bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moist static energy: definition, reference constants, a conservation law and effects on buoyancy
Authors: Yano Jun‐Ichi , Ambaum Maarten H. P.
Published: July 2017

Atmospheric thermodynamic variables are commonly computed under approximations. Although exact formulae are available, they are rarely used. This article addresses some potential issues arising when using approximate formulae, by taking the moist static energy as an example. An important conclusion is that the temperature dependence of latent heat must be taken into account. We also demonstrate that the zero‐point energies of various species do not affect the moist static energy budget. The use of an exact formula for moist static energy increases its surface value by 15 K for a typical tropical sounding. However, the change of the parcel buoyancy on using the exact formula is less dramatic, although not negligible. Calculating, for example, the convective available potential energy (CAPE) for convection parametrization, the use of an exact formula is likely not critical for practical purposes, but quantitative discrepancies can be as large as 50–200 J kg−1.
Tidal asymmetry and characteristics of tides at the head of the Bay of Bengal
Authors: Rose Linta , Bhaskaran Prasad K.
Published: July 2017

The Advanced Circulation (ADCIRC) hydrodynamic model has been utilized to report on the tidal characteristics and asymmetry for the head Bay of Bengal region and validated against limited available observations. The study investigates spatial and temporal variability of tides using the techniques of wavelet and time‐series analysis at various locations, with special emphasis on major rivers Hooghly and Meghna. Tidal asymmetry with flood dominance was found to increase steadily upstream due to nonlinear energy transfer from principal components to higher harmonics. The low water‐levels were increased upstream implying that attenuation by frictional dissipation dominates, over amplification due to channel convergence. Shallow water and mild depth gradient were discerned to be requisite factors in generating long‐period nonlinear tides, and they have been found to amplify in concave deltaic regions where tides are funnelled. Additionally, spring‐neap variations in bottom friction caused low water‐level to occur during neap rather than spring tide along upper reaches of the tide‐dominated rivers, leading to the formation of a forced fortnightly tide. It is notable that a fortnightly tidal component manifests itself even in the absence of river discharge input, contrary to common conception, indicating that shallow water interaction and coastal geomorphology alone can cause fortnightly dominance in tidal rivers. A weak monthly tidal component was also observed in the tidal rivers and the study proposes that it originates due to frictional modulation of monthly lunar tides. Dominance and amplification of long‐period nonlinear tides in wide, convergent rivers may be attributed to resonance effects, in addition to effects of shoaling topography and convergent channel geometry.
Observations of temperature inversions over central Arctic sea ice in summer
Authors: Palo Timo , Vihma Timo , Jaagus Jaak , Jakobson Erko
Published: July 2017

We analysed high‐resolution tethersonde sounding data from the drifting ice station Tara in the Arctic Ocean in April to August 2007 to (i) better understand the multiple processes affecting the generation and properties of Arctic air temperature inversions and (ii) to obtain insight into the vertical structure of the atmospheric boundary layer during the exceptional spring and summer 2007, which resulted in a historically low sea ice extent. A total of 95 profiles, up to the height of 2 km, were measured on 39 days. Inversions were present in 88% of the data, 13% of them being surface‐based. Compared to winter, the occurrence and properties of summer inversions depended much less on surface net radiation and were mainly controlled by the surface melt and warm‐air advection. Inversions occurring during snow/ice melt were located at low altitudes, frequently based at the surface, and were often as strong as winter inversions reported in previous studies. In general, the Tara inversions were shallow, and the deepest ones were observed when clouds occurred inside or partly above the inversion layer. Inversions were strongest under clear skies or in cases when the cloud top was above the inversion base. Related to cases of strong warm‐air advection (up to 35 K day−1) in July, exceptionally high temperatures around the inversion top caused maximum inversion strengths up to 13 K. Inversions of this magnitude at this time of year have been rarely documented previously.
Estimating collision–coalescence rates from in situ observations of marine stratocumulus
Authors: Witte Mikael K. , Ayala Orlando , Wang Lian‐Ping , Bott Andreas , Chuang Patrick Y.
Published: July 2017

Precipitation forms in warm clouds via collision–coalescence. This process is difficult to observe directly in situ and its implementation in numerical models is uncertain. We use aircraft observations of the drop‐size distribution (DSD) near marine stratocumulus tops to estimate collision–coalescence rates. Marine stratocumulus is a useful system to study collisional growth because it is initiated near the cloud top and the clouds evolve slowly enough to obtain statistically useful data from aircraft. We compare rate constants estimated from observations with reference rate constants derived from a collision–coalescence box model, the result of which is termed the enhancement factor (EF). We evaluate two hydrodynamic collision–coalescence kernels, one quiescent and one including the effects of small‐scale turbulence. Due to sampling volume limitations, DSDs must be averaged over length‐scales much greater than those relevant to the underlying physics, such that we also examine the role of averaging length‐scale with respect to process representation. Averaging length‐scales of 1.5 and 30 km are used, corresponding roughly to the horizontal grid lengths of cloud‐resolving models and high‐resolution climate models, respectively. EF values range from 0.1 to 40, with the greatest EFs associated with small mode diameter cases and a generally decreasing trend with drop size. For any given drop size or averaging length‐scale, there is about an order of magnitude variability in EFs. These results suggest that spatial variability on length‐scales smaller than 1.5 km prevents accurate retrieval of rate constants from large‐scale average DSDs. Large‐scale models must therefore account for small‐scale variability to represent cloud microphysical processes accurately. The turbulent kernel reduces EFs for all drop sizes, but can only account for at most half of the calculated EFs in marine stratocumulus.
Gas chromatography/negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry of transfluthrin in rat plasma and brain
Authors: Hooshfar Shirin , Mortuza Tanzir B. , Rogers Clinton A. , Linzey Michael R. , Gullick Darren R. , Bruckner James V. , White Catherine A. , Bartlett Michael G.
Published: July 2017

Rationale

Transfluthrin is a relatively non‐toxic rapid‐acting synthetic pyrethroid insecticide. It is widely used in household and hygiene products. A sensitive and accurate bioanalytical method is required for quantification of its concentration in plasma and its potential target organ, the brain for studies to assess its health effects and toxicokinetics in mammals.

Methods

The samples were prepared by liquid–liquid extraction. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis was performed for the determination of transfluthrin in biological samples with an overall method run time of 15 min. Transfluthrin was quantified using selected‐ion monitoring (SIM) in the negative chemical ionization (NCI) mode. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a Zebron® ZB5‐MS GC column operating with 1 mL/min constant flow helium. Cis‐Permethrin was used as the internal standard.

Results

The method was validated to be precise and accurate within the linear range of 1.0–400.0 ng/mL in plasma and 4.0–400.0 ng/mL in brain homogenate, based on a 100 μL sample volume for both matrices. This method was applied to samples following administration of a 10 mg/kg oral dose to male adult rats. The plasma concentrations were observed to be 11.70 ± 5.69 ng/mL and brain concentrations 12.09 ± 3.15 ng/g when measured 2 h post‐dose.

Conclusions

A rapid GC/NCI‐MS method was demonstrated to be sensitive, specific, precise and accurate for the quantification of transfluthrin in rat plasma and brain. The optimized method was successfully used to quantify the rat plasma and brain concentrations of transfluthrin 2 h after the oral dosing of Sprague–Dawley rats.
Variable selection for joint models of multivariate longitudinal measurements and event time data
Authors: Chen Yuqi , Wang Yuedong
Published: July 2017

Joint modeling of longitudinal and survival data has attracted a great deal of attention. Some research has been undertaken to extend the joint model to incorporate multivariate longitudinal measurements recently. However, there is a lack of variable selection methods in the joint modeling of multivariate longitudinal measurements and survival time. In this article, we develop penalized likelihood methods for the selection of longitudinal features in the survival submodel. A multivariate linear mixed effect model is used to model multiple longitudinal processes where random intercepts and slopes serve as essential features of the trajectories. We introduce L1 penalty functions to select both random effects in the survival submodel and off‐diagonal elements in the covariance matrix of random effects. An estimation procedure is developed based on Laplace approximation. Our simulations demonstrate excellent selection properties of the proposed procedure. We apply our methods to explore the relationship between mortality and multiple longitudinal processes for end stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis. We find that lower levels of albumin, higher levels of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, and higher levels of interdialytic weight gain at the beginning of the follow‐up time, as well as decrease in predialysis systolic blood pressure and increase of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio over time are associated with higher mortality hazard rates.
Cooperative Accounts: Avoiding Conflict and Repairing Social Relations
Authors: Poulson Stephen C. , Carter Timothy J. , Crowley Daniel M.
Published: July 2017

The analytical concept of accounts has long presented sociologists with an excellent tool for the study of talk. Nonetheless, studies of accounts often neglect the fact that cooperation is common when an account for untoward behavior is constructed. Many studies tend to flatten the process of how accounts are created by routinely describing them as being “offered” by offenders and then “evaluated” by reproachers. We assume that accounts are often negotiated between parties as a means of avoiding conflict and preserving a relationship. As such, this paper develops the concept of cooperative accounts that are offered to (or projected upon) offenders as a means of explaining their untoward behavior. While also examining hostile accounts, this paper concentrates on developing the cooperative account in order to investigate more fully Scott and Lyman's (1968) argument that accounts are crucial for managing conflict and maintaining social order. Because offering cooperative accounts to others is a routine social interaction their examination provides an opportunity to reanchor the study of accounts back into the symbolic interactionist tradition.
“Gimme a Pigfoot and a Bottle of Beer”: Food as Cultural Performance in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Harvey Daina Cheyenne
Published: July 2017

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the federal levee failures, hundreds of thousands of volunteers went to New Orleans to help rebuild. Food was quickly used as a way to welcome volunteers, to compensate them for their hard work, to celebrate progress in rebuilding community, and to interact with others. In time, however, the giving and consuming of food was renegotiated. Volunteers coming to New Orleans expected meals representative of New Orleans's foodways. This article looks at the cultural performance of food in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In particular, I analyze the symbolic exchanges of food in what I call performances of reciprocity and performances of solidarity. This study adds to the burgeoning work in symbolic interaction on food, especially as it pertains to progressive spaces of cultural politics.
Chiral Manganese Aminopyridine Complexes: the Versatile Catalysts of Chemo‐ and Stereoselective Oxidations with H2O2
Authors: Ottenbacher Roman V. , Talsi Evgenii P. , Bryliakov Konstantin P.
Published: July 2017

In the last decade, manganese(II) complexes with N‐donor tetradentate aminopyridine ligands emerged as efficient catalysts of enantioselective epoxidation of olefins and direct selective oxidation of C−H groups in complex organic molecules, with environmentally benign oxidant hydrogen peroxide. In this personal account, we summarize the progress of these catalysts with regard to ligands design, structure‐reactivity correlations, evaluation of the substrate scope, as well as mechanistic studies, shedding light on the nature of active sites and the mechanisms of selective oxygenations. Several practically promising catalytic syntheses with the aid of Mn aminopyridine catalysts are exemplified.
Mental Capacity in Relationship
Authors: Kong Camillia
Published: July 2017

Recent legal developments challenge how valid the concept of mental capacity is in determining whether individuals with impairments can make decisions about their care and treatment. Kong defends a concept of mental capacity but argues that such assessments must consider how relationships and dialogue can enable or disable the decision-making abilities of these individuals. This is thoroughly investigated using an interdisciplinary approach that combines philosophy and legal analysis of the law in England and Wales, the European Court of Human Rights, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. By exploring key concepts underlying mental capacity, the investigation concludes that both primary relationships and capacity assessments themselves must display key competencies to ensure that autonomy skills are promoted and encouraged. This ultimately provides scope for justifiable interventions into disabling relationships and articulates the dialogical practices that help better situate, interpret, and understand the choices and actions of individuals with impairments.
The role of diet and nutrition on mental health and wellbeing
Authors: Owen Lauren , Corfe Bernard
Published: July 2017

Mental, neurological and substance-use disorders presently represent the greatest global burden of disease. Likewise, depression and other psychopathologies are elevated risk comorbidities of other health hazards, such as obesity. Nutrition has been implicated in behaviour, mood and in the pathology and treatment of mental illness. In this brief editorial, we aim to set the scale of the problem in context and overview advances and recent evidence linking nutrition to psychological outcomes. The purpose of the 2016 Nutrition Society Winter Meeting, ‘Diet, nutrition and mental health and wellbeing’ was to review where the evidence is strong, where there are unmet needs for research and to draw together the communities working in this area to share their findings. The papers presented demonstrated clear advancements that are being made in this field. The meeting illustrated compelling support for nutrition as a modifiable risk factor. The present research in the field and evidence presented at the 2016 Nutrition Society Winter Meeting lead us to postulate that even interventions with relatively modest effect sizes may plausibly and significantly curtail the disease burden of mental and neurological disease by food- and nutrient-based approaches.
#cutting: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) on Instagram
Authors: Brown R. C. , Fischer T. , Goldwich A. D. , Keller F. , Young R. , Plener P. L.
Published: July 2017

Background

Social media presents an important means for social interaction, especially among adolescents, with Instagram being the most popular platform in this age-group. Pictures and communication about non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) can frequently be found on the internet.

Methods

During 4 weeks in April 2016, n = 2826 (from n = 1154 accounts) pictures which directly depicted wounds on Instagram were investigated. Those pictures, associated comments, and user accounts were independently rated for content. Associations between characteristics of pictures and comments as well as weekly and daily trends of posting behavior were analyzed.

Results

Most commonly, pictures depicted wounds caused by cutting on arms or legs and were rated as mild or moderate injuries. Pictures with increasing wound grades and those depicting multiple methods of NSSI generated elevated amounts of comments. While most comments were neutral or empathic with some offering help, few comments were hostile. Pictures were mainly posted in the evening hours, with a small peak in the early morning. While there was a slight peak of pictures being posted on Sundays, postings were rather evenly spread across the week.

Conclusions

Pictures of NSSI are frequently posted on Instagram. Social reinforcement might play a role in the posting of more severe NSSI pictures. Social media platforms need to take appropriate measures for preventing online social contagion.
Taking back Control or Empowering Big Business? New Risks to the Welfare State in the post-Brexit Competition for Investment
Authors: FARNSWORTH KEVIN
Published: July 2017

Capitalist economies depend on private business investment, and all governments in similar states compete to induce businesses to invest through various policy interventions. In so doing, they compete with other governments to retain current investors and to encourage new ones from elsewhere. The implications for policy-making and, by extension, citizens, are huge. The pressure on governments to capture new investment has an impact on taxation policies, workplace regulations, legal protections, public infrastructure and social policies. However, not all governments compete for investment in the same way at the same time, and not all businesses are attracted by the same inducements offered by states, highlighting the possibility that public policies shape investment strategies, just as investment strategies also shape public policies. It is its development of relatively unique and aggressive strategies to capture new investment that places the UK in a vulnerable position post-Brexit. It has successfully attracted mobile corporations to its shores, in part because it has offered a particularly favourable gateway into Europe for foreign capital. This raises questions about how the country will seek to compete for capital investment in future. This paper examines these questions with reference to both theoretical and empirical evidence.
Devolution: The Social, Political and Policy Implications of Brexit for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Authors: BIRRELL DEREK , GRAY ANN MARIE
Published: July 2017

The referendum vote for Remain in Scotland and Northern Ireland and the small majority for Leave in Wales immediately attracted much attention to the position of the devolved governments on Brexit negotiations and to the impact of Brexit on their jurisdictions. As the core of devolved powers relate to social policy, identifying the impact of leaving the EU on aspects of social policy is highly significant. This article examines the impact of EU programmes, funding, directives and regulations as delivered in recent years, noting the nature of the participation of the devolved administrations in EU decision making. The post-referendum concerns of the devolved governments and their approaches to Brexit and Brexit negotiations are explained. Also discussed are the likely major changes as well as possible changes that will take place in the operation of devolution after Brexit.
TASK-BASED PRONUNCIATION TEACHING AND RESEARCH
Authors: Mora Joan C. , Levkina Mayya
Published: July 2017

This article synthesizes the conclusions of the empirical studies in this special issue and outlines key questions in future research. The research reported in this volume has identified several fundamental issues in pronunciation-focused task design that are discussed in detail and on which suggestions for further research are outlined. One crucial issue is how attention to pronunciation resulting in language-related episodes effectively leads to robust gains in accuracy. Another important aspect discussed is the need to adapt task design features to the phonological domain under focus and how to incorporate systematic patterns of first language interference into the task structure. Finally, we propose that future research in task-based pronunciation teaching and second language phonetics and phonology should systematically examine learner factors known to affect task performance and task features established in the research domains of lexical and grammatical development.
The Prevalence of Zinc Deficiency and its Correlation with Iron Status and Economical Living Area in 9 – 12-Year-Old Children
Authors: Neyestani Tirang R. , Nikooyeh Bahareh , Hajifaraji Majid , Kalayi Ali
Published: July 2017

Abstract.Objective: This study aimed firstly to assess zinc and iron status of 9–12-year-old children of Tehran and secondly to determine a cut-off for circulating biomarkers of iron status to identify children at increased risk of zinc deficiency. Research methods & procedures: In a cross-sectional study, demographic and anthropometric data from 505 boys and 467 girls aged 9–12 years from Tehran primary schools were obtained and their zinc and iron status was assessed. Results: The prevalence of zinc deficiency, anemia, and iron depletion was 12.4, 14.6, and 9.5%, respectively. Serum zinc con-centration was significantly lower in children with anemia than in their non-anemic peers (p < 0.05). There was no significant association between zinc and iron status and serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein. Zinc-deficient children, compared to those with normal serum zinc, had significantly shorter stature (139.7 (±6.9) vs 141.3 (±7.1) cm, CI: -2.97 – -0.2, p = 0.029). Serum zinc concentration was the predictor of height in the children (p = 0.004, CI: 0.01 – 0.054). A logistic regression model showed an increased risk of low serum zinc and ferritin in children who resided in economically poor regions (OR = 1.65, p = 0.043; OR = 1.92, p = 0.016, respectively). Using ROC curve and Youden index, the optimal cut-off value for serum ferritin to indicate zinc deficiency was 14.9 µg/L (sensitivity = 90%, specificity = 61%). Conclusions: Lowered zinc and iron status among the children in deprived regions is likely to be due to poor quality of diet. Moreover, children with serum ferritin lower than 14.9 µg/L must be carefully assessed for concomitant zinc deficiency.
An active bacterial community linked to high chl-a concentrations in Antarctic winter-pack ice and evidence for the development of an anaerobic sea-ice bacterial community
Authors: Eronen-Rasimus Eeva , Luhtanen Anne-Mari , Rintala Janne-Markus , Delille Bruno , Dieckmann Gerhard , Karkman Antti , Tison Jean-Louis
Published: July 2017

Antarctic sea-ice bacterial community composition and dynamics in various developmental stages were investigated during the austral winter in 2013. Thick snow cover likely insulated the ice, leading to high (<4 μg l−1) chlorophyll-a (chl-a) concentrations and consequent bacterial production. Typical sea-ice bacterial genera, for example, Octadecabacter, Polaribacter and Glaciecola, often abundant in spring and summer during the sea-ice algal bloom, predominated in the communities. The variability in bacterial community composition in the different ice types was mainly explained by the chl-a concentrations, suggesting that as in spring and summer sea ice, the sea-ice bacteria and algae may also be coupled during the Antarctic winter. Coupling between the bacterial community and sea-ice algae was further supported by significant correlations between bacterial abundance and production with chl-a. In addition, sulphate-reducing bacteria (for example, Desulforhopalus) together with odour of H2S were observed in thick, apparently anoxic ice, suggesting that the development of the anaerobic bacterial community may occur in sea ice under suitable conditions. In all, the results show that bacterial community in Antarctic sea ice can stay active throughout the winter period and thus possible future warming of sea ice and consequent increase in bacterial production may lead to changes in bacteria-mediated processes in the Antarctic sea-ice zone.
Single molecule magnet with an unpaired electron trapped between two lanthanide ions inside a fullerene
Authors: Liu Fupin , Krylov Denis S. , Spree Lukas , Avdoshenko Stanislav M. , Samoylova Nataliya A. , Rosenkranz Marco , Kostanyan Aram , Greber Thomas , Wolter Anja U. B. , Büchner Bernd , Popov Alexey A.
Published: July 2017

Increasing the temperature at which molecules behave as single-molecule magnets is a serious challenge in molecular magnetism. One of the ways to address this problem is to create the molecules with strongly coupled lanthanide ions. In this work, endohedral metallofullerenes Y2@C80 and Dy2@C80 are obtained in the form of air-stable benzyl monoadducts. Both feature an unpaired electron trapped between metal ions, thus forming a single-electron metal-metal bond. Giant exchange interactions between lanthanide ions and the unpaired electron result in single-molecule magnetism of Dy2@C80(CH2Ph) with a record-high 100 s blocking temperature of 18 K. All magnetic moments in Dy2@C80(CH2Ph) are parallel and couple ferromagnetically to form a single spin unit of 21 μB with a dysprosium-electron exchange constant of 32 cm−1. The barrier of the magnetization reversal of 613 K is assigned to the state in which the spin of one Dy centre is flipped.
Modulation of polypeptide conformation through donor–acceptor transformation of side-chain hydrogen bonding ligands
Authors: Song Ziyuan , Mansbach Rachael A. , He Hua , Shih Kuo-Chih , Baumgartner Ryan , Zheng Nan , Ba Xiaochu , Huang Yinzhao , Mani Deepak , Liu Yun , Lin Yao , Nieh Mu-Ping , Ferguson Andrew L. , Yin Lichen , Cheng Jianjun
Published: July 2017

Synthetic polypeptides have received increasing attention due to their ability to form higher ordered structures similar to proteins. The control over their secondary structures, which enables dynamic conformational changes, is primarily accomplished by tuning the side-chain hydrophobic or ionic interactions. Herein we report a strategy to modulate the conformation of polypeptides utilizing donor–acceptor interactions emanating from side-chain H-bonding ligands. Specifically, 1,2,3-triazole groups, when incorporated onto polypeptide side-chains, serve as both H-bond donors and acceptors at neutral pH and disrupt the α-helical conformation. When protonated, the resulting 1,2,3-triazolium ions lose the ability to act as H-bond acceptors, and the polypeptides regain their α-helical structure. The conformational change of triazole polypeptides in response to the donor-acceptor pattern was conclusively demonstrated using both experimental-based and simulation-based methods. We further showed the utility of this transition by designing smart, cell-penetrating polymers that undergo acid-activated endosomal escape in living cells.
Cellular interfaces with hydrogen-bonded organic semiconductor hierarchical nanocrystals
Authors: Sytnyk Mykhailo , Jakešová Marie , Litviňuková Monika , Mashkov Oleksandr , Kriegner Dominik , Stangl Julian , Nebesářová Jana , Fecher Frank W. , Schöfberger Wolfgang , Sariciftci Niyazi Serdar , Schindl Rainer , Heiss Wolfgang , Głowacki Eric Daniel
Published: July 2017

Successful formation of electronic interfaces between living cells and semiconductors hinges on being able to obtain an extremely close and high surface-area contact, which preserves both cell viability and semiconductor performance. To accomplish this, we introduce organic semiconductor assemblies consisting of a hierarchical arrangement of nanocrystals. These are synthesised via a colloidal chemical route that transforms the nontoxic commercial pigment quinacridone into various biomimetic three-dimensional arrangements of nanocrystals. Through a tuning of parameters such as precursor concentration, ligands and additives, we obtain complex size and shape control at room temperature. We elaborate hedgehog-shaped crystals comprising nanoscale needles or daggers that form intimate interfaces with the cell membrane, minimising the cleft with single cells without apparent detriment to viability. Excitation of such interfaces with light leads to effective cellular photostimulation. We find reversible light-induced conductance changes in ion-selective or temperature-gated channels.
Raman evidence for pressure-induced formation of diamondene
Authors: Martins Luiz Gustavo Pimenta , Matos Matheus J. S. , Paschoal Alexandre R. , Freire Paulo T. C. , Andrade Nadia F. , Aguiar Acrísio L. , Kong Jing , Neves Bernardo R. A. , de Oliveira Alan B. , Mazzoni Mário S.C. , Filho Antonio G. Souza , Cançado Luiz Gustavo
Published: July 2017

Despite the advanced stage of diamond thin-film technology, with applications ranging from superconductivity to biosensing, the realization of a stable and atomically thick two-dimensional diamond material, named here as diamondene, is still forthcoming. Adding to the outstanding properties of its bulk and thin-film counterparts, diamondene is predicted to be a ferromagnetic semiconductor with spin polarized bands. Here, we provide spectroscopic evidence for the formation of diamondene by performing Raman spectroscopy of double-layer graphene under high pressure. The results are explained in terms of a breakdown in the Kohn anomaly associated with the finite size of the remaining graphene sites surrounded by the diamondene matrix. Ab initio calculations and molecular dynamics simulations are employed to clarify the mechanism of diamondene formation, which requires two or more layers of graphene subjected to high pressures in the presence of specific chemical groups such as hydroxyl groups or hydrogens.
HDAC3 is a molecular brake of the metabolic switch supporting white adipose tissue browning
Authors: Ferrari Alessandra , Longo Raffaella , Fiorino Erika , Silva Rui , Mitro Nico , Cermenati Gaia , Gilardi Federica , Desvergne Béatrice , Andolfo Annapaola , Magagnotti Cinzia , Caruso Donatella , Fabiani Emma De , Hiebert Scott W. , Crestani Maurizio
Published: July 2017

White adipose tissue (WAT) can undergo a phenotypic switch, known as browning, in response to environmental stimuli such as cold. Post-translational modifications of histones have been shown to regulate cellular energy metabolism, but their role in white adipose tissue physiology remains incompletely understood. Here we show that histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) regulates WAT metabolism and function. Selective ablation of Hdac3 in fat switches the metabolic signature of WAT by activating a futile cycle of de novo fatty acid synthesis and β-oxidation that potentiates WAT oxidative capacity and ultimately supports browning. Specific ablation of Hdac3 in adipose tissue increases acetylation of enhancers in Pparg and Ucp1 genes, and of putative regulatory regions of the Ppara gene. Our results unveil HDAC3 as a regulator of WAT physiology, which acts as a molecular brake that inhibits fatty acid metabolism and WAT browning.
A Novel Methodology using CT Imaging Biomarkers to Quantify Radiation Sensitivity in the Esophagus with Application to Clinical Trials
Authors: Niedzielski Joshua S. , Yang Jinzhong , Stingo Francesco , Liao Zhongxing , Gomez Daniel , Mohan Radhe , Martel Mary , Briere Tina , Court Laurence
Published: July 2017

Personalized cancer therapy seeks to tailor treatment to an individual patient’s biology. Therefore, a means to characterize radiosensitivity is necessary. In this study, we investigated radiosensitivity in the normal esophagus using an imaging biomarker of radiation-response and esophageal toxicity, esophageal expansion, as a method to quantify radiosensitivity in 134 non-small-cell lung cancer patients, by using K-Means clustering to group patients based on esophageal radiosensitivity. Patients within the cluster of higher response and lower dose were labelled as radiosensitive. This information was used as a variable in toxicity prediction modelling (lasso logistic regression). The resultant model performance was quantified and compared to toxicity prediction modelling without utilizing radiosensitivity information. The esophageal expansion-response was highly variable between patients, even for similar radiation doses. K-Means clustering was able to identify three patient subgroups of radiosensitivity: radiosensitive, radio-normal, and radioresistant groups. Inclusion of the radiosensitive variable improved lasso logistic regression models compared to model performance without radiosensitivity information. Esophageal radiosensitivity can be quantified using esophageal expansion and K-Means clustering to improve toxicity prediction modelling. Finally, this methodology may be applied in clinical trials to validate pre-treatment biomarkers of esophageal toxicity.
Knockdown of two Cadherin genes confers resistance to Cry2A and Cry1C in Chilo suppressalis
Authors: Zhang Zan , Teng Xiaolu , Ma Weihua , Li Fei
Published: July 2017

Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt) Cry toxins play an important role in the management of insect pests. Resistance to Bt toxins has been reported in many pest insects but the mechanism responsible for this resistance in rice crop pests remains largely unknown. Cadherin is one of several Bt toxin receptors. At present, only one cadherin gene,CsCAD1, has been documented in the striped rice stem borer,Chilo suppressalis. We amplified a nearly full-length transcript of anotherC. suppressaliscadherin gene,CsCAD2, and found that it has a different expression pattern toCsCAD1.CsCAD1was highly expressed in fifth and sixth instar larvae, especially in the midgut, while the expression levels ofCsCA2were equably in each developmental stage. Newly hatched larvae were fed on rice smeared with synthesized siRNA to knockdown eitherCsCAD1orCsCAD2, and then were fed transgenic rice expressing either theCry2AorCry1Ctoxins. The siRNA-treatment groups had lower mortality and higher survival rates than the control group, suggesting that reduced expression ofCsCAD1orCsCAD2increased resistance toCry2AandCry1C. We conclude thatCsCAD1andCsCAD2interact with Bt toxins inC. suppressalisand that this interaction could be the mechanism underlying Bt resistance in this insect.
A selective inhibitor of histone deacetylase 3 prevents cognitive deficits and suppresses striatal CAG repeat expansions in Huntington’s disease mice
Authors: Suelves Nuria , Kirkham-McCarthy Lucy , Lahue Robert S. , Ginés Silvia
Published: July 2017

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder whose major symptoms include progressive motor and cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive decline is a critical quality of life concern for HD patients and families. The enzyme histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) appears to be important in HD pathology by negatively regulating genes involved in cognitive functions. Furthermore, HDAC3 has been implicated in the aberrant transcriptional patterns that help cause disease symptoms in HD mice. HDAC3 also helps fuel CAG repeat expansions in human cells, suggesting that HDAC3 may power striatal expansions in the HTT gene thought to drive disease progression. This multifaceted role suggests that early HDAC3 inhibition offers an attractive mechanism to prevent HD cognitive decline and to suppress striatal expansions. This hypothesis was investigated by treating HdhQ111 knock-in mice with the HDAC3-selective inhibitor RGFP966. Chronic early treatment prevented long-term memory impairments and normalized specific memory-related gene expression in hippocampus. Additionally, RGFP966 prevented corticostriatal-dependent motor learning deficits, significantly suppressed striatal CAG repeat expansions, partially rescued striatal protein marker expression and reduced accumulation of mutant huntingtin oligomeric forms. These novel results highlight RGFP966 as an appealing multiple-benefit therapy in HD that concurrently prevents cognitive decline and suppresses striatal CAG repeat expansions.
Change in choroidal blood flow and choroidal morphology due to segmental scleral buckling in eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Iwase Takeshi , Kobayashi Misato , Yamamoto Kentaro , Yanagida Kosei , Ra Eimei , Terasaki Hiroko
Published: July 2017

Although scleral buckling is a well-established surgical treatment for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), the procedure can reportedly cause problems in the ocular circulation. Segmental scleral bucking without a concomitant encircling procedure was performed on 46 eyes with successfully reattached macula-on RRD. Choroidal blood flow was assessed using laser speckle flowgraphy. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography was used to image macular regions, to measure the subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), and to calculate the luminal and the stromal areas by the binarization method preoperatively and 1, 4, 8 and 12 weeks postoperatively. Choroidal mean blur rate at the macula did not significantly change, while that at the buckle and unbuckle side significantly reduced at 8 weeks postoperatively in the operated eye (P = 0.007 and P = 0.017, respectively). The SFCT and the luminal area increased temporarily 1 week following surgery in the operated eye (P < 0.001). The trend of SFCT with time coincided with that of the luminal area (P < 0.001). Venous drainage obstruction induced by compression force of scleral buckling leads to SFCT thickening in the acute postoperative phase. The macular choroidal blood flow might be less susceptible because the blood flow at the macula, in contrast to the other areas, does not change following segmental scleral buckling.
Metal Nanoclusters with Synergistically Engineered Optical and Buffering Activity of Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species by Compositional and Supramolecular Design
Authors: Santiago-Gonzalez B. , Monguzzi A. , Caputo M. , Villa C. , Prato M. , Santambrogio C. , Torrente Y. , Meinardi F. , Brovelli S.
Published: July 2017

Metal nanoclusters featuring tunable luminescence and high biocompatibility are receiving attention as fluorescent markers for cellular imaging. The recently discovered ability of gold clusters to scavenge cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the intracellular environment extends their applicability to biomedical theranostics and provides a novel platform for realizing multifunctional luminescent probes with engineered anti-cytotoxic activity for applications in bio-diagnostics and conceivably cellular therapy. This goal could be achieved by using clusters of strongly reactive metals such as silver, provided that strategies are found to enhance their luminescence while simultaneously enabling direct interaction between the metal atoms and the chemical surroundings. In this work, we demonstrate a synergic approach for realizing multifunctional metal clusters combining enhanced luminescence with strong and lasting ROS scavenging activity, based on the fabrication and in situ protection of Ag nanoclusters with a supramolecular mantle of thiolated-Au atoms (Ag/Au-t). Confocal imaging and viability measurements highlight the biocompatibility of Ag/Au-t and their suitability as fluorescent bio-markers. ROS concentration tests reveal the remarkable scavenging activity of Ag-based clusters. Proliferation tests of cells in artificially stressed culture conditions point out their prolonged anti-cytotoxic effect with respect to gold systems, ensuring positive cell proliferation rates even for long incubation time.
Reaching Agreement in Quantum Hybrid Networks
Authors: Shi Guodong , Li Bo , Miao Zibo , Dower Peter M. , James Matthew R.
Published: July 2017

We consider a basic quantum hybrid network model consisting of a number of nodes each holding a qubit, for which the aim is to drive the network to a consensus in the sense that all qubits reach a common state. Projective measurements are applied serving as control means, and the measurement results are exchanged among the nodes via classical communication channels. In this way the quantum-opeartion/classical-communication nature of hybrid quantum networks is captured, although coherent states and joint operations are not taken into consideration in order to facilitate a clear and explicit analysis. We show how to carry out centralized optimal path planning for this network with all-to-all classical communications, in which case the problem becomes a stochastic optimal control problem with a continuous action space. To overcome the computation and communication obstacles facing the centralized solutions, we also develop a distributed Pairwise Qubit Projection (PQP) algorithm, where pairs of nodes meet at a given time and respectively perform measurements at their geometric average. We show that the qubit states are driven to a consensus almost surely along the proposed PQP algorithm, and that the expected qubit density operators converge to the average of the network’s initial values.
UV-activated ZnO films on a flexible substrate for room temperature O2 and H2O sensing
Authors: Jacobs Christopher B. , Maksov Artem B. , Muckley Eric S. , Collins Liam , Mahjouri-Samani Masoud , Ievlev Anton , Rouleau Christopher M. , Moon Ji-Won , Graham David E. , Sumpter Bobby G. , Ivanov Ilia N.
Published: July 2017

We demonstrate that UV-light activation of polycrystalline ZnO films on flexible polyimide (Kapton) substrates can be used to detect and differentiate between environmental changes in oxygen and water vapor. The in-plane resistive and impedance properties of ZnO films, fabricated from bacteria-derived ZnS nanoparticles, exhibit unique resistive and capacitive responses to changes in O2 and H2O. We propose that the distinctive responses to O2 and H2O adsorption on ZnO could be utilized to statistically discriminate between the two analytes. Molecular dynamic simulations (MD) of O2 and H2O adsorption energy on ZnO surfaces were performed using the large-scale Atomic/Molecular Massively Parallel Simulator (LAMMPS) with a reactive force-field (ReaxFF). These simulations suggest that the adsorption mechanisms differ for O2 and H2O adsorption on ZnO, and are governed by the surface termination and the extent of surface hydroxylation. Electrical response measurements, using DC resistance, AC impedance spectroscopy, and Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM), demonstrate differences in response to O2 and H2O, confirming that different adsorption mechanisms are involved. Statistical and machine learning approaches were applied to demonstrate that by integrating the electrical and kinetic responses the flexible ZnO sensor can be used for detection and discrimination between O2 and H2O at low temperature.
Memristive property’s effects on the I–V characteristics of perovskite solar cells
Authors: Yan Kai , Dong Bin , Xiao Xinyu , Chen Si , Chen Buxin , Gao Xue , Hu Hsienwei , Wen Wen , Zhou Jingbo , Zou Dechun
Published: July 2017

The unfavorable I–V characteristics of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), such as the I–V hysteresis phenomena, have been one major obstacle for their future practical application. However, corresponding analysis based on traditional theories have shown non-negligible flaws and failed for satisfactory explanation. To present a novel mechanism, here we utilize for the first time the memristive property of the perovskite material to analyze the I–V characteristics of PSCs. The obtained joint physical model and the deduced equation may help solving the long-existent mysteries of the I–V characteristics of PSCs. On the basis of our analysis and memristor theory, we also propose an original device optimization strategy for PSCs, which may help further increase their performance to the limit.
Canopy physiology, vine performance and host-pathogen interaction in a fungi resistant cv. Sangiovese x Bianca accession vs. a susceptible clone
Authors: Poni S. , Chiari G. , Caffi T. , Bove F. , Tombesi S. , Moncalvo A. , Gatti M.
Published: July 2017

The present study compares the physiological and cropping response of the new fungi-resistant grapevine Accession 72–096 (‘Sangiovese’ x ‘Bianca’ hybrid) against a susceptible ‘Sangiovese’ clone which was either fully (FS-SG) or partially sprayed (PS-SG). Data logged on Accession 72–096 indicate that while two early season sprays were enough to avoid major downy mildew (DM) and powdery mildew (PM) outbreaks, Accession 72–096 also showed concurrent desirable features such as moderate cropping, loose clusters, fast sugar accumulation coupled with sufficient acidity even at peak total soluble solids (TSS) concentration (around 24 °Brix), good color and higher flavonols prompting co-pigmentation. Conversely, FS-SG showed final lower acidity despite the notably lower sugar concentration (≅18 °Brix), as well as larger clusters and berries that resulted in more compact bunches. From a methodological viewpoint, end of season single-leaf readings appeared to overestimate the limitation of leaf function due to PM and DM infections in SG-PS vines which, when assessed via a whole-canopy approach, did not show significant differences vs. Accession 72–096, a result likely due to counteracting effects linked to a compensation mechanism by healthy tissues. Our data also suggest that a PM infection can lead to a decoupling in sugar-color accumulation patterns.
Novel Intraperitoneal Treatment With Non-Thermal Plasma-Activated Medium Inhibits Metastatic Potential of Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Nakamura Kae , Peng Yang , Utsumi Fumi , Tanaka Hiromasa , Mizuno Masaaki , Toyokuni Shinya , Hori Masaru , Kikkawa Fumitaka , Kajiyama Hiroaki
Published: July 2017

Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma has been proposed as a new therapeutic tool for cancer treatment. Recently, plasma-activated medium (PAM) has been widely studied in various cancer types. However, there are only few reports demonstrating the anti-tumour effects of PAM in an animal model reflecting pathological conditions and the accompanying mechanism. Here we investigated the inhibitory effect of PAM on the metastasis of ovarian cancer ES2 cells in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrated that ES2 cell migration, invasion and adhesion were suppressed by PAM at a certain PAM dilution ratio, whereas cell viability remained unaffected. In an in vivo mouse model of intraperitoneal metastasis, PAM inhibited peritoneal dissemination of ES2 cells, resulting in prolonged survival. Moreover, we assessed the molecular mechanism and found that MMP-9 was decreased by PAM. On further investigation, we also found that PAM prevented the activation of the MAPK pathway by inhibiting the phosphorylation of JNK1/2 and p38 MAPK. These findings indicate that PAM inhibits the metastasis of ovarian cancer cells through reduction of MMP-9 secretion, which is critical for cancer cell motility. Our findings suggest that PAM intraperitoneal therapy may be a promising treatment option for ovarian cancer.