bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progress in the study of pulsating subdwarf B stars
Authors: Reed M. D
Published: October 2016

During Kepler's main mission, nearly 20 pulsating subdwarf B (sdB: extreme horizontal branch stars) were discovered. Many of these stars were observed for three years, accumulating over 1.5 million observations. Only through these extended observations have we been able to identify pulsation modes, applying constraints for structure models. Discoveries include nearly-evenly-spaced asymptotic period overtones which represent the interior structure and rotationally-induced frequency multiplets from which we have learned that rotation periods are long, even when in short-period binaries. This paper reviews progress on observational constraints and highlights some of our discoveries including radially differential rotation, conflicting stratification indicators and mode lifetimes.
Ultra-high precision white dwarf asteroseismology
Authors: Giammichele Noemi , Charpinet Stéphane , Fontaine Gilles , Brassard Pierre , Zong Weikai
Published: October 2016

We present a brief progress report in our quest for deriving seismic models of pulsating white dwarfs that can account simultaneously for all the observed periods at the precision of the observations. We point out that this is possible from a pratical point of view only if parametrized models are used to complement evolutionary models. We adopt a double optimization procedure that insures that the best possible model in parameter space is found objectively and automatically. Our ultimate goal is to be able to account for the exquisite period data gathered withKeplerandKepler-2on key pulsating white dwarfs of both the DA (ZZ Ceti) and DB (V777 Her) type.
Serendipitous science from the K2 mission
Authors: Buzasi Derek, L. , Carboneau Lindsey , Hessler Carly , Lezcano Andy , Preston Heather
Published: October 2016

The K2 mission is a repurposed use of the Kepler spacecraft to perform high-precision photometry of selected fields in the ecliptic. We have developed an aperture photometry pipeline for K2 data which performs dynamic automated aperture mask selection, background estimation and subtraction, and positional decorrelation to minimize the effects of spacecraft pointing jitter. We also identify secondary targets in the K2 “postage stamps” and produce light curves for those targets as well. Pipeline results will be made available to the community. Here we describe our pipeline and the photometric precision we are capable of achieving with K2, and illustrate its utility with asteroseismic results from the serendipitous secondary targets.
Scale Free Processes in Galaxy Formation
Authors: Mandelker Nir , Dekel Avishai
Published: October 2016

According to the ΛCDM paradigm of cosmology, galaxies form at the centers of dark matter (DM) halos. While galaxy formation involves complex baryonic physics, the formation of DM halos is governed solely by gravity and cosmology. As a result, many of their properties exhibit a near scale-free behaviour, self-similar in either halo mass, cosmic time or both. This is especially true in the Einstein-de Sitter (EdS) regime, valid at redshifts z ≳ 1, when cosmological scaling relations become particularly simple, and in the narrow mass range of normal galaxies, where the fluctuation power spectrum can be approximated by a power law. Since many galaxy properties are strongly correlated with halo mass, they tend to exhibit a self-similar behaviour as well. A partial list of self-similar properties include the mass function of DM halos, the structure of the cosmic web, the accretion/merger rate of matter onto halos, the density profiles of DM halos and their angular momentum, which eventually determines the galaxy structure. We briefly review these below, and comment on how they can be used in conjunction with simple toy models to gain insight into galaxy formation.
Hierarchical Formation of Dark Matter Halos near the Cutoff Scale and Their Impact on Indirect Detections
Authors: Ishiyama Tomoaki
Published: October 2016

The smallest dark matter halos are formed first in the early universe (e.g., Hofmann et al. 2001; Berezinsky et al. 2003; Ishiyama et al. 2010). We present results of very large cosmological N-body simulations of the hierarchical formation and evolution of halos over a wide mass range, beginning from the formation of the smallest halos. In the largest simulation, the motions of 40963 particles in comoving boxes of side lengths 400 pc and 200 pc were followed. The particle masses were 3.4 × 10−11M⊙ and 4.3 × 10−12M⊙, ensuring that halos at the cutoff scale were represented by 30,000 and 230,000 particles, respectively. We found that the central density cusp is much steeper in these halos than in larger halos (dwarf-galaxy-sized to cluster-sized halos), and scales as ρ ∝ r-(1.5–1.3). The cusp slope gradually becomes shallower as the halo mass increases.The slope of halos 50 times more massive than the smallest halo is approximately −1.3. No strong correlation exists between inner slope and the collapse epoch. The cusp slope of halos above the cutoff scale seems to be reduced primarily due to major merger processes. The concentration, estimated at the present universe, is predicted to be 60–70, consistent with theoretical models and earlier simulations, and ruling out simple power law mass-concentration relations. Such halos could still exist in the present universe with the same steep density profiles. Strongly depending on the subhalo mass function and the adopted concentration model, the steeper inner cusps of halos near the cutoff scale enhance the annihilation luminosity of a Milky Way sized halo between 12 to 67 (Ishiyama 2014).
What we learn from the Frontier Fields cluster MACS J0416.1-2403
Authors: Suyu S. H. , Grillo C. , Rosati P.
Published: October 2016

The Frontier Fields cluster MACS J0416.1-2403 with its extensive imaging and spectroscopic data sets provides a great opportunity to study the mass distribution of the galaxy cluster and members, the high-redshift Universe and cosmology. By taking advantage of the observations in the 16 Hubble Space Telescope imaging bands of the Cluster Lensing And Supernova survey with Hubble (CLASH) survey and our large spectroscopic follow-up program with the VIsible Multi-Object Spectrograph (VIMOS) on the Very Large Telescope (VLT), we have been able to identify and obtain the spectroscopic redshifts of 10 important strong lensing systems in this cluster. Furthermore, we have selected and modeled the mass distribution of ~200 candidate cluster members residing in the inner regions of the cluster. We present the results on the model-predicted central mass profile and subhalo population, which are detailed in Grillo et al. (2015). Work is underway to quantify the effects of line-of-sight structures. These are essential elements to make progress in our understanding of the dark matter distribution in massive galaxy clusters and of the distant Universe within the current Frontier Fields initiative and before the advent of the James Webb Space Telescope.
The First Half Billion Years (z > 9): Results from the Frontier Fields
Authors: Coe Dan A. , Bradley Larry D.
Published: October 2016

We present z > 9 candidates identified in Hubble Frontier Fields imaging of the first four clusters and blank parallel fields (two-thirds of the complete program). Based on the deeper Hubble imaging, we revise the redshift estimate of the CLASH z ~ 9.6 candidate MACS1149-JD to z = 9.2+0.2-0.5 (95% C.L.). We identify a new possible fainter z ~ 9 companion 3” away (~1 kpc in the source plane). And we discover a new z ~ 9.2 candidate in the MACS1149 parallel field. Combined with previously published candidates at z ~ 9.8 and 9.1 (in A2744 and its parallel field, respectively), these five z > 9 candidates fall below our published expectation of 8 – 47 at this stage in the program. We attribute some of this shortfall to incompleteness, which we have yet to quantify. At z ~ 8 (7.5 – 8.5), we detect 26 candidates down to F160W H < 28.7 AB, roughly one-third the ~82 we expect. If our z > 9 incompleteness is similar (~68%), our results would support the sharp drop in z > 9 number counts claimed by some (but not all) previous works and supported by several (but not all) theoretical models. Properly quantifying our incompleteness will require adding simulated high-redshift galaxies into the images and testing our recovery rate. Additionally, incorporating the deep Spitzer imaging into our analysis could potentially significantly improve our identification of z > 9 candidates by rejecting low-redshift (z ~ 2) interlopers. Data from the full Frontier Fields program will provide strong evidence for or against accelerated evolution and a sharp drop in the cosmic star formation rate density at z > 9.
Binder's Volumes as Musical Commonplace Books: The Transmission of Cultural Codes in the Antebellum South
Authors: BAILEY CANDACE
Published: October 2016

Binder's volumes are among the primary artifacts of antebellum women's musical culture, and they serve as more than records of popular genres, composers, and styles. They can be interpreted as a type of commonplace book compiled by young women between the ages of about ten and fifteen. This study examines the books of three young women from different social positions (Eliza Harwell of Williamsburg, VA; Mary Stedman of Fayetteville, NC; and Kate Berry of Nashville, TN) in order to understand the cultural values that they transmitted to them: they contain items that serve not only as pieces of music and means to achieve and demonstrate musical accomplishment, but also as visual aids to guide them in deportment, sentiment, and behavior. It also considers the personal notations made by the owners in each collection. These evince how one is to be viewed, how one is to present herself for the gratification of others, how one is to think or behave, how one moves within desired social circles. They demonstrate how one is to Perform—whether or not music occurs.
ZIKA virus elicits P53 activation and genotoxic stress in human neural progenitors similar to mutations involved in severe forms of genetic microcephaly and p53
Authors: Ghouzzi Vincent El , Bianchi Federico T , Molineris Ivan , Mounce Bryan C , Berto Gaia E , Rak Malgorzata , Lebon Sophie , Aubry Laetitia , Tocco Chiara , Gai Marta , Chiotto Alessandra MA , Sgrò Francesco , Pallavicini Gianmarco , Simon-Loriere Etienne , Passemard Sandrine , Vignuzzi Marco , Gressens Pierre , Di Cunto Ferdinando
Published: October 2016

Epidemiological evidence from the current outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) and recent studies in animal models indicate a strong causal link between ZIKV and microcephaly. ZIKV infection induces cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in proliferating neural progenitors. However, the mechanisms leading to these phenotypes are still largely obscure. In this report, we explored the possible similarities between transcriptional responses induced by ZIKV in human neural progenitors and those elicited by three different genetic mutations leading to severe forms of microcephaly in mice. We found that the strongest similarity between all these conditions is the activation of common P53 downstream genes. In agreement with these observations, we report that ZIKV infection increases total P53 levels and nuclear accumulation, as well as P53 Ser15 phosphorylation, correlated with genotoxic stress and apoptosis induction. Interestingly, increased P53 activation and apoptosis are induced not only in cells expressing high levels of viral antigens but also in cells showing low or undetectable levels of the same proteins. These results indicate that P53 activation is an early and specific event in ZIKV-infected cells, which could result from cell-autonomous and/or non-cell-autonomous mechanisms. Moreover, we highlight a small group of P53 effector proteins that could act as critical mediators, not only in ZIKV-induced microcephaly but also in many genetic microcephaly syndromes.
Increased methane emissions from deep osmotic and buoyant convection beneath submarine seeps as climate warms
Authors: Cardoso Silvana S. S. , Cartwright Julyan H. E.
Published: October 2016

High speeds have been measured at seep and mud-volcano sites expelling methane-rich fluids from the seabed. Thermal or solute-driven convection alone cannot explain such high velocities in low-permeability sediments. Here we demonstrate that in addition to buoyancy, osmotic effects generated by the adsorption of methane onto the sediments can create large overpressures, capable of recirculating seawater from the seafloor to depth in the sediment layer, then expelling it upwards at rates of up to a few hundreds of metres per year. In the presence of global warming, such deep recirculation of seawater can accelerate the melting of methane hydrates at depth from timescales of millennia to just decades, and can drastically increase the rate of release of methane into the hydrosphere and perhaps the atmosphere.
Bioengineering of injectable encapsulated aggregates of pluripotent stem cells for therapy of myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhao Shuting , Xu Zhaobin , Wang Hai , Reese Benjamin E. , Gushchina Liubov V. , Jiang Meng , Agarwal Pranay , Xu Jiangsheng , Zhang Mingjun , Shen Rulong , Liu Zhenguo , Weisleder Noah , He Xiaoming
Published: October 2016

It is difficult to achieve minimally invasive injectable cell delivery while maintaining high cell retention and animal survival for in vivo stem cell therapy of myocardial infarction. Here we show that pluripotent stem cell aggregates pre-differentiated into the early cardiac lineage and encapsulated in a biocompatible and biodegradable micromatrix, are suitable for injectable delivery. This method significantly improves the survival of the injected cells by more than six-fold compared with the conventional practice of injecting single cells, and effectively prevents teratoma formation. Moreover, this method significantly enhances cardiac function and survival of animals after myocardial infarction, as a result of a localized immunosuppression effect of the micromatrix and the in situ cardiac regeneration by the injected cells.
Chronic multiscale imaging of neuronal activity in the awake common marmoset
Authors: Yamada Yoshiyuki , Matsumoto Yoshifumi , Okahara Norio , Mikoshiba Katsuhiko
Published: October 2016

We report a methodology to chronically record in vivo brain activity in the awake common marmoset. Over a month, stable imaging revealed macroscopic sensory maps in the somatosensory cortex and their underlying cellular activity with a high signal-to-noise ratio in the awake but not anesthetized state. This methodology is applicable to other brain regions, and will be useful for studying cortical activity and plasticity in marmosets during learning, development, and in neurological disorders.
CRISPR RNA-guided FokI nucleases repair a PAH variant in a phenylketonuria model
Authors: Pan Yi , Shen Nan , Jung-Klawitter Sabine , Betzen Christian , Hoffmann Georg F. , Hoheisel Jörg D. , Blau Nenad
Published: October 2016

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a recently developed genome editing technique. In this study, we used a modified CRISPR system, which employs the fusion of inactive Cas9 (dCas9) and the FokI endonuclease (FokI-dCas9) to correct the most common variant (allele frequency 21.4%) in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene - c.1222C>T (p.Arg408Trp) - as an approach toward curing phenylketonuria (PKU). PKU is the most common inherited diseases in amino acid metabolism. It leads to severe neurological and neuropsychological symptoms if untreated or late diagnosed. Correction of the disease-causing variants could rescue residual PAH activity and restore normal function. Co-expression of a single guide RNA plasmid, a FokI-dCas9-zsGreen1 plasmid, and the presence of a single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotide in PAH_c.1222C>T COS-7 cells – an in vitro model for PKU – corrected the PAH variant and restored PAH activity. Also in this system, the HDR enhancer RS-1 improved correction efficiency. This proof-of-concept indicates the potential of the FokI-dCas9 system for precision medicine, in particular for targeting PKU and other monogenic metabolic diseases.
Dissipative phases across the superconductor-to-insulator transition
Authors: Couëdo F. , Crauste O. , Drillien A. A. , Humbert V. , Bergé L. , Marrache-Kikuchi C. A. , Dumoulin L.
Published: October 2016

Competing phenomena in low dimensional systems can generate exotic electronic phases, either through symmetry breaking or a non-trivial topology. In two-dimensional (2D) systems, the interplay between superfluidity, disorder and repulsive interactions is especially fruitful in this respect although both the exact nature of the phases and the microscopic processes at play are still open questions. In particular, in 2D, once superconductivity is destroyed by disorder, an insulating ground state is expected to emerge, as a result of a direct superconductor-to-insulator quantum phase transition. In such systems, no metallic state is theoretically expected to survive to the slightest disorder. Here we map out the phase diagram of amorphous NbSi thin films as functions of disorder and film thickness, with two metallic phases in between the superconducting and insulating ones. These two dissipative states, defined by a resistance which extrapolates to a finite value in the zero temperature limit, each bear a specific dependence on disorder. We argue that they originate from an inhomogeneous destruction of superconductivity, even if the system is morphologically homogeneous. Our results suggest that superconducting fluctuations can favor metallic states that would not otherwise exist.
Revealing the diversity of extracellular vesicles using high-dimensional flow cytometry analyses
Authors: Marcoux Geneviève , Duchez Anne-Claire , Cloutier Nathalie , Provost Patrick , Nigrovic Peter A. , Boilard Eric
Published: October 2016

Extracellular vesicles (EV) are small membrane vesicles produced by cells upon activation and apoptosis. EVs are heterogeneous according to their origin, mode of release, membrane composition, organelle and biochemical content, and other factors. Whereas it is apparent that EVs are implicated in intercellular communication, they can also be used as biomarkers. Continuous improvements in pre-analytical parameters and flow cytometry permit more efficient assessment of EVs; however, methods to more objectively distinguish EVs from cells and background, and to interpret multiple single-EV parameters are lacking. We used spanning-tree progression analysis of density-normalized events (SPADE) as a computational approach for the organization of EV subpopulations released by platelets and erythrocytes. SPADE distinguished EVs, and logically organized EVs detected by high-sensitivity flow cytofluorometry based on size estimation, granularity, mitochondrial content, and phosphatidylserine and protein receptor surface expression. Plasma EVs were organized by hierarchy, permitting appreciation of their heterogeneity. Furthermore, SPADE was used to analyze EVs present in the synovial fluid of patients with inflammatory arthritis. Its algorithm efficiently revealed subtypes of arthritic patients based on EV heterogeneity patterns. Our study reveals that computational algorithms are useful for the analysis of high-dimensional single EV data, thereby facilitating comprehension of EV functions and biomarker development.
A model for cyclic mechanical reinforcement
Authors: Li Zhenhai , Kong Fang , Zhu Cheng
Published: October 2016

Mechanical force regulates a broad range of molecular interactions in biology. Three types of counterintuitive mechanical regulation of receptor–ligand dissociation have been described. Catch bonds are strengthened by constant forces, as opposed to slip bonds that are weakened by constant forces. The phenomenon that bonds become stronger with prior application of cyclic forces is termed cyclic mechanical reinforcement (CMR). Slip and catch bonds have respectively been explained by two-state models. However, they assume fast equilibration between internal states and hence are inadequate for CMR. Here we propose a three-state model for CMR where both loading and unloading regulate the transition of bonds among the short-lived, intermediate, and long-lived state. Cyclic forces favor bonds in the long-lived state, hence greatly prolonging their lifetimes. The three-state model explains the force history effect and agrees with the experimental CMR effect of integrin α5β1–fibronectin interaction. This model helps decipher the distinctive ways by which molecular bonds are mechanically strengthened: catch bonds by constant forces and CMR by cyclic forces. The different types of mechanical regulation may enable the cell to fine tune its mechanotransduction via membrane receptors.
Neuromodulatory effects of offline low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Min Yu-Sun , Park Jang Woo , Jin Seong Uk , Jang Kyung Eun , Lee Byung-Joo , Lee Hui Joong , Lee Jongmin , Lee Yang-Soo , Chang Yongmin , Jung Tae-Du
Published: October 2016

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the primary motor cortex (M1) can modulate cortical excitability and is thought to influence activity in other brain areas. In this study, we investigated the anatomical and functional effects of rTMS of M1 and the time course of after-effects from a 1-Hz subthreshold rTMS to M1. Using an “offline” functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)-rTMS paradigm, neural activation was mapped during simple finger movements after 1-Hz rTMS over the left M1 in a within-subjects repeated measurement design, including rTMS and sham stimulation. A significant decrease in the blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal due to right hand motor activity during a simple finger-tapping task was observed in areas remote to the stimulated motor cortex after rTMS stimulation. This decrease in BOLD signal suggests that low frequency subthreshold rTMS may be sufficiently strong to elicit inhibitory modulation of remote brain regions. In addition, the time course patterns of BOLD activity showed this inhibitory modulation was maximal approximately 20 minutes after rTMS stimulation.
Molecular evidence of RNA polymerase II gene reveals the origin of worldwide cultivated barley
Authors: Wang Yonggang , Ren Xifeng , Sun Dongfa , Sun Genlou
Published: October 2016

The origin and domestication of cultivated barley have long been under debate. A population-based resequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the single copy ofRPB2gene was used to address barley domestication, to explore genetic differentiation of barley populations on the worldwide scale, and to understand gene-pool exchanges during the spread and subsequent development of barley cultivation. Our results revealed significant genetic differentiation among three geographically distinct wild barley populations. Differences in haplotype composition among populations from different geographical regions revealed that modern cultivated barley originated from two major wild barley populations: one from the Near East Fertile Crescent and the other from the Tibetan Plateau, supporting polyphyletic origin of cultivated barley. The results of haplotype frequencies supported multiple domestications coupled with widespread introgression events that generated genetic admixture between divergent barley gene pools. Our results not only provide important insight into the domestication and evolution of cultivated barley, but also enhance our understanding of introgression and distinct selection pressures in different environments on shaping the genetic diversity of worldwide barley populations, thus further facilitating the effective use of the wild barley germplasm.
Homophily in coauthorship networks of East European sociologists
Authors: Hâncean Marian-Gabriel , Perc Matjaž
Published: October 2016

We study to what degree and how homophily and network properties affect individual citation counts of researchers in the sociology departments of three East European countries, namely Poland, Romania, and Slovenia. We built first-order personal coauthorship networks out of the Web of Science publication records. Each sociologist is assigned as a focal node or ego, while her coauthors are alters. We analyze the data using structural measurements methods, hierarchical regression models, and we make visualizations based on the clustered graph technique. For all three populations, our results indicate that the mean score of the citations of alters substantially predicts the citation counts of egos. In particular, citation similarity increases the chances for coauthorship ties. Evidence for the impact of network properties on the citation levels of egos is mixed. For Poland, normalized ego-betweenness shows a negative effect on citation counts, while network density displays a positive one. For Romania and Slovenia, network characteristics have only a minor impact. Even if the visual summarization of the personal networks uncovers a wide palette of coauthorship patterns, homophily appears to be pervasive. These results are relevant for domestic policy makers who aim to improve the aggregated research performance in East European countries.
Zero-valent isocyanides of nickel, palladium and platinum as transition metal σ-type Lewis bases
Authors: Barnett Brandon R. , Figueroa Joshua S.
Published: October 2016

Transition metal complexes that contain metal-to-ligand retrodative σ-bonds have become the subject of increasing studies over the last decade.
Interaction between charged nanoparticles and vesicles: coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Liu Linying , Zhang Jianhua , Zhao Xiaowei , Mao Zheng , Liu Na , Zhang Youyu , Liu Qing Huo
Published: October 2016

Interactions between charged nanoparticles and curved zwitterionic lipid vesicles with different surface charge densities (ρ): insertion, repulsion, adsorption, and penetration.
Graphene foam supported multilevel network-like NiCo2S4 nanoarchitectures for robust lithium storage and efficient ORR catalysis
Authors: Wu Xiaoyu , Li Songmei , Wang Bo , Liu Jianhua , Yu Mei
Published: October 2016

Interconnected mesoporous ultrathin nanosheets are assembled to form NiCo2S4 nanowall arrays, which are grown on 3D graphene foams to fabricate multilevel network-like composites.
Functional polyaniline-assisted decoration of polystyrene microspheres with noble metal nanoparticles and their enhanced catalytic properties
Authors: Li Yunxing , Hu Yuhua , Ye Sunjie , Wu Yan , Yang Cheng , Wang Likui
Published: October 2016

A smart strategy is reported for depositing noble metal nanoparticles on polystyrene microspheres using a polyaniline coating as a functional linker.
Electron transfer and spin transition in metal-hexacyanoferrates driven by anatase TiO2: electronic and structural order effects
Authors: Ciabocco Michela , Berrettoni Mario , Giorgetti Marco , Sougrati Moulay Tahar , Louvain Nicolas , Stievano Lorenzo
Published: October 2016

Pure LS Fe(ii) starting from a mix of LS Fe(ii) and Fe(iii) is obtained by synthetizing CoHCF in the presence of TiO2.
Sulfated polyborate: a new and eco-friendly catalyst for one-pot multi-component synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones/thiones via Biginelli reaction
Authors: Khatri Chetan K. , Rekunge Deelip S. , Chaturbhuj Ganesh U.
Published: October 2016

A highly efficient and improved synthetic methodology for the preparation of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one derivatives in good to excellent yieldviaBiginelli reaction of β-ketoesters/β-diketone, urea/thiourea and various aldehydes using new, efficient and recyclable sulfated polyborate catalyst under the solvent-free condition is reported.
A novel class of nickel(ii) complexes containing selenium-based bidentate ligands applied in ethylene oligomerization
Authors: Dresch Lucielle C. , de Araújo Bruno B. , Casagrande Osvaldo de L. , Stieler Rafael
Published: October 2016

A series of nickel(ii) complexes [NiBr2(N^Se)2] (Ni1–Ni5) based on bidentate N^Se ligands were prepared by reacting arylselenyl–pyrazolyl ligands (L1–L5) with NiBr2(DME) (DME = 1,2-dimethoxyethane).
Improvement of cytocompatibility of 3D-printing resins for endothelial cell adhesion
Authors: Lu Zuyan , Jiang Xia , Zuo Xiao , Feng Li
Published: October 2016

We developed a new method for improving the biocompatibility of 3D-printing photosensitive resins using waterborne polyurethane (WPU) as the coating material.
Modeling and experimental study on the solubility and mass transfer of CO2 into aqueous DEA solution using a stirrer bubble column
Authors: Pashaei Hassan , Ghaemi Ahad , Nasiri Masoud
Published: October 2016

In this research, the chemical absorption rate and solubility of carbon dioxide into DEA aqueous solutions were investigated in a stirrer bubble column.
Unprecedented adsorptive removal of Cr2O72− and methyl orange by using a low surface area organosilica
Authors: Rekha Pawan , Muhammad Raeesh , Sharma Vivek , Ramteke Manojkumar , Mohanty Paritosh
Published: October 2016

An extraordinary adsorption capacity of 359 and 1679 mg g−1 for the adsorptive removal of Cr2O72− and methyl orange (MO), respectively, was observed by using a low surface area (SABET of 10 m2 g−1) organosilica.
Core–shell silicon nanowire array–Cu nanofilm Schottky junction for a sensitive self-powered near-infrared photodetector
Authors: Wu Chun-Yan , Pan Zhi-Qiang , Wang You-Yi , Ge Cai-Wang , Yu Yong-Qiang , Xu Ji-Yu , Wang Li , Luo Lin-Bao
Published: October 2016

A sensitive self-powered near infrared light photodetector was fabricated by coating a freestanding silicon nanowire (SiNW) array with a layer of Cu nanofilm.
Differential effects of pannexins on noise-induced hearing loss
Authors: Abitbol Julia M. , Kelly John J. , Barr Kevin , Schormans Ashley L. , Laird Dale W. , Allman Brian L.
Published: October 2016

Hearing loss, including noise-induced hearing loss, is highly prevalent and severely hinders an individual's quality of life, yet many of the mechanisms that cause hearing loss are unknown. The pannexin (Panx) channel proteins, Panx1 and Panx3, are regionally expressed in many cell types along the auditory pathway, and mice lacking Panx1 in specific cells of the inner ear exhibit hearing loss, suggesting a vital role for Panxs in hearing. We proposed that Panx1 and/or Panx3 null mice would exhibit severe hearing loss and increased susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss. Using the auditory brainstem response, we surprisingly found that Panx1−/− and Panx3−/− mice did not harbor hearing or cochlear nerve deficits. Furthermore, while Panx1−/− mice displayed no protection against loud noise-induced hearing loss, Panx3−/− mice exhibited enhanced 16- and 24-kHz hearing recovery 7 days after a loud noise exposure (NE; 12 kHz tone, 115 dB sound pressure level, 1 h). Interestingly, Cx26, Cx30, Cx43, and Panx2 were up-regulated in Panx3−/− mice compared with wild-type and/or Panx1−/− mice, and assessment of the auditory tract revealed morphological changes in the middle ear bones of Panx3−/− mice. It is unclear if these changes alone are sufficient to provide protection against loud noise-induced hearing loss. Contrary to what we expected, these data suggest that Panx1 and Panx3 are not essential for baseline hearing in mice tested, but the therapeutic targeting of Panx3 may prove protective against mid-high-frequency hearing loss caused by loud NE.
Xanthine oxidoreductase and its inhibitors: relevance for gout
Authors: Day Richard O. , Kamel Bishoy , Kannangara Diluk R.W. , Williams Kenneth M. , Graham Garry G.
Published: October 2016

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) is the rate-limiting enzyme in purine catabolism and converts hypoxanthine to xanthine, and xanthine into uric acid. When concentrations of uric acid exceed its biochemical saturation point, crystals of uric acid, in the form of monosodium urate, emerge and can predispose an individual to gout, the commonest form of inflammatory arthritis in men aged over 40 years. XOR inhibitors are primarily used in the treatment of gout, reducing the formation of uric acid and thereby, preventing the formation of monosodium urate crystals. Allopurinol is established as first-line therapy for gout; a newer alternative, febuxostat, is used in patients unable to tolerate allopurinol. This review provides an overview of gout, a detailed analysis of the structure and function of XOR, discussion on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of XOR inhibitors–allopurinol and febuxostat, and the relevance of XOR in common comorbidities of gout.
Processing Binding Relations in Specific Language Impairment
Authors: Schwartz Richard G. , Hestvik Arild , Seiger-Gardner Liat , Almodovar Diana
Published: October 2016

Purpose

This sentence processing experiment examined the abilities of children with specific language impairment (SLI) and children with typical language development (TD) to establish relations between pronouns or reflexives and their antecedents in real time.

Method

Twenty-two children with SLI and 24 age-matched children with TD (7;3–10;11 [years;months]) participated in a cross-modal picture priming experiment to determine whether they selectively activated the correct referent at the pronoun or reflexive in sentences. Triplets of auditory sentences, identical except for the presence of a pronoun, a reflexive, or a noun phrase along with a picture probe were used.

Results

The children with TD were slightly more accurate in their animacy judgments of pictures, but the groups exhibited the same reaction time (RT) pattern. Both groups were slower for sentences with pronouns than with reflexives or noun phrases. The children with SLI had longer RTs than their peers with TD.

Conclusions

Children with SLI activated only the appropriate antecedent at the pronoun or reflexive, reflecting intact core knowledge of binding as was true for their TD peers. The overall slower RT for children with SLI suggests that any deficit may be the result of processing deficits, perhaps attributable to interference effects.
ASCO 2016 – DGFIT: Immun- und Targeted Therapie auf dem ASCO 2016 – Was bringt die Zukunft?
Authors: Hegele A. , Siebels M. , Heinzer H. , Rüttinger D.
Published: October 2016

Die Renaissance der spezifischen Immuntherapie eröffnet neue mannigfaltige Behandlungsoptionen in der Uroonkologie. Die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Immun- und Targeted Therapie (DGFIT) gibt einen Überblick über den aktuellen Stand und die neuen wissenschaftlichen Entwicklungen der Immun- und Targeted Therapie, welche dieses Jahr auf den Fachtagungen präsentiert wurden. Neben dem Nierenzellkarzinom, bei welchem bereits ein Immuncheckpoint-Inhibitor zur Therapie des metastasierten Stadiums zugelassen ist, werden beim Blasen- und Prostatakarzinom sowohl die für den Kliniker relevanten Ergebnisse als auch die neuesten, möglicherweise zukünftig relevanten Entwicklungen zusammengefasst.
Magnetic interactions in anisotropic Nd-Dy-Fe-Co-B/α-Fe multilayer magnets
Authors: Dai Z. M. , Liu W. , Zhao X. T. , Han Z. , Kim D. , Choi C. J. , Zhang Z. D.
Published: October 2016

The magnetic properties and the possible interaction mechanisms of anisotropic soft- and hard-magnetic multilayers have been investigated by altering the thickness of different kinds of spacer layers. The metal Ta and the insulating oxides MgO, Cr2O3 have been chosen as spacer layers to investigate the characteristics of the interactions between soft- and hard-magnetic layers in the anisotropic Nd-Dy-Fe-Co-B/α-Fe multilayer system. The dipolar and exchange interaction between hard and soft phases are evaluated with the help of the first order reversal curve method. The onset of the nucleation field and the magnetization reversal by domain wall movement are also evident from the first-order-reversal-curve measurements. Reversible/irreversible distributions reveal the natures of the soft- and hard-magnetic components. Incoherent switching fields are observed and the calculations show the semiquantitative contributions of hard and soft components to the system. An antiferromagnetic spacer layer will weaken the interaction between ferromagnetic layers and the effective interaction length decreases. As a consequence, the dipolar magnetostatic interaction may play an important role in the long-range interaction in anisotropic multilayer magnets.
Non-equilibrium phase behavior and friction of confined molecular films under shear: A non-equilibrium molecular dynamics study
Authors: Maćkowiak Sz. , Heyes D. M. , Dini D. , Brańka A. C.
Published: October 2016

The phase behavior of a confined liquid at high pressure and shear rate, such as is found in elastohydrodynamic lubrication, can influence the traction characteristics in machine operation. Generic aspects of this behavior are investigated here using Non-equilibrium Molecular Dynamics (NEMD) simulations of confined Lennard-Jones (LJ) films under load with a recently proposed wall-driven shearing method without wall atom tethering [C. Gattinoni et al., Phys. Rev. E 90, 043302 (2014)]. The focus is on thick films in which the nonequilibrium phases formed in the confined region impact on the traction properties. The nonequilibrium phase and tribological diagrams are mapped out in detail as a function of load, wall sliding speed, and atomic scale surface roughness, which is shown can have a significant effect. The transition between these phases is typically not sharp as the external conditions are varied. The magnitude of the friction coefficient depends strongly on the nonequilibrium phase adopted by the confined region of molecules, and in general does not follow the classical friction relations between macroscopic bodies, e.g., the frictional force can decrease with increasing load in the Plug-Slip (PS) region of the phase diagram owing to structural changes induced in the confined film. The friction coefficient can be extremely low (∼0.01) in the PS region as a result of incommensurate alignment between a (100) face-centered cubic wall plane and reconstructed (111) layers of the confined region near the wall. It is possible to exploit hysteresis to retain low friction PS states well into the central localization high wall speed region of the phase diagram. Stick-slip behavior due to periodic in-plane melting of layers in the confined region and subsequent annealing is observed at low wall speeds and moderate external loads. At intermediate wall speeds and pressure values (at least) the friction coefficient decreases with increasing well depth of the LJ potential between the wall atoms, but increases when the attractive part of the potential between wall atoms and confined molecules is made larger.
ESR study of p-type natural 2H-polytype MoS2 crystals: The As acceptor activity
Authors: Stesmans A. , Iacovo S. , Afanas'ev V. V.
Published: October 2016

Low-temperature (T = 1.7–77 K) multi frequency electron spin resonance (ESR) study on p-type 2H-polytype geological MoS2 crystals reveals p-type doping predominantly originating from As atoms substituting for S sites in densities of (2.4 ± 0.2) × 1017 cm−3. Observation of a “half field”(g ∼ 3.88) signal firmly correlating with the central Zeeman As accepter signal indicates the presence of spin S > ½ As agglomerates, which together with the distinct multicomponent makeup of the Zeeman signal points to manifest non-uniform As doping; only ∼13% of the total As response originates from individual decoupled As dopants. From ESR monitoring the latter vs. T, an activation energy Ea = (0.7 ± 0.2) meV is obtained. This unveils As as a noticeable shallow acceptor dopant, appropriate for realization of effective p-type doping in targeted 2D MoS2-based switching devices.
Determination of the geometric structure of neutral niobium carbide clusters via infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Chernyy V. , Logemann R. , Bakker J. M. , Kirilyuk A.
Published: October 2016

We report experimental vibrational spectra of small neutral niobium carbide clusters in the 350−850 cm−1 spectral range. Clusters were first irradiated by IR light and subsequently probed using UV light with photon energies just below the ionization threshold. Upon resonance with an IR vibrational mode, the number of cluster ions increases, allowing to record a vibrational spectrum. In complementary density functional theory calculations, we have simulated the IR spectra for several low-energy isomers. We were able to assign the spectra experimentally obtained for each cluster size to a specific geometric structure based on the match with the computed spectra. The number of the cluster sizes investigated here allows to follow the evolution of the geometric structure of the niobium and carbon components of clusters separately. For Nb6Cm (m = 4, 5, 6), we observe the emergence of the cubic crystal structures similar to the bulk.
The particle-hole map: Formal derivation and numerical implementation
Authors: Li Yonghui , Ullrich Carsten A.
Published: October 2016

The particle-hole map (PHM) is a tool to visualize electronic excitations, based on representations in a canonical orbital transition space. Introduced as an alternative to the transition density matrix, the PHM has a simple probabilistic interpretation, indicating the origins and destinations of electrons and holes and, hence, the roles of different functional units of molecules during an excitation. We present a formal derivation of the PHM, starting from the particle-hole transition density matrix and projecting onto a set of single-particle orbitals. We implement the PHM using atom-centered localized basis sets and discuss the example of the molecular charge-transfer complex C2H4–C2F4.
Dynamics of boundary layer electrons around a laser wakefield bubble
Authors: Luo J. , Chen M. , Zhang G.-B. , Yuan T. , Yu J.-Y. , Shen Z.-C. , Yu L.-L. , Weng S.-M. , Schroeder C. B. , Esarey E.
Published: October 2016

The dynamics of electrons forming the boundary layer of a highly nonlinear laser wakefield driven in the so called bubble or blowout regime is investigated using particle-in-cell simulations. It is shown that when the driver pulse intensity increases or the focal spot size decreases, a significant amount of electrons initially pushed by the laser pulse can detach from the bubble structure at its tail, middle, or front and form particular classes of waves locally with high densities, referred to as the tail wave, lateral wave, and bow wave. The tail wave and bow wave correspond to real electron trajectories, while the lateral wave does not. The detached electrons can be ejected transversely, containing considerable energy, and reducing the efficiency of the laser wakefield accelerator. Some of the transversely emitted electrons may obtain MeV level energy. These electrons can be used for wake evolution diagnosis and producing high frequency radiation.
Experimental and numerical analysis of atmospheric air plasma induced by multi-MeV pulsed X-ray
Authors: Maulois Mélissa , Ribière Maxime , Eichwald Olivier , Yousfi Mohammed , Pouzalgues Romain , Garrigues Alain , Delbos Christophe , Azaïs Bruno
Published: October 2016

Quantification of electromagnetic stresses on electronic systems, following irradiation of the air by ionizing radiations, requires a thorough study of the plasma generated. In this work, the temporal evolution of non-equilibrium air plasmas self-induced by energetic X-rays is experimentally and theoretically investigated at atmospheric pressure. Time resolved electron density measurements are based on transmission measurements of an electromagnetic wave in the microwave range. The electromagnetic wave is launched into a wave guide, which is irradiated by a high flux of multi-MeV pulsed X-rays. For different X-ray fluxes, the electron density is determined from the comparison between the transmitted microwave signal at the waveguide output, and the result of the calculation of the propagation of an electromagnetic wave through time varying plasma contained in a waveguide. These measurements require a priori assumptions on electron temperature, which is obtained and confirmed by a reaction kinetics model of the evolution of the electron energy and the densities of the different humid air plasma species inside the waveguide. The considered chemical kinetics scheme involves 39 influent species (electrons, positive ions, negative ions, and neutral atoms and molecules in their ground or metastable excited states) reacting following 265 selected reactions. A good agreement is observed between the calculated and measured time evolution of the transmitted signal for specific profiles of electron energy and density. In our experiments, the maximum electron density is of the order of few 1012 cm−3, for a mean electron energy of about 0.5 eV. For doses range from 3 Gy to 21 Gy, the discrepancies between the measurements and the model for the maximum of the electron density are within a factor of 2.
Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of Co\Pt bilayers on ALD HfO2
Authors: Vermeulen Bart F. , Wu Jackson , Swerts Johan , Couet Sebastien , Linten Dimitri , Radu Iuliana P , Temst Kristiaan , Rampelberg Geert , Detavernier Christophe , Groeseneken Guido , Martens Koen
Published: October 2016

Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy (PMA) is a key requirement for state of the art Magnetic Random Access Memories (MRAM). Currently, PMA has been widely reported in standard Magnetic Tunnel Junction material stacks using MgO as a dielectric. In this contribution, we present the first report of PMA at the interface with a high-κ dielectric grown by Atomic Layer Deposition, HfO2. The PMA appears after annealing a HfO2\Co\Pt\Ru stack in N2 with the Keff of 0.25 mJ/m2 as determined by Vibrating Sample Magnetometry. X-Ray Diffraction and Transmission Electron Microscopy show that the appearance of PMA coincides with interdiffusion and the epitaxial ordering of the Co\Pt bilayer. High-κ dielectrics are especially interesting for Voltage Control of Magnetic Anisotropy applications and are of potential interest for low-power MRAM and spintronics technologies.
Thermal efficiency of a solar power system in a collective residential structure based on performance tests
Authors: Sawicka-Chudy Paulina , Rybak-Wilusz Elżbieta , Cholewa Marian
Published: October 2016

Here, we evaluated the efficiency of a solar domestic hot water system in a dormitory in Rzeszow. Radiance exposure was analyzed based on information obtained from an online database (the meteorological station in Rzeszow-Jasionka). The mean seasonal and annual solar irradiation of a flat surface and surfaces inclined at 30°, 45°, and 60° from the horizontal plane in Rzeszow were determined. The mean monthly irradiation was compared with that in selected European cities based on the Photovoltaic Geographical Information System meteorological database. The thermal solar panel area and final consumption of solar energy in Poland from 2005 to 2014 are also presented. The characteristics of the analyzed building, distribution of the inhabitants, and consumption of hot water from 2009 to 2014 are described. The heat demand was determined by hot water consumption per day per person based on hot water consumption metering and heat metering. The solar energy conversion efficiency was determined after the solar thermal collectors were installed in the building. The relation of the heat demand calculated based on the thermal energy utilized to heat water per person and heat metering for heating water was also analyzed. We also present a method of calculating the annual (stratified by month) ratio of solar energy utilization. Energy savings for the building were calculated. Improvements that could further increase the solar energy efficiency and shorten the investment payback period are proposed.