bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
C-doped ZnO decorated with Au nanoparticles constructed from the metal–organic framework ZIF-8 for photodegradation of organic dyes
Authors: Chang Qiang-Qiang , Cui Yi-Wei , Zhang Hai-Huan , Chang Fei , Zhu Bao-Hua , Yu Shi-Yong
Published: April 2019

C-doped ZnO decorated with Au nanoparticles (Au/C-ZnO) were prepared via one step pyrolysis of ZIF-8 adsorbing HAuCl4.
Thermodynamic simulation of syngas production through combined biomass gasification and methane reformation
Authors: Terrell Evan , Theegala Chandra S.
Published: April 2019

Combined biomass gasification and methane reformation is studied yielding syngas with improved characteristics for the production of chemicals and energy.
Synthesis of polyoxometalate clusters using carbohydrates as reducing agents leads to isomer-selection
Authors: Janusson Eric , de Kler Noël , Vilà-Nadal Laia , Long De-Liang , Cronin Leroy
Published: April 2019

By using sugars as the reducing agents, we demonstrate that it is possible to control the self-assembly of polyoxomolybdates through selective preparation of a single heteropolyanion isomer.
Effect of scaffold structures on the artificial light-harvesting systems: a case study with an AIEE-active pillar[5]arene dyad
Authors: Zhu Yao , Xu Linxian , Wang Lingyun , Tang Hao , Cao Derong
Published: April 2019

The presence of a supramolecular polymeric scaffold structure enhanced the energy transfer capacity of the artificial light-harvesting nanoparticles.
Redefining the photo-stability of common fluorophores with triplet state quenchers: mechanistic insights and recent updates
Authors: Gong Wanjun , Das Pintu , Samanta Soham , Xiong Jia , Pan Wenhui , Gu Zhenyu , Zhang Jianguo , Qu Junle , Yang Zhigang
Published: April 2019

Various strategies for TSQ-induced fluorophore stabilization and their application in sm-FRET as well as in super-resolution imaging microscopy are thoroughly reviewed.
A green solvent for operating highly efficient low-power photon upconversion in air
Authors: Ma Jinsuo , Chen Shuoran , Ye Changqing , Li Mingzhu , Liu Teng , Wang Xiaomei , Song Yanlin
Published: April 2019

Air-stable, highly efficient and bio-safe triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC) is achieved in a terpene-based green solventd-limonene.
Nonrelativistic energy levels of D2
Authors: Pachucki Krzysztof , Komasa Jacek
Published: April 2019

Nonrelativistic energies of the deuterium molecule, accurate to 10−7–10−8 cm−1 for all levels located up to 8000 cm−1 above the ground state, are presented.
The pore solution of cement-based materials: structure and dynamics of water and ions from molecular simulations
Authors: Honorio Tulio , Benboudjema Farid , Bore Thierry , Ferhat Mehdi , Vourc'h Eric
Published: April 2019

The structure and dynamics of water and ions present in pore solutions are studied using molecular dynamics simulations.
Radiation-grafted anion-exchange membranes: the switch from low- to high-density polyethylene leads to remarkably enhanced fuel cell performance
Authors: Wang Lianqin , Peng Xiong , Mustain William E. , Varcoe John R.
Published: April 2019

Radiation-grafted HDPE-based anion-exchange membranes perform better than LDPE-based benchmarks despite exhibiting similar ex situ properties.
Recent advances in the interface engineering of solid-state Li-ion batteries with artificial buffer layers: challenges, materials, construction, and characterization
Authors: Du Mingjie , Liao Kaiming , Lu Qian , Shao Zongping
Published: April 2019

A comprehensive review of current developments in artificial buffer layer-modified electrode–electrolyte interfaces for solid-state Li-ion batteries.
Preventing the colloidal dispersion of Pb(iv) corrosion scales and lead release in drinking water distribution systems
Authors: Korshin Gregory , Liu Haizhou
Published: April 2019

Lead(iv) oxide PbO2 is one dominant solid phase in lead corrosion scales of drinking water distribution systems.
Diruthenium complexes having a partially hydrogenated bipyridine ligand: plausible mechanism for the dehydrogenative coupling of pyridines at a diruthenium site
Authors: Takao Toshiro , Kawashima Takashi , Nagae Ryo , Kanda Hideyuki , Watanabe Wataru
Published: April 2019

Diruthenium complexes containing a partially hydrogenated bipyridine ligand are synthesized, which undergo dehydrogenation leading to the elimination of bipyridine.
Anodic fabrication of nanostructured CuxS and CuNiSx thin films and their hydrogen evolution activities in acidic electrolytes
Authors: Udachyan Iranna , R. S. Vishwanath , C. S. Pradeep Kumara , Kandaiah Sakthivel
Published: April 2019

The electrochemical anodization method is advantageous for direct growth of highly ordered and large surface area hybrid nanostructures.
σ-Holes promote the concertedness in nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions of nitroarenes
Authors: Gallardo-Fuentes Sebastián , Ormazábal-Toledo Rodrigo
Published: April 2019

Concertedness in SNAr may be modulated by the presence of a σ-hole.
Defect-assisted protein HP35 denaturation on graphene
Authors: Gu Zonglin , Song Wei , Chen Serena H. , Li Baoyu , Li Weifeng , Zhou Ruhong
Published: April 2019

Structural defects in nanomaterials can alter their physical and chemical properties beyond normal magnetization, electronic and thermal conductivities, to include even their biological effects, such as enhancing protein denaturation.
New mechanism, new chromophore: investigating the electrophilic behaviour of styrylindolium dyes
Authors: Perry Alexis
Published: April 2019

Deconvolution of sensor-analyte interactions in styrylindolium dyes led to the discovery of an unusual dearomatising 1,8-addition of sulfur-centred nucleophiles.
Covalently linked meso-tetraaryl triphyrin(2.1.1)-ferrocene(s) conjugates: synthesis and properties
Authors: Panda Kamakshya Nath , Thorat Kishor G. , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: April 2019

Functionalized meso-tetraaryl triphyrins(2.1.1) containing two meso-iodophenyl groups or a bromo group at the β-pyrrole carbon were synthesized over a sequence of steps.
Reducing leakage current and dielectric losses of electroactive polymers through electro-annealing for high-voltage actuation
Authors: Pedroli Francesco , Marrani Alessio , Le Minh-Quyen , Sanseau Olivier , Cottinet Pierre-Jean , Capsal Jean-Fabien
Published: April 2019

The electro-annealed polymer, the E-TH sample, shows a reduction in leakage current of 80% for very high electric fields.
What will happen when thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) is tethered on poly(ionic liquid)s?
Authors: Luo Guangmei , Guo Yakun , Liu Chonggao , Han Guang , Ma Xiaodong , Zhang Wangqing
Published: April 2019

A thermoresponsive ionic liquid diblock copolymer shows abnormal thermoresponse, and its aqueous solution remains transparent at the phase transition temperature.
Gram-scale carbasugar synthesis via intramolecular seleno-Michael/aldol reaction
Authors: Banachowicz Piotr , Buda Szymon
Published: April 2019

A new approach to gram scale synthesis of carbasugar derivatives via intramolecular seleno-Michael/aldol reaction.
Salting-in species induced self-assembly of stable MOFs
Authors: Li Ke , Yang Jian , Gu Jinlou
Published: April 2019

A general strategy based on the Hoffmeister effect is proposed for the aqueous-phase and mild synthesis of stable metal–organic frameworks.
High capacity graphite-like calcium boridecarbides as a novel anode active material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Tei Go , Miyamae Ryohei , Kano Akira
Published: April 2019

Graphite-like Ca0.6B1.2C4.8 is reported as a novel anode active material for lithium-ion batteries.
Influence of surface topography attributes on settlement and adhesion of natural and synthetic species
Authors: Erramilli Shreya , Genzer Jan
Published: April 2019

Surface topographies of various sizes, shapes, and spatial organization abound in nature.
Increase and discretization of the energy barrier for individual LiNixCoyMnyO2 (x + 2y =1) particles with the growth of a Li2CO3 surface film
Authors: Qian Kun , Huang Binhua , Liu Yuxiu , Wagemaker Marnix , Liu Ming , Duan Huan , Liu Dongqing , He Yan-Bing , Li Baohua , Kang Feiyu
Published: April 2019

Surface degradation is a common challenge for many electrode materials.
Designed synthesis of sulfide-rich bimetallic-assembled graphene oxide sheets as flexible materials and self-tuning adsorption cum oxidation mechanisms of arsenic from water
Authors: Muthu Prabhu Subbaiah , Park Chang Min , Shahzad Asif , Lee Dae Sung
Published: April 2019

The sulfide-rich bimetallic on GO was for the effective removal of arsenite and arsenate from water through adsorption-coupled partial oxidation.
Efficiency enhancement of organic photovoltaics by introducing high-mobility curved small-molecule semiconductors as additives
Authors: Liu Shenghua , Li Changqing , Xu Xiaomin , You Peng , Wang Naixiang , Wang Jianfang , Miao Qian , Yan Feng
Published: April 2019

Highly efficient OPVs are successfully fabricated by introducing high-mobility curved organic semiconductors. The significant enhancement of the device efficiency induced by the curved molecules can be attributed to increased hole mobility in the active layer and intimate interaction between the curved molecules and PC71BM.
Blue perovskite light-emitting diodes based on RbX-doped polycrystalline CsPbBr3 perovskite films
Authors: Wang Hailong , Zhao Xiaofei , Zhang Baohua , Xie Zhiyuan
Published: April 2019

The RbX-incorporated CsPbBr3 perovskite films remarkably increases the bandgap and realizes pure blue emission. The corresponding RbBr-doped and RbCl-doped CsPbBr3 PeLEDs demonstrate efficient blue emission with EL peaks located at 492 nm and 468 nm, respectively.
An easy and smart way to explore the light-emitting responses of carbon dot and doxorubicin hydrochloride assembly: white light generation and pH-dependent reversible photoswitching
Authors: Pyne Arghajit , Layek Souvik , Patra Avijit , Sarkar Nilmoni
Published: April 2019

The carbon dot–doxorubicin hydrochloride system generated excellent white light emission at pH 2 and further exhibited pH-mediated reversible “ON–OFF” photoswitching.
Functional Organic Materials for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Cooke Graeme , Evans Ivana R. , Skabara Peter J.
Published: April 2019

Guest Editors Graeme Cooke, Ivana Evans and Peter Skabara introduce this themed collection on functional organic materials for optoelectronic applications, in celebration of Professor Martin Bryce’s contributions to this field.
Effects of Listener Age and Native Language Experience on Recognition of Accented and Unaccented English Words
Authors: Gordon-Salant Sandra , Yeni-Komshian Grace H. , Bieber Rebecca E. , Jara Ureta David A. , Freund Maya S. , Fitzgibbons Peter J.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Older native speakers of English have difficulty in understanding Spanish-accented English compared to younger native English speakers. However, it is unclear if this age effect would be observed among native speakers of Spanish. The current study investigates the effects of age and native language experience with Spanish on the ability to recognize words spoken in English by Spanish-accented and unaccented talkers.

Method

English monosyllabic words, recorded by native speakers of English and Spanish, were presented to 4 groups of listeners with normal hearing: younger native Spanish listeners (
n
= 15), older native Spanish listeners (
n
= 16), younger native English listeners (
n
= 15), and older native English listeners (
n
= 15). Speech recognition accuracy was assessed for the unaccented and accented words in both quiet and noise.

Results

In all conditions, the native English listeners performed better than the native Spanish listeners. More specifically, the native speakers of Spanish consistently recognized accented English less accurately than the native speakers of English, demonstrating no advantage of shared native language experience between nonnative listeners and accented talkers. Older listeners in the native Spanish language group also performed less accurately than their younger counterparts, for English words spoken by both unaccented and accented talkers. Finally, whereas listeners who were native speakers of English showed marked declines in recognition of Spanish-accented English relative to unaccented English, listeners who were native speakers of Spanish (both younger and older) showed less decline.

Conclusions

The general pattern of results suggests that both native language experience in a language other than English and age limit the ability to recognize Spanish-accented English. The implication of the overall findings is that older nonnative listeners will have considerable difficulty in understanding English, regardless of the talker's accent, in both clinical and everyday listening situations.
Coefficients of static and dynamic friction of ceramic floor tiles: proposal of new method of surface roughness determination
Authors: Demarch Aline , Angioletto Elcio , Vieira Angela W. , Dal Molin Andreza , Montedo Oscar Rubem K. , Angioletto Elidio
Published: April 2019

Among the most important properties of ceramic floor tiles, the static and dynamic coefficients of friction assume an important role. The literature and current standards regarding ceramic floor tiles suggest different methods for determining the values of the coefficients of static and dynamic friction; however, all methods present limitations of implementation, and it is common for them to produce different values and hence specifications for different applications. In the present study, tests were conducted on the products with different topcoats and roughness to determine the coefficient of friction using the standards NBR 13818, ANSI A137.1, DIN 51130, and UNE-ENV 12633 and our proposed methodology. These values were compared with the roughness measurements obtained by mechanical contact profilometry. Additionally, empirical human evaluation of the roughness was performed. The trials indicated very different results on different experimental equipment for the same type of surface. The roughness test yielded parameters that correlate well with the empirical evaluation. The study shows the need for searching the uniformity of standards because each methodology produces different (even uncorrelated) results.
A three-phase flow model with two miscible phases
Authors: Hérard J.-M. , Mathis H.
Published: April 2019

The paper concerns the modelling of a compressible mixture of a liquid, its vapor and a gas. The gas and the vapor are miscible while the liquid is immiscible with the gaseous phases. This assumption leads to non symmetric constraints on the void fractions. We derive a three-phase three-pressure model endowed with an entropic structure. We show that interfacial pressures are uniquely defined and propose entropy-consistent closure laws for the source terms. Naturally one exhibits that the mechanical relaxation complies with Dalton’s law on the phasic pressures. Then the hyperbolicity and the eigenstructure of the homogeneous model are investigated and we prove that it admits a symmetric form leading to a local existence result. We also derive a barotropic variant which possesses similar properties.
Endovascular Therapy of Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Augustin Anne Marie , Fluck Friederika , Bley Thorsten , Kickuth Ralph
Published: April 2019

Background Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a frequently occurring disease pattern, with a broad variety of possible causes. The most acute bleeding responds well to conservative, medicinal and endoscopic therapies. Nevertheless, a certain amount of endoscopically not-identifiable or controllable non-varicose GI-bleeding requires alternative, sometimes surgical, therapy concepts. The updated S2k guideline “gastrointestinal bleeding” makes the case for interventional radiology with its minimally invasive endovascular techniques.

Methods This review article discusses the role of interventional radiology in the therapy of non-variceal upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding according to the current literature and updated guideline. In this regard it covers the indications, techniques, results and complications of endovascular therapy.

Results and conclusion Considering interdisciplinary therapy options, the guideline-oriented endovascular treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding, using embolization and implantion of covered stents, shows to be a reasonable option with good technical and clinical success rates and a low rate of complications. In this context solid knowledge of vascular anatomy is essential to acquire adequate hemostasis.

Key points: 

Citation Format
Preventive Effects of Total Flavonoid C-Glycosides from Abrus mollis on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease through Activating the PPARα Signaling Pathway
Authors: Hu Xiao-Long , Niu Ya-Jun , Chen Mi , Feng Jia-Hao , Shen Wei , Jiang Zhen-Zhou , Zhang Xiao-Qi , Ye Wen-Cai , Xiong Fei , Wang Hao
Published: April 2019

Abrus pulchellus subsp. mollis (Hance) Verdc. (Leguminosae) is a well-known edible plant usually added to soups and beverages. In this study, vicenin-2 (1), isoschaftoside (2), schaftoside (3), and their enrichment fraction, total flavonoid C-glycosides, derived from the extracts of A. mollis, were firstly found to prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease both in vitro and in vivo. In the in vitro study, total flavonoid C-glycosides decreased the lipid accumulation in oleic acid-treated HepG2 cells. The mechanisms of total flavonoid C-glycosides are involved in the regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and its downstream, and the reduction of proinflammatory cytokines. In high-fat diet-induced fatty liver rats, total flavonoid C-glycosides decreased the levels of glutamic-oxalacetic transaminease and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, and decreased the lipid accumulation both in the liver and blood without affecting food intake. In addition, total flavonoid C-glycosides also increased the activities of the antioxidant enzyme system in vivo. In conclusion, total flavonoid C-glycosides are active components of A. mollis on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and can be used in functional food and supplements for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease prevention and treatment.
A Review of Cisplatin-Associated Ototoxicity
Authors: Paken Jessica , Govender Cyril , Pillay Mershen , Sewram Vikash
Published: April 2019

Cisplatin, an effective antineoplastic drug used in the treatment of many cancers, has ototoxic potential, thus placing cancer patients, receiving this treatment, at risk of hearing loss. It is therefore important for health care professionals managing these patients to be aware of cisplatin's ototoxic properties and its clinical signs to identify patients at risk of developing a hearing impairment. Eighty-five English peer-reviewed articles and two books, from January 1975 to July 2015, were identified from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and EBSCOhost. An overview of cisplatin-associated ototoxicity, namely its clinical features, incidence rates, molecular and cellular mechanisms, and risk factors, is presented in this article. This review further highlights the importance of a team-based approach to complement an audiological monitoring program in reducing any further loss in the quality of life of affected patients, as there is currently no otoprotective agent routinely recommended for the prevention of cisplatin-associated ototoxicity.
Coding and Reimbursement for Cochleotoxicity and Vestibulotoxicity Services
Authors: Abel Debra
Published: April 2019

Because of the ICD-10 disease coding system transition that occurred in the United States in 2015, coding and billing for services on behalf of patients who experience cochlear and/or vestibular toxicity may be daunting and misunderstood. Coding and billing for any audiology procedure can be compelling; choosing the appropriate codes for these specific patients is critical not only for payment for services rendered but also for the national and global implications, given their utilization is tracked for mortality and morbidity statistics and potential policies.
Mechanisms of Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity and Prevention
Authors: Rybak Leonard , Mukherjea Debashree , Ramkumar Vickram
Published: April 2019

Cisplatin is a highly effective antineoplastic agent used to treat solid tumors. Unfortunately, the administration of this drug leads to significant side effects, including ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and neurotoxicity. This review addresses the mechanisms of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity and various strategies tested to prevent this distressing adverse effect. The molecular pathways underlying cisplatin ototoxicity are still being investigated. Cisplatin enters targeted cells in the cochlea through the action of several transporters. Once it enters the cochlea, cisplatin is retained for months to years. It can cause DNA damage, inhibit protein synthesis, and generate reactive oxygen species that can lead to inflammation and apoptosis of outer hair cells, resulting in permanent hearing loss. Strategies to prevent cisplatin ototoxicity have utilized antioxidants, transport inhibitors, G-protein receptor agonists, and anti-inflammatory agents. There are no FDA-approved drugs to prevent cisplatin ototoxicity. It is critical that potential protective agents do not interfere with the antitumor efficacy of cisplatin.
Surgical Orbital Anatomy
Authors: Hu Shirley , Colley Patrick
Published: April 2019

In this article, the anatomy of the orbit is reviewed, with a specific emphasis on surgical anatomy. A brief discussion of the ocular globe is also included. The orbits are pyramidal structures separating the upper and middle facial skeletons. The walls, apex, and base harbor several foramina and fissures as well as bony irregularities where various ligaments, muscles, and capsules attach. There are a variety of surgical approaches to the orbit, including the traditional transcutaneous and neurosurgical techniques and, more recently, minimally invasive, endoscopic approaches.
Absorption edge, urbach tail, and electron-phonon interactions in topological insulator Bi2Se3 and band insulator (Bi0.89In0.11)2Se3
Authors: Zhu Jiajun , Xia Yunyouyou , Li Gang , Zhou Shengqiang , Wimmer S. , Springholz G. , Pashkin A. , Helm M. , Schneider H.
Published: April 2019

We employ infrared transmission spectroscopy to explore the temperature-dependent absorption edge and electron-phonon (e-ph) interaction in topological insulator Bi2Se3 and band insulator (Bi0.89In0.11)2Se3 films. Upon heating from 5 K to 300 K, the absorption edge shifts from 262 to 249 meV for Bi2Se3 and from 367 to 343 meV for (Bi0.89In0.11)2Se3. By analyzing the temperature dependence of the Urbach tail, the significant role of Raman-active phonon mode Eg2 in e-ph interaction is identified, which agrees well with the ab initio calculation.
Tailoring the electronic properties of concentric double quantum rings in the presence of a donor impurity
Authors: Janet Sherly I. , Esther Lidiya A. , Nithiananthi P.
Published: April 2019

The possibility of tailoring III-V GaAs/Al0.3Ga0.7As concentric double quantum rings (CDQRs) by tuning the central barrier, width, and height of the rings brings out carrier confinement in different regimes, which make them suitable for specific applications. Using variational ansatz, Coulomb interaction and carrier localization in the rings are investigated through calculation of diamagnetism and binding energy of donor for different ring dimensions (both axial and radial). Conspicuous changes occur in the behavior of both binding energy and diamagnetism for different dimensions of the inner and outer rings. Tuning the central barrier below a critical limit favors coupling of the two rings and promotes tunneling. The effect of these modifications on the carrier localization has been investigated, which gives a good insight into selective design of CDQRs for specific applications.
Scalable interdigitated photoconductive emitters for the electrical modulation of terahertz beams with arbitrary linear polarization
Authors: Mosley C. D. W. , Staniforth M. , Serrano A. I. Hernandez , Pickwell-MacPherson E. , Lloyd-Hughes J.
Published: April 2019

A multi-element interdigitated photoconductive emitter for broadband THz polarization rotation is proposed and experimentally verified. The device consists of separate pixels for the emission of horizontally and vertically polarized THz radiation. The broadband (0.3–5.0 THz) nature of the device is demonstrated, and the polarization angle of the generated far-field THz radiation is shown to be readily controlled by varying the relative bias voltage applied to the horizontally and vertically emitting pixels. The device is scalable in design, and with its simple method of polarization rotation it allows the modulation of the generated THz polarization at rates significantly faster than those achievable in ellipsometry systems based on mechanically rotating components.
Microfluidics on the fly: Inexpensive rapid fabrication of thermally laminated microfluidic devices for live imaging and multimodal perturbations of multicellular systems
Authors: Levis Megan , Kumar Nilay , Apakian Emily , Moreno Cesar , Hernandez Ulises , Olivares Ana , Ontiveros Fernando , Zartman Jeremiah J.
Published: April 2019

Microfluidic devices provide a platform for analyzing both natural and synthetic multicellular systems. Currently, substantial capital investment and expertise are required for creating microfluidic devices using standard soft-lithography. These requirements present barriers to entry for many nontraditional users of microfluidics, including developmental biology laboratories. Therefore, fabrication methodologies that enable rapid device iteration and work “out-of-the-box” can accelerate the integration of microfluidics with developmental biology. Here, we have created and characterized low-cost hybrid polyethylene terephthalate laminate (PETL) microfluidic devices that are suitable for cell and micro-organ culture assays. These devices were validated with mammalian cell lines and the Drosophila wing imaginal disc as a model micro-organ. First, we developed and tested PETLs that are compatible with both long-term cultures and high-resolution imaging of cells and organs. Further, we achieved spatiotemporal control of chemical gradients across the wing discs with a multilayered microfluidic device. Finally, we created a multilayered device that enables controllable mechanical loading of micro-organs. This mechanical actuation assay was used to characterize the response of larval wing discs at different developmental stages. Interestingly, increased deformation of the older wing discs for the same mechanical loading suggests that the compliance of the organ is increased in preparation for subsequent morphogenesis. Together, these results demonstrate the applicability of hybrid PETL devices for biochemical and mechanobiology studies on micro-organs and provide new insights into the mechanics of organ development.
Ultra-sensitive measurement of third-order optical nonlinearity via weak value amplification
Authors: Li Hongjing , Li Yanjia , Huang Jing-Zheng , Liu Miaomiao , Zeng Guihua
Published: April 2019

An ultrasensitive third-order optical nonlinearity measurement was theoretically proposed and experimentally demonstrated based on an extended Sagnac interferometer using weak value amplification. The predictable nonlinear refractive index coefficient (n2) of a nonlinear optical sample (nematic liquid crystals) accorded with the experimental result, which confirmed the rationality and feasibility of the proposed method. The sensitivity of the proposed method was associated with the resolution of the spectrometer and the postselection angle. By choosing a currently available spectrometer, the minimum Kerr phase of about 7.5 × 10−7 rad could be measured. Moreover, low cost and convenient operation of this method might have potential application in third-order optical nonlinearity measurements.
Curvature analysis of single layer graphene on the basis of extreme low-frequency Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Shen Y. , Dai E. , Liu X. , Pan W. , Yang H. , Xiong B. , Zerulla D.
Published: April 2019

Single layer graphene (SLG) sheets offer exciting optical and electronic properties, as well as excellent mechanical performance, which are desirable for countless potential applications in ultrathin optical, electronic, and mechanical devices. Typically, the mechanical properties of SLG are extrapolated from few layer graphene (FLG) systems in most existing experimental studies, despite the fact that the environmental mechanical response of SLG is quite different from FLG. Raman spectroscopy is one of the most versatile and nondestructive experimental techniques to probe graphene samples. Here, we provide direct experimental evidence for the vibrational behavior of SLG and its response to high pressure conditions (0–10 GPa) via Raman spectroscopy including the extreme low-frequency Raman region (5–250 cm–1). Artificial introduction of the curvature of the SLG sheets causes van Hove singularities within the range of Fermi energies (EF). The radius of curvature ρ can be predicted via a comparison of the shear mode and the breathing mode of SLG with the squash mode and the radial breathing mode of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). Furthermore, an additional polarization analysis further confirms similar low frequency modes of SLG and SWNTs under pressure. This direct investigation of SLG mechanical properties improves the quality of the available mechanical data, which is required for the design of new graphene-based nanocomposites and the development of electronic or mechatronic devices.
Spectra of the D2O dimer in the O–D fundamental stretch region: Vibrational dependence of tunneling splittings and lifetimes
Authors: Barclay A. J. , McKellar A. R. W. , Moazzen-Ahmadi N.
Published: April 2019

The fundamental O–D stretch region (2600–2800 cm−1) of the fully deuterated water dimer (D2O)2 is studied using a pulsed supersonic slit jet source and a tunable optical parametric oscillator source. Relatively high spectral resolution (0.002 cm−1) enables all six dimer tunneling components to be observed, in most cases, for the acceptor asymmetric O–D stretch, the donor free O–D stretch, and the donor bound O–D stretch vibrations. The dominant acceptor switching tunneling splittings are observed to decrease moderately in the excited O–D stretch states, to roughly 75% of their ground state values, whereas the smaller donor-acceptor interchange splittings show more dramatic and irregular decreases. Excited state predissociation lifetimes, as determined from the observed line broadening, show large variations (0.2 ≤ τ ≤ 5 ns) depending on the vibrational state, K-value, and tunneling symmetry. Another very weak band is tentatively assigned to a combination mode involving an intramolecular O–D stretch plus an intermolecular twist overtone. Asymmetric O–D stretch bands of the mixed isotopologue dimers D2O–DOH and D2O–HOD are also observed and analyzed.
Chemical bonding and band alignment at X2O3/GaN (X = Al, Sc) interfaces
Authors: Zhang Zhaofu , Guo Yuzheng , Robertson John
Published: April 2019

The chemical bonding and the band alignment at Al2O3/GaN and Sc2O3/GaN interfaces are studied using density functional supercell calculations. Using bonding models based on the electron counting rule, we have created the insulating interfaces with a small roughness and a clean bandgap. Ga-O bonds dominate the interfacial chemical bonding at both interfaces. The calculated band alignment agrees with the experimental values. For the Al2O3 interface, the calculated valence band offset is 1.17 eV using hybrid functionals, while that for the Sc2O3 interface is 0.81 eV. The conduction band offsets for both are larger than 1 eV, and is as large as ∼2 eV for the Al2O3 interface. The calculated band alignments indicate that Al2O3 and Sc2O3 are both suitable insulators for GaN-based MOSFET applications.
Comprehensive characteristics and genetic diversity of the endemic Australian Viola banksii (section Erpetion, Violaceae)
Authors: Kwiatkowska Monika , Żabicka Justyna , Migdałek Grzegorz , Żabicki Piotr , Cubała Marlena , Bohdanowicz Jerzy , Słomka Aneta , Jędrzejczyk-Korycińska Monika , Sliwinska Elwira , Sychta Klaudia , Marcussen Thomas , Thiele Kevin , Kuta Elżbieta
Published: April 2019

Viola banksii, the type species of section Erpetion, is endemic in eastern mainland Australia. In this paper we characterise morphological and anatomical features and assess genome size and genetic diversity in combination with the breeding system. V. banksii develops exclusively chasmogamous flowers. Ovules are anatropous, crassinucellate and bitegmic, the female gametophyte is of the Polygonum type, and the embryo is of Asterad type surrounded by nuclear endosperm. Pollen is non-heteromorphic, 3-aperturate, and highly viable. V. banksii grows in shade on moist, well drained, often sandy soils, and this is reflected in the anatomy of its organs, which includes a lack of subepidermal collenchyma in aerial parts, large leaf epidermal cells with thin cell walls, a narrow cuticle layer, and vascular bundles with xylem that are not rich in vessels. V. banksii is tolerant to zinc and lead based on phytotoxicity test. The high chromosome number (2n = 10x = 50) does not correspond to a small genome size (2C DNA = 1.27 pg). Low mean intra-populational gene diversity (HS = 0.077) detected by ISSR markers confirms the strong influence of selfing and clonal propagation by pseudostolons. Unique morphological traits of V. banksii include nyctinastic petal movement, the lack of a floral spur, the presence of gland-like protuberances on two stamens, and the presence of pseudostolons, which could be a synapomorphy for the whole section.
SbMYB15 transcription factor mitigates cadmium and nickel stress in transgenic tobacco by limiting uptake and modulating antioxidative defence system
Authors: Sapara Komal K. , Khedia Jackson , Agarwal Parinita , Gangapur Doddabhimappa R. , Agarwal Pradeep K.
Published: April 2019

Plants require different inorganic minerals in an appropriate amount for growth; however, imbalance can limit growth and productivity. Heavy metal accumulation causes toxicity and generates signalling crosstalk with reactive oxygen species (ROS), phytohormones, genes and transcription factors (TFs). The MYB (myeloblastoma) TFs participate in plant processes such as metabolism, development, cell fate, hormone pathways and responses to stresses. This is the first report towards characterisation of R2R3-type MYB TF, SbMYB15, from succulent halophyte Salicornia brachiata Roxb. for heavy metal tolerance. The SbMYB15 showed >5-fold increased transcript expression in the presence of CdCl2 and NiCl2•6H2O. The constitutive overexpression of SbMYB15 conferred cadmium and nickel tolerance in transgenic tobacco, with improved growth and chlorophyll content. Further, the transgenics showed reduced generation of reactive oxygen species (H2O2 and O2•−) as compared with the wild-type (WT) with both Cd2+ and Ni2+ stress. Transgenics also showed low uptake of heavy metal ions, increased scavenging activity of the antioxidative enzymes (CAT and SOD) and higher transcript expression of antioxidative genes (CAT1 and MnSOD). Thus, the present study signifies that SbMYB15 can be deployed for developing heavy metal tolerance in crop plants via genetic engineering.
Register in computational language research
Authors: Argamon Shlomo Engelson
Published: April 2019

Shlomo Argamon is Professor of Computer Science and Director of the Master of Data Science Program at the Illinois Institute of Technology (USA). In this article, he reflects on the current and potential relationship between register and the field of computational linguistics. He applies his expertise in computational linguistics and machine learning to a variety of problems in natural language processing. These include stylistic variation, forensic linguistics, authorship attribution, and biomedical informatics. He is particularly interested in the linguistic structures used by speakers and writers, including linguistic choices that are influenced by social variables such as age, gender, and register, as well as linguistic choices that are unique or distinctive to the style of individual authors. Argamon has been a pioneer in computational linguistics and NLP research in his efforts to account for and explore register variation. His computational linguistic research on register draws inspiration from Systemic Functional Linguistics, Biber’s multi-dimensional approach to register variation, as well as his own extensive experience accounting for variation within and across text types and authors. Argamon has applied computational methods to text classification and description across registers – including blogs, academic disciplines, and news writing – as well as the interaction between register and other social variables, such as age and gender. His cutting-edge research in these areas is certain to have a lasting impact on the future of computational linguistics and NLP.
Introduction.
Authors: Savill P. S.
Published: April 2019

This chapter provides an introduction to the book and outlines the scope of the book. The importance of matching species to site; the provenance of trees; climate change and its effects; the composition of British forests in the 2000s; developments in British forests since 1990; and attitudes to non-native species are all described. The profitability of forestry, and pests and diseases (Melampsora rusts, Ash dieback caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) that affect the forestry industry are discussed. New uses for timber include glulam, laminated veneer lumber, thermally modified wood, antimicrobila properties of wood, and 'densified' wood are listed. Production of wood biomass for renewable energy is outlined.
Corylus L.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the origin; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; flowering, seed production and nursery conditions; provenance; area and yield; uses; and place of hazel (Corylus avellana) in British forestry.
Salix L.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the species; site requirements and silviculture; diseases; growth and yield; propagation; timber, uses and area; short-rotation coppice; and place of willows (Salix) in British forestry.
High levels of expression of multiple enzymes in the Smirnoff-Wheeler pathway are important for high accumulation of ascorbic acid in acerola fruits
Authors: Suekawa Marina , Fujikawa Yukichi , Inoue Akari , Kondo Takayuki , Uchida Eriko , Koizumi Takeshi , Esaka Muneharu
Published: April 2019

Acerola fruits contain abundant ascorbic acid (AsA). The gene expression levels of three upstream enzymes in the primary AsA biosynthesis pathway were correlated with AsA contents in the fruits of two acerola cultivars. Multiple overexpression of the enzymes increased AsA contents, suggesting their high expression is important for high AsA accumulation in acerola fruits and the breeding of AsA-rich plants.

Abbreviations: AsA: ascorbic acid; PMI: phosphomannose isomerase; PMM: phosphomannomutase; GMP: GDP-d-mannose pyrophosphorylase; GME: GDP-d-mannose 3ʹ,5ʹ-epimerase; GGP: GDP-l-galactose phosphorylase; GPP: l-galactose-1-phosphate phosphatase; GDH: l-galactose dehydrogenase; GLDH: l-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase
On models for the estimation of the excess mortality hazard in case of insufficiently stratified life tables
Authors: Rubio Francisco J , Rachet Bernard , Giorgi Roch , Maringe Camille , Belot Aurélien
Published: April 2019

In cancer epidemiology using population-based data, regression models for the excess mortality hazard is a useful method to estimate cancer survival and to describe the association between prognosis factors and excess mortality. This method requires expected mortality rates from general population life tables: each cancer patient is assigned an expected (background) mortality rate obtained from the life tables, typically at least according to their age and sex, from the population they belong to. However, those life tables may be insufficiently stratified, as some characteristics such as deprivation, ethnicity, and comorbidities, are not available in the life tables for a number of countries. This may affect the background mortality rate allocated to each patient, and it has been shown that not including relevant information for assigning an expected mortality rate to each patient induces a bias in the estimation of the regression parameters of the excess hazard model. We propose two parametric corrections in excess hazard regression models, including a single-parameter or a random effect (frailty), to account for possible mismatches in the life table and thus misspecification of the background mortality rate. In an extensive simulation study, the good statistical performance of the proposed approach is demonstrated, and we illustrate their use on real population-based data of lung cancer patients. We present conditions and limitations of these methods and provide some recommendations for their use in practice.
Rapid progression of aortic and mitral stenosis in a patient with AA amyloidosis: a case report
Authors: Frumkin David , Taube Eliane Tabea , Stangl Karl , Knebel Fabian
Published: April 2019

Background

Aortic stenosis is a common finding in cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Younger patients often remain asymptomatic. If unrecognized, this can lead to serious complications such as heart failure. Progression of aortic stenosis can be accelerated in patients with chronic kidney disease and need for dialysis. Perioperative risk in these patients is often high due to the underlying systemic disease.

Case summary

A 40-year-old Caucasian man with known AA amyloidosis, highly active Ankylosing Spondylitis and need for chronic dialysis due to end-stage chronic renal failure presented for echocardiographic routine exam without reporting any cardiac symptoms. At the last visit 4 years ago, a normal heart valve function was noted and no echocardiographic follow-up was performed in the following. Now, rapid progression with severe aortic valve and mitral valve stenosis was stated and the patient underwent combined aortic and mitral surgical valve replacement following discussion in the multidisciplinary cardiology meeting. Macroscopic examination of the valves revealed significant calcification and histological examination showed the high presence of amyloid by Congo-red staining and immunohistological staining for AA-Amyloid. Both valve prosthetic devices showed normal function as well as a normal left ventricular ejection fraction in initial post-operative transoesophageal echocardiography. After prolonged and complicated post-operative course in the intensive care unit the patient died 3 months after surgery due to intractable multiorgan failure in combined severe abdominal septic and cardiogenic shock.

Discussion

Concomitant CA and chronic dialysis can accelerate the onset of severe aortic valve stenosis. Young patients, as in this case, often stay asymptomatic, perioperative risk increases with duration of chronic dialysis and severity of valve stenosis. This increases the need for regular short-term echocardiographic examinations even in clinical stable patients.
Income and education are associated with transitions in health status among community-dwelling older people in Japan: the JAGES cohort study
Authors: Ikeda Takaaki , Tsuboya Toru , Aida Jun , Matsuyama Yusuke , Koyama Shihoko , Sugiyama Kemmyo , Kondo Katsunori , Osaka Ken
Published: April 2019

Background

Health inequalities are an emerging issue in ageing societies, but inequalities in pre-frailty, which is suffered by almost half of older people, are mostly unknown.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the association between the socio-economic status (SES) and changes across pre-frailty, frailty, disability and all-cause mortality.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study across 23 Japanese municipalities between 2010 and 2013. Functionally independent community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years (n = 65 952) in 2010 were eligible for the study. The baseline survey was conducted from 2010 to 2012, and the self-reporting questionnaires were mailed to 126 438 community-dwelling older adults [64.8% (81 980/126 438) response rate]. The follow-up survey was conducted in 2013. Overall, 65 952 individuals were followed up [80.4% (65 952/81 980) follow-up rate]. The health status was classified into five groups: robust; pre-frailty; frailty; disability and death. We conducted three multinomial logistic regression models stratified by the initial disability status. Educational attainment and equivalized household income were separately added to the models as exposures after adjusting for covariates.

Results

Participants with the lowest educational level were less likely to recover from pre-frailty to robust compared with those with the highest level [odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) = 0.84 (0.76–0.93)]. The participants with the lowest income level were also less likely to recover from pre-frailty to robust compared with those with the highest level [OR (95% CI) = 0.80 (0.69–0.91)].

Conclusions

Older individuals with a lower SES were less likely to recover from a pre-frailty status.
Two extremely divergent sequence forms of the genes that define Escherichia coli group 3 capsules suggest a very long history since their common ancestor
Authors: Hong Yaoqin , Cunneen Monica M , Reeves Peter R
Published: April 2019

Capsules are a critical virulence factor in many pathogenic Escherichia coli, of which groups 2 and 3 capsules are synthesised by the ABC transporter pathway. The well-studied forms are in group 2 and much of our knowledge of group 3 is inferred from our understanding of group 2. We analyse six group 3 gene clusters including representatives of K10, K11 and K96, and find unexpected diversity. Groups 2 and 3 both have gene clusters with terminal regions 1 and 3 containing mostly genes shared by all members of both groups, plus a central region 2, that in group 2 has the genes for synthesising the serotype-specific repeat unit. We find that in all but one case group 3 gene clusters include, in addition to serotype-specific genes, a previously unrecognised set of shared genes in region 2 that probably codes for an additional structural element. Also, the six shared genes in regions 1 and 3 of group 3 exist in two very different sequence forms. It appears that the E. coli ABC transporter capsules have a very long history, with more fundamental diversity present in group 3, but greater diversity in the exposed strongly antigenic serotype-specific component encoded by region 2.