bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multipath colourimetric assay for copper(II) ions utilizing MarR functionalized gold nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Yulong , Wang Limin , Su Zhenhe , Xue Juanjuan , Dong Jinbo , Zhang Cunzheng , Hua Xiude , Wang Minghua , Liu Fengquan
Published: February 2017

We use the multiple antibiotic resistance regulator (MarR), as a highly selective biorecognition elements in a multipath colourimetric sensing strategy for the fast detection of Cu2+ in water samples. The colourimetric assay is based on the aggregation of MarR-coated gold nanoparticles in the presence of Cu2+ ions, which induces a red-to-purple colour change of the solution. The colour variation in the gold nanoparticle aggregation process can be used for qualitative and quantitative detection of Cu2+ by the naked eye, and with UV–vis and smartphone-based approaches. The three analysis techniques used in the multipath colourimetric assay complement each other and provide greater flexibility for differing requirements and conditions, making the assay highly applicable for Cu2+ detection. Under optimal conditions, the Cu2+ concentration was quantified in less than 5 min with limits of detection for the naked eye, UV–vis and smartphone-based approaches of 1 μM, 405 nM and 61 nM, respectively. Moreover, the sensing system exhibited excellent selectivity and practical application for Cu2+ detection in real water samples. Thus, our strategy has great potential for application in on-site monitoring of Cu2+, and the unique response of MarR towards copper ions may provide a new approach to Cu2+ sensing.
Aberrant Neuronal Dynamics during Working Memory Operations in the Aging HIV-Infected Brain
Authors: Wilson Tony W. , Proskovec Amy L. , Heinrichs-Graham Elizabeth , O’Neill Jennifer , Robertson Kevin R. , Fox Howard S. , Swindells Susan
Published: February 2017

Impairments in working memory are among the most prevalent features of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), yet their origins are unknown, with some studies arguing that encoding operations are disturbed and others supporting deficits in memory maintenance. The current investigation directly addresses this issue by using a dynamic mapping approach to identify when and where processing in working memory circuits degrades. HIV-infected older adults and a demographically-matched group of uninfected controls performed a verbal working memory task during magnetoencephalography (MEG). Significant oscillatory neural responses were imaged using a beamforming approach to illuminate the spatiotemporal dynamics of neuronal activity. HIV-infected patients were significantly less accurate on the working memory task and their neuronal dynamics indicated that encoding operations were preserved, while memory maintenance processes were abnormal. Specifically, no group differences were detected during the encoding period, yet dysfunction in occipital, fronto-temporal, hippocampal, and cerebellar cortices emerged during memory maintenance. In addition, task performance in the controls covaried with occipital alpha synchronization and activity in right prefrontal cortices. In conclusion, working memory impairments are common and significantly impact the daily functioning and independence of HIV-infected patients. These impairments likely reflect deficits in the maintenance of memory representations, not failures to adequately encode stimuli.
A critical role for p38MAPK signalling pathway during reprogramming of human fibroblasts to iPSCs
Authors: Neganova Irina , Chichagova Valeria , Armstrong Lyle , Lako Majlinda
Published: February 2017

Reprogramming of somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) holds enormous promise for regenerative medicine. Reprogramming is a stepwise process with well-defined stages of initiation, maturation and stabilisation which are critically dependent on interactions between key pluripotency transcription factors, epigenetic regulators and signalling pathways. In this manuscript we have investigated the role of p38 MAPK signalling pathway and have shown a subpopulation- and phase-specific pattern of activation occurring during the initiation and maturation stage of reprogramming in partially and fully reprogrammed cells respectively. Downregulation of p38 MAPK activity via RNA interference or small molecule inhibitor led to cell accumulation in G1 phase of the cell cycle and reduced expression of cell cycle regulators during the initiation stage of reprogramming. This was associated with a significant downregulation of key pluripotency marker expression, disruption of mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET), increased expression of differentiation markers and presence of partially reprogrammed cells which retained a typical gene expression profile of mesendodermal cells and were unable to progress to fully reprogrammed phenotype. Together our data indicate an important role for p38 MAPK activity in proliferation, MET progression and establishment of pluripotent phenotype, which are necessary steps for the development of human iPSCs.
Effects of nutritional and ambient oxygen condition on biofilm formation in Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis via altered glycolipid expression
Authors: Totani Takahiro , Nishiuchi Yukiko , Tateishi Yoshitaka , Yoshida Yutaka , Kitanaka Hiromi , Niki Mamiko , Kaneko Yukihiro , Matsumoto Sohkichi
Published: February 2017

Mycobacterium aviumsubsp.hominissuis(MAH) is the major causative agent of nontuberculous mycobacteriosis, the representative case of environment-related infectious diseases the incidence of which is increasing in industrialized countries. MAH is found in biofilm in drinking water distribution system and residential environments. We investigated the effect of gaseous and nutritional conditions, and the role of glycopeptidolipids (GPLs) on biofilm-like pellicle formation in MAH. Pellicle formation was observed under 5% oxygen in Middlebrook 7H9 broth containing 0.2% glycerol and 10% albumin-dextrose-catalase enrichment but not under normoxia or in nutrient-poor media. An analysis of 17 environmental isolates revealed that hypoxia (5% oxygen) preferentially enhanced pellicle formation both in plastic plates and in glass tubes, compared with hypercapnia (5% carbon dioxide). Wild-type strains (WT) developed much thicker pellicles than GPL-deficient rough mutants (RM). WT bacterial cells distributed randomly and individually in contrast to that RM cells positioned linearly in a definite order. Exogenous supplementation of GPLs thickened the pellicles of RM, resulting in a similar morphological pattern to WT. These data suggest a significant implication of eutrophication and hypoxia in biofilm-like pellicle formation, and a functional role of GPLs on development of pellicles in MAH.
The reduction in the biomass of cyanobacterial N2 fixer and the biological pump in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Kim Dongseon , Jeong Jin-Hyun , Kim Tae-Wook , Noh Jae Hoon , Kim Hyung Jeek , Choi Dong Han , Kim Eung , Jeon Dongchull
Published: February 2017

The comparison of sediment trap data with physical and biogeochemical variables in the surface water column of the Tropical Northwestern Pacific Ocean (TNWPO) indicated that the magnitude of the springtime biological pump has reduced with time due to a corresponding decrease in the biomass of cyanobacterial N2 fixer. The decrease in the biomass of N2 fixer likely resulted from a reduction in phosphate concentrations in response to surface water warming and consequent shoaling of the mixed layer depth during the study period (2009−2014). The same reduction in biological pump was also observed during summer. However, the cause of the summer reduction remains uncertain and is worth assessing in future studies. Our findings have major implications for predicting future trends of the biological pump in the TNWPO, where significant warming has occurred.
Boreal pollen contain ice-nucleating as well as ice-binding ‘antifreeze’ polysaccharides
Authors: Dreischmeier Katharina , Budke Carsten , Wiehemeier Lars , Kottke Tilman , Koop Thomas
Published: February 2017

Ice nucleation and growth is an important and widespread environmental process. Accordingly, nature has developed means to either promote or inhibit ice crystal formation, for example ice-nucleating proteins in bacteria or ice-binding antifreeze proteins in polar fish. Recently, it was found that birch pollen release ice-nucleating macromolecules when suspended in water. Here we show that birch pollen washing water exhibits also ice-binding properties such as ice shaping and ice recrystallization inhibition, similar to antifreeze proteins. We present spectroscopic evidence that both the ice-nucleating as well as the ice-binding molecules are polysaccharides bearing carboxylate groups. The spectra suggest that both polysaccharides consist of very similar chemical moieties, but centrifugal filtration indicates differences in molecular size: ice nucleation occurs only in the supernatant of a 100 kDa filter, while ice shaping is strongly enhanced in the filtrate. This finding may suggest that the larger ice-nucleating polysaccharides consist of clusters of the smaller ice-binding polysaccharides, or that the latter are fragments of the ice-nucleating polysaccharides. Finally, similar polysaccharides released from pine and alder pollen also display both ice-nucleating as well as ice-binding ability, suggesting a common mechanism of interaction with ice among several boreal pollen with implications for atmospheric processes and antifreeze protection.
Early exposure to thirdhand cigarette smoke affects body mass and the development of immunity in mice
Authors: Hang Bo , Snijders Antoine M. , Huang Yurong , Schick Suzaynn F. , Wang Pin , Xia Yankai , Havel Christopher , Jacob Peyton , Benowitz Neal , Destaillats Hugo , Gundel Lara A. , Mao Jian-Hua
Published: February 2017

Thirdhand smoke (THS) is the fraction of cigarette smoke that persists in indoor environments after smoking. We investigated the effects of neonatal and adult THS exposure on bodyweight and blood cell populations in C57BL/6 J mice. At the end of neonatal exposure, THS-treated male and female mice had significantly lower bodyweight than their respective control mice. However, five weeks after neonatal exposure ended, THS-treated mice weighed the same as controls. In contrast, adult THS exposure did not change bodyweight of mice. On the other hand, both neonatal and adult THS exposure had profound effects on the hematopoietic system. Fourteen weeks after neonatal THS exposure ended, eosinophil number and platelet volume were significantly higher, while hematocrit, mean cell volume, and platelet counts were significantly lower compared to control. Similarly, adult THS exposure also decreased platelet counts and increased neutrophil counts. Moreover, both neonatal and adult THS exposure caused a significant increase in percentage of B-cells and significantly decreased percentage of myeloid cells. Our results demonstrate that neonatal THS exposure decreases bodyweight and that THS exposure induces persistent changes in the hematopoietic system independent of age at exposure. These results also suggest that THS exposure may have adverse effects on human health.
Virtual touch tissue imaging and quantification (VTIQ) in the evaluation of thyroid nodules: the associated factors leading to misdiagnosis
Authors: Sun Cheng-Yu , Lei Kai-Rong , Liu Bo-Ji , Bo Xiao-Wan , Li Xiao-Long , He Ya-Ping , Wang Dan , Ren Wei-Wei , Zhao Chong-Ke , Xu Hui-Xiong
Published: February 2017

To evaluate the associated factors leading to misdiagnosis with VTIQ for differentiation between benign from malignant thyroid nodules (TNs). The study included 238 benign TNs and 150 malignant TNs. Conventional ultrasound (US) features and VTIQ parameters were obtained and compared with the reference standard of histopathological and/or cytological results. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to select independent variables leading to misdiagnosis. The maximum shear wave speed (SWS) (SWS-max), mean SWS (SWS-mean), SWS-ratio and standard deviation of SWS (SWS-SD) were significantly higher for malignant TNs compared with benign TNs (all P < 0.001). SWS-mean achieved the highest diagnostic performance with a cut-off value of 3.15 m/s. False positive rate was 13.4% (32/238) while false negative rate was 35.3% (53/150). Intranodular calcification (OR: 1.715) was significantly associated with false positive VTIQ findings, while nodule size (OR: 0.936) and echotexture of the thyroid gland (OR: 0.033) were negatively associated with them. Nodule depth (OR: 0.881) and TI-RADS category (OR: 0.563) were negatively associated with false negative VTIQ findings. These US characteristic of TNs should be taken into consideration when interpreting the results of VTIQ examinations.
Application of nanocomposite-based sorbents in microextraction techniques: a review
Authors: Ayazi Zahra
Published: February 2017

This review provides a general overview of the recent trends for the preparation of nanocomposites and their applications in microextraction techniques.
De-orphaning the marine natural product (±)-marinopyrrole A by computational target prediction and biochemical validation
Authors: Schneider P. , Schneider G.
Published: February 2017

A machine-learning method led to the discovery of the macromolecular targets of the natural anticancer compound marinopyrrol A.
Designing a heterogeneous Pd(ii)–NHC-based C–H activation catalyst on a self-supported coordination polymer platform
Authors: Mondal Moumita , Joji Jinu , Choudhury Joyanta
Published: February 2017

An extended RuII(terpy)2-based coordination polymer provides a potential scaffold to design a self-supported, single-site PdII(NHC) oxidative catalyst for challenging reactions such as selective arene monohalogenation with enhanced catalytic activity compared to the homogeneous counterpart.
The synthesis of an EDTA-like chelating peptidomimetic building block suitable for solid-phase peptide synthesis
Authors: Spengler Jan , Barker Michael , Schelhorn Constanze , García Jesús , Macias Maria J. , Albericio Fernando
Published: February 2017

A novo trifunctional EDTA-like peptidomimetic amino acid is described.
Importance of polyelectrolyte modification for rectifying the ionic current in conically shaped nanochannels
Authors: Hsu Jyh-Ping , Wu Hou-Hsueh , Lin Chih-Yuan , Tseng Shiojenn
Published: February 2017

Regulating the ICR behavior of a conical nanochannel can be achieved by modifying its surface appropriately.
Size modulation electronic and optical properties of phosphorene nanoribbons: DFT–BOLS approximation
Authors: Liu Yonghui , Bo Maolin , Yang Xuexian , Zhang PanPan , Sun Chang Q. , Huang Yongli
Published: February 2017

DFT and BOLS approximations were carried out to study the electronic and optical properties of different sizes of black phosphorus nanoribbons (PNRs) with either zigzag- or armchair-terminated edges.
Intra-molecular interactions dominating the dehydration of a poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline)-based densely grafted polymer comb in aqueous solution and hysteretic liquid–liquid phase separation
Authors: Zhou Yuanyuan , Tang Hui , Wu Peiyi
Published: February 2017

Temperature-induced association and hysteretic LLPS process of a poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) (PiPOx)-based polymer comb in water.
Density functional based simulations of proton permeation of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Kroes J. M. H. , Fasolino A. , Katsnelson M. I.
Published: February 2017

Charging of an h-BN membrane by the presence of proton.
Bridging the gap: microfluidic devices for short and long distance cell–cell communication
Authors: Vu Timothy Quang , de Castro Ricardo Miguel Bessa , Qin Lidong
Published: February 2017

This review will cover how cell–cell microfluidic devices have made advancements in fields like immunology, neuroscience, ophthalmology, cancer research, and more.
A 2.5-D glass micromodel for investigation of multi-phase flow in porous media
Authors: Xu Ke , Liang Tianbo , Zhu Peixi , Qi Pengpeng , Lu Jun , Huh Chun , Balhoff Matthew
Published: February 2017

A novel method to fabricate micromodels with varying depth (2.5-D) was developed, which allows more realistic investigation on flow in natural 3-D porous media.
Formation of β-(1,3-1,6)-d-glucan-complexed [70]fullerene and its photodynamic activity towards macrophages
Authors: Ikeda Atsushi , Akiyama Motofusa , Sugikawa Kouta , Koumoto Kazuya , Kashijima Yuta , Li Jiawei , Suzuki Toshio , Nagasaki Takeshi
Published: February 2017

[70]Fullerene was dissolved in water by complexation with β-1,3-glucan. The photodynamic activity of the complex was highly dependent on the expression level of dectin-1 on the cell surfaces of macrophages.
Enhanced electrochemical activity of perforated graphene in nickel-oxide-based supercapacitors and fabrication of potential asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Xia Qi Xun , Yun Je Moon , Mane Rajaram S. , Li Lei , Fu Jianjian , Lim Jae Hong , Kim Kwang Ho
Published: February 2017

We synthesize a hierarchically porous electrode material with a high specific capacity composed of nickel oxide (NiO) nanosheets and perforated graphene (PG) sheets grown on a three-dimensional (3D) macroporous nickel foam via a facile hydrothermal method.
1 part per trillion level detection of disinfection byproducts in drinking water using miniaturized sensor
Authors: Li Zhuo , Yu Mingbo , Chu Yingli , Wu Xiaohan , Huang Jia , Tao Wenquan
Published: February 2017

Portable, rapid and ultrasensitive detection of disinfection byproducts in drinking water is realized with functionalized double-wall carbon nanotube-based sensors.
Hollow NiFe2O4nanospheres on carbon nanorods as a highly efficient anode material for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Gao Xuejie , Wang Jiwei , Zhang Duo , Nie Kaiqi , Ma Yanyun , Zhong Jun , Sun Xuhui
Published: February 2017

Hollow NiFe2O4nanospheres anchored on carbon nanorods as high performance anodes.
Active site-targeted carbon dots for the inhibition of human insulin fibrillation
Authors: Yang Q. Q. , Jin J. C. , Xu Z. Q. , Zhang J. Q. , Wang B. B. , Jiang F. L. , Liu Y.
Published: February 2017

This work aimed to study the inhibitory mechanism of carbon dots for HI fibrillation using isothermal titration calorimetry.
A high-yield and versatile method for the synthesis of carbon dots for bioimaging applications
Authors: Li Liping , Lu Chunxiang , Li Sijin , Liu Shijie , Wang Lingjie , Cai Wenwen , Xu Wen , Yang Xi , Liu Yaodong , Zhang Ruiping
Published: February 2017

High yield carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized on a large scale by a facile and versatile molten-salt method, using different precursors. The CDs not only exhibit efficient labelling ability in vitro, but could be chelated with gadolinum ions to constrcut Gd-CDs for dual-mode magnetic resonance and fluorescence imaging.
Chitosan–poly(caprolactone) nanofibers for skin repair
Authors: Levengood Sheeny Lan , Erickson Ariane E. , Chang Fei-chien , Zhang Miqin
Published: February 2017

Electrospun chitosan–poly(caprolactone) (CPCL) nanofiber scaffolds showed improved wound healing rate, and overall closure, and re-epithelialization when compared with commercial Tegaderm.
Strong carrier localization in 3d transition metal oxynitride LaVO3−xNx epitaxial thin films
Authors: Sano M. , Hirose Y. , Nakao S. , Hasegawa T.
Published: February 2017

Strong carrier localization was observed as an intrinsic property of 3d transition metal oxynitride LaVO3−xNx epitaxial thin films.
Localised nanoscale resistive switching in GaP thin films with low power consumption
Authors: Kurnia Fran , Liu Chunli , Liu Guangqing , Vasudevan Rama K. , Yang Sang Mo , Kalinin Sergei V. , Valanoor Nagarajan , Hart Judy N.
Published: February 2017

Resistive switching behaviour is observed for GaP thin films. Conductive AFM and FORC-IV measurements show that the current is localised at grain boundaries. The switching mechanism is driven by Ga migration along the grain boundaries.
Impact of ultrathin dielectric spacers on SERS: energy transfer between polarized charges and plasmons
Authors: Nayak D. R. , Bhat N. , Venkatapathi M. , Umapathy S.
Published: February 2017

Ultra-thin (<10 nm) dielectric spacers provide adequate screening for energy transfer from plasmonic nanoparticles to polarization charges of the high permittivity semiconducting substrate.
Utilization of electron-donating α,β-unsaturated oximes: regioselective inverse 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrones
Authors: Hashimoto Yoshimitsu , Ishiwata Hiromasa , Tachikawa Soko , Ban Shintaro , Morita Nobuyoshi , Tamura Osamu
Published: February 2017

The cycloaddition of nitrones with α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds (enones) afforded predominantly 4-acylisoxazolidines, whereas the cycloaddition of the corresponding oximes afforded 5-iminoisoxazolidines.
Preparation and catalytic performance of a molecularly imprinted Pd complex catalyst for Suzuki cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Muratsugu Satoshi , Maity Niladri , Baba Hiroshi , Tasaki Masahiro , Tada Mizuki
Published: February 2017

A molecularly imprinted Pd complex catalyst was successfully designed and prepared on a SiO2 surface for shape-selective Suzuki cross-coupling reaction.
Ratiometric near-infrared fluorescence nanothermometry in the OTN-NIR (NIR II/III) biological window based on rare-earth doped β-NaYF4 nanoparticles
Authors: Kamimura Masao , Matsumoto Taiki , Suyari Satoru , Umezawa Masakazu , Soga Kohei
Published: February 2017

A novel ratiometric nanothermometer based on over-1000 nm near-infrared emission of rare-earth doped ceramic nanophosphors was developed for temperature measurement.
Plant cell wall signalling and receptor-like kinases
Authors: Wolf Sebastian
Published: February 2017

Communication between the extracellular matrix and the cell interior is essential for all organisms as intrinsic and extrinsic cues have to be integrated to co-ordinate development, growth, and behaviour. This applies in particular to plants, the growth and shape of which is governed by deposition and remodelling of the cell wall, a rigid, yet dynamic, extracellular network. It is thus generally assumed that cell wall surveillance pathways exist to monitor the state of the wall and, if needed, elicit compensatory responses such as altered expression of cell wall remodelling and biosynthesis genes. Here, I highlight recent advances in the field of cell wall signalling in plants, with emphasis on the role of plasma membrane receptor-like kinase complexes. In addition, possible roles for cell wall-mediated signalling beyond the maintenance of cell wall integrity are discussed.
Trimethylamine N-oxide in atherogenesis: impairing endothelial self-repair capacity and enhancing monocyte adhesion
Authors: Ma GuoHua , Pan Bing , Chen Yue , Guo CaiXia , Zhao MingMing , Zheng LeMin , Chen BuXing
Published: February 2017

Several studies have reported a strong association between high plasma level of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and atherosclerosis development. However, the exact mechanism underlying this correlation is unknown. In the present study, we try to explore the impact of TMAO on endothelial dysfunction. After TMAO treatment, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) showed significant impairment in cellular proliferation and HUVECs-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion compared with control. Likewise, TMAO markedly suppressed HUVECs migration in transwell migration assay and wound healing assay. In addition, we found TMAO up-regulated vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression, promoted monocyte adherence, activated protein kinase C (PKC) and p-NF-κB. Interestingly, TMAO-stimulated VCAM-1 expression and monocyte adherence were diminished by PKC inhibitor. These results demonstrate that TMAO promotes early pathological process of atherosclerosis by accelerating endothelial dysfunction, including decreasing endothelial self-repair and increasing monocyte adhesion. Furthermore, TMAO-induced monocyte adhesion is partly attributable to activation of PKC/NF-κB/VCAM-1.
Grid synchronisation enhancement of a wind driven DFIG using adaptive sliding mode control
Authors: Abdelbaset Adel , El‐Sayed Abou‐Hashema M. , Abozeid Alaa Eldin H.
Published: February 2017

Grid synchronisation enhancement of a wind driven doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) using adaptive sliding mode control is described and evaluated in this study. The proposed scheme directly controls the stator terminal voltage of the DFIG to track the grid voltage without current control loop; hence, the structure of controller is simplified. For robustness of the control scheme, parametric uncertainty and external disturbances are included into the formed design procedure. A mathematical model of the DFIG as influenced by core‐loss is considered to improve the theoretical prediction. Digital simulations are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed scheme using MATLAB/Simulink software package. Moreover, to validate the correctness and accuracy of the proposed schemes the calculated performances are compared with those results measured experimentally in the literature.
Synthesis, characterisation, and evaluation of stable, efficient modified nanocopper‐based glycerol hydrogenolysis catalysts
Authors: Lv Zhiguo , Xie Zhipeng , Guo Zhenmei , Liu Xia , Liu Pei
Published: February 2017

A series of CuO/SiO2 catalysts containing different modifiers were prepared via co‐precipitation and used for glycerol hydrogenolysis. CuO–CeO2/SiO2 gave the best glycerol conversion rate (100%) and highest selectivity for 1,2‐propanediol (up to 95%). Reactions were carried out under the following conditions: temperature, 220°C; H2 pressure, 0.5 MPa; glycerol concentration, 100 wt.%; and H2/glycerol molar ratio, 35:1. The catalysts were characterised by X‐ray diffraction, NH3 temperature‐programmed desorption, N2 adsorption, and scanning electron microscopy. The CuO–CeO2/SiO2 catalyst had smaller particle sizes, better dispersion, and greater specific surface area than the CuO/SiO2, CuO–phosphotungstic acid (PTA)/SiO2, and CuO–CeO2–PTA/SiO2 catalysts.
Validation of measured microwave absorption and temperature change for development of a single-mode-type microwave heating thermogravimetry apparatus
Authors: Karisma Achmad Dwitama , Hamaba Taishu , Fukasawa Tomonori , Huang An-Ni , Segawa Tomoomi , Fukui Kunihiro
Published: February 2017

The temperature distribution, microwave absorption efficiency, and dielectric properties of a copper (ii) oxide (CuO) pellet heated by microwave irradiation were investigated for use in developing a single-mode-type microwave heating thermogravimetry apparatus. The validity of the apparatus was confirmed by comparing the measured data with the results of numerical simulations. The dielectric properties and error margins of other parameters estimated using the apparatus were also examined. The temperature distribution of the CuO pellet was observed to decrease monotonously on moving from the outlet to the inlet side of the apparatus. A three-dimensional numerical simulation of the electromagnetic field accurately reproduced this temperature distribution, suggesting the one-way movement of microwaves in the single-mode-type microwave apparatus. The numerically determined dependency of the CuO absorption efficiency was also found to be in very good agreement with published data. The same was the case with the permittivity loss of the CuO at various temperatures, as estimated from the measured microwave absorption efficiency. However, a larger error was observed in the estimation of the permittivity loss of a material with a lower microwave absorption efficiency, which was apparently due to the measurement error of the absorption efficiency of such a material.
In-situ mapping of electroluminescent enhancement of light-emitting diodes grown on patterned sapphire substrates
Authors: Su Jung-Chieh , Lee Chung-Hao , Huang Yi-Hsuan , Yang Henglong
Published: February 2017

The mechanism for enhancing extraction efficiency of light emitting diodes (LEDs) grown on patterned sapphire substrates (PSSs) was observed by the in-situ lateral electroluminescence (EL) mapping using optical microscopy equipped with a laser energy profiler. The observed spatial intensity distribution of epilayers, varying from epilayer to epilayer on the lateral surface of the PSS LED chip, revealed that the perimeter scattering on the convex facets of PSSs converges the propagation of emitted light with random directionality into a spot near the top surface of the buffer layer. Moreover, this in-situ sidewall mapping implied that the enhancement of light extraction of the PSS LED is due to reducing the total internal reflection effect, resulting from the spot located closer to the LED/air interface. Simulated results and EL images of convex patterns on the PSS surface were consistent with sidewall surface-based observations.
Impurity and silicate formation dependence on O3 pulse time and the growth temperature in atomic-layer-deposited La2O3 thin films
Authors: Park Tae Joo , Byun Young-Chul , Wallace Robert M. , Kim Jiyoung
Published: February 2017

Atomic-layer-deposited La2O3 films were grown on Si with different O3 pulse times and growth temperatures. The interfacial reactions and impurity behaviors were observed using in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Longer pulse time of O3 formed the solid SiO2 interfacial barrier layer, which suppressed La–silicate formation. Meanwhile, the carboxyl compound acting as an impurity phase was replaced with LaCO3 on increasing the O3 pulse time due to further oxidation and reaction of La. Higher growth temperatures enhanced La–silicate formation by mixed diffusion of Si and La2O3, during which most of the La2O3 phase was consumed at 400 °C. C and N impurities decreased with increasing growth temperature and completely disappear at 400 °C.
Wilson-Racah quantum system
Authors: Alhaidari A. D. , Taiwo T. J.
Published: February 2017

Using a recent formulation of quantum mechanics without a potential function, we present a four-parameter system associated with the Wilson and Racah polynomials. The continuum scattering states are written in terms of the Wilson polynomials whose asymptotics give the scattering amplitude and phase shift. On the other hand, the finite number of discrete bound states are associated with the Racah polynomials.
A CMOS application-specified-integrated-circuit for 40 GHz high-electron-mobility-transistors automatic biasing
Authors: De Matteis M. , De Blasi M. , Vallicelli E. A. , Zannoni M. , Gervasi M. , Bau A. , Passerini A. , Baschirotto A.
Published: February 2017

This paper presents the design and the experimental results of a CMOS Automatic Control System (ACS) for the biasing of High-Electron-Mobility-Transistors (HEMT). The ACS is the first low-power mixed-signal Application-Specified-Integrated-Circuit (ASIC) able to automatically set and regulate the operating point of an off-chip 6 HEMT Low-Noise-Amplifiers (LNAs), hence it composes a two-chip system (the ACS+LNAs) to be used in the Large Scale Polarization Explorer (LSPE) stratospheric balloon for Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) signal observation. The hereby presented ACS ASIC provides a reliable instrumentation for gradual and very stable LNAs characterization, switching-on, and operating point (<4 mV accuracy). Moreover, it simplifies the electronic instrumentation needed for biasing the LNAs, since it replaces several off-the-shelf and digital programmable device components. The ASIC prototype has been implemented in a CMOS 0.35 μm technology (12 mm2 area occupancy). It operates at 4 kHz clock frequency. The power consumption of one-channel ASIC (biasing one LNA) is 3.6 mW, whereas 30 mW are consumed by a single LNA device.
Relevance of GaAs(001) surface electronic structure for high frequency dispersion on n-type accumulation capacitance
Authors: Pi T. W. , Chen W. S. , Lin Y. H. , Cheng Y. T. , Wei G. J. , Lin K. Y. , Cheng C. -P. , Kwo J. , Hong M.
Published: February 2017

This study investigates the origin of long-puzzled high frequency dispersion on the accumulation region of capacitance-voltage characteristics in an n-type GaAs-based metal-oxide-semiconductor. Probed adatoms with a high Pauling electronegativity, Ag and Au, unexpectedly donate charge to the contacted As/Ga atoms of as-grown α2 GaAs(001)-2 × 4 surfaces. The GaAs surface atoms behave as charge acceptors, and if not properly passivated, they would trap those electrons accumulated at the oxide and semiconductor interface under a positive bias. The exemplified core-level spectra of the Al2O3/n-GaAs(001)-2 × 4 and the Al2O3/n-GaAs(001)-4 × 6 interfaces exhibit remnant of pristine surface As emission, thereby causing high frequency dispersion in the accumulation region. For the p-type GaAs, electrons under a negatively biased condition are expelled from the interface, thereby avoiding becoming trapped.
Energy band alignment at the nanoscale
Authors: Deuermeier Jonas , Fortunato Elvira , Martins Rodrigo , Klein Andreas
Published: February 2017

The energy band alignments at interfaces often determine the electrical functionality of a device. Along with the size reduction into the nanoscale, functional coatings become thinner than a nanometer. With the traditional analysis of the energy band alignment by in situ photoelectron spectroscopy, a critical film thickness is needed to determine the valence band offset. By making use of the Auger parameter, it becomes possible to determine the energy band alignment to coatings, which are only a few Ångström thin. This is demonstrated with experimental data of Cu2O on different kinds of substrate materials.
Cdon deficiency causes cardiac remodeling through hyperactivation of WNT/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Jeong Myong-Ho , Kim Hyun-Ji , Pyun Jung-Hoon , Choi Kyu-Sil , Lee Dong I. , Solhjoo Soroosh , O'Rourke Brian , Tomaselli Gordon F. , Jeong Dong Seop , Cho Hana , Kang Jong-Sun
Published: February 2017

Significance

Upon injury, reactivated Wnt/β-catenin signaling is implicated in cardiac remodeling and cardiomyopathy, thus it is an attractive target for intervention of cardiac diseases. Here, we demonstrate a role of a cell surface receptor Cdon in preventing cardiac remodeling through suppression of Wnt signaling.
Cdon

−/−

mice develop cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis with altered expression of remodeling genes. Cdon deficiency causes aberrant localization and function of gap junction protein connexin 43, correlating with hyperactivated Wnt signaling. Blocking of Wnt signaling in Cdon-depleted cardiomyocytes attenuates aberrant intercellular coupling. Conversely, Wnt activator causes aberrant activation of gap junction with decreased Cdon levels, suggestive of a feedback mechanism. These data suggest that Cdon is required for the control of Wnt signaling to prevent cardiac remodeling.
Trait selection to improve windfirmness in trees.
Authors: Telewski F. W. , Moore J. R.
Published: February 2017

Windfirmness of trees, the ability to withstand strong winds without incurring internal damage to xylem (fibre buckling in timber) or structural failure due to stem snap (wind snap) or over turning of root plates (wind throw), is a complex phenomenon that results from the interaction of multiple traits. Selective tree breeding has the potential to improve windfirmness, but to date there have been few examples where this has been attempted. A key difficulty is that windfirmness is not simply associated with a single trait that can be selected for, but instead requires a comprehensive understanding of tree biomechanics and the different developmental responses to wind. This review summarizes the elastic and plastic responses in trees due to wind to assist in the identification of those traits associated with windfirmness in growth allometry, wood properties and root growth. It addresses recent attempts to begin the selection process to improve the windfirmness of forests and plantations in light of changing wind regimes around the world. Finally, it discusses the unintended consequences that could occur from selective breeding for windfirmness, which could potentially compromise tree growth and yield as well as wood quality.
Biopolitics, borders, and refugee camps: exercising sovereign power over nonmembers of the state†
Authors: Zeveleva Olga
Published: February 2017

This article addresses the relationship between the concepts of national identity and biopolitics by examining a border-transit camp for repatriates, refugees, and asylum seekers in Germany. Current studies of detention spaces for migrants have drawn heavily on Agamben's reflection on the “camp” and “homo sacer,” where the camp is analyzed as a space in a permanent state of exception, in which the government exercises sovereign power over the refugee as the ultimate biopolitical subject. But what groups of people can end up at a camp, and does the government treat all groups in the same way? This article examines the German camp for repatriates, refugees, and asylum seekers as a space where the state's borders are demarcated and controlled through practices of bureaucratic and narrative differentiation among various groups of people. The author uses the concept of detention space to draw a theoretical link between national identity and biopolitics, and demonstrates how the sovereign's practices of control and differentiation at the camp construct German national identity through defining “nonmembers” of the state. The study draws on ethnographic fieldwork at the Friedland border transit camp and on a discourse analysis of texts produced at the camp or for the camp.
Evolution of Moroccan defence diplomacy
Authors: Morabety Ahmed El
Published: February 2017

This paper addresses Morocco’s defence diplomacy through a consideration of two research matters. The first concerns the military and security cooperation of the country with the United States, the European countries, as well as the Arab and African ones. The second focuses on Morocco’s participations in United Nations and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) peacekeeping operations. The objective of this study is essentially to show to what extent Morocco contributes to restoring regional peace and security across the world.
Extreme-Dipper Profile, Increased Aortic Stiffness, and Impaired Subendocardial Viability in Hypertension
Authors: Amah Guy , Ouardani Rahma , Pasteur-Rousseau Adrien , Voicu Sebastian , Safar Michel E. , Kubis Nathalie , Bonnin Philippe
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

In treated hypertensives, extreme-dippers with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) exhibit more severe nighttime cardiac ischemia than dippers. After excluding confounding factors such as diabetes, CAD or chronic kidney disease (CKD), we assessed whether subendocardial viability, determined by the Buckberg index, was more significantly impaired in extreme-dippers than in dippers.

METHODS

Two hundred thirteen consecutive treated hypertensives (156 dippers, 57 extreme-dippers), were included. After 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring, patients underwent radial applanation tonometry (with determination of: subendocardial viability ratio [SEVR], central augmentation index [AIx], and pulse pressure amplification [PPamp]), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) measurement, and cycle ergometer stress testing.

RESULTS

Extreme-dippers showed higher cfPWV (8.99 ± 2.16 vs. 8.29 ± 1.69 m/s, P = 0.014), higher AIx (29.7 ± 9.4 vs. 26.4 ± 10.4%, P = 0.042), lower PPamp (1.22 ± 0.14 vs. 1.30 ± 0.15, P < 0.001), lower SEVR (146 ± 23% vs. 157 ± 26%, P = 0.007), and lower nighttime diastolic BP (DBP) (70 ± 9 vs. 75 ± 9 mm Hg, P < 0.001) than dippers. SEVR and cfPWV were inversely correlated. Among extreme-dippers, women exhibited lower SEVR (138 ± 21% vs. 161 ± 23%, P = 0.004), PPamp (1.16 ± 0.10 vs. 1.31 ± 0.15, P < 0.001), and nighttime DBP (67 ± 8 mm Hg vs. 72 ± 8 mm Hg, P = 0.017) than men.

CONCLUSIONS

Extreme-dipper treated hypertensives with no history of CAD, diabetes or CKD, present increased aortic stiffness and low PPamp. Furthermore, this is the first demonstration of the greater likelihood of these patients to exhibit impaired subendocardial viability compared to dippers. Extreme-dipper hypertensive patients, women in particular, may have a significantly higher risk of silent myocardial ischemia, thus justifying systematic screening.
Trends in numbers of Cape gannets (Morus capensis), 1956/1957–2005/2006, with a consideration of the influence of food and other factors
Authors: Crawford Robert J. M. , Dundee Benedict L. , Dyer Bruce M. , Klages Norbert T. W. , Meÿer Michael A. , Upfold Leshia
Published: February 2017

Crawford, R. J. M., Dundee, B. L., Dyer, B. M., Klages, N. T., Meÿer, M. A., and Upfold, L. 2007. Trends in numbers of Cape gannets (Morus capensis), 1956/57–2005/06, with a consideration of the influence of food and other factors – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64, 169–177. Cape gannets (Morus capensis) breed at six colonies in Namibia and South Africa. Population size averaged about 250 000 pairs over the period 1956/1957–1968/1969 and about 150 000 pairs from 1978/1979 to 2005/2006. Over the whole 50-y period, numbers at the three Namibian colonies fell by 85–98%, with greater proportional decreases in the south. There were increases at two South African colonies between 1956/1957 and 2005/2006. The colony at Lambert's Bay increased between 1956/1957 and 2003/2004, but attacks by Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus) on birds at nests caused abandonment of the entire colony in 2005/2006. Long-term changes at colonies are thought to be largely attributable to an altered abundance and distribution of prey, especially sardine (Sardinops sagax) and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus). In both Namibia and South Africa, the numbers of Cape gannets breeding were significantly related to the biomass of epipelagic fish prey. Over the 50-y period, there was also a marked similarity in the proportions of gannets and epipelagic fish in the Benguela system, which were present in Namibia and South Africa. In the 2000s, there was an eastward shift in the distribution of sardine off South Africa and a large increase in the number of gannets breeding at South Africa's easternmost colony. When sardine were scarce off South Africa, gannets fed on anchovy, but off Namibia anchovy only temporarily and partially replaced sardine. Ecosystem management measures that might improve the conservation status of Cape gannets are considered.
A Spontaneous Lower Motor Neuron Disease Apparently Caused by Indigenous Type-C RNA Virus in Wild Mice2
Authors: Gardner Murray B. , Henderson Brian E. , Officer J. Earle , Rongey Robert W. , Parker John C. , Oliver Cynthia , Estes John D. , Huebner Robert J.
Published: February 2017

A high incidence of spontaneous lower-limb paralysis occurred in a population of wild mice (Mus musculus) which had a high incidence of naturally occurring lymphoma and elevated indigenous type-C virus activity. Experimental transmission evidence indicated that both the neurologic and lymphomatous disorders almost certainly were caused by the indigenous type-C virus. The virus appeared to have a direct neurotropic effect on anterior horn neurons in the lower spinal cord.
Schistosomiasis: a rare cause of acute appendicitis
Authors: Cox ND , Yates PJ
Published: February 2017

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection in humans, which is prevalent in developing countries. The infection manifests itself as a variety of different pathologies, depending on the location of the parasite and its eggs. A rare manifestation is that of a common surgical presentation, acute appendicitis. We present a case of a young male who underwent appendicectomy for acute appendicitis caused by a schistosomiasis infection, proven on pathological examination of the resected appendix.
Type Ia supernovae with bimodal explosions are common – possible smoking gun for direct collisions of white dwarfs
Authors: Dong Subo , Katz Boaz , Kushnir Doron , Prieto Jose L.
Published: February 2017

We discover clear doubly peaked line profiles in 3 out of ∼20 Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) with high-quality nebular-phase spectra. The profiles are consistently present in three separated Co/Fe emission features. The two peaks are respectively blueshifted and redshifted relative to the host galaxies and are separated by ∼5000 km s−1. The doubly peaked profiles directly reflect a bimodal velocity distribution of the radioactive 56Ni in the ejecta that powers the emission of these SNe. Due to their random orientations, only a fraction of SNe with intrinsically bimodal velocity distributions will appear as doubly peaked spectra. Therefore, SNe with intrinsic bimodality are likely common, especially among the SNe in the low-luminosity part on the Phillips relation (Δm15(B) ≳ 1.3; ∼ 40 per cent of all SNe Ia). Such bimodality is naturally expected from direct collisions of white dwarfs (WDs) due to the detonation of both WDs and is demonstrated in a 3D 0.64–0.64M⊙ WD collision simulation. In the future, with a large sample of nebular spectra and a comprehensive set of numerical simulations, the collision model can be unambiguously tested as the primary channel for SNe Ia, and the distribution of nebular line profiles will either be a smoking gun or rule it out.
Apsidal precession, disc breaking and viscosity in warped discs
Authors: Nealon Rebecca , Nixon Chris , Price Daniel J. , King Andrew
Published: February 2017

We demonstrate the importance of general relativistic apsidal precession in warped black hole accretion discs by comparing three-dimensional smoothed particle hydrodynamic simulations in which this effect is first neglected, and then included. If apsidal precession is neglected, we confirm the results of an earlier magnetohydrodynamic simulation which made this assumption, showing that at least in this case the α viscosity model produces very similar results to those of simulations where angular momentum transport is due to the magnetorotational instability. Including apsidal precession significantly changes the predicted disc evolution. For moderately inclined discs thick enough that tilt is transported by bending waves, we find a disc tilt which is non-zero at the inner disc edge and oscillates with radius, consistent with published analytic results. For larger inclinations, we find disc breaking.
The high-redshift star formation history from carbon-monoxide intensity maps
Authors: Breysse Patrick C. , Kovetz Ely D. , Kamionkowski Marc
Published: February 2017

We demonstrate how cosmic star formation history can be measured with one-point statistics of carbon-monoxide intensity maps. Using a P(D) analysis, the luminosity function of CO-emitting sources can be inferred from the measured one-point intensity PDF. The star formation rate density (SFRD) can then be obtained, at several redshifts, from the CO luminosity density. We study the effects of instrumental noise, line foregrounds, and target redshift, and obtain constraints on the CO luminosity density of the order of 10 per cent. We show that the SFRD uncertainty is dominated by that of the model connecting CO luminosity and star formation. For pessimistic estimates of this model uncertainty, we obtain an error of the order of 50 per cent on SFRD for surveys targeting redshifts between two and seven with reasonable noise and foregrounds included. However, comparisons between intensity maps and galaxies could substantially reduce this model uncertainty. In this case, our constraints on SFRD at these redshifts improve to roughly 5 − 10 per cent, which is highly competitive with current measurements.