bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strongly Anisotropic Magnesiowüstite in Earth's Lower Mantle
Authors: Finkelstein Gregory J. , Jackson Jennifer M. , Said Ayman , Alatas Ahmet , Leu Bogdan M. , Sturhahn Wolfgang , Toellner Thomas S.
Published: May 2018

The juxtaposition of a liquid iron‐dominant alloy against a mixture of silicate and oxide minerals at Earth's core‐mantle boundary is associated with a wide range of complex seismological features. One category of observed structures is ultralow‐velocity zones, which are thought to correspond to either aggregates of partially molten material or solid, iron‐enriched assemblages. We measured the phonon dispersion relations of (Mg,Fe) O magnesiowüstite containing 76 mol % FeO, a candidate ultralow‐velocity zone phase, at high pressures using high‐energy resolution inelastic X‐ray scattering. From these measurements, we find that magnesiowüstite becomes strongly elastically anisotropic with increasing pressure, potentially contributing to a significant proportion of seismic anisotropy detected near the base of the mantle.
Critical Zone Structure Under a Granite Ridge Inferred From Drilling and Three‐Dimensional Seismic Refraction Data
Authors: Flinchum Brady A. , Steven Holbrook W. , Rempe Daniella , Moon Seulgi , Riebe Clifford S. , Carr Bradley J. , Hayes Jorden L. , St. Clair James , Peters Marc Philipp
Published: May 2018

Observing the critical zone (CZ) below the top few meters of readily excavated soil is challenging yet crucial to understanding Earth surface processes. Near‐surface geophysical methods can overcome this challenge by imaging the CZ in three dimensions (3‐D) over hundreds of meters, thus revealing lateral heterogeneity in subsurface properties across scales relevant to understanding hillslope erosion, weathering, and biogeochemical cycling. We imaged the CZ under a soil‐mantled ridge developed in granitic terrain of the Laramie Range, Wyoming, using data from five boreholes and a 3‐D volume (970 by 600 by 80 m) of seismic velocities generated by ordinary kriging of 25 two‐dimensional seismic refraction transects. The observed CZ structure under the ridge broadly matches predictions of two recently proposed hypotheses: the uppermost surface of weathered bedrock is consistent with subsurface weathering driven by bedrock drainage and subsurface topography defining the top of unweathered protolith is consistent with fracturing predicted from topographic and regional stresses. In contrast, differences in slope aspect along the ridge are too subtle to explain observed variations in regolith structure. Our observations suggest that multiple processes, each of which may dominate at different depths, work in concert to regulate deep CZ structure.
Energetic Particle Radiation Environment Observed by RAD on the Surface of Mars During the September 2017 Event
Authors: Ehresmann B. , Hassler D. M. , Zeitlin C. , Guo J. , Wimmer‐Schweingruber R. F. , Matthiä D. , Lohf H. , Burmeister S. , Rafkin S. C. R. , Berger T. , Reitz G.
Published: May 2018

The 10–12 September Solar Energetic Particle event produced the strongest increase of the radiation environment measured by the Radiation Assessment Detector on the surface of Mars since landing in August 2012. We report the details of the measurements of the energetic particle environment from Radiation Assessment Detector in Gale crater during this event. The Solar Energetic Particle event increased the low‐energy proton flux (below 100 MeV) by a factor of 30, and the higher‐energy proton flux by a factor of 4, above preevent levels. The 4He flux (below 100 MeV/nuc) rose by factors up to 10, and neutral particles by a factor of 2 above background. The increase started on 10 September around 19:50 UTC, peak‐level fluxes were reached on the morning of 11 September and prevailed for about 10 hr before decreasing toward background levels. The onset of a Forbush decrease on 13 September decreased the proton flux below preevent intensities.
Accuracy Required in Measurements of Refractive Index and Hygroscopic Response to Reduce Uncertainties in Estimates of Aerosol Radiative Forcing Efficiency
Authors: Valenzuela Antonio , Reid Jonathan P. , Bzdek Bryan R. , Orr‐Ewing Andrew J.
Published: May 2018

The magnitude of aerosol radiative forcing resulting from the scattering and absorption of radiation is still uncertain. Sources of uncertainty include the physical and optical properties of aerosol, reflected in uncertainties in real and imaginary refractive indices (n and k) and relative humidity (RH). The effect of RH on the geometrical size of aerosol particles is often reported as a hygroscopic kappa parameter (κ). The objective of this study is to explore the sensitivity of radiative forcing efficiency (RFE) to changes in particle properties in order to better define the accuracy with which optical and hygroscopic measurements must be made to reduce uncertainties in RFE. Parameterizations of precise values of n and k are considered as functions of RH for ammonium sulfate (AS) and brown carbon (BrC). The range of the RFE estimated for typical uncertainties of n and κ for AS of 0.1 μm dry radius is less than ±7% and is not affected by an increase of RH. For typical sizes of AS in the atmosphere (0.35 μm dry radius), the range of the RFE increases to ±20% at 90% RH and ±15% at 99% RH. Absorbing small BrC particles (0.1 μm dry radius) cause cooling at the top of the atmosphere, and as RH and κ increase, the RFE is more negative compared to the usual assumptions of dry unhygroscopic BrC. For larger BrC particles (0.35 μm dry radius), the change in RFE for RHs ~100% compared to dry conditions can take values around −100%.
Reward probability and timing uncertainty alter the effect of dorsal raphe serotonin neurons on patience
Authors: Miyazaki Katsuhiko , Miyazaki Kayoko W. , Yamanaka Akihiro , Tokuda Tomoki , Tanaka Kenji F. , Doya Kenji
Published: May 2018

Recent experiments have shown that optogenetic activation of serotonin neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) in mice enhances patience in waiting for future rewards. Here, we show that serotonin effect in promoting waiting is maximized by both high probability and high timing uncertainty of reward. Optogenetic activation of serotonergic neurons prolongs waiting time in no-reward trials in a task with 75% food reward probability, but not with 50 or 25% reward probabilities. Serotonin effect in promoting waiting increases when the timing of reward presentation becomes unpredictable. To coherently explain the experimental data, we propose a Bayesian decision model of waiting that assumes that serotonin neuron activation increases the prior probability or subjective confidence of reward delivery. The present data and modeling point to the possibility of a generalized role of serotonin in resolving trade-offs, not only between immediate and delayed rewards, but also between sensory evidence and subjective confidence.
Comparison of glycopyrronium versus tiotropium on the time to clinically important deteriorations in patients with COPD: a post-hoc analysis of randomized trials
Authors: D’Urzo Anthony , Bader Giovanni , Shen Steven , Goyal Pankaj , Altman Pablo
Published: May 2018

Glycopyrronium is a once-daily, inhaled long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) demonstrating similar efficacy to inhaled tiotropium in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD; however, the benefit of LAMAs on COPD symptoms has been variable. COPD is a progressive disease in which many patients develop an acute or sustained deterioration. Data on the prevention of clinically important deteriorations (CID) using LAMAs are limited. A pooled analysis was performed on four Phase III trials (n = 2936) that compared the efficacy of glycopyrronium (n = 1859) with tiotropium (n = 1077). The primary endpoint was significant delay and/or reduction in the occurrence of CID. CID was defined as any of the following: ≥100 mL decrease from baseline in pre-dose forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), ≥4 point increase in St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire score or a moderate-to-severe COPD exacerbation occurring after the first dose of study medication. A sustained CID was a CID occurring on ≥2 consecutive visits 4 weeks apart or for ≥50% of all available subsequent visits. Baseline characteristics for the overall population were similar. Patients had moderate (62%) or severe (38%) COPD. Mean post-bronchodilator FEV1 was approximately 55% predicted, and mean FEV1 reversibility was 16.7 and 18.6% in the glycopyrronium and tiotropium groups, respectively. Both glycopyrronium and tiotropium significantly reduced time to CID and sustained CID versus placebo (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found between the glycopyrronium and tiotropium treatment groups in time to CID or sustained CID. Glycopyrronium is effective in delaying time to clinically important deteriorations, with similar efficacy to tiotropium.
Vocal specialization through tracheal elongation in an extinct Miocene pheasant from China
Authors: Li Zhiheng , Clarke Julia A. , Eliason Chad M. , Stidham Thomas A. , Deng Tao , Zhou Zhonghe
Published: May 2018

Modifications to the upper vocal tract involving hyper-elongated tracheae have evolved many times within crown birds, and their evolution has been linked to a ‘size exaggeration’ hypothesis in acoustic signaling and communication, whereby smaller-sized birds can produce louder sounds. A fossil skeleton of a new extinct species of wildfowl (Galliformes: Phasianidae) from the late Miocene of China, preserves an elongated, coiled trachea that represents the oldest fossil record of this vocal modification in birds and the first documentation of its evolution within pheasants. The phylogenetic position of this species within Phasianidae has not been fully resolved, but appears to document a separate independent origination of this vocal modification within Galliformes. The fossil preserves a coiled section of the trachea and other remains supporting a tracheal length longer than the bird’s body. This extinct species likely produced vocalizations with a lower fundamental frequency and reduced harmonics compared to similarly-sized pheasants. The independent evolution of this vocal feature in galliforms living in both open and closed habitats does not appear to be correlated with other factors of biology or its open savanna-like habitat. Features present in the fossil that are typically associated with sexual dimorphism suggest that sexual selection may have resulted in the evolution of both the morphology and vocalization mechanism in this extinct species.
Effects of single amino acid deficiency on mRNA translation are markedly different for methionine versus leucine
Authors: Mazor Kevin M. , Dong Leiming , Mao Yuanhui , Swanda Robert V. , Qian Shu-Bing , Stipanuk Martha H.
Published: May 2018

Although amino acids are known regulators of translation, the unique contributions of specific amino acids are not well understood. We compared effects of culturing HEK293T cells in medium lacking either leucine, methionine, histidine, or arginine on eIF2 and 4EBP1 phosphorylation and measures of mRNA translation. Methionine starvation caused the most drastic decrease in translation as assessed by polysome formation, ribosome profiling, and a measure of protein synthesis (puromycin-labeled polypeptides) but had no significant effect on eIF2 phosphorylation, 4EBP1 hyperphosphorylation or 4EBP1 binding to eIF4E. Leucine starvation suppressed polysome formation and was the only tested condition that caused a significant decrease in 4EBP1 phosphorylation or increase in 4EBP1 binding to eIF4E, but effects of leucine starvation were not replicated by overexpressing nonphosphorylatable 4EBP1. This suggests the binding of 4EBP1 to eIF4E may not by itself explain the suppression of mRNA translation under conditions of leucine starvation. Ribosome profiling suggested that leucine deprivation may primarily inhibit ribosome loading, whereas methionine deprivation may primarily impair start site recognition. These data underscore our lack of a full understanding of how mRNA translation is regulated and point to a unique regulatory role of methionine status on translation initiation that is not dependent upon eIF2 phosphorylation.
Cross-shelf investigation of coral reef cryptic benthic organisms reveals diversity patterns of the hidden majority
Authors: Pearman J. K. , Leray M. , Villalobos R. , Machida R. J. , Berumen M. L. , Knowlton N. , Carvalho S.
Published: May 2018

Coral reefs harbor diverse assemblages of organisms yet the majority of this diversity is hidden within the three dimensional structure of the reef and neglected using standard visual surveys. This study uses Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) and amplicon sequencing methodologies, targeting mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I and 18S rRNA genes, to investigate changes in the cryptic reef biodiversity. ARMS, deployed at 11 sites across a near- to off-shore gradient in the Red Sea were dominated by Porifera (sessile fraction), Arthropoda and Annelida (mobile fractions). The two primer sets detected different taxa lists, but patterns in community composition and structure were similar. While the microhabitat of the ARMS deployment affected the community structure, a clear cross-shelf gradient was observed for all fractions investigated. The partitioning of beta-diversity revealed that replacement (i.e. the substitution of species) made the highest contribution with richness playing a smaller role. Hence, different reef habitats across the shelf are relevant to regional diversity, as they harbor different communities, a result with clear implications for the design of Marine Protected Areas. ARMS can be vital tools to assess biodiversity patterns in the generally neglected but species-rich cryptic benthos, providing invaluable information for the management and conservation of hard-bottomed habitats over local and global scales.
TDP-43 induces p53-mediated cell death of cortical progenitors and immature neurons
Authors: Vogt Miriam A. , Ehsaei Zahra , Knuckles Philip , Higginbottom Adrian , Helmbrecht Michaela S. , Kunath Tilo , Eggan Kevin , Williams Luis A. , Shaw Pamela J. , Wurst Wolfgang , Floss Thomas , Huber Andrea B. , Taylor Verdon
Published: May 2018

TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a key player in neurodegenerative diseases including frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Accumulation of TDP-43 is associated with neuronal death in the brain. How increased and disease-causing mutant forms of TDP-43 induce cell death remains unclear. Here we addressed the role of TDP-43 during neural development and show that reduced TDP-43 causes defects in neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation but not cell death. However, overexpression of wild type and TDP-43A315Tproteins induce p53-dependent apoptosis of neural stem/progenitors and human induced pluripotent cell (iPS)-derived immature cortical neurons. We show that TDP-43 induces expression of the proapoptotic BH3-only genesBbc3andBax, and that p53 inhibition rescues TDP-43 induced cell death of embryonic mouse, and human cortical neurons, including those derived from TDP-43G298SALS patient iPS cells. Hence, an increase in wild type and mutant TDP-43 induces p53-dependent cell death in neural progenitors developing neurons and this can be rescued. These findings may have important implications for accumulated or mutant TDP-43 induced neurodegenerative diseases.
Validation of control genes and a standardised protocol for quantifying gene expression in the livers of C57BL/6 and ApoE−/− mice
Authors: Day Priscilla E. L. , Chambers Karen F. , Winterbone Mark S. , García-Blanco Tatiana , Vauzour David , Kroon Paul A.
Published: May 2018

The liver plays a critical role in food and drug metabolism and detoxification and accordingly influences systemic body homeostasis in health and disease. While the C57BL/6 and ApoE−/− mouse models are widely used to study gene expression changes in liver disease and metabolism, currently there are no validated stably expressed endogenous genes in these models, neither is it known how gene expression varies within and across liver lobes. Here we show regional variations in the expression of Ywhaz, Gak, Gapdh, Hmbs and Act-β endogenous genes across a liver lobe; Using homogeneous samples from the four liver lobes of 6 C57BL/6 mice we tested the stability of 12 endogenous genes and show that Act-β and Eif2-α are the most stably expressed endogenous genes in all four lobes and demonstrate lobular differences in the expression of Abca1 cholesterol efflux gene. These results suggest that sampling from a specified homogeneous powdered liver lobe is paramount in enhancing data reliability and reproducibility. The stability of the 12 endogenous genes was further tested using homogeneous samples of left liver lobes from 20 ApoE−/− mice on standard or high polyphenol diets. Act-β and Ywhaz are suitable endogenous genes for gene expression normalisation in this mouse model.
Vibrational and electrical properties of Cu2−xTe films: experimental data and first principle calculations
Authors: Salmón-Gamboa J. U. , Barajas-Aguilar A. H. , Ruiz-Ortega L. I. , Garay-Tapia A. M. , Jiménez-Sandoval S. J.
Published: May 2018

Vibrational and electrical properties of sputtered films of the copper telluride system are presented. Despite of its technological importance in photovoltaics, the fundamental properties of copper tellurides are poorly understood. Films were deposited at 200 °C by rf sputtering from targets containing mixtures of copper and tellurium powders at nominal concentrations of Cu1.25Te, Cu1.5Te, Cu1.75Te and Cu2Te. Remarkably for the copper telluride system, it was possible to obtain single-phase vulcanite (CuTe) from the Cu1.25Te target. Two-phase mixtures of rickardite (Cu7Te5) and weissite (Cu2−xTe) were achieved for other cases. Raman spectra were obtained using two laser lines: 633 and 488 nm. Density functional theory was employed to calculate the phonon dispersion curves and density of states for vulcanite. The Raman bands were in good correspondence with the calculated frequencies. In general, the Raman spectra consisted of high-intensity totally symmetric modes superimposed on monotonically decaying signals. These were explained in terms of three contributing phenomena: convolution of vibrational normal modes, phonon-coupled charge density fluctuations and time-varying local-field contributions to the electric susceptibility. Studies on the conductivity, mobility and carrier concentration were carried out by the Van der Pauw method. Micro/nano scale surface potential studies were performed through Kelvin probe force microscopy mapping.
Inflexible daily behaviour is associated with the ability to control an automatic reaction in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Tei Shisei , Fujino Junya , Hashimoto Ryu-ichiro , Itahashi Takashi , Ohta Haruhisa , Kanai Chieko , Kubota Manabu , Nakamura Motoaki , Kato Nobumasa , Takahashi Hidehiko
Published: May 2018

Inflexible behaviours in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) broadly obstruct social communication. Meanwhile, flexibility implicates cognitive control to resolve socially conflicting situations; however, it remains unclear how people with ASD behave in the face of these conflicts in this respect. We used the ultimatum game (UG) and the implicit-association test (IAT) to examine goal-directed/economic flexibility, both of which involve conflict and cognitive control. In addition, we used the Detail and Flexibility Questionnaire (DFlex) to measure inflexible everyday behaviour with diminished cognitive control and attention shifting. We observed the decreased flexibility in participants with ASD (DFlex and IAT); further, their IAT scores positively correlated with DFlex. However, in the UG, contrary to our prediction, participants with ASD accepted unfair offers more frequently than TD. These results suggest that assessing the automatic/attention processing level with the IAT could be a useful approach to study behavioural flexibility among ASD compared with the UG, which might comprise multiple response strategies besides economic rationality. Overall, the severity of inflexible daily behaviours in people with ASD may be associated with a reduced flexible attitude at an automatic level, altered attention processing and decreased cognitive control.
Toxicity and Transcriptome Sequencing (RNA-seq) Analyses of Adult Zebrafish in Response to Exposure Carboxymethyl Cellulose Stabilized Iron Sulfide Nanoparticles
Authors: Zheng Min , Lu Jianguo , Zhao Dongye
Published: May 2018

Increasing utilization of stabilized iron sulfides (FeS) nanoparticles implies an elevated release of the materials into the environment. To understand potential impacts and underlying mechanisms of nanoparticle-induced stress, we used the transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) technique to characterize the transcriptomes from adult zebrafish exposed to 10 mg/L carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) stabilized FeS nanoparticles for 96 h, demonstrating striking differences in the gene expression profiles in liver. The exposure caused significant expression alterations in genes related to immune and inflammatory responses, detoxification, oxidative stress and DNA damage/repair. The complement and coagulation cascades Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway was found significantly up-regulated under nanoparticle exposure. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using twelve genes confirmed the RNA-seq results. We identified several candidate genes commonly regulated in liver, which may serve as gene indicators when exposed to the nanoparticles. Hepatic inflammation was further confirmed by histological observation of pyknotic nuclei, and vacuole formation upon exposure. Tissue accumulation tests showed a 2.2 times higher iron concentration in the fish tissue upon exposure. This study provides preliminary mechanistic insights into potential toxic effects of organic matter stabilized FeS nanoparticles, which will improve our understanding of the genotoxicity caused by stabilized nanoparticles.
The antiviral protein Viperin suppresses T7 promoter dependent RNA synthesis–possible implications for its antiviral activity
Authors: Dukhovny Anna , Shlomai Amir , Sklan Ella H.
Published: May 2018

Viperin is a multifunctional interferon-inducible broad-spectrum antiviral protein. Viperin belongs to the S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM) superfamily of enzymes known to catalyze a wide variety of radical-mediated reactions. However, the exact mechanism by which viperin exerts its functions is still unclear. Interestingly, for many RNA viruses viperin was shown to inhibit viral RNA accumulation by interacting with different viral non-structural proteins. Here, we show that viperin inhibits RNA synthesis by bacteriophage T7 polymerase in mammalian cells. This inhibition is specific and occurs at the RNA level. Viperin expression significantly reduced T7-mediated cytoplasmic RNA levels. The data showing that viperin inhibits the bacteriophage T7 polymerase supports the conservation of viperin’s antiviral activity between species. These results highlight the possibility that viperin might utilize a broader mechanism of inhibition. Accordingly, our results suggest a novel mechanism involving polymerase inhibition and provides a tractable system for future mechanistic studies of viperin.
Iridescence impairs object recognition in bumblebees
Authors: Kjernsmo Karin , Hall Joanna R. , Doyle Cara , Khuzayim Nadia , Cuthill Innes C. , Scott-Samuel Nicholas E. , Whitney Heather M.
Published: May 2018

Iridescence is a taxonomically widespread and striking form of animal coloration, yet despite advances in understanding its mechanism, its function and adaptive value are poorly understood. We test a counterintuitive hypothesis about the function of iridescence: that it can act as camouflage through interference with object recognition. Using an established insect visual model (Bombus terrestris), we demonstrate that both diffraction grating and multilayer iridescence impair shape recognition (although not the more subtle form of diffraction grating seen in some flowers), supporting the idea that both strategies can be effective means of camouflage. We conclude that iridescence produces visual signals that can confuse potential predators, and this might explain the high frequency of iridescence in many animal taxa.
Similar spatial patterns of global climate response to aerosols from different regions
Authors: Kasoar Matthew , Shawki Dilshad , Voulgarakis Apostolos
Published: May 2018

Anthropogenic aerosol forcing is spatially heterogeneous, mostly localised around industrialised regions like North America, Europe, East and South Asia. Emission reductions in each of these regions will force the climate in different locations, which could have diverse impacts on regional and global climate. Here, we show that removing sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions from any of these northern-hemisphere regions in a global composition-climate model results in significant warming across the hemisphere, regardless of the emission region. Although the temperature response to these regionally localised forcings varies considerably in magnitude depending on the emission region, it shows a preferred spatial pattern independent of the location of the forcing. Using empirical orthogonal function analysis, we show that the structure of the response is tied to existing modes of internal climate variability in the model. This has implications for assessing impacts of emission reduction policies, and our understanding of how climate responds to heterogeneous forcings.
Quantification of silver nanoparticles taken up by single cells using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in the single cell measurement mode
Authors: López-Serrano Oliver Ana , Baumgart Sabine , Bremser Wolfram , Flemig Sabine , Wittke Doreen , Grützkau Andreas , Luch Andreas , Haase Andrea , Jakubowski Norbert
Published: May 2018

A promising analytical methodology is proposed to study nanoparticle-cell interactions providing information of the number of NPs internalized by cells or externally bound to the cell surface.
Analysis based on scaling relations of critical behaviour at PM–FM phase transition and universal curve of magnetocaloric effect in selected Ag-doped manganites
Authors: Tarhouni S. , M'nassri R. , Mleiki A. , Cheikhrouhou-Koubaa W. , Cheikhrouhou A. , Hlil E. K.
Published: May 2018

The universal curves of magnetic entropy changes and heat capacity changes for Pr0.5Sr0.5−xAgxMnO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) are obtained by using the critical exponents.
Deconvoluting the dual hypoglycemic effect of wedelolactone isolated fromWedelia calendulacea: investigationviaexperimental validation and molecular docking
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Sharma Kalicharan , Ahmed Bahar , Al-Abbasi F. A. , Anwar Firoz , Verma Amita
Published: May 2018

Wedelia calendulaceahas a long history of use in the Indian Ayurvedic System of Medicine for the treatment, prevention, and cure of a diverse range of human diseases such as diabetes obesity, and other metabolic diseases.
Wettability alteration in a functional capillary tube for visual quantitative point of care testing
Authors: Li Yansheng , Jiao Xiangyu , Du Xin , Wang Fang , Wei Qianhui , Wen Yongqiang , Zhang Xueji
Published: May 2018

A quantified POCT device was designed based on wettability alteration in a capillary tube.
Structural mechanisms of oligomer and amyloid fibril formation by the prion protein
Authors: Sengupta Ishita , Udgaonkar Jayant B.
Published: May 2018

The aggregation mechanism of the prion protein is highly heterogeneous.
Catalytic deep eutectic solvents for highly efficient conversion of cellulose to gluconic acid with gluconic acid self-precipitation separation
Authors: Liu Feijie , Xue Zhimin , Zhao Xinhui , Mou Hongyu , He Jing , Mu Tiancheng
Published: May 2018

FeCl3·6H2O based catalytic deep eutectic solvents were designed for the conversion of cellulose to gluconic acid with self-precipitation.
Vapour-driven crystal-to-crystal transformation showing an interlocking switch of the coordination polymer chains between 1D and 3D
Authors: Sun Li , Guo Rui-Yun , Yang Xiao-Dong , Ma Shuai , Zhang Jie
Published: May 2018

A rare crystal-to-crystal transformation occurs between 1D coordination polymer chains and 3D mechanically interlocked structures via reversible opening and closing of the homogeneous chains without any change in the coordination mode and composition.
Competition between salt bridge and non-zwitterionic structures in deprotonated amino acid dimers
Authors: Heiles Sven , Berden Giel , Oomens Jos , Williams Evan R.
Published: May 2018

The effect of side chain functional groups on salt bridge structures in deprotonated amino acid homodimers is investigated using both infrared multiple photon dissociation spectroscopy between 650 and 1850 cm−1 and theory.
Tuning electronic and magnetic properties of Mn-mullite oxide sub-nanoclusters via MnOn polyhedron units
Authors: Li Hui , Cho Kyeongjae , Li Shunfang , Wang Weichao
Published: May 2018

Phase transition from (Sm1Mn1O5)n without magnetic properties to (Sm1Mn2O5)n with ferromagnetic properties was observed at n = 4 during mullite cluster growth process.
Amplified spontaneous emission in phenylethylammonium methylammonium lead iodide quasi-2D perovskites
Authors: Leyden Matthew R. , Matsushima Toshinori , Qin Chuanjiang , Ruan Shibin , Ye Hao , Adachi Chihaya
Published: May 2018

Phenylethylammonium (PEA) based quasi-2D perovskite films demonstrated amplified spontaneous emission (ASE), but increasing PEA concentration increased ASE threshold.
Simple fabrication of Fe3O4/C/g-C3N4 two-dimensional composite by hydrothermal carbonization approach with enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible light
Authors: Ding Xing , Xiao Dong , Ji Lei , Jin Ding , Dai Ke , Yang Zixin , Wang Shengyao , Chen Hao
Published: May 2018

The construction of a multifunctional two dimensional (2D) composite photocatalyst is of great significance as it exhibits enhanced catalytic performance and improved practical usability in contrast to a single component catalyst.
Cycloaddition of carbon dioxide to epoxides catalysed by supported ionic liquids
Authors: Martínez-Ferraté Oriol , Chacón Gustavo , Bernardi Fabiano , Grehl Thomas , Brüner Philipp , Dupont Jairton
Published: May 2018

Simple hybrid silica-imidazolium based ILs as highly active and selective catalysts for the carbonation of epoxides in batch and continuous flow systems under mild reaction conditions.
Chemo-chromism in an orthogonal dabco-based Co(ii) network assembled by methanol-coordination and hydrogen bond formation
Authors: Shiga Misaki , Kawaguchi Shogo , Fujibayashi Masaru , Nishihara Sadafumi , Inoue Katsuya , Akutagawa Tomoyuki , Noro Shin-ichiro , Nakamura Takayoshi , Tsunashima Ryo
Published: May 2018

A newly prepared Co-based complex showed chromism by desorption of a coordinative solvent. Structural details and desorption/adsorption processes are discussed in depth.
Tritopic ion-pair receptors based on anion–π interactions for selective CaX2binding
Authors: Luo Jian , Ao Yu-Fei , Malm Christian , Hunger Johannes , Wang Qi-Qiang , Wang De-Xian
Published: May 2018

Selective ion-pair binding of CaX2(X = Br−and I−) was realized by a tritopic receptor incorporating two homoditopic anion–π binding sites and a pentaethylene glycol moiety.
Hydrophilic and strengthened 3D reduced graphene oxide/nano-Fe3O4 hybrid hydrogel for enhanced adsorption and catalytic oxidation of typical pharmaceuticals
Authors: Shan Danna , Deng Shubo , Jiang Chengxu , Chen Yue , Wang Bin , Wang Yujue , Huang Jun , Yu Gang , Wiesner Mark R.
Published: May 2018

3D-rGO/nano-Fe3O4 exhibited enhanced pharmaceutical adsorption, followed by Fenton-like degradation.
Mass spectrometric analysis of the Mg plasma produced by double-pulse femtosecond laser irradiation
Authors: Tulej M. , Wiesendanger R. , Riedo A. , Knopp G. , Wurz P.
Published: May 2018

The capabilities of a double-pulse femtosecond laser ablation ionisation source for the integration into a miniature time-of-flight LIMS system designed for space research are investigated.
FeCl3or MeSO3H-promoted multicomponent reactions for facile synthesis of structurally diverse furan analogues
Authors: Chang Xiangqing , Zhang Xiongfei , Chen Zhiwei
Published: May 2018

The atom-economical characteristics, mild conditions, simple operation and broad substrate scope demonstrated the synthetic value of this protocol.
Near-infrared light-driven locomotion of a liquid crystal polymer trilayer actuator
Authors: Dong Liangliang , Tong Xia , Zhang Hongji , Chen Mingqing , Zhao Yue
Published: May 2018

A novel near-infrared light-guided trilayer actuator is capable of generating a moving wave and caterpillar locomotion on both level and inclined untreated surfaces.
High-performance solution-based CdS-conjugated hybrid polymer solar cells
Authors: Imran M. , Ikram M. , Shahzadi A. , Dilpazir S. , Khan H. , Shahzadi I. , Yousaf S. Amber , Ali S. , Geng J. , Huang Y.
Published: May 2018

In this study, hybrid BHJ – bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells were fabricated by incorporating CdS quantum dots (QDs) in a blend of P3HT (donor) and PCBM (acceptor) using dichlorobenzene and chlorobenzene as solvents.
Synthesis of MoS2 nanosheets for mercury speciation analysis by HPLC-UV-HG-AFS
Authors: Gao Xingsu , Dai Jiayong , Zhao Hongyan , Zhu Jun , Luo Lan , Zhang Rui , Zhang Zhan , Li Lei
Published: May 2018

As-synthesized few-layered molybdenum disulfide nanosheets were used as solid-phase extraction absorbent for ultra-trace mercury speciation analysis by HPLC-UV-HG-AFS.
MgTiO3:Mn4+ a multi-reading temperature nanoprobe
Authors: Glais Estelle , Đorđević Vesna , Papan Jelena , Viana Bruno , Dramićanin Miroslav D.
Published: May 2018

Luminescence properties of MgTiO3 nanoparticles doped with Mn4+ ions are investigated for precise temperature determination.
cis-1 Isomers of tethered bismethano[70]fullerene as electron acceptors in organic photovoltaics
Authors: Umeyama Tomokazu , Takahara Shogo , Shibata Sho , Igarashi Kensho , Higashino Tomohiro , Mishima Kenji , Yamashita Koichi , Imahori Hiroshi
Published: May 2018

cis-1 Isomers of [70]fullerene bis-adducts were utilized as electron-acceptors in organic photovoltaic devices for the first time.
Facile synthesis of α-alkoxyl amides via scandium-catalyzed oxidative reaction between ynamides and alcohols
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Xin , Zhu Bo-Han , Xie Pei-Xi , Tang Jia-Qi , Li Xin-Ling , Zhu Chunyin , Yin Ying-Wu , Ye Long-Wu
Published: May 2018

A novel scandium-catalyzed oxidative reaction between ynamides and alcohols has been developed, allowing the concise and efficient synthesis of various substituted α-alkoxyl amides.
Sonophore-enhanced nanoemulsions for optoacoustic imaging of cancer
Authors: Roberts Sheryl , Andreou Chrysafis , Choi Crystal , Donabedian Patrick , Jayaraman Madhumitha , Pratt Edwin C. , Tang Jun , Pérez-Medina Carlos , Jason de la Cruz M. , Mulder Willem J. M. , Grimm Jan , Kircher Moritz , Reiner Thomas
Published: May 2018

Dark Quencher, IRDye QC1 in nanoemulsion form offers excellent optoacoustic performance, suitable for non-invasive pre-clinical optoacoustic imaging.
Nitrogen/fluorine-codoped rutile titania as a stable oxygen-evolution photocatalyst for solar-driven Z-scheme water splitting
Authors: Miyoshi Akinobu , Vequizo Junie Jhon M. , Nishioka Shunta , Kato Yuma , Yamamoto Muneaki , Yamashita Shunsuke , Yokoi Toshiyuki , Iwase Akihide , Nozawa Shunsuke , Yamakata Akira , Yoshida Tomoko , Kimoto Koji , Kudo Akihiko , Maeda Kazuhiko
Published: May 2018

Nitrogen/fluorine-codoped rutile TiO2 photocatalyst was developed toward solar-driven Z-scheme water splitting.
Active fluids at circular boundaries: swim pressure and anomalous droplet ripening
Authors: Jamali Tayeb , Naji Ali
Published: May 2018

Droplets of a normal fluid suspended in a bulk fluid of active self-propelled particles exhibit two distinct regimes of standard (Ostwald) and anomalous ripening as a result of the curvature-dependent swim pressure exerted on their external boundaries.
High-performance electrothermal and anticorrosive transparent heating stickers
Authors: Lee Kangmin , Park Jeonghwan , Kim Hyungwoo , Park Han-Saem , Song Hyun-Kon , Kim Ka-Hyun , Seo Kwanyong
Published: May 2018

The fabrication of a high-performance electrothermal and anticorrosive transparent heating sticker employing a novel Ni/Ag hybrid microgrid electrode is reported.
Dual-grating-induced light harvesting enhancement in organic solar cells
Authors: Zhang Yue-Xing , Gao Chen , Chen Jing-De , Li Wei , Li Yan-Qing , Tang Jian-Xin
Published: May 2018

A simple yet cost-effective paradigm is proposed for light-trapping enhancement of organic solar cells by introducing dual-grating patterns.
FeVSb-based amorphous films with ultra-low thermal conductivity and high ZT: a potential material for thermoelectric generators
Authors: Liu Chenjin , Xiong Yucheng , Huang Yajie , Tan Xing , Li Liangliang , Xu Dongyan , Lin Yuan-Hua , Nan Ce-Wen
Published: May 2018

Amorphous (FeVSb)1−xTix thermoelectric thin films with ultra-low thermal conductivity for use in planar thermoelectric generators.
Interaction of oxygen with halide perovskites
Authors: Senocrate Alessandro , Acartürk Tolga , Kim Gee Yeong , Merkle Rotraut , Starke Ulrich , Grätzel Michael , Maier Joachim
Published: May 2018

Thermodynamics shows halide perovskites to be highly unstable against oxygen. Light accelerates O2 interaction kinetics. The materials stays metastable in the dark.
Effective thermal transport highway construction within dielectric polymer composites via a vacuum-assisted infiltration method
Authors: Wu Yuming , Ye Kai , Liu Zhiduo , Wang Mengjie , Chee Kuan W. A. , Lin Cheng-Te , Jiang Nan , Yu Jinhong
Published: May 2018

A novel and environmentally friendly vacuum-assisted infiltration method is developed to construct three-dimensional thermal transport channels like highways in polymer composites.
Measuring Listening Effort: Convergent Validity, Sensitivity, and Links With Cognitive and Personality Measures
Authors: Strand Julia F. , Brown Violet A. , Merchant Madeleine B. , Brown Hunter E. , Smith Julia
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Listening effort (LE) describes the attentional or cognitive requirements for successful listening. Despite substantial theoretical and clinical interest in LE, inconsistent operationalization makes it difficult to make generalizations across studies. The aims of this large-scale validation study were to evaluate the convergent validity and sensitivity of commonly used measures of LE and assess how scores on those tasks relate to cognitive and personality variables.

Method

Young adults with normal hearing (
N
= 111) completed 7 tasks designed to measure LE, 5 tests of cognitive ability, and 2 personality measures.

Results

Scores on some behavioral LE tasks were moderately intercorrelated but were generally not correlated with subjective and physiological measures of LE, suggesting that these tasks may not be tapping into the same underlying construct. LE measures differed in their sensitivity to changes in signal-to-noise ratio and the extent to which they correlated with cognitive and personality variables.

Conclusions

Given that LE measures do not show consistent, strong intercorrelations and differ in their relationships with cognitive and personality predictors, these findings suggest caution in generalizing across studies that use different measures of LE. The results also indicate that people with greater cognitive ability appear to use their resources more efficiently, thereby diminishing the detrimental effects associated with increased background noise during language processing.
Centralised versus decentralised signal control of large‐scale urban road networks in real time: a simulation study
Authors: Manolis Diamantis , Pappa Theodora , Diakaki Christina , Papamichail Ioannis , Papageorgiou Markos
Published: May 2018

Recently, signal control strategies with decentralised logic have been developed to tackle the traffic congestion problems of urban road networks. Such strategies aim at network‐wide traffic flow efficiency improvement via local actions, thus low design effort and infrastructure investment. This study presents, compares, and evaluates two such innovative approaches: the job scheduling algorithm comprising the local control component of the scalable urban traffic control (SURTRAC) system and the max‐ or back‐pressure algorithm. The approaches are also compared against traffic‐responsive urban control (TUC), a well‐established strategy with centralised logic. Evaluation is based on the AIMSUN simulation model of the city centre of Chania, Greece. The study results indicate that the TUC and max‐pressure retain performance independently of the prevailing traffic conditions, while also being computationally simpler than job scheduling. Both decentralised approaches require frequent (high‐resolution) and relatively accurate measurements; on the other hand, TUC, although less demanding in this respect, calls for communication lines between the junction controllers and the central computer. Finally, compared with both decentralised approaches, the TUC provides a signal plan sequence with less excessive differences between each other, thus fewer disturbances to the common network users. Nevertheless, for more comprehensive conclusions, more investigations, including field trials, would be needed.
Technological Parameter Optimization of Disc-Milling Grooving of Titanium Alloy Based on Grey Correlation Degree
Authors: Li Zhishan , Shi Yaoyao , Xin Hongmin , Zhao Tao , Yang Cheng
Published: May 2018

In present paper, aim to some problems such as big material removal rate, serious tool wear and obvious plastic deformation during disc-milling grooving, the orthogonal experiment with three factors and three levels was designed. First, the multi-objective optimization was converted to single-objective optimization based on grey correlation analysis, the influence weight of material removal rate, tool life and the depth of residual stress layer on grey correlation degree was determined via principal component analysis. Second, by means of regression analysis of experiment data, the prediction model of grey correlation degree and technological parameters was developed. Accordingly, the variation of material removal rate, tool life, the depth of residual stress layer and grey correlation degree resulted from the various technological parameter were studied. Further, the optimization scheme of technological parameter was put forward. Finally, the technological parameters were optimized with response surface methodology. And then, the disc-milling grooving experiment was carried out. The experiment results showed that material removal rate can be improved significantly under the condition of meeting the request of tool life and the depth of residual stress layer.
Spacecraft Anomaly Recognition Based on Morphological Variational Mode Decomposition and JRD
Authors: Jiang Haixu , Zhang Ke , Wang Jingyu , Lü Meibo
Published: May 2018

Considering the difficulty in identifying the in-orbital spacecraft weak anomaly, a spacecraft anomaly state recognition method based on Morphological variational mode decomposition and JRD distance is proposed. First of all, the telemetry data of the spacecraft is decomposed into multi-scale modal functions with different frequencies via morphological variational modal decomposition. Then the Rényi entropy of each modal function is extracted, which is regarded as the feature of telemetry data. Finally, the recognition of spacecraft anomaly state is realized by comparing the JRD distance between the sample data and the measured data. The proposed method is verified by means of the telemetry data of the weak anomaly speed of a satellite reaction wheel. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively identify the anomaly of the spacecraft and has obvious advantage in recognition speed.
Initial Fatigue Quality Assessment for Aircraft Wing Panel Fastener Hole
Authors: Zhou Junjie , Wang Shengnan
Published: May 2018

An effective initial fatigue quality assessment method is presented in order to verify aircraft wing panel fastener hole whether to satisfy the design requirements. Firstly, after finishing fatigue test of bolted specimens and fatigue fracture interpretation, the time to crack initiation distributions under 3 stress levels are obtained and then a general equivalent initial flaw size distribution is established. Secondly, a method of fatigue life prediction with 95% reliability is proposed. Finally, the initial fatigue quality of aircraft wing panel fastener hole is evaluated based on the economic life criterion and double 95% EIFS value. The results show that the initial fatigue quality of the given aircraft wing panel fastener hole satisfies the design requirements.
Femoral neck stress fracture in a young female recruit: case report
Authors: Fonte Hélder , Rodrigues-Pinto Ricardo
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Femoral neck stress fractures are uncommon and depending on their location, can be at high risk for non-union and significant morbidity.  Their prevalence is higher among runners and military recruits, and women seem to be at higher risk.

Methods: A 27-year-old female, who was enrolled in military recruit, reported left side groin pain after a strenuous running exercise. Due to persistent pain an X-Ray was ordered, which revealed no signs of acute lesions. Further imaging studies with CT scan and MRI identified a compression-type femoral neck stress fracture.

Results: The patient was submitted to conservative treatment consisting of restricting from full weight-bearing. Six weeks after she initiated partial weight-bearing, becoming asymptomatic at seven months. Follow-up imaging studies revealed union of the fracture.

Discussion: This diagnosis should be considered when evaluating military and athlete populations. Early recognition of these injuries is crucial because complication and morbidity rates are high.
Manualtherapeutische Bestimmung der Anstiege des Bindegewebewiderstands bei Narben und Narbenplatten
Authors: Koller Thomas
Published: May 2018

Bei der Behandlung von großen mechanisch inhomogenen Narbenplatten (z. B. bei schwerstbrandverletzten Patienten) ist eine wundheilungsadaptierte Dosierung von
außerordentlicher Bedeutung. Voraussetzung für die Anpassung der Behandlungsdosierung ist das Erkennen der Anstiege des Bindegewebewiderstands, um so eine
Überdosierung und eine daraus folgende neue Entzündungsphase zu vermeiden.

In dieser Pilotstudie ließen sich die beiden Anstiege des Bindegewebewiderstands signifikant auseinanderhalten.
Acute Effect of Interval Walking on Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Okamoto Takanobu , Min Seok-Ki , Sakamaki-Sunaga Mikako
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study was to determine the acute effects of interval walking (IW) on arterial stiffness. The participants in this study were 14 healthy men and women (age 27.5±3.8 y). Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was measured using an automatic oscillometric device at 30 min before (baseline) and at 30 and 60 min after walking. Participants repeated five sets of 3-min walks at 30% and 70% of maximum aerobic capacity for a total of 6 min per set in the IW trial. The participants also walked for 30 min at 50% (moderate intensity) of maximum aerobic capacity in a continuous walking (CW) trial. cfPWV was significantly decreased from baseline at 30 min (P=0.02) after the IW trial, and this reduction in cfPWV persisted for 60 min (P=0.01). In contrast, cfPWV was significantly decreased from baseline at 30 min (P=0.03) after the CW trial, but the reduction did not persist for 60 min. Moreover, changes in cfPWV in the IW trial after 30 and 60 min were significantly lower than in the CW trial (P<0.05). These results suggest that IW acutely reduces central arterial stiffness more than CW in healthy young adults.