bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Internet as Idea
Authors: Smith Dominic ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: December 2015

This article has two related aims: to examine how the Internet might be rendered an object of coherent philosophical consideration and critique, and to contribute to divesting the term “transcendental” of the negative connotations it carries in contemporary philosophy of technology. To realise them, it refers to Kant’s transcendental approach. The key argument is that Kant’s “transcendental idealism” is one example of a more general and potentially thoroughgoing “transcendental” approach focused on conditions that much contemporary philosophy of technology misunderstands or ignores, to the detriment of the field. Diverse contemporary approaches are engaged to make this claim, including those of Verbeek, Brey, Stiegler, Clark and Chalmers, Feenberg, and Fuchs. The article considers how these approaches stand in relation to tendencies towards determinism, subjectivism, and excessive forms of optimism and pessimism in contemporary considerations of the Internet. In terms of Kant’s transcendental idealism, specifically, it concludes by arguing that contemporary philosophy of technology does not go far enough in considering the Internet as a “regulative idea”; in terms of transcendental approaches more generally, it concludes by arguing that openness to the transcendental has the potential to call into question presuppositions regarding what constitutes an “empirical” object of enquiry in philosophy of technology, thereby, opening the field up to important new areas of research.
Tudo pelo trabalho livre! Trabalhadores e conflitos no pós-abolição (Bahia, 1892-1909)
Authors: Santos Souza Rogério
Published: December 2015

Robério Souza aborda a vida dos trabalhadores ferroviários (negros, em sua maioria) no período pós-abolição e nos anos iniciais do período republicano. Acompanha a luta pelos direitos e conquistas sociais, os movimentos trabalhistas, os conflitos e a organização da classe. Apesar de ter como ponto de partida o contexto baiano, na construção da estrada de ferro da Bahia ao São Francisco, esta obra traz reflexões globais sobre o fim do escravismo e a liberdade dos trabalhadores.
Plasmon resonance and the imaging of metal-impregnated neurons with the laser scanning confocal microscope
Authors: Thompson Karen J , Harley Cynthia M , Barthel Grant M , Sanders Mark A , Mesce Karen A
Published: December 2015

The staining of neurons with silver began in the 1800s, but until now the great resolving power of the laser scanning confocal microscope has not been utilized to capture the in-focus and three-dimensional cytoarchitecture of metal-impregnated cells. Here, we demonstrate how spectral confocal microscopy, typically reserved for fluorescent imaging, can be used to visualize metal-labeled tissues. This imaging does not involve the reflectance of metal particles, but rather the excitation of silver (or gold) nanoparticles and their putative surface plasmon resonance. To induce such resonance, silver or gold particles were excited with visible-wavelength laser lines (561 or 640 nm), and the maximal emission signal was collected at a shorter wavelength (i.e., higher energy state). Because the surface plasmon resonances of noble metal nanoparticles offer a superior optical signal and do not photobleach, our novel protocol holds enormous promise of a rebirth and further development of silver- and gold-based cell labeling protocols.
Mechanisms of ribosome stalling by SecM at multiple elongation steps
Authors: Zhang Jun , Pan Xijiang , Yan Kaige , Sun Shan , Gao Ning , Sui Sen-Fang
Published: December 2015

Regulation of translating ribosomes is a major component of gene expression control network. In Escherichia coli, ribosome stalling by the C-terminal arrest sequence of SecM regulates the SecA-dependent secretion pathway. Previous studies reported many residues of SecM peptide and ribosome exit tunnel are critical for stalling. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is still not clear at the atomic level. Here, we present two cryo-EM structures of the SecM-stalled ribosomes at 3.3–3.7 Å resolution, which reveal two different stalling mechanisms at distinct elongation steps of the translation cycle: one is due to the inactivation of ribosomal peptidyl-transferase center which inhibits peptide bond formation with the incoming prolyl-tRNA; the other is the prolonged residence of the peptidyl-RNA at the hybrid A/P site which inhibits the full-scale tRNA translocation. These results demonstrate an elegant control of translation cycle by regulatory peptides through a continuous, dynamic reshaping of the functional center of the ribosome.
A serial multiplex immunogold labeling method for identifying peptidergic neurons in connectomes
Authors: Shahidi Réza , Williams Elizabeth A , Conzelmann Markus , Asadulina Albina , Verasztó Csaba , Jasek Sanja , Bezares-Calderón Luis A , Jékely Gáspár
Published: December 2015

Electron microscopy-based connectomics aims to comprehensively map synaptic connections in neural tissue. However, current approaches are limited in their capacity to directly assign molecular identities to neurons. Here, we use serial multiplex immunogold labeling (siGOLD) and serial-section transmission electron microscopy (ssTEM) to identify multiple peptidergic neurons in a connectome. The high immunogenicity of neuropeptides and their broad distribution along axons, allowed us to identify distinct neurons by immunolabeling small subsets of sections within larger series. We demonstrate the scalability of siGOLD by using 11 neuropeptide antibodies on a full-body larval ssTEM dataset of the annelid Platynereis. We also reconstruct a peptidergic circuitry comprising the sensory nuchal organs, found by siGOLD to express pigment-dispersing factor, a circadian neuropeptide. Our approach enables the direct overlaying of chemical neuromodulatory maps onto synaptic connectomic maps in the study of nervous systems.
Lateral orbitofrontal neurons acquire responses to upshifted, downshifted, or blocked cues during unblocking
Authors: Lopatina Nina , McDannald Michael A , Styer Clay V , Sadacca Brian F , Cheer Joseph F , Schoenbaum Geoffrey
Published: December 2015

The lateral orbitofrontal cortex (lOFC) has been described as signaling either outcome expectancies or value. Previously, we used unblocking to show that lOFC neurons respond to a predictive cue signaling a ‘valueless’ change in outcome features (McDannald, 2014). However, many lOFC neurons also fired to a cue that simply signaled more reward. Here, we recorded lOFC neurons in a variant of this task in which rats learned about cues that signaled either more (upshift), less (downshift) or the same (blocked) amount of reward. We found that neurons acquired responses specifically to one of the three cues and did not fire to the other two. These results show that, at least early in learning, lOFC neurons fire to valued cues in a way that is more consistent with signaling of the predicted outcome’s features than with signaling of a general, abstract or cached value that is independent of the outcome.
Plasma treatment introduced memory properties in MoS2 field-effect transistors
Authors: Zhang Miaomiao , Tong Yanhong , Tang Qingxin , Liu Yichun
Published: December 2015

We present a facile method to obtain MoS2-based nonvolatile memory field-effect transistors by oxygen plasma treatment on the MoS2 surface that is in contact with a dielectric. The oxygen plasma treatment provides a way of introducing deep defects into the MoS2 surface. Only those deep defects located at the semiconductor/dielectric interface can behave as charge trapping sites to develop the memory capability. No memory properties can be observed when the MoS2 surface far from the conductive channel was treated with oxygen plasma. This method brings promising advantages to MoS2-based memory devices obtained using a simple fabrication method and small device dimensions.
Superconductors, Cryogenic Stabilization
Authors: Sekulic Dusan P. , Edeskuty (deceased) Fred J.
Published: December 2015

The role of cryogenic stabilization is to restore the superconducting mode of operation, once a disturbance has already initiated the existence of a normal zone. This goal assumes balancing of the following energy flows: (i) the energy brought to an intrinsically stable superconductor in the form of a thermomechanical disturbance or thermal energy from any source, including that generated by the current that is redirected into the stabilizing, resistive matrix, and (ii) the energy removed from a superconductor element by convective cooling in the cryogenic domain and by conduction. The article offers a detailed insight into the causes of instability, methods of stabilization, and cryogenic stabilization criteria, along with some auxiliary information relevant to the subject.
High‐Temperature Superconducting Transformers
Authors: Kalsi Swarn S.
Published: December 2015

The HTS technology, invented in 1986, has the potential for reducing size and mass, and increasing efficiency of power equipment. The HTS transformers are discussed in this article. The discussion provides rationale for selecting HTS over LTS. Available cryogenic cooling options are also discussed for cooling HTS coils. The ReBCO‐coated conductor is a promising candidate for providing acceptable properties at LN2temperature. It could be transformed into Roebel cables for carrying larger currents. An example design of a 50 MVA transformer is included for illustrating design, technology, and economic issues. Calculated HTS transformer size, weight, efficiency, and cost are compared with a conventional transformer of similar rating. The HTS‐based technology appears ready for commercial exploitation. The Roebel cable can be used for constructing windings for utility power transformers. Cryogenic cooling technologies, for cooling to LN2temperature, have also sufficiently matured for such applications. This article shows that an HTS transformer costing three times the cost of a conventional transformer looks more attractive on the basis of 30‐year ownership cost than a conventional transformer. The HTS wire price ($250/kA‐m) assumed in this study is three times higher than $80/kA‐m price (projected by HTS industry) in a decade. The lower price HTS material will make the HTS transformers very attractive. In order to gain confidence of the user community, prototyping of industrial‐scale transformers must be undertaken for demonstrating feasibility and reliability aspects. The future of HTS transformers looks attractive but a concerted effort is needed to realize it.
Particle Spectrometers
Authors: Kaplan Daniel M. , Lane Charles E. , Nelson Kenneth S.
Published: December 2015

This article provides an introductory review suitable for the beginning student of high‐energy physics or professionals from other fields who may desire familiarity with subatomic particle detection techniques. Subatomic particle fundamentals and the basics of particle interactions with matter are summarized, after which we review particle detectors. We conclude with three examples that illustrate the variety of subatomic particle spectrometers and exemplify the combined use of several detection techniques to characterize interaction events more or less completely.
Methods for Image Quality Assessment
Authors: Fang Yuming , Lin Weisi
Published: December 2015

In this article, we introduce the methods for image quality assessment. First, the classification of the image quality assessment is provided. Then, the subjective and objective methods for image quality assessment are presented in detail. Besides the quality assessment methods of 2D images, we also give the introduction of the quality assessment methods of specific types of images, such as 3D images, retargeted images, and screen content images. This article provides a general introduction and review for the existing methods of image quality assessment.
Capacitive Sensor Arrays
Authors: Nabovati Ghazal , Zhu Yongxin (Winson) , Sawan Mohamad
Published: December 2015

Due to their high‐resolution, reliability, and low‐temperature dependence, capacitive sensors are widely used in various applications such as accelerometers, humidity and pressure measurements, and molecular and cellular biology. Capacitive sensors are also suitable for use in energy‐constrained applications, such as low‐power battery‐operated systems and wireless sensor networks. Moreover, charge‐based capacitive measurement (CMOS) technology allows the integration of large number of sensors on a single die that facilitates high‐throughput mode measurements. This article focuses on the development of miniaturized integrated capacitive arrays for practical chemical and biological applications, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) hybridization detection, cellular studies, and protein interactions quantification. Following analyses of capacitive sensor principles, we describe main applications of integrated capacitive sensor arrays. Thereafter, we put forward different implementations of capacitive electrodes and its challenges in CMOS technology. In addition, we review some of the most common readout interfaces for integrated capacitive sensors.
Polymer Flammability
Authors: Lyon Richard E. , Janssens Marc L.
Published: December 2015

This article overviews the physical and chemical processes of polymer combustion and describes currently accepted test methods to quantify burning behavior. Simplifying assumptions about the gas and condensed phase processes of flaming combustion provide mathematical relationships between polymer properties, chemical structure, flame resistance, and fire behavior.
Horizontal principal stress orientation in the Costa Rica Seismogenesis Project (CRISP) transect from borehole breakouts
Authors: Malinverno A. , Saito S. , Vannucchi P.
Published: December 2015

The Costa Rica Seismogenesis Project (CRISP) drilled the Pacific margin of the Middle America Trench just north of where the Cocos Ridge enters the subduction zone, resulting in basal erosion of the upper plate. Here we report the orientations of the maximum horizontal principal stress (SHmax) from borehole breakouts detected by logging‐while‐drilling and wireline downhole measurements. All SHmax directions were estimated in the sediment cover of the margin, above the deeper rocks of the deformed margin wedge. We observe three overall SHmax orientations: NNE‐SSW (25° azimuth) in the deepest interval drilled at the upper slope Site U1379; ENE‐WSW (82°) in the rest of Site U1379 and in Site U1413, also drilled in the upper slope; and NNW‐SSE (157°) in the mid‐slope Site U1378. Our preferred interpretation is that the deepest interval of Site U1379 records the stress conditions in the underlying margin wedge, as SHmax is parallel to the direction of the Cocos‐Caribbean plate convergence and of the compressional axes of plate boundary fault earthquakes. The variable SHmax directions observed elsewhere are likely due to the effect of a network of normal faults that subdivide the sediment cover into a number of independently deforming blocks. In addition, the observed SHmax directions may be influenced by the subducting Cocos Ridge, which acts as an indenter causing oblique deformation, and by the transition to seismogenic subduction along the plate boundary fault.
The impact of equilibrating hemispheric albedos on tropical performance in the HadGEM2‐ES coupled climate model
Authors: Haywood Jim M. , Jones Andy , Dunstone Nick , Milton Sean , Vellinga Michael , Bodas‐Salcedo Alejandro , Hawcroft Matt , Kravitz Ben , Cole Jason , Watanabe Shingo , Stephens Graeme
Published: December 2015

The Earth's hemispheric reflectances are equivalent to within ± 0.2 Wm−2, even though the Northern Hemisphere contains a greater proportion of higher reflectance land areas, because of greater cloud cover in the Southern Hemisphere. This equivalence is unlikely to be by chance, but the reasons are open to debate. Here we show that equilibrating hemispheric albedos in the Hadley Centre Global Environment Model version 2‐Earth System coupled climate model significantly improves what have been considered longstanding and apparently intractable model biases. Monsoon precipitation biases over all continental land areas, the penetration of monsoon rainfall across the Sahel, the West African monsoon “jump”, and indicators of hurricane frequency are all significantly improved. Mechanistically, equilibrating hemispheric albedos improves the atmospheric cross‐equatorial energy transport and increases the supply of tropical atmospheric moisture to the Hadley cell. We conclude that an accurate representation of the cross‐equatorial energy transport appears to be critical if tropical performance is to be improved.
Does El Niño intensity matter for California precipitation?
Authors: Hoell Andrew , Hoerling Martin , Eischeid Jon , Wolter Klaus , Dole Randall , Perlwitz Judith , Xu Taiyi , Cheng Linyin
Published: December 2015

The sensitivity of California precipitation to El Niño intensity is investigated by applying a multimodel ensemble of historical climate simulations to estimate how November–April precipitation probability distributions vary across three categorizations of El Niño intensity. Weak and moderate El Niño events fail to appreciably alter wet or dry risks across northern and central California, though odds for wet conditions increase across southern California during moderate El Niño. Significant increases in wet probabilities occur during strong El Niño events across the entire state. In California's main northern watershed regions, simulations indicate an 85% chance of greater than normal precipitation and a 50% probability of at least 125% of normal. Our results indicate that both the statewide average and the spatial distribution of California precipitation are sensitive to El Niño intensity. Forecasts of El Niño intensity would thus contribute to improved situational awareness for California water planning and related water resource impacts.
Light scattering Q‐space analysis of irregularly shaped particles
Authors: Heinson Yuli W. , Maughan Justin B. , Heinson William R. , Chakrabarti Amitabha , Sorensen Christopher M.
Published: December 2015

We report Q‐space analysis of light scattering phase function data for irregularly shaped dust particles and of theoretical model output to describe them. This analysis involves plotting the scattered intensity versus the magnitude of the scattering wave vector q = (4π/λ)sin(θ/2), where λ is the optical wavelength and θ is the scattering angle, on a double‐logarithmic plot. In q‐space all the particle shapes studied display a scattering pattern which includes a q‐independent forward scattering regime; a crossover, Guinier regime when q is near the inverse size; a power law regime; and an enhanced backscattering regime. Power law exponents show a quasi‐universal functionality with the internal coupling parameter ρ′. The absolute value of the exponents start from 4 when ρ′ < 1, the diffraction limit, and decreases as ρ′ increases until a constant 1.75 ± 0.25 when ρ′ ≳ 10. The diffraction limit exponent implies that despite their irregular structures, all the particles studied have mass and surface scaling dimensions of Dm = 3 and Ds = 2, respectively. This is different from fractal aggregates that have a power law equal to the fractal dimension Df because Df = Dm = Ds < 3. Spheres have Dm = 3 and Ds = 2 but do not show a single power law nor the same functionality with ρ′. The results presented here imply that Q‐space analysis can differentiate between spheres and these two types of irregularly shaped particles. Furthermore, they are applicable to analysis of the contribution of aerosol radiative forcing to climate change and of aerosol remote sensing data.
Fluid flow through compressible soft particle beds
Authors: Tung Kuo‐Lun , Chen Liang‐Hsun , Chen Yi‐Rui , Lin Yu‐Shen , Lin Yi‐Feng , Li Yu‐Ling
Published: December 2015

The fluid flow through a soft particle bed was studied theoretically and experimentally in this report. Several correction factors were introduced to modify the Ergun equation and account for the deformed shape and reduced volume of compressed particles in a compressible soft particle bed. To acquire the correction factors, both uni‐compression tests and computational fluid dynamics simulation methods were used. The pressure drop estimated from the customized modeling equation was further compared with the experimental data obtained from a bed composed of calcium‐alginate gel particles. In contrast to the conventional Ergun equation, the pressure drop estimated from the customized modeling equation was highly consistent with the experimental data. The result suggests that the customized modeling equation is a convenient tool for accurately predicting the pressure drop across a compressible soft particle bed. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 1716–1727, 2016
Bone‐formers and bone‐losers in an archaeological population
Authors: Mays Simon
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Recent biomedical research suggests that, in modern human populations, individuals may vary in their inherent tendency toward bone formation at skeletal and extra‐skeletal locations. However, the nature of this phenomenon is incompletely understood, and the extent to which it might apply to past populations is unclear. It is hypothesized that if there is inter‐individual variation in some overall tendency toward bone formation in skeletal and extra‐skeletal sites then there should be a positive relationship between ligamentous ossification and thickness of cortical bone. This work is a test of this hypothesis in an archaeological population.

Materials and Methods

The study material comprises adult skeletons (N = 137 individuals) of documented age at death from 18th to 19th century London. It examines the relationship between bone deposition in the anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) in the thoracic spine and cortical index (CI) at the metacarpal measured by radiogrammetry.

Results

Controlling for the potential confounders age, sex, skeletal completeness, occupation (males) and parity (females), there was a positive association between ossification into the ALL and CI. This reflects lesser medullary cavity width in those showing ALL ossification.

Discussion

Ligamentous ossification in the axial skeleton and peripheral cortical bone status are linked, individuals with ALL ossification showing lesser resorption of cortical bone at the endosteal surface. This is consistent with the idea of inter‐individual variation in some general bone‐forming/bone‐losing tendency in this 200 year old study population, but there was no evidence of a link between ALL ossification and increased skeletal subperiosteal bone deposition. Am J Phys Anthropol 159:577–584, 2016. © 2015 The Authors American Journal of Physical Anthropology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chemo‐ and Regioselective Hydrogenolysis of Diaryl Ether C−O Bonds by a Robust Heterogeneous Ni/C Catalyst: Applications to the Cleavage of Complex Lignin‐Related Fragments
Authors: Gao Fang , Webb Jonathan D. , Hartwig John F.
Published: December 2015

We report the chemo‐ and regioselective hydrogenolysis of the C−O bonds in di‐ortho‐substituted diaryl ethers under the catalysis of a supported nickel catalyst. The catalyst comprises heterogeneous nickel particles supported on activated carbon and furnishes arenes and phenols in high yields without hydrogenation. The high thermal stability of the embedded metal particles allows C−O bond cleavage to occur in highly substituted diaryl ether units akin to those in lignin. Preliminary mechanistic experiments show that this catalyst undergoes sintering less readily than previously reported catalyst particles that form from a solution of [Ni(cod)2].
Crystalline forms of PVDF fiber filled with clay components along processing steps
Authors: Boudriaux Matthieu , Rault François , Cochrane Cédric , Lemort Guillaume , Campagne Christine , Devaux Eric , Courtois Christian
Published: December 2015

There is a growing interest in the supply of autonomous electronic devices, particularly in the field of smart textiles. Energy harvesting is considered as a clean and renewable alternative technology to reach this objective. One of the methods explored is scavenging the energy from ambient mechanical vibrations by using piezoelectric materials. Due to textile requirements, the development of PVDF based fibers appears to be an interesting solution. However, the amount of its β crystalline form should be as high as possible. PVDF/clay components (modified or unmodified clay as well as organic modifier) containing up to 5 wt % additive are prepared by melt spinning. FTIR and XRD experiments show that the most important factor for obtaining high levels of β crystalline form is to increase the drawing ratio. The results indicate also that an organic modifier (quaternary ammonium salt) influences the crystalline forms and leads to a high ratio of β phases. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43244.
A comparison of partially acetylated nanocellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose, and nanoclay as fillers for high‐performance polylactide nanocomposites
Authors: Trifol Jon , Plackett David , Sillard Cecile , Hassager Ole , Daugaard Anders Egede , Bras Julien , Szabo Peter
Published: December 2015

Partially acetylated cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were chemically extracted from sisal fibers and the performance of those CNF as nanofillers for polylactide (PLA) for food packaging applications was evaluated. Three PLA nanocomposites; PLA/CNF (cellulose nanofibers), PLA/CNC (nanocrystalline cellulose), and PLA/C30B (CloisiteTM30B, an organically modified montmorillonite clay) were prepared and their properties were evaluated. It was found that CNF reinforced composites showed a larger decrease on oxygen transmission rate (OTR) than the clay‐based composites; (PLA/CNF 1% nanocomposite showed a 63% of reduction at 23°C and 50% RH while PLA/C30B 1% showed a 26% decrease) and similar behavior on terms of water vapor barrier properties with 46 and 43%, respectively of decrease on water vapor transmission rate at 23°C and 50% RH (relative humidity). In terms of mechanical and thermomechanical properties, CNF‐based nanocomposites showed better performance than clay‐based composites without affecting significantly the optical transparency. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2016,133, 43257.
Design and synthesis of organosoluble and transparent polyimides containing bulky substituents and noncoplanar structures
Authors: Huang Xiaohua , Pei Xianglin , Wang Lichun , Mei Mei , Liu Chanjuan , Wei Chun
Published: December 2015

A new diamine monomer, 3,3′‐diisopropyl‐4,4′‐diaminophenyl‐4″‐phenyltouene, was designed, synthesized, and then polymerized with five commercial dianhydrides to obtain a series of novel polyimides via a one‐step method. The obtained polymers showed excellent solubility in most common solvents, even in low‐boiling solvents, such as chloroform, dichloromethane, and tetrahydrofuran. They exhibited a high thermal stability with the glass‐transition temperature in the range 262–318°C and 10% weight loss temperatures in the range 464–488°C under a nitrogen atmospheres. Meanwhile, these polymer films also displayed a high optical transparency with a cutoff wavelength in the range 305–365 nm; prominent mechanical properties with a tensile strength of 65.6–94.9 MPa, a Young's modulus of 1.6–2.8 GPa, and an elongation at break of 9.3–13.7%; a low dielectric constant in the range of 2.91–3.18 at 1 MHz; and an outstanding hydrophobicity with a contact angle above 90.6°. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43266.
Boundary‐work in science education: a case study of GM food
Authors: Lin Yin‐Ling
Published: December 2015

The term ‘boundary‐work’ is used to refer to the constant effort to draw and re‐draw the boundary of science; it has long been portrayed as constructed by the stakeholders of science to demarcate science from non‐science to establish the authority of science. Twenty‐nine semi‐structured interviews were carried out with students from one university in England, originally to explore their views about genetically modified (GM) food. However, the distinctive repertoires adopted by students of natural science as opposed to humanities and social sciences were striking. As a result, the focus of this study shifted to examine the discourse students adopted to talk about a controversial scientific topic, using GM food as a case study. This paper shows that the boundary between scientific and non‐scientific academic disciplines is heavily ingrained in university students' discourse and it is collectively constructed by both actors that are included in, and excluded from, the institution of science. The innate authority assigned to the institution of science is found to have deepened the gap between scientific and non‐scientific disciplines. In this study, science disciplines were portrayed as coherent and consistent, following similar scientific methods and philosophy whereas humanities and social sciences disciplines were merely considered as ‘non‐science’ disciplines. Hence, this paper suggests the wide scope of science should be better recognised and acknowledged in the education system. Finally, this paper demonstrates that people's role in relation to the institution of science has an impact on their discourse about and, perhaps subsequently, their views towards, science and technology.
Carbon Dioxide and n‐Hexane Absorption Using a Gas‐Liquid‐Liquid Reactor
Authors: Gómez‐Díaz Diego , López‐Rivas David , Navaza José M. , Couvert Annabelle
Published: December 2015

Simultaneous absorption of the acid gas CO2 and a volatile organic compound (VOC; here n‐hexane) from a polluted gas stream by using an emulsion in a gas‐liquid‐liquid (GLL) reactor was investigated. In order to enhance the VOC capture, a nonaqueous liquid phase in the form of silicone oil was applied in the gas absorber. In addition, the regeneration process of both liquid phases was analyzed. The effect of methyldiethanolamine concentration in the aqueous phase and percentage of the organic phase was evaluated, showing opposite results for the liquid phases regarding each gas due to the differences between them. A higher amount of silicone oil causes a significant improvement in VOC absorption rate with negligible influence on CO2 behavior. The gas composition was modified by nitrogen.
Ruthenium Oxide/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanoribbon Composite and Its Excellent Rate Capability in Supercapacitor Application
Authors: Wang Ruijing , Jia Pengfei , Yang Yuying , An Ning , Zhang Yadi , Wu Hongying , Hu Zhongai
Published: December 2015

Chemical oxidation is used to cut and unzip multi‐walled carbon nanotubes in the transverse direction and the axial direction to form graphene oxide nanoribbon (GONR). Ruthenium oxide/reduced graphene oxide nanoribbon composite (RuO2/rGONR) with a 72.5 wt% RuO2 loading is synthesized through an aqueous‐phase reaction, in which GONR is served as starting material, followed by mild thermal treatment in ambient air. The resulting RuO2/rGONR composite achieves specific capacitance up to 677 F·g−1 at the current density of 1 A·g−1 in three‐electrode system using 1 mol·L−1 H2SO4 as electrolyte. The resultant electrode exhibits an excellent rate capability (91.8% retention rate at 20 A·g−1). Especially, the symmetric supercapacitor assembled on the basis of RuO2/rGONR electrode delivers high energy density (16.2 Wh·kg−1) even at the power density of 9885 W·kg−1, which is very essential for supercapacitors.
Structures and Properties of Two New Three‐Dimensional Inorganic‐Organic Hybrid Compounds Based on Isopolymolybdate Clusters
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Yin Xuena , Mu Bao , Li Na , Huang Rudan
Published: December 2015

Two new inorganic‐organic hybrid materials containing different isopolymolybdate units, namely, [{Ce(pdca)(H2O)}{Ce(pdca)(H2O)5}]2{Mo8O26}·10H2O (1), [Cu(phen)(H2O)2]2[Mo6O20] (2) (pdca=pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylic acid, phen=1,10‐phenanthroline) have been successfully synthesized under hydrothermal conditions, and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA), single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD). In compound 1, Ce(III) ions are bridged by pdca ligands to form cerium‐organic coordination layers, which are further pillared by octamolybdate clusters via the covalent bonding of CeO, leading to the formation of a 3D pillar‐layered open‐framework architecture. Compound 2 features a 3D supramolecular structure constructed by hydrogen bond interactions between 1D molybdate chains aggregated by [Mo6O20]4− polyoxoanions and coordinated water molecules. It was remarkable that H3[PMo12O40]·ΧH2O decomposes into hexamolybdate anions, which are linked together with phen ligands by Cu(II) cation. Moreover, UV‐vis spectra and fluorescence properties of compounds 1–2 have also been investigated in detail.
Three New Complexes Based on the Flexible Zwitterionic Dicarboxylate Ligand: Synthesis, Structures, and Properties
Authors: Wang Qing , Mu Bao , Yang Dandan , Lv Lei , Li Changxia , Huang Rudan
Published: December 2015

Three new complexes have been prepared based on the transition metals and zwitterionic dicarboxylate ligand 1,1′‐(1,4‐phenylene‐bis(methylene))‐bis(pyridine‐3‐carboxylic acid) (L), whose formulas are {[Cd4(L)(SO4)]· (Cl)6}n (1), [Zn(L)Cl2]n (2), and [Co(L)Cl2]n (3), respectively. Complexes 1–3 have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, XRD, thermal analyses and single crystal X‐ray (powder) diffraction. 1 crystallizes in monoclinic space group C2/m, displaying a 2‐D layer structure with three unique Cd2+ centers. 2 and 3 are isomorphic structures with the orthorhombic Cmca space group. They exhibit a 1‐D zigzag chain, which can be linked to generate a 2‐D layer via hydrogen bonding interactions (CH···O). Moreover, electrochemical behavior reveals that the redox reaction of 3‐CPE is a surface‐controlled reaction. And the luminescent properties of the title complexes have been investigated at room temperature.
Metal‐Anion Coordination and Linker‐Anion Hydrogen Bonding in the Construction of Metal‐Organic Frameworks from Bipyrazole
Authors: Zhang Erpan , Jia Qizhang , Zhang Jun , Ji Zhenguo
Published: December 2015

Two new two‐dimensional frameworks based on packing of square grids, Cu(Me4bpz)2(NO3)2 (1) and Zn(Me4bpz)(SO4) (2) (Me4bpz=3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethyl‐4,4′‐bipyrazole), have been synthesized by mild solvothermal method. In addition to the major metal‐organic linker coordination, they allow us to study how the metal‐inorganic anion coordination and organic linker‐inorganic anion hydrogen bonding affect the resulting structures during the framework assembly.
Temperature‐Induced Transformation from Large Compound Vesicles to Worm‐like Aggregates by ABC Triblock Copolymer
Authors: Wu Yupeng , Tao Yangchun , Cai Kuan , Liu Siwei , Zhang Yi , Chi Zhenguo , Xu Jiarui , Wei Yen
Published: December 2015

Two triblock polymers, tetraaniline‐block‐poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide)‐block‐poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate) (TA‐b‐PNIPAM‐b‐PHEA) and TA‐b‐PHEA‐b‐PNIPAM, were synthesized with unambiguous structure by a two step method. The difference of these two diblock polymers is the connection order of carboxyl group to block, e.g., carboxyl group to PNIPAM block for PNIPAM‐b‐PHEA and to PHEA block for PHEA‐b‐PNIPAM. Secondly, block tetraaniline was linked to the diblock polymer through amidation to yield the corresponding triblock copolymer. Both of them have almost the identical chemical compositions. The only difference is the connection order of each block in the triblock polymers. When they were self‐assembled at 45°C in a suitable solution, both of their aggregates have spherical shape with slight defects on their surface with the average diameter of about 400 nm. However, when their aggregate dispersion was cooled down to 20°C, only TA‐b‐PHEA‐b‐PNIPAM's morphology changed, forming worm‐like aggregates with the diameter of about 100–200 nm transformed from spherical aggregates. Both amphiphilic property and position of each block in this triblock copolymer are very essential for this morphology transformation. Since the worm‐like aggregates presented here by our group have hollow structure inside, its controlled release properties for doxorubicin were evaluated. Drug release experiment indicated that along with the temperature changes, the rearrangement of the intermediate layer structure caused morphology change in aggregate, thus accelerating the speed of drug release.
Study on the Degradation of the Highly Reactive Hypervalent Trifluoromethylation Iodine Reagent PhI(OAc)(CF3)
Authors: Zhu Hui , Zhang Shusheng , Wang Haoyang , Xu Bin , Guo Yinlong
Published: December 2015

Degradation of the highly reactive hypervalent trifluoromethylation iodine reagent PhI(OAc)(CF3), which can only be generated in situ with mixing PhI(OAc)2 and TMSCF3 in the presence of CsF, was studied by ESI‐MS and GC‐MS combined with 19F‐NMR. The important transient intermediate PhICF3+ was determined by ESI‐MS, and the major volatile products containing CF3 were identified with the authentic compounds by using GC‐MS, such as trifluoromethylbenzene, 2‐iodobenzotrifluoride, 3‐iodobenzotrifluoride, 4‐iodobenzotrifluoride. Meanwhile, more evidences obtained with 19F‐NMR were given for such degradation reaction. A possible rapid CF3 radical transfer reaction pathway was proposed to clarify such degradation progress based on the experimental results. Therefore, this study may be helpful in elucidating the intrinsic reactivity of PhI(OAc)(CF3) and the possible competing side reactions caused by such self‐degradation pathway.
Young investigator challenge: Application of cytologic techniques to circulating tumor cell specimens: Detecting activation of the oncogenic transcription factor STAT3
Authors: Lowe Alarice C. , Pignon Jean‐Christophe , Carvo Ingrid , Drage Michael G. , Constantine Natalie M. , Jones Nichole , Kroll Yasmin , Frank David A. , Signoretti Sabina , Cibas Edmund S.
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

The circulating tumor cell (CTC) field is rapidly advancing with the advent of continuously improving technologies for enriching these rare neoplastic cells from blood. CTC enumeration provides prognostic information, and CTC characterization has the potential to provide more useful information for the clinical decision‐making process in this era of personalized medicine and targeted therapeutics. Proof‐of‐principle studies have shown that CTC samples can be characterized with a variety of techniques in the research laboratory environment. The goal of the current study was to validate routine cytologic techniques and immunohistochemical markers in CTC samples in a clinical cytology laboratory, using inducible phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3) as a clinically important example and Ki‐67 as a positive control.

METHODS

Whole blood from noncancer patients was spiked with breast cancer cell lines with constitutive or inducible pSTAT3 expression and underwent CTC processing in the CellSearch system. The resulting CTC samples were subjected to various cytologic/immunocytochemical techniques and were compared with non–CTC‐processed cultured cell controls.

RESULTS

CTC‐processed samples showed a morphology comparable to that of controls in cytospin, ThinPrep, and cell block preparations. Immunocytochemistry for Ki‐67 and pSTAT3 provided biological information from CTC samples, showing uniform Ki‐67 staining across all samples, pSTAT3 positivity in the constitutive and induced cells, and an absence of pSTAT3 expression in the noninduced cells, as expected.

CONCLUSIONS

CTC samples can be processed in the cytology laboratory with routine methods. CTC morphologic and immunophenotypic analysis can be easily integrated into the existing clinical workflow, moving the field closer to a true peripheral blood liquid biopsy for cancer patients. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2015;123:696‐705. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Patient‐specific fracture risk assessment of vertebrae: A multiscale approach coupling X‐ray physics and continuum micromechanics
Authors: Blanchard Romane , Morin Claire , Malandrino Andrea , Vella Alain , Sant Zdenka , Hellmich Christian
Published: December 2015

While in clinical settings, bone mineral density measured by computed tomography (CT) remains the key indicator for bone fracture risk, there is an ongoing quest for more engineering mechanics‐based approaches for safety analyses of the skeleton. This calls for determination of suitable material properties from respective CT data, where the traditional approach consists of regression analyses between attenuation‐related grey values and mechanical properties.

We here present a physics‐oriented approach, considering that elasticity and strength of bone tissue originate from the material microstructure and the mechanical properties of its elementary components. Firstly, we reconstruct the linear relation between the clinically accessible grey values making up a CT, and the X‐ray attenuation coefficients quantifying the intensity losses from which the image is actually reconstructed. Therefore, we combine X‐ray attenuation averaging at different length scales and over different tissues, with recently identified ‘universal’ composition characteristics of the latter.

This gives access to both the normally non‐disclosed X‐ray energy employed in the CT‐device and to in vivo patient‐specific and location‐specific bone composition variables, such as voxel‐specific mass density, as well as collagen and mineral contents. The latter feed an experimentally validated multiscale elastoplastic model based on the hierarchical organization of bone. Corresponding elasticity maps across the organ enter a finite element simulation of a typical load case, and the resulting stress states are increased in a proportional fashion, so as to check the safety against ultimate material failure. In the young patient investigated, even normal physiological loading is probable to already imply plastic events associated with the hydrated mineral crystals in the bone ultrastructure, while the safety factor against failure is still as high as five. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Boosted Simon‐Wolff Spectral Criterion and Resonant Delocalization
Authors: Aizenman Michael , Warzel Simone
Published: December 2015

Discussed here are criteria for the existence of continuous components in the spectra of operators with random potential. First, the essential condition for the Simon‐Wolff criterion is shown to be measurable at infinity. By implication, for the i.i.d. case and more generally potentials with the K‐property, the criterion is boosted by a zero‐one law. The boosted criterion, combined with tunneling estimates, is then applied for sufficiency conditions for the presence of continuous spectrum for random Schrödinger operators. The general proof strategy that this yields is modeled on the resonant delocalization arguments by which continuous spectrum in the presence of disorder was previously established for random operators on tree graphs. In another application of the Simon‐Wolff rank‐one analysis we prove the almost sure simplicity of the pure point spectrum for operators with random potentials of conditionally continuous distribution.© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanics of Vascular Smooth Muscle
Authors: Ratz Paul H.
Published: December 2015

Vascular smooth muscle (VSM; see Table 1 for a list of abbreviations) is a heterogeneous biomaterial comprised of cells and extracellular matrix. By surrounding tubes of endothelial cells, VSM forms a regulated network, the vasculature, through which oxygenated blood supplies specialized organs, permitting the development of large multicellular organisms. VSM cells, the engine of the vasculature, house a set of regulated nanomotors that permit rapid stress‐development, sustained stress‐maintenance and vessel constriction. Viscoelastic materials within, surrounding and attached to VSM cells, comprised largely of polymeric proteins with complex mechanical characteristics, assist the engine with countering loads imposed by the heart pump, and with control of relengthening after constriction. The complexity of this smart material can be reduced by classical mechanical studies combined with circuit modeling using spring and dashpot elements. Evaluation of the mechanical characteristics of VSM requires a more complete understanding of the mechanics and regulation of its biochemical parts, and ultimately, an understanding of how these parts work together to form the machinery of the vascular tree. Current molecular studies provide detailed mechanical data about single polymeric molecules, revealing viscoelasticity and plasticity at the protein domain level, the unique biological slip‐catch bond, and a regulated two‐step actomyosin power stroke. At the tissue level, new insight into acutely dynamic stress‐strain behavior reveals smooth muscle to exhibit adaptive plasticity. At its core, physiology aims to describe the complex interactions of molecular systems, clarifying structure‐function relationships and regulation of biological machines. The intent of this review is to provide a comprehensive presentation of one biomachine, VSM. © 2016 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol6:111‐168, 2016.
Cold Stress Effects on Exposure Tolerance and Exercise Performance
Authors: Castellani John W. , Tipton Michael J.
Published: December 2015

Cold weather can have deleterious effects on health, tolerance, and performance. This paper will review the physiological responses and external factors that impact cold tolerance and physical performance. Tolerance is defined as the ability to withstand cold stress with minimal changes in physiological strain. Physiological and pathophysiological responses to short‐term (cold shock) and long‐term cold water and air exposure are presented. Factors (habituation, anthropometry, sex, race, and fitness) that influence cold tolerance are also reviewed. The impact of cold exposure on physical performance, especially aerobic performance, has not been thoroughly studied. The few studies that have been done suggest that aerobic performance is degraded in cold environments. Potential physiological mechanisms (decreases in deep body and muscle temperature, cardiovascular, and metabolism) are discussed. Likewise, strength and power are also degraded during cold exposure, primarily through a decline in muscle temperature. The review also discusses the concept of thermoregulatory fatigue, a reduction in the thermal effector responses of shivering and vasoconstriction, as a result of multistressor factors, including exhaustive exercise. © 2016 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol6:443‐469, 2016.