bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circular RNAs are differentially expressed in liver ischemia/reperfusion injury model
Authors: Ye Zhiqiang , Kong Qinglei , Han Jianhua , Deng Jingyi , Wu Miaolue , Deng Hong
Published: May 2018

Liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury has high mortality due to the intense inflammatory process occurs in the liver. However, the pathological mechanism underlying I/R injury is still not clear. Recent works showed that circular RNAs play critical roles in many human diseases. In this study, the occurrence of liver I/R injury was validated by an analysis of the blood samples and hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining of liver tissues. Total RNA was purified and followed by RNA‐seq in the purpose of screening the circRNAs in significant differentially expression, which were validated by quantitative PCR. GO and KEGG analysis were performed to determine the function of these differentially expressed circular RNAs. The circular structure of the circRNA was validated with gel electrophoresis and RNase R treatment. We found that some circular RNAs were differentially expressed in Liver I/R mouse models through bioinformatics analysis. These circular RNAs play roles in biological process, cellular component, and molecular function through GO analysis. Meanwhile, Hippo signaling pathway was found to be correlated with circular RNAs function in I/R models by KEGG analysis. To further validate bioinformatics data, two up‐regulated and three down‐regulated circular RNAs were confirmed in I/R models. The circularity of these differentially expressed circular RNAs was validated through gel electrophoresis and RNase R treatment. In summary, this work provides new insights into the mechanism underlying pathogenesis of liver I/R injury, providing new and potentially efficient targets against I/R injury.
DNA methylation and FoxO3a regulate PHLPP1 expression in chondrocytes
Authors: Castillejo Becerra Clara M. , Mattson Anna M. , Molstad David H. H. , Lorang Ian M. , Westendorf Jennifer J. , Bradley Elizabeth W.
Published: May 2018

The protein phosphatase Phlpp1 is an essential enzyme for proper chondrocyte function. Altered Phlpp1 levels are associated with cancer and degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis. While much is known about the post‐transcriptional mechanisms controlling Phlpp1 levels, transcriptional regulation of the Phlpp1 gene locus is underexplored. We previously showed that CpG methylation of the PHLPP1 promoter is lower in osteoarthritic cartilage than in normal cartilage, and indirectly correlates with gene expression. Here we further defined the effects of DNA methylation on PHLPP1 promoter activity in chondrocytes. We cloned a 1791 bp fragment of the PHLPP1 promoter (−1589:+202) and found that the first 500 bp were required for maximal promoter activity. General methylation of CpG sites within this fragment significantly blunts transcriptional activity, whereas site‐specific methyltransferases HhaI or HpaII decrease transcriptional activation by approximately 50%. We located putative FoxO consensus sites within the PHLPP1 promoter region. Inhibition of DNA methylation by incorporation of 5‐azacytidine increases Phlpp1 mRNA levels, but FoxO inhibition abolishes this induction. To determine which FoxO transcription factor mediates Phlpp1 expression, we performed overexpression and siRNA‐mediated knock down experiments. Overexpression of FoxO3a, but not FoxO1, increases Phlpp1 levels. Likewise, siRNAs targeting FoxO3a, but not FoxO1, diminished Phlpp1 levels. Last, FoxO inhibition increases glycosaminoglycan staining of cultured chondrocytes and leads to concomitant increases in FGF18 and HAS2 expression. Together, these data demonstrate that CpG methylation and FoxO3a regulate PHLPP1 expression.
Different types of multiple‐synapse boutons in the cerebellar cortex between physically enriched and ataxic mutant mice
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Wook , Oh Seunghak , Lee Seung Hwan , Lee Sanghoon , Na Ji‐Eun , Lee Kea Joo , Rhyu Im Joo
Published: May 2018

Experience‐dependent synapse remodeling is associated with information storage in the nervous system. Neuronal synapses show alteration in various neurological and cognitive disorders in their structure and function. At the ultrastructural level, parallel fiber boutons contacting multiple spines of Purkinje cells in the cerebellar cortex are commonly observed in physiologically enriched animals as well as pathological ataxic mutants. However, the dendritic origin of those spines on parallel fiber multiple‐synapse boutons (MSBs) has been poorly understood. Here, we investigated this issue by 3‐dimensional ultrastructural analysis to determine synaptic connectivity of MSBs in both mice housed in physically enriched environment and cerebellar ataxic mutants. Our results demonstrated that environmental enrichment selectively induced MSBs to contact spines from the same parent dendrite, indicating focal strengthening of synapse through the simultaneous activation of two adjacent spines. In contrast, ataxic mutants displaying impaired motor coordination had significantly more MSBs involving spines originating from different neighboring dendrites compared to both wild‐type and environmentally enriched animals, suggesting that compromising multiple synapse formation may lead to abnormal motor behavior in the mutant mice. These findings propose that environmental stimulation in normal animals mainly involves the refinement of preexisting synaptic networks, whereas pathological ataxic conditions may results from less‐selective but compromising multiple synaptic formation. This study underscores that different types of multiple synapse boutons may have disparate effects on cerebellar synaptic transmission.
Microwave‐assisted Synthesis of Hybrid Heterocyclics as Biological Potent Molecules
Authors: Srinivas A. , Sunitha M. , Vasumathi Reddy K. , Karthik P. , Rajesh Kumar G.
Published: May 2018

A series of novel 5‐((1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐yl)methyl)‐2‐((3aR,5S,6S,6aR)‐2,2‐dimethyl‐6‐((1‐phenyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methoxy)tetrahydrofuro[2,3‐d][1,3]dioxol‐5‐yl)‐3‐phenylthiazolidin‐4‐ones 9a–n has been synthesized from triazole‐linked thiazolidinone derivatives 8a–g with o‐phenylenediamine and characterized by IR, NMR, MS, and elemental analyses. Further, these compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive bacteria, namely, Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538p), and Micrococcus luteus (IFC 12708), and Gram‐negative bacteria, namely, Proteus vulgaris (ATCC 3851), Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC 14028), and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922). Among the screened compounds, compounds 9b, 9d, 9h, and 9i are highly active against almost all selected bacterial strains; the remaining compounds showed moderate to good activity and emerged as potential molecules for further development.
Critical shoulder angle: Acromial coverage is more relevant than glenoid inclination
Authors: Beeler Silvan , Hasler Anita , Götschi Tobias , Meyer Dominik C. , Gerber Christian
Published: May 2018

It is still unknown whether glenoid inclination or lateral acromial roof extension is a more important determinant for development of rotator cuff tears (RCT) or osteoarthritis (OA) of the shoulder. It was the purpose of this study, to evaluate whether there is a potential predominance of one of these factors in pathogenesis of RCT or concentric OA. We analyzed 70 shoulders with advanced degenerative RCT and 54 shoulders with concentric OA undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty (anatomical or reverse) using antero‐posterior radiography and multiplanar computed tomography. The two groups were compared in relation to glenoid inclination, lateral acromion roof extension, acromial height, and critical shoulder angle (CSA). All measured parameters were highly significantly different between RCT and concentric OA (p < 0.001). Based on Cohen's d effect size, group differences were most distinct in lateral acromial roof extension (1.36x‐ray, 0.92ct) compared with acromial height (1.06x‐ray, 0.73ct) and glenoid inclination (0.60x‐ray, 0.61ct). However, no single factor showed an effect size which was as high as that of the CSA (1.63x‐ray). Interestingly, a ratio of lateral acromion roof extension and acromial height could enhance the effect size (1.60x‐ray, 1.16ct) near to values of the CSA (1.63x‐ray). In summary, lateral acromial roof extension has a greater influence in pathogenesis of degenerative RCT and concentric OA than acromial height or glenoid inclination. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Classifying the migration behaviors of pronghorn on their northern range
Authors: Jakes Andrew F. , Gates C. Cormack , DeCesare Nicholas J. , Jones Paul F. , Goldberg Joshua F. , Kunkel Kyran E. , Hebblewhite Mark
Published: May 2018

Migration functions as an adaptive strategy to improve fitness by allowing individuals to exploit spatiotemporal gradients of resources. Yet migration, especially among large ungulates, is increasingly threatened by human activities, making it necessary to understand variation in migratory behavior. We identified different movement strategies for pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) at the northern limit of the species’ range, and tested hypotheses for variation between migratory behaviors. From 2003–2010, we captured 185 female pronghorn across Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada, and Montana, USA. We identified discrete migratory behaviors, including seasonal migration, facultative winter migration, potential post‐fawning migration, and the use of stopover sites. Fifty‐five percent of individuals undertook seasonal migrations, and we recorded the longest reported round‐trip migration for the species at 888 km. Some (22%) seasonal migrations included ≥1 stopover sites, with significantly greater use of stopovers during spring than fall. Migrants (34%) and residents (20%) undertook facultative winter migrations, with the majority (68%) undertaken by migrants. Additionally, 12% of individuals exhibited potential post‐fawning migrations. For each season, we estimated a suite of movement metrics and used multivariate statistics to compare movement similarities across migration behaviors. Correspondence analyses revealed 3 groupings of migration behavior. Spring migration was its own grouping, characterized by more sinuous and slower movements, consistent with the forage maturation hypothesis. Fall migration, facultative winter migration, and potential post‐fawning migration clustered in a single group that displayed linear, fast movements, consistent with being influenced by ecologically limited resources such as severe winters or predation avoidance. Lastly, spring and fall stopover sites were grouped together as a means to use high‐quality forage during migration, also consistent with the forage maturation hypothesis. At the northern periphery of pronghorn range, differences between migratory behaviors are influenced by various ecological factors, merit increased attention, and contribute to overall persistence. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Assessment of coastal development policy based on simulating a sustainable land‐use scenario for Liaoning Coastal Zone in China
Authors: Fan Jie , Wang Qiang , Wang Yafei , Chen Dong , Zhou Kan
Published: May 2018

Unsustainable land development policy can result in serious eco‐environmental issues, leading to unsustainable development in coastal zones, the phenomenon of which is particularly prominent in developing countries. How to assess the impact of policy on the sustainable development of land resource in the future is a challenge that is well worth exploring. With the coastal zone of Liaoning Province in China as an example, this paper proposes a new framework for assessing coastal development policy based on simulating the sustainable land‐use scenario (S). The results show that under Scenario D that driven by government's development policies, the proportions of highly exploited construction land and shoreline would be 11 and 18 percentage points higher, respectively, than those under Scenario S, whereas the potential losses of agricultural land and natural land in Scenario S would increase by 14.5% and 12.6%, respectively, the natural shoreline would decrease by 25.1% in comparison with Scenario S. Policy‐led deviation indexes in industrial, urban, and port land use are 12.98, 7.15, and 2.02, respectively, on the contrary in natural land use, it even reaches a high level of −15.07. This indicates that, being driven by the government development policies, the development scales of industrial, urban, and port land/shoreline use significantly will exceed the corresponding sustainably healthy ranges, leading to a massive diversion of natural land/shoreline, which thereby becomes the type most remarkably impacted by policy errors. The findings can provide case‐study analysis and reference for assessing the impact of development policy on resource‐environment sustainability.
Overcome the Conflict between Strength and Toughness in Poly(lactide) Nanocomposites through Tailoring Matrix–Filler Interface
Authors: Sun Yang , Fan Xiaoshan , Lu Xuehong , He Chaobin
Published: May 2018

Strength and toughness are the two most important prerequisites for structural applications. Unfortunately, these two properties are often in conflict in materials. Here, an effective and yet practical strategy is proposed to simultaneously strengthen and toughen poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA) using a simple rigid‐rubber “reinforcing element.” This element consists of a rigid graphene oxide (GO) sheet covalently coupled with poly(caprolactone‐co‐lactide) (PCLLA) rubbery layers, which can be easily synthesized and incorporated into PLLA matrix to develop composites with well‐tailored GO/PLLA interfaces. It is demonstrated that by adding the “reinforcing element,” i.e., GO‐graft‐rubber‐graft‐polyd‐lactide), PLLA exhibits higher strength and higher toughness, which could be attributed to the synergy of rigid GO and rubbery PCLLA working in tandem during deformation. It is further demonstrated that this strategy can also be applied to other filler systems, such as clay and particulate polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, and other polymer systems, such as poly(methyl methacrylate). The strategy could be considered as a general design principle for reinforcing materials where both strength and toughness are the key concerns.
In Situ Nanoreactors: Controllable Photoluminescent Carbon‐Rich Polymer Nanodots Derived from Fatty Acid under Photoirradiation
Authors: Dai Qin , Zhao He , Fan Zhuangjun , Zhao Wentao , Wang Guangwei , Zhang Jimei , Hou Rong , Du Penghui , Cao Hongbin
Published: May 2018

Amphiphilic nanoreactors have been recently used to fabricate photoluminescent carbon‐rich polymer nanodots (PCPNs). However, the applications of PCPNs have been limited by their requirements for high temperature and toxic organic solvents or catalysts and the difficult control of their luminescent properties. Herein, a novel and facile strategy is reported for the synthesis of controllable PCPNs. This strategy involves the use of in situ vesicular nanoreactors under mild photoirradiation with fatty acid as the precursor. The conjugation degree of the uniformly sized PCPNs can be increased by extending photoreaction time, thus enabling the tuning of the optical properties of PCPNs. The PCPNs, which feature controllable and outstanding luminescent properties, low cytotoxicity, and biocompatibility, are successfully applied in bioimaging and as fluorescent ink. The present strategy is an attractive and facile platform for the preparation of carbon‐rich nanomaterials with controllable photoluminescence.
Dependence of Propagation Rate Coefficients in Radical Polymerization on Solution Properties: A Quantitative Thermodynamic Interpretation
Authors: Deglmann Peter , Hungenberg Klaus‐Dieter , Vale Hugo M.
Published: May 2018

The thermodynamic formulation of the transition state theory is applied to quantitatively explain the effect of the medium (solvent type and concentration) on the propagation rate coefficient kp in radical polymerization. The magnitude of the medium effect is shown to be linked to the degree of thermodynamic nonideality of the system and, more specifically, to the value of the activity coefficients of the species involved in the transition state quasi‐equilibrium (monomer, propagating radical, and propagation transition state). To illustrate and validate this approach, the quantum chemistry–based method COSMO‐RS (Conductor‐like Screening MOdel for Real Solvents) is used to estimate the relevant activity coefficients for a wide variety of monomer–solvent combinations for which kp measurements are published. Overall, satisfactory agreement between observed and predicted kp variations is found. It is also shown that the medium effect may be split into a sum of combinatorial and residual contributions, which provides further insight into the origin of kp variations. Last but not least, for particular cases, simplified methods are proposed to estimate the magnitude of the medium influence upon kp without the need to carry out quantum‐chemical calculations.
Effect of Phosphate Salt Concentration and Solution pH on the Aqueous‐Phase Homo and Copolymerization of N‐Vinyl Pyrrolidone
Authors: Borges Fernando T. P. , Papavasiliou Georgia , Murad Sohail , Teymour Fouad
Published: May 2018

N‐vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP) aqueous‐phase polymerization is known to depend on the degree of hydration of the NVP molecules, resulting in an increase in the rate of propagation with decreasing monomer concentration. When potassium monophosphate and sodium hexametaphosphate are added to the monomer solution the reaction kinetics slow down, with the degree of retardation being dependent on salt‐to‐monomer concentration ratio. Using polymerization reaction models in combination with ion coordination theory, this effect can be associated with an active interaction of the ions in solution with the NVP molecules. When varying the solution pH, an optimum operating zone ranging approximately from pH 4 to pH 7 for the NVP–V‐50 2,2′‐Azobis(2‐methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) system is found. Potassium persulfate is unable to initiate NVP homopolymerization. The addition of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate as a comonomer reduces the kinetic slow‐down caused by the addition of salts or by extreme pH and significantly increases the overall conversion rate.
Synthesis of Cyclic (Ethylene Furanoate) Oligomers via Cyclodepolymerization
Authors: Fleckenstein Peter , Rosenboom Jan‐Georg , Storti Giuseppe , Morbidelli Massimo
Published: May 2018

High molecular weight polyethylene furanoate (PEF) is a potential replacement for polyethylene terephthalate. Ring‐opening‐polymerization of PEF can represent a viable alternative to the classical polycondensation process, provided that a synthesis route is available to supply high purity cycles in high yields. In this work, cyclic oligomers of PEF are produced by cyclodepolymerization (CDP). Reactions are performed in different high boiling solvents and 2‐methylnaphthalene (2‐MN) is chosen as a favorable reaction solvent for a detailed analysis of the reaction equilibrium behavior of cyclic and linear PEF. Such equilibrium can be described by the well‐known model of Jacobson and Stockmayer. The corresponding equilibrium constants are first determined by fitting a set of equilibrium data. Based on this description of the reaction, a kinetic model is then developed and validated by comparison with experimental data. Finally, selective precipitation is shortly explored as a practical purification method which, together with CDP, can enable a large scale process for the production of high purity cyclic PEF oligomers for ring‐opening‐polymerization.
Stiffness reconstruction methods for MR elastography
Authors: Fovargue Daniel , Nordsletten David , Sinkus Ralph
Published: May 2018

Assessment of tissue stiffness is desirable for clinicians and researchers, as it is well established that pathophysiological mechanisms often alter the structural properties of tissue. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) provides an avenue for measuring tissue stiffness and has a long history of clinical application, including staging liver fibrosis and stratifying breast cancer malignancy. A vital component of MRE consists of the reconstruction algorithms used to derive stiffness from wave‐motion images by solving inverse problems. A large range of reconstruction methods have been presented in the literature, with differing computational expense, required user input, underlying physical assumptions, and techniques for numerical evaluation. These differences, in turn, have led to varying accuracy, robustness, and ease of use. While most reconstruction techniques have been validated against in silico or in vitro phantoms, performance with real data is often more challenging, stressing the robustness and assumptions of these algorithms. This article reviews many current MRE reconstruction methods and discusses the aforementioned differences. The material assumptions underlying the methods are developed and various approaches for noise reduction, regularization, and numerical discretization are discussed. Reconstruction methods are categorized by inversion type, underlying assumptions, and their use in human and animal studies. Future directions, such as alternative material assumptions, are also discussed.
Perceived images and expected roles of Indonesian nurses
Authors: Sommers Christine L. , Tarihoran Dame Elysabeth , Sembel Sandra , Tzeng Huey‐Ming
Published: May 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore how non‐nurses and nurses differ regarding the perceived images and expected roles of Indonesian nurses.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey study

Methods

An online tool shared via email was used to collect data in March 2014, from a convenient sample of 1,228 employees of a private university located in Karawaci, Indonesia. An English/Indonesian version of the survey was developed: 19 perception items and 19 expectation items using a 5‐point Likert scale. Independent sample t tests were used to compare groups.

Results

One hundred and forty‐three people completed the survey; a response rate of 11.6%. Thirteen were nurses and 130 were non‐nurses. Compared with nurses, non‐nurses were less likely to agree with statements that Indonesian nurses are self‐sacrificing, provide help to others, are devoted to caring, perform housekeeping duties and are knowledgeable. Monitoring nurses' image on a regular basis is essential. A public education campaign could focus on selected positive characteristics to improve the image of Indonesian nurses.
Effect of polyethylene glycol plasticizer on long‐term antibacterial activity and the release profile of bacteriocin nisin from polylactide blends
Authors: Holcapkova Pavlina , Hurajova Anna , Kucharczyk Pavel , Bazant Pavel , Plachy Tomas , Miskolczi Norbert , Sedlarik Vladimir
Published: May 2018

This work describes the synergetic effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in polylactide (PLA) blends, wherein the polyether acts as both the plasticizer and functional additive, ensuring the long‐term antimicrobial activity of bacteriocin nisin. Two types of PEG with the molecular weights of 1000 and 6000 g.mol−1(20 wt.%) were used to plasticize the PLA blends. The aforementioned bacteriocin nisin, at concentrations ranging between 0.02 and 0.15 wt.% (8000‐60 000 IU.g−1), was incorporated into the samples by the solvent cast technique. The effect of various PEG on the structural, mechanical, and thermal properties of the PLA‐based blends were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, stress‐strain analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis, respectively. The antibacterial activity of the samples was detected by the agar diffusion technique againstMicrococcus luteus. Furthermore, the antibacterial properties of the samples were tested according the ISO 22196 standard against Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus,Listeria monocytogenes) bacterial strains. The nisin was detected by high performance liquid chromatography, the device having been equipped with a UV/vis detector. The results show that the PEG, besides its plasticizing effect, significantly enhances the release profile and sustains long‐term antibacterial activity of nisin in a PLA matrix.
A method for more accurate FEA results on a medical device developed by 3D technologies
Authors: Aydin Levent , Kucuk Serdar
Published: May 2018

At present, 3‐dimensional models of all additive manufactured objects (AMOs) are accepted as a solid model for finite element analysis (FEA). FEA of AMOs may not reveal the real results because mechanical properties of default materials in CAD software and newly built AMOs are not equal to each other. This may produce problems especially for the end user due to unexpected failure or wear off. The aim of this study was to compare FEA results of an additive manufactured Ankle Foot Orthosis model under 2 different value sets, namely default material‐based mechanical properties and measured mechanical properties. In order to determine the real mechanical properties of the additive manufactured Ankle Foot Orthosis, 3‐dimensional printed test specimens with different infill densities were prepared and tested according to the recommended standards. Mechanical test results were then loaded in the CAD software and FEA was performed. This study illustrated that default mechanical properties of existing materials in CAD software produce misleading simulation results for AMOs, ie, real mechanical properties should be used to get more accurate results.
Photoswitchable double bonds: Synthetic strategies for tunability and versatility
Authors: Cameron David , Eisler Sara
Published: May 2018

Isomerizations of azo, imine, and alkene groups using light are highly tunable. As such, photoswitches based on these functional groups have become critical components of many responsive molecules and materials. This mini‐review describes recent work focused on controlling various properties of double bond‐based molecular switches, including speed of switching, thermal stability, and wavelength required to initiate switching. Methods used to control structure and function vary, but commonly involve careful probing of the electronic, photochemical, and steric profiles of the molecular switches. Successes and avenues for further investigation will be discussed.
Predicting nonadherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy in women with early stage breast cancer
Authors: Corter Arden L. , Broom Reuben , Porter David , Harvey Vernon , Findlay Michael
Published: May 2018

Background

Failing to take endocrine therapy (ET) as prescribed (nonadherence) increases risk of morbidity and mortality from breast cancer recurrence. We explored predictors of nonadherence, including demographic, clinical, treatment, and personal factors, among women newly prescribed ET for early stage breast cancer. We also examined predictors of their thoughts about stopping treatment (TST).

Methods

A baseline survey prior to ET assessed demographics, illness beliefs, beliefs about medicines, fear of recurrence, symptoms, and negative affect. A follow‐up survey at 3 months repeated these measures with additional questions about nonadherence and TST. Nonadherence and TST were analyzed using logistic and multiple regression, respectively. Patient record review provided clinical data. The baseline survey was completed by 125 women, with a 96% retention rate at follow‐up.

Results

Thirty‐six percent reported nonadherence, and 30% reported TST. Results of regression analyses showed that TST was most strongly associated with symptom severity at follow‐up, whereas, lower coherence beliefs, and the absence of comorbid conditions were the strongest predictors of actual nonadherence.

Conclusion

This is the first longitudinal study to examine concurrently the association of demographic, personal and treatment factors with nonadherence, and TST. Findings have potentially important clinical implications; interventions to improve adherence and reduce TST may need to target women's understanding of their diagnosis and treatment, illness beliefs, and symptoms prior to starting therapy.
The Effect of Metal in MoOx/Metal/MoOx Anode on Open Circuit Voltage in Organic Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Pakhomov Georgy L. , Travkin Vlad V. , Luk'yanov Andrey Y. , Vopilkin Evgeny A. , Stuzhin Pavel A.
Published: May 2018

Archetypal photovoltaic cells are fabricated in order to elucidate the effect of a metal embedded in a semitransparent trilayer electrode on photovoltage. A series of electrodes are formed by thermal deposition of MoOx, metal and MoOx layers, in said succession (MoOx = substoichometric molybdenum trioxide, metal = Au, Cu, Ag, Al, In, Mg, Yb). The parameters of the Schottky‐type cells consisting of thus made bottom anode, a subphthalocyanine boron chloride (SubPc) photoabsorber and a bilayer LiF/Al top cathode are measured and compared to those of the reference cell with an ITO/MoOx anode. Photovoltage does not correlate with the work function of a metal in the anode, while the photocurrent is inversely proportional to the anode sheet resistance. The highest efficiency is achieved with the silver interlayer, but the reference cell with ITO outperforms any cell with a trilayer anode. Then, comparison is made with a series of cells, in which the metal (Cr, Ni, Ag, Al, and Ta) in anode is deposited by a dc magnetron sputtering. In these cells, the photovoltage rises monotonically with the metal work function. Magnetron sputtered nickel in the anode provides the best cell performance, closely approaching that of the reference cell.
Prediction of plastic film thickness based on gas permeability and validation with ‘Kyoho’ table grapes for optimal modified atmosphere packaging
Authors: Chen Shoujiang , Wang Haiou , Fu Qingquan , Wang Rongrong , Zhang Wei , Cai Xiaoning
Published: May 2018

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) storage has become a useful technique for extending the shelf life of fruit and vegetables. However, the success of MAP depends on many factors, including types of fresh products, storage conditions, and the characteristics of the packaging films. To achieve the optimal gas composition in the package headspace and improve the postharvest quality of fresh produce, the packaging film with appropriate barrier properties needs to be selected. This study aimed to predict the film thickness by applying produce respiration rate and package film permeability data measured in given product weight and storage conditions. An available film (eg, 25‐μm‐thick low‐density polyethylene) was used to pack fresh produce, and the respiration rate of fresh produce and in‐package O2 and CO2 concentrations at steady state were measured. Permeability of the film was calculated based on mass balance, and the thickness of the film could be predicted if the recommended target O2 and CO2 concentration was obtained from the literature. To validate the predicted thickness value, an experiment was conducted by packaging fresh table grapes in bags of the predicted thickness. The effect of packaging with different film thicknesses on the quality of the fruit was determined. The results showed good agreement between the predicted and the experimental in‐bag O2 and CO2 concentrations, and the MAP with predicted thickness (90 μm) film was more effective in maintaining postharvest quality of grapes during low‐temperature storage than the thinner films (30 and 60 μm) and the control.
Use of native macrophytes for recovery of the habitat structure and complexity of a lowland stream affected by river engineering works: Implications for management
Authors: Paz L.E. , Nicolosi Gelis M.M. , Licursi M. , Gómez N. , Rodrigues Capítulo A.
Published: May 2018

Macrophytes were transplanted into a lowland stream affected by river engineering works. The aim was to analyse the feasibility of their reintroduction and potential to be used for the recovery of the structure and complexity of the lotic habitat. Macrophytes contribute heterogeneity to streams, modify the current velocity, affect sediment and nutrients dynamics, and provide a substrate for epiphytic biofilm. We transplanted specimens of Ludwigia peploides, Gymnocoronis spilanthoides, and Egeria densa into a stream located in the Pampean plain (Buenos Aires, Argentina). The growth and coverage of the transplanted macrophytes and the changes in the structure of the epiphytic biofilm were assessed. The results show that specimens of G. spilanthoides were negatively affected by the transplant and new conditions, E. densa decreased its coverage after the transplant, and L. peploides endured the transplant and adapted to the dredging site with successful establishment and expansion. There were no significant differences between the biofilm developed in L. peploides and G. spilanthoides. Additionally, the biofilm had similar features between the transplanted macrophytes and those from a site with no dredging. Considering this result, the selection between these macrophytes in relation to biofilm production is indifferent. However, as L. peploides adapts better to the new conditions generated by the river engineering works, its use in the rehabilitation project is recommended. Moreover, it is important to consider the ability of different species of macrophytes to survive the transplant and grow under new environmental conditions in order to include them in rehabilitation projects.
Reduced complexity satellite broadcast receiver with interference mitigation in correlated noise
Authors: Abu‐Shaban Zohair , Mehrpouyan Hani , M. R. Bhavani Shankar , Ottersten Björn
Published: May 2018

The recent commercial trends towards using smaller dish antennas for satellite receivers and the growing density of broadcasting satellites necessitate the application of robust adjacent satellite interference cancellation schemes. This orbital density growth along with the wider beamwidth of a smaller dish have imposed an overloaded scenario at the satellite receiver, where the number of transmitting satellites exceeds the number of receiving elements at the dish antenna. To ensure successful operation in this practical scenario, we propose a satellite receiver that enhances signal detection from the desired satellite by mitigating the interference from neighboring satellites. Towards this objective, we propose an enhanced list‐based group‐wise search detection (E‐LGSD) receiver under the assumption of spatially correlated additive noise. To further enhance detection performance, the proposed satellite receiver utilizes a newly designed whitening filter to remove the spatial correlation among the noise parameters, while also applying a preprocessor that maximizes the signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio. We exploit the structure of this filter and propose a reduced complexity LGSD (RC‐LGSD) receiver. Extensive simulations under practical scenarios show that the proposed receiver enhances the performance of satellite broadcast systems in the presence of adjacent satellite interference compared with existing methods. Also, under pointing error, RC‐LGSD exhibits similar behavior to that of the optimum receiver.
Causal estimands and confidence intervals associated with Wilcoxon‐Mann‐Whitney tests in randomized experiments
Authors: Fay Michael P. , Brittain Erica H. , Shih Joanna H. , Follmann Dean A. , Gabriel Erin E.
Published: May 2018

Although thePvalue from a Wilcoxon‐Mann‐Whitney test is used often with randomized experiments, it is rarely accompanied with a causal effect estimate and its confidence interval. The natural parameter for the Wilcoxon‐Mann‐Whitney test is the Mann‐Whitney parameter,ϕ, which measures the probability that a randomly selected individual in the treatment arm will have a larger response than a randomly selected individual in the control arm (plus an adjustment for ties). We show that the Mann‐Whitney parameter may be framed as a causal parameter and show that it is not equal to a closely related and nonidentifiable causal effect,ψ, the probability that a randomly selected individual will have a larger response under treatment than under control (plus an adjustment for ties). We review the paradox, first expressed by Hand, that theψparameter may imply that the treatment is worse (or better) than control, while the Mann‐Whitney parameter shows the opposite. Unlike the Mann‐Whitney parameter,ψis nonidentifiable from a randomized experiment. We review some nonparametric assumptions that rule out Hand's paradox through bounds onψand use bootstrap methods to make inferences on those bounds. We explore the relationship of the proportional odds parameter to Hand's paradox, showing that the paradox may occur for proportional odds parameters between 1/9 and 9. Thus, large effects are needed to ensure that if treatment appears better by the Mann‐Whitney parameter, then treatment improves responses in most individuals. We demonstrate these issues using a vaccine trial.
Economizing Production of Diverse 2D Layered Metal Hydroxides for Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Zheng Zongmin , Lin Lele , Mo Shiguang , Ou Daohui , Tao Jing , Qin Ruixuan , Fang Xiaoliang , Zheng Nanfeng
Published: May 2018

2D layered metal hydroxides (LMH) are promising materials for electrochemical energy conversion and storage. Compared with exfoliation of bulk layered materials, wet chemistry synthesis of 2D LMH materials under mild conditions still remains a big challenge. Here, an “MgO‐mediated strategy” for mass production of various 2D LMH nanosheets is presented by hydrolyzing MgO in metal salt aqueous solutions at room temperature. Benefiting from this economical and scalable strategy, ultrathin LMH nanosheets (M = Ni, Fe, Co, NiFe, and NiCo) and their derivatives (e.g., metal oxides and sulfides) can be synthesized in high yields. More importantly, this strategy opens up opportunities to fabricate hierarchically structured LMH nanosheets, resulting in high‐performance electrocatalysts for the oxygen‐ and hydrogen‐evolution reactions to realize stable overall water splitting with a low cell voltage of 1.55 V at 10 mA cm−2. This work provides a powerful platform for the synthesis and applications of 2D materials.
3D PtFe Clusters with Cube‐in‐Cube Structure Enhance Oxygen Reduction Catalysis and Electrochemical Sensing
Authors: Lin Fei , Sun Yingjun , Lai Jianping , Wang Kai , Tang Yonghua , Chao Yuguang , Yang Yong , Feng Jianrui , Lv Fan , Zhou Peng , Huang Minghua , Guo Shaojun
Published: May 2018

Rational design and construction of high‐performance electrocatalytic nanomaterials is significant for improving activity and stability of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and the sensitivity and selectivity of electrochemical sensors. Herein, the synthesis of a class of PtFe clusters with a cube‐in‐cube structure (PtFe‐CIC) is reported. The nanoscale PtFe clusters are constructed by primary subunits of the nanocube and have porous structure and high surface area. The PtFe‐CIC exhibits much enhanced electrocatalytic activity for ORR by showing high specific activity and mass activity. The PtFe‐CIC is a highly universal and efficient electrocatalyst for boosting the electrocatalysis of H2O2 and hydrazine to construct high‐sensitivity sensors in 0.1 m phosphate‐buffered saline solution. The as‐prepared PtFe‐CIC shows a wide detection range of 2 × 10−9 to 1.5 × 10−3m for H2O2 with a very low detection limit of 0.7 × 10−9m, and a wide linear range of 0.1–357.9 × 10−6m for hydrazine with a very low detection limit of 33 × 10−9m. This work opens a new way to design 3D superarchitectures with porous structure for boosting electrocatalysis of small molecules.
Halide‐Ion Diadducts of Perhalogenated Cyclopenta‐ and Cyclohexasilanes
Authors: Teichmann Julian , Köstler Benedikt , Tillmann Jan , Moxter Maximilian , Kupec Robin , Bolte Michael , Lerner Hans‐Wolfram , Wagner Matthias
Published: May 2018

The halosilicates(II) [nBu4N]2[Si6Br12·2Br] and [nBu4P]2[Si6I12·2I] were prepared by mere addition of the appropriate halide salt to the corresponding disilane Si2X6 (X = Br, I). In the first case, the Br3Si‐substituted derivative [nBu4N]2[Si7Br14·2Br] formed as a second product. We have been able to obtain single crystals of [Ph4P]2[Si7Br14·2Br] by switching the Br– salt from [nBu4N]Br to [Ph4P]Br. All three compounds, [nBu4N]2[Si6Br12·2Br] (monoclinic, P21/c), [nBu4P]2[Si6I12·2I] (triclinic, P1), and [Ph4P]2[Si7Br14·2Br] (triclinic, P1) were structurally characterized by X‐ray crystallography and found to form “inverse sandwich complexes”, in which two X– ions are located above and below a planarized Si6 ring. The free periodated cyclohexasilane Si6I12 is accessible from [nBu4N]2[Si6Cl12·2Cl] and BI3 (1:5 molar ratio; CH2Cl2) via a decomplexation/halide‐exchange cascade. Si6I12 (monoclinic, C2/c) adopts a puckered chair conformation in the solid state. The cyclopentasilane diadduct [nBu4P]2[Si5Cl10·2Cl] forms at –78 °C from Si5Cl10 and 2 equiv. of [nBu4P]Cl in CH2Cl2. An X‐ray analysis of [nBu4P]2[Si5Cl10·2Cl]·2CH2Cl2 (monoclinic, C2/c) again revealed the structure of an “inverse sandwich complex”. Crystalline [nBu4P]2[Si5Cl10·2Cl]·2CH2Cl2 is stable at room temperature. However, in CH2Cl2 solution the compound quantitatively undergoes ring‐expansion reactions to furnish cyclohexasilane derivatives. This behavior is in striking contrast to that of [nBu4N]2[Si6Cl12·2Cl], which persists at room temperature both in solution and the solid state. Competition experiments revealed free Si5Cl10 and Si6Cl12 to have comparable Cl– affinities, even though the distance between the two apical Cl– ions in [Si5Cl10·2Cl]2– (4.292 Å) is larger by 0.456 Å than that in [Si6Cl12·2Cl]2– (3.836 Å).
A geometrical upper bound on the inflaton range
Authors: Cicoli Michele , Ciupke David , Mayrhofer Christoph , Shukla Pramod
Published: May 2018

Abstract

We argue that in type IIB LVS string models, after including the leading order moduli stabilisation effects, the moduli space for the remaining flat directions is compact due the Calabi-Yau Kähler cone conditions. In cosmological applications, this gives an inflaton field range which is bounded from above, in analogy with recent results from the weak gravity and swampland conjectures. We support our claim by explicitly showing that it holds for all LVS vacua with h
1,1 = 3 obtained from 4-dimensional reflexive polytopes. In particular, we first search for all Calabi-Yau threefolds from the Kreuzer-Skarke list with h
1,1 = 2, 3 and 4 which allow for LVS vacua, finding several new LVS geometries which were so far unknown. We then focus on the h
1,1 = 3 cases and show that the Kähler cones of all toric hypersurface threefolds force the effective 1-dimensional LVS moduli space to be compact. We find that the moduli space size can generically be trans-Planckian only for K3 fibred examples.
Rohstoffsicherung in der Landes- und Regionalplanung
Authors: Hartz Andrea , Saad Sascha , Schniedermeier Lydia , Fleischhauer Mark , Greiving Stefan
Published: May 2018

Mineral resources are used in virtually all branches of production. The extraction of resources is competing with other land uses and often meets little acceptance. Spatial planning plays an important role not only for precautionary land use for resource extraction, but also for long-term securing of resource potentials. The spatial planning involves a weighing against other land uses and functions in the sense of a sustainable regional development. This paper looks into the question how the statewide and regional planning meets this requirement with regard to non-energetic mineral resources. The results of polls and plan analyses show massive variations in the regulatory scope for securing resources in the statewide and regional plans. This serves as a basis on which solutions are highlighted for an adequate consideration of securing resources in spatial planning. These relate to the methodical challenges in the weighing process as well as the design of the spatial planning toolsets.
APOE‐ε4 associates with hippocampal volume, learning, and memory across the spectrum of Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Saeed Usman , Mirza Saira S. , MacIntosh Bradley J. , Herrmann Nathan , Keith Julia , Ramirez Joel , Nestor Sean M. , Yu Qinggang , Knight Jo , Swardfager Walter , Potkin Steven G. , Rogaeva Ekaterina , St. George‐Hyslop Peter , Black Sandra E. , Masellis Mario
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Although the apolipoprotein E ε4‐allele (APOE‐ε4) is a susceptibility factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), its relationship with imaging and cognitive measures across the AD/DLB spectrum remains unexplored.

Methods

We studied 298 patients (AD = 250, DLB = 48; 38 autopsy‐confirmed; NCT01800214) using neuropsychological testing, volumetric magnetic resonance imaging, and APOE genotyping to investigate the association of APOE‐ε4 with hippocampal volume and learning/memory phenotypes, irrespective of diagnosis.

Results

Across the AD/DLB spectrum: (1) hippocampal volumes were smaller with increasing APOE‐ε4 dosage (no genotype × diagnosis interaction observed), (2) learning performance as assessed by total recall scores was associated with hippocampal volumes only among APOE‐ε4 carriers, and (3) APOE‐ε4 carriers performed worse on long‐delay free word recall.

Discussion

These findings provide evidence that APOE‐ε4 is linked to hippocampal atrophy and learning/memory phenotypes across the AD/DLB spectrum, which could be useful as biomarkers of disease progression in therapeutic trials of mixed disease.
Economic Development through Treaty Reparations in New Zealand and Canada
Authors: Tait Myra J. , Ladner Kiera L.
Published: May 2018

In Canada, Treaty 1 First Nations brought a claim against the Crown for land debt owed to them since 1871. In 2004, Crown land in Winnipeg became available that, according to the terms of the settlement, should have been offered for purchase to Treaty 1 Nations. Similarly, in New Zealand, the Waikato-Tainui claim arose from historical Crown breaches of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi. In 1995, a settlement was reached to address the unjust Crown confiscation of Tainui lands. Despite being intended to facilitate the return of traditional territory, compensate for Crown breaches of historic treaties, and indirectly provide opportunity for economic development, in both cases, settlement was met with legal and political challenges. Using a comparative legal analysis, this paper examines how the state continues to use its law-making power to undermine socio-economic development of Indigenous communities in Canada and New Zealand, thereby thwarting opportunity for Indigenous self-determination.
Seasonal Variation in the Correlation Between Anomalies of Sea Level and Chlorophyll in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current
Authors: Song Hajoon , Long Matthew C. , Gaube Peter , Frenger Ivy , Marshall John , McGillicuddy Dennis J.
Published: May 2018

The Antarctic Circumpolar Current has highly energetic mesoscale phenomena, but their impacts on phytoplankton biomass, productivity, and biogeochemical cycling are not understood well. We analyze satellite observations and an eddy‐rich ocean model to show that they drive chlorophyll anomalies of opposite sign in winter versus summer. In winter, deeper mixed layers in positive sea surface height (SSH) anomalies reduce light availability, leading to anomalously low chlorophyll concentrations. In summer with abundant light, however, positive SSH anomalies show elevated chlorophyll concentration due to higher iron level, and an iron budget analysis reveals that anomalously strong vertical mixing enhances iron supply to the mixed layer. Features with negative SSH anomalies exhibit the opposite tendencies: higher chlorophyll concentration in winter and lower in summer. Our results suggest that mesoscale modulation of iron supply, light availability, and vertical mixing plays an important role in causing systematic variations in primary productivity over the seasonal cycle.