bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave pre‐oxidation for polyacrylonitrile precursor coated with nano‐carbon black
Authors: Elagib Tienah H. H. , Hassan Elwathig A. M. , Fan Cheng , Han Keqing , Yu Muhuo
Published: November 2018

A surface coating was successfully applied through dipping the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor fibers in a carbon black (CB) bath containing a hydrolyzed binder. The coated fibers were pre‐oxidized over the microwave furnace at temperatures ranging from 100°C to 170°C for different heating times. The changes in chemical structure were studied by Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy combined with elemental analyzer. X‐ray diffraction was employed to study the crystalline structure and its related parameters. Differential scanning calorimeter and thermogravimetry were used for thermal analysis. In addition, the fiber morphology and the mechanical properties were also evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy results confirmed the presence of CB on the surface of PAN precursor. The analysis in the chemical structure showed an apparent response of coated PAN fibers to the microwave heating, since the microwave field induced the cyclization and crosslinking reactions. The crystallinity and the crystallite height decreased. Furthermore, the tensile strength and elongation of pre‐oxidized fibers decreased with the increase of heating time. The measured oxygen content revealed that the pre‐oxidized fibers can withstand the high temperatures on the following stage (carbonization). POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:457–464, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and characterisation of a novel copper‐imprinted polymer based on β‐cyclodextrin copolymers for selective determination of Cu2+ions
Authors: Cao Yu , Li Jiayu , Liu Jun , Liu Hongbo , Jiang Yan , Zhang Hongwen
Published: November 2018

A novel ion‐imprinted polymer (IIP) using (6‐O‐butene diacid ester)‐β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD‐MAH) as the functional monomer and copper ions as the template was developed for Cu2+sensing. First, reactive β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) monomers with vinyl carboxylic acid functional groups were synthesised and were co‐polymerised with styrene via radical polymerisation. Then, the β‐CD copolymers were complexed with Cu2+in order to obtain the IIP. The imprinting effect was realised by removing the template ions from the imprinted polymer. The structure, composition and morphology of the IIP were characterised by Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy and field‐emission SEM. The adsorption capacity was investigated by UV–visible spectroscopy in batch operation mode. The maximum adsorption capacity for the Cu2+template ions was 28.91 mg g−1, and the adsorption selectivity was clearly illustrated from the increased sorption affinity towards Cu2+ions over other competing ions. The adsorption was affected by the pH of the aqueous medium, and enhanced adsorption capacity was observed at pH 5. The prepared IIP could be used 10 times after its regeneration without significant loss of the adsorption capacity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
M2 macrophages and regulatory T cells in lethal prostate cancer
Authors: Erlandsson Ann , Carlsson Jessica , Lundholm Marie , Fält Anna , Andersson Sven‐Olof , Andrén Ove , Davidsson Sabina
Published: November 2018

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the world. Emerging evidence suggests that inflammatory cells such as M2 macrophages and regulatory T cells (Tregs) can contribute to cancer progression by suppressing the anti‐tumor immune response. This study investigated the number of CD163‐positive M2 macrophages in PCa tissue. It also investigated the correlation and interaction of M2 macrophages and Tregs.

Methods

This nested case‐control study included subjects from a cohort of men diagnosed with PCa as an incidental finding during transurethral resection of the prostate. The cases were 225 men who died from PCa, and the controls were 367 men who survived more than 10 years after PCa diagnosis without disease progression. Infiltrating CD163‐positive M2 macrophages and FOXP3/CD4‐positive Tregs in PCa tissue were identified using immunohistochemistry. The correlation and interaction of M2 macrophages and Tregs were assessed using Spearman's rank‐order correlation and a likelihood test, respectively. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for lethal PCa and macrophage counts.

Results

The number of M2 macrophages and Tregs showed a significant correlation (P < 0.001) but no interactions. The OR for lethal PCa was 1.93 (95%CI: 1.23‐3.03) for men with high numbers of M2 macrophages. Also for cases with uncertain outcome (GS categories 3 + 4 and 4 + 3) high numbers of M2 macrophages does predict a poorer prognosis.

Conclusions

Our data showed that men with high numbers of M2 macrophages in the prostate tumor environment had increased odds of dying of PCa. It is possible that M2 macrophages, together with other suppressor cells such as Tregs, promote an immunosuppressive environment.
Reasons for open conversion in robotic liver surgery: A systematic review with pooled analysis of more than 1000 patients
Authors: Gheza Federico , Esposito Sofia , Gruessner Stephan , Mangano Alberto , Fernandes Eduardo , Giulianotti Pier Cristoforo
Published: November 2018

Background

Conversion to open during minimally invasive liver resection has a high rate. To identify the reasons to convert could help in defining a strategy to decrease the event “conversion.”

Methods

A systematic review has been performed. Our large series of robotic hepatic resections were analyzed and included in the review.

Results

Fifty papers were selected and carefully evaluated in full text. Twenty‐nine were ultimately used for analysis, including all published robotic liver resections. Our series included 11 conversions out of 139 patients (7.9%). Adhesions were not a declared reason to convert. The robotic approach still had a high percentage of open conversions because of difficulties in assessing the tumor margin.

Conclusions

Causes for conversion were carefully analyzed and compared with what previously described for the pure laparoscopic approach. This could be crucial in defining how to improve the performance and minimize the conversion rate.
Assisted reproductive technology in Japan: A summary report for 2016 by the Ethics Committee of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Authors: Ishihara Osamu , Jwa Seung Chik , Kuwahara Akira , Ishikawa Tomonori , Kugu Koji , Sawa Rintaro , Banno Kouji , Irahara Minoru , Saito Hidekazu
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology started an online cycle‐based assisted reproductive technology (ART) registry system in 2007. This report presents the characteristics and treatment outcomes of ART registered for the cycles practiced during 2016.

Methods

Cycle‐specific information for all ART cycles implemented in participating ART facilities were collected. A descriptive analysis was conducted for the registry database of 2016.

Results

In total, 447 790 treatment cycles and 54 110 neonates (one in 18.1 neonates born in Japan) were reported in 2016. The mean patients’ age was 38.1 years (SD = 4.5). Among the egg retrieval cycles, 104 575 of 251 399 (41.6%) were freeze‐all cycles without fresh embryo transfers (ET), while fresh ET was performed in 64 497 cycles (58.4%). A total of 187 132 frozen‐thawed ET cycles were reported, resulting in 62 432 pregnancies and 44 484 neonates born. Single ET was selected for 81.0% of fresh transfers and 82.7% of frozen cycles, resulting in singleton pregnancy/live birth rates of 97.0%/96.4% and 96.7%/96.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

The total ART cycles and subsequent live births continued to increase in 2016. Single ET was performed more than 80%, and ET has shifted from using fresh embryos to frozen ones.
In‐Depth Oxide Scale Growth Analysis of B and Ti Microalloyed AISI 304 in Oxygen‐Containing Furnace Atmospheres and CH4 Burn‐Simulating Furnace Atmospheres
Authors: Laukka Aleksi , Heikkinen Eetu‐Pekka , Fabritius Timo
Published: November 2018

The effects of boron and titanium microalloying on scale‐layer formation and structure on AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel are studied. The research is focused on a steel slab's oxide scale formation in a reheat furnace prior to hot rolling. The studied boron microalloying amounts are 7, 35, and 55 ppm and the studied titanium microalloying amounts are <100 and 400 ppm. In‐depth temperature and atmosphere tests span from 1100 to 1300 °C for an O2‐containing atmosphere and 1100 to 1250 °C in an H2O‐containing atmosphere, both using 25 °C increments. Research shows that microalloying 55 ppm B reduces scale growth at above 1175 °C in an H2O atmosphere, all microalloying elements show significant scale growth reduction at 1175 °C in an O2 atmosphere, microalloying 35 and 55 ppm B increases scale growth amounts at above 1225 °C in an O2 atmosphere, while microalloying 400 ppm Ti reduced it. The inhibiting effect on scale growth that results from boron microalloying is tied to silicon oxide infiltration of the steel substrate.
An engineering approach for the estimation of slewing bearing stiffness in wind turbine generators
Authors: Heras Iker , Aguirrebeitia Josu , Abasolo Mikel , Coria Ibai
Published: November 2018

The stiffness of yaw and pitch slewing bearings has a critical influence on the structural behaviour of wind turbine generators. Thus, it is commonly required by designers for their simulations to estimate deformations and select the most suitable bearing for their working conditions in preliminary design stages. In this work, a design of experiments was carried out via finite element analysis to obtain the stiffness curves of all of the standard four‐point contact slewing bearings from the catalogues of manufacturers under radial, axial, and tilting loads. From these results, a set of simple formulas to calculate the ring deformations were adjusted. Combining them with contact deformation results obtained in previous work by the authors, a complete and efficient tool for slewing bearing stiffness estimation has been developed.
Enhancing Public–Private Cooperation in Epidemic Preparedness and Response
Authors: Katz Rebecca , Wentworth Marian , Quick Jonathan , Arabasadi Ashley , Harris Emily , Geddes Katrina , Jha Ashish
Published: November 2018

The threat of epidemics and pandemics has increased as our world has become more interconnected. Recent epidemics have highlighted the need for increased investment in preparedness and the critical role of the private sector in health system strengthening and preparedness. Our manuscript seeks to bring attention to and promote public–private collaboration in global health preparedness by discussing areas on which public and private organizations can focus their efforts to improve partnerships. It does this by expanding on themes discussed at a conference on public–private partnerships in pandemic preparedness, Ready Together. We hope that this article will encourage effective partnerships.
Magnetic and Luminescence Properties of Two Dinuclear Lanthanide Complexes with Butterfly‐like Arrangement
Authors: Li Qipeng , Shen Yanqiong , Wang Yong , Ye Ping , Li Lang , Zhang Zejun
Published: November 2018

Two dinuclear lanthanide complexes with pentadentate ligand 3‐[bis(pyridine‐2‐ylmethyl)amino]propane‐1,2‐diol (H2L), formulated as [Ln2(HL)2(NO3)2(H2O)2]·1.5NO3·0.5I [Ln = Tb (ZTU‐1) and Eu (ZTU‐2); ZTU = Zhaotong University] were synthesized and structurally characterized. ZTU‐1 and ZTU‐2 are isomorphous and feature a butterfly‐like arrangement. The fluorescence properties of ZTU‐1 and ZTU‐2 are investigated and slow magnetic relaxation behavior is observed in ZTU‐1.
Prediction Error Minimization as a Framework for Social Cognition Research
Authors: de Bruin Leon , Michael John
Published: November 2018

The main aim of this article is to give an assessment of prediction error minimization (PEM) as a unifying theoretical framework for the study of social cognition. We show how this framework can be used to synthesize and systematically relate existing data from social cognition research, and explain how it introduces new constraints for further research. We discuss PEM in relation to other theoretical frameworks of social cognition, and identify the main challenges that this approach to social cognition will need to address.
Jews Reading Arthurian Romances from the Middle Ages: On the Reception of Chrétien de Troyes'sYvain, the Knight of the Lion, based on Manuscript JTS Rab. 1164
Authors: Kushelevsky Rella
Published: November 2018

Evidence of Jewish readerships for French literature in the Middle Ages, particularly romances, has been accumulating. This article focuses on a recently discovered tale from Italy, copied in Hebrew in MS JTS Rab. 1164, as a prism through which to explore the cultural interactions between Jewish and Christian society in Italy of the early Renaissance. I first analyze the Jewish tale, which I posit has an affinity with the Arthurian romanceYvain, The Knight of the Lionby Chrétien de Troyes, and expound on the thematic and poetic links between the two stories. I then examineYvain’s reception in Italy as part of a broader phenomenon involving the acceptance, copying, adaptation, and assimilation of French romances in Italy into vernacular Italian. Finally, I present the story and the factors that played a role in its reception in the context of Italian Jewish society. The entirety of the review offers an overall portrait of the story's reception as a unique socioliterary phenomenon shared by Jews and non-Jews alike in Italy in the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance.
Rabbi Eliezer Ashkenazi's Commentary on the Garden of Eden Story: Between Exegesis and Religious Thought
Authors: Ohana Michal
Published: November 2018

This essay investigates Rabbi Eliezer Ashkenazi's commentary on the story of the Garden of Eden, first exploring his method of Bible commentary in general. In his interpretation of the Bible he vehemently distances himself from allegorical interpretation that abandons the plain meaning of the text, and holds that while biblical stories function as allegory (mashal), they all, without exception, actually occurred as written. Ashkenazi's interpretation of the Garden of Eden episode serves as a platform for presenting his thoughts regarding two of the main issues that occupied Jewish thinkers during the Middle Ages and the early modern period: human perfection and the proper balance between the divine Torah and intellectual inquiry. The examination of Ashkenazi's reading of this biblical episode shows that his perspective concurs with that of his colleagues in the Sephardic Diaspora throughout the Ottoman Empire, who identified with the moderate camp of the Sephardic philosophical tradition, which sees man as the purpose of creation and believes Torah study should precede philosophical inquiry.
The “Proper Organs” for Presidential Representation: A Fresh Look at the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921
Authors: Dearborn John A.
Published: November 2018

The presidency is now thought of as a representative institution. I argue that the idea of presidential representation, the claim that presidents represent the whole nation, influenced the political development of the institutional presidency. Specifically, I show that the idea was the assumption behind creating a national budget system in the United States. While the challenge of World War I debt prompted Congress to pass the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921, the law’s design owes much to reformers’ arguments that the president lacked institutional tools to fulfill his representative role. Congress institutionalized presidential representation in budgeting by including two key components: a formal license for presidential agenda setting in the budget process and an enhanced executive organizational capacity with the Bureau of the Budget. However, the law also revealed the problems raised by attempting to provide the “proper organs” for presidential representation, which push against the written constitutional frame.
Assuming Direct Control: The Beguiling Allure of Incomes Policies in Postwar America
Authors: Milner Samuel
Published: November 2018

Histories of American economic policymaking after World War II often describe a “Fiscal Revolution,” in which Keynesian macroeconomic tools replaced the microeconomic regulations and reforms of the New Deal. This article challenges that narrative by demonstrating how the Keynesian economists responsible for the Fiscal Revolution relied upon incomes policies to ensure that inflation would not sabotage efforts to achieve full employment. In the 1960s, the White House Council of Economic Advisers pressed the Kennedy and Johnson administrations to enforce “wage-price guideposts” in order to realize the potential of the Fiscal Revolution. Yet incomes policies also encouraged policymakers to deflect responsibility for inflation onto the private sector’s behavior as an alternative to adopting the painful but necessary fiscal and monetary restraint. As a reliance on the microeconomic control of inflation persisted into the late 1970s, this approach ultimately undercut the Keynesians’ macroeconomic promises and prolonged the misery of stagflation.
Reassessing the History of the Community Action Program, 1963–1967
Authors: LaRochelle Ryan
Published: November 2018

This article reconsiders the history of the Community Action Program (CAP). I argue that the CAP is best understood as a bold attempt at administrative experimentation and reform. Using original archival materials, I show that policymakers involved the CAP’s design outlined three models of community action: coordination, collaboration, and mobilization, which communities drew upon when implementing the program. Drawing upon an original dataset of ninety-eight community action agencies (CAAs), this article provides a synthetic assessment of the CAP’s implementation. I show that while the 1967 Green Amendment curtailed the CAP’s experimental and participatory ethos, most CAAs operated relatively harmoniously with local governments and social welfare groups to fight poverty. By looking beyond the dramatic clashes between CAAs and local governments and focusing on the multiple ways in which CAAs seized upon the CAP’s experimental nature, this article provides a more balanced and comprehensive assessment of the CAP’s historical legacy.
Karlstrom Receives 2018 Hisashi Kuno Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: November 2018

Leif Karlstrom will receive the 2018 Hisashi Kuno Award at AGU’s Fall Meeting 2018, to be held 10–14 December in Washington, D. C. This early-career award recognizes “outstanding contributions to the fields of volcanology, geochemistry, and petrology.”
Communities of Color Are More Vulnerable to Wildfires
Authors: Loomis Ilima
Published: November 2018

Affluent white people are more likely to live in fire-prone areas, but race and socioeconomic vulnerability can put minority communities at greater risk, a new study finds.
Global Emergence of Anthropogenic Climate Change in Fire Weather Indices
Authors: Abatzoglou John T. , Williams A. Park , Barbero Renaud
Published: November 2018

Changes in global fire activity are influenced by a multitude of factors including land‐cover change, policies, and climatic conditions. This study uses 17 climate models to evaluate when changes in fire weather, as realized through the Fire Weather Index, emerge from the expected range of internal variability due to anthropogenic climate change using the time of emergence framework. Anthropogenic increases in extreme Fire Weather Index days emerge for 22% of burnable land area globally by 2019, including much of the Mediterranean and the Amazon. By the midtwenty‐first century, emergence among the different Fire Weather Index metrics occurs for 33–62% of burnable lands. Emergence of heightened fire weather becomes more widespread as a function of global temperature change. At 2 °C above preindustrial levels, the area of emergence is half that for 3 °C. These results highlight increases in fire weather conditions with human‐caused climate change and incentivize local adaptation efforts to limit detrimental fire impacts.
The Antarctic Slope Current in a Changing Climate
Authors: Thompson Andrew F. , Stewart Andrew L. , Spence Paul , Heywood Karen J.
Published: November 2018

The Antarctic Slope Current (ASC) is a coherent circulation feature that rings the Antarctic continental shelf and regulates the flow of water toward the Antarctic coastline. The structure and variability of the ASC influences key processes near the Antarctic coastline that have global implications, such as the melting of Antarctic ice shelves and water mass formation that determines the strength of the global overturning circulation. Recent theoretical, modeling, and observational advances have revealed new dynamical properties of the ASC, making it timely to review. Earlier reviews of the ASC focused largely on local classifications of water properties of the ASC's primary front. Here we instead provide a classification of the current's frontal structure based on the dynamical mechanisms that govern both the along‐slope and cross‐slope circulation; these two modes of circulation are strongly coupled, similar to the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Highly variable motions, such as dense overflows, tides, and eddies are shown to be critical components of cross‐slope and cross‐shelf exchange, but understanding of how the distribution and intensity of these processes will evolve in a changing climate remains poor due to observational and modeling limitations. Results linking the ASC to larger modes of climate variability, such as El Niño, show that the ASC is an integral part of global climate. An improved dynamical understanding of the ASC is still needed to accurately model and predict future Antarctic sea ice extent, the stability of the Antarctic ice sheets, and the Southern Ocean's contribution to the global carbon cycle.
Rift‐Parallel Strike‐Slip Faulting Near the Iceland Plate Boundary Zone: Implications for Propagating Rifts
Authors: Karson J. A. , Farrell J. A. , Chutas L. A. , Nanfito A. F. , Proett J. A. , Runnals K. T. , Sæmundsson K.
Published: November 2018

Strongly lineated terrain outside of Iceland's active plate boundary zones is created by faults and dikes aligned with the rift zones where they formed, similar to the spreading fabric defined by abyssal hills generated at mid‐ocean ridge spreading centers. As expected, rift‐parallel normal faults and fissures dominate in the active rift zones, but in older crust to the east and west, faults with strike‐slip and oblique‐slip displacements dominate. Some areas have widespread, small‐scale, strike‐slip, and oblique‐slip faults, while others have more widely spaced, larger, strike‐slip fault zones. In most cases, the strike‐slip and oblique‐slip faults strike subparallel to nearby older dikes and normal faults assumed to indicate the orientation of the rift zones where they formed. Strike‐slip displacements overprinting normal faults and along dike margins suggest reactivation of spreading‐related zones of weakness. More complicated fault geometries and kinematics occur near the oblique rifts and the major transform fault zones. The sense of movement on the strike‐slip and oblique‐slip faults is broadly systematic with respect to the active Northern and Eastern Rift Zones supporting the interpretation that they are the result of crustal block rotations on either side of rift zones that propagate to the north and south away from the center of the Iceland hot spot. Similar fault kinematics may occur along mid‐ocean ridges and other magmatic rifts where rift propagation occurs on a range of scales.
Serpentinite‐Rich Gouge in a Creeping Segment of the Bartlett Springs Fault, Northern California: Comparison With SAFOD and Implications for Seismic Hazard
Authors: Moore Diane E. , McLaughlin Robert J. , Lienkaemper James J.
Published: November 2018

An exposure of a creeping segment of the Bartlett Springs Fault (BSF), part of the San Andreas Fault system in northern California, is a ~1.5‐m‐wide zone of serpentinite‐bearing fault gouge cutting through Late Pleistocene fluvial deposits. The fault gouge consists of porphyroclasts of antigorite serpentinite, talc, chlorite, and tremolite‐actinolite, along with some Franciscan metamorphic rocks, in a matrix of the same materials. The Mg‐mineral assemblage is stable at temperatures above 250–300 °C. The BSF gouge is interpreted to have been tectonically incorporated into the fault from depths near the base of the seismogenic zone and to have risen buoyantly to the surface where it is now undergoing right‐lateral displacement. The ultramafic‐rich composition, frictional properties, and inferred mode of emplacement of the BSF serpentinitic gouge correspond to those of the creeping traces of the San Andreas Fault identified in the SAFOD (San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth) drill hole. This suggests a common origin for creep at both locations. A tectonic model for the source of the ultramafic‐rich materials in the BSF is proposed that potentially could explain the distribution of creep throughout the northernmost San Andreas Fault system.
Pathogen-induced changes in floral scent may increase honeybee-mediated dispersal of Erwinia amylovora
Authors: Cellini Antonio , Giacomuzzi Valentino , Donati Irene , Farneti Brian , Rodriguez-Estrada Maria T , Savioli Stefano , Angeli Sergio , Spinelli Francesco
Published: November 2018

Honeybees are well recognised for their key role in plant reproduction as pollinators. On the other hand, their activity may vector some pathogens, such as the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, the causative agent of fire blight disease in pomaceous plants. In this research, we evaluated whether honeybees are able to discriminate between healthy and E. amylovora-infected flowers, thus altering the dispersal of the pathogen. For this reason, honeybees were previously trained to forage either on inoculated or healthy (control) apple flower. After the training, the two honeybee groups were equally exposed to inoculated and control flowering apple plants. To assess their preference, three independent methods were used: (1) direct count of visiting bees per time frame; (2) incidence on apple flowers of a marker bacterium (Pantoea agglomerans, strain P10c) carried by foragers; (3) quantification of E. amylovora populations in the collected pollen loads, proportional to the number of visits to infected flowers. The results show that both honeybee groups preferred control flowers over inoculated ones. The characterisation of volatile compounds released by flowers revealed a different emission of several bioactive compounds, providing an explanation for honeybee preference. As an unexpected ecological consequence, the influence of infection on floral scent increasing the visit rate on healthy flowers may promote a secondary bacterial spread.
Author Correction: The CaMKII/NMDA receptor complex controls hippocampal synaptic transmission by kinase-dependent and independent mechanisms
Authors: Incontro Salvatore , Díaz-Alonso Javier , Iafrati Jillian , Vieira Marta , Asensio Cedric S. , Sohal Vikaas S. , Roche Katherine W. , Bender Kevin J. , Nicoll Roger A.
Published: November 2018

The originally published version of this Article contained errors in Figure 5, for which we apologise. In panel c, the scatter graph was inadvertently replaced with a scatter graph comprising a subset of data points from panel d. Furthermore, the legends to Figures 5c and 5d were inverted. These errors have now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article, and the incorrect version of Fig. 5c is presented in the Author Correction associated with this Article.
Band Gap Control in Bilayer Graphene by Co-Doping with B-N Pairs
Authors: Alattas M. , Schwingenschlögl U.
Published: November 2018

The electronic band structure of bilayer graphene is studied systematically in the presence of substitutional B and/or N doping, using density functional theory with van der Waals correction. We show that introduction of B-N pairs into bilayer graphene can be used to create a substantial band gap, stable against thermal fluctuations at room temperature, but otherwise leaves the electronic band structure in the vicinity of the Fermi energy largely unaffected. Introduction of B-N pairs into B and/or N doped bilayer graphene likewise hardly modifies the band dispersions. In semiconducting systems (same amount of B and N dopants), however, the size of the band gap is effectively tuned in the presence of B-N pairs.
Theta-gamma coupling binds visual perceptual features in an associative memory task
Authors: Köster Moritz , Finger Holger , Graetz Sebastian , Kater Maren , Gruber Thomas
Published: November 2018

It is an integral function of the human brain to sample novel information from the environment and to integrate them into existing representations. Recent evidence suggests a specific role for the theta rhythm (4–8 Hz) in mnemonic processes and the coupling between the theta and the gamma rhythm (40–120 Hz) in ordering and binding perceptual features during encoding. Furthermore, decreases in the alpha rhythm (8–12 Hz) are assumed to gate perceptual information processes in semantic networks. In the present study, we used an associative memory task (object-color combinations) with pictures versus words as stimuli (high versus low visual information) to separate associative memory from visual perceptual processes during memory formation. We found increased theta power for later remembered versus later forgotten items (independent of the color judgement) and an increase in phase-amplitude coupling between frontal theta and fronto-temporal gamma oscillations, specific for the formation of picture-color associations. Furthermore, parietal alpha suppression and gamma power were higher for pictures compared to words. These findings support the idea of a theta-gamma code in binding visual perceptual features during encoding. Furthermore, alpha suppression likely reflects perceptual gating processes in semantic networks and is insensitive to mnemonic and associative binding processes. Gamma oscillations may promote visual perceptual information in visual cortical networks, which is integrated into existing representations by prefrontal control processes, working at a theta pace.
Retraction: Polymer nanodiscs and macro-nanodiscs of a varying lipid composition
Authors: Ramadugu Venkata Sudheer Kumar , Di Mauro Giacomo Maria , Ravula Thirupathi , Ramamoorthy Ayyalusamy
Published: November 2018

Retraction of ‘Polymer nanodiscs and macro-nanodiscs of a varying lipid composition’ by Venkata Sudheer Kumar Ramadugu et al., Chem. Commun., 2017, 53, 10824–10826.
Enhancement of magnetic relaxation properties with 3d diamagnetic cations in [ZnIILnIII] and [NiIILnIII], LnIII= Kramers lanthanides
Authors: Mayans Júlia , Saez Queralt , Font-Bardia Mercè , Escuer Albert
Published: November 2018

Comparison between two series of [NiIILnIII] and [ZnIILnIII] dimers reveals lower intermolecular interactions for the square-planar NiIIderivatives that favour an induced SIM response. Some unusual CeIII, NdIIIand YbIIISIMs are reported.
Two novel organic phosphorous-based MOFs: synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic properties
Authors: Zeng Tianyu , Wang Liwen , Feng Lu , Xu Hailong , Cheng Qingrong , Pan Zhiquan
Published: November 2018

Two novel coordination polymers were fabricated as efficient, stable, and reusable photocatalysts for the degradation of MB dye and the reduction of Cr(vi) aqueous solution.
Physicochemical characterization of organogels prepared from menhaden oil or structured lipid with phytosterol blend or sucrose stearate/ascorbyl palmitate blend
Authors: Willett Sarah A. , Akoh Casimir C.
Published: November 2018

Phytosterol blend and sucrose stearate/ascorbyl palmitate blend organogelators and different oil phases formed organogels with different physicochemical properties.
Ultrasensitive and robust organic gas sensors through dual hydrogen bonding
Authors: Zhou Jin , Lin Hongzhen , Cheng Xue-Feng , Shu Jie , He Jing-Hui , Li Hua , Xu Qing-Feng , Li Na-Jun , Chen Dong-Yun , Lu Jian-Mei
Published: November 2018

A dual hydrogen bonding-inspired polysquaramide sensor is able to detect ammonia as low as 10 ppt, the lowest among all ammonia sensors to date, and sense nitric oxide as low as 20 ppb. The sensor has outstanding robustness regarding selectivity, time-stability (>240 days), superior to other benchmarked organic electric sensors.
Assessment of three electrolyte–molecule electrostatic interaction models for 2D material based BioFETs
Authors: Toral-Lopez A. , Marin E. G. , Gonzalez-Medina J. M. , Romero F. J. , Ruiz F. G. , Morales D. P. , Rodriguez N. , Godoy A.
Published: November 2018

A comprehensive simulation of 2D materials based BioFETs that simultaneously assesses different approaches employed to model the electrolyte-molecule interaction.
Microfluidic-assisted silk nanoparticle tuning
Authors: Wongpinyochit Thidarat , Totten John D. , Johnston Blair F. , Seib F. Philipp
Published: November 2018

Silk is now making inroads into advanced pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.
Broadband ultrafast nonlinear optical studies revealing exciting multi-photon absorption coefficients in phase pure zero-dimensional Cs4PbBr6 perovskite films
Authors: Krishnakanth K. N. , Seth Sudipta , Samanta Anunay , Venugopal Rao S.
Published: November 2018

Lead halide perovskite nanocrystals have recently demonstrated promising nonlinear optical properties such as strong two-photon absorption, three-photon absorption, four-photon absorption and their respective cross-sections.
Scalable and facile synthesis of stretchable thermoelectric fabric for wearable self-powered temperature sensors
Authors: Jung Minhyun , Jeon Sanghun , Bae Jihyun
Published: November 2018

A highly stretchable and wearable textile-based self-powered temperature sensor fabricated using commercial thermoelectric inks is presented.
Targeted delivery of paclitaxel by functionalized selenium nanoparticles for anticancer therapy through ROS-mediated signaling pathways
Authors: Gong Guifang , Fu Bailing , Ying Caixin , Zhu Zhiqin , He Xiaoqian , Li Yingying , shen Zhuanxing , Xuan Qingshan , Huang Yanqing , Lin Yan , Li Yinghua
Published: November 2018

As a therapeutic anticancer agent, the clinical use of paclitaxel (PTX) is limited by its poor water solubility and serious adverse side effects.
Hydrogenated derivatives of hexacoordinated metallic Cu2Si monolayer
Authors: Unsal E. , Iyikanat F. , Sahin H. , Senger R. T.
Published: November 2018

Herein, we carried out first-principles calculations based on density functional theory to investigate the effects of surface functionalization with hydrogen atoms on structural, dynamical and electronic properties of Cu2Si monolayer.
Oxygen loss and surface degradation during electrochemical cycling of lithium-ion battery cathode material LiMn2O4
Authors: Gao Xiang , Ikuhara Yumi H. , Fisher Craig A. J. , Huang Rong , Kuwabara Akihide , Moriwake Hiroki , Kohama Keiichi , Ikuhara Yuichi
Published: November 2018

Atomic-resolution STEM and EELS analysis provide insights into microscopic mechanisms behind oxygen loss and capacity fade in spinel-structured lithium-ion battery cathode material LiMn2O4.
The effects of annealing barium niobium oxynitride in argon on photoelectrochemical water oxidation activity
Authors: Seo Jeongsuk , Nakabayashi Mamiko , Hisatomi Takashi , Shibata Naoya , Minegishi Tsutomu , Katayama Masao , Domen Kazunari
Published: November 2018

Effect of Ar annealing on the surface properties of BaNbO2N particles and photoelectrochemical water oxidation activity.
Inkjet‐printed interconnects for unpackaged dies in printed electronics
Authors: Bezuidenhout P. , Smith S. , Land K. , Joubert T‐H.
Published: November 2018

This work details manufacturing processes developed to integrate an unpackaged silicon die onto a paper substrate, as part of constructing a hybrid inkjet‐printed paper‐based circuit. This integration between rigid components and flexible substrates is beneficial in low‐cost applications and capitalises on the advantages of both the well‐established integrated circuit technology and the emerging paper‐based electronics platforms. A superglue incline at the chip edge formed a ramp for printing the silver interconnects between the paper‐based circuit and the chip pads. Two printing protocols are compared, the first a single layer using 5 μm drop spacing, and the second using a 35 μm drop spacing for three layers. An unpackaged RFID tag die is successfully integrated and is presented as proof of concept.
Reducing cogging torque of 6/4 pole FSPM machine by optimising parameters of chamfering and flange rotor pole shape without skewing teeth
Authors: Xiu Jie , Wang Shiyu , Xiu Yan
Published: November 2018

Due to the doubly salient structure, high magnetic flux density in the air gap and low pole number, cogging torque of 6/4 pole flux‐switching permanent magnet (FSPM) machine is seriously high. In some cases, it may cause this machine hard to start up and serious torque ripple. So, reducing the cogging torque of 6/4 pole FSPM machine to a certain low extent is important to keep it work properly. To reduce cogging torque, a chamfering and flange rotor pole shape is proposed to reduce the cogging torque of 6/4 pole FSPM machine without skewing teeth. The key dimensions of the proposed rotor pole shape have been optimised by analytical methods and simulation based on finite‐element analysis. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been verified by experimental results. The effect of the proposed rotor pole shape method on back‐electromagnetic force and average electromagnetic torque has also been investigated.
Validations of simulation of UHF electromagnetic wave propagation in an oil‐filled tank by time‐domain measurements
Authors: Umemoto Takahiro , Tenbohlen Stefan
Published: November 2018

Degradation of the electrical insulation within power transformers by partial discharge (PD) may lead to catastrophic failure of the apparatus, hence PD should be detected at an early stage. Ultra‐high frequency (UHF) measurement method, i.e. detecting electromagnetic (EM) waves in the UHF range radiated from PD, has recently received attention for its various advantages, such as the robustness against external noises and its capability of localisation of the PD position. However, the EM waves suffer attenuation while propagating within transformers, in some cases, which results in undesirable low detection sensitivity. To evaluate the propagation and attenuation characteristics of the EM waves quantitatively, the simulation technique of the EM wave propagation is of importance. In this study, at first, the EM waveforms as well as attenuation properties of their amplitudes and cumulative energies while propagating through transformer windings in an oil‐filled tank were experimentally investigated. Next, the detailed conditions for simulating the EM wave propagation based on time‐domain finite integration technique were described. Then, the simulated results were compared with the experimentally obtained ones. These simulation and measurement results showed good agreement with each other, therefore the authors have successfully validated the newly developed simulation of the EM wave propagation.
Modelling and sliding‐mode control of a single‐phase single‐stage converter with application to plug‐in electric vehicles
Authors: Sabzehgar Reza , Roshan Yaser M. , Fajri Poria
Published: November 2018

In this study, a novel non‐linear sliding‐mode controller with a boundary layer solution and a redefined sliding manifold is proposed for a bidirectional converter utilised in plug‐in electric vehicles. The proposed method employs a Lyapunov function to formulate the stability condition of the non‐linear controller. The proposed switching regime and control strategy enforce a pseudo‐resistive relation at the input terminals of the converter to ensure the unity power factor in power conversion. The input resistance of the converter is regulated and controlled to positive and negative values to facilitate both grid‐to‐vehicle and vehicle‐to‐grid features, respectively. Simulation and experimental results are provided to evaluate performance of the proposed modelling and feedback control scheme.
Diversité des contributions des systèmes dʼélevage de races locales. Les points de vue des éleveurs de trois races ovines méditerranéennes
Authors: Nozieres-Petit Marie-Odile , Lauvie Anne
Published: November 2018

La diversité des contributions fournies par les systèmes dʼélevage sʼappuyant sur des races locales, au côté de la production de biens alimentaires et non alimentaires, est rarement abordée de front, bien quʼelle soit essentielle pour comprendre les modalités de gestion de ces races. Ce travail de recherche fait le point sur la diversité de ces contributions mises au jour en sollicitant les points de vue dʼéleveurs de trois races ovines de lʼarrière-pays méditerranéen. Huit contributions ont été mises en évidence, à partir de 22 enquêtes en élevage. Au côté de « fournir des produits dʼélevage », les agroécosystèmes mobilisant ces races locales contribuent, par exemple, à « gérer lʼagrobiodiversité », « valoriser la ressource locale » ou à « fournir un réseau dʼéchange entre éleveurs ». Ces contributions peuvent être, dʼune part, spécifiées pour chaque éleveur et, dʼautre part, donner lieu à dʼautres contributions qui sont également identifiées. Les auteurs détaillent les contributions qui, pour certaines, sont liées à lʼexistence dʼune multiplicité de relations des éleveurs entre eux et avec dʼautres acteurs et, pour dʼautres, à une inscription particulière dans le milieu biophysique, avant de discuter ces résultats.
Materials for the 21st century
Authors: Wade Jessica , Wood Sebastian
Published: November 2018

The combined challenges of growing populations, climate change and increasing scarcity of raw materials is driving innovation in materials and design. The motivation to innovate comes from the economic impact of not doing so, as well as consumer demand, with mature customers actively seeking out more environmentally sustainable solutions.
From classical optics to nanophotonics
Authors: Flory François , Escoubas Ludovic , Le Rouzo Judikaëel , Berginc Gérard
Published: November 2018

Nanophotonics is a very large and rich young field experienting a very rapid development worldwide. It is based on the study of light/matter interaction at low dimension. Several books are dedicated to different aspects of nanophotonics [1].
Artificial intelligence and its limits
Authors: Mézard Marc
Published: November 2018

By now, everybody should know that the recent progress of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is about to have a dramatic impact on many sectors of human activity. In the last ten years, we have seen spectacular breakthroughs on applications of AI, and much more is to come, but should we speak of “intelligence”?
Manganese(I)-Catalyzed Selective Functionalization of Alkynes
Authors: Xie Jin , Yan Zhongfei , Zhu Chengjian
Published: November 2018

Mn(I)-catalyzed selective functionalization of alkynes permits the convenient synthesis of substituted alkenes with high step and atom economies. Although the insertion of five-membered chelated manganacycle intermediates into alkynes has been widely reported, nonchelated Ar–Mn(I) species originating from commercially available arylboronic acids are unprecedented. Our new protocol achieved a challenging hydroarylation of unsymmetrical 1,3-diynes with arylboronic acids with complete regio-, stereo-, and chemoselectivity to give a wide array of trisubstituted conjugated (Z)-enynes in moderate to good yields.
DDQ-Mediated Cross-Dehydrogenative-Coupling Reaction of Secondary Amines with Dialkyl Phosphonates
Authors: Cheng Ming-Xing , Lei Jing-Wei , Xie Cai-Xia
Published: November 2018

This work reports a DDQ-mediated cross-dehydrogenative-coupling reaction of secondary amines with dialkyl phosphonates under mild conditions. This reaction proceeds efficiently without involving visible light or transition-metal catalysis. This new approach provides efficient access to biologically important α-aminophosphonates.
Anticoagulation in Atherosclerotic Disease
Authors: Bode Christoph , Duerschmied Daniel , Al Said Samer
Published: November 2018

The prevention of atherothrombotic events is an essential therapeutic goal in the treatment of patients with arteriosclerotic diseases. After plaque rupture, a rapidly growing thrombus can lead to acute vascular occlusion and thus heart attack, stroke or limb ischaemia. The acute therapy combines anticoagulation and platelet inhibition. However, the only available therapy so far in the primary and secondary prevention of stable patients is the platelet inhibitors aspirin and clopidogrel. Despite the use of antiplatelet therapies, including aspirin and P2Y12-receptor antagonists, some patients with artery disease continue to experience recurrent cardiovascular ischaemic events due to excessive thrombin generation beyond the acute period. As a result, studies have tested non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs), specifically the factor Xa inhibitors, either alone or in combination with antiplatelet therapy, in the management of arterial disease. For the first time, the COMPASS study investigated low-dose anticoagulation in stable coronary heart disease or peripheral arterial disease. The addition of 2 × 2.5 mg rivaroxaban to long-term aspirin therapy not only prevented cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke, but even reduced all-cause mortality by a relative 18% after a mean follow-up of 23 months. This benefit came at the expense of more gastrointestinal bleeding, which might be reduced by the addition of a proton pump inhibitor (investigations are ongoing). Interestingly, however, there was no increase in fatal or intracranial haemorrhages. Therefore, a new standard therapy for high-risk patients with atherosclerotic disease may become available in the near future.
Biological Effects of Bone Marrow Concentrate in Knee Pathologies
Authors: Strauss Eric , Shepard David , Becktell Liliya , Kennedy John , Fortier Lisa
Published: November 2018

With our aging population desiring to remain active, the incidence and costs associated with managing knee pain from both acute injury and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis continue to dramatically increase. Current treatment methods fall short with respect to their ability to improve the intra-articular environment and restore normal joint homeostasis. With increasing basic science and clinical evidence showing efficacy, cell-based therapies such as bone marrow concentrate (BMC) hold promise as a nonsurgical joint preserving treatment approach. BMC has inherent advantages over other treatments commonly used for various knee pathologies because it is a point-of-care orthobiologic product that uniquely and simultaneously delivers growth factors, anti-inflammatory proteins, and mesenchymal stem cells. There is increasing evidence for the use of BMC for repair of focal cartilage defects and for the treatment of generalized knee pain. However, continued high-quality studies are necessary for the clinical utility of BMC to be critically assessed with particular attention paid to appropriate patient selection, standardized aspiration, and processing and reporting of both functional and imaging-based outcomes.