bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymer:Nonfullerene Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells with Exceptionally Low Recombination Rates
Authors: Gasparini Nicola , Salvador Michael , Heumueller Thomas , Richter Moses , Classen Andrej , Shrestha Shreetu , Matt Gebhard J. , Holliday Sarah , Strohm Sebastian , Egelhaaf Hans‐Joachim , Wadsworth Andrew , Baran Derya , McCulloch Iain , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: September 2017

Organic semiconductors are in general known to have an inherently lower charge carrier mobility compared to their inorganic counterparts. Bimolecular recombination of holes and electrons is an important loss mechanism and can often be described by the Langevin recombination model. Here, the device physics of bulk heterojunction solar cells based on a nonfullerene acceptor (IDTBR) in combination with poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) are elucidated, showing an unprecedentedly low bimolecular recombination rate. The high fill factor observed (above 65%) is attributed to non‐Langevin behavior with a Langevin prefactor (β/βL) of 1.9 × 10−4. The absence of parasitic recombination and high charge carrier lifetimes in P3HT:IDTBR solar cells inform an almost ideal bimolecular recombination behavior. This exceptional recombination behavior is explored to fabricate devices with layer thicknesses up to 450 nm without significant performance losses. The determination of the photoexcited carrier mobility by time‐of‐flight measurements reveals a long‐lived and nonthermalized carrier transport as the origin for the exceptional transport physics. The crystalline microstructure arrangement of both components is suggested to be decisive for this slow recombination dynamics. Further, the thickness‐independent power conversion efficiency is of utmost technological relevance for upscaling production and reiterates the importance of understanding material design in the context of low bimolecular recombination.
Nonlinear robust optimization for process design
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Li Zukui , Huang Biao
Published: September 2017

A novel robust optimization framework is proposed to address general nonlinear problems in process design. Local linearization is taken with respect to the uncertain parameters around multiple realizations of the uncertainty, and an iterative algorithm is implemented to solve the problem. Furthermore, the proposed methodology can handle different categories of problems according to the complexity of the problems. First, inequality‐only constrained optimization problem as studied in most existing robust optimization methods can be addressed. Second, the proposed framework can deal with problems with equality constraint associated with uncertain parameters. In the final case, we investigate problems with operation variables which can be adjusted according to the realizations of uncertainty. A local affinely adjustable decision rule is adopted for the operation variables (i.e., an affine function of the uncertain parameter). Different applications corresponding to different classes of problems are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed nonlinear robust optimization framework. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 481–494, 2018
Phelan‐McDermid syndrome data network: Integrating patient reported outcomes with clinical notes and curated genetic reports
Authors: Kothari Cartik , Wack Maxime , Hassen‐Khodja Claire , Finan Sean , Savova Guergana , O'Boyle Megan , Bliss Geraldine , Cornell Andria , Horn Elizabeth J. , Davis Rebecca , Jacobs Jacquelyn , Kohane Isaac , Avillach Paul
Published: September 2017

The heterogeneity of patient phenotype data are an impediment to the research into the origins and progression of neuropsychiatric disorders. This difficulty is compounded in the case of rare disorders such as Phelan‐McDermid Syndrome (PMS) by the paucity of patient clinical data. PMS is a rare syndromic genetic cause of autism and intellectual deficiency. In this paper, we describe the Phelan‐McDermid Syndrome Data Network (PMS_DN), a platform that facilitates research into phenotype–genotype correlation and progression of PMS by: a) integrating knowledge of patient phenotypes extracted from Patient Reported Outcomes (PRO) data and clinical notes—two heterogeneous, underutilized sources of knowledge about patient phenotypes—with curated genetic information from the same patient cohort and b) making this integrated knowledge, along with a suite of statistical tools, available free of charge to authorized investigators on a Web portal https://pmsdn.hms.harvard.edu. PMS_DN is a Patient Centric Outcomes Research Initiative (PCORI) where patients and their families are involved in all aspects of the management of patient data in driving research into PMS. To foster collaborative research, PMS_DN also makes patient aggregates from this knowledge available to authorized investigators using distributed research networks such as the PCORnet PopMedNet. PMS_DN is hosted on a scalable cloud based environment and complies with all patient data privacy regulations. As of October 31, 2016, PMS_DN integrates high‐quality knowledge extracted from the clinical notes of 112 patients and curated genetic reports of 176 patients with preprocessed PRO data from 415 patients.
Boosting the Catalytic Performance of Metal–Organic Frameworks for Steroid Transformations by Confinement within a Mesoporous Scaffold
Authors: Cirujano Francisco G. , Luz Ignacio , Soukri Mustapha , Van Goethem Cedric , Vankelecom Ivo F. J. , Lail Marty , De Vos Dirk E.
Published: September 2017

Solid‐state crystallization achieves selective confinement of metal–organic framework (MOF) nanocrystals within mesoporous materials, thereby rendering active sites more accessible compared to the bulk‐MOF and enhancing the chemical and mechanical stability of MOF nanocrystals. (Zr)UiO‐66(NH2)/SiO2 hybrid materials were tested as efficient and reusable heterogeneous catalysts for the synthesis of steroid derivatives, outperforming the bulk (Zr)UiO‐66(NH2) MOF. A clear correlation between the catalytic activity of the dispersed Zr sites present in the confined MOF, and the loading of the mesoporous SiO2, is demonstrated for steroid transformations.
Selective Utilization of the Methoxy Group in Lignin to Produce Acetic Acid
Authors: Mei Qingqing , Liu Huizhen , Shen Xiaojun , Meng Qinglei , Liu Hangyu , Xiang Junfeng , Han Buxing
Published: September 2017

Selective transformation of lignin into a valuable chemical is of great importance and challenge owing to its complex structure. Herein, we propose a strategy for the transformation of methoxy group (‐OCH3) which is abundant in lignin into pure highly valuable chemicals. As an example to apply this strategy, a route to produce acetic acid with high selectivity by conversion of methoxy group of lignin was developed. It was demonstrated that the methoxy group in lignin could react with CO and water to generate acetic acid over RhCl3 in the presence of a promoter. The conversions of methoxy group in the kraft lignin and organosolv lignin reached 87.5 % and 80.4 %, respectively, and no by‐product was generated. This work opens the way to produce pure chemicals using lignin as the feedstock.
Catalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Difluoromethylated Cyclopropanes
Authors: Bos Maxence , Huang Wei‐Sheng , Poisson Thomas , Pannecoucke Xavier , Charette André B. , Jubault Philippe
Published: September 2017

The first catalytic asymmetric synthesis of highly functionalized difluoromethylated cyclopropanes is described. The method, based on a rhodium‐catalyzed cyclopropanation of difluoromethylated olefins, gives access to a broad range of cyclopropanes bearing ester, ketone, or nitro functional groups. By using Rh2((S)‐BTPCP)4 as a catalyst, the corresponding products were obtained in high yields and high diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities (up 20:1 d.r. and 99 % ee). This methodology allowed preparation of enantioenriched difluoromethylcyclopropanes for the first time.
Engineered Fluorine Metabolism and Fluoropolymer Production in Living Cells
Authors: Thuronyi B W. , Privalsky Thomas M. , Chang Michelle C. Y.
Published: September 2017

Fluorine has become an important element for the design of synthetic molecules for use in medicine, agriculture, and materials. Despite the many advantages provided by fluorine for tuning key molecular properties, it is rarely found in natural metabolism. We seek to expand the molecular space available for discovery through the development of new biosynthetic strategies that cross synthetic with natural compounds. Towards this goal, we engineered a microbial host for organofluorine metabolism and show that we can achieve the production of the fluorinated diketide 2‐fluoro‐3‐hydroxybutyrate at approximately 50 % yield. This fluorinated diketide can be used as a monomer in vivo to produce fluorinated poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA) bioplastics with fluorine substitutions ranging from around 5–15 %. This system provides a platform to produce mm flux through the key fluoromalonyl coenzyme A (CoA) building block, thereby offering the potential to generate a broad range of fluorinated small‐molecule targets in living cells.
Recent Developments in Lanthanide Single‐Molecule Magnets
Authors: Lu Jingjing , Guo Mei , Tang Jinkui
Published: September 2017

Single‐molecule magnets (SMMs) exhibiting slow relaxation of magnetization of purely molecular origin are highly attractive owing to their potential applications in spintronic devices, high‐density information storage, and quantum computing. In particular, lanthanide SMMs have been playing a major role in the advancement of this field because of the large intrinsic magnetic anisotropy of lanthanide metal ions. Herein, some recent breakthroughs that are changing the perspective of the field are highlighted, with special emphasis on synthetic strategies towards the design of high‐performance SMMs.
Children with autism spectrum disorder who improve with fever: Insights from the Simons Simplex Collection
Authors: Grzadzinski Rebecca , Lord Catherine , Sanders Stephan J. , Werling Donna , Bal Vanessa H.
Published: September 2017

Literature indicates that some children with ASD may show behavioral improvements during fever; however, little is known about the behavioral profiles of these children. This study aims to (a) investigate the subset of children who show parent‐reported behavioral improvements associated with fever and (b) compare the demographic, behavioral, and genetic characteristics of this subset of children to children whose parents report no change during fever. Parents of 2,152 children from the Simons Simplex Collection provided information about whether and in which areas their child improved during fever. Children were randomly assigned into discovery or replication samples. In discovery analyses, children who reportedly improved with fever (Improve Group) were compared to those who reportedly did not improve (No Improve Group) on demographics, medical history, ASD symptoms, adaptive skills, and presence of de novo ASD‐associated mutations. Significant and marginal results from discovery analyses were tested in the replication sample. Parent reports of 17% of children indicated improvements during fever across a range of domains. Discovery and replication analyses revealed that the Improve Group had significantly lower non‐verbal cognitive skills (NVIQ) and language levels and more repetitive behaviors. Groups did not differ on demographic variables, parent‐report of current ASD symptoms or the presence of de novo mutations. Understanding the profiles of children who improve during episodes of fever may provide insights into innovative treatments for ASD. Autism Res 2018, 11: 175–184. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

This study explored characteristics of children with ASD who are reported to improve during fever. Parents of 17% of children with ASD report improvements across a range of domains during fever including cognition, communication, repetitive behaviors, social interaction, and behavior. Children who are reported to improve during fever have significantly lower non‐verbal cognitive skills and language levels and more repetitive behaviors. Understanding the profiles of children who improve during episodes of fever may provide insights into new treatments for ASD.
Beschriften, Wiederfinden und Reaktivieren: Die Rolle von Objektträgeretiketten im Auffindsystem am Beispiel von Alzheimers Auguste‐D.‐Präparaten
Authors: Bock von Wülfingen Bettina
Published: September 2017

Labeling, Recovering and Reactivating: The Role of Labels on Microscope Slides in the Finding System on the Basis of Alzheimer's Auguste D. Preparations. This study discusses the role of labels in the process of the reactivation (Rheinberger) of preparations. Labels on slides together with corresponding lists on cards or sheets build what is here called a specific finding system. In the sciences of the archive (Daston) the disciplinary memory together with such a finding system are the basis to the ability of the sciences today to reactivate preparations from the beginning of the last century as it occurs with the Auguste D. preparations. The case of Alzheimer's micropreparations of brain parts of Auguste D. – the case that he used to show that hers was a specific brain disease unknown before – serves to describe Alzheimer's writing on the labels. It is compared to slides and labels prepared by other medical researchers between the 1890s and 1920s and the respective finding systems. Being an epistemologicum, micropreparations, as they are data, in their hybrid status of both image and material in one, cross the boundaries between icon and index. This is proven by the reactivation of Auguste D. micropreparations in molecular biological studies over 100 years after their production.
Das Meer beschreiben: Schriftlichkeitspraktiken der Masters der Royal Navy im langen 18. Jahrhundert
Authors: Moser Lena
Published: September 2017

Describing the Seas: Writing Practices of the Masters of the Royal Navy in the Long Eighteenth Century. The masters (that is, navigating officers) of the Royal Navy in the long eighteenth century are usually associated more with practical knowledge and experience than with an involvement with learned or ‚book‘ knowledge. However, their professional practices were based to a high degree on the usage and production of texts. This article examines how literary practices shaped the production of hydrographic knowledge by masters, in how far these practices resembled those of learned culture at the time, and how masters employed them to gain access to the scientific community.
Evolutionary origin of synapses and neurons – Bridging the gap
Authors: Burkhardt Pawel , Sprecher Simon G.
Published: September 2017

The evolutionary origin of synapses and neurons is an enigmatic subject that inspires much debate. Non‐bilaterian metazoans, both with and without neurons and their closest relatives already contain many components of the molecular toolkits for synapse functions. The origin of these components and their assembly into ancient synaptic signaling machineries are particularly important in light of recent findings on the phylogeny of non‐bilaterian metazoans. The evolution of synapses and neurons are often discussed only from a metazoan perspective leaving a considerable gap in our understanding. By taking an integrative approach we highlight the need to consider different, but extremely relevant phyla and to include the closest unicellular relatives of metazoans, the ichthyosporeans, filastereans and choanoflagellates, to fully understand the evolutionary origin of synapses and neurons. This approach allows for a detailed understanding of when and how the first pre‐ and postsynaptic signaling machineries evolved.
Dual‐Pore Carbon Shells for Efficient Removal of Humic Acid from Water
Authors: Yu Hongxia , Zhang Qiao , Dahl Michael , Joo Ji Bong , Wang Xin , Wang Lianjun , Yin Yadong
Published: September 2017

A template‐mediated process for the preparation of mesoporous carbon shells with high surface area, dual‐pore structure, and excellent performance in the adsorption of humic acid is reported. Their synthesis involves templating phenolic resin against wrinkled silica nanospheres, subsequent carbonization under Ar atmosphere, and final release of dual‐pore mesoporous carbon shells by etching the silica templates. An additional silica layer was used to protect the phenolic resin from aggregation during carbonization, and its subsequent removal gives the carbon shells a hydrophilic surface, which significantly improves their dispersity in aqueous media. When used as adsorbents for humic acid removal, the as‐prepared dual‐pore mesoporous carbon shells show superior adsorption performance to activated carbon.
Reduced Oxygenated g‐C3N4 with Abundant Nitrogen Vacancies for Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Sun Na , Liang Yan , Ma Xujun , Chen Feng
Published: September 2017

A novel g‐C3N4 photocatalyst (RCNO) with abundant nitrogen vacancies and oxygen‐containing electron‐withdrawing groups was prepared. Oxygen was gradually introduced into the g‐C3N4 structure by a hydrothermal hydrolysis/condensation process, and nitrogen vacancies were produced with H2 reduction. The presence of nitrogen vacancies reduced the conduction band energy of g‐C3N4 from −0.75 to −0.5 eV and introduced plenty of defect levels in the band gap (just below the conductive band with a width of 0.45 eV). The oxygenation of g‐C3N4 induced the formation of oxygen‐containing functional groups, such as C=O and C−O, as well as effectively enhancing the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers and reducing the valence band energy from 2.05 to 2.30 eV. Therefore, the photocatalytic activity and photocurrent responses of RCNO were about nine and eight times higher than that of g‐C3N4, respectively.
Study on the slurry ability and combustion behaviour of coal‐bioferment residue of drugs‐slurry
Authors: Wang Jinqian , Liu Jianzhong , Jin Yuqi , Li Dedi , Cen Kefa
Published: September 2017

Bioferment residue of drugs (BRD) is one kind of harmful and hazardous substance which has complex compositions. Thus, proper treatment of these residues has become an important concern. BRD can be utilized harmlessly and economically by mixing it with coal powder, water, and dispersant to prepare slurry fuel, named as coal‐BRD‐slurry (CBRDS). In this study, the influence of BRD on the slurry ability and combustion behaviour of CBRDS was investigated with coal water slurry (CWS) as reference. Results showed that the dispersant can reduce the slurry viscosity of CBRDS and CWS, and its optimum dosage was 0.6 wt% on the dried coal basis. The fixed‐viscosity concentration of CBRDS decreased with increasing BRD dosage. CBRDS and CWS exhibited shear‐thinning behaviour. The rheological behaviour was fitted by the power law. CBRDS exhibited higher apparent viscosity and stronger shear‐thinning behaviour because of the flocculent structure and well‐developed pores of the BRD. BRD can improve the stability of CWS by decreasing solid‐liquid separation of the slurry. Addition of BRD decreased the ignition temperature and increased the ash residues, suggesting a synergistic effect of CWS and BRD occurred during the combustion of CBRDS.
Issues in vaccinology: Present challenges and future directions
Authors: Sheerin Dylan , Openshaw Peter JM , Pollard Andrew J
Published: September 2017

Vaccination is a principal and highly cost‐effective means of controlling infectious diseases, providing direct protection against pathogens by conferring long‐lasting immunological memory and inducing population‐level herd immunity. Despite rapid ongoing progress in vaccinology, there remain many obstacles to the development and deployment of novel or improved vaccines; these include the underlying science of how to induce and sustain appropriate protective immune responses as well as bureaucratic, logistic and socio‐political hurdles. The failure to distribute and administer existing vaccines to at‐risk communities continues to account for a large proportion of infant mortality worldwide: almost 20 million children do not have access to basic vaccines and several million still die each year as a result. While emerging epidemic or pandemic diseases pose a significant threat to global health and prosperity, there are many infectious diseases which provide a continuous or cyclical burden on healthcare systems which also need to be addressed. Gaps in knowledge of the human immune system stand in the way of developing technologies to overcome individual and pathogenic variation. The challenges in tackling infectious disease and directions that the field of preventive medicine may take to improve the current picture of global health are the focus of this review.
Cyclometalated Rhodium(III) Complexes Based on Substituted 2‐Phenylpyridine Ligands: Synthesis, Structures, Photophysics, Electrochemistry, and DNA‐Binding Properties
Authors: Liang Haoran , Hao Taotao , Yin Changzhen , Yang Xi , Fu Haiyan , Zheng Xueli , Li Ruixiang , Xiao Dan , Chen Hua
Published: September 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue are the groups of Dan Xiao and Hua Chen from Sichuan University, China. The cover image shows the interaction of rhodium complexes with DNA, as inspired by the Chinese classical novel “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”.
Olive Pomace in Diet Limits Lipid Peroxidation of Sausages from Cinta Senese Swine
Authors: Serra Andrea , Conte Giuseppe , Giovannetti Manuela , Casarosa Laura , Agnolucci Monica , Ciucci Francesca , Palla Michela , Bulleri Eleonora , Cappucci Alice , Servili Maurizio , Mele Marcello
Published: September 2017

In order to examine whether olive pomace (OP), the mean by‐product of olive oil extraction, can be included in the animal diet, its effect on the raw mixture and sausages made from meat from OP‐fed Cinta Senese swine is tested by comparing it with a diet supplemented with high oleic sunflower oil (SO) and a control diet (C). Proximate composition, pH, color, total culturable bacteria, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and lipid oxidation are evaluated in both the raw mixture and sausages. The aroma profile is also evaluated in sausages. Olive pomace affected the fatty acid composition of the raw mixture and strongly limited the lipid peroxidation of sausages, probably due to the synergistic action of 3,4‐DHPEA and α‐tocopherol. Olive pomace selectively promotes LAB growth, and protected the raw mixture and sausages from discoloration. The diet also affected the content of volatile organic compounds thus enabling OP sausages to be distinguished from other sausages.

Practical Applications: The protection of foods against lipid peroxidation is a very important aspect in terms of their quality. Achieving this naturally is a high priority for consumers, as there is an increasing demand for “low impact” and “environment‐safe” production processes. The approach proposed in the present study is aimed at meeting both these objectives. Our findings demonstrate that the inclusion of olive pomace in the swine diet effectively slowed down the lipid oxidation in the sausages. The strategy we propose also meets both economic and ecological goals. Olive pomace is the main by‐product of olive oil spinneret, and its re‐use in another spinneret is a cost‐effective way of improving the sustainability of the production process.

Three different kinds of sausages are made. The experiment is aimed at studying the effect of olive pomace (OP) in controling the progression of lipid oxidation. OP have protected sausages against cholesterol oxidation, thus limiting the production of COPs (α‐hydroxycholesterol, α‐epoxycholesterol, and 7‐ketocholesterol). The most probable mechanism is attributable to electron or H+ donor properties of polyphenols contained in olive pomace.
Improving power of association tests using multiple sets of imputed genotypes from distributed reference panels
Authors: Zhou Wei , Fritsche Lars G. , Das Sayantan , Zhang He , Nielsen Jonas B. , Holmen Oddgeir L. , Chen Jin , Lin Maoxuan , Elvestad Maiken B. , Hveem Kristian , Abecasis Goncalo R. , Kang Hyun Min , Willer Cristen J.
Published: September 2017

The accuracy of genotype imputation depends upon two factors: the sample size of the reference panel and the genetic similarity between the reference panel and the target samples. When multiple reference panels are not consented to combine together, it is unclear how to combine the imputation results to optimize the power of genetic association studies. We compared the accuracy of 9,265 Norwegian genomes imputed from three reference panels—1000 Genomes phase 3 (1000G), Haplotype Reference Consortium (HRC), and a reference panel containing 2,201 Norwegian participants from the population‐based Nord Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) from low‐pass genome sequencing. We observed that the population‐matched reference panel allowed for imputation of more population‐specific variants with lower frequency (minor allele frequency (MAF) between 0.05% and 0.5%). The overall imputation accuracy from the population‐specific panel was substantially higher than 1000G and was comparable with HRC, despite HRC being 15‐fold larger. These results recapitulate the value of population‐specific reference panels for genotype imputation. We also evaluated different strategies to utilize multiple sets of imputed genotypes to increase the power of association studies. We observed that testing association for all variants imputed from any panel results in higher power to detect association than the alternative strategy of including only one version of each genetic variant, selected for having the highest imputation quality metric. This was particularly true for lower frequency variants (MAF < 1%), even after adjusting for the additional multiple testing burden.
Resident characteristics and neighborhood environments on health‐related quality of life and stress
Authors: Barile John P. , Kuperminc Gabriel P. , Thompson William W.
Published: September 2017

Relatively little research has attempted to disentangle the individual and neighborhood conditions underlying health disparities. To address this, survey data were collected from 1,107 residents living in one of the 114 census tracts. Results from a multilevel structural equation model found an individual's perceptions of the social and built environment were significantly associated with their current physical health, mental health, and perceived stress. Associations between household income and poor physical health were more pronounced for participants who lived in low‐income neighborhoods compared to participants who lived in high‐income neighborhoods. Additionally, Black residents reported significantly better mental health than White residents when they lived in high‐income neighborhoods, while Black residents who lived in low‐income neighborhoods reported significantly more stress than White residents in low‐income neighborhoods. Results of this study advance scientific understanding of social determinants of health and may aid in the development of programs and policies.
The complete bipartite graphs with a unique edge‐transitive embedding
Authors: Fan Wenwen , Li Cai Heng
Published: September 2017

Jones, Nedela, and Škoviera (2008) showed that a complete bipartite graph has a unique orientably regular embedding if and only if . In this article, we extend this result by proving that a complete bipartite graph has a unique orientably edge‐transitive embedding if and only if .
Novel luciferase–opsin combinations for improved luminopsins
Authors: Park Sung Young , Song Sang‐Ho , Palmateer Brandon , Pal Akash , Petersen Eric D. , Shall Gabrielle P. , Welchko Ryan M. , Ibata Keiji , Miyawaki Atsushi , Augustine George J. , Hochgeschwender Ute
Published: September 2017

Previous work has demonstrated that fusion of a luciferase to an opsin, to create a luminescent opsin or luminopsin, provides a genetically encoded means of manipulating neuronal activity via both chemogenetic and optogenetic approaches. Here we have expanded and refined the versatility of luminopsin tools by fusing an alternative luciferase variant with high light emission, Gaussia luciferase mutant GLucM23, to depolarizing and hyperpolarizing channelrhodopsins with increased light sensitivity. The combination of GLucM23 with Volvox channelrhodopsin‐1 produced LMO4, while combining GLucM23 with the anion channelrhodopsin iChloC yielded iLMO4. We found efficient activation of these channelrhodopsins in the presence of the luciferase substrate, as indicated by responses measured in both single neurons and in neuronal populations of mice and rats, as well as by changes in male rat behavior during amphetamine‐induced rotations. We conclude that these new luminopsins will be useful for bimodal opto‐ and chemogenetic analyses of brain function.
Chemical composition, water vapor permeability, and mechanical properties of yuba film influenced by soymilk depth and concentration
Authors: Zhang Siran , Lee Jaesang , Kim Yookyung
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Yuba is a soy protein–lipid film formed during heating of soymilk. This study described yuba as an edible film by analyzing its chemical composition, water vapor permeability (WVP), and mechanical properties. Three yuba films were prepared by using different concentrations and depths of soymilk: HS (86 g kg−1 and 2.3 cm), LS (70 g kg−1 and 2.3 cm), and LD (70 g kg−1 and 3.0 cm).

RESULTS

As yuba was successively skimmed, the protein, lipid, and SH content decreased, but carbohydrate and SS content increased. Though both the initial concentration and the depth of soymilk affect the properties of the films, the depth of soymilk influences WVP and tensile strength (TS) more. The WVP of the HS and LS changed the least (13–17 g mm kPa−1 m−2 day1), while that of the LD changed the most (13–35 g mm kPa−1 m−2 day−1). There were no differences (P > 0.05) in the TS between the HS and LS. LD had the greatest decrease of TS and the lowest TS among the groups. The earlier the yuba films were collected, the greater the elongation of the films was: 129% (HS), 113% (LS), and 155% (LD).

CONCLUSION

The initial concentration and the depth of soymilk changed the chemical composition and structure of the yuba films. The LS yuba produced more uniform edible films with good mechanical properties. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of ultrasound on the alkali extraction of proteins from eggshell membranes
Authors: Marcet Ismael , Salvadores Marina , Rendueles Manuel , Díaz Mario
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Eggshell contains two layers formed by a dense network of fibrous proteins. These proteins are highly insoluble in a broad variety of solvents, but their composition makes them suitable for a broad range of applications. In this study, in order to extract and solubilise these proteins, the eggshell membranes were treated in an alkali solution. A Box–Behnken design was employed to determine the influence of the treatment variables on the amount of protein solubilised. Furthermore, the effect of ultrasound on the protein recovery yield was also evaluated and compared with the unmodified process.

RESULTS

A solubilised protein yield close to 100% of the total eggshell membrane protein was obtained. The optimal conditions could be set at 70 °C in a 1.0 mol L−1 NaOH solution for 60 min. However, when ultrasound was applied, it was possible to decrease the time of reaction by half. In the two processes, the temperature was found to be the most important independent variable evaluated. Finally, the antioxidant properties of the proteins obtained in each case were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound favours the detachment of big clumps of proteins from the eggshell membrane, facilitating the solubilisation of its compounds. The ultrasound had no effect on the protein properties tested in this study. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Selection and use of indigenous mixed starter cultures for mustard leaves fermentation and the improvement of cuocai characteristics
Authors: Chen Xuan , Zheng Miao , Liu Jia , Deng Zeyuan , Zhang Bing , Li Hongyan
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

To improve the characteristics and safety of traditional cuocai, the selection and use of mixed starter cultures is important. This study aimed to isolate the main indigenous lactic acid bacteria (LABs) and yeast species from spontaneous fermented mustard leaves, and they were used as starter cultures to ferment mustard leaves.

RESULTS

Five predominant LABs, namely Q‐1 (Enterococcus faecalis), G‐1 (Lactobacillus plantarum), G‐3 (Lactobacillus pentosus), and G‐2 and G‐4 (Lactobacillus buchneri) strains, and the two yeast strains J‐1 (Issatchenkia orientalis) and J‐2 (Issatchenkia occidentalis) were isolated from cuocai. From the results,Lb. plantarumandI. orientalisstrains exhibited strong growth ability, fast acidification, and potent low‐pH tolerance. Therefore, they were chosen as the mixed starter cultures to ferment mustard leaves. During the process of culture‐dependent fermented mustard leaves, the changes of acidity, total crude protein, and total sugar were similar to those of culture‐independent fermented mustard leaves, while the nitrite content of culture‐dependent fermented mustard leaves was significantly lower than that of culture‐independent fermented cuocai. According to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis, the main volatile flavor compounds of fermented mustard leaves were alcohols, aldehydes, esters, and sulfides. There was no significant difference of volatile flavor compounds between the processes of culture‐dependent and culture‐independent fermentations.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, it was suggested thatLb. plantarumandI. orientalisstrains could be used to ferment cuocai instead of the traditional ferment method to control the quality and shelf safety of cuocai. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Techniques for the analysis of pentacyclic triterpenoids in medicinal plants
Authors: Xu Congcong , Wang Bing , Pu Yiqiong , Tao Jiansheng , Zhang Tong
Published: September 2017

Triterpenes are a major class of chemical compounds found in natural plants and can be categorized into acyclic triterpenoids, monocyclic triterpenoids, tricyclic triterpenoids, tetracyclic triterpenoids, and pentacyclic triterpenoids. Among them, pentacyclic triterpenoids have gained more extensive attention due to their biological activities, including anti‐inflammation, antibacterial, antioxidation, antitumor, anti‐HIV, hepatoprotection, and immunological adjuvant properties. In this review, we summarize the extraction and analytical methods for pentacyclic triterpenoids, where more than 56 triterpenes from 49 kinds of plants were involved. The analysis methods include gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, thin‐layer chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography, NMR spectroscopy, and X‐ray spectroscopy. This review provides valuable reference for the determination of pentacyclic triterpenoids in medicinal plants.
Electrochemical noise of unalloyed steel in mixtures of water‐based binders and pigments
Authors: Heyn A. , Rosemann P. , Babutzka M. , Bender S.
Published: September 2017

The development of organic coatings for corrosion protection is an elaborate process with a multitude of often interminable investigations and tests of protection properties. Electrochemical methods support the processes of development to a great extent and help to understand mechanisms of action and failure. They are usually carried out on applied coating systems with a completed formulation. An examination possibility is presented in this publication that enables the characterization of water‐based coatings with different formulation variations in the liquid (aqueous) state with the aid of electrochemical noise technique. Thus, selection of binders, pigments, and other additives is supported essentially and made more efficient in a very early phase of formulation development. The paper shows that a unique insight into the dynamic processes of a metal in contact with an aqueous coating dispersion is possible using the example of the development of zinc‐free corrosion‐inhibiting pigments for water‐based coatings. In addition, it is presented in which way the results correlate with the performance of applied coatings.
An FMEA evaluation of intensity modulated radiation therapy dose delivery failures at tolerance criteria levels
Authors: Faught Jacqueline Tonigan , Balter Peter A. , Johnson Jennifer L. , Kry Stephen F. , Court Laurence E. , Stingo Francesco C. , Followill David S.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The objective of this work was to assess both the perception of failure modes in Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) when the linac is operated at the edge of tolerances given in AAPM TG‐40 (Kutcher et al.) and TG‐142 (Klein et al.) as well as the application of FMEA to this specific section of the IMRT process.

Methods

An online survey was distributed to approximately 2000 physicists worldwide that participate in quality services provided by the Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core ‐ Houston (IROC‐H). The survey briefly described eleven different failure modes covered by basic quality assurance in step‐and‐shoot IMRT at or near TG‐40 (Kutcher et al.) and TG‐142 (Klein et al.) tolerance criteria levels. Respondents were asked to estimate the worst case scenario percent dose error that could be caused by each of these failure modes in a head and neck patient as well as the FMEA scores: Occurrence, Detectability, and Severity. Risk probability number (RPN) scores were calculated as the product of these scores. Demographic data were also collected.

Results

A total of 181 individual and three group responses were submitted. 84% were from North America. Most (76%) individual respondents performed at least 80% clinical work and 92% were nationally certified. Respondent medical physics experience ranged from 2.5 to 45 yr (average 18 yr). A total of 52% of individual respondents were at least somewhat familiar with FMEA, while 17% were not familiar. Several IMRT techniques, treatment planning systems, and linear accelerator manufacturers were represented. All failure modes received widely varying scores ranging from 1 to 10 for occurrence, at least 1–9 for detectability, and at least 1–7 for severity. Ranking failure modes by RPN scores also resulted in large variability, with each failure mode being ranked both most risky (1st) and least risky (11th) by different respondents. On average MLC modeling had the highest RPN scores. Individual estimated percent dose errors and severity scores positively correlated (P < 0.01) for each FM as expected. No universal correlations were found between the demographic information collected and scoring, percent dose errors or ranking.

Conclusions

Failure modes investigated overall were evaluated as low to medium risk, with average RPNs less than 110. The ranking of 11 failure modes was not agreed upon by the community. Large variability in FMEA scoring may be caused by individual interpretation and/or experience, reflecting the subjective nature of the FMEA tool.
Reconstruction by calibration over tensors for multi‐coil multi‐acquisition balanced SSFP imaging
Authors: Biyik Erdem , Ilicak Efe , Çukur Tolga
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To develop a rapid imaging framework for balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) that jointly reconstructs undersampled data (by a factor of R) across multiple coils (D) and multiple acquisitions (N). To devise a multi‐acquisition coil compression technique for improved computational efficiency.

Methods

The bSSFP image for a given coil and acquisition is modeled to be modulated by a coil sensitivity and a bSSFP profile. The proposed reconstruction by calibration over tensors (ReCat) recovers missing data by tensor interpolation over the coil and acquisition dimensions. Coil compression is achieved using a new method based on multilinear singular value decomposition (MLCC). ReCat is compared with iterative self‐consistent parallel imaging (SPIRiT) and profile encoding (PE‐SSFP) reconstructions.

Results

Compared to parallel imaging or profile‐encoding methods, ReCat attains sensitive depiction of high‐spatial‐frequency information even at higher R. In the brain, ReCat improves peak SNR (PSNR) by 1.1 ± 1.0 dB over SPIRiT and by 0.9 ± 0.3 dB over PE‐SSFP (mean ± SD across subjects; average for N = 2–8, R = 8–16). Furthermore, reconstructions based on MLCC achieve 0.8 ± 0.6 dB higher PSNR compared to those based on geometric coil compression (GCC) (average for N = 2–8, R = 4–16).

Conclusion

ReCat is a promising acceleration framework for banding‐artifact‐free bSSFP imaging with high image quality; and MLCC offers improved computational efficiency for tensor‐based reconstructions. Magn Reson Med 79:2542–2554, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Mobile app: living and dying well with dementia
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sarmishtha , Benbow Susan Mary , Collins Eve ,   Project Team
Published: September 2017

Digital technology is gaining wider use in healthcare. Here the authors consider whether a mobile application (app) they have developed could help promote understanding of dementia, its impact on those affected and to focus formal and family carers on key issues in end of life care.
When mania is not mania: a case of frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Prevezanos Panagiotis‐Georgios , Badrakalimuthu Raja , Eddy Tracey
Published: September 2017

Imaging is a vital diagnostic tool to help distinguish frontotemporal dementia (FTD) from other neurodegenerative conditions. Here, the authors present the case of a 76‐year‐old man, without a history of mental disorders, suffering acute FTD that was clinically similar to a manic episode. The finding from neuroimaging is described along with the successful pharmacological management of the patient.
Biodegradable Microparticles for Simultaneous Detection of Counterfeit and Deteriorated Edible Products
Authors: Rehor Ivan , van Vreeswijk Sophie , Vermonden Tina , Hennink Wim E. , Kegel Willem K. , Eral Huseyin Burak
Published: September 2017

In an era of globalized trade relations where food and pharmaceutical products cross borders effortlessly, consumers face counterfeit and deteriorated products at elevated rates. This paper presents multifunctional, biodegradable hydrogel microparticles that can provide information on the authenticity and the potential deterioration of the tagged food or pharmaceutical formulations. These microparticles integrate spatially patterned authenticity code with two sensors—the first one detects possible presence of pathogenic microbes through monitoring pH while the second one identifies products stored above optimal temperatures via optical monitoring of the microparticle degradation. Particles are synthesized from a biocompatible polymer and a photoinitiator, dextran modified with 2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate and riboflavin, respectively, using a continuous, high throughput method stop‐flow lithography. The proposed synthesis approach also enables crosslinking with visible light bringing about additional flexibility to flow lithography. Model liquid and solid food and pharmaceutical products are successfully labeled with microparticles and the functionality of the sensors in aqueous solutions is demonstrated.
QuickChecking static analysis properties
Authors: Midtgaard Jan , Møller Anders
Published: September 2017

A static analysis can check programs for potential errors. A natural question that arises is therefore: who checks the checker? Researchers have given this question varying attention, ranging from basic testing techniques, informal monotonicity arguments, thorough pen‐and‐paper soundness proofs, to verified fixed point checking. In this paper, we demonstrate how quickchecking can be useful to test a range of static analysis properties with limited effort. We show how to check a range of algebraic lattice properties, to help ensure that an implementation follows the formal specification of a lattice. Moreover, we offer a number of generic, type‐safe combinators to check transfer functions and operators on lattices, to help ensure that these are, eg, monotone, strict, or invariant. We substantiate our claims by quickchecking a type analysis for the Lua programming language.
Opening the Case of theiPad: What Matters, and Where Next?
Authors: Burnett Cathy , Merchant Guy
Published: September 2017

Digital literacies abound in playing a foundational role in the rhythm and pattern of our lives, yet debates continue about how to harness them to teach and learn literacy. In an effort to humanize digital literacies, this department column offers a vast array of topics, from participatory work that pushes educators and researchers to communicate in local and global spaces to ways of redefining core reading and literacy skills through a screen‐based, multimodal logic. This column also provides a venue for research and practical applications that depict technology use as a part of the fabric of being human. The column helps educators reconceptualize the ways that children learn with technology, media, and new communication systems; honors educator success stories and burning questions and issues; and reimagines literacy futures.
Flash Lamp Annealing (FLA) of Magnetron Sputtered Low‐Temperature TCO Coatings
Authors: Panckow Andreas N. , David Clement , Weber Jörg
Published: September 2017

Thin TCO layers, like ITO and AZO, are commonly used in applications where highly conductive and transparent thin film systems are necessary for large area applications such as displays, touch panels, electroluminescent devices, electrochromics, energy efficient window systems and photovoltaics. At present the best ITO and AZO quality is attained with films deposited by means of magnetron sputtering using ceramic targets at substrate temperatures above 200 °C. In this study have been investigated TCO films deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering from a rotary indium‐tin target, ITO films sputtered from ceramic target and reactively sputter deposited AZO films from zinc‐aluminium targets, respectively.

A promising approach to improve the properties of TCO films sputtered at low substrate temperatures is the application of post‐growth treatment by flash lamp annealing. This has been applied for ITO and AZO samples that have been deposited at various temperatures and oxygen partial pressures.
High precision optical filter based on magnetron sputtering
Authors: Biethan Jens‐Peter , Arhilger Detlef , Pistner Jürgen , Reus Holger , Stapp Martin , Hagedorn Harro
Published: September 2017

Current and upcoming specifications for optical filters and components are driving the demand for optimized deposition techniques. Besides the need for high precision process control to achieve accurate and reproducible layer properties, additional requirements from a process automation perspective have to be considered. In particular, applications in the semiconductor industry require reliable, accurate substrate handling to microelectronic standards.

The Helios 800 sputtering system provides extremely accurate layer depositon and thickness control, allowing manufacture of state of the art optical components with high throughput. These include beamsplitters, band pass, edge, and multinotch dielectric filters. In addition optoelectronic applications, which combine electronic components with optical filters, are growing rapidly.