bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plastic deformation mechanisms in a severely deformed Fe-Ni-Al-C alloy with superior tensile properties
Authors: Ma Yan , Yang Muxin , Jiang Ping , Yuan Fuping , Wu Xiaolei
Published: November 2017

Nanostructured metals have high strength while they usually exhibit limited uniform elongation. While, a yield strength of approximately 2.1 GPa and a uniform elongation of about 26% were achieved in a severely deformed Fe-24.8%Ni-6.0%Al-0.38%C alloy in the present work. The plastic deformation mechanisms for the coarse-grained (CG) sample and the cold-rolled (CR) samples of this alloy were investigated by a series of mechanical tests and microstructure characterizations before and after tensile tests. No obvious phase transformation was observed during the tensile deformation for the CG sample, and the plastic deformation was found to be mainly accommodated by deformation twins and dislocation behaviors. While significant phase transformation occurs for the CR samples due to the facts that the deformed grains by CR are insufficient to sustain the tensile deformation themselves and the flow stress for the CR samples is high enough to activate the martensite transformation. The amount of phase transformation increases with increasing thickness reduction of CR, resulting in excellent tensile ductility in the severely deformed alloy. The back stress hardening was found to play a more important role in the CR samples than in the CG sample due to the dynamically reinforced heterogeneous microstructure by phase transformation.
Transient increases in intracellular calcium and reactive oxygen species levels in TCam-2 cells exposed to microgravity
Authors: Morabito C. , Guarnieri S. , Catizone A. , Schiraldi C. , Ricci G. , Mariggiò M. A.
Published: November 2017

The effects of microgravity on functions of the human body are well described, including alterations in the male and female reproductive systems. In the present study, TCam-2 cells, which are considered a good model of mitotically active male germ cells, were used to investigate intracellular signalling and cell metabolism during exposure to simulated microgravity, a condition that affects cell shape and cytoskeletal architecture. After a 24 hour exposure to simulated microgravity, TCam-2 cells showed 1) a decreased proliferation rate and a delay in cell cycle progression, 2) increased anaerobic metabolism accompanied by increased levels of intracellular Ca2+, reactive oxygen species and superoxide anion and modifications in mitochondrial morphology. Interestingly, all these events were transient and were no longer evident after 48 hours of exposure. The presence of antioxidants prevented not only the effects described above but also the modifications in cytoskeletal architecture and the activation of the autophagy process induced by simulated microgravity. In conclusion, in the TCam-2 cell model, simulated microgravity activated the oxidative machinery, triggering transient macroscopic cell events, such as a reduction in the proliferation rate, changes in cytoskeleton-driven shape and autophagy activation.
Origin of methane-rich natural gas at the West Pacific convergent plate boundary
Authors: Sano Yuji , Kinoshita Naoya , Kagoshima Takanori , Takahata Naoto , Sakata Susumu , Toki Tomohiro , Kawagucci Shinsuke , Waseda Amane , Lan Tefang , Wen Hsinyi , Chen Ai-Ti , Lee Hsiaofen , Yang Tsanyao F. , Zheng Guodong , Tomonaga Yama , Roulleau Emilie , Pinti Daniele L.
Published: November 2017

Methane emission from the geosphere is generally characterized by a radiocarbon-free signature and might preserve information on the deep carbon cycle on Earth. Here we report a clear relationship between the origin of methane-rich natural gases and the geodynamic setting of the West Pacific convergent plate boundary. Natural gases in the frontal arc basin (South Kanto gas fields, Northeast Japan) show a typical microbial signature with light carbon isotopes, high CH4/C2H6 and CH4/3He ratios. In the Akita-Niigata region – which corresponds to the slope stretching from the volcanic-arc to the back-arc –a thermogenic signature characterize the gases, with prevalence of heavy carbon isotopes, low CH4/C2H6 and CH4/3He ratios. Natural gases from mud volcanoes in South Taiwan at the collision zone show heavy carbon isotopes, middle CH4/C2H6 ratios and low CH4/3He ratios. On the other hand, those from the Tokara Islands situated on the volcanic front of Southwest Japan show the heaviest carbon isotopes, middle CH4/C2H6 ratios and the lowest CH4/3He ratios. The observed geochemical signatures of natural gases are clearly explained by a mixing of microbial, thermogenic and abiotic methane. An increasing contribution of abiotic methane towards more tectonically active regions of the plate boundary is suggested.
The Immunomodulatory Drug Glatiramer Acetate is Also an Effective Antimicrobial Agent that Kills Gram-negative Bacteria
Authors: Christiansen Stig Hill , Murphy Ronan A. , Juul-Madsen Kristian , Fredborg Marlene , Hvam Michael Lykke , Axelgaard Esben , Skovdal Sandra M. , Meyer Rikke Louise , Sørensen Uffe B. Skov , Möller Arne , Nyengaard Jens Randel , Nørskov-Lauritsen Niels , Wang Mikala , Gadjeva Mihaela , Howard Kenneth A. , Davies Jane C. , Petersen Eskild , Vorup-Jensen Thomas
Published: November 2017

Classic drug development strategies have failed to meet the urgent clinical needs in treating infections with Gram-negative bacteria. Repurposing drugs can lead to timely availability of new antibiotics, accelerated by existing safety profiles. Glatiramer acetate (GA) is a widely used and safe formulation for treatment of multiple sclerosis. It contains a large diversity of essentially isomeric polypeptides with the cationic and amphiphilic character of many antimicrobial peptides (AMP). Here, we report that GA is antibacterial, targeting Gram-negative organisms with higher activity towards Pseudomonas aeruginosa than the naturally-occurring AMP LL-37 in human plasma. As judged from flow cytometric assays, bacterial killing by GA occurred within minutes. Laboratory strains of Escherichia coli and P. aeruginosa were killed by a process of condensing intracellular contents. Efficient killing by GA was also demonstrated in Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates and approximately 50% of clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa from chronic airway infection in CF patients. By contrast, the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus cells appeared to be protected from GA by an increased formation of nm-scale particulates. Our data identify GA as an attractive drug repurposing candidate to treat infections with Gram-negative bacteria.
The evolution of a rare mammalian trait – benefits and costs of male philopatry in proboscis bats
Authors: Günther Linus , Knörnschild Mirjam , Nagy Martina , Mayer Frieder
Published: November 2017

While inbreeding avoidance is widely accepted as the major driver of female natal dispersal, the evolution of male philopatry is still poorly understood and discussed to be driven by male mating strategy, mate competition among male kin and kin cooperation. During a twelve-year study, we gathered detailed genetic and observational data of individually marked proboscis bats to assess the degree of male philopatry as well as its costs and benefits to improve the understanding of its evolution. Our results reveal several patrilines with simultaneous presence of closely related males and a small proportion of unrelated immigrant males in their colonies. Philopatric males benefit from avoiding the costs of immigration into foreign colonies through significantly longer tenure, better integration (i.e. frequent nocturnal presence in the colonies) and consequently significantly higher reproductive success compared to immigrant males. Finally, we illustrate that despite a high proportion of philopatric males in the groups, the number of closely related competing males is low. Thus, the hypothesised costs of mate competition among male kin seem to be low in promiscuous mammalian societies with unrelated females and a small degree of male immigration and are readily outweighed by the benefits of staying in the natal group.
Electroacupuncture Attenuates Induction of Inflammatory Pain by Regulating Opioid and Adenosine Pathways in Mice
Authors: Liao Hsien-Yin , Hsieh Ching-Liang , Huang Chun-Ping , Lin Yi-Wen
Published: November 2017

Although inflammatory pain is a common clinical condition, its mechanisms are still unclear. Electroacupuncture (EA), a well-known method of pain management, may reduce inflammatory pain by regulating neurons, astrocytes, and inflammatory signaling pathways. Injections of complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA), which can initiate cell-mediated inflammatory pain, resulted in significant hyperalgesia, which was subsequently prevented by EA. In CFA-injected mice, a dramatic increase was observed in the expression of the following proteins in the dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord dorsal horn: the astrocytic marker GFAP, S100B, RAGE, pPKCε, COX-2, pERK, and pNFκB. These effects were reversed by EA. In addition, mechanical hyperalgesia was significantly reduced in the N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) i.p. or i.m. and endomorphin (EM) i.p. groups. Neither EM i.m. nor EM i.p. exhibited any analgesic effect on thermal hyperalgesia. However, both CPA i.m. and CPA i.p. attenuated thermal hyperalgesia in the mouse inflammatory pain model. We showed that CPA reduced COX-2 and pPKCε expression. However, EM administration did not reduce COX-2 levels. Combined administration of naloxone and rolofylline increased pPKCε and COX-2 pathways. Taken together, our study results revealed a novel and detailed mechanism of EA-induced analgesia that involves the regulation of the opioid and adenosine pathways.
Resveratrol modulates cocaine-induced inhibitory synaptic plasticity in VTA dopamine neurons by inhibiting phosphodiesterases (PDEs)
Authors: Li Yan , Yu Laikang , Zhao Li , Zeng Fanxing , Liu Qing-song
Published: November 2017

Resveratrol is a natural phytoalexin synthesized by plants, including grapes. It displays a wide range of neuroprotective benefits associated with anti-aging. Recent studies have shown that resveratrol regulates dopaminergic transmission and behavioral effects of drugs of abuse. The goal of the present study is to investigate whether and how resveratrol alters basal inhibitory synaptic transmission and cocaine-induced inhibitory synaptic plasticity in dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA). We report that resveratrol elevated cAMP levels by itself and further potentiated a forskolin-induced increase in cAMP levels in midbrain slices, consistent with reported effects of inhibition of phosphodiesterases (PDEs). Resveratrol potentiated GABAA and GABAB-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in VTA dopamine neurons, and these effects were mediated by a protein kinase A (PKA)–dependent enhancement of presynaptic GABA release. In addition, we found that resveratrol blocked endocannabinoid-mediated long-term synaptic depression in VTA dopamine neurons. Resveratrol pretreatments attenuated cocaine-induced conditioned place preference and blocked the cocaine-induced reduction of GABAergic inhibition in VTA dopamine neurons. Together, these results provide evidence that resveratrol modulates basal inhibitory synaptic transmission, cocaine-induced synaptic plasticity, and drug-cue associative learning.
Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface water using simplified liquid–liquid micro-extraction and pseudo-MRM GC/MS/MS
Authors: Yan Jeffrey , Kim Marcus , Haberl Maxine , Kwok Honoria , Brunswick Pamela , MacInnis Ceara , van Aggelen Graham , Shang Dayue
Published: November 2017

A simplified liquid–liquid micro-extraction (LLME) GC/MS/MS method was developed for the determination of 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface water.
Structure guided or structure guiding? Mixed carbon/hydrogen bonding in a bis-Schiff base of N-allyl isatin
Authors: Hussain Majid , Bauzá Antonio , Frontera Antonio , Lo Kong Mun , Naseer Muhammad Moazzam
Published: November 2017

A supramolecular motif listed as ‘carbon bonded’ or ‘hydrogen bonded’ may have the character of both. We highlight the hybrid character of the non-covalent interaction in a bis-Schiff base of N-allyl isatin by combining theory and experiment.
Interfacial electronic structure of Cl6SubPc non-fullerene acceptors in organic photovoltaics using soft X-ray spectroscopies
Authors: Lee Hyunbok , Ahn Sun Woo , Ryu Sim Hee , Ryu Bo Kyung , Lee Myeung Hee , Cho Sang Wan , Smith Kevin E. , Jones Tim S.
Published: November 2017

The significantly high energy gap between a SubPc donor and a Cl6SubPc acceptor is the origin of highVOCin OPVs.
The generalized maximum hardness principle revisited and applied to solids (Part 2)
Authors: Grochala Wojciech
Published: November 2017

Part 2 of this duology is devoted to extended solids, polymorphism and phase diagrams, to which we apply the generalized maximum hardness principle. We illustrate the applicability of the principle to a broad range of phenomena and distinct systems and propose its reformulation.
CO2 adsorption on anatase TiO2(101) surfaces: a combination of UHV-FTIRS and first-principles studies
Authors: Cao Yunjun , Yu Min , Qi Shandong , Wang Tingting , Huang Shiming , Ren Zhengfeng , Yan Shishen , Hu Shujun , Xu Mingchun
Published: November 2017

The IRRAS results show that the ν3(OCO) asymmetric stretching vibration of adsorbed CO2 on a-TiO2(101) surfaces exhibits band splitting, which results from the swing motion of CO2 molecules on a-TiO2(101) surfaces at finite temperature.
Charge doping in graphene on thermodynamically preferred BiFeO3(0001) polar surfaces
Authors: Dai Jian-Qing , Li Xiao-Ya , Xu Jie-Wang
Published: November 2017

Charge doping in graphene on thermodynamically stable BFO Z+ and Z− surfaces.
The structure and catalytic properties of Rh-doped CeO2 catalysts
Authors: Derevyannikova E. A. , Kardash T. Yu. , Kibis L. S. , Slavinskaya E. M. , Svetlichnyi V. A. , Stonkus O. A. , Ivanova A. S. , Boronin A. I.
Published: November 2017

The PDF analysis with TEM, XPS and Raman spectroscopy indicates the formation of homogenous RhxCe1−xO2−δ nanocrystalline solid solutions.
Impacts of cloud water droplets on the OH production rate from peroxide photolysis
Authors: Martins-Costa M. T. C. , Anglada J. M. , Francisco J. S. , Ruiz-López Manuel F.
Published: November 2017

According to computer simulations, the OH production rate associated with methylhydroperoxide photolysis “on water” is comparable to ozone's.
Investigation of methanol conversion over high-Si beta zeolites and the reaction mechanism of their high propene selectivity
Authors: Zhao Xuebin , Wang Linying , Li Jinzhe , Xu Shutao , Zhang Wenna , Wei Yingxu , Guo Xinwen , Tian Peng , Liu Zhongmin
Published: November 2017

Large pore high-Si beta zeolites (Si/Al = 136 to 340) were synthesized by a HF-assisted method, and their catalytic performance for the conversion of methanol to propene was explored.
Improving the relevance and efficiency of human exposure assessments within the process of regulatory risk assessment
Authors: Money Chris
Published: November 2017

The article explores how tiered and targeted information acquisition can improve the effectiveness of the human exposure assessment process.
Effect of raw and purified carbon nanotubes and iron oxide nanoparticles on the growth of wheatgrass prepared from the cotyledons of common wheat (triticum aestivum)
Authors: Lee Seung Mook , Raja Pavan M. V. , Esquenazi Gibran L. , Barron Andrew R.
Published: November 2017

The increase in global production of nanomaterials has raised concern as to their possible effects on plants that could ultimately affect the human population.
Integrating proteomics, metabolomics and typical analysis to investigate the uptake and oxidative stress of graphene oxide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Li Xiaokang , Mu Li , Hu Xiangang
Published: November 2017

Graphene oxide (GO) is an emergent engineered nanomaterial that shows great potential for use in agricultural applications, such as promoting crop production and controlling insect pests.
Micelle formation as a factor influencing the mode(s) of metal ion partitioning into N-alkylpyridinium-based ionic liquids (ILs): implications for the design of IL-based extraction systems
Authors: Wankowski James L. , Kaul Michael J. , Dietz Mark L.
Published: November 2017

In the extraction of alkali and alkaline earth cations by a crown ether into certain N-alkylpyridinium-based ILs, the balance between neutral complex/ion-pair partitioning and ion exchange is significantly altered by the formation of micelles in the aqueous phase involving the IL cation.
Protective effect of selenium supplementation following oxidative stress mediated by glucose on retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: González de Vega Raquel , García Montserrat , Fernández-Sánchez María Luisa , González-Iglesias Héctor , Sanz-Medel Alfredo
Published: November 2017

Selenium supplementation protects retinal pigment epithelial cells from glucose-induced stress by preserving glutathione peroxidase activity.
Application of superhalogens in the design of organic superconductors
Authors: Srivastava Ambrish K. , Kumar Abhishek , Tiwari Sugriva N. , Misra Neeraj
Published: November 2017

This study shows that the acceptors of super-electrons in organic superconductors belong to the class of superhalogens and proposes that a new series of salts, (TMTSF)2X, can be realized where X is a superhalogen, which possess similar properties to those of the existing Bechgaard salts. Thus, the concept of superhalogens can be useful in designing potential candidates for organic superconductors.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of novel nanostructured Zn3(OH)2V2O7·2H2O and Zn2V2O7 as electrode materials for supercapacitors
Authors: Li Yingdi , Teng Yifei , Zhang Ziqing , Feng Yi , Xue Peng , Tong Wenming , Liu Xiaoyang
Published: November 2017

Zn3(OH)2V2O7·2H2O nanowires and nanowire-shaped Zn2V2O7 synthesized through a microwave-assisted method and a successive annealing exhibited outstanding electrochemical performance.
Enhanced energy transfer in heterogeneous nanocrystals for near infrared upconversion photocurrent generation
Authors: Wang L. , Ren L. , Mitchell D. , Casillas-Garcia G. , Ren W. , Ma C. , Xu X. X. , Wen S. , Wang F. , Zhou J. , Xu X. , Hao W. , Dou S. X. , Du Y.
Published: November 2017

A heterogeneous NaYF4:Yb,Tm@ZnO nanoparticle with an epitaxial interface is prepared, and it possesses an enhanced upconversion emission intensity and an excellent photocurrent response.
A graphene-like membrane with an ultrahigh water flux for desalination
Authors: Yan Y. G. , Wang W. S. , Li W. , Loh K. P. , Zhang J.
Published: November 2017

A high-density nanoporous membrane for seawater desalination with an ultrahigh water flux and 100% salt rejection.
Peramivir analogues bearing hydrophilic side chains exhibit higher activities against H275Y mutant than wild-type influenza virus
Authors: Chiu Din-Chi , Lin Tzu-Chen , Huang Wen-I , Cheng Ting-Jen , Tsai Keng-Chang , Fang Jim-Min
Published: November 2017

The peramivir analogue bearing a hydrophilic glycerol side chain displays 9-fold stronger inhibition against H275Y mutant than wild-type influenza virus.
Pd-Catalyzed regioselective intramolecular dehydrogenative C-5 cross coupling in anN-substituted pyrrole-azole system
Authors: Tripathi Krishna N. , Ray Devalina , Singh Ravi P.
Published: November 2017

A C5-selective intramolecular dehydrogenative cross coupling inN-substituted pyrrole-azoles in the presence of a reactive C2 position is achieved.
Effective bandgap narrowing of Cu–In–Zn–S quantum dots for photocatalytic H2 production via cocatalyst-alleviated charge recombination
Authors: Tan Lili , Liu Yanhong , Mao Baodong , Luo Bifu , Gong Guan , Hong Yuanzhi , Chen Biyi , Shi Weidong
Published: November 2017

Effective bandgap narrowing of Cu–In–Zn–S quantum dots is achieved with increased tolerance of Cu from the cocatalyst-alleviated charge recombination.
Photo-induced orientation behaviors of azobenzene liquid crystal copolymers for photonic crystals
Authors: Kim Sunnam , Ishii Shunsuke , Yagi Ryohei , Kuwahara Yutaka , Ogata Tomonari , Kurihara Seiji
Published: November 2017

Light response inside is improved by decrease of light absorption near surface based on LC cooperative orientation.
In situ second-harmonic generation mediated photodynamic therapy by micelles co-encapsulating coordination nanoparticle and photosensitizer
Authors: Zhou Xuyang , Chen Yang , Su Jian , Tian Xiaohe , Luo Yonghuang , Luo Lei
Published: November 2017

NIR-PDT strategy was introduced by employing a nonlinear optical conveyor bearing strong second-harmonic generation (SHG) property. A biocompatible micellic system co-delivered the conveyor and photosensitizer for in situ NIR-PDT.
Theoretical calculation and experiment study on the electronic structure, microstructures and photocatalytic activity of N–Al codoped TiO2
Authors: Wang Dandan , Zheng Yongjie , Tian Jingzhi , Jing Tao , Kan Wei , Hu Yi
Published: November 2017

To more accurately demonstrate how the electronic structure was changed and to explain the origin of the enhanced photocatalytic activity by N–Al codoped TiO2, we investigated N, Al monodoped, and codoped TiO2by theoretical calculation and experiments.
MiR-138-5p targeting LIMK1 suppresses breast cancer cell proliferation and motility
Authors: Li Dengfeng , Song Hongming , Wu Tianqi , Xie Dan , Hu Jiashu , Zhao Junyong , Fang Lin
Published: November 2017

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed female cancer.
Nanogel-antimiR-31 conjugates affect colon cancer cells behaviour
Authors: Dispenza C. , Sabatino M. A. , Ajovalasit A. , Ditta L. A. , Ragusa M. , Purrello M. , Costa V. , Conigliaro A. , Alessandro R.
Published: November 2017

Soft nanogels, produced by electron beam irradiation, are conjugated to the inhibitor of miR-31, an important molecule in colorectal cancer progression. AntimiR-31 interacts with its biological target in vitro, without being detached from the nanogel.
A perspective on diverse adsorbent materials to recover precious palladium and the way forward
Authors: Sharma Shivani , Krishna Kumar A. Santhana , Rajesh N.
Published: November 2017

A perspective on diverse adsorbent materials for the recovery of palladium.
1,1′-Dibenzyl-bis-(triazolyl)diphenylphosphine dioxide: a new efficient organocatalyst for silicon tetrachloride-mediated enantioselective Abramov-type phosphonylation of aldehydes with trialkyl phosphites
Authors: Sevrain Nicolas , Volle Jean-Noël , Pirat Jean-Luc , Ayad Tahar , Virieux David
Published: November 2017

Asymmetric phosphonylation of aldehydes with trialkyl phosphites mediated by SiCl4 and 1,1′-dibenzyl-bis-(triazolyl)diphenylphosphine dioxide organocatalyst.
Tunable Dirac cones in two-dimensional covalent organic materials: C2N6S3 and its analogs
Authors: Wei Lin , Zhang Xiaoming , Liu Xiaobiao , Zhou Hongcai , Yang Bo , Zhao Mingwen
Published: November 2017

C2N6S3 sustains a biaxial tensile strain up to 24% and its Fermi velocity can be tuned by biaxial strain.
A new seco-pimarane diterpene and four new β-resorcylic acid lactones from a fungicolous Hypomyces subiculosus
Authors: Liu Li , Liu Ruixing , Basnet Buddha Bahadur , Bao Li , Han Junjie , Ren Jinwei , Zeng Zhaoqing , Zhuang Wenying , Liu Hongwei
Published: November 2017

One new seco-primarane diterpene and four new β-resorcylic acid lactones were isolated and identified from the fungicolous Hypomyces subiculosus.
Design and 3D printing of a stainless steel reactor for continuous difluoromethylations using fluoroform
Authors: Gutmann Bernhard , Köckinger Manuel , Glotz Gabriel , Ciaglia Tania , Slama Eyke , Zadravec Matej , Pfanner Stefan , Maier Manuel C. , Gruber-Wölfler Heidrun , Oliver Kappe C.
Published: November 2017

The design and 3D printing of a stainless steel reactor for reaction with a gaseous reagent is described.
Metal-dependent allosteric activation and inhibition on the same molecular scaffold: the copper sensor CopY from Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Glauninger Hendrik , Zhang Yifan , Higgins Khadine A. , Jacobs Alexander D. , Martin Julia E. , Fu Yue , Coyne, 3rd H. Jerome , Bruce Kevin E. , Maroney Michael J. , Clemmer David E. , Capdevila Daiana A. , Giedroc David P.
Published: November 2017

The dynamics and marginal stability of CopY enable allosteric activation of DNA binding by Zn(ii) and inhibition by Cu(i).
Nitrogen-doped porous carbons derived from a natural polysaccharide for multiple energy storage devices
Authors: Cui Yongpeng , Wang Huanlei , Xu Xiaonan , Lv Yan , Shi Jing , Liu Wei , Chen Shougang , Wang Xin
Published: November 2017

N-Doped carbon nanomaterials can be easily synthesized by a one-step carbonization/activation method, which can achieve excellent electrochemical performance for multiple energy storage.
Adsorption parameters and phase behaviour of non-ionic surfactants at liquid interfaces
Authors: Slavchov Radomir Iliev , Ivanov Ivan Boyanov
Published: November 2017

A reasonable adsorption model is one that allows all adsorption parameters (adsorption constant, hard-disc areaα, attraction parameterβ) of a surfactant at a liquid interface to be predicted accurately as a function of the molecular structure and medium conditions.
Super-durable, non-fluorinated superhydrophobic free-standing items
Authors: Zhang Xia , Zhi Danfeng , Sun Lei , Zhao Yanbao , Tiwari Manish K. , Carmalt Claire J. , Parkin Ivan P. , Lu Yao
Published: November 2017

The reported superhydrophobic free-standing blocks show superior mechanical and chemical performances compared with commercial superhydrophobic coatings.
MXene: an emerging two-dimensional material for future energy conversion and storage applications
Authors: Chaudhari Nitin K. , Jin Hanuel , Kim Byeongyoon , San Baek Du , Joo Sang Hoon , Lee Kwangyeol
Published: November 2017

This review addresses the recent developments and progress in the synthesis, structure and properties of MXenes, as well as their energy conversion and storage and related applications.
A low temperature processed fused-ring electron transport material for efficient planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhang Mingyu , Zhu Jingshuai , Liu Kuan , Zheng Guanhaojie , Zhao Guanchao , Li Liwei , Meng Yuan , Guo Ted , Zhou Huanping , Zhan Xiaowei
Published: November 2017

A low temperature processed fused-ring electron acceptor IDIC is used as the electron transport layer in planar n–i–p perovskite solar cells, which exhibit higher efficiency and better stability than control devices based on TiO2.
Porous PLGA microspheres with recruited ions and doxorubicin for triple-combination therapy of larger hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tang Shunsong , Zhou Hongqiao , Wu Qiong , Fu Changhui , Tan Longfei , Ren Xiangling , Huang Zhongbing , Chen Xudong , Ren Jun , Meng Xianwei
Published: November 2017

This PLGA spheres with Na+/Cl− and DOX are used in MW-susceptible chemoembolization for large hepatocellular carcinoma.
Photoluminescent polyphosphazene nanoparticles for in situ simvastatin delivery for improving the osteocompatibility of BMSCs
Authors: Huang Zhao-Hui , Wei Peng-Fei , Jin Le , Hu Xiao-Qing , Cai Qing , Yang Xiao-Ping
Published: November 2017

Photoluminescent prodrug nanoparticles for BMSCs’ endocytosis to improve osteogenesis via in situ simvastatin delivery resulting from polyphosphazene hydrolysis.
Recent progress in nanotechnology for stem cell differentiation, labeling, tracking and therapy
Authors: Yi Dong Kee , Nanda Sitansu Sekhar , Kim Kwangmeyung , Tamil Selvan Subramanian
Published: November 2017

Nanotechnology advancements for stem cell differentiation, labeling, tracking and therapeutic applications in cardiac repair, bone, and liver regeneration are delineated.
Exploring Summarization Differences for Two Types of Expository Discourse in Adolescents With Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Lundine Jennifer P. , Harnish Stacy M. , McCauley Rebecca J. , Zezinka Alexandra B. , Blackett Deena Schwen , Fox Robert A.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Annually, nearly 700,000 U.S. children and adolescents experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Many of them struggle academically, despite failing to qualify for special education services because their cognitive communication impairments are subtle.

Method

In this exploratory study, five adolescents with TBI provided verbal summaries of two expository lectures (compare–contrast, cause–effect) and participated in cognitive and expressive syntax testing. Their performance on these tasks was compared descriptively to that of 50 adolescents with typical development.

Results

For adolescents with TBI, mean summary quality scores for both exposition types were at least 1
SD
lower than those of adolescents with typical development and notably 2
SD
s below for the cause–effect passage. The adolescents with TBI who had below-average cognitive scores showed better performance on compare–contrast summaries compared to cause–effect, whereas the majority of adolescents with typical development showed the opposite tendency.

Conclusions

These results provide preliminary evidence that students with TBI, particularly those with cognitive deficits, may struggle with expository discourse despite acceptable performance on a measure of expressive syntax. This study also indicates that researchers should explore how students with TBI perform on academically relevant discourse tasks in order to inform future assessment and intervention efforts.

Supplemental Materials

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5572786
A National Survey of Simulation Use in University Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Authors: Dudding Carol C. , Nottingham Elizabeth E.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

This study provides a framework for understanding the range and diversity of simulation use, along with the benefits and challenges to the growth of simulation in university programs in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) across the United States.

Method

A web-based questionnaire was developed and deployed to educators in undergraduate and graduate speech-language pathology and audiology programs in the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association EdFind database (
N
= 309). Responses from 44% (
n =
136) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association–accredited CSD programs were analyzed.

Results

Overall, 51% (
n =
69) of respondents reported using simulations in clinical education. Of the 5 categories of health care simulation, programs most often employed standardized patients and/or computer-based simulations. Barriers to using simulations included a lack of knowledge, limited financial resources, undertrained faculty, and little guidance from accrediting bodies. A significant number of respondents (
n =
66) agreed with the statement that simulated experiences could account for up to 25% of required direct clinical hours in speech-language pathology and audiology.

Conclusions

Results of this study suggest an emerging acceptance of simulations as a method of augmenting clinical education within CSD programs. Expanding educational efforts and increasing opportunities for faculty training are essential in realizing the full potential of future professionals using simulations in CSD.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5576296
Recognition and Comprehension of “Narrow Focus” by Young Adults With Prelingual Hearing Loss Using Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants
Authors: Segal Osnat , Kishon-Rabin Liat
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The stressed word in a sentence (narrow focus [NF]) conveys information about the intent of the speaker and is therefore important for processing spoken language and in social interactions. The ability of participants with severe-to-profound prelingual hearing loss to comprehend NF has rarely been investigated. The purpose of this study was to assess the recognition and comprehension of NF by young adults with prelingual hearing loss compared with those of participants with normal hearing (NH).

Method

The participants included young adults with hearing aids (HA;n= 10), cochlear implants (CI;n= 12), and NH (n= 18). The test material included the Hebrew Narrow Focus Test (Segal, Kaplan, Patael, & Kishon-Rabin, in press), with 3 subtests, which was used to assess the recognition and comprehension of NF in different contexts.

Results

The following results were obtained: (a) CI and HA users successfully recognized the stressed word, with the worst performance for CI; (b) HA and CI comprehended NF less well than NH; and (c) the comprehension of NF was associated with verbal working memory and expressive vocabulary in CI users.

Conclusions

Most CI and HA users were able torecognizethe stressed word in a sentence but had considerable difficultyunderstandingit. Different factors may contribute to this difficulty, including the memory load during the task itself and linguistic and pragmatic abilities.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5572792
Categorical Perception of Mandarin Chinese Tones 1–2 and Tones 1–4: Effects of Aging and Signal Duration
Authors: Wang Yuxia , Yang Xiaohu , Liu Chang
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the aging effect on the categorical perception of Mandarin Chinese tones with varied fundamental frequency (F0) contours and signal duration.

Method

Both younger and older native Chinese listeners with normal hearing were recruited in 2 experiments: tone identification and tone discrimination on a series of stimuli with the F0 contour systematically varying from the flat tone to the rising–falling tones. Apart from F0 contour, tone duration was manipulated at 3 levels: 100, 200, and 400 ms.

Results

Results suggested that, compared with younger listeners, older listeners performed with shallower slope in the identification function and smaller peakedness in the discrimination function, particularly for Tones 1 and 2, whereas for Tones 1 and 4, comparable categorical perception was found between younger and older listeners.

Conclusions

The current study suggested that longer duration facilitated categorical perception in the flat–rising tones for the older listeners. Such an aging effect was not found with the flat–falling tones, suggesting that the aging-related deficit in categorical perception might relate to different tone types. Aging resulted in less categoricality of Mandarin tone perception for the flat–rising tones with short duration like 100 ms, possibly due to the aging-related decline in temporal processing.
Driver drowsiness detection using facial dynamic fusion information and a DBN
Authors: Zhao Lei , Wang Zengcai , Wang Xiaojin , Liu Qing
Published: November 2017

Driver drowsiness is a frequent cause of traffic accidents. Research on driver drowsiness detection methods is important to improve road traffic safety. Previous driving fatigue detection methods frequently extracted single features such as eye or mouth changes and trained shallow classifiers, which limit the generalisation capability of these methods. This study proposes a framework for recognising driver drowsiness expression by using facial dynamic fusion information and a deep belief network (DBN) to address the aforementioned problem. First, the landmarks and textures of the facial region are extracted from videos captured using a high‐definition camera. Then, a DBN is built to classify facial drowsiness expressions. Finally, the authors’ method is tested on a driver drowsiness dataset, which includes different genders, ages, head poses and illuminations. Certain experiments are also carried out to investigate the effects of different facial subregions and temporal resolutions on the accuracy of driver fatigue recognition. Results demonstrate the validity of the proposed method, which has an average accuracy of 96.7%.
Network‐based method for detecting dysregulated pathways in glioblastoma cancer
Authors: Wu Hao , Dong Jihua , Wei Jicheng
Published: November 2017

The knowledge on the biological molecular mechanisms underlying cancer is important for the precise diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. Detecting dysregulated pathways in cancer can provide insights into the mechanism of cancer and help to detect novel drug targets. Based on the wide existing mutual exclusivity among mutated genes and the interrelationship between gene mutations and expression changes, this study presents a network‐based method to detect the dysregulated pathways from gene mutations and expression data of the glioblastoma cancer. First, the authors construct a gene network based on mutual exclusivity between each pair of genes and the interaction between gene mutations and expression changes. Then they detect all complete subgraphs using CFinder clustering algorithm in the constructed gene network. Next, the two gene sets whose overlapping scores are above a specific threshold are merged. Finally, they obtain two dysregulated pathways in which there are glioblastoma‐related multiple genes which are closely related to the two subtypes of glioblastoma. The results show that one dysregulated pathway revolving around epidermal growth factor receptor is likely to be associated with the primary subtype of glioblastoma, and the other dysregulated pathway revolving around TP53 is likely to be associated with the secondary subtype of glioblastoma.
Economical Synthesis of α-Amino Acids from a Novel Family of Easily Available Schiff Bases of Glycine Esters and 2-Hydroxy­benzophenone
Authors: Belokon Yuri , Gugkaeva Zalina , Larionov Vladimir , Moskalenko Margarita , Khrustalev Victor , Nelyubina Yulia , Peregudov Alexander , Tsaloev Alan , Maleev Victor
Published: November 2017

We report a novel, efficient, and easily prepared substrate/precursor family of Schiff bases of various glycine esters with 2-hydroxybenzophenone, and their use for the synthesis of amino acids in quantitative yields. The Michael addition of the substrates to methyl acrylate gave two different types of product (cyclic or chain), depending on the nature of the base. Also, we demonstrated that one of the new substrates could be involved in an asymmetric version of the alkylation reaction (70% ee).
Modified Eaton-Littler's Reconstruction for Traumatic Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Instability: Operative Technique and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Iyengar Karthikeyan , Loh William , Matar Hosam
Published: November 2017

Background Injuries to thumb carpometacarpal joint ligaments lead to instability. Eaton-Littler's ligament reconstruction traditionally uses a strip of flexor carpi radialis to stabilize the CMC joint.

Study Description We have modified this technique to reproduce the direction of active action of the anterior oblique ligament by reconstructing both the volar and dorsoradial ligaments. In this prospective study, we evaluated patients with confirmed traumatic thumb CMC joint instability who underwent modified Eaton-Littler's reconstruction. Strength analysis, Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire, QuickDASH, and subjective outcome measures were collected pre- and postoperatively with minimum 3 years of follow-up. Eleven patients were included in the final analysis, with mean age of 29 years (range: 16–52) and average follow-up of 6.2 years (range: 3–11). There was a statistically significant improvement in all outcome measures.

Clinical Relevance Our modified technique helps to simultaneously address both volar and dorsal ligaments and yields satisfactory clinical outcomes at medium term follow-up.

Level of Evidence Level IV, case series.
A New Era of Minimally Invasive Surgery: Progress and Development of Major Technical Innovations in General Surgery Over the Last Decade
Authors: Siddaiah-Subramanya Manjunath , Tiang Kor , Nyandowe Masimba
Published: November 2017

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) continues to play an important role in general surgery as an alternative to traditional open surgery as well as traditional laparoscopic techniques. Since the 1980s, technological advancement and innovation have seen surgical techniques in MIS rapidly grow as it is viewed as more desirable. MIS, which includes natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS), is less invasive and has better cosmetic results. The technological growth and adoption of NOTES and SILS by clinicians in the last decade has however not been uniform. We look at the differences in new developments and advancement in the different techniques in the last 10 years. We also aim to explain these differences as well as the implications in general surgery for the future.
New Results on Brain Stimulation in Chronic Pain
Authors: Antal Andrea , Paulus Walter , Rohde Veit
Published: November 2017

Pain that has become chronic has lost its warning function and is associated with dysfunction of the so-called pain network. Systematic brain stimulation aims to normalize this network by modulating neuronal activities. Non-invasive DC stimulation (tDCS) or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) are considered effective in pain treatment. Here, the stimulation of the primary motor cortex (M1) plays a central role. If the pain is not adequately controlled by tDCS and rTMS, invasive procedures such as motor cortex stimulation (MCS) or deep brain stimulation are available as a last resort.
Natural and bio-inspired underwater adhesives: Current progress and new perspectives
Authors: Cui Mengkui , Ren Susu , Wei Shicao , Sun Chengjun , Zhong Chao
Published: November 2017

Many marine organisms harness diverse protein molecules as underwater adhesives to achieve strong and robust interfacial adhesion under dynamic and turbulent environments. Natural underwater adhesion phenomena thus provide inspiration for engineering adhesive materials that can perform in water or high-moisture settings for biomedical and industrial applications. Here we review examples of biological adhesives to show the molecular features of natural adhesives and discuss how such knowledge serves as a heuristic guideline for the rational design of biologically inspired underwater adhesives. In view of future bio-inspired research, we propose several potential opportunities, either in improving upon current L-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine-based and coacervates-enabled adhesives with new features or engineering conceptually new types of adhesives that recapitulate important characteristics of biological adhesives. We underline the importance of viewing natural adhesives as dynamic materials, which owe their outstanding performance to the cellular coordination of protein expression, delivery, deposition, assembly, and curing of corresponding components with spatiotemporal control. We envision that the emerging synthetic biology techniques will provide great opportunities for advancing both fundamental and application aspects of underwater adhesives.
Delay induced high order locking effects in semiconductor lasers
Authors: Kelleher B. , Wishon M. J. , Locquet A. , Goulding D. , Tykalewicz B. , Huyet G. , Viktorov E. A.
Published: November 2017

Multiple time scales appear in many nonlinear dynamical systems. Semiconductor lasers, in particular, provide a fertile testing ground for multiple time scale dynamics. For solitary semiconductor lasers, the two fundamental time scales are the cavity repetition rate and the relaxation oscillation frequency which is a characteristic of the field-matter interaction in the cavity. Typically, these two time scales are of very different orders, and mutual resonances do not occur. Optical feedback endows the system with a third time scale: the external cavity repetition rate. This is typically much longer than the device cavity repetition rate and suggests the possibility of resonances with the relaxation oscillations. We show that for lasers with highly damped relaxation oscillations, such resonances can be obtained and lead to spontaneous mode-locking. Two different laser types-—a quantum dot based device and a quantum well based device—are analysed experimentally yielding qualitatively identical dynamics. A rate equation model is also employed showing an excellent agreement with the experimental results.
Investigation on electrical tree propagation in polyethylene based on etching method
Authors: Shi Zexiang , Zhang Xiaohong , Wang Kun , Gao Junguo , Guo Ning
Published: November 2017

To investigate the characteristic of electrical tree propagation in semi-crystalline polymers, the low-density polyethylene (LDPE) samples containing electrical trees are cut into slices by using ultramicrotome. Then the slice samples are etched by potassium permanganate etchant. Finally, the crystalline structure and the electrical tree propagation path in samples are observed by polarized light microscopy (PLM). According to the observation, the LDPE spherocrystal structure model is established on the basis of crystallization kinetics and morphology of polymers. And the electrical tree growth process in LDPE is discussed based on the free volume breakdown theory, the molecular chain relaxation theory, the electromechanical force theory, the thermal expansion effect and the space charge shielding effect.
Nanostructuring and wettability of ion treated Au thin films
Authors: Singh Udai B. , Yadav R. P. , Kumar Raj , Ojha Sunil , Mittal A. K. , Ghosh Santanu , Singh Fouran
Published: November 2017

The formation of Au nanostructures (NSs) under 8 keV Ne+ ion treatment of Au thin film is investigated to explore the involved mechanism using experimental and theoretical approaches. This study is based on atomic force microscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, and contact angle measurements. The results are discussed in the light of the thermal spike model and tridyn simulation. It is observed in the simulations that Ne ion treatment results in ejection of atoms from the surface due to elastic collision induced transfer of energy and increase in lattice temperature due to the formation of thermal spikes. The effect of ion dose on the surface morphology is also explored using a two-dimensional detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA).The DFA gives information about the fractal dimension (Df) and Hurst exponent (H) of the surface. The fractal dimension (Df) shows that irregularity of a surface is significantly influenced by ion treatment. The contact angle of the water droplet with the surface is discussed with the interface width and fractal dimension. The competition among nuclear sputtering, de-wetting, and diffusion processes results in the formation of NSs. It also demonstrates that the experimental findings are in good agreement with the theoretical results.
Low sub-threshold swing realization with contacts of graphene/h-BN/MoS2 heterostructures in MoS2 transistors
Authors: Li Chao , Yan Xiao , Bao Wenzhong , Ding Shijin , Zhang David Wei , Zhou Peng
Published: November 2017

MoS2 and other atomically thin-layered semiconductors have attracted intensive interest for their unique characteristics and have become promising candidates for short-channel transistor devices. In this work, we demonstrate an MoS2 transistor with a graphene/hBN/MoS2 heterostructure contact so as to achieve a low sub-threshold swing (SS) and expand the scope of the drain current with a low SS. By inserting an h-BN tunneling layer between graphene and MoS2, the carrier transport with a tunneling effect across h-BN makes the transistor exhibit a less than 80 mV/dec sub-threshold swing over 4 orders of magnitude of the drain current at room temperature. Meanwhile, the MoS2 transistor achieves a maximum on/off ratio of ∼107, and the heterostructure contact shows fairly good ohmic characteristics. Furthermore, the thickness of the h-BN tunneling layer in the heterostructure is optimized, which is essential for the tunneling current and the performance of an MoS2 transistor. This study of an MoS2 transistor based on a graphene/h-BN/MoS2 heterostructure contact may pave the way for the development of thin-layered semiconductors in low-power electronic applications.