bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-omics analyses reveal metabolic alterations regulated by hepatitis B virus core protein in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Xie Qi , Fan Fengxu , Wei Wei , Liu Yang , Xu Zhongwei , Zhai Linhui , Qi Yingzi , Ye Bingyu , Zhang Yao , Basu Sumit , Zhao Zhihu , Wu Junzhu , Xu Ping
Published: January 2017

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is partly responsible for hepatitis, fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV core protein (HBc), encoded by the HBV genome, may play a significant role in HBV life cycle. However, the function of HBc in the occurrence and development of liver disease is still unclear. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, HBc-transfected HCC cells were characterized by multi-omics analyses. Combining proteomics and metabolomics analyses, our results showed that HBc promoted the expression of metabolic enzymes and the secretion of metabolites in HCC cells. In addition, glycolysis and amino acid metabolism were significantly up-regulated by HBc. Moreover, Max-like protein X (MLX) might be recruited and enriched by HBc in the nucleus to regulate glycolysis pathways. This study provides further insights into the function of HBc in the molecular pathogenesis of HBV-induced diseases and indicates that metabolic reprogramming appears to be a hallmark of HBc transfection.
Coherent Terahertz Radiation from Multiple Electron Beams Excitation within a Plasmonic Crystal-like structure
Authors: Zhang Yaxin , Zhou Yucong , Gang Yin , Jiang Guili , Yang Ziqiang
Published: January 2017

Coherent terahertz radiation from multiple electron beams excitation within a plasmonic crystal-like structure (a three-dimensional holes array) which is composed of multiple stacked layers with 3 × 3 subwavelength holes array has been proposed in this paper. It has been found that in the structure the electromagnetic fields in each hole can be coupled with one another to construct a composite mode with strong field intensity. Therefore, the multiple electron beams injection can excite and efficiently interact with such mode. Meanwhile, the coupling among the electron beams is taken place during the interaction so that a very strong coherent terahertz radiation with high electron conversion efficiency can be generated. Furthermore, due to the coupling, the starting current density of this mechanism is much lower than that of traditional electron beam-driven terahertz sources. This multi-beam radiation system may provide a favorable way to combine photonics structure with electronics excitation to generate middle, high power terahertz radiation.
Metabolic shift in the emergence of hyperinvasive pandemic meningococcal lineages
Authors: Watkins Eleanor R. , Maiden Martin C. J.
Published: January 2017

Hyperinvasive lineages of Neisseria meningitidis, which persist despite extensive horizontal genetic exchange, are a major cause of meningitis and septicaemia worldwide. Over the past 50 years one such lineage of meningococci, known as serogroup A, clonal complex 5 (A:cc5), has caused three successive pandemics, including epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa. Although the principal antigens that invoke effective immunity have remained unchanged, distinct A:cc5 epidemic clones have nevertheless emerged. An analysis of whole genome sequence diversity among 153 A:cc5 isolates identified eleven genetic introgression events in the emergence of the epidemic clones, which primarily involved variants of core genes encoding metabolic processes. The acquired DNA was identical to that found over many years in other, unrelated, hyperinvasive meningococci, suggesting that the epidemic clones emerged by acquisition of pre-existing metabolic gene variants, rather than ‘virulence’ associated or antigen-encoding genes. This is consistent with mathematical models which predict the association of transmission fitness with the emergence and maintenance of virulence in recombining commensal organisms.
Impact of saccharides on the drying kinetics of agarose gels measured by in-situ interferometry
Authors: Mao Bosi , Divoux Thibaut , Snabre Patrick
Published: January 2017

Agarose gels are viscoelastic soft solids that display a porous microstructure filled with water at 90% w/w or more. Despite an extensive use in food industry and microbiology, little is known about the drying kinetics of such squishy solids, which suffers from a lack of time-resolved local measurements. Moreover, only scattered empirical observations are available on the role of the gel composition on the drying kinetics. Here we study by in-situ interferometry the drying of agarose gels of various compositions cast in Petri dishes. The gel thinning is associated with the displacement of interference fringes that are analyzed using an efficient spatiotemporal filtering method, which allows us to assess local thinning rates as low as 10 nm/s with high accuracy. The gel thinning rate measured at the center of the dish appears as a robust observable to quantify the role of additives on the gel drying kinetics and compare the drying speed of agarose gels loaded with various non-gelling saccharides of increasing molecular weights. Our work shows that saccharides systematically decrease the agarose gel thinning rate up to a factor two, and exemplifies interferometry as a powerful tool to quantify the impact of additives on the drying kinetics of polymer gels.
Development of a facile droplet-based single-cell isolation platform for cultivation and genomic analysis in microorganisms
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Wang Tingting , Zhou Qian , Zhang Peng , Gong Yanhai , Gou Honglei , Xu Jian , Ma Bo
Published: January 2017

Wider application of single-cell analysis has been limited by the lack of an easy-to-use and low-cost strategy for single-cell isolation that can be directly coupled to single-cell sequencing and single-cell cultivation, especially for small-size microbes. Herein, a facile droplet microfluidic platform was developed to dispense individual microbial cells into conventional standard containers for downstream analysis. Functional parts for cell encapsulation, droplet inspection and sorting, as well as a chip-to-tube capillary interface were integrated on one single chip with simple architecture, and control of the droplet sorting was achieved by a low-cost solenoid microvalve. Using microalgal and yeast cells as models, single-cell isolation success rate of over 90% and single-cell cultivation success rate of 80% were demonstrated. We further showed that the individual cells isolated can be used in high-quality DNA and RNA analyses at both gene-specific and whole-genome levels (i.e. real-time quantitative PCR and genome sequencing). The simplicity and reliability of the method should improve accessibility of single-cell analysis and facilitate its wider application in microbiology researches.
Correction: Corrigendum: Full Valley and Spin Polarizations in Strained Graphene with Rashba Spin Orbit Coupling and Magnetic Barrier
Authors: Wu Qing-Ping , Liu Zheng-Fang , Chen Ai-Xi , Xiao Xian-Bo , Liu Zhi-Min
Published: January 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 21590; published online: 22 February 2016; updated: 23 January 2017 This Article contains errors in Reference 15 which was incorrectly given as: Song, Y., Zhai, F. & Guo, Y. Strain-tunable spin transport in ferromagnetic graphene junctions. Appl. Phys. Lett.103, 183111 (2013).
Visual Responses of Photoreceptor-Degenerated Rats Expressing Two Different Types of Channelrhodopsin Genes
Authors: Sato Masatoshi , Sugano Eriko , Tabata Kitako , Sannohe Kei , Watanabe Yoshito , Ozaki Taku , Tamai Makoto , Tomita Hiroshi
Published: January 2017

Optogenetic technologies are expected to be applicable for clinical use in restoring vision. However, the degree of recovered visual function is highly dependent on the function of the chosen optogenetic gene. To investigate the effect on visual function of dual expression of genes with different wavelength sensitivities, we transduced a modified Volvox-derived channelrhodopsin gene (mVChR1) via an adeno-associated virus vector into transgenic rats harbouring the ChR2 gene in retinal ganglion cells. These transgenic rats were given an intraperitoneal injection of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea to induce the degeneration of native photoreceptor cells prior to transduction of mVChR1. Optical coherence tomography images indicated the degeneration of the native photoreceptor cells after the N-methyl-N-nitrosourea injection. Complete loss of function of the native photoreceptor cells was confirmed using electroretinograms. In the ChR2 transgenic rats, visually evoked potentials were clearly detectable in spite of native photoreceptor function abolishment; however the responses were limited to within blue wavelengths. In contrast, the limited wavelength sensitivities were improved by the additional transduction of mVChR1, which exhibited sensitivities to green and red. Thus, the transductions of dual genes encoding channelrhodopsins that exhibit different wavelength sensitivities represents a promising candidate method to expand and to enhance rescued wavelength sensitivities in blind subjects.
A clinical study of thermal monitoring techniques of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma in high-risk locations
Authors: Zhi-yu Han , Ping Liang , Xiao-ling Yu , Zhi-gang Cheng , Fang-yi Liu , Jie Yu
Published: January 2017

To confirm the safety and effectiveness of the minimally invasive thermal monitor technique on percutaneous ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk locations, a total of 189 patients with 226 HCC nodules in high-risk locations were treated with MWA. The real-time temperature of the tissue between the lesion margin and the vital structures was monitored by inserting a 21G thermal monitoring needle. The major indexes of technical success, technique effectiveness, local tumour progression and complications were observed during the follow-up period. Technical success was acquired in all patients. Technique effectiveness was achieved with one session in 119 lesions based on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) 3–5 days after treatment. An additional 95 lesions achieved technique effectiveness at the second session. Within the follow–up period of 6–58 months (median 38 months), the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year local tumour progression rate was 11.1%, 18.1%, 19.1%, and 19.9%, respectively. There were no major complications in all the patients except for the common side effects. These results indicate that the thermal monitor technique can be applied to prevent major complications in vulnerable structures and allow percutaneous MWA to achieve satisfactory technique effectiveness in the treatment of HCC in high-risk locations.
Regulation of genes related to immune signaling and detoxification in Apis mellifera by an inhibitor of histone deacetylation
Authors: Hu Yee-Tung , Wu Tsai-Chin , Yang En-Cheng , Wu Pei-Chi , Lin Po-Tse , Wu Yueh-Lung
Published: January 2017

The western honeybee (Apis mellifera) is essential for the global economy due to its important role in ecosystems and agriculture as a pollinator of numerous flowering plants and crops. Pesticide abuse has greatly impacted honeybees and caused tremendous loss of honeybee colonies worldwide. The reasons for colony loss remain unclear, but involvement of pesticides and pathogen-pesticide interactions has been hypothesized. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) inhibit the activity of histone acetylase, which causes the hyperacetylation of histone cores and influences gene expression. In this study, sodium butyrate, an HDACi, was used as a dietary supplement for honeybees; after treatment, gene expression profiles were analyzed using quantitative PCR. The results showed that sodium butyrate up-regulated genes involved in anti-pathogen and detoxification pathways. The bioassay results showed that honeybees treated with sodium butyrate were more tolerant to imidacloprid. Additionally, sodium butyrate strengthened the immune response of honeybees to invasions of Nosema ceranae and viral infections. We also performed a bioassay in which honeybees were exposed to pesticides and pathogens. Our results provide additional data regarding the mechanism by which honeybees react to stress and the potential application of HDACis in beekeeping.
Restoring GM1 ganglioside expression ameliorates axonal outgrowth inhibition and cognitive impairments induced by blast traumatic brain injury
Authors: Rubovitch Vardit , Zilberstein Yael , Chapman Joab , Schreiber Shaul , Pick Chaim G.
Published: January 2017

Blast induced traumatic brain injury (B-TBI) may cause various degrees of cognitive and behavioral disturbances but the exact brain pathophysiology involved is poorly understood. It was previously suggested that ganglioside alteration on the axon surface as well as axonal regenerating inhibitors (ARIs) such as myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG) were involved in axonal outgrowth inhibition (AOI), leading to brain damage. GM1 ganglioside content in the brain was significantly reduced while GD1 ganglioside was not affected. The axonal regeneration was also reduced as seen by the phosphorylated NF-H expression. Moreover, B-TBI induced a significant elevation in MAG expression in the brains of the injured mice. The blast injured mice exhibited a significant decline in spatial memory as seen by the Y-maze test. In addition, the injured mice showed pronounced damage to the visual memory (as evaluated by the Novel object recognition test). A single low dose of GM1 (2 mg/kg; IP), shortly after the injury, prevented both the cognitive and the cellular changes in the brains of the injured mice. These results enlighten part of the complicated mechanism that underlies the damage induced by B-TBI and may also suggest a potential new treatment strategy for brain injuries.
Chern structure in the Bose-insulating phase of Sr2RuO4 nanofilms
Authors: Nobukane Hiroyoshi , Matsuyama Toyoki , Tanda Satoshi
Published: January 2017

The quantum anomaly that breaks the symmetry, for example the parity and the chirality, in the quantization leads to a physical quantity with a topological Chern invariant. We report the observation of a Chern structure in the Bose-insulating phase of Sr2RuO4 nanofilms by employing electric transport. We observed the superconductor-to-insulator transition by reducing the thickness of Sr2RuO4 single crystals. The appearance of a gap structure in the insulating phase implies local superconductivity. Fractional quantized conductance was observed without an external magnetic field. We found an anomalous induced voltage with temperature and thickness dependence, and the induced voltage exhibited switching behavior when we applied a magnetic field. We suggest that there was fractional magnetic-field-induced electric polarization in the interlayer. These anomalous results are related to topological invariance. The fractional axion angle Θ = π/6 was determined by observing the topological magneto-electric effect in the Bose-insulating phase of Sr2RuO4 nanofilms.
Cognitive dissonance resolution depends on episodic memory
Authors: Chammat Mariam , Karoui Imen El , Allali Sébastien , Hagège Joshua , Lehongre Katia , Hasboun Dominique , Baulac Michel , Epelbaum Stéphane , Michon Agnès , Dubois Bruno , Navarro Vincent , Salti Moti , Naccache Lionel
Published: January 2017

The notion that past choices affect preferences is one of the most influential concepts of social psychology since its first report in the 50 s, and its theorization within the cognitive dissonance framework. In the free-choice paradigm (FCP) after choosing between two similarly rated items, subjects reevaluate chosen items as more attractive and rejected items as less attractive. However the relations prevailing between episodic memory and choice-induced preference change (CIPC) remain highly debated: is this phenomenon dependent or independent from memory of past choices? We solve this theoretical debate by demonstrating that CIPC occurs exclusively for items which were correctly remembered as chosen or rejected during the choice stage. We used a combination of fMRI and intra-cranial electrophysiological recordings to reveal a modulation of left hippocampus activity, a hub of episodic memory retrieval, immediately before the occurrence of CIPC during item reevaluation. Finally, we show that contrarily to a previous influential report flawed by a statistical artifact, this phenomenon is absent in amnesic patients for forgotten items. These results demonstrate the dependence of cognitive dissonance on conscious episodic memory. This link between current preferences and previous choices suggests a homeostatic function of this regulative process, aiming at preserving subjective coherence.
Chitosan functionalized nanocochleates for enhanced oral absorption of cyclosporine A
Authors: Liu Min , Zhong Xiaoming , Yang Zhiwen
Published: January 2017

It remains a significant challenge to overcome the poor permeability of cyclosporine A and enhance its oral absorption. In this study, we have identified a positively charged chitosan that is able to induce coiling up of anionic lipids to form nanocochleates with an average size of 114.2 ± 0.8 nm, without the need for calcium ions. These functional chitosan-induced nanocochleates enhanced gastrointestinal absorption of cyclosporine A, up to a 3-fold increase in oral bioavailability. A fluorescence-labeling study confirmed that absorption mainly occurred in the duodenum and jejunum. Transport studies indicated that uptake of chitosan-induced nanocochleates by Caco-2 cells was by clathrin- and caveolae-mediated endocytosis, but not by macropinocytosis. Furthermore, three cellular tight junction proteins, ZO-1, F-actin and claudin-4, were significantly down-regulated, suggesting that chitobiose-induced nanocochleates are able to reconstruct and open tight junctions in intestinal epithelial cells to enhance drug absorption. In summary, these novel bifunctional chitosan-induced nanocochleates appear to have potential to facilitate oral delivery of cyclosporine A.
Light-induced dynamic shaping and self-division of multipodal polyelectrolyte-surfactant microarchitectures via azobenzene photomechanics
Authors: Martin Nicolas , Sharma Kamendra P. , Harniman Robert L. , Richardson Robert M. , Hutchings Ricky J. , Alibhai Dominic , Li Mei , Mann Stephen
Published: January 2017

Light-induced shape transformations represent a fundamental step towards the emergence of adaptive materials exhibiting photomechanical behaviours. Although a range of covalent azobenzene-based photoactive materials has been demonstrated, the use of dynamic photoisomerization in mesostructured soft solids involving non-covalent co-assembly has received little attention. Here we prepare discrete micrometre-sized hydrated particles of a hexagonally ordered polyelectrolyte-surfactant mesophase based on the electrostatically induced co-assembly of poly(sodium acrylate) (PAA) and trans-azobenzene trimethylammonium bromide (trans-azoTAB), and demonstrate unusual non-equilibrium substrate-mediated shape transformations to complex multipodal microarchitectures under continuous blue light. The microparticles spontaneously sequester molecular dyes, functional enzymes and oligonucleotides, and undergo self-division when transformed to the cis state under UV irradiation. Our results illustrate that weak bonding interactions in polyelectrolyte-azobenzene surfactant mesophases can be exploited for photo-induced long-range molecular motion, and highlight how dynamic shape transformations and autonomous division can be activated by spatially confining azobenzene photomechanics in condensed microparticulate materials.
Correction: Corrigendum: Temporary-tattoo for long-term high fidelity biopotential recordings
Authors: Bareket Lilach , Inzelberg Lilah , Rand David , David-Pur Moshe , Rabinovich David , Brandes Barak , Hanein Yael
Published: January 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 25727; published online: 12 May 2016; updated: 23 January 2017 The authors neglected to cite a previously-published related paper which reports the use of PEDOT:PSS ink-jet printing to realize nanosheets for skin-contact applications. This is listed below as reference 1, and should appear in the introduction as below:
Solid–liquid and liquid–solid transitions in metal nanoparticles
Authors: Hou M.
Published: January 2017

At the nanoscale, the activation energy of solidification is found equal to the latent heat of melting.
Fluorescent H-aggregates of an asymmetrically substituted mono-amino Zn(ii) phthalocyanine
Authors: Bayda Malgorzata , Dumoulin Fabienne , Hug Gordon L. , Koput Jacek , Gorniak Rafal , Wojcik Aleksandra
Published: January 2017

An asymmetrically substituted mono-amino Zn(ii) phthalocyanine exhibits an unexpected tendency to form emissive H-type dimers and higher order aggregates.
Molecular design of a wide-band-gap conjugated polymer for efficient fullerene-free polymer solar cells
Authors: Liu Delong , Yang Bei , Jang Bomee , Xu Bowei , Zhang Shaoqing , He Chang , Woo Han Young , Hou Jianhui
Published: January 2017

Two wide band gap polymer donors were developed for fullerene-free polymer solar cells. The photovoltaic performance of the PB3T:IT-M device processed by anisole achieved a high PCE of 11.9%.
Demonstration of membrane distillation on textile waste water: assessment of long term performance, membrane cleaning and waste heat integration
Authors: Dow Noel , Villalobos García Jesús , Niadoo Leslie , Milne Nicholas , Zhang Jianhua , Gray Stephen , Duke Mikel
Published: January 2017

A three month membrane distillation trial demonstrated innovative pretreatments, cleaning and waste heat integration as an inland textile industry wastewater solution.
Electrotunable lubricity with ionic liquids: the influence of nanoscale roughness
Authors: David Alessio , Fajardo Oscar Y. , Kornyshev Alexei A. , Urbakh Michael , Bresme Fernando
Published: January 2017

The properties of ionic liquids can be modified by applying an external electrostatic potential, providing a route to control their performance in nanolubrication applications. Most computational studies to date have focused on the investigation of smooth surfaces. Real surfaces are generally inhomogeneous and feature roughness of different length scales. We report here a study of the possible effects that surface roughness may have on electrotunable lubricity with ionic liquids, performed here by means of non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. In order to advance our understanding of the interplay of friction and substrate structure we investigate coarse grained models of ionic liquids confined in model surfaces with nanometer roughness. The friction is shown to depend on the roughness of the substrate and the direction of shear. For the investigated systems, the friction coefficient is found to increase with roughness. These results are in contrast with previous studies, where roughness induced reduction of friction was reported, and they highlight the strong sensitivity of the friction process to the structure of the surfaces. The friction force features a maximum at a specific surface charge density. This behaviour is reminiscent of the one reported in ionic liquids confined by flat surfaces, showing the generality of this physical effect in confined ionic liquids. We find that an increase of the substrate–liquid dispersion interactions shifts the maximum to lower surface charges. This effect opens a route to control electrotunable friction phenomena by tuning both the electrostatic potential and the composition of the confining surfaces.
Atom economical synthesis of N-alkylbenzamides via the iron(iii) sulfate catalyzed rearrangement of 2-alkyl-3-aryloxaziridines in water and in the presence of a surfactant
Authors: Kraïem Jamil , Ollevier Thierry
Published: January 2017

A green preparation of N-alkylbenzamides involves synthesis of 2-alkyl-3-aryloxaziridines from N-alkylamines and benzaldehydes followed by iron(iii) sulfate catalyzed rearrangement to the corresponding amides in water and in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate.
Turn-on fluorescence detection of pyrophosphate anion based on DNA-attached cobalt oxyhydroxide
Authors: Li Na , Zhu Yu Die , Liu Ting , Liu Shi Gang , Lin Shu Min , Shi Yan , Luo Hong Qun , Li Nian Bing
Published: January 2017

The turn-on fluorescence of pyrophosphate anion (PPi) was detected based on competition between PPi and DNA for CoOOH nanoflakes.
Synthesis and study of the stability of amidinium/guanidinium carbamates of amines and α-amino acids
Authors: Biancalana Lorenzo , Bresciani Giulio , Chiappe Cinzia , Marchetti Fabio , Pampaloni Guido
Published: January 2017

A convenient method for the synthesis and the solid state isolation of thermally stableN,N-dialkylcarbamates, including vacuum stable compounds, is proposed.
Deep eutectic solvents for green and efficient iron-mediated ligand-free atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Wang Jirong , Han Jianyu , Khan Mohd Yusuf , He Dan , Peng Haiyan , Chen Dianyu , Xie Xiaolin , Xue Zhigang
Published: January 2017

This article reports the iron-catalyzed ligand-free ATRP with DES as a green additive.
Influence of La2O3composition in MgO–La2O3mixed oxide-supported Co catalysts on the hydrogen yield in glycerol steam reforming
Authors: Surendar M. , Padmakar D. , Lingaiah N. , Rama Rao K. S. , Sai Prasad P. S.
Published: January 2017

Partially Mg-substituted LaCoO3perovskite is a good precursor, for the generation of cobalt nanoparticle derived under the reduction atmosphere. The La2O2CO3phase formed is more efficient in removing the carbon from the cobalt active site.
Predicting a graphene-like WB4 nanosheet with a double Dirac cone, an ultra-high Fermi velocity and significant gap opening by spin–orbit coupling
Authors: Zhang Chunmei , Jiao Yalong , Ma Fengxian , Bottle Steven , Zhao Mingwen , Chen Zhongfang , Du Aijun
Published: January 2017

A stable WB4 monolayer can deliver a sizable bandgap by spin–orbit coupling whilst maintaining high carrier mobility.
Correction: Aluminal speciation in the crystal nucleus: a mass spectral interpretation
Authors: Hare Alan Stewart
Published: January 2017

Correction for ‘Aluminal speciation in the crystal nucleus: a mass spectral interpretation’ by Alan Stewart Hare, RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 86540–86559.
Improving Art Museum Accessibility for Adults With Acquired Hearing Loss
Authors: Meyer Susanna , Larrivee Linda , Veneziano-Korzec Ann , Stacy Katrina
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Adults with hearing loss rated the accessibility of guided or docent-led art museum tours with and without hearing assistive technology (HAT).

Method

Nineteen individuals (average age 64 years, range 35–87 years) with acquired hearing loss participated. All participants had a bilateral hearing loss (mild to profound) using hearing aids (
n
= 12), cochlear implants (
n
= 5), or no technology (
n
= 2). Two docents who were previously trained to modify their presentations and use clear speech led the tours. Participants experienced a tour with and without the museum's HAT and rated its effectiveness using a rating scale. The study used a pre–post test design.

Results

The docent-led tours with HAT were rated significantly higher (
p
= .003) than the tours without HAT. Participants made several suggestions on improving museum accessibility for individuals with hearing loss.

Conclusions

The use of HAT during a museum tour was beneficial for individuals with hearing loss. Training docents to modify their presentations, use clear speech, and HAT improved the accessibility of docent-led tours for individuals with hearing loss.
Simple variable tap‐length algorithm for high‐noise environment
Authors: Wei Ying , Yan Zhibin
Published: January 2017

In the variable tap‐length algorithm, fast‐convergence rate and small steady‐state fluctuation of the tap‐length are two important criteria to evaluate performance of the algorithm. Furthermore, the simplicity and robustness to the noise are the key points for the algorithm to be applied in practise. Along this line, a very simple variable tap‐length algorithm is processed where the adaptation rule for fractional tap‐length is modified by incorporating strategy of limiting the amplitude of difference between squared output error and squared segmented error. Only at a slight cost of computational complexity, the proposed algorithm can achieve both small steady‐state fluctuation and fast‐convergence rate of the tap‐length under a high stochastic Gaussian noise condition (signal‐to‐noise ratio = 0 dB) or a deterministic impulsive noise condition.
Eccentricity in planetary systems and the role of binarity
Authors: Moutou C. , Vigan A. , Mesa D. , Desidera S. , Thébault P. , Zurlo A. , Salter G.
Published: January 2017

We explore the multiplicity of exoplanet host stars with high-resolution images obtained with VLT/SPHERE. Two different samples of systems were observed: one containing low-eccentricity outer planets, and the other containing high-eccentricity outer planets. We find that 10 out of 34 stars in the high-eccentricity systems are members of a binary, while the proportion is 3 out of 27 for circular systems. Eccentric-exoplanet hosts are, therefore, significantly more likely to have a stellar companion than circular-exoplanet hosts. The median magnitude contrast over the 68 data sets is 11.26 and 9.25, in H and K, respectively, at 0.30 arcsec. The derived detection limits reveal that binaries with separations of less than 50 au are rarer for exoplanet hosts than for field stars. Our results also imply that the majority of high-eccentricity planets are not embedded in multiple stellar systems (24 out of 34), since our detection limits exclude the presence of a stellar companion. We detect the low-mass stellar companions of HD 7449 and HD 211847, both members of our high-eccentricity sample. HD 7449B was already detected and our independent observation is in agreement with this earlier work. HD 211847’s substellar companion, previously detected by the radial velocity method, is actually a low-mass star seen face-on. The role of stellar multiplicity in shaping planetary systems is confirmed by this work, although it does not appear as the only source of dynamical excitation.
Transient Exacerbation of Nasal Symptoms following Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Tumors: A Prospective Study
Authors: Davies Benjamin , Tirr Erica , Wang Yi , Gnanalingham Kanna
Published: January 2017

Object Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is the commonest approach to pituitary tumors. One disadvantage of this approach is the development of early postoperative nasal symptoms. Our aim was to clarify the peak onset of these symptoms and their temporal evolution.

Methods The General Nasal Patient Inventory (GNPI) was administered to 56 patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumors preoperatively and at 1 day, 3 days, 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 to 12 months postoperatively. Most patients underwent surgery for pituitary adenomas (N = 49; 88%) and through a uninostril approach (N = 55; 98%). Total GNPI (0–135) and scores for the 45 individual components were compared.

Results GNPI scores peaked at 1 to 3 days postoperatively, with rapid reduction to baseline by 2 weeks and below baseline by 6 to 12 months postsurgery (p < 0.01). Of the 45 individual symptoms on the GNPI scale, 19 (42%) worsened transiently after surgery (p < 0.05). Functioning tumors had a higher GNPI scores at postoperative day 1 and 3 than nonfunctioning tumors, although their temporal evolution was the same (p < 0.05).

Conclusions Nasal morbidity following endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery is common, but transient, more so in the functioning subgroup. Nasal symptoms improve below baseline by 6 to 12 months, without the need for specific long-term postoperative interventions in the vast majority of patients.
Functional Outcomes of 24-Hour Thumb Immobilization in Healthy Volunteers: Prospective Comparative Study
Authors: Muppavarapu Raghuveer , Tsytsikova Lyubov , Dalwadi Poonam , Cassidy Charles , Gottschalk Michael
Published: January 2017

Background Immobilization is often needed for the treatment of wrist and hand injuries. The current best method of immobilization for several types of injuries has yet to be elucidated with little being reported on the functional differences of each type of immobilization.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to compare the functional outcome between healthy young volunteers with a 24-hour short arm cast (SAC) versus thumb spica cast (TSC) immobilization.

Methods A total of 50 healthy volunteers completed a baseline typing assessment and a Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) upper extremity functional scoring assessment. Participants in group 1 were randomly initially assigned to a TSC of their dominant hand followed by an SAC, whereas participants in group 2 were randomly initially assigned to a TSC of their nondominant hand followed by an SAC. The volunteers completed the typing assessment and PROMIS assessment at the end of the 24-hour casting period.

Results A total of 50 participants were enrolled in the study with 25 in group 1 and 25 in group 2. There was a 24.3-point difference between the average PROMIS score for participants with SAC compared with participants with TSC (93 vs. 68.7; p = 0.0001). There was a significant difference between the typing speed and accuracy of participants with SAC compared with participants with TSC (p = 0.0001).

Conclusion There is a significant difference in functionality of a TSC immobilization versus an SAC immobilization according to the PROMIS functional outcome score and typing speed in a 24-hour casting period. SAC immobilization should be considered to have a possible similar effect in pathologic conditions instead of TSC immobilization given these findings even though a 24-hour period is not enough to provide adequate long-term conclusions.

Level of Evidence I, prospective comparative study.
Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood in an Infant with Symptoms Resembling Glucose Transporter 1 Deficiency
Authors: Sreedharan Mini , Chalipat Shiji , Mohammed Kunju , Devadathan Kalpana
Published: January 2017

Glucose transporter type 1 (glut1) deficiency syndrome presents with developmental delay, microcephaly, and recurrent seizures during infancy, as well as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hypoglycorrhachia and mutations in the SLC2A1 gene. We describe a baby with microcephaly, global developmental delay, seizures from 3 months of age, and CSF glucose in the lower limit of normal range, with heterozygous p.Glu815Lys mutation of the ATP1A3 gene and no mutation in the SLC2A1 gene. Mutations in ATP1A3 gene are associated with alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC). Interestingly the baby developed episodes of recurrent bouts of alternating hemiplegia from 13 months of age. The case is reported to highlight ATP1A3 mutation as a probable etiology for glut1 deficiency like syndrome and AHC. A brief review of literature emphasizing the overlapping paroxysmal and nonparoxysmal symptoms of the two conditions is also included.
Examining the role of fluctuations in the early stages of homogenous polymer crystallization with simulation and statistical learning
Authors: Welch P. M.
Published: January 2017

We propose a relationship between the dynamics in the amorphous and crystalline domains during polymer crystallization: the fluctuations of ordering-rate about a material-specific value in the amorphous phase drive those fluctuations associated with the increase in percent crystallinity. This suggests a differential equation that satisfies the three experimentally observed time regimes for the rate of crystal growth. To test this postulated expression, we applied a suite of statistical learning tools to molecular dynamics simulations to extract the relevant phenomenology. This study shows that the proposed relationship holds in the early time regime. It illustrates the effectiveness of soft computing tools in the analysis of coarse-grained simulations in which patterns exist, but may not easily yield to strict quantitative evaluation. This ability assists us in characterizing the critical early time molecular arrangement during the primary nucleation phase of polymer melt crystallization. In addition to supporting the validity of the proposed kinetics expression, the simulations show that (i) the classical nucleation and growth mechanism is active in the early stages of ordering; (ii) the number of nuclei and their masses grow linearly during this early time regime; and (iii) a fixed inter-nuclei distance is established.
Reference Correlation of the Viscosity of Ethylbenzene from the Triple Point to 673 K and up to 110 MPa
Authors: Meng X. Y. , Cao F. L. , Wu J. T. , Vesovic V.
Published: January 2017

A new correlation for the viscosity of ethylbenzene is presented. The correlation is based upon a body of experimental data that has been critically assessed for internal consistency and for agreement with theory. It is applicable in the temperature range from the triple point to 673 K at pressures up to 110 MPa. The overall uncertainty of the proposed correlation, estimated as the combined expanded uncertainty with a coverage factor of 2, varies from 1% for the viscosity at atmospheric pressure to 5% for the highest temperatures and pressures of interest. Tables of the viscosity, generated by the relevant equations at selected temperatures and pressures and along the saturation line, are provided. Comparison of viscosity of xylene isomers indicated that at very high temperatures the viscosity correlation of para-xylene has higher uncertainty than previously postulated. Thus, in this work we also provide a revised viscosity correlation for p-xylene.
Hyperpolarization of nitrogen-15 nuclei by cross polarization and dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization
Authors: Milani Jonas , Vuichoud Basile , Bornet Aurélien , Melzi Roberto , Jannin Sami , Bodenhausen Geoffrey
Published: January 2017

Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP) is often achieved by the direct transfer of polarization from electrons to nuclei such as 13C, induced by microwave saturation of the wings of narrow EPR lines of radicals like trityl. In the indirect approach on the other hand, DNP is used to transfer the polarization from the electrons of radicals such as nitroxides that have broad EPR lines to nuclear spins I = 1H, followed by cross-polarization (CP) from I = 1H to S = 13C or other nuclei with low gyromagnetic ratios. This approach is particularly attractive for S = 15N, since direct DNP yields modest polarizations P(15N) < 4% with build-up times that can be as long as τDNP(15N) > 2 h. In this paper, we show that CP from 1H to 15N at 1.2 K can yield P(15N) = 25% with τCP-DNP(15N) = 10–15 min. After rapid dissolution and transfer to a solution-state NMR spectrometer, a polarization P(15N) = 20% was observed at 300 K. The longitudinal relaxation times in solution can be as long as T1(15N) > 800 s in favorable cases.
UV-enhanced CO sensing using Ga2O3-based nanorod arrays at elevated temperature
Authors: Lin Hui-Jan , Gao Haiyong , Gao Pu-Xian
Published: January 2017

Monitoring and control of the gaseous combustion process are critically important in advanced energy systems such as power plants, gas turbines, and automotive engines. However, very limited gas sensing solutions are available in the market for such applications due to the inherent high temperature of the combustion gaseous atmosphere. In this study, we fabricated and demonstrated high-performance metal oxide based nanorod array sensors assisted with ultra-violet (UV) illumination for in situ and real-time high-temperature gas detection. Without UV-illumination, it was found that surface decoration of either 5 nm LSFO or 1 nm Pt nanoparticles can enhance the sensitivity over CO at 500 °C by an order of magnitude. Under the 254 nm UV illumination, the CO gas-sensing performance of Ga2O3-based nanorod array sensors was further enhanced with the sensitivity boosted by 125% and the response time reduced by 30% for the La0.8Sr0.2FeO3(LSFO)-decorated sample. The UV-enhanced detection of CO might be due to the increased population of photo-induced electron-hole pairs, whereas for LSFO-decorated nanorod array sensor under UV illumination, the enhancement is through a combination of the sensitizing effect and photocurrent effect.
Global existence and asymptotic behavior to a chemotaxis system with consumption of chemoattractant in higher dimensions
Authors: Fan Lili , Jin Hai-Yang
Published: January 2017

We study the quasilinear chemotaxis system (1.1) in a bounded domain Ω ⊂ ℝn(n ≥ 3) with smooth boundary, where the diffusion function D(u) satisfies D(u) ≥ cDum−1 for all u > 0 with some cD > 0. Under the condition m>32−1n, we show that for all reasonably regular initial data, the corresponding initial-boundary value problem for (1.1) possesses global boundedness of solution, which converges to the spatially homogeneous equilibrium (ū0,0) in an appropriate sense as t → ∞, where ū0=1Ω∫Ωu0.
Using a direct simulation Monte Carlo approach to model collisions in a buffer gas cell
Authors: Doppelbauer Maximilian J. , Schullian Otto , Loreau Jerome , Vaeck Nathalie , van der Avoird Ad , Rennick Christopher J. , Softley Timothy P. , Heazlewood Brianna R.
Published: January 2017

A direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method is applied to model collisions between He buffer gas atoms and ammonia molecules within a buffer gas cell. State-to-state cross sections, calculated as a function of the collision energy, enable the inelastic collisions between He and NH3 to be considered explicitly. The inclusion of rotational-state-changing collisions affects the translational temperature of the beam, indicating that elastic and inelastic processes should not be considered in isolation. The properties of the cold molecular beam exiting the cell are examined as a function of the cell parameters and operating conditions; the rotational and translational energy distributions are in accord with experimental measurements. The DSMC calculations show that thermalisation occurs well within the typical 10-20 mm length of many buffer gas cells, suggesting that shorter cells could be employed in many instances—yielding a higher flux of cold molecules.
Spatiotemporally resolved characteristics of a gliding arc discharge in a turbulent air flow at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Zhu Jiajian , Gao Jinlong , Ehn Andreas , Aldén Marcus , Larsson Anders , Kusano Yukihiro , Li Zhongshan
Published: January 2017

A gliding arc discharge was generated in a turbulent air flow at atmospheric pressure driven by a 35 kHz alternating current (AC) electric power. The spatiotemporally resolved characteristics of the gliding arc discharge, including glow-type discharges, spark-type discharges, short-cutting events and transitions among the different types of discharges, were investigated using simultaneously optical and electrical diagnostics. The glow-type discharge shows sinusoidal-like voltage and current waveforms with a peak current of hundreds of milliamperes. The frequency of the emission intensity variation of the glow-type discharge is the same as that of the electronic power dissipated in the plasma column. The glow-type discharge can transfer into a spark discharge characterized by a sharp peak current of several amperes and a sudden increase of the brightness in the plasma column. Transitions can also be found to take place from spark-type discharges to glow-type discharges. Short-cutting events were often observed as the intermediate states formed during the spark-glow transition. Three different types of short-cutting events have been observed to generate new current paths between two plasma channel segments, and between two electrodes, as well as between the channel segment and the electrodes, respectively. The short-cut upper part of the plasma column that was found to have no current passing through can be detected several hundreds of microseconds after the short-cutting event. The voltage recovery rate, the period of AC voltage-driving signal, the flow rates and the rated input powers were found to play an important role in affecting the transitions among the different types of discharges.
The role of bandgap energy excess in surface emission of terahertz radiation from semiconductors
Authors: Alfaro-Gomez M. , Castro-Camus E.
Published: January 2017

We use a Monte-Carlo model to simulate semi-classical photo-carrier dynamics of InAs, InGaAs, and GaAs that leads to terahertz emission. We compare the emission power of all three semiconductors as a function of excitation photon energy finding that the carrier excess excitation energy is more relevant to explain their performance difference than their mobilities. We conclude that ballistic transport after photoexcitation is the dominant mechanism for terahertz emission instead of diffusion driven or surface field driven charge separation, which were traditionally considered the most relevant mechanisms.
Thin structured rigid body for acoustic absorption
Authors: Starkey T. A. , Smith J. D. , Hibbins A. P. , Sambles J. R. , Rance H. J.
Published: January 2017

We present a thin acoustic metamaterial absorber, comprised of only rigid metal and air, that gives rise to near unity absorption of airborne sound on resonance. This simple, easily fabricated, robust structure comprising a perforated metal plate separated from a rigid wall by a deeply subwavelength channel of air is an ideal candidate for a sound absorbing panel. The strong absorption in the system is attributed to the thermo-viscous losses arising from a sound wave guided between the plate and the wall, defining the subwavelength channel.
Research Update: Interfacing ultrasmall metal nanoclusters with biological systems
Authors: Shang Li , Nienhaus G. Ulrich
Published: January 2017

Metal nanoclusters (NCs), a new type of nanomaterial with unique physicochemical properties, show great potential in many biomedical applications. Understanding their behavior in the complex biological environment is critical not only for designing highly efficient NC-based nanomedicines but also for elucidating the biological impact (e.g., toxicity) of these emerging nanomaterials. In this review, we give an overview of recent progress in exploring interactions of metal NCs with biological systems, including protein adsorption onto NCs, NC interactions with cells, and also the in vivo behavior of NCs. We also discuss the biological responses to the interactions, key parameters defining the interactions, and current challenges in the exploration of NCs in the complex biological environment.
Comparing anaphora resolution in early and late Brazilian Portuguese-European Portuguese bidialectal bilinguals
Authors: Castro Tammer , Rothman Jason , Westergaard Marit
Published: January 2017

The present study examines anaphora resolution in two groups of speakers exposed to Brazilian and European Portuguese (BP and EP, respectively), considering the different null subject distribution in these languages. Our research question is whether late BP-EP bilinguals (age of EP onset: 29.1) and heritage BP speakers raised in Portugal (age of EP onset 5.6), tested in both dialects, will pattern like the native controls or display some effects of EP in their native BP or vice-versa. This is an interesting question in light of the Interface Hypothesis, which claims that external interfaces should be subject to general bilingualism effects irrespective of language pairing and age (Sorace, 2011). The results show that age has an effect, as the heritage speakers do not perform like the late learners, and that the high degree of typological proximity between the two languages could hinder bidialectal acquisition.