statistical analysis was performed to reveal its flow distribution performance.
Enhancing selectivity and efficiency in the electrochemical synthesis of adiponitrile
Authors: Blanco Daniela E. , Dookhith Aaliyah Z. , Modestino Miguel A.
Published: November 2018

The electrochemical production of Adiponitrile (ADN) is a critical step in the manufacture of Nylon 6,6. This study provides a thorough understanding of the factors affecting this process, leading to design guidelines that help maximize selectivity, ADN production rate, and energy productivity of the system.
Adhesion of a polymer-grafted nanoparticle to cells explored using generalized Langevin dynamics
Authors: Wu Yu-Wen , Yu Hsiu-Yu
Published: November 2018

The adhesive dynamics and potential of mean force of a polymer-grafted stealth nanoparticle to cell are theoretically studied.
Nanocomposite hollow fiber membranes with recyclable β-cyclodextrin encapsulated magnetite nanoparticles for water vapor separation
Authors: Abou-Elanwar Ali M. , Shirke Yogita M. , Ingole Pravin G. , Choi Won-Kil , Lee Hyojin , Hong Seong Uk , Lee Hyung Keun , Jeon Jae-Deok
Published: November 2018

Recyclable βCD-Fe3O4nanoparticles are successfully synthesized by the co-precipitation and incorporated into thin-film polyamide membranes by interfacial polymerization reaction between DETA and TMC on the surface of PSf hollow fibers.
A highly stable and efficient carbon electrode-based perovskite solar cell achieved via interfacial growth of 2D PEA2PbI4 perovskite
Authors: Lee Kisu , Kim Jungwon , Yu Haejun , Lee Jong Woo , Yoon Chang-Min , Kim Seong Keun , Jang Jyongsik
Published: November 2018

Phenylethylammonium iodide (PEAI) treatment simultaneously improved the efficiency and stability of a carbon electrode-based perovskite solar cell.
Facile construction of crosslinked all-carbon-backbone anion-exchange membranes with robust durability
Authors: Li Ling , Yang Qian , Gao Xue Lang , Wu Hong Yue , Zhang Qiu Gen , Zhu Ai Mei , Liu Qing Lin
Published: November 2018

With the aim of preparing highly alkaline stable anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) with desirable ionic exchange capacity (IEC) and swelling, a series of crosslinked poly(4-vinylphenol) (PVP)-based membranes was prepared.
First-principles characterization of two-dimensional (CH3(CH2)3NH3)2(CH3NH3)n−1GenI3n+1 perovskite
Authors: Wu Liyuan , Lu Pengfei , Li Yuheng , Sun Yan , Wong Joseph , Yang Kesong
Published: November 2018

A novel two-dimensional Ge-based hybrid perovskite is proposed for potential optoelectronic applications.
Polypyrrole-coated UCNPs@mSiO2@ZnO nanocomposite for combined photodynamic and photothermal therapy
Authors: Cai Qi , Xu Jiating , Yang Dan , Dai Yunlu , Yang Guixin , Zhong Chongna , Gai Shili , He Fei , Yang Piaoping
Published: November 2018

Under 980 nm light irradiation, polypyrrole-coated UCNPs@mSiO2@ZnO nanocomposites can convert NIR light to achieve both photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT).
Stretchy and strong polyurethane–urea supramolecular (PUUS) hydrogels with various stimulus-responsive behaviours: the effect of chain-extenders
Authors: Xia Qianhui , Chen Lianmin , Zhu Ye , Shao Zengwu , Guo Mingyu
Published: November 2018

This paper provides an easy synthetic strategy combined with straightforward tailoring of the physical properties and functionalities, such that optimal performance can be targeted for various applications of strong and tough supramolecular hydrogels.
MoO2 as a thermally stable oxide electrode for dynamic random-access memory capacitors
Authors: Lee Woongkyu , Cho Cheol Jin , Lee Woo Chul , Hwang Cheol Seong , Chang Robert P. H. , Kim Seong Keun
Published: November 2018

MoO2 is a promising oxide electrode with excellent thermal stability for next-generation DRAM capacitors.
Effects of nitrogen-doping on the photophysical properties of carbon dots
Authors: Manioudakis John , Victoria Florence , Thompson Christine A. , Brown Liam , Movsum Michael , Lucifero Roberto , Naccache Rafik
Published: November 2018

Nitrogen-doping of carbon dots enhances their photoluminescent properties but not all amines passivate the surface equally. Indeed, the chemical makeup of the passivating agent is critical in tailoring the physico-chemical and optical properties of carbon dots.
Amine additive reactions induced by the soft Lewis acidity of Pb2+ in halide perovskites. Part II: impacts of amido Pb impurities in methylammonium lead triiodide thin films
Authors: Kerner Ross A. , Schloemer Tracy H. , Schulz Philip , Berry Joseph J. , Schwartz Jeffrey , Sellinger Alan , Rand Barry P.
Published: November 2018

The beneficial and detrimental effects of amido Pb impurities incorporated in methylammonium lead triiodide thin films are characterized by photoemission spectroscopy.
Association between inflammatory-response gene polymorphisms and risk of acute kidney injury in children
Authors: He Jing , Xie Guoyan , Wu Hui , Xu Song , Xie Jun , Chen Youyuan , Zhao Xinqian
Published: November 2018

In the present study, we investigated the association of 12 polymorphisms in six inflammatory-response genes (TNF, IL6, IL10, IL18, NFKB1 and NFKBIA) with risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in children. The polymorphisms were genotyped in 1138 children with AKI and 1382 non-AKI controls. Logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate the odds ratio for estimating the risk association. After accounting for Bonferroni correction and adjustment for potential confounders, significant association was observed for NFKB1 rs28362491, NFKBIA rs2233406 and NFKBIA rs696 polymorphisms (P < 0.004). All three polymorphisms were associated with a reduced risk of AKI. For rs28362491 polymorphism, the OR for ID vs. II comparison was 0.75 (95% CI = 0.58–0.83) while that for DD vs. II was 0.44 (95% CI = 0.30–0.67). For rs2233406 polymorphism, the CT vs. CC comparison showed an OR of 0.90 (95% CI = 0.39–0.99), while the TT vs. CC comparison showed an OR of 0.43 (95% CI = 0.33–0.80). For rs696 polymorphism, the OR for AG vs. AA comparison was 0.71 (95% CI = 0.43–0.89), while the GG vs. AA comparison showed an OR of 0.39 (95% CI = 0.21–0.71). In conclusion, NFKB1 rs28362491, NFKBIA rs2233406 and NFKBIA rs696 polymorphisms may serve as biomarkers for predicting risk of AKI in children.
Tensile mechanical characteristics of CF/PEEK biocomposites with different surface modifications
Authors: Mao Jiaheng , Pan Yusong , Ding Jie
Published: November 2018

Carbon fibre reinforced polyetheretherketone (CF/PEEK) biocomposites were prepared by the method of hot casting under pressure. The influences of CF surface treatment methods on the tensile strength and modulus of CF/PEEK biocomposites were investigated. The results indicated that the CF modified with concentrated nitric acid was beneficial to improve the tensile strength of CF/PEEK composites. On the contrary, the surface of CF treated by KH‐560 silane couple agent has a little or unfavourable influence on the tensile mechanical properties of CF/PEEK composite. Furthermore, the CF surface treatment methods and CF content have a synergistic effect on the mechanical properties of the biocomposites. With the CF content rising, the difference of the effect of different treatment methods on the tensile mechanical properties of CF/PEEK composites is more and more significant. Meanwhile, the tensile stress–strain relationship of the composites showed linear variation and the break strain of the CF/PEEK composites decreased with increasing CF content. The fracture mechanism of the biocomposites gradually changed from ductile to brittle fracture with the increase of CF content. The tensile strength of the biocomposites first increased and then decreased with the increasing CF content. However, the tensile modulus increased monotonically with CF content rising.
Comprehensive analysis of the effects of bending strain on GFET on ultra‐flat flexible PI substrate using varnish PI
Authors: Kim Kangmin , Park Seulgi , Kim Ohyun
Published: November 2018

The study investigated how bending strain affected graphene field‐effect transistors (GFETs) that had been fabricated on ultra‐flat flexible polyimide (PI) film, and the instability of graphene from repeated bending strain. An ultra‐flat surface of PI film was achieved by using varnish PI with gradually increasing temperature. The average surface roughness was reduced from 23.23 to 0.32 nm. Bending strain distorted the symmetric atomic structure of graphene, and thereby caused a shift of two‐dimensional peak by −42.67 cm−1/% in the Raman spectrum and acted such as uniaxial strain. Bending strain on the GFET increased its energy bandgap, and the increased energy bandgap decreased the ‘off’ current and increased the current on/off ratio. Bending strain increased carrier concentration and decreased carrier mobility. Repeated bending strain damaged graphene by increasing defects, and thereby increased its resistivity by ∼25%. The damage could be recovered by thermal annealing at 200°C.
Kinematics and dynamics of the luminous infrared galaxy pair NGC 5257/58 (Arp 240)
Authors: Fuentes-Carrera I. , Rosado M. , Amram P. , Laurikainen E. , Salo H. , Gómez-López J. A. , Castañeda H. O. , Bernal A. , Balkowski C.
Published: November 2018

Context. Encounters between galaxies modify their morphology, kinematics, and star formation history. The relation between these changes and external perturbations is not straightforward. The great number of parameters involved requires both the study of large samples and individual encounters where particular features, motions, and perturbations can be traced and analysed in detail.

Aims. We analysed the morphology, kinematics, and dynamics of two luminous infrared spiral galaxies of almost equal mass, NGC 5257 and NGC 5258, in which star formation is mostly confined to the spiral arms, in order to understand interactions between galaxies of equivalent masses and star-forming processes during the encounter.

Methods. Using scanning Fabry–Perot interferometry, we studied the contribution of circular and non-circular motions and the response of the ionized gas to external perturbations. We compared the kinematics with direct images and traced the star-forming processes and gravitational effects due to the presence of the other galaxy. The spectral energy distribution of each member of the pair was fitted. A mass model was fitted to the rotation curve of each galaxy.

Results. Large, non-circular motions detected in both galaxies are associated with a bar, spiral arms, and HII regions for the inner parts of the galaxies, and with the tidal interaction for the outer parts of the discs. Bifurcations in the rotation curves indicate that the galaxies have recently undergone pericentric passage. The pattern speed of a perturbation of one of the galaxies is computed. Location of a possible corotation seems to indicate that the gravitational response of the ionized gas in the outer parts of the disc is related to the regions where ongoing star formation is confined. The spectral energy distribution fit indicates slightly different star formation history for each member of the pair. For both galaxies, a pseudo-isothermal halo better fits the global mass distribution.
Differential Analysis of Homeopathic Medicines Attributed to Pride
Authors: Paul John
Published: November 2018

Pride is a secondary emotion that is felt when self-image in the society is at stake. This social emotion is classified into authentic and hubristic pride. Platinum, Palladium, Gratiola, Staphysagria, Sulphur, Lachesis and Veratrum album are few remedies of prime importance mentioned in the homeopathic Materia Medica pertinent to pride. The expression of pride in all the remedies has a particular characteristic feature individualising each remedy. An attempt is made to differentiate the homeopathic medicines attributed to pride in light of modern psychology.
Homeopathy and Psychiatry
Authors: Wadhwani Gyandas
Published: November 2018

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic serious anxiety disorder affecting as many as 1.2% of the population worldwide. A female diagnosed with OCD was brought by her family for homeopathic treatment and with the help of Constantine Hering's ‘Analytical Repertory of the Symptoms of the Mind’ and Boger's ‘Boenninghausen's Characteristics and Repertory’, the remedy Sulphur was chosen. A single dose of 30th potency helped the patient recover gradually over 2 months and she continues to lead a drug-free normal life over one and a half years of follow-up.
Changing diabetes® barometer: A global quality monitoring framework for improving patient outcomes
Authors: Jain Pavika , Aamand Niels
Published: November 2018

This article has a global perspective and includes examples from several continents i.e. Latin America, Africa, Asia and Europe. The Changing Diabetes® Barometer (CDB) is a Novo Nordisk initiative that works as a worldwide quality monitoring system for diabetes management to measure the gains made in the fight against diabetes focusing on quality of care and patient outcomes. CDB provides a platform for countries to share local diabetes data and good practices. In doing so it aims to disseminate improved practices of care. CDB is conceptualised as a framework that can help change diabetes. Its three cornerstones are “Measure, Share, Improve” (MSI):

• MEASURE the quality of diabetes care through patient outcomes and care processes.

• SHARE data on the quality of diabetes care and good practices with all relevant stakeholders.

• IMPROVE the quality of diabetes care by identifying and actively spreading good practices in diabetes care and inspire others to adopt and follow best practice examples.

Italy and Algeria both constitute best practice examples of CDB initiatives. In Italy a registry solution is already solidly implemented and improvements in patient outcomes have been documented. The initiative in Algeria has recently been initiated including establishment of IT equipment in participating clinics to ensure all relevant measurements. This will enable transparency on current level of quality of diabetes care. Both initiatives have the common goal of driving improvements in quality of care and patient outcomes across clinics. India is another good example where data is collected through the CDB aimed at driving improvement of diabetes care in order to improve quality of life for people with diabetes. CDB in India is implemented in five states (Goa, Bihar, Gujarat, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh) and is planned to be expanded to five additional states.
‘Sho-Goh-Wah-Pee-Nay’ - The sugar disease: Not so sweet!
Authors: Mundra Vishal
Published: November 2018

“Sho-goh-wah-pee-nay” or “sugar disease,” an Oji-Cree word (Native American Indian terminology), is more commonly known as “diabetes." Over the last 70 years, diabetes has become an epidemic within Native American Indian tribes. At about 16%, American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest occurrence of diabetes in the United States. There are 566 federally recognized tribes. Drifting genes, obesity, and lower educational levels are among the well-known causes of disease management in this group. However, often forgotten are the socio-cultural aspects of this issue. Disease perception, diet, traditional medicine, poor communication, sedentary lifestyle, poor socio-economic status are most important obstacles. Various government-funded programs like National Diabetes Education Program, “We have the power to prevent diabetes” and “Move it! And reduce your risk of diabetes” and diabetes prevention program are in place. Similar guidelines should be developed for all the ethnic or tribal groups across the world before it becomes a pandemic.
Ex-vivo-Lungenperfusion
Authors: Wiegmann Bettina , Haverich Axel
Published: November 2018

Die Lungentransplantation nahm ihren Ursprung Mitte des 20. Jahrhunderts, doch erst die Einführung des Ciclosporins 1981 brachte den entscheidenden Durchbruch, insbesondere das Langzeitüberleben der Patienten betreffend. Durch die derzeit zunehmende Inzidenz finaler Lungenerkrankungen kommt es jedoch zu einer steigenden Diskrepanz zwischen Organempfängern und Organspendern. Dieses Problem adressierend, befasst sich ein globaler Forschungsfokus mit der Entwicklung und Etablierung der sogenannten Ex-vivo-Lungenperfusion (EVLP), die entgegen des Goldstandards der hypothermen, statischen Organkonservierung die in das EVLP eingespannte Lunge körperwarm perfundiert und beatmet. Hierbei werden 3 wesentliche Strategien zur Erweiterung des Spenderpools verfolgt – sowohl der Einsatz bei sogenannten „Donation after cardiac Death“ mit der Möglichkeit der Reevaluation der in das EVLP implantierten Lunge als auch die Langzeit-EVLP-Anwendung mit der diagnoseabhängigen Therapie suboptimaler Lungen soll für die Konversion nicht transplantabler in transplantable Lungen genutzt werden. Zudem dient das portable EVLP-System der Eskalation der geografischen Flexibilität im Rahmen des Spendermanagements und ist mit der Minimierung der kalten Ischämiezeit assoziiert. Zwar bestehen die EVLP-Systeme aus den gleichen Komponenten, doch ergeben sich aus ihnen eine Vielzahl an Möglichkeiten, das jeweilige EVLP-Protokoll je nach Indikation gestalten zu können. Die Datenanalysen der EVLP-Systeme bestätigen deren Applikation im Rahmen der humanen Lungentransplantation als opportun. Es kommt zu einem reduzierten Ischämie-/Reperfusionsschaden, in dessen Folge sich sowohl die Gasaustauschleistung der Lunge im EVLP als auch der PGD-Grad (PGD: Primary Graft Dysfunction) der Organempfänger im Vergleich zur hypothermen statischen Konservierung signifikant verbessert. Basierend auf diesen Ergebnissen und der Möglichkeit der individuellen Adaptation des EVLP-Protkolls ergeben sich neben der transplantationsassoziierten Anwendung weitere interessante Einsatzgebiete, wie beispielsweise der Infektions- und Tumortherapie, aber auch der Immunmodulation.