bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impermissible Self-Rationalizing Pessimism: In Defence of a Pragmatic Ethics of Belief
Authors: Nottelmann Nikolaj , de Bruin Boudewijn
Published: April 2019

We present an argument against a standard evidentialist position on the ethics of belief. We argue that sometimes a person merits criticism for holding a belief even when that belief is well supported by her evidence in any relevant sense. We show how our argument advances the case for anti-evidentialism (pragmatism) in the light of other arguments presented in the recent literature, and respond to a set of possible evidentialist rejoinders.
Productive Disciplinary Engagement in High- and Low-Outcome Student Groups: Observations From Three Collaborative Science Learning Contexts
Authors: Koretsky Milo D. , Vauras Marja , Jones Cheryl , Iiskala Tuike , Volet Simone
Published: April 2019

This study explored how productive disciplinary engagement (PDE) is associated with the level of cognitive activity and collective group outcome in collaborative learning across multiple contexts. Traditionally, PDE has been studied in a single collaborative learning environment, without analysis of how these environments fulfill the supporting conditions for PDE. In addition, research on the quality of a collective learning outcome and product in relation to the extent of the group’s PDE during actual collaborative learning processes is scarce. In this study, the learning processes of low- and high-outcome small groups were compared within three collaborative learning contexts: high school general science, second year university veterinary science, and fourth year university engineering. Two meaningful and self-contained phases from each context were selected for analysis. The same theory-based analytical methods were used across contexts. The findings revealed similar patterns in the high school science and second year university veterinary science data sets, where high-outcome groups displayed a greater proportion of high-level cognitive activity while working on the task. Thus, they could be distinctively perceived as high- and low-performing groups. These high-performing groups’ interactions also reflected more of the supporting conditions associated with PDE than the low-performing groups. An opposite pattern was found in the fourth year university engineering data set, calling for interpretation grounded in the literature on the nature and development of expertise. This study reveals the criticality of using comparable analytical methods across different contexts to enable discrepancies to emerge, thus refining our contextualized understanding of PDE in collaborative science learning.
Global solution of 3D irrotational flow for gas dynamics in thermal nonequilibrium
Authors: Huang Yongting , Luo Tao
Published: April 2019

We study the three-dimensional irrotational flow for gas dynamics in thermal nonequilibrium. The global existence and large time behavior of the classical solution to the Cauchy problem are established when the initial data are near the equilibrium state with an additional

L^{1}

-norm bound. We mention that the uniform bound on derivatives of the entropy is obtained by using the
a priori
decay-in-time estimate on the velocity.
A conservation law with spatially localized sublinear damping
Authors: Besse Christophe , Carles Rémi , Ervedoza Sylvain
Published: April 2019

We consider a general conservation law on the circle, in the presence of a sublinear damping. If the damping acts on the whole circle, then the solution becomes identically zero in finite time, following the same mechanism as the corresponding ordinary differential equation. When the damping acts only locally in space, we show a dichotomy: if the flux function is not zero at the origin, then the transport mechanism causes the extinction of the solution in finite time, as in the first case. On the other hand, if zero is a non-degenerate critical point of the flux function, then the solution becomes extinct in finite time only inside the damping zone, decays algebraically uniformly in space, and we exhibit a boundary layer, shrinking with time, around the damping zone. Numerical illustrations show how similar phenomena may be expected for other equations.
Prenatal maternal vaginal inflammation increases anxiety and alters HPA axis signalling in adult male mice
Authors: Wang Huan‐Li , Pei De‐En , Yang Ri‐Dong , Wan Chang‐Lan , Ye Yan‐Mei , Peng Shan‐Shan , Zeng Qing‐Qin , Yan Yu
Published: April 2019

Background

Maternal infection during pregnancy is known to adversely affect foetal development, but previous studies have rarely investigated the impact of gynaecological diseases during pregnancy on offspring during adulthood. Vaginitis is one of the most prevalent gynaecological diseases during pregnancy.

Methods

The effect of maternal vaginal inflammation on offspring was simulated by inducing maternal vaginal infection. We performed a transvaginal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in pregnant mice to induce vaginitis and investigated their offspring by means of behavioural tests and molecular and cellular measurements.

Results

Behavioural tests revealed that the offspring of mothers transvaginally injected with LPS exhibited sex‐dependent differences. Male offspring showed increased anxiety‐related behaviours, including reduced time exploring the open arm in the elevated plus maze test and light chamber in the light‐dark box test. Serum levels of corticosterone were increased in LPS male offspring, indicating activation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis. Corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) protein expression and c‐Fos positive cells were increased in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in LPS male offspring, which presented with an increased number of microglia.

Conclusion

This study suggests that prenatal vaginal infection increases anxiety‐like behaviour in male offspring, possibly via activation of the HPA axis.
Dynamic seal – rear retainer least and maximum material conditions
Authors: Chouchaoui Ben , Gutierrez Joe
Published: April 2019

The objective of this article is to help practitioners and management arrive at more compact, efficient and lightweight engines for vehicles. It aims to do this by providing details of a study that involved converting a heavily machined aluminium rear retainer – which interfaces a dynamic seal – to nylon 66, for Ford Motor Co. Cost analysis, materials testing, design parameter definitions, virtual modelling, process simulation, prototyping and testing are discussed in a system perspective, including manufacturing tolerances.
Carbonate and silicate weathering in glacial environments and its relation to atmospheric CO2 cycling in the Himalaya
Authors: Shukla Tanuj , Sundriyal Shipika , Stachnik Lukasz , Mehta Manish
Published: April 2019

This paper presents new insights into the global carbon cycle related to CO2 consumption from chemical denudation in heavily glacierised Himalayan catchments. Data from previous studies of solute concentrations from glacierised catchments were reprocessed to determine the regional scale of CO2 consumption and solute hydrolysis. The results show that ~90% of the SO42− is derived from crustal sulphide oxidation and ~10% from aerosols and sea salts. However, HCO3− flux calculation estimates contribution from sulphide oxidation to carbonate dissolution (SO-CD) (~21%), similar to the contributions from silicate dissolution and simple hydrolysis (~21 and ~20%, respectively). Furthermore, the atmospheric CO2 consumption estimations suggests 10.6 × 104 mole km−2 a−1 (19%) through silicate weathering, 15.7 × 104 mole km−2 a−1 (28%) through simple hydrolysis, 9.6 × 104 mole km−2 a−1 (17%) through SO-CD reaction and 5.9 × 104 mole km−2 a−1 (11%) through carbonate carbonation reaction. Our solute provenance calculations clearly indicate that HCO3− production and CO2 consumption via silicate weathering reactions is balanced by the simple hydrolysis and coupled SO-CD process. This shows a counter mechanism operating in subglacial environments of the Himalaya as a source of CO2 to runoff rather than a sink.
ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: THE CASE OF CHINA
Authors: Xu Guangdong , Xu Wenming , Gui Binwei
Published: April 2019

China's economic miracle has been achieved at considerable environmental cost. To fight against environmental pollution more effectively, the Chinese government established the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) in 2008. This study investigates the stock market reaction to this event and finds that, on average, listed firms in polluting industries experienced a statistically and economically significant negative abnormal return on the event date, which implies that the compliance costs of these polluting firms are expected to increase. In addition, this study finds that enterprises with different ownership styles and different political influence experienced different price reactions during the event window. More specifically, state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in general experienced a less negative abnormal return over different event windows, and provincial SOEs perform much better than central SOEs and sub-provincial SOEs.
SHARIʿA AS TABOO OF MODERN LAW: HALAL FOOD, ISLAMOPHOBIA, AND CHINA
Authors: Erie Matthew S.
Published: April 2019

Why is shariʿa the taboo of modern law? This article examines the “spread of halal” controversy in China as a window to assess how nativist public opinion influences state law and policy whereas state law is foreclosed to providing protection to rights provided for in shariʿa. Among Chinese Muslims (Hui), qingzhen (lit. “pure” plus “true”) or “halal” is the kernel of their localized shariʿa, and one that prohibits consuming pork. The symbol qingzhen has proliferated in the course of China's economic modernization such that it pervades the public sphere, creating anxiety among Han Chinese that Chinese society and government is becoming “Islamicized.” Hui fear that the profusion of qingzhen foments food insecurity and endangers truth in labeling. In response, they have sought greater protection for their diluted core symbol in national legislation—attempts which have only exacerbated Hui-Han relations. Based on observations from over seven years of field research and interviews with Hui legal entrepreneurs, and drawing from the anthropology of taboo, I explain the debate in China by taking the Hui idea of shariʿa as a taboo to reflexively think about how secular non-Muslim states regard shariʿa as the taboo of modern law.
PRESENT, FUTURE AND PAST IN THEHOMERIC HYMN TO APOLLO
Authors: Passmore Oliver
Published: April 2019

Within Classics, there is growing interest in the nature of reperformance, particularly in relation to archaic and classical Greek poetry and drama. Developing out of the now well-established ‘performative turn’ in studies of early Greek song, and gaining impetus from a series of publications focussing on the contextual specificity of archaic lyric and drama, those interested in reperformance ask what it means for a song or a play, composed for a specific occasion, to be reperformed in another time and (potentially) another place. While interest in reperformance is certainly not new, the debate is now increasingly taking place in dialogue with parallel studies of reperformance in other disciplines. Research in performance studies has articulated a paradox at the heart of reperformance: since aperformanceis imagined as a singular event that exists only in that moment, and in a specific context,reperformance is an attempt to repeat the unique. Theorists and practitioners have in turn explored this paradox in relation to the restagings and re-enactments of one-time events and performances, such as battle re-enactments, the reconstruction of ballet choreographies before the days of film and live performance art. These examples reveal the complex temporalities involved in reperforming notionally one-time events, as an attempt to capture the ephemeral and collapse the present and the past (as well as the there and the not-there) in the ‘syncopated time’ of the reperformance.
Deflated Dreams: The EPA's Bubble Policy and the Politics of Uncertainty in Regulatory Reform
Authors: Halvorson Charles
Published: April 2019

In the late 1970s, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled the bubble policy as a central part of Jimmy Carter's plan to reform environmental regulations that many believed had grown too proscriptive and too costly for American industry. Since the EPA's formation, regulators had dictated method and means for reducing air pollution. The bubble returned the prerogative to business. But despite bipartisan support, the bubble never took off. Drawing on EPA records and interviews, this article shows how skeptical regulators intentionally made the bubble unwieldy, driving away businesses wary of uncertainty. Though Ronald Reagan's election seemed to lift the bubble's fortunes, his undiscerning assault on the administrative state ironically deflated the EPA's development of a viable alternative to the proscriptive model.
The Household Workers of the East India Company Ports of Pre-Colonial Bengal
Authors: Chakraborty Titas
Published: April 2019

This article examines the various experiences of slavery and freedom of female household workers in the Dutch and English East India Company (VOC and EIC, respectively) ports in Bengal in the early eighteenth century. Enslaved household workers in Bengal came from various Asian societies dotting the Indian Ocean littoral. Once manumitted, they entered the fold of the free Christian or Portuguese communities of the settlements. The most common, if not the only, occupation of the women of these communities was household or caregiving labour. The patriarchy of the settlements was defined by the labour and subjection of these women. Yet, domestic service to VOC/EIC officials only partially explains their subjectivity. This article identifies the agency of enslaved and women of free Christian or Portuguese communities in their efforts to resist or bypass the institution of the European household in the settlements. These efforts ranged from murdering their slave masters to creating independent businesses to the formation of sexual liaisons and parental/fraternal/sororal relationships disregarding the approval or needs of their settlement masters.
Kaumātua mana motuhake in action: developing a culture-centred peer support programme for managing transitions in later life
Authors: Simpson Mary Louisa , Greensill Hineiti-Moana , Nock Sophie , Meha Pare , Harding Truely , Shelford Pita , Hokowhitu Brendan , Oetzel John , Reddy Rangimahora
Published: April 2019

New Zealand's ageing population and health inequities for Māori (Indigenous peoples) have prompted calls for innovative, culturally based approaches to improving health and wellbeing, and managing transitions in later life. This is particularly important for kaumātua (Māori elders) who, despite cultural strength and resilience, carry a significant burden in health, economic and social inequities. This paper describes the culture-centred development of a ‘tuakana‒teina’ (elder sibling‒younger sibling) peer support education programme designed to help kaumātua support other kaumātua experiencing transitions in later life. Taking a strengths-based approach that highlights ‘kaumātua mana motuhake’ (elder independence and autonomy), the study used kaupapa Māori (Māori approach, knowledge, skills, attitudes and values) and community-based participatory research methodology, to develop and pilot a culture-centred tuakana‒teina/peer education programme. Methods included establishing two advisory groups (one of kaumātua and one of sector experts); holding five focus groups with kaumātua; and running a pilot programme with 21 kaumātua. The findings demonstrate the value in a strengths-based approach that centralises Māori culture and kaumātua potential, capacity and ability, and recognises the continuing value and contribution of kaumātua to society. The study helps shift the focus from dominant stereotypes of ageing populations as a burden on society and shows the value of kaumātua supporting others during transitions in later life.
STABLE SETS OF CERTAIN NON-UNIFORMLY HYPERBOLIC HORSESHOES HAVE THE EXPECTED DIMENSION
Authors: Matheus Carlos , Palis Jacob , Yoccoz Jean-Christophe
Published: April 2019

We show that the stable and unstable sets of non-uniformly hyperbolic horseshoes arising in some heteroclinic bifurcations of surface diffeomorphisms have the value conjectured in a previous work by the second and third authors of the present paper. Our results apply to first heteroclinic bifurcations associated with horseshoes with Hausdorff dimension ${<}22/21$ of conservative surface diffeomorphisms.
Phonon-assisted carrier transport through a lattice-mismatched interface
Authors: Yoon Hyong Seo , Oh Juyeong , Park Jae Young , Kang JeongSeob , Kwon Junyoung , Cusati Teresa , Fiori Gianluca , Iannaccone Giuseppe , Fortunelli Alessandro , Ozcelik V. Ongun , Lee Gwan-Hyoung , Low Tony , Jun Seong Chan
Published: April 2019

MoS2 typically exhibits unconventional layer-thickness-dependent electronic properties. It also exhibits layer-dependent band structures including indirect-to-direct band transitions, owing to which the electronic and carrier transport properties of a lattice-mismatched, conducting, two-dimensional junction are distinct with the naturally stepwise junction behaving as a 1D junction. We found distinguishable effects at the interface of vertically stacked MoS2. The results revealed that misorientationally stacked layers exhibited significantly low junction resistance and independent energy bandgaps without bending owing to their effectively decoupled behavior. Further, phonon-assisted carriers dominantly affected the lattice-mismatched interface owing to its low junction resistance, as determined via low-temperature measurement. Our results could facilitate the realization of high-performance MoS2 transistors with small contact resistances caused by lattice mismatching.
An above-room-temperature phosphonium-based molecular ferroelectric perovskite, [(CH3)4P]CdCl3, with Sb3+-doped luminescence
Authors: Zhou Lin , Shi Ping-Ping , Liu Xiao-Ming , Feng Jing-Chun , Ye Qiong , Yao Ye-Feng , Fu Da-Wei , Li Peng-Fei , You Yu-Meng , Zhang Yi , Xiong Ren-Gen
Published: April 2019

Molecular ferroelectrics are attracting tremendous interest because of their low cost, mechanical flexibility, easy processing, low weight, and low acoustical impedance. Moreover, their combination of ferroelectric and optical properties has led to investigations of their many potential applications, such as low-energy electron excitation and field emission displays. However, luminescent molecular ferroelectrics have rarely been reported, except for several AMnX3-type or lanthanide ion-based luminescent ferroelectrics. Here, we report the first above-room-temperature phosphonium-based molecular ferroelectric perovskite, [(CH3)4P]CdCl3 (1), with a high Curie temperature (Tc = 348 K) and moderate remanent polarization (Pr = 0.43 μC/cm2). Using piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM), the typical stripe-like domains of ferroelectrics can be observed. Moreover, 1 exhibits orange luminescence under UV excitation after doping with Sb3+, which represents a first step toward realizing luminescence-enhanced molecular ferroelectrics with various wavelengths. These results will inspire the further exploration of phosphonium-based ferroelectrics and pave the way toward practical applications in ferroelectric luminescence and/or multifunctional devices.
An alternative CTCF isoform antagonizes canonical CTCF occupancy and changes chromatin architecture to promote apoptosis
Authors: Li Jiao , Huang Kaimeng , Hu Gongcheng , Babarinde Isaac A. , Li Yaoyi , Dong Xiaotao , Chen Yu-Sheng , Shang Liping , Guo Wenjing , Wang Junwei , Chen Zhaoming , Hutchins Andrew P. , Yang Yun-Gui , Yao Hongjie
Published: April 2019

CTCF plays key roles in gene regulation, chromatin insulation, imprinting, X chromosome inactivation and organizing the higher-order chromatin architecture of mammalian genomes. Previous studies have mainly focused on the roles of the canonical CTCF isoform. Here, we explore the functions of an alternatively spliced human CTCF isoform in which exons 3 and 4 are skipped, producing a shorter isoform (CTCF-s). Functionally, we find that CTCF-s competes with the genome binding of canonical CTCF and binds a similar DNA sequence. CTCF-s binding disrupts CTCF/cohesin binding, alters CTCF-mediated chromatin looping and promotes the activation of IFI6 that leads to apoptosis. This effect is caused by an abnormal long-range interaction at the IFI6 enhancer and promoter. Taken together, this study reveals a non-canonical function for CTCF-s that antagonizes the genomic binding of canonical CTCF and cohesin, and that modulates chromatin looping and causes apoptosis by stimulating IFI6 expression.
Nitrogen-plasma treated hafnium oxyhydroxide as an efficient acid-stable electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution and oxidation reactions
Authors: Yang Xiaofang , Zhao Fang , Yeh Yao-Wen , Selinsky Rachel S. , Chen Zhu , Yao Nan , Tully Christopher G. , Ju Yiguang , Koel Bruce E.
Published: April 2019

Development of earth-abundant electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution and oxidation reactions in strong acids represents a great challenge for developing high efficiency, durable, and cost effective electrolyzers and fuel cells. We report herein that hafnium oxyhydroxide with incorporated nitrogen by treatment using an atmospheric nitrogen plasma demonstrates high catalytic activity and stability for both hydrogen evolution and oxidation reactions in strong acidic media using earth-abundant materials. The observed properties are especially important for unitized regenerative fuel cells using polymer electrolyte membranes. Our results indicate that nitrogen-modified hafnium oxyhydroxide could be a true alternative for platinum as an active and stable electrocatalyst, and furthermore that nitrogen plasma treatment may be useful in activating other non-conductive materials to form new active electrocatalysts.
Meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies provides insights into genetic control of tomato flavor
Authors: Zhao Jiantao , Sauvage Christopher , Zhao Jinghua , Bitton Frédérique , Bauchet Guillaume , Liu Dan , Huang Sanwen , Tieman Denise M. , Klee Harry J. , Causse Mathilde
Published: April 2019

Tomato flavor has changed over the course of long-term domestication and intensive breeding. To understand the genetic control of flavor, we report the meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using 775 tomato accessions and 2,316,117 SNPs from three GWAS panels. We discover 305 significant associations for the contents of sugars, acids, amino acids, and flavor-related volatiles. We demonstrate that fruit citrate and malate contents have been impacted by selection during domestication and improvement, while sugar content has undergone less stringent selection. We suggest that it may be possible to significantly increase volatiles that positively contribute to consumer preferences while reducing unpleasant volatiles, by selection of the relevant allele combinations. Our results provide genetic insights into the influence of human selection on tomato flavor and demonstrate the benefits obtained from meta-analysis.
On demand synthesis of hollow fullerene nanostructures
Authors: Han Fei , Wang Ruoxu , Feng Yuhua , Wang Shaoyan , Liu Lingmei , Li Xinghua , Han Yu , Chen Hongyu
Published: April 2019

Hollow nanostructures are widely used in chemistry, materials, bioscience, and medicine, but their fabrication remains a great challenge. In particular, there is no effective strategy for their assembly and interconnection. We bring pottery, the oldest and simplest method of fabricating hollow containers, into the nanoscale. By exploiting the liquid nature of the xylene template, fullerene hollow nanostructures of tailored shapes, such as bowls, bottles, and cucurbits, are readily synthesized. The liquid templates permit stepwise and versatile manipulation and hence, modular assembly of nodes and junctions leads to interconnected hollow systems. As a proof-of-concept, we create multi-compartment nano-containers, with different nanoparticles isolated in the separate pockets. This methodology expands the synthetic freedom for hollow nanostructures, building a bridge from isolated hollow units to interconnected hollow systems.
Deep brain stimulation of the internal capsule enhances human cognitive control and prefrontal cortex function
Authors: Widge A. S. , Zorowitz S. , Basu I. , Paulk A. C. , Cash S. S. , Eskandar E. N. , Deckersbach T. , Miller E. K. , Dougherty D. D.
Published: April 2019

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a circuit-oriented treatment for mental disorders. Unfortunately, even well-conducted psychiatric DBS clinical trials have yielded inconsistent symptom relief, in part because DBS’ mechanism(s) of action are unclear. One clue to those mechanisms may lie in the efficacy of ventral internal capsule/ventral striatum (VCVS) DBS in both major depression (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). MDD and OCD both involve deficits in cognitive control. Cognitive control depends on prefrontal cortex (PFC) regions that project into the VCVS. Here, we show that VCVS DBS’ effect is explained in part by enhancement of PFC-driven cognitive control. DBS improves human subjects’ performance on a cognitive control task and increases theta (5–8Hz) oscillations in both medial and lateral PFC. The theta increase predicts subjects’ clinical outcomes. Our results suggest a possible mechanistic approach to DBS therapy, based on tuning stimulation to optimize these neurophysiologic phenomena.
Mid infrared gas spectroscopy using efficient fiber laser driven photonic chip-based supercontinuum
Authors: Grassani Davide , Tagkoudi Eirini , Guo Hairun , Herkommer Clemens , Yang Fan , Kippenberg Tobias J. , Brès Camille-Sophie
Published: April 2019

Directly accessing the middle infrared, the molecular functional group spectral region, via supercontinuum generation processes based on turn-key fiber lasers offers the undeniable advantage of simplicity and robustness. Recently, the assessment of the coherence of the mid-IR dispersive wave in silicon nitride (Si3N4) waveguides, pumped at telecom wavelength, established an important first step towards mid-IR frequency comb generation based on such compact systems. Yet, the spectral reach and efficiency still fall short for practical implementation. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that large cross-section Si3N4 waveguides pumped with 2 μm fs-fiber laser can reach the important spectroscopic spectral region in the 3–4 μm range, with up to 35% power conversion and milliwatt-level output powers. As a proof of principle, we use this source for detection of C2H2 by absorption spectroscopy. Such result makes these sources suitable candidate for compact, chip-integrated spectroscopic and sensing applications.
Polymeric foams for flexible and highly sensitive low-pressure capacitive sensors
Authors: Pruvost Mickaël , Smit Wilbert J. , Monteux Cécile , Poulin Philippe , Colin Annie
Published: April 2019

Flexible low-pressure sensors ( <10 kPa) are required in areas as diverse as blood-pressure monitoring, human–computer interactions, robotics, and object detection. For applications, it is essential that these sensors combine flexibility, high sensitivity, robustness, and low production costs. Previous works involve surface micro-patterning, electronic amplification (OFET), and hydrogels. However, these solutions are limited as they involve complex processes, large bias voltages, large energy consumption, or are sensitive to evaporation. Here, we report a major advance to solve the challenge of scalable, efficient and robust e-skin. We present an unconventional capacitive sensor based on composite foam materials filled with conductive carbon black particles. Owing to the elastic buckling of the foam pores, the sensitivity exceeds 35 kPa−1 for pressure <0.2 kPa. These performances are one order of magnitude higher than the ones previously reported. These materials are low-cost, easy to prepare, and display high capacitance values, which are easy to measure using low-cost electronics. These materials pave the road for the implementation of e-skin in commercialized applications.
Ash clouds temperature estimation. Implication on dilute and concentrated PDCs coupling and topography confinement
Authors: Pensa A. , Capra L. , Giordano G.
Published: April 2019

Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) are among the most hazardous of all volcanic processes in terms of high speeds and unpredictable extent. While concentrated PDCs are usually topographically confined, the dilute counterpart (ash cloud) is able to overrun topographic barriers, with unexpected trajectories posing a high risk for human settlements around the volcano. Here, for the first time, the temperature of an ash could, for a PDC originated during the 11 July, 2015 Volcán de Colima eruption, is determined, without pre-installed instruments, based on the degree of charcoaling of trees affected by the ash cloud. Temperature estimations were performed using Reflectance analysis and microtomography images processing of pine wood charred fragments. The combination of these two independent and well-established methods to organic matter charred in a volcanic environment constitutes a pioneering attempt for the indirect temperature estimation of dilute pyroclastic density currents (PDCs). Charcoal fragments were sampled at different heights along tree trunks outstanding from the PDC deposit. Both the temperatures obtained from charcoal analyses (reflectance and microtomography) and observation of damages to the tree trunks allowed to distinguish: (i) a lower Zone A, which extends 150–180 cm above the top of the PDC deposit, where trunks show peeled bark and multiple lithic impacts; temperature values are equal or slightly higher than the underlying deposit for the entire length of the valley; (ii) an upper Zone B, developed above 150–180 cm from the top of the PDC deposit, where trees are only burned without any block impact marks; temperature estimations for Zone B are comparable with the PDC deposit temperature range from proximal to distal areas. The temperature data indicate that the 11 July, 2015 Colima PDC event, the ash cloud was always thermally coupled with the under-running concentrated flow for the entire length of the ravine, explaining the observed strong vertical uplift of the ash cloud and the substantial absence of ash cloud detachments along flow. A corollary of our study is that, should a detachment have occurred, the ash cloud surge would have had initial temperatures as high as the one carried by the high concentration part of the PDC. A major outcome of our study is that the temperature estimation of ash clouds bears important implication in terms of hazard assessment for pyroclastic density currents along narrow valleys that usually cut the steep slopes of stratovolcanoes.
Yang’s Classification of Juvenile TMJ Anterior Disc Displacement Contributing to Treatment protocols
Authors: Shen Pei , Xie Qianyang , Ma Zhigui , Abdelrehem Ahmed , Zhang Shanyong , Yang Chi
Published: April 2019

This study aims to establish a new staging system of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) anterior disc displacement (ADD) and evaluate its role in guiding the treatment plan. A consecutive sample of 522 juvenile patients (780 joints) diagnosed as ADD based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was included and analyzed. 674 joints received TMJ treatments according to our staging system, while 106 joints rejected any treatment; only for follow-up. The outcomes were judged according to our success criteria. The prognosis of our staging system was also evaluated in comparison to Wilkes classification. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that significant stratifications of the ameliorative rate were found at all subgroups within any two stages in our staging system, except for subgroups between stages 0 and 1, stages 2 and 3, and stages 3 and 4. After analyzing the interactions between different candidate prognostic factors in a Cox model, the relative risks of deterioration of ADD included treatment methods (HR = 42.94, P < 0.0001), disease course (HR = 0.98, P = 0.0019), stages of ADD (HR = 3.81, 9.62, 12.14, P = 0.016, 0.000,0.000 respectively for stage 2, stage 3 and stage 4) and the interaction between ADD stages and treatment methods. The C index of this model was 0.87. The new staging system of TMJ ADD appears reliable, and benefits to making treatment planning and predicting the prognosis.
A Machine Learning Approach for the Identification of a Biomarker of Human Pain using fNIRS
Authors: Fernandez Rojas Raul , Huang Xu , Ou Keng-Liang
Published: April 2019

Pain is a highly unpleasant sensory and emotional experience, and no objective diagnosis test exists to assess it. In clinical practice there are two main methods for the estimation of pain, a patient’s self-report and clinical judgement. However, these methods are highly subjective and the need of biomarkers to measure pain is important to improve pain management, reduce risk factors, and contribute to a more objective, valid, and reliable diagnosis. Therefore, in this study we propose the use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and machine learning for the identification of a possible biomarker of pain. We collected pain information from 18 volunteers using the thermal test of the quantitative sensory testing (QST) protocol, according to temperature level (cold and hot) and pain intensity (low and high). Feature extraction was completed in three different domains (time, frequency, and wavelet), and a total of 69 features were obtained. Feature selection was carried out according to three criteria, information gain (IG), joint mutual information (JMI), and Chi-squared (χ2). The significance of each feature ranking was evaluated using three learning models separately, linear discriminant analysis (LDA), the K-nearest neighbour (K-NN) and support vector machines (SVM) using the linear and Gaussian and polynomial kernels. The results showed that the Gaussian SVM presented the highest accuracy (94.17%) using only 25 features to identify the four types of pain in our database. In addition, we propose the use of the top 13 features according to the JMI criteria, which exhibited an accuracy of 89.44%, as promising biomarker of pain. This study contributes to the idea of developing an objective assessment of pain and proposes a potential biomarker of human pain using fNIRS.
Classifying grey seal behaviour in relation to environmental variability and commercial fishing activity - a multivariate hidden Markov model
Authors: van Beest Floris M. , Mews Sina , Elkenkamp Svenja , Schuhmann Patrick , Tsolak Dorian , Wobbe Till , Bartolino Valerio , Bastardie Francois , Dietz Rune , von Dorrien Christian , Galatius Anders , Karlsson Olle , McConnell Bernie , Nabe-Nielsen Jacob , Olsen Morten Tange , Teilmann Jonas , Langrock Roland
Published: April 2019

Classifying movement behaviour of marine predators in relation to anthropogenic activity and environmental conditions is important to guide marine conservation. We studied the relationship between grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) behaviour and environmental variability in the southwestern Baltic Sea where seal-fishery conflicts are increasing. We used multiple environmental covariates and proximity to active fishing nets within a multivariate hidden Markov model (HMM) to quantify changes in movement behaviour of grey seals while at sea. Dive depth, dive duration, surface duration, horizontal displacement, and turning angle were used to identify travelling, resting and foraging states. The likelihood of seals foraging increased in deeper, colder, more saline waters, which are sites with increased primary productivity and possibly prey densities. Proximity to active fishing net also had a pronounced effect on state occupancy. The probability of seals foraging was highest <5 km from active fishing nets (51%) and decreased as distance to nets increased. However, seals used sites <5 km from active fishing nets only 3% of their time at sea highlighting an important temporal dimension in seal-fishery interactions. By coupling high-resolution oceanographic, fisheries, and grey seal movement data, our study provides a scientific basis for designing management strategies that satisfy ecological and socioeconomic demands on marine ecosystems.
Vinculin Force Sensor Detects Tumor-Osteocyte Interactions
Authors: Li Fangjia , Chen Andy , Reeser Andrew , Wang Yue , Fan Yao , Liu Shengzhi , Zhao Xinyu , Prakash Rahul , Kota Divya , Li Bai-Yan , Yokota Hiroki , Liu Jing
Published: April 2019

This study utilized a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based molecular tension sensor and live cell imaging to evaluate the effect of osteocytes, a mechanosensitive bone cell, on the migratory behavior of tumor cells. Two cell lines derived from MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were transfected with the vinculin tension sensor to quantitatively evaluate the force in focal adhesions of the tumor cell. Tumor cells treated with MLO-A5 osteocyte-conditioned media (CM) decreased the tensile forces in their focal adhesions and decreased their migratory potential. Tumor cells treated with media derived from MLO-A5 cells exposed to fluid flow-driven shear stress (FFCM) increased the tensile forces and increased migratory potential. Focal adhesion tension in tumor cells was also affected by distance from MLO-A5 cells when the two cells were co-cultured, where tumor cells close to MLO-A5 cells exhibited lower tension and decreased cell motility. Overall, this study demonstrates that focal adhesion tension is involved in altered migratory potential of tumor cells, and tumor-osteocyte interactions decrease the tension and motility of tumor cells.
Human cells are permissive for the productive infection of porcine circovirus type 2 in vitro
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Ouyang Ting , Ouyang Hongsheng , Liu Xiaohua , Niu Guyu , Huo Wang , Yin Weihong , Pang Daxin , Ren Linzhu
Published: April 2019

Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) is the main pathogen of porcine circovirus diseases and porcine circovirus-associated diseases, which are widespread in swine-producing countries. However, there is controversy regarding the susceptibility of human cells to PCV2 infection. In this study, human cell lines were infected with PCV2 and blind passaged several times. PCV2 entered and replicated in human cells, and infectious virions were generated, indicating that human cell lines were permissive to PCV2 replication. Furthermore, PCV2 replication in human cell lines was enhanced by D-glucosamine or concanavalin A (ConA). However, the infection efficiency of PCV2 was lower in human cells than in PK-15 cells, suggesting that PCV2 infection was limited in human cells. Our study reveals that human cells are permissive for the productive infection of porcine circovirus type 2 in vitro.
Self-immolative systems for the disclosure of reactive electrophilic alkylating agents
Authors: Acton Aaron L. , Leroux Flavien , Feula Antonio , Melia Kelly , Sambrook Mark R. , Hayes Wayne , Russell Andrew T.
Published: April 2019

We report the design, synthesis and assessment of the first examples of self-immolative systems triggered by reactive non-acidic electrophilic agents such as alkyl or benzylic halides.
Multitasking behaviour of a small organic compound: solid state bright white-light emission, mechanochromism and ratiometric sensing of Al(iii) and pyrophosphate
Authors: Sinha Sanghamitra , Chowdhury Bijit , Ghorai Uttam Kumar , Ghosh Pradyut
Published: April 2019

Solid state bright white-light emission, mechanochromism and ratiometric fluorescence sensing of Al3+ and pyrophosphate by a single organic molecule are demonstrated.
Selective liquid phase oxidation of ethyl benzene to acetophenone by palladium nanoparticles immobilized on a g-C3N4–rGO composite as a recyclable catalyst
Authors: Nilforoushan Sheyda , Ghiaci Mehran , Hosseini Sayyed Mahdi , Laurent Sophie , Muller Robert N.
Published: April 2019

A hybrid structure g-C3N4–rGO with honeycomb units was prepared for immobilizing Pd nanoparticles by a simple wet impregnation method.
Enhancement in sustained release of antimicrobial peptide and BMP-2 from degradable three dimensional-printed PLGA scaffold for bone regeneration
Authors: Chen Lei , Shao Liping , Wang Fengping , Huang Yifan , Gao Fenghui
Published: April 2019

One of the goals of bone tissue engineering is to create scaffolds with well-defined, inter-connected pores, excellent biocompatibility and osteoinductive ability.
Au nanoparticles with enzyme-mimicking activity-ornamented ZIF-8 for highly efficient photodynamic therapy
Authors: Ma Yin-Chu , Zhu Yan-Hua , Tang Xin-Feng , Hang Li-Feng , Jiang Wei , Li Min , Khan Malik Ihsanullah , You Ye-Zi , Wang Yu-Cai
Published: April 2019

nMOFs embellished with an AuNP nanozyme have great potential to generate O2 for overcoming the tumor hypoxic microenvironment for photodynamic therapy.
The road to aryl CH⋯anion binding was paved with good intentions: fundamental studies, host design, and historical perspectives in CH hydrogen bonding
Authors: Eytel Lisa M. , Fargher Hazel A. , Haley Michael M. , Johnson Darren W.
Published: April 2019

This feature article highlights recent approaches to anion recognition with a focus on aryl CH hydrogen bonds.
A two-dimensional crystal formed by pentamers on Au(111)
Authors: Yuan Chenyang , Xue Na , Zhang Xue , Zhang Yajie , Li Na , Xue Qiang , Wu Tianhao , Hou Shimin , Wang Yongfeng
Published: April 2019

A new type of two-dimensional crystal comprising supramolecular pentamers on Au(111) is studied using an ultra-high vacuum low-temperature scanning tunnelling microscope.
Porous aluminum electrodes with 3D channels and zig-zag edges for efficient hydrogen evolution
Authors: Periasamy Arun Prakash , Sriram Pavithra , Chen Yu-Wen , Wu Chien-Wei , Yen Ta-Jen , Chang Huan-Tsung
Published: April 2019

A porous aluminum electrode formed through base and acid treatments, and anodization exhibits improved electro- and photo-electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen production.
Cyclopenta[b]thiopyran and cyclopenta[b]selenopyran based heteroarenes: electronic communication between S- and/or Se-fused aromatics
Authors: Qiao Yanjun , Lu Yifan , Chen Weinan , Chen Yijing , Baumgarten Martin , Zhou Gang
Published: April 2019

Electronic communications between S- and/or Se-heteroarenes containing cyclopenta[b]thiopyran and cyclopenta[b]selenopyran moieties have been investigated.
Single crystal growth of bulk InGaZnO4 and analysis of its intrinsic transport properties
Authors: Tanaka Yusuke , Wada Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Yuki , Fujii Takenori , Denholme Saleem J. , Sekine Ryotaro , Kase Naoki , Kimizuka Noboru , Miyakawa Nobuaki
Published: April 2019

Large, high-quality InGaZnO4 single crystals grown by high-pressure optical floating zone method and its electrical and optical properties.
Reaction mechanism between small-sized Ce clusters and water molecules II: anab initioinvestigation on Cen(n= 1–3) +mH2O (m= 2–6)
Authors: Zhou Rulong , Ma Shanshan , Yang Yang , Li Dongdong , Qu Bingyan , Zeng Xiao Cheng
Published: April 2019

The reaction mechanism of small-sized cerium clusters Cen(n= 1–3) with more water molecules is systematically investigated theoretically.
Microscopic origin of the scattering pre-peak in aqueous propylamine mixtures: X-ray and neutron experiments versus simulations
Authors: Almásy László , Kuklin Alexander I. , Požar Martina , Baptista Anthony , Perera Aurélien
Published: April 2019

The structure of aqueous propylamine mixtures is investigated through X-ray and neutron scattering experiments, and the scattered intensities compared with computer simulation data.
V2O5/TiO2 and V2O5/TiO2–SO42− catalysts for the total oxidation of chlorobenzene: one-step sol–gel preparation vs. two-step impregnation
Authors: Gannoun C. , Delaigle R. , Ghorbel A. , Gaigneaux E. M.
Published: April 2019

This paper examines the effect of the preparation method of sulfated and unsulfated V2O5/TiO2 catalysts on chlorobenzene total oxidation.
Mesoporous 3D network Ce-doped NiO nanoflakes as high performance electrodes for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Saranya P. E. , Selladurai S.
Published: April 2019

In the present study, pristine NiO- and Ce (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2%)-doped NiO nanoflakes were synthesised using the sol–gel method for supercapacitor applications.
Alternative modes of bonding of C4F8 units in mononuclear and binuclear iron carbonyl complexes
Authors: Huang Liping , Li Jing , Li Guoliang , Xie Yaoming , King R. Bruce , Schaefer Henry F.
Published: April 2019

The lowest energy C4F8Fe(CO)4 structure is not the experimentally known ferracyclopentane complex but instead isomeric (perfluorobutene)iron tetracarbonyls. However, activation energies for the fluorine shifts required to form the latter isomers are very high. The lowest energy (C4F8)2Fe2(CO)n (n = 7, 6) structures have bridging perfluorocarbene and terminal perfluoroolefin ligands.
Identification and structural characterization of the stress degradation products of omeprazole using Q-TOF-LC-ESI-MS/MS and NMR experiments: evaluation of the toxicity of the degradation products
Authors: Shankar G. , Borkar Roshan M. , Udutha Suresh , Kanakaraju M. , Charan G. Sai , Misra S. , Srinivas R.
Published: April 2019

Omeprazole (OMP), a prototype proton pump inhibitor used for the treatment of peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), was subjected to forced degradation studies as per ICH guidelines Q1A (R2).
The rational synthesis of aerosol-assisted alumina powders having uniform mesopores and highly accessible surfaces
Authors: Maruoka Hirokazu , Kimura Tatsuo
Published: April 2019

Several important factors to fabricate high-quality aerosol-assisted mesoporous alumina powders are summarized by considering rational and reliable synthetic routes.
Lysosome-targeted carbon dots for ratiometric imaging of formaldehyde in living cells
Authors: Liu Haifang , Sun Yuanqiang , Li Zhaohui , Yang Jie , Aryee Aaron Albert , Qu Lingbo , Du Dan , Lin Yuehe
Published: April 2019

CDs based ratiometric fluorescent probe for formaldehyde was developed and successfully employed in bioimaging of formaldehyde in lysosome.
Enhanced high rate capability of Li intercalation in planar and edge defect-rich MoS2 nanosheets
Authors: Budumuru Akshay Kumar , Rakesh Benadict , Sudakar Chandran
Published: April 2019

Defects in MoS2 nanosheets improve the rate capability and cycling stability in the intercalation regime. Li adsorbed at defect sites facilitates a high power density.
Sustainable bio-based furan epoxy resin with flame retardancy
Authors: Meng Jingjing , Zeng Yushun , Zhu Guiqin , Zhang Jie , Chen Pengfei , Cheng Yao , Fang Zheng , Guo Kai
Published: April 2019

A sugar-based bis-furan diepoxide (OmbFdE) was developed which imparted epoxy resins with excellent fire retardancy.
Transformation of polyethylene into a vitrimer by nitroxide radical coupling of a bis-dioxaborolane
Authors: Caffy Florent , Nicolaÿ Renaud
Published: April 2019

This work reports the synthesis and characterization of HDPE vitrimers obtained via reactive extrusion in the presence of bis-nitroxide dioxaborolanes.
Preparation of Sn-aminoclay (SnAC)-templated Fe3O4 nanoparticles as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Pham Tuyet Nhung , Tanaji Salunkhe Tejaswi , Choi Jin-Seok , Lee Hyun Uk , Kim Il Tae , Lee Young-Chul
Published: April 2019

Sn-aminoclay (SnAC)/Fe3O4 NPs – a promising hybrid electrode to offer great electrochemical performance with a high initial discharge of 980 mA h g−1 and good capacity retention of 89% after 100 cycles.
Highly selective and sensitive fluorescent probe for the rapid detection of mercury ions
Authors: Xu Zujun , Shi Wenxiu , Yang Chengjun , Xu Jing , Liu Huapeng , Xu Jing , Zhu Baocun
Published: April 2019

A novel water-soluble, highly selective and sensitive rapid-response fluorescent probe was developed to monitor mercury ions in real water samples.