bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of nanoDot optically stimulated luminescence detectors and high‐sensitivity MCP‐N thermoluminescent detectors in the 40–300 kVp energy range
Authors: Poirier Yannick , Kuznetsova Svetlana , Villarreal‐Barajas Jose Eduardo
Published: November 2017

Purpose

To investigate empirically the energy dependence of the detector response of two in vivo luminescence detectors, LiF:Mg,Cu,P (MCP‐N) high‐sensitivity TLDs and Al2O3:C OSLDs, in the 40–300‐kVp energy range in the context of in vivo surface dose measurement. As these detectors become more prevalent in clinical and preclinical in vivo measurements, knowledge of the variation in the empirical dependence of the measured response of these detectors across a wide spectrum of beam qualities is important.

Method

We characterized a large range of beam qualities of three different kilovoltage x‐ray units: an Xstrahl 300 Orthovoltage unit, a Precision x‐Ray X‐RAD 320ix biological irradiator, and a Varian On‐Board Imaging x‐ray unit. The dose to water was measured in air according to the AAPM's Task Group 61 protocol. The OSLDs and TLDs were irradiated under reference conditions on the surface of a water phantom to provide full backscatter conditions.

To assess the change in sensitivity in the long term, we separated the in vivo dosimeters of each type into an experimental and a reference group. The experimental dosimeters were irradiated using the kilovoltage x‐ray units at each beam quality used in this investigation, while the reference group received a constant 10 cGy irradiation at 6 MV from a Varian clinical linear accelerator. The individual calibration of each detector was verified in cycles where both groups received a 10 cGy irradiation at 6 MV.

Results

The nanoDot OSLDs were highly reproducible, with ±1.5% variation in response following >40 measurement cycles. The TLDs lost ~20% of their signal sensitivity over the course of the study.

The relative light output per unit dose to water of the MCP‐N TLDs did not vary with beam quality for beam qualities with effective energies <50 keV (~150 kVp/6 mm Al). At higher energies, they showed a reduced (~75–85%) light output per unit dose relative to 6 MV x rays.

The nanoDot OSLDs exhibited a very strong (120–408%) dependency of the light output relative to 6 MV x rays. Variations up to 15% between different x‐ray units with equivalent effective energies were also observed.

Conclusions

While convenient for clinical use, nanoDot OSLDs exhibit a strong variation in their measured light output per unit dose relative to 6 MV in the 40–300 kV x‐ray range. This variability differs unit‐to‐unit, limiting their effective use for in vivo dosimetry applications in the kilovoltage x‐ray energy range. MCP‐N TLDs offer a much more stable response, but suffer from variations in sensitivity over time dependent on radiation history, which requires careful experimental handling.
Comprehensive Profiling of Lysine Acetylome in Baculovirus Infected Silkworm (Bombyx mori) Cells
Authors: Hu Dongbing , Xue Shengjie , Zhao Cui , Wei Ming , Yan Huihui , Quan Yanping , Yu Wei
Published: November 2017

Bombyx mori is one of the key lepidopteran model species, and is economically important for silk production and proteinaceous drug expression. Baculovirus and insect host are important natural biological models for studying host–pathogen interactions. The impact of Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) infection on the proteome and acetylome of Bombyx mori ovarian (BmN) cells are explored to facilitate a better understanding of infection‐driven interactions between BmNPV and host in vitro. The proteome and acetylome are profiled through six‐plex Tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling‐based quantitative proteomics. A total of 4194 host proteins are quantified, of which 33 are upregulated and 47 are downregulated in BmN cells at 36 h post‐infection. Based on the proteome, quantifiable differential Kac proteins are identified and functionally annotated to gene expression regulation, energy metabolism, substance synthesis, and metabolism after BmNPV infection. Altogether, 644 Kac sites in 431 host proteins and 39 Kac sites in 22 viral proteins are identified and quantified in infected BmN cells. Our study demonstrates that BmNPV infection globally impacts the proteome and acetylome of BmN cells. The viral proteins are also acetylated by the host acetyltransferase. Protein acetylation is essential for cellular self‐regulation and response to virus infection. This study provides new insights for understanding the host–virus interaction mechanisms, and the role of acetylation in BmN cellular response to viral infection.
Viral Short ORFs and Their Possible Functions
Authors: Finkel Yaara , Stern‐Ginossar Noam , Schwartz Michal
Published: November 2017

Definition of functional genomic elements is one of the greater challenges of the genomic era. Traditionally, putative short open reading frames (sORFs) coding for less than 100 amino acids were disregarded due to computational and experimental limitations; however, it has become clear over the past several years that translation of sORFs is pervasive and serves diverse functions. The development of ribosome profiling, allowing identification of translated sequences genome wide, revealed wide spread, previously unidentified translation events. New computational methodologies as well as improved mass spectrometry approaches also contributed to the task of annotating translated sORFs in different organisms. Viruses are of special interest due to the selective pressure on their genome size, their rapid and confining evolution, and the potential contribution of novel peptides to the host immune response. Indeed, many functional viral sORFs were characterized to date, and ribosome profiling analyses suggest that this may be the tip of the iceberg. Our computational analyses of sORFs identified by ribosome profiling in DNA viruses demonstrate that they may be enriched in specific features implying that at least some of them are functional. Combination of systematic genome editing strategies with synthetic tagging will take us into the next step—elucidation of the biological relevance and function of this intriguing class of molecules.
Synthesis and electrochromic performance of oligoaniline‐containing polyureas capped with various functional groups
Authors: Li Yanyan , Zhou Yan , Jia Xiaoteng , Liu Xincai , Wang Ce , Chao Danming
Published: November 2017

Tuning the molecular structure is an effective strategy to modulate the electrochromic behaviors of conducting polymers. In this contribution, a novel oligoaniline‐containing polyurea ended with reactable isocyanate groups is designed and synthesized via nucleophilic polymerization. Then various functional groups such as o‐toluidine, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), ethoxysilane, and congo red (CR) are introduced as end groups to modulate the electrochromic performance. Hydrophilic PEG could improve the switching speed due to the rapid electrolyte ions diffusion into polymer film through the hydrophilic region. An enhanced switching stability is afforded by crosslinkable ethoxysilane end groups, ascribed to crosslinked densified surface and great adhesion force between the electrochromic layer and ITO substrate through the hydrolysis reaction. Moreover, an ample color change is achieved by introducing colored CR as end groups. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 412–419
Self‐assembly of block copolymers with an alkoxysilane‐based core‐forming block: A comparison of synthetic approaches
Authors: Teo Guo Hui , Kuchel Rhiannon P. , Zetterlund Per B. , Thickett Stuart C.
Published: November 2017

Polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) has become the preferred method of preparing self‐assembled nano‐objects based on amphiphilic block copolymers. The PISA methodology has also been extended to the realization of colloidal nanocomposites, such as polymer–silica hybrid particles. In this work, we compare two methods to prepare nanoparticles based on self‐assembly of block copolymers bearing a core‐forming block with a reactive alkoxysilane moiety (3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate, MPS), namely (i) RAFT emulsion polymerization using a hydrophilic macroRAFT agent and (ii) solution‐phase self‐assembly upon slow addition of a selective solvent. Emulsion polymerization under both ab initio and seeded conditions were studied, as well the use of different initiating systems. Effective and reproducible chain extension (and hence PISA) of MPS via thermally initiated RAFT emulsion polymerization was compromised due to the hydrolysis and polycondensation of MPS occurring under the reaction conditions employed. A more successful approach to block copolymer self‐assembly was achieved via polymerization in a good solvent for both blocks (1,4‐dioxane) followed by the slow addition of water, yielding spherical nanoparticles that increased in size as the length of the solvophobic block was increased. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 420–429
Growth of Ge1−xSnx Nanowires by Chemical Vapor Deposition via Vapor–Liquid–Solid Mechanism Using GeH4 and SnCl4
Authors: Haffner Thibault , Zeghouane Mohammed , Bassani Franck , Gentile Pascal , Gassenq Alban , Chouchane Fares , Pauc Nicolas , Martinez Eugenie , Robin Eric , David Sylvain , Baron Thierry , Salem Bassem
Published: November 2017

In this work we report on the elaboration and characterization of Ge1−xSnx nanowires synthetized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) via vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) mechanism using GeH4 and SnCl4 as precursors. We have investigated tin incorporation in Ge as a function of experimental growth conditions such as growth temperature and Sn precursor partial pressure (PSnCl4/PGeH4 ratio). We have demonstrated Ge1−xSnx nanowires with Sn incorporation around 1 at.% in the core with a thin Sn‐rich shell with up to 10 at.% Sn well beyond the equilibrium solubility of Sn in bulk Ge.
On the Use of Auxetics in Footwear: Investigating the Effect of Padding and Padding Material on Forefoot Pressure in High Heels
Authors: Stojmanovski Mercieca Lisa Ann , Formosa Cynthia , Grima Joseph N. , Chockalingam Nachiappan , Gatt Ruben , Gatt Alfred
Published: November 2017

Although high heels are known to affect the biomechanics of human movement, most notably by increasing forefoot plantar pressure, it is commonly worn due to the influence of fashion. To deal with the resulting clinical issues, some prescriptions include the use of cushioning pads to redistribute the plantar loads and increase comfort. This preliminary study has sought to investigate whether auxetic foam would be a good candidate for the redistribution of plantar loafing in the forefoot when compared to a more traditional material. From the results obtained, it was shown that auxetic foam demonstrated a decrease in forefoot peak plantar pressure while a commercial product, a material traditionally used for plantar cover paddings, increased pressure in the region of the second–fourth Metatarsophalangeal Joint. This demonstrates the potential for auxetic materials to become the material of choice for such applications, especially since it can be further remodeled until its properties can produce a significant forefoot pressure reduction.
Differentiation of wood‐derived vanillin from synthetic vanillin in distillates using gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry for δ13C analysis
Authors: van Leeuwen Katryna A. , Prenzler Paul D. , Ryan Danielle , Paolini Mauro , Camin Federica
Published: November 2017

Rationale

Typical storage in oak barrels releases in distillates different degradation products such as vanillin, which play an important role in flavour and aroma. The addition of vanillin, as well as other aroma compounds, of different origin is prohibited by European laws. As vanillin samples from different sources have different δ13C values, the δ13C value could be used to determine whether the vanillin is authentic (lignin‐derived), or if it has been added from another source (e.g. synthetic).

Methods

The δ13C values for vanillin derived from different sources, including natural, synthetic and tannins, were measured by gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS), after diethyl ether addition and/or ethanol dilution. A method for analysing vanillin in distillates after dichloromethane extraction was developed. Tests were undertaken to prove the reliability, reproducibility and accuracy of the method with standards and samples. Distillate samples were run to measure the δ13C values of vanillin and to compare them with values for other sources of vanillin.

Results

δ13C values were determined for: natural vanillin extracts (−21.0 to −19.3‰, 16 samples); vanillin ex‐lignin (−28.2‰, 1 sample); and synthetic vanillin (−32.6 to −29.3‰, 7 samples). Seventeen tannin samples were found to have δ13C values of −29.5 to −26.7‰, which were significantly different (p < 0.05) from those of the natural and synthetic vanillins. The vanillin δ13C values measured in distillates (−28.9 to −25.7‰) were mainly in the tannin range, although one spirit (−32.5‰) was found to contain synthetic vanillin.

Conclusions

The results show that synthetic vanillin added to a distillate could be differentiated from vanillin derived from oak barrels by their respective δ13C values. The GC/C/IRMS method could be a useful tool in the determination of adulteration of distillates.
Lung injury associated with electronic cigarettes inhalation diagnosed by transbronchial lung biopsy
Authors: Itoh Masayuki , Aoshiba Kazutetsu , Herai Yoriko , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Takemura Tamiko
Published: November 2017

A 46‐year‐old healthy man developed respiratory distress, night sweats, fever, and weight loss after using electronic cigarettes (e‐cigs) for approximately 1 month. He presented to the hospital when the symptoms worsened 2 months after onset. The findings of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid examination and the following transbronchial lung biopsy examination led to the diagnosis of acute alveolitis: intra‐alveolar fibrosis accompanied with exudate containing abundant lipid‐laden macrophages, eosinophils, and neutrophils. Eventually, e‐cig–induced acute lung injury was diagnosed. The symptoms were rapidly alleviated upon e‐cig use termination and methylprednisolone pulse therapy, and no subsequent recurrence was observed. There have been only a few reported cases of e‐cig–induced lung injury. In e‐cig users presenting with atypical pneumonia, close examination by BAL and biopsy should be performed to verify the presence or absence of lipid‐laden macrophages.
Robust output regulation of a triaxial MEMS gyroscope via nonlinear active disturbance rejection
Authors: Hosseini‐Pishrobat Mehran , Keighobadi Jafar
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a nonlinear disturbance rejection–based controller for the robust output regulation of a triaxial microelectromechanical system (MEMS) vibratory gyroscope. In a MEMS gyroscope, parameter variations, mechanical couplings, suspension system nonlinearities, thermal noise, and centripetal/Coriolis forces are the main uncertainty sources. In the dynamical equations of the gyroscope, these uncertainties appear as a matched total disturbance, which does not coincide with the required structure of a standard output regulation problem. More specifically, the total disturbance is not guaranteed to belong to the solution space of a fixed dynamical system. Therefore, we propose a control system that comprises a nominal output regulator equipped with a disturbance rejection loop. On the basis of a suitable reference dynamics of the gyroscope, the control system is developed as the stabilization of a zero‐error invariant manifold in the tracking error space. In the disturbance rejection loop, a nonlinear extended state observer (ESO) is designed to estimate the total disturbance. The convergence of the ESO is analyzed in a Lyapunov‐Lurie framework by linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). In the nominal output regulation loop, the stabilization problem of the desired manifold is tackled by introducing a suitable distance coordinate. Next, to achieve guaranteed attenuation of the ESO estimation errors, an energy‐to‐peak design is pursued. On the basis of the center manifold theory, the stability of the overall closed‐loop system is guaranteed. The efficacy of the proposed control method is assessed through software simulations.
The Generation of Human γδT Cell-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Whole Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Culture
Authors: Watanabe Daisuke , Koyanagi-Aoi Michiyo , Taniguchi-Ikeda Mariko , Yoshida Yukiko , Azuma Takeshi , Aoi Takashi
Published: November 2017

γδT cells constitute a small proportion of lymphocytes in peripheral blood. Unlike αβT cells, the anti-tumor activities are exerted through several different pathways in a MHC-unrestricted manner. Thus, immunotherapy using γδT cells is considered to be effective for various types of cancer. Occasionally, however, ex vivo expanded cells are not as effective as expected due to cell exhaustion. To overcome the issue of T-cell exhaustion, researchers have generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that harbor the same T-cell receptor (TCR) genes as their original T-cells, which provide nearly limitless sources for antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). However, these technologies have focused on αβT cells and require a population of antigen-specific CTLs, which are purified by cell sorting with HLA-peptide multimer, as the origin of iPS cells. In the present study, we aimed to develop an efficient and convenient system for generating iPSCs that harbor rearrangements of the TCRG and TCRD gene regions (γδT-iPSCs) without cell-sorting. We stimulated human whole peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) culture using Interleukin-2 and Zoledronate to activate γδT cells. Gene transfer into those cells with the Sendai virus vector resulted in γδT cell-dominant expression of exogenous genes. The introduction of reprogramming factors into the stimulated PBMC culture allowed us to establish iPSC lines. Around 70% of the established lines carried rearrangements at the TCRG and TCRD gene locus. The γδT-iPSCs could differentiate into hematopoietic progenitors. Our technology will pave the way for new avenues toward novel immunotherapy that can be applied for various types of cancer.
A Universal Approach to Correct Various HBB Gene Mutations in Human Stem Cells for Gene Therapy of Beta-Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Cai Liuhong , Bai Hao , Mahairaki Vasiliki , Gao Yongxing , He Chaoxia , Wen Yanfei , Jin You-Chuan , Wang You , Pan Rachel L. , Qasba Armaan , Ye Zhaohui , Cheng Linzhao
Published: November 2017

Beta-thalassemia is one of the most common recessive genetic diseases, caused by mutations in the HBB gene. Over 200 different types of mutations in the HBB gene containing three exons have been identified in patients with β-thalassemia (β-thal) whereas a homozygous mutation in exon 1 causes sickle cell disease (SCD). Novel therapeutic strategies to permanently correct the HBB mutation in stem cells that are able to expand and differentiate into erythrocytes producing corrected HBB proteins are highly desirable. Genome editing aided by CRISPR/Cas9 and other site-specific engineered nucleases offers promise to precisely correct a genetic mutation in the native genome without alterations in other parts of the human genome. Although making a sequence-specific nuclease to enhance correction of a specific HBB mutation by homology-directed repair (HDR) is becoming straightforward, targeting various HBB mutations of β-thal is still challenging because individual guide RNA as well as a donor DNA template for HDR of each type of HBB gene mutation have to be selected and validated. Using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from two β-thal patients with different HBB gene mutations, we devised and tested a universal strategy to achieve targeted insertion of the HBB cDNA in exon 1 of HBB gene using Cas9 and two validated guide RNAs. We observed that HBB protein production was restored in erythrocytes derived from iPSCs of two patients. This strategy of restoring functional HBB gene expression will be able to correct most types of HBB gene mutations in β-thal and SCD.
Lignin Exhibits Recalcitrance‐Associated Features Following the Consolidated Bioprocessing of Populus trichocarpa Natural Variants
Authors: Akinosho Hannah , Yee Kelsey , Rodriguez Miguel , Muchero Wellington , Yoo Chang Geun , Li Mi , Thompson Olivia , Pu Yunqiao , Brown Steven , Mielenz Johnathan , Ragauskas Arthur J.
Published: November 2017

Because cellulosic ethanol production remains cost‐prohibitive„ advances in consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) have been directed towards lifting this restriction. CBP reduces the need for added enzymes and can potentially slash ethanol production costs through process integration. Clostridium thermocellum, a CBP microorganism, organizes its enzymes in a multi‐enzyme complex ‐ a stark contrast to fungal enzymes. Nonetheless, recalcitrance may limit the extent of biomass deconstruction. Herein, six Populus were treated with C. thermocellum (ATCC 27405) and characterized to determine structural changes that resulted from CBP. The 2D HSQC NMR spectra of lignin‐enriched residues revealed that higher S/G ratio (2.6) and fewer carbon‐carbon interunit linkages (generally 2–5%) were present in the top performing poplar. Furthermore, cellulose degree of polymerization data suggests that C. thermocellum likely circumvents long chain cellulose, while cellulose crystallinity and hemicellulose molecular weight data do not provide a direct indication of features connected to recalcitrance. Hence, C. thermocellum is similarly impacted by the proposed lignin properties that negatively impact biomass deconstruction using fungal enzymes.
Chloro‐Bridged Hexanuclear Pd(II) Clusters Supported by cis‐Blocking Tris(imido)phosphate Trianions
Authors: Gupta Arvind K. , Reddy Shada Arun Dixith , Rajasekar Prabhakaran , Prakash Prabhat , Boomishankar Ramamoorthy
Published: November 2017

Transition metal complexes derived from anionic polyimido ligands are very limited in the literature. Here we describe the deprotonation of alkyl substituted phosphoric triamides with bis(benzonitrile)palladium dichloride which results in the formation of chloro‐bridged hexanuclear palladium(II) clusters of formula {Pd3[(NR)3PO](Cl)3}2 in octahedral and prismatic geometries. These clusters consist of two trinuclear Pd3‐motifs, each cis‐protected by a tris(alkylimido)phosphate trianion, which are linked together by six μ2‐Cl bridges. A staggered arrangement of the two imido‐Pd3 units results in the formation of octahedral clusters (R=iBu, nBu, cHex, iPr and nPr), while an eclipsed conformation (R=tBu) gives rise to a prismatic cluster. A similar prismatic configuration was obtained for the mixed‐bridged clusters {Pd3[(NR)3PO](OAc)2(Cl)}2 (R=cHex and iPr), formed in the reaction involving the corresponding phosphoric triamide, Pd(OAc)2 and Pd(PhCN)2Cl2. The reaction of an octahedral cluster {Pd3[(NnPr)3PO](Cl)3}2 with 1,1’‐ferrocene dicarboxylic acid (FDC−H) gave the prismatic cluster {Pd3[(NnPr)3PO](FDC)(Cl)}2 which again consists of a mixed‐bridged environment with FDC and Cl− linkers. Further, treatment of the octahedral {Pd3[(NnPr)3PO](Cl)3}2 cluster with iPrNH2, a stronger nucleophile, leads to its symmetric cleavage and forms the trinuclear cluster {Pd3[(NR)3PO]Cl3(R'NH2)3}. We have also shown the catalytic activity of some of these Pd(II) complexes in the Suzuki reactions in both organic and aqueous phase conditions which suggest that all these imido‐Pd(II) clusters are still suitable for catalytic reactions.
Syn/Anti Pair of Triazole‐Bridged Cryptophanes: Synthesis, Characterization with Crystal Structures
Authors: Satha Pardhasaradhi , Illa Giri Teja , Hazra Sohan , Purohit Chandra Shekhar
Published: November 2017

A pair of triazole bridged‐cryptophanes have been synthesized by template method. The two diastereomers of the cryptophane, syn‐ and anti‐isomers were isolated and characterized using NMR and Mass spectroscopy. Further confirmation of stereo‐chemical configuration was done using Single Crystal analysis. The syn isomer was shown to encapsulate tetraethyl ammonium cation suggested by NMR, HRMS and confirmed by crystal structure.
Preparation of Zeolite F as Slow Release Fertilizers from K‐Feldspar Powder
Authors: Yuan Jiangyan , Yang Jing , Ma Hongwen , Chang Qianqian
Published: November 2017

Influence of KOH concentration and reaction time on the synthesis of zeolite F from K‐feldspar, and the kinetics of potassium slow release from the product were studied. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformation infrared spectrometry (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were applied to characterize the as‐synthesized samples. The XRD results indicate that there exist K−G zeolite (K2Al2SiO6⋅H2O) with hexagonal structure at the KOH concentration of 2 mol⋅kg−1 and zeolite F (KAlSiO4⋅1.5H2O) with tetragonal structure at 4–5 mol⋅kg−1. In terms of synthesis efficiency, crystallization time of 12 h was chosen as optimal condition. The surface area and pore diameter of zeolite F sample synthesized in 4 mol⋅kg−1 at 95 °C for 12 h were investigated by surface area analyzer, the values of which are 27 m2/g and 0.513 nm, respectively. Slow‐release testing results suggest that the potassium cumulative release fraction of zeolite F in water for 42 d is up to 68.97% and can be fitted well with Elovich equation.
Three Gd‐Based Metal‐Organic Frameworks Constructed from Similar Dicarboxylate Ligands with Large Magnetic Entropy Changes
Authors: Yao Shu‐Li , Cao Chen , Tian Xue‐Mei , Zheng Teng‐Fei , Liu Sui‐Jun , Tong Xiao‐Lan , Liao Jin‐Sheng , Chen Jing‐Lin , Wen He‐Rui
Published: November 2017

Three Gd‐based metal‐organic frameworks with the formulas of {[Gd2(suc)3(H2O)2]⋅H2O}∞ (1), {[Gd2(fum)3(H2O)4]⋅2H2O}∞ (2) and [Gd(glu)(ox)0.5(H2O)2]∞ (3) (suc=succinate, fum=fumarate, glu=glutarate and ox=oxalate) have been hydro/solvothermally synthesized through the reaction of Gd2O3 and dicarboxylate ligands. Complexes 1 and 2 take three‐dimensional (3D) structures derived from carboxylate‐bridged chains, while complex 3 presents a Zigzag chain‐based two‐dimensional (2D) structure. All of them exhibit relatively good thermal stabilities. Magnetic investigations indicate that complexes 1−3 reveal weak magnetic interactions between the neighbouring GdIII ions. Moreover, they display large magnetic entropy changes with −ΔSmmax reaching 42.22 J kg−1 K−1 (1), 37.97 J kg−1 K−1 (2) and 39.15 J kg−1 K−1 (3) with ΔH=7 T, respectively, indicating that they are promising cryogenic magnetorefrigerants.
Synthesis of Dimeric Imidazo[1, 5‐a]pyridines and Their Photophysical Properties
Authors: Yagishita Fumitoshi , Kozai Natsumi , Nii Chiho , Tezuka Yoshihiko , Uemura Naohiro , Yoshida Yasushi , Mino Takashi , Sakamoto Masami , Kawamura Yasuhiko
Published: November 2017

We designed and synthesized dimeric imidazo[1, 5‐a]pyridines possessing various aryl groups at 1,1’‐positions. The solution of these derivatives exhibited fluorescence emission in wavelength range of 487–512 nm. The fluorescence emissions were slightly red‐shifted under acidic condition by addition of trifluoroacetic acid. Furthermore, the original fluorescence spectra were observed after the addition of triethylamine as a base.
Solution‐Processed Wide‐Bandgap Organic Semiconductor Nanostructures Arrays for Nonvolatile Organic Field‐Effect Transistor Memory
Authors: Li Wen , Guo Fengning , Ling Haifeng , Liu Hui , Yi Mingdong , Zhang Peng , Wang Wenjun , Xie Linghai , Huang Wei
Published: November 2017

In this paper, the development of organic field‐effect transistor (OFET) memory device based on isolated and ordered nanostructures (NSs) arrays of wide‐bandgap (WBG) small‐molecule organic semiconductor material [2‐(9‐(4‐(octyloxy)phenyl)‐9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)thiophene]3 (WG3) is reported. The WG3 NSs are prepared from phase separation by spin‐coating blend solutions of WG3/trimethylolpropane (TMP), and then introduced as charge storage elements for nonvolatile OFET memory devices. Compared to the OFET memory device with smooth WG3 film, the device based on WG3 NSs arrays exhibits significant improvements in memory performance including larger memory window (≈45 V), faster switching speed (≈1 s), stable retention capability (>104 s), and reliable switching properties. A quantitative study of the WG3 NSs morphology reveals that enhanced memory performance is attributed to the improved charge trapping/charge‐exciton annihilation efficiency induced by increased contact area between the WG3 NSs and pentacene layer. This versatile solution‐processing approach to preparing WG3 NSs arrays as charge trapping sites allows for fabrication of high‐performance nonvolatile OFET memory devices, which could be applicable to a wide range of WBG organic semiconductor materials.
Single Pixel Black Phosphorus Photodetector for Near‐Infrared Imaging
Authors: Miao Jinshui , Song Bo , Xu Zhihao , Cai Le , Zhang Suoming , Dong Lixin , Wang Chuan
Published: November 2017

Infrared imaging systems have wide range of military or civil applications and 2D nanomaterials have recently emerged as potential sensing materials that may outperform conventional ones such as HgCdTe, InGaAs, and InSb. As an example, 2D black phosphorus (BP) thin film has a thickness‐dependent direct bandgap with low shot noise and noncryogenic operation for visible to mid‐infrared photodetection. In this paper, the use of a single‐pixel photodetector made with few‐layer BP thin film for near‐infrared imaging applications is demonstrated. The imaging is achieved by combining the photodetector with a digital micromirror device to encode and subsequently reconstruct the image based on compressive sensing algorithm. Stationary images of a near‐infrared laser spot (λ = 830 nm) with up to 64 × 64 pixels are captured using this single‐pixel BP camera with 2000 times of measurements, which is only half of the total number of pixels. The imaging platform demonstrated in this work circumvents the grand challenges of scalable BP material growth for photodetector array fabrication and shows the efficacy of utilizing the outstanding performance of BP photodetector for future high‐speed infrared camera applications.
Manganese Dioxide Coated WS2@Fe3O4/sSiO2 Nanocomposites for pH‐Responsive MR Imaging and Oxygen‐Elevated Synergetic Therapy
Authors: Yang Guangbao , Zhang Rui , Liang Chao , Zhao He , Yi Xuan , Shen Sida , Yang Kai , Cheng Liang , Liu Zhuang
Published: November 2017

Recently, the development of multifunctional theranostic nanoplatforms to realize tumor‐specific imaging and enhanced cancer therapy via responding or modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) has attracted tremendous interests in the field of nanomedicine. Herein, tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanoflakes with their surface adsorbed with iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) via self‐assembly are coated with silica and then subsequently with manganese dioxide (MnO2), on to which polyethylene glycol (PEG) is attached. The obtained WS2‐IO/S@MO‐PEG appears to be highly sensitive to pH, enabling tumor pH‐responsive magnetic resonance imaging with IONPs as the pH‐inert T2 contrast probe and MnO2 as the pH‐sensitive T1 contrast probe. Meanwhile, synergistic combination tumor therapy is realized with such WS2‐IO/S@MO‐PEG, by utilizing the strong near‐infrared light and X‐ray absorbance of WS2 for photothermal therapy (PTT) and enhanced cancer radiotherapy (RT), respectively, as well as the ability of MnO2 to decompose tumor endogenous H2O2 and relieve tumor hypoxia to further overcome hypoxia‐associated radiotherapy resistance. The combination of PTT and RT with WS2‐IO/S@MO‐PEG results in a remarkable synergistic effect to destruct tumors. This work highlights the promise of developing multifunction nanocomposites for TME‐specific imaging and TME modulation, aiming at precision cancer synergistic treatment.
Carbon Necklace Incorporated Electroactive Reservoir Constructing Flexible Papers for Advanced Lithium–Ion Batteries
Authors: Du Min , Rui Kun , Chang Yuanqin , Zhang Yu , Ma Zhongyuan , Sun Wenping , Yan Qingyu , Zhu Jixin , Huang Wei
Published: November 2017

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and their derivatives with well‐defined structures and compositions show great potential for wide applications such as sensors, catalysis, energy storage, and conversion, etc. However, poor electric conductivity and large volume expansion are main obstacles for their utilization in energy storage, e.g., lithium–ion batteries and supercapacitors. Herein, a facile strategy is proposed for embedding the MOFs, e.g., ZIF‐67 and MIL‐88 into polyacrylonitrile fibers, which is further used as a template to build a 3D interconnected conductive carbon necklace paper. Owing to the unique structure features of good electric conductivity, interconnected frameworks, electroactive reservoir, and dual dopants, the obtained flexible electrodes with no additives exhibit high specific capacities, good rate capability, and prolonged cycling stability. The hollow dodecahedral ZIF‐67 derived carbon necklace paper delivers a high specific capacity of 1200 mAh g−1 and superior stability of more than 400 cycles without capacity decay. Moreover, the spindle‐like MIL‐88 derived carbon necklace paper shows a high reversible capacity of 980 mAh g−1. Their unique 3D interconnected structure and outstanding electrochemical performance pave the way for extending the MOF‐based interweaving materials toward potential applications in portable and wearable electronic devices.
Load‐carrying capacity of steel fiber reinforced concrete beams at large deflections
Authors: Venkateshwaran Akshay , Tan Kiang Hwee
Published: November 2017

Discrete steel fibers are known to control crack widening in concrete members thereby enabling them to carry loads up to large deflections. This study examined the flexural behavior of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) beams reinforced with steel fibers by conducting four‐point bending tests on eight beam specimens. The effect of reinforcing index (defined as the product of the volume fraction and the aspect ratio of steel fibers), fiber type, and beam depth was investigated. The load‐carrying capacity corresponding to different beam deflections was predicted using available constitutive stress–strain/crack width laws in tension. Although existing constitutive relations in tension predict the peak load capacity well, they fail to accurately predict the load‐carrying capacity at large deflections. Subsequently, a constitutive law is proposed using a back‐calculation technique which was validated with the results from four‐point bending tests conducted on 24 SFRC beams including 16 results found in the literature. The deviation of the predictions of the proposed model with regard to the average load‐carrying capacity at large deflections is within 12% from the observed values.
Parking slabs made of carbon reinforced concrete
Authors: Schumann Alexander , Michler Harald , Schladitz Frank , Curbach Manfred
Published: November 2017

Parking garage buildings are usually comprised of steel reinforced concrete (RC) slabs. Unfortunately, there are often cases of damage caused by the high exposure to corrosive chemicals. To prevent corrosion of the reinforcement, especially the ceilings must be coated with expensive protection systems. Due to the not‐corrosive nature of carbon fibers, carbon RC is a perfect solution for those structures. But before using carbon RC for parking slabs, the problem of the end anchorage of the reinforcement by short‐end anchorage lengths had to be solved. Therefore, a new anchorage method for carbon RC is described in detail in this publication. A large‐scale test had been conducted to show the potential of carbon RC for parking slabs and to prove the ability of the developed new‐end anchorage method. Also, an analytical recalculation of the large‐scale test is presented.
Cyclic loading tests and shear strength of steel reinforced recycled concrete beam–column inner joints
Authors: Xue Jianyang , Zhai Lei , Bao Yuze , Ren Rui , Zhang Xicheng
Published: November 2017

To study the seismic behavior and shear strength of steel reinforced recycled concrete (SRRC) beam–column inner joints, four 1:2.5 scaled specimens with different replacement percentage of recycled coarse aggregates were fabricated and tested under cyclic lateral loadings. The failure modes of SRRC joints were observed, and the various mechanical indexes of SRRC joints, including hysteresis loops, envelope curves, load carrying capacity, ductility, energy dissipation capacity, and stiffness degradation, were analyzed. The results indicate that the main failure mode of the SRRC joints is the shearing diagonal compression in the core zone of joint. The seismic behavior of the SRRC inner joints degrade only slightly compared with the ordinary steel reinforced concrete inner joints. Based on the test and analysis results, a modified design method is proposed to calculate the nominal shear strength of SRRC inner joints.
Lessons Learned: Applying Principles of Reading Recovery in the Classroom
Authors: Lewis Kayla
Published: November 2017

In this article, one literacy coach turned university professor describes her journey through Reading Recovery training and the lessons she learned along the way. She reflects on her teaching before and after studying Clay's work, and she describes the changes that she went through as a teacher as she applied the principles to her own teaching and to her work as a literacy coach. Teachers can learn how to apply these nine lessons learned, including the importance of scaffolding and of working within the zone of proximal development, in their own work with struggling readers in the classroom.
Dispersion properties of inhomogeneous poroelastic layer
Authors: Gusakov Dmitry , Vatul'yan Alexander
Published: November 2017

This paper deals with the problem of free oscillations of a transversely‐isotropic inhomogeneous poroelastic layer. Dynamic behaviour of a poroelastic layer is modeled using linear Biot's consolidation theory. The problem is described by a system of linear differential equations with complex coefficients. We reduce this system to an equivalent system of double dimension with real coefficients. The dispersion relation is obtained using the shooting method. In order to obtain analytical approximation for the first curves of the dispersion spectrum, the Galerkin and Ritz methods are used. Structural features of the dispersion spectrum for an inhomogeneous transversely‐isotropic poroelastic layer are described. The dependence of the form of the dispersion spectrum on the inhomogeneity type is revealed. The comparative analysis of the numerical and analytical methods is provided.
Increase of the energy necessary to probe ultraviolet theories due to the presence of a strong magnetic field
Authors: Martínez-y-Romero Rodolfo P. , Patiño Leonardo , Ramírez-Urrutia Tiber
Published: November 2017

Abstract

We use the gauge gravity correspondence to study the renormalization group flow of a double trace fermionic operator in a quark-gluon plasma subject to the influence of a strong magnetic field and compare it with the results for the case at zero temperature and no magnetic field, where the flow between two fixed points is observed. Our results show that the energy necessary to access the physics of the ultraviolet theory increases with the intensity of the magnetic field under which the processes happen. We provide arguments to support that this increase is scheme independent, and to exhibit further evidence we do a very simple calculation showing that the dimensional reduction expected in the gauge theory in this scenario is effective up to an energy scale that grows with the strength of such a background field. We also show that independently of the renormalization scheme, the coupling of the double trace operators in the ultraviolet fixed point increases with the intensity of the background field. These effects combined can change both, the processes that are expected to be involved in a collision experiment at a given energy and the azimuthal anisotropy of the measurements resulting of them.
Multilepton signals of heavier electroweakinos at the LHC
Authors: Chakraborti Manimala , Datta Amitava , Ganguly Nabanita , Poddar Sujoy
Published: November 2017

Abstract

As a sequel to our recent paper we examine the phenomenology of the full electroweakino sector of the pMSSM without invoking the ad hoc but often employed assumption that the heavier ones are decoupled. We showcase the importance of the heavier electroweakinos using several generic models with different hierarchies among the slepton and electroweakino masses. We obtain constraints from the LHC "Image missing" data which are stronger than that for decoupled heavier electroweakinos. Using the additional constraints from the observed dark matter relic density of the universe and the precisely measured anomalous magnetic moment of the muon we determine the allowed parameter space. We then show that novel "Image missing" signatures with m > 3 may be observed before the next long shut down of the LHC.
LHC Run I bounds on minimal lepton flavour violation in Type-III see-saw: a case study
Authors: Agostinho Nuno Rosa , Éboli O. J. P. , Gonzalez-Garcia M. C.
Published: November 2017

Abstract

In minimal lepton flavour violation Type-III see-saw models the flavour structure of the couplings of the triplet fermions to the Standard Model leptons can be reconstructed from the neutrino mass matrix and lepton number violation is very suppressed. Here, we explore the possibility of imposing bounds on this class of models with results of existing LHC searches and we quantify how the information on flavour and charge of the produced leptons is important for maximal sensitivity. With this aim we obtain the bounds which can be derived from the Run I search for events which contain two charged leptons (either electron or muons of equal or opposite sign), two jets from a hadronically decaying W boson and large missing transverse momentum. We find that using the information on charge and flavour of the leptons in the above final state it is possible to unambiguously rule out this scenario with triplet masses lighter than 300 GeV at 95% CL. The same analysis allows to exclude triplet masses up to 480 GeV at 95% CL for normal ordering of neutrino masses and specific values of a Majorana CP phase currently undetermined by neutrino physics. We also show that it is not possible to put an unambiguous bound on the mass of the new states if the flavor and charge information is not condsidered.
$$ \mathcal{P}\mathcal{T} $$ deformation of angular Calogero models
Authors: Correa Francisco , Lechtenfeld Olaf
Published: November 2017

Abstract

The rational Calogero model based on an arbitrary rank-n Coxeter root system is spherically reduced to a superintegrable angular model of a particle moving on S

n−1 subject to a very particular potential singular at the reflection hyperplanes. It is outlined how to find conserved charges and to construct intertwining operators. We deform these models in a

$$ \mathcal{P}\mathcal{T} $$

P
T

-symmetric manner by judicious complex coordinate transformations, which render the potential less singular. The

$$ \mathcal{P}\mathcal{T} $$

P
T

deformation does not change the energy eigenvalues but in some cases adds a previously unphysical tower of states. For integral couplings the new and old energy levels coincide, which roughly doubles the previous degeneracy and allows for a conserved nonlinear supersymmetry charge. We present the details for the generic rank-two (A
2, G
2) and all rank-three Coxeter systems (AD
3, BC
3 and H
3), including a reducible case (A
1
⊗ 3
).
Subleading soft graviton theorem for loop amplitudes
Authors: Sen Ashoke
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Superstring field theory gives expressions for heterotic and type II string loop amplitudes that are free from ultraviolet and infrared divergences when the number of non-compact space-time dimensions is five or more. We prove the subleading soft graviton theorem in these theories to all orders in perturbation theory for S-matrix elements of arbitrary number of finite energy external states but only one external soft graviton. We also prove the leading soft graviton theorem for arbitrary number of finite energy external states and arbitrary number of soft gravitons. Since our analysis is based on general properties of one particle irreducible effective action, the results are valid in any theory of quantum gravity that gives finite result for the S-matrix order by order in perturbation theory without violating general coordinate invariance.
The μ-τ reflection symmetry of Dirac neutrinos and its breaking effect via quantum corrections
Authors: Xing Zhi-zhong , Zhang Di , Zhu Jing-yu
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Given the Dirac neutrino mass term, we explore the constraint conditions which allow the corresponding mass matrix to be invariant under the μ-τ reflection transformation, leading us to the phenomenologically favored predictions θ
23 = π/4 and δ = 3π/2 in the standard parametrization of the 3 × 3 lepton flavor mixing matrix. If such a flavor symmetry is realized at a superhigh energy scale Λ
μτ
, we investigate how it is spontaneously broken via the one-loop renormalization-group equations (RGEs) running from Λ
μτ
down to the Fermi scale ΛF. Such quantum corrections to the neutrino masses and flavor mixing parameters are derived, and an analytical link is established between the Jarlskog invariants of CP violation at Λ
μτ
and ΛF. Some numerical examples are also presented in both the minimal supersymmetric standard model and the type-II two-Higgs-doublet model, to illustrate how the octant of θ
23, the quadrant of δ and the neutrino mass ordering are correlated with one another as a result of the RGE-induced μ-τ reflection symmetry breaking effects.
Radioembolization Versus Bland Embolization for Hepatic Metastases from Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors: Short‐Term Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Elf Anna‐Karin , Andersson Mats , Henrikson Olof , Jalnefjord Oscar , Ljungberg Maria , Svensson Johanna , Wängberg Bo , Johanson Viktor
Published: November 2017

Background

Radioembolization (RE) with intra‐arterial administration of 90Y microspheres is a promising technique for the treatment of liver metastases from small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors (SI‐NET) not amenable to surgery or local ablation. However, studies comparing RE to other loco‐regional therapies are lacking. The aim of this randomized study was to compare the therapeutic response and safety after RE and bland hepatic arterial embolization (HAE), and to investigate early therapy‐induced changes with diffusion‐weighted MRI (DWI‐MRI).

Methods

Eleven patients were included in a prospective randomized controlled pilot study, six assigned to RE and five to HAE. Response according to RECIST 1.1 using MRI or CT at 3 and 6 months post‐treatment was recorded as well as changes in DWI‐MRI parameters after 1 month. Data on biochemical tumor response, toxicity, and side effects were also collected.

Results

Three months after treatment, all patients in the HAE group showed partial response according to RECIST while none in the RE group did (p = 0.0022). After 6 months, the response rates were 4/5 (80%) and 2/6 (33%) in the HAE and RE groups, respectively (NS). DWI‐MRI metrics could not predict RECIST response, but lower pretreatment ADC(120–800) and larger ADC(0–800) increase at 1 month were related to larger decrease in tumor diameter when all tumors were counted.

Conclusion

HAE resulted in significantly higher RECIST response after 3 months, but no difference compared to RE remained after 6 months. These preliminary findings indicate that HAE remains a safe option for the treatment of liver metastases from SI‐NET, and further studies are needed to establish the role of RE and the predictive value of MR‐DWI.