bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shock Synthesis of Five-component Icosahedral Quasicrystals
Authors: Oppenheim Julius , Ma Chi , Hu Jinping , Bindi Luca , Steinhardt Paul J. , Asimow Paul D.
Published: November 2017

Five-component icosahedral quasicrystals with compositions in the range Al68–73Fe11–16Cu10–12Cr1–4Ni1–2 were recently recovered after shocking metallic CuAl5 and (Mg0.75Fe0.25)2SiO4 olivine in a stainless steel 304 chamber, intended to replicate a natural shock that affected the Khatyrka meteorite. The iron in those quasicrystals might have originated either from reduction of Fe2+ in olivine or from the stainless steel chamber. In this study, we clarify the shock synthesis mechanism of icosahedral quasicrystals through two new shock recovery experiments. When CuAl5 and Fe2+-bearing olivine were isolated in a Ta capsule, no quasicrystals were found. However, with only metallic starting materials, numerous micron-sized five-component icosahedral quasicrystals, average composition Al72Cu12Fe12Cr3Ni1, were found at the interface between CuAl5 and stainless steel, demonstrating nucleation of quasicrystals under shock without any redox reaction. We present detailed characterization of recovered quasicrystals and discuss possible mechanisms for generating sufficiently high temperatures to reach melting with relatively weak shocks. We discuss the implications of our five-component quasicrystal for the stability of quasicrystals, which have previously only been considered in alloy systems with four or fewer components. Even small amounts of additional metals expand the stability range of the icosahedral phase and facilitate routine syntheses without extraordinary precision in preparation of starting mixtures.
Identification of small RNAs abundant in Burkholderia cenocepacia biofilms reveal putative regulators with a potential role in carbon and iron metabolism
Authors: Sass Andrea , Kiekens Sanne , Coenye Tom
Published: November 2017

Small RNAs play a regulatory role in many central metabolic processes of bacteria, as well as in developmental processes such as biofilm formation. Small RNAs of Burkholderia cenocepacia, an opportunistic pathogenic beta-proteobacterium, are to date not well characterised. To address that, we performed genome-wide transcriptome structure analysis of biofilm grown B. cenocepacia J2315. 41 unannotated short transcripts were identified in intergenic regions of the B. cenocepacia genome. 15 of these short transcripts, highly abundant in biofilms, widely conserved in Burkholderia sp. and without known function, were selected for in-depth analysis. Expression profiling showed that most of these sRNAs are more abundant in biofilms than in planktonic cultures. Many are also highly abundant in cells grown in minimal media, suggesting they are involved in adaptation to nutrient limitation and growth arrest. Their computationally predicted targets include a high proportion of genes involved in carbon metabolism. Expression and target genes of one sRNA suggest a potential role in regulating iron homoeostasis. The strategy used for this study to detect sRNAs expressed in B. cenocepacia biofilms has successfully identified sRNAs with a regulatory function.
DNA metabarcoding for high-throughput monitoring of estuarine macrobenthic communities
Authors: Lobo Jorge , Shokralla Shadi , Costa Maria Helena , Hajibabaei Mehrdad , Costa Filipe Oliveira
Published: November 2017

Morphology-based profiling of benthic communities has been extensively applied to aquatic ecosystems’ health assessment. However, it remains a low-throughput, and sometimes ambiguous, procedure. Despite DNA metabarcoding has been applied to marine benthos, a comprehensive approach providing species-level identifications for estuarine macrobenthos is still lacking. Here we report a combination of experimental and field studies to assess the aptitude of COI metabarcoding to provide robust species-level identifications for high-throughput monitoring of estuarine macrobenthos. To investigate the ability of metabarcoding to detect all species present in bulk DNA extracts, we contrived three phylogenetically diverse communities, and applied four different primer pairs to generate PCR products within the COI barcode region. Between 78–83% of the species in the contrived communities were recovered through HTS. Subsequently, we compared morphology and metabarcoding-based approaches to determine the species composition from four distinct estuarine sites. Our results indicate that species richness would be considerably underestimated if only morphological methods were used: globally 27 species identified through morphology versus 61 detected by metabarcoding. Although further refinement is required to improve efficiency and output of this approach, here we show the great aptitude of COI metabarcoding to provide high quality and auditable species identifications in estuarine macrobenthos monitoring.
Biocompatibility and biodegradation studies of a commercial zinc alloy for temporary mini-implant applications
Authors: Kannan M. Bobby , Moore Corey , Saptarshi Shruti , Somasundaram Sahadev , Rahuma Mohamed , Lopata Andreas L.
Published: November 2017

In this study, the biocompatibility and in vitro degradation behaviour of a commercial zinc-based alloy (Zn-5 Al-4 Mg) were evaluated and compared with that of pure zinc for temporary orthopaedic implant applications. Biocompatibility tests were conducted using human alveolar lung epithelial cells (A549), which showed that the zinc alloy exhibits similar biocompatibility as compared to pure zinc. In vitro degradation evaluation was performed using weight loss and electrochemical methods in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 °C. Weight loss measurements revealed that the degradation of the zinc alloy was slightly lower during the initial immersion period (1–3 days), but marginally increased after 5 and 7 days immersion as compared to pure zinc. Potentiodynamic polarisation experiments showed that the zinc alloy exhibits higher degradation rate than pure zinc. However, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis suggests that pure zinc is susceptible to localized degradation, whereas the zinc alloy exhibited passivation behaviour. Post-degradation analysis revealed localized degradation in both pure zinc and the zinc alloy.
Diet selection and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid deposition in lambs as affected by restricted time at pasture
Authors: Zhang X. Q. , Jin Y. M. , Badgery W. B. , Tana
Published: November 2017

This study investigates the effects of restricted grazing time on forage selectivity and meat fatty acid deposition of lambs compared to a traditional grazing system. Results showed that the animals preferred to graze pasture species that were more palatable and lower in fibre, while demonstrating a partial preference for species with high protein levels. Leymus chinensis was more preferentially selected by lambs grazing pasture for shorter periods than longer periods. Lambs that grazed for 4 h per day had a high LNA (α-linolenic acid) intake. The accumulation of LNA and its elongation products in tissue was closely related to the LNA level in diet. Therefore, allowing lambs to graze for at least 4 h per day resulted in a meat fatty acid profile that is richer in health-promoting fatty acids. In particular, the highest DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) was observed in meat from lambs which grazed pasture for 4-h versus 8- and 12-h. It can be concluded that, in grassland systems, a healthier meat fatty acid profile for humans and the potential for better pasture management is achieved by limiting the grazing of lambs to 4 h per day rather than grazing over longer time periods.
Discovery of Bladder Cancer-related Genes Using Integrative Heterogeneous Network Modeling of Multi-omics Data
Authors: Peng Chen , Li Ao , Wang Minghui
Published: November 2017

In human health, a fundamental challenge is the identification of disease-related genes. Bladder cancer (BC) is a worldwide malignant tumor, which has resulted in 170,000 deaths in 2010 up from 114,000 in 1990. Moreover, with the emergence of multi-omics data, more comprehensive analysis of human diseases become possible. In this study, we propose a multi-step approach for the identification of BC-related genes by using integrative Heterogeneous Network Modeling of Multi-Omics data (iHNMMO). The heterogeneous network model properly and comprehensively reflects the multiple kinds of relationships between genes in the multi-omics data of BC, including general relationships, unique relationships under BC condition, correlational relationships within each omics and regulatory relationships between different omics. Besides, a network-based propagation algorithm with resistance is utilized to quantize the relationships between genes and BC precisely. The results of comprehensive performance evaluation suggest that iHNMMO significantly outperforms other approaches. Moreover, further analysis suggests that the top ranked genes may be functionally implicated in BC, which also confirms the superiority of iHNMMO. In summary, this study shows that disease-related genes can be better identified through reasonable integration of multi-omics data.
Ultra-high quality factor metallic micro-cavity based on concentric double metal-insulator-metal rings
Authors: Jiang Meiling , Qi Jiwei , Zhang Mingsi , Sun Qian , Chen Jing , Chen Zongqiang , Yu Xuanyi , Li Yudong , Tian Jianguo
Published: November 2017

We propose and numerically investigate a novel ultra-high quality (Q) factor metallic micro-cavity based on concentric double metal-insulator-metal (MIM) rings (CDMR). In this CDMR cavity, because of the angular momentum matching, the strong coupling occurs between the same order modes of the inner and outer rings with huge resonance frequency difference. Consequently, the energy distribution between in the inner and outer rings presents enormous difference. Especially, for the quasi-in-phase CDMR modes, the energy is confined in the inner ring mainly, which suppresses the radiation loss greatly and results in ultra-narrow resonance dips and ultra-high Q factors. The full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of this CDMR cavity can be less than 2 nm and the Q factor can be higher than 300. Moreover, the character of this CDMR metallic micro-cavity can be modulated by varying the gap width between the two MIM rings. Our CDMR metallic micro-cavity provides a new perspective to design the advanced optical cavity with high Q factor and small mode volumes.
A magnetoelastic biosensor based on E2 glycoprotein for wireless detection of classical swine fever virus E2 antibody
Authors: Guo Xing , Sang Shengbo , Guo Jinyu , Jian Aoqun , Duan Qianqian , Ji Jianlong , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Wendong
Published: November 2017

A wireless magnetoelastic (ME) biosensor immobilized with E2 glycoprotein was first developed to detect classical swine fever virus (CSFV) E2 antibody. The detection principle is that a sandwich complex of CSFV E2 – rabbit anti-CSFV E2 antibody – alkaline phosphatase (AP) conjugated goat anti-rabbit IgG formed on the ME sensor surface, with biocatalytic precipitation used to amplify the mass change of antigen–antibody specific binding reaction, induces a significant change in resonance frequency of the biosensor. Due to its magnetostrictive feature, the resonance vibrations and resonance frequency can be actuated and wirelessly monitored through magnetic fields. The experimental results show that resonance frequency shift increases with the augmentation of the CSFV E2 antibody concentration. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and fluorescence microscopy analysis proved that the modification and detection process were successful. The biosensor shows a linear response to the logarithm of CSFV E2 antibody concentrations ranging from 5 ng/mL to 10 μg/mL, with a detection limit (LOD) of 2.466 ng/mL and the sensitivity of 56.2 Hz/μg·mL−1. The study provides a low-cost yet highly-sensitive and wireless method for selective detection of CSFV E2 antibody.
Genetic polymorphism related to monocyte-macrophage function is associated with graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Hyvärinen Kati , Ritari Jarmo , Koskela Satu , Niittyvuopio Riitta , Nihtinen Anne , Volin Liisa , Gallardo David , Partanen Jukka
Published: November 2017

Despite detailed human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching and modern immunosuppressive therapy, severe graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) remains a major hurdle for successful allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). As the genetic diversity in GvHD complicates the systematic discovery of associated variants across populations, we studied 122 GvHD-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 492 HLA-matched sibling HSCT donor-recipient pairs from Finland and Spain. The association between these candidate SNPs and grade III–IV acute GvHD and extensive chronic GvHD was assessed. The functional effects of the variants were determined using expression and cytokine quantitative trait loci (QTL) database analyses. Clear heterogeneity was observed in the associated markers between the two populations. Interestingly, the majority of markers, such as those annotated to IL1, IL23R, TLR9, TNF, and NOD2 genes, are related to the immunological response by monocytes-macrophages to microbes, a step that precedes GvHD as a result of intestinal lesions. Furthermore, cytokine QTL analysis showed that the GvHD-associated markers regulate IL1β, IFNγ, and IL6 responses. These results support a crucial role for the anti-microbial response in GvHD risk. Furthermore, despite apparent heterogeneity in the genetic markers associated with GvHD, it was possible to identify a biological pathway shared by most markers in both populations.
Inner Ear Otolith Asymmetry in Late-Larval Cichlid Fish (Oreochromis mossambicus, Perciformes) Showing Kinetotic Behaviour Under Diminished Gravity
Authors: Anken Ralf , Knie Miriam , Hilbig Reinhard
Published: November 2017

The inner ears of all vertebrates are designed to perceive auditory and vestibular inputs. Although a tremendous diversity in the inner ear can be found even among bony fishes, the morphologies of the utricle and of the semicircular canals are rather conservative among vertebrates. Fish show kinetoses under reduced gravity (spinning movements and looping responses) and are regarded model organisms concerning the performance of the otolithic organs. Otoliths can be analysed easily because they are compact, in contrast to the otoconial masses of other vertebrates. Here, late-larval Oreochromis mossambicus were subjected to 0.0001 × g and 0.04 × g aboard a sounding rocket, their behaviour was observed and morphometrical analyses on otoliths were carried out. Fish swimming kinetotically at 0.0001 × g had a higher asymmetry of utricular otoliths (gravity perception) but not of saccular otoliths (hearing process) than specimens behaving normally at this gravity level (p = 0.0055). Also, asymmetries of lapilli in animals swimming normally at 0.0001 × g were lower than asymmetries in specimens swimming normally at 0.04 × g (p = 0.06). This supports the “otolith asymmetry hypothesis”, an explanation for the susceptibility to kinetosis, particularly concerning the utricular otoliths. It would be interesting to identify processes generating asymmetric otoliths, also in regard to human motion sickness.
Characterizing the conformational landscape of MDM2-binding p53 peptides using Molecular Dynamics simulations
Authors: Yadahalli Shilpa , Li Jianguo , Lane David P. , Gosavi Shachi , Verma Chandra S.
Published: November 2017

The conformational landscapes of p53 peptide variants and phage derived peptide (12/1) variants, all known to bind to MDM2, are studied using hamiltonian replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations. Complementing earlier observations, the current study suggests that the p53 peptides largely follow the ‘conformational selection’ paradigm in their recognition of and complexation by MDM2 while the 12/1 peptides likely undergo some element of conformational selection but are mostly driven by ‘binding induced folding’. This hypothesis is further supported by pulling simulations that pull the peptides away from their bound states with MDM2. This data extends the earlier mechanisms proposed to rationalize the entropically driven binding of the p53 set and the enthalpically driven binding of the 12/1 set. Using our hypothesis, we suggest mutations to the 12/1 peptide that increase its helicity in simulations and may, in turn, shift the binding towards conformational selection. In summary, understanding the conformational landscapes of the MDM2-binding peptides may suggest new peptide designs with bespoke binding mechanisms.
Coupling of emergent octahedral rotations to polarization in (K,Na)NbO3 ferroelectrics
Authors: Levin I. , Krayzman V. , Cibin G. , Tucker M. G. , Eremenko M. , Chapman K. , Paul R. L.
Published: November 2017

Perovskite potassium sodium niobates, K1−xNaxNbO3, are promising lead-free piezoelectrics. Their dielectric and piezoelectric characteristics peak near x = 0.5, but the reasons for such property enhancement remain unclear. We addressed this uncertainty by analyzing changes in the local and average structures across the x = 0.5 composition, which have been determined using simultaneous Reverse Monte Carlo fitting of neutron and X-ray total-scattering data, potassium EXAFS, and diffuse-scattering patterns in electron diffraction. Within the A-sites, Na cations are found to be strongly off-centered along the polar axis as a result of oversized cube-octahedral cages determined by the larger K ions. These Na displacements promote off-centering of the neighboring Nb ions, so that the Curie temperature and spontaneous polarization remain largely unchanged with increasing x, despite the shrinking octahedral volumes. The enhancement of the properties near x = 0.5 is attributed to an abrupt increase in the magnitude and probability of the short-range ordered octahedral rotations, which resembles the pre-transition behavior. These rotations reduce the bond tension around Na and effectively soften the short Na-O bond along the polar axis – an effect that is proposed to facilitate reorientation of the polarization as external electric field is applied.
Urinary volatile organic compounds in overweight compared to normal-weight children: results from the Italian I.Family cohort
Authors: Cozzolino Rosaria , De Giulio Beatrice , Marena Pasquale , Martignetti Antonella , Günther Kathrin , Lauria Fabio , Russo Paola , Stocchero Matteo , Siani Alfonso
Published: November 2017

Accumulating evidence shows that urinary volatile organic compounds (VOCs) could be perturbed in many physiological and pathological states, including several diseases and different dietary exposures. Few studies investigated the urinary metabolic signature associated to excess body weight and obesity in adult populations, while a different VOCs profile was found in exhaled breath in obese as compared to lean children. Aim of this study was to evaluate the VOCs profile in the urine of 21 overweight/obese (OW/Ob) and 28 normal-weight (NW) children belonging to the Italian cohort of the I. Family study. Urine samples were analysed by Solid Phase Micro-Extraction (SPME) GC-MS under both acidic and alkaline conditions, in order to profile a wider range of urinary volatiles with different physicochemical properties. Multivariate statistics techniques were applied to bioanalytical data to visualize clusters of cases and detect the VOCs able to differentiate OW/Ob from NW children. Under alkaline conditions, fourteen VOCs were identified, distinguishing OW/Ob from NW children. Our results suggest that VOCs signatures differ between OW/Ob and NW children. However, the biological and pathophysiological meaning of the observed differences needs to be elucidated, in order to better understand the potential of urinary VOCs as early metabolic biomarkers of obesity.
Magnetoresistance and robust resistivity plateau in MoAs2
Authors: Wang Jialu , Li Lin , You Wei , Wang Tingting , Cao Chao , Dai Jianhui , Li Yuke
Published: November 2017

We have grown the MoAs2 single crystal which crystallizes in a monoclinic structure with C2/m space group. Transport measurements show that MoAs2 displays a metallic behavior at zero field and undergoes a metal-to-semiconductor crossover at low temperatures when the applied magnetic field is over 5 T. A robust resistivity plateau appears below 18 K and persists for the field up to 9 T. A large positive magnetoresistance (MR), reaching about 2600% at 2 K and 9 T, is observed when the field is perpendicular to the current. The MR becomes negative below 40 K when the field is rotated to be parallel to the current. The Hall resistivity shows the non-linear field-dependence below 70 K. The analysis using two-band model indicates a compensated electron-hole carrier density at low temperatures. A combination of the breakdown of Kohler’s rule, the abnormal drop and the cross point in Hall data implies that a possible Lifshitz transition has occurred between 30 K and 60 K, likely driving the compensated electron-hole density, the large MR as well as the metal-semiconductor transition in MoAs2. Our results indicate that the family of centrosymmetric transition-metal dipnictides has rich transport behavior which can in general exhibit variable metallic and topological features.
Catechol–TiO2 hybrids for photocatalytic H2 production and photocathode assembly
Authors: Orchard Katherine L. , Hojo Daisuke , Sokol Katarzyna P. , Chan Meng-Ju , Asao Naoki , Adschiri Tadafumi , Reisner Erwin
Published: November 2017

Charge-transfer dyes are explored for photocatalytic H2 evolution (DSP) and dye-sensitised photoelectrochemical applications (DSPEC).
Facile synthesis of 3D flower-like Cu2−xSe nanostructuresviaa sacrificing template method and their excellent antibacterial activities
Authors: Zhu Lianjie , Gao Fubo , Lv Pengzhao , Zeng Yan , Wang Wenwen , Zheng Wenjun
Published: November 2017

The flower-like Cu2−xSe assembled from hexagonal nanosheets shows excellent antibacterial activities toS. aureusandE. coli, and its antibacterial mechanism was confirmed experimentally.
Control of interfacial reactions for the growth of high-quality AlN epitaxial films on Cu(111) substrates
Authors: Wang Wenliang , Zheng Yulin , Li Yuan , Li Xiaochan , Huang Liegen , Li Zhuoran , Lu Zhenya , Li Guoqiang
Published: November 2017

High-quality AlN epitaxial films have been epitaxially grown on Cu(111) substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) through effectively controlling the interfacial reactions between AlN epitaxial films and Cu substrates.
Co–Co and Co–Fe cyano-bridged pentanuclear clusters based on a methylpyrazinyl-diamine tetradentate ligand: spin crossover and metal substitution effects
Authors: Fei Bin , Zhou Jian , Yan Zheng , Shylin Sergii I. , Ksenofontov Vadim , Gural'skiy Il'ya A. , Bao Xin
Published: November 2017

A pentanuclear [CoII3CoIII2] cluster complex has been developed by a solvothermal synthesis. Its highly stable metal-mixed Fe–Co derivatives display robust spin crossover (T1/2 = 268 K) controlled by the degree of substitution.
A wheel-shaped Dy(iii) single-molecule magnet supported by polyoxotungstates
Authors: Huo Yu , Chen Yan-Cong , Liu Jun-Liang , Jia Jian-Hua , Chen Wen-Bin , Wu Si-Guo , Tong Ming-Liang
Published: November 2017

A wheel-shaped Dy(iii) single-molecule magnet with an idealized S6 symmetry is supported by polyoxotungstates. The anisotropic barrier is extracted from AC susceptibilities and the emission spectrum offers insight into the magneto-optical correlation.
Ultrasound-assisted high-yield multicomponent synthesis of triazolo[1,2-a]indazole-triones using silica-coated ZnO nanoparticles as a heterogeneous catalyst
Authors: Verma Divya , Sharma Vikash , Okram Gunadhor Singh , Jain Shubha
Published: November 2017

A schematic of silica-coated ZnO nanoparticles as a heterogeneous catalyst and ultrasound-assisted multicomponent synthesis of high-yield triazolo[1,2-a]indazole-triones and their characterization.
Multi-functional micromotor: microfluidic fabrication and water treatment application
Authors: Chen Anqi , Ge Xue-hui , Chen Jian , Zhang Liyuan , Xu Jian-Hong
Published: November 2017

We developed a microfluidic approach to simultaneously incorporate various catalysts into the micromotor in a one-step process. This provides the micromotor with self-propelled, magnetic and water treatment functions, which should benefit a wide range of applications.
Mask-free fabrication of a versatile microwell chip for multidimensional cellular analysis and drug screening
Authors: Yang Wenguang , Yu Haibo , Li Gongxin , Wei Fanan , Wang Yuechao , Liu Lianqing
Published: November 2017

Three different dimensions (single cell (1D), cell monolayer (2D) and cell spheroid (3D)) of one cell type can be formed using a microwell array and the analyses of biological characteristics are achieved separately.
A photochromic long persistent luminescent polyurethane based on a colour conversion process
Authors: Tian Saiqi , Fan Haojun , Chen Yi , Yan Jun , Sun Jiakuan , Qin Dianbin
Published: November 2017

We report a photochromic long persistent luminescent polyurethane, which emits red light in daylight, and emits yellow light in the dark.
Applications of Keck allylation in the synthesis of natural products
Authors: Abdul Fattah Tanzeela , Saeed Aamer
Published: November 2017

This review highlights the applications of the versatile Keck allylation reaction in the construction of important key fragments of medicinally important natural products.
Fucoidan-coated core–shell magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles for chemotherapy and magnetic hyperthermia-based thermal therapy applications
Authors: Santha Moorthy Madhappan , Subramanian Bharathiraja , Panchanathan Manivasagan , Mondal Sudip , Kim Hyehyun , Lee Kang Dae , Oh Junghwan
Published: November 2017

Fucoidan-coated FeNP@SiOH@Fuc NPs have been proposed for chemotherapy and thermal therapy applications in emerging cancer therapy.
Template synthesis of hierarchical porous metal–organic frameworks with tunable porosity
Authors: Duan Chongxiong , Li Feier , Zhang Hang , Li Jinqing , Wang Xiujun , Xi Hongxia
Published: November 2017

A versatile method to synthesize various stable hierarchical porous metal–organic frameworks, such as Cu–BTC and ZIF–8, by using an organic amine as the template.
Gram-scale synthesis of aligned C3N4–polypyrrole heterojunction aerogels with tunable band structures as efficient visible and near infrared light-driven metal-free photocatalysts
Authors: Liu Jian , Wang Hao , Bai Jinwei , Li Tianrong , Yang Yanmei , Peng Yong , Wang Baodui
Published: November 2017

3D aligned heterojunction aerogels of PPy/C3N4NSs were first prepared in gram-scale and used as metal free photocatalysts for direct arylation of heteroaromatics under visible-near infrared light irradiation at room temperature.
A sulfur host based on cobalt–graphitic carbon nanocages for high performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Xiao Dengji , Li Qian , Zhang Huifang , Ma Yuanyuan , Lu Chunxiang , Chen Chengmeng , Liu Yaodong , Yuan Shuxia
Published: November 2017

This work improves the performance of Li–S batteries by providing both the physical entrapment and chemical adsorption of lithium polysulfides by the Co–graphitic nanocages.
Hierarchical nanotubes constructed from interlayer-expanded MoSe2 nanosheets as a highly durable electrode for sodium storage
Authors: Zhang Junjun , Wu Meihui , Liu Tong , Kang Wenpei , Xu Jun
Published: November 2017

Hierarchical nanotubes consisting of MoSe2 nanosheets with an expanded interlayer spacing of 1.00 nm are synthesized and demonstrated as a highly stable electrode of sodium ion batteries. The MoSe2 nanotube electrode shows a long lifetime of 1500 cycles with a reversible discharge capacity of 228 mA h g−1 at a high current density of 1000 mA g−1.
Oxygen vacancies induced exciton dissociation of flexible BiOCl nanosheets for effective photocatalytic CO2 conversion
Authors: Ma Zhaoyu , Li Penghui , Ye Liqun , Zhou Ying , Su Fengyun , Ding Chenghua , Xie Haiquan , Bai Yang , Wong Po Keung
Published: November 2017

Oxygen vacancies induced exciton dissociation of flexible BiOCl nanosheets for effective photocatalytic CO2 conversion via the CO2 hydrogenation pathway.
A high power Li–air battery enabled by a fluorocarbon additive
Authors: Wan Hao , Bai Qingyou , Peng Zhe , Mao Ya , Liu Zixuan , He Haiyong , Wang Deyu , Xie Jingying , Wu Gang
Published: November 2017

A Li–air battery's power density was significantly improved by enhancing O2transport with a fluorocarbon additive in the absence of catalyst.
Improvement of brightness, color purity, and operational stability of electrochemiluminescence devices with diphenylanthracene derivatives
Authors: Hwang Heedong , Kim Jin Kon , Moon Hong Chul
Published: November 2017

We synthesized a highly soluble ionophilic 9,10-diphenylanthracene (I-DPA) by incorporating imidazolium groups into a DPA core.
Real‐time vehicle detection and counting in complex traffic scenes using background subtraction model with low‐rank decomposition
Authors: Yang Honghong , Qu Shiru
Published: November 2017

Real‐time vehicle counting can efficiently improve traffic control and management. Aiming to efficiently collect the real‐time traffic information, the authors propose an effective vehicle counting system for detecting and tracking vehicles in complex traffic scenes. The proposed algorithm detects moving vehicles based on background subtraction method with ‘low‐rank + sparse’ decomposition. For accurately counting vehicles, an online Kalman filter algorithm is used to track the multiple moving objects and avoid counting one vehicle repeatedly. The proposed method is evaluated on three publicly available datasets, which include seven video sequences with various challenging scenes for detection performance evaluation, and another two video sequences for vehicle counting evaluation. The experimental results demonstrate a good performance of the proposed method in terms of both qualitative and quantitative evaluations.
Effects of atmospheric stability on wind resource characteristic parameters
Authors: Xiaomei Ma , Tao Li , Yongqian Liu , Shuang Han
Published: November 2017

The mean wind speed, wind speed distribution, wind shear exponent and wind power density would be affected by terrain, atmospheric stability and equipments, are important parameters in the process of wind resource assessment. However, Conventional methods have always ignored the effects of atmospheric stability, which might make results deviate from the actual situation. The main purpose of this work is to present effects of atmospheric stability on wind resource parameters. Taking 4 years’ measured data as case study, six parameters in wind resource assessing are calculated under different atmospheric stabilities; influential rules of above assessing parameters under varying atmospheric stability are analyzed respectively in order to obtain a systemic relationship between atmospheric stability and wind resource characteristic parameters which is tested by 5th year’s data. Based on these studies, a hub height wind speed extrapolation model is proposed. This model could use different wind shear exponent under various atmospheric stabilities during wind speed extrapolating, rather than an average wind shear for the whole wind farm. In such way, much accurate extrapolating hub wind speed in wind resource assessing is employed, and errors in wind resource assessment might decline. Results validate the simplicity, accuracy and practicality of the proposed method.
Biomechanics of an Articulated Screw in Acute Scapholunate Ligament Disruption
Authors: Schiffman Corey , Muriuki Muturi , Havey Robert , Voronov Leonard , Bindra Randy , Hiro Matthew
Published: November 2017

Background An injury to the scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) leads to instability in the scapholunate joint. Temporary fixation is used to protect the ligament during reconstruction or healing of the repair. Rigid screw fixation—by blocking relative physiological motion between the scaphoid and lunate—can lead to screw loosening, pullout, and fracture.

Purpose This study aims to evaluate changes in scaphoid and lunate kinematics following SLIL injury and the effectiveness of an articulating screw at restoring preinjury motion.

Materials and Methods The kinematics of the scaphoid and lunate were measured in 10 cadaver wrists through three motions driven by a motion simulator. The specimens were tested intact, immediately following SLIL injury, after subsequent cycling, and after fixation with a screw.

Results Significant changes in scaphoid and lunate motion occurred following SLIL injury. Postinjury cycling increased motion changes in flexion-extension and radial-ulnar deviation. The motion was not significantly different from the intact scapholunate joint after placement of the articulating screw.

Conclusion In agreement with other studies, sectioning of the SLIL led to significant kinematic changes of the scaphoid and lunate in all motions tested. Compared with intact scapholunate joint, no significant difference in kinematics was found after placement of the screw indicating a correction of some of the changes produced by SLIL transection. These findings suggest that the articulating screw may be effective for protecting a SLIL repair while allowing the physiological rotation to occur between the scaphoid and lunate.

Clinical Relevance A less rigid construct, such as the articulating screw, may allow earlier wrist rehabilitation with less screw pullout or failure.
Redox Changes in Amateur Race Car Drivers Before and After Racing
Authors: Bjugstad Kimberly , Gutowski Paul , Pekarek Jennifer , Bourg Pamela , Mains Charles , Bar-Or David
Published: November 2017

Despite the unique opportunity race car driving provides to study exercise in extreme conditions, the sport of racing is under-represented. A better understanding of how racing changes physiological measures combined with driver demographics may help reduce driver risks and expand the field of driver science. This study charted the changes in heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, static oxidation reduction potential (sORP), and antioxidant capacity in drivers before and after racing (n=23). The interaction between racing and driver characteristics on physiological variables were evaluated. Heart rate, body temperature, and sORP were elevated after racing (P<0.05). Age, cockpit temperature, experience, and speed did not correlate with physiological or oxidative measures (P>0.05). Elevated post-race sORP values were associated with higher pre-race systolic blood pressure and lower antioxidant capacity (P<0.05). We conclude that racing alters the redox response in drivers and that drivers’ pre-race systolic blood pressure and antioxidant capacity can further alter it. A better understanding of the physical and oxidative changes which result from racing may help minimize the unique risks
Screening for Type 1 Diabetes Risk in Newborns: The Freder1k Pilot Study in Saxony*
Authors: Hommel Angela , Haupt Florian , Delivani Petrina , Winkler Christiane , Stopsack Marina , Wimberger Pauline , Nitzsche Katharina , Heinke Sophie , Naeke Andrea , Ceglarek Uta , Thiery Joachim , Bergert Renate , Stadthaus Daniel , Groeger Katrin , Heubner Georg , Schramm Ursula , Dziambor Ullrich , Zirkel Agnes , Kiess Wieland , Mueller Iris , Lange Karin , Berner Reinhard , Bonifacio Ezio , Ziegler Anette-Gabriele ,   and the Freder1k Study Group
Published: November 2017

An increased risk for type 1 diabetes can be identified using genetic and immune markers. The Freder1k study introduces genetic testing for type 1 diabetes risk within the context of the newborn screening in order to identify newborns with a high risk to develop type 1 diabetes for follow-up testing of early stage type 1 diabetes and for primary prevention trials. Consent for research-based genetic testing of type 1 diabetes risk is obtained with newborn screening. Increased risk is assessed using three single nucleotide polymorphisms for HLA DRB1*03 (DR3), HLA DRB1*04 (DR4), HLA DQB1*0302 (DQ8) alleles, and defined as 1. an HLA DR3/DR4-DQ8 or DR4-DQ8/DR4-DQ8 genotype or 2. an HLA DR4-DQ8 haplotype and a first-degree family history of type 1 diabetes. Families of infants with increased risk are asked to participate in follow-up visits at infant age 6 months, 2 years, and 4 years for autoantibody testing and early diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. After 8 months, the screening rate has reached 181 per week, with 63% coverage of newborns within Freder1k-clinics and 24% of all registered births in Saxony. Of 4178 screened, 2.6% were identified to have an increased risk, and around 80% of eligible infants were recruited to follow-up. Psychological assessment of eligible families is ongoing with none of 31 families demonstrating signs of excessive burden associated with knowledge of type 1 diabetes risk. This pilot study has shown that it is feasible to perform genetic risk testing for childhood disease within the context of newborn screening programs.
Identification of Bioactive Compounds in Polar and Nonpolar Extracts of Araujia sericifera
Authors: Palomino-Schätzlein Martina , Montaño Mary , Escrig Pablo , Boira Herminio , Corma Avelino , Pineda-Lucena Antonio , Primo Jaime , Cabedo Nuria
Published: November 2017

Araujia sericifera is a native perennial, climbing laticiferous shrub from South America that is currently naturalized in many other countries. Previous data describe promising properties for A. sericifera, but no systematic study of its bioactive compounds and possible medicinal applications has been conducted to date. In the present study, aerial parts of A. sericifera (leaves, stems, and fruits) were explored by combining GC-MS and NMR spectroscopy analysis for both nonpolar (hexane) and polar (methanol) extracts. The hexanic extracts contained high amounts of pentacyclic triterpenes including two new metabolites, 3-tigloyl germanicol (18) and 3-tigloyl lupeol (19). The methanolic extracts revealed the presence of luteolin-7-glucoside (24), trigonelline (22), and conduritol F (23) as the main constituents. A multivariate study of a meaningful number of extracts allowed us to determine the distribution of compounds inside the plant. A cytotoxic evaluation in vitro showed that both leaf and fruit hexanic extracts presented a moderate activity against human breast carcinoma cell lines (MDA-MB-453 and MCF-7) and human colon carcinoma cell line (HCT-116) by the MTS [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium] assay.
Automatic emissive probe apparatus for efficient plasma potential measurements
Authors: Li Jian-Quan , Lu Wen-Qi , Xu Jun , Gao Fei , Wang You-Nian
Published: November 2017

The improved inflection point method of emissive probe is the most accurate method for plasma potential measurements, but its manual operation is quite cumbersome and time-consuming. This paper describes the design and test of an automatic emissive probe apparatus for efficient plasma potential measurements. The apparatus consists of a computer controlled data acquisition (DAQ) card, a working circuit composed of a biasing unit and a heating unit, as well as the emissive probe. The main feature of the apparatus is that both the biasing scan and the heating scan of the probe are controlled by the computer program through analog outputs of the DAQ card, which easily realizes the required timing between the biasing and heating scans of the probe. The apparatus can automatically execute the improved inflection point method of emissive probe and give the plasma potential result. The advantages of high-accuracy, high-efficiency, and durability of probe filament make the apparatus promising for extensive use in plasma potential measurements.
Analysis of flapping motion of reattaching shear layer behind a two-dimensional backward-facing step
Authors: Ma Xingyu , Schröder Andreas
Published: November 2017

An experimental investigation was carried out on the flapping motion of a turbulent reattaching shear layer downstream of a two-dimensional backward-facing step. The Reynolds number was 2.0 × 104, based on the free-stream velocity and the step height. The aim of this study is to analyze the flapping motion, which is featured unsteadiness of the reattaching shear layer, and its interaction with the recirculation region. High-resolution planar particle image velocimetry was used to measure the separated and reattaching shear layer in a horizontal-vertical plane. The velocity vector fields have shown the reattaching shear layer considerably flaps upwards and downwards as much in scale as approximately one step height from the middle part of recirculation region to the reattachment area. As a result, the recirculation region varies in size and the reattachment point shifts upstream and downstream. By applying singular value decomposition and proper orthogonal decomposition, the flapping motion is decomposed into multiple spatial modes, each of which represents interactions between the reattaching shear layer and recirculation region. In particular, the unsteady movement of the reattachment point is highly correlated with the flapping motion, and so is the maximum reverse flow. As a result, the flapping motion contributes substantial parts of the Reynolds shear stress and turbulent kinetic energy within the shear layer in the latter half of the reattachment length.
Outgassing rate analysis of a velvet cathode and a carbon fiber cathode
Authors: Li An-Kun , Fan Yu-Wei , Qian Bao-Liang , Zhang Zi-cheng , Xun Tao
Published: November 2017

In this paper, the outgassing-rates of a carbon fiber array cathode and a polymer velvet cathode are tested and discussed. Two different methods of measurements are used in the experiments. In one scheme, a method based on dynamic equilibrium of pressure is used. Namely, the cathode works in the repetitive mode in a vacuum diode, a dynamic equilibrium pressure would be reached when the outgassing capacity in the chamber equals the pumping capacity of the pump, and the outgassing rate could be figured out according to this equilibrium pressure. In another scheme, a method based on static equilibrium of pressure is used. Namely, the cathode works in a closed vacuum chamber (a hard tube), and the outgassing rate could be calculated from the pressure difference between the pressure in the chamber before and after the work of the cathode. The outgassing rate is analyzed from the real time pressure evolution data which are measured using a magnetron gauge in both schemes. The outgassing rates of the carbon fiber array cathode and the velvet cathode are 7.3 ± 0.4 neutrals/electron and 85 ± 5 neutrals/electron in the first scheme and 9 ± 0.5 neutrals/electron and 98 ± 7 neutrals/electron in the second scheme. Both the results of two schemes show that the outgassing rate of the carbon fiber array cathode is an order smaller than that of the velvet cathode under similar conditions, which shows that this carbon fiber array cathode is a promising replacement of the velvet cathode in the application of magnetically insulated transmission line oscillators and relativistic magnetrons.
Oscillatory dynamics of an intravenous glucose tolerance test model with delay interval
Authors: Shi Xiangyun , Kuang Yang , Makroglou Athena , Mokshagundam Sriprakash , Li Jiaxu
Published: November 2017

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become prevalent pandemic disease in view of the modern life style. Both diabetic population and health expenses grow rapidly according to American Diabetes Association. Detecting the potential onset of T2DM is an essential focal point in the research of diabetes mellitus. The intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) is an effective protocol to determine the insulin sensitivity, glucose effectiveness, and pancreatic β-cell functionality, through the analysis and parameter estimation of a proper differential equation model. Delay differential equations have been used to study the complex physiological phenomena including the glucose and insulin regulations. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to model the time delay in IVGTT modeling. This novel approach uses two parameters to simulate not only both discrete time delay and distributed time delay in the past interval, but also the time delay distributed in a past sub-interval. Normally, larger time delay, either a discrete or a distributed delay, will destabilize the system. However, we find that time delay over a sub-interval might not. We present analytically some basic model properties, which are desirable biologically and mathematically. We show that this relatively simple model provides good fit to fluctuating patient data sets and reveals some intriguing dynamics. Moreover, our numerical simulation results indicate that our model may remove the defect in well known Minimal Model, which often overestimates the glucose effectiveness index.
Hyperspectral imaging with deformable gratings fabricated with metal-elastomer nanocomposites
Authors: Potenza Marco A. C. , Nazzari Daniele , Cremonesi Llorenç , Denti Ilaria , Milani Paolo
Published: November 2017

We report the fabrication and characterization of a simple and compact hyperspectral imaging setup based on a stretchable diffraction grating made with a metal-polymer nanocomposite. The nanocomposite is produced by implanting Ag clusters in a poly(dimethylsiloxane) film by supersonic cluster beam implantation. The deformable grating has curved grooves and is imposed on a concave cylindrical surface, thus obtaining optical power in two orthogonal directions. Both diffractive and optical powers are obtained by reflection, thus realizing a diffractive-catoptric optical device. This makes it easier to minimize aberrations. We prove that, despite the extended spectral range and the simplified optical scheme, it is actually possible to work with a traditional CCD sensor and achieve a good spectral and spatial resolution.
Maintaining momentum on immunisation in Australia
Authors: Somi Masha , Murphy Brendan
Published: November 2017

The introduction of the National Immunisation Program 20 years ago was a catalyst for immunisation in Australia, resulting in significant improvements in immunisation coverage rates, reduced morbidity from diseases covered through the Program, and high community acceptance and support. At the same time, concerns about vaccine safety have grown, a paradoxical result of the success of vaccination and driven by a small cohort with strong anti-vaccination views. Vaccination is one of public health's greatest successes – while it's important to celebrate its success, we must also not become complacent. There is more work to be done, particularly to ensure those most at risk are also able to enjoy the benefits of immunisation.
Microbial health-based targets for drinking water: current state and Australian case study
Authors: Owens Christopher EL , Byleveld Paul M , Osborne Nicholas J
Published: November 2017

Through the avoidance of a substantial health burden globally, access to safe drinking water is an important foundation of public health1. An emerging development in this regard is the use of public health metrics, such as disability-adjusted life years, to inform water safety planning2. This paper examines the hypothesis that confidence in the protection of public health, on the part of water suppliers, health regulators, and ultimately consumers is strengthened through the implementation of a health outcome target for the microbial safety of drinking water. A case study demonstrating the implementation of the target is presented.