bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Gamma Irradiation on Porcine Serum Albumin Structural Properties and Allergenicity
Authors: Zhu Xudong , Wang Wei , Shen Juan , Xu Xinglian , Zhou Guanghong
Published: August 2017

Pork provides an ideal source of food energy; however, pork can elicit an allergic reaction, and porcine serum albumin (PSA) has been identified as a major allergen. This study examined the impact of gamma irradiation on the allergenicity and structural qualities of PSA; the PSA solution was gamma-irradiated at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 kGy. Allergenicity was investigated by immunoblotting and competitive indirect ELISA using serum from patients who are allergic to pork, and conformational changes in irradiated PSA were measured by circular dichroism, sulfhydryl group detection, and fluorescence emission spectra. The secondary and tertiary structures of gamma-irradiated PSA were altered, and the allergenicity of PSA was lowered by boosting the amount of irradiation. In addition, there is high correlation between depletion in the α-helix and immunoglobulin E-binding capability of PSA. The results show a new possibility in using gamma irradiation to reduce the allergenicity of pork products.
Determination of Residues of Diazinon and Chlorpyrifos in Lavender and Rosemary Leaves by Gas Chromatography
Authors: Rezk Mamdouh R , Abd El-Aleem Abd El-Aziz B , Khalile Shaban M , El-Naggar Omneya K
Published: August 2017

A sensitive gas chromatographic (GC) GC method has been developed for the determination of diazinon and chlorpyrifos residues in lavender and rosemary leaves. The developed method consists of blending weighed samples of chopped leaves with sodium sulfate as the dehydrating agent, extraction with ethyl acetate, filtration, evaporation with a rotary evaporator, and, finally, capillary GC determination of the pesticides. The recoveries of the method were greater than 90%, and the LOQ was less than 0.1 µg/mL. The method was applied to determine the rate of disappearance of diazinon and chlorpyrifos from lavender and rosemary leaves pretreated with the studied pesticides. The half-life values (t1/2) of diazinon were found to be 5.93 and 6.35 days for lavender and rosemary leaves, respectively, whereas the t1/2 values of chlorpyrifos were calculated to be 7.86 and 9.52 days for lavender and rosemary leaves, respectively. The safe harvest interval (preharvest interval; PHI) was suggested to be after 21 and 24 days for diazinon and chlorpyrifos, respectively. The PHI refers to the amount of time that must lapse (in days) after a pesticide application before a crop can be cut.
Establishment of a Decaplex PCR-Capillary Gel Electrophoresis Method for the Simultaneous Detection of Six Kinds of Genetically Modified Animals
Authors: Liu Xiaofei , Qiu Songyin , Li Xiaolin , Liu Dandan , Jing Hongli , Wang Qin , Lin Xiangmei , Pan Dengke , Shi Ningning
Published: August 2017

This study aimed to establish an event-specific multiplex PCR system using microsatellite markers and fluorescently labeled primers to detect six different genetically modified (GM) animal lines, including human lactoferrin GM cattle, human lysozyme GM cattle, human α-lactalbumin GM cattle, myostatin knockout pigs, phytase GM pigs, and ω-3 fatty acid desaturase gene GM pigs. Four different microsatellite loci for species identification, along with six GM animal-specific fragments, were selected as targets for primer design. The capillary gel electrophoresis results of multiplex PCR showed that the target fragments were amplified successfully. This high-throughput multiplex PCR detection system can be applied for the inspection and quarantine of GM animals.
Determination of Selenium and Arsenic Ions in Edible Mushroom Samples by Novel Chloride–Oxalic Acid Deep Eutectic Solvent Extraction Using Graphite Furnace-Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: Zounr Rizwan Ali , Tuzen Mustafa , Khuhawar Muhammad Yar
Published: August 2017

In present study, we proposed the application of a deep eutectic solvent (DES) made up of choline chloride (ChCl) and oxalic acid (Ox) for the dissolution of different edible mushroom samples for the determination of selenium (Se) and arsenic (As) ions. Therefore, an innovative, green, novel, and inexpensive method based on ChCl–Ox as the DES was developed for the determination of Se and As ions in mushroom species by graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrometry. The important analytical parameters were also optimized. The LODs for Se and As ions were found to be 0.32 and 0.50 µg/L, respectively. The LOQs for Se and As ions were found to be 1.06 and 1.65 µg/L, respectively. The RSD was observed to be less than 5% for both analyte ions. The accuracy of the developed method was confirmed by analyzing mushroom powder Certified Reference Material CS-M-3 (Boletus edulis). The developed technique was effectively useful for the determination of Se and As ions in different species of mushroom samples from Turkey.
Simultaneous Determination of Arsenic, Cadmium, Calcium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Iron, Lead, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Selenium, and Zinc in Fertilizers by Microwave Acid Digestion and Argon Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry Detection: Single-Laboratory
Validation, First Action 2017.02
Authors: Webb Sharon F
Published: August 2017

A single-laboratory validation method for the simultaneous determination of nutrient and non-nutrient metals in commercial fertilizers was reviewed by the AOAC Expert Review Panel (ERP) and Stakeholder Panel for Fertilizers at the 2017 midyear AOAC INTERNATIONAL meeting. In addition to using 15 of the original 30 fertilizer materials from the previous Method 2006.03 collaborative study, NIST Standard Certified Reference Material 695 and Magruder check sample 2009-06 were also incorporated as accuracy, recovery, and repeatability materials. Method 2017.02 is suitable for the simultaneous determination of arsenic, cadmium, calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, and zinc in all major types of commercial fertilizer products by microwave digestion and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy analysis. With recoveries ranging from 92.8 to 103.2% for analytes above the LOQs, improved RSDs, and enhanced efficiency as compared with the previous method, Method 2006.03, the ERP recommended this method for First Action Official MethodsSM Status.
Sonya Shetty Cronin. Raymond Brown, “The Jews,” and the Gospel of John: From Apologia to Apology
Authors: Setzer Claudia
Published: August 2017

No abstract is available.
Research on Enhancing Heavy Oil Recovery Mechanism of Flue Gas Assisted Steam Flooding
Authors: Wang Zhuangzhuang , Li Zhaomin , Lu Teng , Yuan Qingwang , Yang Jianping , Wang Hongyuan , Wang Shizhong
Published: August 2017

Flue gas is industrial waste gas produced by the burning of fossil fuels. Its main compositions are 10% - 15% of carbon dioxide and 80% - 85% of the nitrogen, two key components needed for gas flooding. Adding a certain amount of flue gas into steam in displacement could decrease steam partial pressure, improve the steam quality and reduce heat loss, resulting in reduction of steam injection amount and improvement of development performance. The objective of the research is to investigate the mechanism of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) of flue gas assisted steam flooding which has a dual significance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving oil displacement efficiency.

In this paper, PVT measurements at high temperature and high pressure (HTHP) were firstly conducted to analyze the effect of flue gas on property of heavy oil. Then sandpack displacement experiments containing 5 sub-experiments: steam flooding, flue gas assisted steam flooding, first steam flooding then flue gas assisted steam flooding, water flooding, flue gas assisted water flooding, were operated to compare the contribution of heat and gas on recovery. In the experiment of flue gas assisted steam flooding, the production rate and composition of gas were measured and analyzed, and the form of the produced oil was also compared with steam flooding.

The PVT measurements results show that with flue gas dissolved, viscosity of heavy oil declines and volume expands. The solubility of flue gas in heavy oil decreases with temperature and increases with pressure. The greater the solubility of flue gas, the lower viscosity of heavy oil, the larger volume. At the same solubility, as the temperature increases, the viscosity reduction effect of flue gas weakens and the volume expansion effect enhances.

The displacement experiments results indicate that the addition of flue gas to steam can significantly improve oil displacement efficiency compared with steam injected alone. In the test of flue gas assisted steam flooding, the heavy oil was produced in the form of foamy oil because of dissolution of flue gas, especially CO2, which could expand oil volume and reduce the flow resistance of heavy oil to a certain extent. Besides, the cumulative volume of the produced gas was smaller than the injected gas, and in the produced gas the proportion of CO2 was less than the injected proportion. Furthermore, the contribution of flue gas to recovery when injected with steam is greater than with water because of the synergistic effect of heat and gas.
An Optimal Injection Scheme for Maximizing Oil Recovery in CO2 Miscible Flooding
Authors: Yuan Qingwang , Zhan Jie , Wang Jinjie , Zeng Fanhua , Knorr Kelvin D. , Imran Muhammad
Published: August 2017

As an efficient enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technique, carbon dioxide (CO2) miscible flooding can greatly reduce the viscosity of oil and improve its mobility, and has great potential to achieve higher oil recovery. However, the disadvantage of CO2 flooding, when compared with waterflooding, is the relatively larger viscosity ratio between CO2 and oil. Under such unfavorable conditions, frontal instabilities, or viscous fingering, can easily develop. This may affect the performance of CO2 miscible flooding and result in less sweep efficiency and oil recovery.

In the present study, nonlinear numerical simulations were conducted to model the CO2 miscible flooding in subsurface porous media. Both concentration-dependent diffusion and a varying dispersion that is closely related with flow rates were incorporated into the mathematical model. The development of frontal instabilities with time was simulated with highly accurate numerical methods. More importantly, to reduce the unstable displacement and improve sweep efficiency, a time-dependent injection rate involving periodic alternation of injection and extraction was employed. Different from the widely used constant injection rate, this time-dependent displacement rate led to different flow dynamics and sweep efficiency, although the amount of CO2 injected was the same. In particular, the effect of a cycle period on the propagation of CO2 was carefully examined. It was found that a longer period led to earlier breakthrough of CO2 and less sweep efficiency. However, a shorter period with faster alternation of injection and extraction had a stabilizing effect. In particular, a later breakthrough was achieved and higher sweep efficiency at breakthrough was obtained compared with that of a constant injection rate. This indicates that pulsed displacement through fast switching of injection and extraction has the potential to maximize oil recovery in CO2 miscible flooding.

Introduction

Miscible flooding is proven as an economical EOR process and can be used for a variety of different reservoirs. In CO2 miscible flooding, one of the most promising EOR techniques, the CO2 can become miscible with the oil when the pressure is higher than the minimum miscibility pressure (MMP).
A Comparison Between Two Anionic Surfactants for Mobility Control of Super Critical CO2 in Foam-Assisted Miscible EOR
Authors: Almobarky Mohammed A. , AlYousef Zuhair , Schechter David
Published: August 2017

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) flooding is one of the most globally used EOR processes to enhance the oil recovery. However, the low gas viscosity and density result in gas channeling and gravity override which lead to poor sweep efficiency. Foam application for mobility control is a promising technology to increase the gas viscosity which leads to lower mobility and better sweep efficiency inside the reservoir. Foam is generated inside the reservoir by co-injection surfactant and gas. Although there are many surfactants that can be used for such purpose, their performance with Supercritical CO2 (ScCO2) is weak which leads to poor or loss of mobility control. This experimental study evaluates a newly developed surfactant (CNF) that was introduced for ScCO2mobility control in comparison with a common foaming agent, anionic Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) surfactant. Experimental work was divided into three stages: foam static tests, interfacial tension measurements, and foam dynamic tests. Both surfactants were investigated at different conditions. In general, results showed that both surfactants are good foaming agents to reduce the mobility of ScCO2 with better performance of CNF surfactant. Shaking tests in presence of crude oil showed that foam life for CNF extends to more than 24-hr but less than that for AOS. Moreover, CNF features lower CMC, higher adsorption and smaller area/molecule at the liquid-air interface. Furthermore, entering, spreading, and bridging coefficients interpretations indicated that CNF surfactant produces very stable foam with light crude oil in both DI and saline water, whereas AOS was stable only in DI water. At all conditions for mobility reduction evaluation, CNF exhibited stronger flow resistance, higher foam viscosity, and higher mobility reduction factor than that of AOS surfactant. In addition, CNF and ScCO2 simultaneous injection produced 8.83% higher oil recovery than that of the baseline experiment and 7.87% higher than that of AOS. Pressure drop profiles for foam flooding using CNF was slightly higher than that of AOS indicating that CNF is better in terms of foam-oil tolerance which resulted in higher oil recovery.
The expression of established cognitive brain states stabilizes with working memory development
Authors: Montez David Florentino , Calabro Finnegan J , Luna Beatriz
Published: August 2017

We present results from a longitudinal study conducted over 10 years in a sample of 126 8–33 year olds demonstrating that adolescent development of working memory is supported by decreased variability in the amplitude of expression of whole brain states of task-related activity. fMRI analyses reveal that putative gain signals affecting maintenance and retrieval aspects of working memory processing stabilize during adolescence, while those affecting sensorimotor processes do not. We show that trial-to-trial variability in the reaction time and accuracy of eye-movements during a memory guided saccade task are related to fluctuations in the amplitude of expression of task-related brain states, or brain state variability, and also provide evidence that individual developmental trajectories of reaction time variability are related to individual trajectories of brain state variability. These observations demonstrate that the stabilization of widespread gain signals affecting already available cognitive processes underlies the maturation of cognition during adolescence.
The Calcineurin-FoxO-MuRF1 signaling pathway regulates myofibril integrity in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Shimizu Hirohito , Langenbacher Adam D , Huang Jie , Wang Kevin , Otto Georg , Geisler Robert , Wang Yibin , Chen Jau-Nian
Published: August 2017

Altered Ca2+ handling is often present in diseased hearts undergoing structural remodeling and functional deterioration. However, whether Ca2+ directly regulates sarcomere structure has remained elusive. Using a zebrafish ncx1 mutant, we explored the impacts of impaired Ca2+ homeostasis on myofibril integrity. We found that the E3 ubiquitin ligase murf1 is upregulated in ncx1-deficient hearts. Intriguingly, knocking down murf1 activity or inhibiting proteasome activity preserved myofibril integrity, revealing a MuRF1-mediated proteasome degradation mechanism that is activated in response to abnormal Ca2+ homeostasis. Furthermore, we detected an accumulation of the murf1 regulator FoxO in the nuclei of ncx1-deficient cardiomyocytes. Overexpression of FoxO in wild type cardiomyocytes induced murf1 expression and caused myofibril disarray, whereas inhibiting Calcineurin activity attenuated FoxO-mediated murf1 expression and protected sarcomeres from degradation in ncx1-deficient hearts. Together, our findings reveal a novel mechanism by which Ca2+ overload disrupts myofibril integrity by activating a Calcineurin-FoxO-MuRF1-proteosome signaling pathway.
Space-time variations in macrobenthic fauna of a sandy beach, related to changes in the beach profile and sediment grain size, at El Pelicano Beach, Baja California
Authors: Cupul-Magaña LA , Téllez-Duarte MA
Published: August 2017

Time-space variations in macrobenthonic biocenosis are described in relation to the morphology of the beach profile and textural characteristics of the sediment at El Pelícano Beach, South of San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico. Sampling was carried out in March, May, September and November 1993 along a beach profile, at fixed stations from the higher high tide to the lower low tide. Abundance data matrices were analyzed by applying a Q-mode cluster analysis, in order to establish community structural changes and compare them with changes in the beach profíle and sediment grain size. In general, the number of species was consistently low and varied with the textural characteristics of the sediment and the morphology of the beach profile. Only the gastropod Nassarius iodes was dominant in all the samplings and beach protile levels, because of its tendency to follow the tide in order to remain in the swash zone where feeding conditions are optimum. Community structural changes at El Pelícano Beach indicate that the ecological and paleoecological interpretation of comparable coastal environments is complex, because of the biotic and biotic time-space variability.
Sr‐Nd‐Hf‐O isotope geochemistry of the Ertaibei pluton, East Junggar, NWChina: Implications for development of a crustal‐scale granitoid pluton and crustal growth
Authors: Tang Gong‐Jian , Wang Qiang , Zhang Chunfu , Wyman Derek A. , Dan Wei , Xia Xiao‐Ping , Chen Hong‐Yi , Zhao Zhen‐Hua
Published: August 2017

To better understand the compositional diversity of plutonic complexes and crustal growth of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), we conducted an integrated study of the Ertaibei pluton, which obtained geochronological, petrological, geochemical, and isotopic (including whole rock Sr‐Nd, in situ zircon Hf‐O) data. The pluton (ca. 300 Ma) is composed of granodiorites that contain mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs), dolerite dikes, and granite dikes containing quartz‐tourmaline orbicules. The dolerite dikes were possibly generated by melting of an asthenospheric mantle source, with discrete assimilation of lower crustal components in the MASH (melting, assimilation, storage, and homogenization) zone. The MMEs originated from hybridization between mantle and crust‐derived magmas, which spanned a range of melting depths (∼25–30 km) in the MASH zone and were episodically tapped. Melting of the basaltic lower crust in the core of the MASH zone generated magmas to form the granodiorites. The granite dikes originated from melting of an arc‐derived volcanogenic sedimentary source with a minor underplated basaltic source in the roof of the MASH zone (∼25 km). The compositional diversity reflects both the magma sources and the degree of maturation of the MASH zone. Although having mantle‐like radiogenic isotope compositions, the Ertaibei and other postcollisional granitoids show high zircon δ18O values (mostly between +6 and +9‰), indicating a negligible contribution to the CAOB crustal growth during the postcollisional period.
Fault‐magma interactions during early continental rifting: Seismicity of the Magadi‐Natron‐Manyara basins, Africa
Authors: Weinstein A. , Oliva S. J. , Ebinger C. J. , Roecker S. , Tiberi C. , Aman M. , Lambert C. , Witkin E. , Albaric J. , Gautier S. , Peyrat S. , Muirhead J. D. , Muzuka A. N. N. , Mulibo G. , Kianji G. , Ferdinand‐Wambura R. , Msabi M. , Rodzianko A. , Hadfield R. , Illsley‐Kemp F. , Fischer T. P.
Published: August 2017

Although magmatism may occur during the earliest stages of continental rifting, its role in strain accommodation remains weakly constrained by largely 2‐D studies. We analyze seismicity data from a 13 month, 39‐station broadband seismic array to determine the role of magma intrusion on state‐of‐stress and strain localization, and their along‐strike variations. Precise earthquake locations using cluster analyses and a new 3‐D velocity model reveal lower crustal earthquakes beneath the central basins and along projections of steep border faults that degas CO2. Seismicity forms several disks interpreted as sills at 6–10 km below a monogenetic cone field. The sills overlie a lower crustal magma chamber that may feed eruptions at Oldoinyo Lengai volcano. After determining a new ML scaling relation, we determine a b‐value of 0.87 ± 0.03. Focal mechanisms for 65 earthquakes, and 13 from a catalogue prior to our array reveal an along‐axis stress rotation of ∼60° in the magmatically active zone. New and prior mechanisms show predominantly normal slip along steep nodal planes, with extension directions ∼N90°E north and south of an active volcanic chain consistent with geodetic data, and ∼N150°E in the volcanic chain. The stress rotation facilitates strain transfer from border fault systems, the locus of early‐stage deformation, to the zone of magma intrusion in the central rift. Our seismic, structural, and geochemistry results indicate that frequent lower crustal earthquakes are promoted by elevated pore pressures from volatile degassing along border faults, and hydraulic fracture around the margins of magma bodies. Results indicate that earthquakes are largely driven by stress state around inflating magma bodies.
Net community production in the bottom of first‐year sea ice over the Arctic spring bloom
Authors: Campbell K. , Mundy C. J. , Gosselin M. , Landy J. C. , Delaforge A. , Rysgaard S.
Published: August 2017

The balance of photosynthesis and respiration by organisms like algae and bacteria determines whether sea ice is net heterotrophic or autotrophic. In turn this clarifies the influence of microbes on atmosphere‐ice‐ocean gas fluxes and their contribution to the trophic system. In this study we define two phases of the spring bloom based on bottom ice net community production and algal growth. Phase I was characterized by limited algal accumulation and low productivity, which at times resulted in net heterotrophy. Greater productivity in Phase II drove rapid algal accumulation that consistently produced net autotrophic conditions. The different phases were associated with seasonal shifts in light availability and species dominance. Results from this study demonstrate the importance of community respiration on spring productivity, as respiration rates can maintain a heterotrophic state independent of algal growth. This challenges previous assumptions of a fully autotrophic sea ice community during the ice‐covered spring.
Oscillatory rheology measurements of particle‐ and bubble‐bearing fluids: Solid‐like behavior of a crystal‐rich basaltic magma
Authors: Namiki Atsuko , Tanaka Yukie
Published: August 2017

The rheology of crystal‐ and bubble‐bearing magmas governs the propagation of seismic waves as well as eruption dynamics. Here “rheology” includes viscous and elastic components and their ratio known as attenuation. We perform an oscillatory rheology measurements, which provide storage (elastic component) and loss (viscous component) moduli, and attenuation, with frequency dependence, using particle‐ and bubble‐bearing fluids whose liquid viscosity is in the range of that of a basaltic melt. We find that both the storage and loss moduli dramatically increase with the particle fraction but weakly depend on the bubble fraction. Solid‐like behavior, equivalent to attenuation < 1, appears in the high particle fraction regime ϕp>40 vol %. The shallow conduit of Stromboli volcano, filled by a crystal‐rich and low viscosity basaltic magma, may be an example, where shear waves propagate and brittle fractures occur to cause explosive eruptions because of its high crystallinity.
Modeling hydrologic controls on sulfur processes in sulfate‐impacted wetland and stream sediments
Authors: Ng G.‐H. C. , Yourd A. R. , Johnson N. W. , Myrbo A. E.
Published: August 2017

Recent studies show sulfur redox processes in terrestrial settings are more important than previously considered, but much remains uncertain about how these processes respond to dynamic hydrologic conditions in natural field settings. We used field observations from a sulfate‐impacted wetland and stream in the mining region of Minnesota (USA) to calibrate a reactive transport model and evaluate sulfur and coupled geochemical processes under contrasting hydrogeochemical scenarios. Simulations of different hydrological conditions showed that flux and chemistry differences between surface water and deeper groundwater strongly control hyporheic zone geochemical profiles. However, model results for the stream channel versus wetlands indicate sediment organic carbon content to be the more important driver of sulfate reduction rates. A complex nonlinear relationship between sulfate reduction rates and geochemical conditions is apparent from the model's higher sensitivity to sulfate concentrations in settings with higher organic content. Across all scenarios, simulated e− balance results unexpectedly showed that sulfate reduction dominates iron reduction, which is contrary to the traditional thermodynamic ladder but corroborates recent experimental findings by Hansel et al. (2015) that “cryptic” sulfur cycling could drive sulfate reduction in preference over iron reduction. Following the thermodynamic ladder, our models shows that high surface water sulfate slows methanogenesis in shallow sediments, but field observations suggest that sulfate reduction may not entirely suppress methane. Overall, our results show that sulfate reduction may serve as a major component making up and influencing terrestrial redox processes, with dynamic hyporheic fluxes controlling sulfate concentrations and reaction rates, especially in high organic content settings.
Clinical implementation and evaluation of the Acuros dose calculation algorithm
Authors: Yan Chenyu , Combine Anthony G , Bednarz Greg , Lalonde Ronald J , Hu Bin , Dickens Kathy , Wynn Raymond , Pavord Daniel C , Saiful Huq M
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The main aim of this study is to validate the AcurosXBdose calculation algorithm for a Varian ClinaciXlinac in our clinics, and subsequently compare it with the wildely usedAAAalgorithm.

Methods and materials

The source models for both AcurosXBandAAAwere configured by importing the same measured beam data into Eclipse treatment planning system. Both algorithms were validated by comparing calculated dose with measured dose on a homogeneous water phantom for field sizes ranging from 6 cm × 6 cm to 40 cm × 40 cm. Central axis and off‐axis points with different depths were chosen for the comparison. In addition, the accuracy of Acuros was evaluated for wedge fields with wedge angles from 15 to 60°. Similarly, variable field sizes for an inhomogeneous phantom were chosen to validate the Acuros algorithm. In addition, doses calculated by Acuros andAAAat the center of lung equivalent tissue from three differentVMATplans were compared to the ion chamber measured doses inQUASARphantom, and the calculated dose distributions by the two algorithms and their differences on patients were compared. Computation time onVMATplans was also evaluated for Acuros andAAA. Differences between dose‐to‐water (calculated byAAAand AcurosXB) and dose‐to‐medium (calculated by AcurosXB) on patient plans were compared and evaluated.

Results

For open 6MVphoton beams on the homogeneous water phantom, both AcurosXBandAAAcalculations were within 1% of measurements. For 23MVphoton beams, the calculated doses were within 1.5% of measured doses for AcurosXBand 2% forAAA. Testing on the inhomogeneous phantom demonstrated thatAAAoverestimated doses by up to 8.96% at a point close to lung/solid water interface, while AcurosXBreduced that to 1.64%. The test onQUASARphantom showed that Acuros achieved better agreement in lung equivalent tissue whileAAAunderestimated dose for allVMATplans by up to 2.7%. AcurosXBcomputation time was about three times faster thanAAAforVMATplans, and computation time for other plans will be discussed at the end. Maximum difference between dose calculated byAAAand dose‐to‐medium by AcurosXB(Acuros_Dm,m) was 4.3% on patient plans at the isocenter, and maximum difference between D100calculated byAAAand by Acuros_Dm,mwas 11.3%. When calculating the maximum dose to spinal cord on patient plans, differences between dose calculated byAAAand Acuros_Dm,mwere more than 3%.

Conclusion

Compared withAAA, AcurosXBimproves accuracy in the presence of inhomogeneity, and also significantly reduces computation time forVMATplans. Dose differences betweenAAAand Acuros_Dw,mwere generally less than the dose differences betweenAAAand Acuros_Dm,m. Clinical practitioners should consider making AcurosXBavailable in clinics, however, further investigation and clarification is needed about which dose reporting mode (dose‐to‐water or dose‐to‐medium) should be used in clinics.
Tantalum Sulfide Nanosheets as a Theranostic Nanoplatform for Computed Tomography Imaging‐Guided Combinatorial Chemo‐Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Liu Yanlan , Ji Xiaoyuan , Liu Jianhua , Tong Winnie W. L. , Askhatova Diana , Shi Jinjun
Published: August 2017

Near‐infrared (NIR)‐absorbing metal‐based nanomaterials have shown tremendous potential for cancer therapy, given their facile and controllable synthesis, efficient photothermal conversion, capability of spatiotemporal‐controlled drug delivery, and intrinsic imaging function. Tantalum (Ta) is among the most biocompatible metals and arouses negligible adverse biological responses in either oxidized or reduced forms, and thus Ta‐derived nanomaterials represent promising candidates for biomedical applications. However, Ta‐based nanomaterials by themselves have not been explored for NIR‐mediated photothermal ablation therapy. In this work, an innovative Ta‐based multifunctional nanoplatform composed of biocompatible tantalum sulfide (TaS2) nanosheets (NSs) is reported for simultaneous NIR hyperthermia, drug delivery, and computed tomography (CT) imaging. The TaS2 NSs exhibit multiple unique features including (i) efficient NIR light‐to‐heat conversion with a high photothermal conversion efficiency of 39%, (ii) high drug loading (177% by weight), (iii) controlled drug release triggered by NIR light and moderate acidic pH, (iv) high tumor accumulation via heat‐enhanced tumor vascular permeability, (v) complete tumor ablation and negligible side effects, and (vi) comparable CT imaging contrast efficiency to the widely clinically used agent iobitridol. It is expected that this multifunctional NS platform can serve as a promising candidate for imaging‐guided cancer therapy and selection of cancer patients with high tumor accumulation.
High Areal Capacity and Lithium Utilization in Anodes Made of Covalently Connected Graphite Microtubes
Authors: Jin Song , Sun Zhaowei , Guo Yali , Qi Zhikai , Guo Chengkun , Kong Xianghua , Zhu Yanwu , Ji Hengxing
Published: August 2017

Lithium metal is an attractive anode material for rechargeable batteries because of its high theoretical specific capacity of 3860 mA h g−1 and the lowest negative electrochemical potential of −3.040 V versus standard hydrogen electrode. Despite extensive research efforts on tackling the safety concern raised by Li dendrites, inhibited Li dendrite growth is accompanied with decreased areal capacity and Li utilization, which are still lower than expectation for practical use. A scaffold made of covalently connected graphite microtubes is reported, which provides a firm and conductive framework with moderate specific surface area to accommodate Li metal for anodes of Li batteries. The anode presents an areal capacity of 10 mA h cm−2 (practical gravimetric capacity of 913 mA h g−1) at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, with Li utilization of 91%, Coulombic efficiencies of ≈97%, and long lifespan of up to 3000 h. The analysis of structure evolution during charge/discharge shows inhibited lithium dendrite growth and a reversible electrode volume change of ≈9%. It is suggested that an optimized microstructure with moderate electrode/electrolyte interface area is critical to accommodate volume change and inhibit the risks of irreversible Li consumption by side reactions and Li dendrite growth for high‐performance Li‐metal anodes.
Two‐Photon In Vivo Imaging with Porous Silicon Nanoparticles
Authors: Kim Dokyoung , Kang Jinyoung , Wang Taejun , Ryu Hye Gun , Zuidema Jonathan M. , Joo Jinmyoung , Kim Muwoong , Huh Youngbuhm , Jung Junyang , Ahn Kyo Han , Kim Ki Hean , Sailor Michael J.
Published: August 2017

A major obstacle in luminescence imaging is the limited penetration of visible light into tissues and interference associated with light scattering and autofluorescence. Near‐infrared (NIR) emitters that can also be excited with NIR radiation via two‐photon processes can mitigate these factors somewhat because they operate at wavelengths of 650–1000 nm where tissues are more transparent, light scattering is less efficient, and endogenous fluorophores are less likely to absorb. This study presents photolytically stable, NIR photoluminescent, porous silicon nanoparticles with a relatively high two‐photon‐absorption cross‐section and a large emission quantum yield. Their ability to be targeted to tumor tissues in vivo using the iRGD targeting peptide is demonstrated, and the distribution of the nanoparticles with high spatial resolution is visualized.
Solution‐Processable Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence White OLEDs Based on Dual‐Emission Polymers with Tunable Emission Colors and Aggregation‐Enhanced Emission Properties
Authors: Li Chensen , Nobuyasu Roberto S. , Wang Yukun , Dias Fernando B. , Ren Zhongjie , Bryce Martin R. , Yan Shouke
Published: August 2017

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) white organic light‐emitting diodes (WOLEDs) have drawn tremendous interest and have been extensively studied because of harvesting both triplet and singlet excitons without heavy metals. However, single white‐light‐emitting polymers are currently limited and few strategies exist to design these materials. Herein, a new strategy is proposed to develop the polymers with tunable emission colors by combining fluorescence and TADF based on aggregation‐enhanced emission (AEE) characteristics. The polymers containing different ratios of pendant 2‐(10H‐phenothiazin‐10‐yl)dibenzothiophene‐S,S‐dioxide units with yellow TADF emission and dibenzothiophene units with blue fluorophor emission, which display both TADF and AEE characteristics, are synthesized successfully. Among them, the emission color of P3 in different tetrahydrofuran/water mixtures changes from greenish‐blue to white or yellow. Moreover, P3 displays white emission in the solid state dispersing by poly(methyl methacrylate). In addition, electroluminescent device of P3 achieve white light emission with high color rending indexes (CRI) and low turn‐on voltages (V
on ). P3 OLEDs show two‐color warm‐white emission with high CRI of 77, low V
on of 2.9 V, CEmax of 23.0 cd A−1, PEmax of 32.8 lm W−1, external quantum efficiency (EQE)max of 10.4% with Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage coordinates of (0.37, 0.38) at 5 V. Moreover, EQE of 2.6%, CE of 5.7 cd/A, PE of 4.7 lm W−1 at 100 cd m−2 are obtained. To the best of our knowledge, this work reports the first example of warm‐white TADF polymer OLEDs.
The characteristic mid‐shaft cross‐sectional shape of the ulna in Jomon hunter‐gatherers
Authors: Hagihara Yasuo , Nara Takashi
Published: August 2017

Objectives

The Jomon people were hunter‐gatherers who inhabited the Japanese archipelago between 10,000 BC and 300 BC. Here, we focus on the mid‐shaft cross‐sectional shape of the ulna in the Jomon population and compare it with modern Japanese people.

Materials and methods

Jomon specimens, including 32 males and 22 females, were excavated from shell mound sites in the Pacific and Seto inland coastal area of Honshu island in the Japanese archipelago dated to the Late‐to‐Final Jomon phase (between 2,000 BC and 300 BC). Mid‐shaft ulna cross‐sectional shapes were compared with modern Japanese specimens (25 males, 21 females) using standard linear measurements and elliptic Fourier analysis (EFA). Differences from both sides of this element were compared using predicted handedness.

Results

Linear measurements and EFA results show that ulna shape of both sexes within the Jomon population are relatively larger in the antero‐posterior direction and have more developed posterior borders than modern Japanese males and females. No significant differences were observed between Jomon sexes based on the predicted dominant side, but differences were evident in the predicted nondominant side. At the same time, bilateral differences were recognized in Jomon females, because of a lower level of posterior border development in the predicted nondominant side compared to the dominant side.

Discussion

Shape differences between Jomon people and modern Japanese can be explained by variation in the habitual loading of the ulna. Sexual dimorphism in ulna shape within the Jomon population suggests division of labor differences.
Energetic cost of walking in fossil hominins
Authors: Vidal‐Cordasco M. , Mateos A. , Zorrilla‐Revilla G. , Prado‐Nóvoa O. , Rodríguez J.
Published: August 2017

Objective

Many biomechanical studies consistently show that a broader pelvis increases the reaction forces and bending moments across the femoral shaft, increasing the energetic costs of unloaded locomotion. However, a biomechanical model does not provide the real amount of metabolic energy expended in walking. The aim of this study is to test the influence of pelvis breadth on locomotion cost and to evaluate the locomotion efficiency of extinct Pleistocene hominins.

Material and Methods

The current study measures in vivo the influence of pelvis width on the caloric cost of locomotion, integrating anthropometry, body composition and indirect calorimetry protocols in a sample of 46 subjects of both sexes.

Results

We show that a broader false pelvis is substantially more efficient for locomotion than a narrower one and that the influence of false pelvis width on the energetic cost is similar to the influence of leg length. Two models integrating body mass, femur length and bi‐iliac breadth are used to estimate the net and gross energetic costs of locomotion in a number of extinct hominins. The results presented here show that the locomotion of Homo was not energetically more efficient than that of Australopithecus and that the locomotion of extinct Homo species was not less efficient than that of modern Homo sapiens.

Discussion

The changes in the anatomy of the pelvis and lower limb observed with the appearance of Homo ergaster probably did not fully offset the increased expenditure resulting from a larger body mass. Moreover, the narrow pelvis in modern humans does not contribute to greater efficiency of locomotion.
Relative tooth size at birth in primates: Life history correlates
Authors: Smith Timothy D. , Muchlinski Magdalena N. , Bucher Wade R. , Vinyard Christopher J. , Bonar Christopher J. , Evans Sian , Williams Lawrence E. , DeLeon Valerie B.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Dental eruption schedules have been closely linked to life history variables. Here we examine a sample of 50 perinatal primates (28 species) to determine whether life history traits correlate with relative tooth size at birth.

Materials and methods

Newborn primates were studied using serial histological sectioning. Volumes of deciduous premolars (dp2–dp4), replacement teeth (if any), and permanent molars (M1–2/3) of the upper jaw were measured and residuals from cranial length were calculated with least squares regressions to obtain relative dental volumes (RDVs).

Results

Relative dental volumes of deciduous or permanent teeth have an unclear relationship with relative neonatal mass in all primates. Relative palatal length (RPL), used as a proxy for midfacial size, is significantly, positively correlated with larger deciduous and permanent postcanine teeth. However, when strepsirrhines alone are examined, larger RPL is correlated with smaller RDV of permanent teeth. In the full sample, RDVs of deciduous premolars are significantly negatively correlated with relative gestation length (RGL), but have no clear relationship with relative weaning age. RDVs of molars lack a clear relationship with RGL; later weaning is associated with larger molar RDV, although correlations are not significant. When strepsirrhines alone are analyzed, clearer trends are present: longer gestations or later weaning are associated with smaller deciduous and larger permanent postcanine teeth (only gestational length correlations are significant).

Discussion

Our results indicate a broad trend that primates with the shortest RGLs precociously develop deciduous teeth; in strepsirrhines, the opposite trend is seen for permanent molars. Anthropoids delay growth of permanent teeth, while strepsirrhines with short RGLs are growing replacement teeth concurrently. A comparison of neonatal volumes with existing information on extent of cusp mineralization indicates that growth of tooth germs and cusp mineralization may be selected for independently.
Insufficient sleep: Enhanced risk‐seeking relates to low local sleep intensity
Authors: Maric Angelina , Montvai Eszter , Werth Esther , Storz Matthias , Leemann Janina , Weissengruber Sebastian , Ruff Christian C. , Huber Reto , Poryazova Rositsa , Baumann Christian R.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Chronic sleep restriction is highly prevalent in modern society and is, in its clinical form, insufficient sleep syndrome, one of the most prevalent diagnoses in clinical sleep laboratories, with substantial negative impact on health and community burden. It reflects every‐day sleep loss better than acute sleep deprivation, but its effects and particularly the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown for a variety of critical cognitive domains, as, for example, risky decision making.

Methods

We assessed financial risk‐taking behavior after 7 consecutive nights of sleep restriction and after 1 night of acute sleep deprivation compared to a regular sleep condition in a within‐subject design. We further investigated potential underlying mechanisms of sleep‐loss–induced changes in behavior by high‐density electroencephalography recordings during restricted sleep.

Results

We show that chronic sleep restriction increases risk‐seeking, whereas this was not observed after acute sleep deprivation. This increase was subjectively not noticed and was related to locally lower values of slow‐wave energy during preceding sleep, an electrophysiological marker of sleep intensity and restoration, in electrodes over the right prefrontal cortex.

Interpretation

This study provides, for the first time, evidence that insufficient sleep restoration over circumscribed cortical areas leads to aberrant behavior. In chronically sleep restricted subjects, low slow‐wave sleep intensity over the right prefrontal cortex—which has been shown to be linked to risk behavior—may lead to increased and subjectively unnoticed risk‐seeking. Ann Neurol 2017;82:409–418
Gate‐Voltage Control of Borophene Structure Formation
Authors: Zhang Zhuhua , Shirodkar Sharmila N. , Yang Yang , Yakobson Boris I.
Published: August 2017

Boron nanostructures are easily charged but how charge carriers affect their structural stability is unknown. We combined cluster expansion methods with first‐principles calculations to analyze the dependence of the preferred structure of two‐dimensional (2D) boron, or “borophene”, on charge doping controlled by a gate voltage. At a reasonable doping level of 3.12×1014 cm−2, the hollow hexagon concentration in the ground state of 2D boron increases to 1/7 from 1/8 in its charge‐neutral state. The numerical result for the dependence of hollow hexagon concentration on the doping level is well described by an analytical method based on an electron‐counting rule. Aside from in‐plane electronic bonding, the hybridization among out‐of‐plane boron orbitals is crucial for determining the relative stability of different sheets at a given doping level. Our results offer new insight into the stability mechanism of 2D boron and open new ways for the control of the lattice structure during formation.
Universal Janus Filters for the Rapid Separation of Oil from Emulsions Stabilized by Ionic or Nonionic Surfactants
Authors: Wang Zijie , Lehtinen Morgan , Liu Guojun
Published: August 2017

Existing Janus filters cannot separate oil from emulsions stabilized by nonionic surfactants. Reported herein are universal Janus filters that separate oil from emulsions stabilized by not only ionic but also nonionic surfactants. To prepare such a filter, poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) is grafted onto one side of a fabric. The other side is then grafted with a copolymer polysoap bearing pendant oligo(ethylene glycol) monolaurate (EL) chains. Upon contact with an emulsion, the grafted polysoap competes with free surfactants, ionic or nonionic, for adsorption onto the emulsified droplets, drawing them to the surfaces of the fabric fibers, and causes them to coalesce locally. The coalesced oil then migrates to the PDMS‐coated side of the fabric and selectively permeates it. These novel filters possess enhanced versatility and showcase a new application for polysoaps.
Carboxylation of Aromatic and Aliphatic Bromides and Triflates with CO2 by Dual Visible‐Light–Nickel Catalysis
Authors: Meng Qing‐Yuan , Wang Shun , König Burkhard
Published: August 2017

We report the efficient carboxylation of bromides and triflates with K2CO3 as the source of CO2 in the presence of an organic photocatalyst in combination with a nickel complex under visible light irradiation at room temperature. The reaction is compatible with a variety of functional groups and has been successfully applied to the synthesis and derivatization of biologically active molecules. In particular, the carboxylation of unactivated cyclic alkyl bromides proceeded well with our protocol, thus extending the scope of this transformation. Spectroscopic and spectroelectrochemical investigations indicated the generation of a Ni0 species as a catalytic reactive intermediate.
Chemical Synthesis of the Highly Hydrophobic Antiviral Membrane‐Associated Protein IFITM3 and Modified Variants
Authors: Harmand Thibault J. , Pattabiraman Vijaya R. , Bode Jeffrey W.
Published: August 2017

Interferon‐induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) is an antiviral transmembrane protein that is thought to serve as the primary factor for inhibiting the replication of a large number of viruses, including West Nile virus, Dengue virus, Ebola virus, and Zika virus. Production of this 14.5 kDa, 133‐residue transmembrane protein, especially with essential posttranslational modifications, by recombinant expression is challenging. In this report, we document the chemical synthesis of IFTIM3 in multi‐milligram quantities (>15 mg) and the preparation of phosphorylated and fluorescent variants. The synthesis was accomplished by using KAHA ligations, which operate under acidic aqueous/organic mixtures that excel at solubilizing even the exceptionally hydrophobic C‐terminal region of IFITM3. The synthetic material is readily incorporated into model vesicles and forms the basis for using synthetic, homogenous IFITM3 and its derivatives for further studying its structure and biological mode of action.