bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Defect Structure of Biaxial Nematic Droplets
Authors: Chiccoli C. , Evangelista L. R. , Pasini P. , Skačej G. , Teixeira de Souza R. , Zannoni C.
Published: January 2018

We present a detailed Monte Carlo study of the effects of molecular biaxiality on the defect created at the centre of a nematic droplet with radial anchoring at the surface. We have studied a lattice model based on a dispersive potential for biaxial mesogens [Luckhurst et al., Mol. Phys. 30, 1345 (1975)] to investigate how increasing the biaxiality influences the molecular organisation inside the confined system. The results are compared with those obtained from a continuum theory approach. We find from both approaches that the defect core size increases by increasing the molecular biaxiality, hinting at a non universal behaviour previously not reported.
The risk of cognitive impairment associated with hearing function in older adults: a pooled analysis of data from eleven studies
Authors: Yuan Jing , Sun Yu , Sang Shuping , Pham Jessica Huynh , Kong Wei-Jia
Published: January 2018

Impaired hearing and cognition are disabling conditions among older adults. Research has presented inconsistent conclusions regarding hearing impairment posing a risk for cognitive impairment. We aimed to assess this from published evidence via searching PubMed and Embase, from the inception of the databases indexed to December 2, 2016. For those high-quality studies retrieved, relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined to estimate the risk of cognitive impairment. Eleven cohort studies were included in the present study. Pooled results found that elderly people with disabled peripheral and central hearing function had a higher risk of cognitive impairment (for moderate/severe peripheral hearing impairment: RR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.04–1.59 during a follow-up ≤6 years. RR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.13–2.20 during a follow-up >6 years; for severe central hearing impairment, RR = 3.21, 95% CI: 1.19–8.69) compared to those with normal hearing function. We also recorded a dose-response trend for cognitive impairment as hearing thresholds rose. No evident bias from potential confounding factors was found with one exception: the length for clinical follow-up. Although results are preliminary because qualifying studies were few, statistical findings were consistent with older people identified as having greater levels of hearing loss, having a corresponding higher risk of cognitive impairment.
Molecular identification, transcript expression, and functional deorphanization of the adipokinetic hormone/corazonin-related peptide receptor in the disease vector, Aedes aegypti
Authors: Wahedi Azizia , Paluzzi Jean-Paul
Published: January 2018

The recently discovered adipokinetic hormone/corazonin-related peptide (ACP) is an insect neuropeptide structurally intermediate between corazonin (CRZ) and adipokinetic (AKH) hormones, which all demonstrate homology to the vertebrate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). To date, the function of the ACP signaling system remains unclear. In the present study, we molecularly identified the complete open reading frame encoding the Aedes aegypti ACP receptor (ACPR), which spans nine exons and undergoes alternative splicing giving rise to three transcript variants. Only a single variant, AedaeACPR-I, yielding a deduced 577 residue protein, contains all seven transmembrane domains characteristic of rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptors. Functional deorphanization of AedaeACPR-I using a heterologous cell culture-based system revealed highly-selective and dose-dependent receptor activation by AedaeACP (EC50 = 10.25 nM). Analysis of the AedaeACPR-I and AedaeACP transcript levels in all post-embryonic developmental stages using quantitative RT-PCR identified enrichment of both transcripts after adult eclosion. Tissue-specific expression profiling in adult mosquitoes reveals expression of the AedaeACPR-I receptor transcript in the central nervous system, including significant enrichment within the abdominal ganglia. Further, the AedaeACP transcript is prominently detected within the brain and thoracic ganglia. Collectively, these results indicate a neuromodulator or neurotransmitter role for ACP and suggest this neuropeptide may function in regulation of post-ecdysis activities.
Objective Assessment of Patient Inhaler User Technique Using an Audio-Based Classification Approach
Authors: Taylor Terence E. , Zigel Yaniv , Egan Clarice , Hughes Fintan , Costello Richard W. , Reilly Richard B.
Published: January 2018

Many patients make critical user technique errors when using pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) which reduce the clinical efficacy of respiratory medication. Such critical errors include poor actuation coordination (poor timing of medication release during inhalation) and inhaling too fast (peak inspiratory flow rate over 90 L/min). Here, we present a novel audio-based method that objectively assesses patient pMDI user technique. The Inhaler Compliance Assessment device was employed to record inhaler audio signals from 62 respiratory patients as they used a pMDI with an In-Check Flo-Tone device attached to the inhaler mouthpiece. Using a quadratic discriminant analysis approach, the audio-based method generated a total frame-by-frame accuracy of 88.2% in classifying sound events (actuation, inhalation and exhalation). The audio-based method estimated the peak inspiratory flow rate and volume of inhalations with an accuracy of 88.2% and 83.94% respectively. It was detected that 89% of patients made at least one critical user technique error even after tuition from an expert clinical reviewer. This method provides a more clinically accurate assessment of patient inhaler user technique than standard checklist methods.
Electron irradiation induced amorphous SiO2 formation at metal oxide/Si interface at room temperature; electron beam writing on interfaces
Authors: Gurbán S. , Petrik P. , Serényi M. , Sulyok A , Menyhárd M. , Baradács E. , Parditka B. , Cserháti C. , Langer G. A. , Erdélyi Z.
Published: January 2018

Al2O3 (5 nm)/Si (bulk) sample was subjected to irradiation of 5 keV electrons at room temperature, in a vacuum chamber (pressure 1 × 10−9 mbar) and formation of amorphous SiO2 around the interface was observed. The oxygen for the silicon dioxide growth was provided by the electron bombardment induced bond breaking in Al2O3 and the subsequent production of neutral and/or charged oxygen. The amorphous SiO2 rich layer has grown into the Al2O3 layer showing that oxygen as well as silicon transport occurred during irradiation at room temperature. We propose that both transports are mediated by local electric field and charged and/or uncharged defects created by the electron irradiation. The direct modification of metal oxide/silicon interface by electron-beam irradiation is a promising method of accomplishing direct write electron-beam lithography at buried interfaces.
A conserved motif within cox 2 allows broad detection of economically important fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Jiang Fan , Liang Liang , Li Zhihong , Yu Yanxue , Wang Jun , Wu Yuping , Zhu Shuifang
Published: January 2018

The genera Anastrepha, Bactrocera, Ceratitis, Dacus and Rhagoletis in the family Tephritidae order Diptera are economically important, worldwide distributed and cause damage to a large number of commercially produced fruits and vegetables. China had regulated these five genera as quarantine pests, including the species Carpomya vesuviana. An accurate molecular method not depending on morphology able to detect all the quarantine fruit flies simultaneously is required for quarantine monitoring. This study contributes a comparative analysis of 146 mitochondrial genomes of Diptera species and found variable sites at the mt DNA cox2 gene only conserved in economically important fruit flies species. Degenerate primers (TephFdeg/TephR) were designed specific for the economically important fruit flies. A 603 bp fragment was amplified after testing each of the 40 selected representative species belonging to each economically important Tephritid genera, no diagnostic fragments were detected/amplified in any of the other Tephritidae and Diptera species examined. PCR sensitivity assays demonstrated the limit of detection of targeted DNA was 0.1 ng/μl. This work contributes an innovative approach for detecting all reported economically important fruit flies in a single-step PCR specific for reported fruit fly species of quarantine concern in China.
Phenome of pearl quality traits in the mollusc transplant model Pinctada margaritifera
Authors: Ky Chin-Long , Quillien Virgile , Broustal Floriane , Soyez Claude , Devaux Dominique
Published: January 2018

The bivalve Pinctada margaritifera exhibits three main transplant phenotypes derived from the donor (from which a mantle graft tissue, the saibo, is excised), the recipient (into which the saibo is implanted with a nucleus, leading to the formation of a pearl sac “chimera”) and the cultured pearls themselves. This first phenome study on the species derived from a large experimental graft. Transplant phenotype was assessed at three scales: 1) macro, pearl size, colour, grade, 2) micro, pearl surface microstructure, and 3) molecular, biomineralisation gene expression level in saibo and pearl sac tissues. From donor to pearl, the phenome revealed fine variations of quality traits dependent on the position on the mantle where the saibo was cut, whose variation could overlap with inter-individual donor phenotype differences. A single donor phenotype could therefore produce multiple pearl phenotypes at the scale of the saibo position, mirroring its original activity at the mantle position level and the colour and shape of the shell. This phenome study provides essential information on phenotypic trait architecture enabling us to explore and explain the main biological functions and pave the way for a phenomic project on P. margaritifera that could benefit the pearl industry.
The effects of scaling on age, sex and size relationships in Red-legged Partridges
Authors: Nadal Jesús , Ponz Carolina , Margalida Antoni
Published: January 2018

Wild birds differ in size according to their age and sex, adult birds being larger than juveniles. In the galliforms, males are larger than females, in contrast to some groups, such as the raptors, in which the females are larger. Size generally influences the rank hierarchy within a group of birds, although the age, sex, temperament and behaviour of an individual may override its size related rank order. The scaled size of birds according to age and sex affects their physiology and behaviour. Precise details of body-size differences by age and sex are poorly known in most partridge species. We measured 13,814 wild partridges in a homogenous population over 14 years of study to evaluate size differences within a uniform habitat and population management regime. We show that wild Red-legged Partridges have scaled mass, and body- and wing-lengths consistent with age/sex classes. Power functions between mass and body-length (as a proxy for walking efficiency), and between mass and wing-length (for flight efficiency) differ between juvenile females and males, and adult females and males. We discuss these findings and their physiological, behavioural and ecological implications.
Spatiotemporal summation and correlation mimicked in a four-emitter light-induced artificial synapse
Authors: Shi Zheng , Zhang Shuai , Yuan Jialei , Zhu Bingcheng , Jiang Yuan , Shen Xiangfei , Wang Yongjin
Published: January 2018

In the brain, each postsynaptic neuron interconnects many presynaptic neurons and performs functions that are related to summation and recognition as well as correlation. Based on a convolution operation and nonlinear distortion function, we propose a mathematical model to explore the elementary synaptic mechanism. A four-emitter light-induced artificial synapse is implemented on an III-nitride-on-silicon platform to validate the device concept for emulating the synaptic behaviors of a biological synapse with multiple presynaptic inputs. In addition to a progressive increase in the amplitude of successive spatiotemporal excitatory postsynaptic voltages, the differences in the stimulations are remembered for signal recognition. When repetitive stimulations are simultaneously applied and last over a long period of time, resonant spatiotemporal correlation occurs because an association is formed between the presynaptic stimulations. Four resonant spatiotemporal correlations of each triple-stimulation combination are experimentally demonstrated and agree well with the simulation results. The repetitive stimulation combinations with prime number-based periods inherently exhibit the maximum capacity of resonant spatiotemporal correlation. Our work offers a new approach to building artificial synapse networks.
Contraction of T cell richness in lung cancer brain metastases
Authors: Mansfield Aaron S. , Ren Hongzheng , Sutor Shari , Sarangi Vivekananda , Nair Asha , Davila Jaime , Elsbernd Laura R. , Udell Julia B. , Dronca Roxana S. , Park Sean , Markovic Svetomir N. , Sun Zhifu , Halling Kevin C. , Nevala Wendy K. , Aubry Marie Christine , Dong Haidong , Jen Jin
Published: January 2018

Very little is known about how the adaptive immune system responds to clonal evolution and tumor heterogeneity in non-small cell lung cancer. We profiled the T-cell receptor β complementarity determining region 3 in 20 patients with fully resected non-small cell lung cancer primary lesions and paired brain metastases. We characterized the richness, abundance and overlap of T cell clones between pairs, in addition to the tumor mutation burden and predicted neoantigens. We found a significant contraction in the number of unique T cell clones in brain metastases compared to paired primary cancers. The vast majority of T cell clones were specific to a single lesion, and there was minimal overlap in T cell clones between paired lesions. Despite the contraction in the number of T cell clones, brain metastases had higher non-synonymous mutation burdens than primary lesions. Our results suggest that there is greater richness of T cell clones in primary lung cancers than their paired metastases despite the higher mutation burden observed in metastatic lesions. These results may have implications for immunotherapy.
Structural and mechanistic divergence of the small (p)ppGpp synthetases RelP and RelQ
Authors: Steinchen Wieland , Vogt Marian S. , Altegoer Florian , Giammarinaro Pietro I. , Horvatek Petra , Wolz Christiane , Bange Gert
Published: January 2018

The nutritional alarmones ppGpp and pppGpp (collectively: (p)ppGpp) are nucleotide-based second messengers enabling bacteria to respond to environmental and stress conditions. Several bacterial species contain two highly homologous (p)ppGpp synthetases named RelP (SAS2, YwaC) and RelQ (SAS1, YjbM). It is established that RelQ forms homotetramers that are subject to positive allosteric regulation by pppGpp, but structural and mechanistic insights into RelP lack behind. Here we present a structural and mechanistic characterization of RelP. In stark contrast to RelQ, RelP is not allosterically regulated by pppGpp and displays a different enzyme kinetic behavior. This discrepancy is evoked by different conformational properties of the guanosine-substrate binding site (G-Loop) of both proteins. Our study shows how minor structural divergences between close homologues result in new functional features during the course of molecular evolution.
A missense mutation in TRAPPC6A leads to build-up of the protein, in patients with a neurodevelopmental syndrome and dysmorphic features
Authors: Mohamoud Hussein Sheikh , Ahmed Saleem , Jelani Musharraf , Alrayes Nuha , Childs Kay , Vadgama Nirmal , Almramhi Mona Mohammad , Al-Aama Jumana Yousuf , Goodbourn Steve , Nasir Jamal
Published: January 2018

Childhood onset clinical syndromes involving intellectual disability and dysmorphic features, such as polydactyly, suggest common developmental pathways link seemingly unrelated phenotypes. We identified a consanguineous family of Saudi origin with varying complex features including intellectual disability, speech delay, facial dysmorphism and polydactyly. Combining, microarray based comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH) to identify regions of homozygosity, with exome sequencing, led to the identification of homozygous mutations in five candidate genes (RSPH6A,ANKK1,AMOTL1,ALKBH8,TRAPPC6A), all of which appear to be pathogenic as predicted by Proven, SIFT and PolyPhen2 and segregate perfectly with the disease phenotype. We therefore looked for differences in expression levels of each protein in HEK293 cells, expressing either the wild-type or mutant full-length cDNA construct. Unexpectedly, wild-type TRAPPC6A appeared to be unstable, but addition of the proteasome inhibitor MG132 stabilised its expression. Mutations have previously been reported in several members of the TRAPP complex of proteins, including TRAPPC2, TRAPPC9 and TRAPPC11, resulting in disorders involving skeletal abnormalities, intellectual disability, speech impairment and developmental delay. TRAPPC6A joins a growing list of proteins belonging to the TRAPP complex, implicated in clinical syndromes with neurodevelopmental abnormalities.
Saline Accelerates Oxime Reaction with Aldehyde and Keto Substrates at Physiological pH
Authors: Wang Shujiang , Nawale Ganesh N. , Kadekar Sandeep , Oommen Oommen P. , Jena Naresh K. , Chakraborty Sudip , Hilborn Jöns , Varghese Oommen P.
Published: January 2018

We have discovered a simple and versatile reaction condition for oxime mediated bioconjugation reaction that could be adapted for both aldehyde and keto substrates. We found that saline accelerated the oxime kinetics in a concentration-dependent manner under physiological conditions. The reaction mechanism is validated by computational studies, and the versatility of the reaction is demonstrated by cell-surface labeling experiments. Saline offers an efficient and non-toxic catalytic option for performing the bioorthogonal-coupling reaction of biomolecules at the physiological pH. This saline mediated bioconjugation reaction represents the most biofriendly, mild and versatile approach for conjugating sensitive biomolecules and does not require any extensive purification step.
A remote computing based point-of-care colorimetric detection system with a smartphone under complex ambient light conditions
Authors: Bao Xu , Jiang Shu , Wang Yun , Yu Miao , Han Juan
Published: January 2018

Colorimetric detection under complex ambient light conditions without a light-tight box.
Arrested disproportionation in trivalent, mononuclear, and non-metallocene complexes of Zr(iii) and Hf(iii)
Authors: Grant Lauren N. , Miehlich Matthias E. , Meyer Karsten , Mindiola Daniel J.
Published: January 2018

Reduction of [(PN)2MCl2] (M = Zr (1), and Hf (2)) both readily prepared by transmetallation of 2 LiPN with [MCl4(THF)2], with a slight excess of KC8, resulted in the isolation of the trivalent complexes [(PN)2MCl] (M = Zr (3), and Hf (4)).
Super-resolution optical microscopy resolves network morphology of smart colloidal microgels
Authors: Bergmann Stephan , Wrede Oliver , Huser Thomas , Hellweg Thomas
Published: January 2018

We present a new method to resolve the network morphology of colloidal particles in an aqueous environment via super-resolution microscopy. The 3D structure of thermoresponsive microgels with different cross-linker content is resolved and compared to established models.
Improved thermal stability of a copper-containing ceria-based catalyst for low temperature CO oxidation under simulated diesel exhaust conditions
Authors: Heo Iljeong , Schmieg Steven J. , Oh Se H. , Li Wei , Peden Charles H. F. , Kim Chang Hwan , Szanyi János
Published: January 2018

CuO supported on a commercial mixed cerium–zirconium oxide shows remarkable improvement in CO oxidation after high temperature hydrothermal aging.
Methane-to-methanol conversion over zeolite Cu-SSZ-13, and its comparison with the selective catalytic reduction of NOxwith NH3
Authors: Oord Ramon , Schmidt Joel E. , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: January 2018

Usingin situFT-IR and operando UV-vis-NIR DRS, performed on a series of different Cu–ion-exchanged SSZ-13 zeolites, both a mono-nuclear site or a dimeric copper active site are consistent for methane-to-methanol activation.
Conductive Nb-doped TiO2 thin films with whole visible absorption to degrade pollutants
Authors: Yang Xiaoyang , Min Yuxin , Li Sibai , Wang Dawei , Mei Zongwei , Liang Jun , Pan Feng
Published: January 2018

Niobium-doping makes both intrinsic UV absorption and UV-vis-IR free-carrier absorption occur in TiO2 and improves the photocatalytic performance.
Hierarchical TiO2 nanowire/microflower photoanode modified with Au nanoparticles for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Duan Yanyan , Zhou Shaochen , Chen Zhihong , Luo Jianmin , Zhang Mei , Wang Fu , Xu Tao , Wang Chuanyi
Published: January 2018

The 3D architecture of H-TiO2 and incorporation of Au NPs contribute to the excellent PEC performance of Au/H-TiO2-based photoanodes.
Trace level Al3+ detection in aqueous media utilizing luminescent ensembles comprising pyrene laced dynamic surfactant assembly
Authors: Dey Nilanjan , Bhattacharya Santanu
Published: January 2018

Easily synthesizable amphiphilic probes have been designed for the detection of Al3+ exclusively at mesoscopic interfaces.
Insights into the enhanced photoelectrochemical performance of hydrothermally controlled hematite nanostructures for proficient solar water oxidation
Authors: Park Jin Woo , Subramanian Arunprabaharan , Mahadik Mahadeo A. , Lee Su Yong , Choi Sun Hee , Jang Jum Suk
Published: January 2018

A controlled hydrothermal reaction time showed an improvement in the PEC performance of 1D α-Fe2O3 nanorods due to an optimum aspect ratio and Sn4+ diffusion.
The effect of metal distribution on the luminescence properties of mixed-lanthanide metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Cadman Laura K. , Mahon Mary F. , Burrows Andrew D.
Published: January 2018

The MOFs [Ln(Hodip)(H2O)]·nH2O (H4odip = 5,5′-oxydiisophthalic acid) have been prepared together with mixed-metal analogues, and the distribution of the metal centres has been shown to affect the luminescence properties.
Influence of Pb element on the catalytic properties of {P4Mo6}-polyoxometalate for redox reactions
Authors: Han Zhangang , Xin Xing , Zheng Ran , Yu Haitao
Published: January 2018

{PbM(P4Mo6O31)2}-based hybrids (M = Mn/Co/Ni/Cd) as electron transfer catalysts are active toward the redox reaction of [Fe(CN)6]3−–S2O32− under a mild temperature.
Fabrication of Bi19S27I3 nanorod cluster films for enhanced photodetection performance
Authors: Yan Yutao , Xu Yueling , Lei Shuijin , Ou Xiuling , Chen Lianfu , Xiong Jinsong , Xiao Yanhe , Cheng Baochang
Published: January 2018

Bi19S27I3 nanorod cluster films are directly grown on rigid substrates for potential application in wide range photodetectors.
Synthesis and characterization of an iron complex bearing a hemilabile NNN-pincer for catalytic hydrosilylation of organic carbonyl compounds
Authors: Lin Hsiu-Jung , Lutz Sean , O'Kane Catherine , Zeller Matthias , Chen Chun-Hsing , Al Assil Talal , Lee Wei-Tsung
Published: January 2018

A new design of a low-coordinate iron complex, bearing a hemilabile ligand, served as an effective hydrosilylation pre-catalyst.
Multi-shelled LiMn1.95Co0.05O4cages with a tunable Mn oxidation state for ultra-high lithium storage
Authors: Lu Li , Hu Yanjie , Jiang Hao , Wang Yang , Jiang Yi , Huang Su , Niu Xiaofeng , Biswas Pratim , Li Chunzhong
Published: January 2018

The combined effect of tunable average Mn valence and a unique caged structure enhances superior performances of LiMn2O4materials.
Remarkable reversal of electrostatic interaction forces on zwitterionic soft nanointerfaces in a monovalent aqueous electrolyte: an AFM study at the single nanoparticle level
Authors: Beaussart Audrey , Caillet Céline , Bihannic Isabelle , Zimmermann Ralf , Duval Jérôme F. L.
Published: January 2018

Electrostatic interaction between a zwitterionic nanoparticle and a charged surface reverses from repulsive to attractive with varying monovalent electrolyte concentration.
Zwitterionic peptide-capped gold nanoparticles for colorimetric detection of Ni2+
Authors: Parnsubsakul Attasith , Oaew Sukunya , Surareungchai Werasak
Published: January 2018

Recyclable zwitterionic peptide-capped AuNPs for highly sensitive detection of Ni2+.
Highly sensitive and selective multidimensional resistive strain sensors based on a stiffness-variant stretchable substrate
Authors: Ha Sun-Hyung , Ha Sung-Hun , Jeon Mun-Bae , Cho Ji Hwan , Kim Jong-Man
Published: January 2018

Both the sensitivity and selectivity of multidimensional resistive strain sensors are improved by simply engineering strains on a stretchable substrate.
A scalable process to produce lipid-based compartmented Janus nanoparticles with pharmaceutically approved excipients
Authors: Truong-Cong Tri , Millart Elodie , Tran Le Tuyet Chau , Amenitsch Heinz , Frebourg Ghislaine , Lesieur Sylviane , Faivre Vincent
Published: January 2018

In the field of nanotechnologies, theranostic approaches and fixed-dose combination products require the development of innovative carriers able to co-encapsulate several entities of interest.
Aggregation of polyethylene glycol polymers suppresses receptor-mediated endocytosis of PEGylated liposomes
Authors: Shen Zhiqiang , Ye Huilin , Kröger Martin , Li Ying
Published: January 2018

The aggregation of PEG polymers during the membrane wrapping process of PEGylated liposomes can introduce a large free energy barrier, thereby limiting the cellular uptake of PEGylated liposomes.
Combined spectroscopy methods and molecular simulations for the binding properties of trametinib to human serum albumin
Authors: Suo Zili , Sun Qiaomei , Yang Hongqin , Tang Peixiao , Gan Ruixue , Xiong Xinnuo , Li Hui
Published: January 2018

Probing the binding properties of trametinib to human serum albumin.
Nanofibers with diameter below one nanometer from electrospinning
Authors: Jian Shaoju , Zhu Jia , Jiang Shaohua , Chen Shuiliang , Fang Hong , Song Yonghai , Duan Gaigai , Zhang Yongfan , Hou Haoqing
Published: January 2018

Super-fine nanofibers with diameter below 1 nanometer are prepared by electrospinning from ultra-dilute solutions.
Effect of ion migration in electro-generated chemiluminescence depending on the luminophore types and operating conditions
Authors: Shin Sangbaie , Park Yun Sung , Cho Sunghwan , You Insang , Kang In Seok , Moon Hong Chul , Jeong Unyong
Published: January 2018

The working mechanisms of gel-based electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) devices were revealed using systematic experiments and simulations.
Self-organization in dipolar cube fluids constrained by competing anisotropies
Authors: Rossi Laura , Donaldson Joe G. , Meijer Janne-Mieke , Petukhov Andrei V. , Kleckner Dustin , Kantorovich Sofia S. , Irvine William T. M. , Philipse Albert P. , Sacanna Stefano
Published: January 2018

We disclose the unique magnetic properties of cubic hematite particles and show that their self-assembly behavior is driven by competing anisotropic interactions caused by their shape and fixed dipole moment.
Functionalised magnetic nanoparticles for uranium adsorption with ultra-high capacity and selectivity
Authors: Calì E. , Qi J. , Preedy O. , Chen S. , Boldrin D. , Branford W. R. , Vandeperre L. , Ryan M. P.
Published: January 2018

A uranium-selective and high-capacity magnetic nanosorbent particle with ultra-fast up-take kinetics devised for water decontamination.
Interplay between humidity, temperature and electrical response of a conductivity sensor based on a La2LiNbO6 double perovskite
Authors: Torre-Gamarra C. de la , Woszczak M. , Levenfeld B. , Varez A. , García-González E. , Urones-Garrote E. , Di Noto V.
Published: January 2018

The electrical response to RH% of a new La2LiNbO6 double perovskite as a sensing material in a humidity sensor.
Boron-doped porous Si anode materials with high initial coulombic efficiency and long cycling stability
Authors: Chen Ming , Li Bo , Liu Xuejiao , Zhou Ling , Yao Lin , Zai Jiantao , Qian Xuefeng , Yu Xibin
Published: January 2018

B-Doped pSi exhibits an exceptionally high initial coulombic efficiency of 89% and shows outstanding cycling performance (reversible capacity of 1500 mA h g−1 at 2 A g−1 after 300 cycles).
Engineering magnetically responsive tropoelastin spongy-like hydrogels for soft tissue regeneration
Authors: Pesqueira Tamagno , Costa-Almeida Raquel , Mithieux Suzanne M. , Babo Pedro S. , Franco Albina R. , Mendes Bárbara B. , Domingues Rui M. A. , Freitas Paulo , Reis Rui L. , Gomes Manuela E. , Weiss Anthony S.
Published: January 2018

Magnetic biomaterials are a key focus in medical research.
Driving water cavitation in a hydrogel cavity
Authors: Curatolo Michele , Nardinocchi Paola , Teresi Luciano
Published: January 2018

We study the dynamics of the dehydration process of a hydrogel with a cavity filled with water.
Central and peripheral effects of physical exercise without weight reduction in obese and lean mice
Authors: de Carvalho Francine Pereira , Moretto Thaís Ludmilla , Benfato Izabelle Dias , Barthichoto Marcela , Ferreira Sandra Mara , Costa-Júnior José Maria , de Oliveira Camila Aparecida Machado
Published: January 2018

To investigate the central (hypothalamic) and peripheral effects of exercise without body weight change in diet-induced obesity (DIO). Twelve-week-old male C57Bl/6 mice received a control (C) or a high-fat diet (H). Half of them had free access to running wheels for 5 days/week for 10 weeks (CE) and HE, respectively). Hypothalamic expression of genes related to energy homeostasis, and leptin (Stat3 and p-Stat3) and insulin (Akt and p-Akt) signaling were evaluated. Glucose and leptin tolerance, peripheral insulin sensitivity, and plasma insulin, leptin and adiponectin were determined. Perigonadal and retroperitoneal fat depots were increased by diet but reduced by exercise despite lack of effect of exercise on body weight. Blood glucose during intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (ipGTT) was higher and glucose decay during intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (ipITT) was lower in H and HE compared with C and CE. Exercise increased liver p-Akt expression and reduced fast glycemia. High-fat diet increased plasma insulin and leptin. Exercise had no effect on insulin but decreased leptin and increased adiponectin. Leptin inhibited food intake in all groups. Hypothalamic total and p-Stat3 and Akt were similar amongst the groups despite higher plasma levels of leptin and insulin in H and HE mice. High-fat diet modulated gene expression favoring a positive energy balance. Exercise only marginally changed the gene expression. Exercise induced positive changes (decreased fast glycemia and fat depots; increased liver insulin signaling and adiponectin concentration) without weight loss. Thus, despite reducing body weight could bring additional benefits, the effects of exercise must not be overlooked when weight reduction is not achieved.
Transient voltage stresses in MMC–HVDC links – impulse analysis and novel proposals for synthetic laboratory generation
Authors: Freye Claudius , Wenig Simon , Goertz Max , Leibfried Thomas , Jenau Frank
Published: January 2018

To evaluate and optimise insulation coordination concepts for state of the art high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems, appropriate test voltage shapes are required for laboratory imitation of occurring stresses. While especially transient voltages in the monopolar modular multilevel converter (MMC)–HVDC links show an extensive deviation from commonly applied switching impulse shapes, this study focusses on the analysis of over‐voltages subsequent to direct current pole to ground faults. Additionally, novel methods for synthetic laboratory test voltage generation are proposed. Based on simulated transients occurring during fault scenarios in different symmetrical monopolar ±320 kV MMC–HVDC schemes, curve fitting, and related analysis techniques are used in order to compare simulated over‐voltages with standard test voltage shapes. Moreover, these techniques further allow the identification of novel relevant impulse characteristics. Subsequently, design considerations for the generation of non‐standard impulses based on single‐stage circuits are derived and discussed. Those synthetically generated voltages may, later on, provide the basis for future investigations on related dielectric effects caused by those non‐normative over‐voltages.
Research and application of UHV power transmission in China
Authors: Shu Yinbiao , Chen Weijiang
Published: January 2018

The power demand increases rapidly in China; however, the areas of huge power demands are of longdistance from most areas of abundant energy resource in the country. Therefore,China put in great effort to develop ultrahigh voltage (UHV) power transmissionsystems to optimise its energy allocation. This includes (i) systematicallydeveloping key technologies such as overvoltage suppression, external insulationdesign, and electromagnetic environment control, and (ii) developing keyequipment such as UHV alternative current (UHVAC) transformers, circuitbreakers, and series compensated equipment, and UHV direct current (UHVDC)converter transformers, smoothing reactors, converter valves, and DCtransmission control and protection systems. Eight AC UHV projects and 11 DC UHVprojects have been built in China, which play an important role in the optimalallocation of energy. Plus there are one more UHVAC and three more UHVDCtransmission projects in construction, while UHVAC gas‐insulated lines will beapplied in the UHVAC line crossover the Yangtze River and the ±1100 kV UHVDCpower transmission technology is in development. Here, the development andapplication of UHV power transmission technologies in China are described, somemain challenges the UHV projects encountered are discussed, and experiencesobtained from the operation of UHV systems are introduced. It is concluded thatChina obtained mature experience in developing, constructing, and operating UHVsystems and successfully realised long‐distance, large‐capacity powertransmission, and the UHV power transmission technology has become an importantmeasure for energy allocation in large areas.
Design and analysis of hybrid single packet IP traceback scheme
Authors: Murugesan Vijayalakshmi , Shalinie Mercy , Yang Ming‐Hour
Published: January 2018

Although cybercrime and cyber threats are increasing significantly, yet prevention and security of the critical infrastructure are still far from perfect. The internet has no protection against malicious packet modifications. Attackers exploit such vulnerabilities to forge the source IP addresses while instigating an attack. Consequently, investigating cybercrime is becoming extremely difficult. The best antidote would be to weed out the problem at its root by identifying the source of the attack. The objective of this study is to propose an IP traceback scheme that can identify the origin of an attack with a single packet with minimum computational and storage overhead while ensuring a high degree of accuracy. Compared to the state‐of‐the‐art single packet IP traceback technique, the proposed scheme entails lesser computation overhead. According to CAIDA topology dataset, it requires only 320 kB of storage on each router. Storage requirement is several thousand times lesser than the pioneer single packet traceback scheme and 6.25 times lesser than the state‐of‐the‐art traceback scheme. It has the better endurance to the change in topology compared with the state‐of‐the‐art schemes. It identifies the attack node with high accuracy and minimal false positive. The obtained result has been validated to demonstrate its statistical significance.
Performance comparison of several energy storage devices in deregulated AGC of a multi‐area system incorporating geothermal power plant
Authors: Tasnin Washima , Saikia Lalit Chandra
Published: January 2018

This study highlights an attempt of comparing the performance of several energy storage (ES) devices like battery ES, flywheel ES, capacitive ES, superconducting magnetic ES, ultra‐capacitors and redox flow battery (RFB) in automatic generation control under bilateral deregulated scenario. The considered system comprises gas and thermal generations wherein a geothermal power plant (GTPP) is also incorporated. Gas and thermal systems are provided with appropriate generation rate constraints. A new fractional order (FO) cascade controller named as FO proportional‐integral–FO proportional‐derivative (FOPI–FOPD) is proposed as secondary controller and its performance is compared with commonly used classical controllers. A novel stochastic algorithm, sine cosine algorithm, has been used to optimise controller gains and other parameters. Analyses of dynamic responses reveal the superiority of FOPI–FOPD over others in terms of settling time, peak deviation and magnitude of oscillation. The effect due to GTPP introduction has been examined and the responses disclose that the integration of GTPP leads to better dynamics. Performances of various ES devices in the presence of FOPI–FOPD controller are also compared and dynamic responses of RFB found superior to others. For a more realistic scenario, analysis is done considering time delay and some practical plants of Nevada, USA.
Chiral magnetic effect search in p+Au, d+Au and Au+Au collisions at RHIC
Authors: Zhao Jie
Published: January 2018

Metastable domains of fluctuating topological charges can change the chirality of quarks and induce local parity violation in quantum chromodynamics. This can lead to observable charge separation along the direction of the strong magnetic field produced by spectator protons in relativistic heavy-ion collisions, a phenomenon called the chiral magnetic effect (CME). A major background source for CME measurements using the charge-dependent azimuthal correlator (Δϒ) is the intrinsic particle correlations (such as resonance decays) coupled with the azimuthal elliptical anisotropy (v2). In heavy-ion collisions, the magnetic field direction and event plane angle are correlated, thus the CME and the v2-induced background are entangled. In this report, we present two studies from STAR to shed further lights on the background issue. (1) The Δϒ should be all background in small system p+Au and d+Au collisions, because the event plane angles are dominated by geometry fluctuations uncorrelated to the magnetic field direction. However, significant Δϒ is observed, comparable to the peripheral Au+Au data, suggesting a background dominance in the latter, and likely also in the mid-central Au+Au collisions where the multiplicity and v2 scaled correlator is similar. (2) A new approach is devised to study Δϒ as a function of the particle pair invariant mass (minv) to identify the resonance backgrounds and hence to extract the possible CME signal. Signal is consistent with zero within uncertainties at high minv. Signal at low minv, extracted from a two-component model assuming smooth mass dependence, is consistent with zero within uncertainties.
Measurements of event properties and multi-differential jet cross sections and impact of CMS measurements on Proton Structure and QCD parameters
Authors: Kaur Anterpreet
Published: January 2018

We present results on the measurements of characteristics of events with jets including jet-charge, investigations of shapes and jet mass distributions. The measurements are compared to theoretical predictions including those matched to parton shower and hadronization. Multi-differential jet cross sections are also presented over a wide range in transverse momenta from inclusive jets to multi-jet final states. These measurements have an impact on the determination of the strong coupling constant as well as on parton distribution functions (PDFs) and are helpful in the treatment of heavy flavours in QCD analyses. We also show angular correlations in multi-jet events at highest center-of-mass energies and compare the measurements to theoretical predictions including higher order parton radiation and coherence effects. Measurements of cross sections of jet and top-quark pair production are in particular sensitive to the gluon distribution in the proton, while the electroweak boson production - inclusive or associated with charm or beauty quarks - gives insight into the flavour separation of the proton sea and to the treatment of heavy quarks in PDF-related studies.
Cross-section measurements of final states with photons and jets with the ATLAS experiment
Authors: Pérez Miguel Villaplana
Published: January 2018

The ATLAS Collaboration has performed precise measurements of the cross-section of final states with photons and/or jets at centre-of-mass energies of 8 and 13 TeV. The results are compared with state-of-the-art theory predictions and with predictions of several Monte Carlo generators. We also present new measurements of transverse energy-energy correlations and their associated asymmetries in multi-jet events at 8 TeV. Both measurements are used to extract the strong coupling constant and test the renormalization group equations.
Gluon condensate and the Polyakov loop
Authors: Carlomagno Juan Pablo , Rojas Juan Cristóbal
Published: January 2018

The temperature dependence of the gluon condensate is deduced from the Polyakov loop effective potential. It is shown that this approach provides a simple picture for the electric gluon condensate around the deconfinement temperature, showing that it drops to zero in a temperature range which is in good agreement with different pure gauge lattice results.
Measurement of hadronic form factors at BESIII
Authors: HU Haiming
Published: January 2018

The measurements of hadronic form factors of three modes using the data samples collected with the BESIII detector at BEPCII collider are presented. The cross section of e+e- → p p̅ at 12 energies from 2232.4 to 3671.0 MeV are measured, the electromagnetic form factor is deduced, and the ratio |GE/GM| is extracted by fitting the polar angle distribution. The preliminary results about the form factors of e+e- → ∧c+ ⊼c- will also be described. The cross section of e+e- → π+ π-between effective center-of-mass energy 600 and 900 MeV is measured by the ISR return method using the data set with the integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb-1 taken at ψ(3773) peak, the pion form factor is extracted.
System size, collision energy, and rapidity dependence of collective dynamics measured by the PHENIX experiment at RHIC
Authors: Han Seyoung
Published: January 2018

In high energy collisions, partons produced in the initial stage undergo multiple interactions and yield a collective motion as a whole. Recently, several questions have risen including how small the system can be for producing the collectivity, and how far in rapidity the collectivity extends. PHENIX has measured the particle flow in p + Au, d + Au, and 3He + Au collisions over several energies as well as over wider rapidity range. In this work, we summarize our results on the particle flow and discuss the implications for collectivity in small collision systems.
Highlights of top quark measurements in hadronic final states at ATLAS
Authors: Palazzo Serena
Published: January 2018

Measurements of inclusive and differential top quark production cross sections in hadronic final states, including hadronic τ decays, in proton-proton collisions with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider are presented at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8 and 13 TeV. The inclusive cross section measurements reach high precision and are compared to other decay modes and the best available theoretical calculations. Differential measurements of the kinematic properties of top quark events are also discussed. These measurements use boosted top quarks, probing our understanding of top quark production in the TeV regime.
New results on low energy exclusive hadronic final states from BABAR
Authors: Gary J. William
Published: January 2018

The 3.6 standard deviation discrepancy between the standard model (SM) prediction for the muon anomalous magnetic moment gμ - 2 and the corresponding experimental measurement is one of the most persistent and intriguing potential signals in particle physics for physics beyond the SM. The largest uncertainty in the SM prediction for gμ - 2 arises from the uncertainty in the measured low energy inclusive e+e- → hadrons cross section. New results from the BABAR experiment at SLAC for the e+e- → π+ π- π0 π0 and e+e- → KK ππ cross sections are presented that significantly reduce this uncertainty. New BABAR results for other low energy exclusive hadronic processes are also discussed.
Systematic study of high pT hadron production in small collision systems by the PHENIX experiment at RHIC
Authors: Sakaguchi Takao
Published: January 2018

High pT hadrons in the small systems of d/3He+Au and p+Al/Au collisions have been measured at the midrapidity (|ƞ| < 0.35) as well as at the forward and backward rapidities (1.2 < |ƞ| < 2.4) at √sNN =200 GeV. A clear system and centrality ordering in the Rp/d/HeA was observed for midrapidity π0 production. Hadron Rcp as a function of rapidity in forward and backward regions show an opposite trend to what HIJING++ predicted. Together with the difference of Rcp in p+Al/Au collisions, the observation can be understood consistently with the measured long-range two-particle correlations, hinting the possible medium creation similar to A+A collisions.
Experimental Overview on Heavy Flavor Production in Heavy Ion Collisions.
Authors: da Silva Cesar L.
Published: January 2018

The use of probes containing heavy quarks is one of the pillars for the study of medium formed in high energy nuclear collisions. The conceptual ideas formulated more than two decades ago, such as quark mass hierarchy of the energy that the probe lose in the media and color screening of bound heavy quarkonia states, have being challenged by the measurements performed at RHIC and LHC. A summary of the most recent experimental observations involving charm and bottom quarks in pp, pA, and AA collisions from collisions energies extending from √sNN =200 GeV to 8 TeV is presented. This manuscript also discuss possibilities of new measurements which can be at reach with increased statistics and detector upgrades.
Bridging the two order parameters for the QCD deconfiment phase transition
Authors: Carlomagno Juan Pablo , Loewe Marcelo
Published: January 2018

We study the relation between two order parameters for deconfinement, normally employed in the literature: the continuum threshold s0, in the context of QCD Sum Rules, and the trace of the Polyakov loop ϕ in the framework of a nonlocal SU(2) chiral quark model. We establish a bridge between both order parameters at finite temperature T and baryonic chemical potential μ. In our analysis, we also include the the chiral quark condensate, the order parameter for the chiral symmetry restoration. We found that s0 and ϕ provide us with the same information for the deconfinement transition, both for the zero and finite chemical potential cases. At zero density, the critical temperatures for both quantities coincide exactly. This part of the analysis has been reinforced by the discussion of the corresponding susceptibilities and the static quark entropy behavior. At finite μ both order parameters provide evidence for the appearance of a quarkyonic phase.