bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Closure of the Bering Strait caused Mid-Pleistocene Transition cooling
Authors: Kender Sev , Ravelo Ana Christina , Worne Savannah , Swann George E. A. , Leng Melanie J. , Asahi Hirofumi , Becker Julia , Detlef Henrieka , Aiello Ivano W. , Andreasen Dyke , Hall Ian R.
Published: December 2018

The Mid-Pleistocene Transition (MPT) is characterised by cooling and lengthening glacial cycles from 600–1200 ka, thought to be driven by reductions in glacial CO2 in particular from ~900 ka onwards. Reduced high latitude upwelling, a process that retains CO2 within the deep ocean over glacials, could have aided drawdown but has so far not been constrained in either hemisphere over the MPT. Here, we find that reduced nutrient upwelling in the Bering Sea, and North Pacific Intermediate Water expansion, coincided with the MPT and became more persistent at ~900 ka. We propose reduced upwelling was controlled by expanding sea ice and North Pacific Intermediate Water formation, which may have been enhanced by closure of the Bering Strait. The regional extent of North Pacific Intermediate Water across the subarctic northwest Pacific would have contributed to lower atmospheric CO2 and global cooling during the MPT.
Exploring the rumen fluid metabolome using liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry and Molecular Networking
Authors: de Almeida Rafaela Takako Ribeiro , do Prado Rodolpho Martin , Porto Carla , dos Santos Geraldo Tadeu , Huws Sharon Ann , Pilau Eduardo Jorge
Published: December 2018

The rumen primary and secondary metabolite content is intimately related to its community of bacteria, protozoa, fungi, archaea and bacteriophages, ingested feed and the host. Despite the myriad of interactions and novel compounds to be discovered, few studies have explored the rumen metabolome. Here, we present the first study using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry and Molecular Networking approach, and various extraction methods on the cell-free rumen fluid of a non-lactating Holstein cow. Putative molecules were annotated based on accurate fragmentation matching the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking library, public spectral libraries, or annotated manually. The combination of five extraction methods resulted on 1,882 molecular features observed. Liquid-liquid extraction resulted on the highest molecular features abundance, 1,166 (61.96% of total). Sixty-seven compounds were annotated using Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking library and public libraries, such as hydrocinnamic and azelaic acid, and monensin. Only 3.56% of molecular features (67) observed had positive match with available libraries, which shows the potential of the rumen as reservoir of novel compounds. The use of untargeted metabolomics in this study provided a snapshot of the rumen fluid metabolome. The complexity of the rumen will remain long unknown, but the use of new tools should be encouraged to foster advances on the rumen metabolome.
Relation between mitochondrial DNA hyperdiversity, mutation rate and mitochondrial genome evolution in Melarhaphe neritoides (Gastropoda: Littorinidae) and other Caenogastropoda
Authors: Fourdrilis Séverine , de Frias Martins Antonio M. , Backeljau Thierry
Published: December 2018

Mitochondrial DNA hyperdiversity is primarily caused by high mutation rates (µ) and has potential implications for mitogenome architecture and evolution. In the hyperdiverse mtDNA ofMelarhaphe neritoides(Gastropoda: Littorinidae), high mutational pressure generates unusually large amounts of synonymous variation, which is expected to (1) promote changes in synonymous codon usage, (2) reflect selection at synonymous sites, (3) increase mtDNA recombination and gene rearrangement, and (4) be correlated with high mtDNA substitution rates. The mitogenome ofM. neritoideswas sequenced, compared to closely related littorinids and put in the phylogenetic context of Caenogastropoda, to assess the influence of mtDNA hyperdiversity and highµon gene content and gene order. Most mitogenome features are in line with the trend in Mollusca, except for the atypical secondary structure of the methionine transfer RNA lacking the TΨC-loop. Therefore, mtDNA hyperdiversity and highµinM. neritoidesdo not seem to affect its mitogenome architecture. Synonymous sites are under positive selection, which adds to the growing evidence of non-neutral evolution at synonymous sites. Under such non-neutrality, substitution rate involves neutral and non-neutral substitutions, and highµis not necessarily associated with high substitution rate, thus explaining that, unlike highµ, a high substitution rate is associated with gene order rearrangement.
Phage based electrochemical detection ofEscherichia coliin drinking water using affinity reporter probes
Authors: Wang Danhui , Hinkley Troy , Chen Juhong , Talbert Joey N. , Nugen Sam R.
Published: December 2018

The monitoring of drinking water for indicators of fecal contamination is crucial for ensuring a safe supply.
A facile approach for the synthesis of nido-carborane fused oxazoles via one pot deboronation/cyclization of 9-amide-o-carboranes
Authors: Zhang Cai-Yan , Cao Ke , Xu Tao-Tao , Wu Ji , Jiang Linhai , Yang Junxiao
Published: December 2018

One pot deboronation/cyclization of 9-amide-o-carboranes for construction of nido-7,8-carborane fused oxazoles.
Highly efficient luminescent benzoylimino derivative and fluorescent probe from a photochemical reaction of imidazole as an oxygen sensor
Authors: Yu Yue , Zhao Ruiyang , Zhou Changjiang , Sun Xiaoyi , Wang Shizhao , Gao Yu , Li Weijun , Lu Ping , Yang Bing , Zhang Cheng
Published: December 2018

The newly-discovered photo-chemical reaction of imidazole, producing highly luminescent benzoylimino product, showed great potentials in fluorescent probe as an oxygen sensor.
Hydrogenation of CO2 into aromatics over a ZnCrOx–zeolite composite catalyst
Authors: Zhang Junfeng , Zhang Meng , Chen Shuyao , Wang Xiaoxing , Zhou Zeling , Wu Yingquan , Zhang Tao , Yang Guohui , Han Yizhuo , Tan Yisheng
Published: December 2018

A 81.1% aromatic selectivity in C5+ hydrocarbon was obtained at 320 °C, corresponding to 19.9% CO2 conversion and 69.4% C5+ selectivity in total hydrocorbons.
Microstructure of oxygen-deficient annealing-induced non-polar ZnO films with extremely low electrical resistivity
Authors: Qi Lin , Sun Benzhe , Wang Weizhen , Zhang Jian , Yang Huazhe , Qi Yang
Published: December 2018

The influence of oxygen vacancy mediation on the microstructure of post-annealed non-polar ZnO films has been investigated.
Pressure-induced conduction band convergence in the thermoelectric ternary chalcogenide CuBiS2
Authors: Alsaleh Najebah M. , Shoko Elvis , Schwingenschlögl Udo
Published: December 2018

The dependence of the electronic and thermoelectric properties of the ternary chalcogenides Cu(Sb,Bi)(S,Se)2on hydrostatic pressure is determined.
Investigation on the structure and thermoelectric properties of CuxTe binary compounds
Authors: Mukherjee Shriparna , Chetty Raju , Madduri P. V. Prakash , Nayak Ajaya K. , Wojciechowski Krzysztof , Ghosh Tanmoy , Chattopadhyay Kamanio , Suwas Satyam , Mallik Ramesh Chandra
Published: December 2018

The thermal conductivity of Cu2Te is around 4 W m−1 K−1 at 300 K with low Cp values.
A fleeting glimpse of the dual roles of SiB4 in promoting the hydrogen storage performance of LiBH4
Authors: Cai Weitong , Yang Yuanzheng , Tao Pingjun , Ouyang Liuzhang , Wang Hui , Yang Xusheng
Published: December 2018

SiB4 was unexpectedly found to exhibit dual roles to enhance the hydrogen storage performance of LiBH4.
Development of an effervescent tablet microextraction method using NiFe2O4-based magnetic nanoparticles for preconcentration/extraction of heavy metals prior to ICP-MS analysis of seafood
Authors: Zhou Peipei , Zheng Rongjie , Zhang Wei , Liu Wei , Li Yanyan , Wang Huili , Wang Xuedong
Published: December 2018

A novel magnetic NiFe2O4-based effervescent tablet-assisted dispersive solid-phase microextraction (MNET-DSPM) was developed for extraction of metal ions prior to ICP-MS.
A unified approach to mechanistic aspects of photochemical vapor generation
Authors: Leonori Daniele , Sturgeon Ralph E.
Published: December 2018

A general model of redox reactions for PVG is proposed, driven by reducing radicals (e(aq)−, H˙, R˙ and CO2˙−) arising from concurrent VUV photolysis of carboxylic acids to yield the nascent elemental species which are subsequently attacked by H˙, H3C˙, H+and CO to yield volatile products.
Lanthanum chloride induces autophagy in rat hippocampus through ROS-mediated JNK and AKT/mTOR signaling pathways
Authors: Gao Xiang , Yang Jinghua , Li Yingqi , Yu Miao , Liu Shiyu , Han Yarao , Lu Xiaobo , Jin Cuihong , Wu Shengwen , Cai Yuan
Published: December 2018

Lanthanum (La) can cause central nervous system damage in rats and lead to learning and memory impairment, but the relevant mechanisms have not been fully elucidated.
Columnar self-assembly, gelation and electrochemical behavior of cone-shaped luminescent supramolecular calix[4]arene LCs based on oxadiazole and thiadiazole derivatives
Authors: Sharma Vinay S. , Shah Akshara P. , Sharma Anuj S. , Athar Mohd
Published: December 2018

A new class of blue light-emitting supramolecular liquid crystalline cone or bowl-shaped compounds were synthesized from substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles and 1,3,4-thiadiazoles with calix[4]arene derivatives.
Skeletal rearrangement of arylmethylideneimidazo[4,5-e]thiazolo[3,2-b]-1,2,4-triazine-2,7-diones in the synthesis of the corresponding imidazo[4,5-e]thiazolo[2,3-c]-1,2,4-triazine-2,8-diones
Authors: Izmest’ev Alexei N. , Vasileva Darya A. , Melnikova Elizaveta K. , Kolotyrkina Natalya G. , Borisova Irina A. , Kravchenko Angelina N. , Gazieva Galina A.
Published: December 2018

The synthesis of benzylideneimidazo[4,5-e]thiazolo[2,3-c]- 1,2,4-triazines via an alkali-induced skeletal rearrangement of imidazo[4,5-e]thiazolo[3,2-b]-1,2,4-triazines is reported.
High-quality vanadium-doped MoS2 ultrathin nanosheets as an efficient ORR catalyst
Authors: He Tianyu , Xu Ling , Zhang Ying , Huang Hao , Jiao Huan
Published: December 2018

Ultrathin vanadium-doped MoS2 nanosheets are achieved via a simple thermolytic method, which exhibit enhanced catalytic ability for ORR catalysis.
Preparation and spectroscopic study of a water-soluble NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+@NaGdF4 crystal particle and its application in bioimaging
Authors: Meng Jiajia , Zhang Zhenglong , Zhang Baobao , Gao Ye , Li Guian , Fu Zhengkun , Zheng Hairong
Published: December 2018

Water-soluble, magnetic and up-conversion luminescent NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+@NaGdF4 core–shell particles were prepared directly by the hydrothermal method.
Biosynthesis of the uridine-derived nucleoside antibiotic A-94964: identification and characterization of the biosynthetic gene cluster provide insight into the biosynthetic pathway
Authors: Shiraishi Taro , Nishiyama Makoto , Kuzuyama Tomohisa
Published: December 2018

The biosynthetic pathway of the uridine-derived nucleoside antibiotic A-94964 was proposed via in silico analysis coupled with gene deletion experiments.
Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide catalysed oxidative cross dehydrogenative coupling of benzylic C(sp3)–H bonds in methylarenes with P(O)–OH compounds
Authors: Li Hang , Lei Jian , Liu Yongping , Chen Yi , Au Chak-Tong , Yin Shuang-Feng
Published: December 2018

A method for CTAB-catalysed oxidative cross dehydrogenative coupling of benzylic C(sp3)–H bonds in methylarenes with P(O)–OH compounds was reported.
Two-electron redox chemistry ofp-nitro- andp-cyanobenzene diazohydroxides
Authors: McEvoy James P. , Pham Nhan V. , Le Hong T. , Fernandez Micah M. , Farmer Ryan P. , Mahapatro Surendra N.
Published: December 2018

We report the interconversion of diazohydroxide and diazene species in mixed aqueous-acetonitrile solutions.
Atomistic investigation of an Iowa Amyloid-β trimer in aqueous solution
Authors: Ngo Son Tung , Thu Phung Huong Thi , Vu Khanh B. , Vu Van V.
Published: December 2018

Amyloid beta peptide oligomers are believed to play key roles in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. D23N mutation significantly changes their structure and how they bind potential inhibitors.
A new family of fullerene derivatives: fullerene-curcumin conjugates for biological and photovoltaic applications
Authors: Castro Edison , Cerón Maira R. , Garcia Andrea Hernandez , Kim Quentin , Etcheverry-Berríos Alvaro , Morel Mauricio J. , Díaz-Torres Raúl , Qian Wenjie , Martinez Zachary , Mendez Lois , Perez Frank , Santoyo Christy A. , Gimeno-Muñoz Raquel , Esper Ronda , Gutierrez Denisse A. , Varela-Ramirez Armando , Aguilera Renato J. , Llano Manuel , Soler Monica , Aliaga-Alcalde Núria , Echegoyen Luis
Published: December 2018

The synthesis and characterization of a family of [60]fullerocurcuminoids obtainedviaBingel reactions is reported.
Correlation between phase separation and rheological behavior in bitumen/SBS/PE blends
Authors: Xu Jianhui , Xia Tian , Zhao Li , Yin Bo , Yang Mingbo
Published: December 2018

The compositional ratio of SBS/PE influences the phase morphology evolution and corresponding rheological properties of modified bitumen.
Exploration of solid-state nanopores in characterizing reaction mixtures generated from a catalytic DNA assembly circuit
Authors: Zhu Zhentong , Wu Ruiping , Li Bingling
Published: December 2018

We adapt a solid-state nanopore for analyzing DNA assembly mixtures, which is usually a tougher task for either traditional characterization methods or nanopores themselves. A trigger induced nucleic acid amplifier, SP-CHA, is designed as a model. We propose an electrophoresis-gel like, but homogeneous, quantitative method that can comprehensively profile the “base-pair distribution” of SP-CHA concatemer mixtures.
Ideal circle microswimmers in crowded media
Authors: Chepizhko Oleksandr , Franosch Thomas
Published: December 2018

Using large-scale numerical simulations we show that ideal circle microswimmers experience crowding-enhanced diffusion. We study in detail their anomalous transport properties at a critical density of obstacles.
Conversion of a surfactant-based microemulsion to a surfactant-free microemulsion by CO2
Authors: Liu Dongfang , Lu Hongsheng , Zhang Ying , Zhu Peiyao , Huang Zhiyu
Published: December 2018

The introduction of CO2 at higher isopropyl alcohol levels leads to the conversion of a surfactant-based microemulsion to a surfactant-free microemulsion.
A lanthanide-based magnetic nanosensor as an erasable and visible platform for multi-color point-of-care detection of multiple targets and the potential application by smartphone
Authors: Xu Jun , Shen Xiao-Ke , Jia Lei , Cao Jian-Liang , Wang Yan , Zhao Xiao-Lei , Bi Ning , Guo Sheng-Li , Ma Tian-Yi
Published: December 2018

A magnetic Fe3O4@CePO4:Tb-EDTA-Eu nanosensor as an erasable and visible platform for the multi-color detection of multiple targets was designed.
Electrochemical-mediated gelation of catechol-bearing hydrogels based on multimodal crosslinking
Authors: Mou Chenchen , Ali Faisal , Malaviya Avishi , Bettinger Christopher J.
Published: December 2018

Applying full cell potential estimation in redox pairs of [PEG-Cat]4+ Mz+to elucidate contributions of metal ion precursors on hydrogel properties.
Straightforward One-Pot Syntheses of Silylamides of Magnesium and Calcium via an In Situ Grignard Metalation Method
Authors: Krieck Sven , Schüler Philipp , Peschel Jan , Westerhausen Matthias
Published: December 2018

Calcium bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amide] (Ca(HMDS)2) is a widely used reagent in diverse stoichiometric and catalytic applications. These processes necessitate a straightforward and large-scale access of this complex. Calcium does not react with primary and secondary amines, but the addition of excess bromoethane to a mixture of calcium turnings and amines in THF at room temperature yields the corresponding calcium bis(amides), calcium bromide and ethane. This in situ Grignard metalation method (iGMM) allows the preparation of calcium bis(amides) from secondary and primary trialkylsilyl-substituted amines and anilines on a multigram scale.

1 Background

2 The In Situ Grignard Metalation Method (iGMM)

3 Properties of [(thf)2M(HMDS)2]

4 Applications and Perspective
Scalable Synthesis of Naphthothiophene and Benzodithiophene Scaffolds as π-Conjugated Synthons for Organic Materials
Authors: Nitti Andrea , Pasini Dario , Bianchi Gabriele , Po Riccardo
Published: December 2018

The synthesis on a gram-scale and the full characterization of naphtho[1,2-b]thiophene and benzo[1,2-b:6,5-b']dithiophene 4-carboxylate esters bearing 2-octyldodecyl side chains, and their stannylated and brominated derivatives, suitable for their insertion into π-conjugated polymers is described. The fully soluble and processable synthons are obtained through a cascade sequence of reactions, namely direct arylation and cross aldol condensation, which create an effective pathway for the annulation and π-extension of suitable, commercially available reagents. The newly reported synthesis are compared, whenever possible, using ‘green chemistry metrics’ with literature synthesis, showing dramatic improvements.
Citología urinaria: ¿Qué sabemos?
Authors: López Oscar Leguizamón , Donoso Wilfredo Donoso , Barrios Andrés , Varela Rodolfo
Published: December 2018

El cáncer de vejiga es, en frecuencia, el segundo cáncer urológico y representa una mortalidad significativa. Es necesario entonces contar con herramientas diagnósticas efectivas que contribuyan a la toma de decisiones terapéuticas y de seguimiento. La citología urinaria es un método útil para dicho fin, pese a que es bien conocida su baja capacidad de identificación de tumores de bajo grado. Se ha demostrado cómo la citología urinaria es capaz de predecir la presencia de tumores uroteliales de alto grado que son, finalmente, aquellos que ameritan intervención pronta y ponen en riesgo la vida del paciente. Correctamente utilizada, la citología urinaria representa un apoyo fundamental en la toma de decisiones cuando el urólogo aborda el cáncer de vejiga.
Synthetic nuclear diagnostics for inferring plasma properties of inertial confinement fusion implosions
Authors: Crilly A. J. , Appelbe B. D. , McGlinchey K. , Walsh C. A. , Tong J. K. , Boxall A. B. , Chittenden J. P.
Published: December 2018

A suite of synthetic nuclear diagnostics has been developed to post-process radiation hydrodynamics simulations performed with the code Chimera. These provide experimental observables based on simulated capsule properties and are used to assess alternative experimental and data analysis techniques. These diagnostics include neutron spectroscopy, primary and scattered neutron imaging, neutron activation, γ-ray time histories and carbon γ-ray imaging. Novel features of the neutron spectrum have been analysed to infer plasma parameters. The nT and nD backscatter edges have been shown to provide a shell velocity measurement. Areal density asymmetries created by low mode perturbations have been inferred from the slope of the downscatter spectrum down to 10 MeV. Neutron activation diagnostics showed significant aliasing of high mode areal density asymmetries when observing a capsule implosion with 3D multimode perturbations applied. Carbon γ-ray imaging could be used to image the ablator at a high convergence ratio. Time histories of both the fusion and carbon γ signals showed a greater time difference between peak intensities for the perturbed case when compared to a symmetric simulation.
Development of a new Geant4-DNA electron elastic scattering model for liquid-phase water using the ELSEPA code
Authors: Shin W.-G. , Bordage M.-C. , Emfietzoglou D. , Kyriakou I. , Sakata D. , Min C. H. , Lee S. B. , Guatelli S. , Incerti S.
Published: December 2018

This paper presents the calculation of new elastic scattering cross sections for the simulation of electron interactions in liquid water. The calculations are based on the “ELastic Scattering of Electrons and Positrons by neutral Atoms” code, which adopts a Dirac partial wave analysis. A Muffin-tin potential was used in order to account for the liquid-phase of water, and the optical parameters of the correlation-polarization and the inelastic absorption potentials were optimized against vapour-phase water data. The differential and total elastic scattering cross sections calculated in the present work show a global agreement with the experimental data. The impact of these elastic scattering cross sections on the transport of electrons in liquid water was evaluated by track-structure simulations of range, dose-point-kernel, microdosimetric spectra, and ionization clustering using the Geant4-DNA simulation toolkit. The results are compared against those obtained with the elastic scattering models already available in Geant4-DNA and are discussed.
Structure and electrical conductivity of Ta doped La2Mo2O9 oxide ion conductors
Authors: Paul T. , Ghosh A.
Published: December 2018

In this work, we have investigated the crystal structure, thermal, vibrational, microstructural, and electrical properties of Ta doped La2Mo2O9 oxide ion conductors. The Rietveld refinements on the X-ray diffraction patterns confirm the α phase similar to that of undoped La2Mo2O9 at room temperature. α → β phase transition is confirmed by the differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The microcrystalline samples have grain sizes ∼10 μm along with well-defined grain boundaries. The infrared and Raman spectra mainly consist of MoO4 bands. The electrical conductivity of the highly dense pellets was analyzed by the impedance spectroscopy genetic programming method coupled with distribution function of relaxation times (DFRTs). Each DFRT consists of three main peaks conferring bulk, ionic, and electronic contributions of the grain boundary. The higher oxide ion conductivity in the β phase is identified due to the electronic contribution of the grain boundary for the samples. The capacitance for bulk and ionic parts of the grain boundary are almost temperature independent, whereas the electronic contribution varies turbulently. The incorporation reaction suggests that the sample with 5 wt. % Ta has the maximum oxide ion conductivity, which is further verified by the resistances obtained from the DFRT analysis.
Accelerated optimization of transparent, amorphous zinc-tin-oxide thin films for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Wahila Matthew J. , Lebens-Higgins Zachary W. , Butler Keith T. , Fritsch Daniel , Treharne Robert E. , Palgrave Robert G. , Woicik Joseph C. , Morgan Benjamin J. , Walsh Aron , Piper Louis F. J.
Published: December 2018

In the last decade, transparent amorphous oxide semiconductors (TAOS) have become an essential component of many electronics, from ultra high resolution displays to solar cells. However, these disordered oxides typically rely on expensive component metals like indium to provide sufficient charge carrier conduction, and their optoelectronic properties are not as predictable and well-described as those of traditional, crystalline semiconductors. Herein we report on our comprehensive study of the amorphous zinc-tin-oxide (a-ZTO) system for use as an indium-free, n-type TAOS. Using a combination of high-throughput co-deposition growth, high resolution spectral mapping, and atomistic calculations, we explain the development of disorder-related subgap states in SnO2-like a-ZTO and optical bandgap reduction in ZnO-like a-ZTO. In addition, we report on a composition-induced electronic and structural transition in ZnO-like a-ZTO resulting in an exceptionally high figure of merit, comparable to that of amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide. Our results accelerate the development of a-ZTO and similar systems as indium-free TAOS materials.
Observation of the magnetoelectric reversal process of the antiferromagnetic domain
Authors: Shiratsuchi Yu , Watanabe Shunsuke , Yoshida Hiroaki , Kishida Noriaki , Nakatani Ryoichi , Kotani Yoshinori , Toyoki Kentaro , Nakamura Tetsuya
Published: December 2018

We investigated the switching process of the perpendicular exchange bias, which is driven by the magnetoelectric effect, by conducting magnetic domain observations using scanning soft X-ray magnetic circular dichroism microscopy. Isothermal and simultaneous application of magnetic and electric fields switches the perpendicular exchange bias polarity. The switching process proceeds by the nucleation and growth of reversed domains. The correspondence among the ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic domains and exchange bias polarity indicates that interfacial antiferromagnetic spin/domain reversal is responsible for the magnetoelectric switching of the perpendicular exchange bias polarity.
Hybrid improper ferroelectricity in B-site substituted Ca3Ti2O7: The role of tolerance factor
Authors: Liu X. Q. , Chen B. H. , Lu J. J. , Hu Z. Z. , Chen X. M.
Published: December 2018

Hybrid improper ferroelectricity is induced by the coupling of oxygen octahedral rotation and tilting, and a promising way to create multiferroic materials with a strong magnetoelectric effect can be proposed. Although some hybrid improper ferroelectric materials with Ruddlesden-Popper structures have been discovered experimentally, the small polarizations and high coercive fields will severely limit their practical applications. To deal with this issue, an alternative way is proposed by the first-principles calculations in the present work. By calculating the energies of phases with oxygen octahedral rotation and tilting in Ca3TiMO7 (M = Si, Ge, Mn, Sn, Hf, and Zr) compounds with five B-site ordering configurations, it is found that the tolerance factor has a considerable impact on their ferroelectric properties. The energy barriers and ferroelectric polarizations increase with decreasing tolerance factor. Moreover, the individual-layer contributions to the total polarizations depend on the space group, which is also decided by the tolerance factor of the compound. Therefore, to enhance the ferroelectric polarization in B-site substituted Ca3Ti2O7, the tolerance factor should be decreased according to the calculation results of this work.
Note: Development of sTGC strip front-end readout prototype for ATLAS new small wheel upgrade
Authors: Liu Shengquan , Li Feng , Miao Peng , Zhang Zhilei , Wang XinXin , Geng Tianru , Zhou Shuang , Zhao Xiao , Duan Yanyun , Ge Jin
Published: December 2018

This note presents the development of front-end electronics prototype for A Toroidal LHC ApparatuS (ATLAS) New Small Wheel (NSW) detector small-strip Thin Gap Chamber (sTGC) to be used for level-1 triggering and precision muon tracking at the Large Hadron Collider. The sTGC front-end electronics must deal with a large number of strip channels with very limited space constraint, large dynamic range of charge readout with low noise, simultaneous fast trigger, and precision readout data movement. The prototype uses custom radiation-tolerant application specific integrated circuits, optimized layout, power, and ESD protection networks to realize the above stringent requirements. The electronic test indicates that the front-end channel has a dynamic range of 900 pC and inherent noise of 0.19 fC. The sTGC cosmic ray test verified the precision charge measurement of the prototype, reconstructed the muon track, and measured the performance of sTGC. The NSW trigger chain test verified the trigger processing and 4.8 Gbps transmission of the prototype.
Isotropic Seebeck coefficient of aligned single-wall carbon nanotube films
Authors: Fukuhara Kengo , Ichinose Yota , Nishidome Hiroyuki , Yomogida Yohei , Katsutani Fumiya , Komatsu Natsumi , Gao Weilu , Kono Junichiro , Yanagi Kazuhiro
Published: December 2018

How the morphology of a macroscopic assembly of nanoobjects affects its properties is a long-standing question in nanomaterials science and engineering. Here, we examine how the thermoelectric properties of a flexible thin film of carbon nanotubes depend on macroscopic nanotube alignment. Specifically, we have investigated the anisotropy of the Seebeck coefficient of aligned and gated single-wall carbon nanotube thin films. We varied the Fermi level in a wide range, covering both the p-type and n-type regimes, using electrolyte gating. While we found the electrical conductivity along the nanotube alignment direction to be several times larger than that in the perpendicular direction, the Seebeck coefficient was found to be fully isotropic, irrespective of the Fermi level position. We provide an explanation for this striking difference in anisotropy between the conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient using Mott's theory of hopping conduction. Our experimental evidence for an isotropic Seebeck coefficient in an anisotropic nanotube assembly suggests a route toward controlling the thermoelectric performance of carbon nanotube thin films through morphology control.
Protein kinase p38α signaling in dendritic cells regulates colon inflammation and tumorigenesis
Authors: Zheng Tingting , Zhang Baohua , Chen Ce , Ma Jingyu , Meng Deyun , Huang Jian , Hu Ran , Liu Xinguang , Otsu Kinya , Liu Andrew C. , Li Huabin , Yin Zhinan , Huang Gonghua
Published: December 2018

Significance

Dendritic cells (DCs) are known to mediate immune regulatory networks in response to intestinal epithelial barrier disruption, but underlying signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we show that genetic disruption of p38α in DCs leads to higher levels of differentiated type 1 regulatory T cells and group 3 innate lymphoid cells. Specifically, p38α signaling in intestinal cDC1s, but not cDC2s or T cells, mediates colitis pathogenesis. Together, our results suggest that p38α MAPK represents a major signaling network in DCs that regulates inflammation and contributes to epithelial barrier function in colitis and associated colorectal cancer. Furthermore, our finding suggests that p38α signaling in DCs may represent a target for the treatment of inflammatory intestinal diseases.
Singapore Mandarin Chinese
Authors: Lin Jingxia , Khoo Yong Kang
Published: December 2018

Given the historical and linguistic contexts of Singapore, it is both theoretically and practically significant to study Singapore
Mandarin (SM), an important member of Global Chinese. This paper aims to present a relatively comprehensive linguistic picture of
SM by overviewing current studies, particularly on the variations that distinguish SM from other Mandarin varieties, and to serve
as a reference for future studies on SM. This paper notes that (a) current studies have often provided general descriptions of the
variations, but less on individual variations that may lead to more theoretical discussions; (b) the studies on SM are primarily
based on comparisons with Mainland China Mandarin; (c) language contact has been taken as the major contributor of the variation
in SM, whereas other factors are often neglected; and (d) corpora with SM data are comparatively less developed and the evaluation
of data has remained largely in descriptive statistics.
双音节动词 “把” 字句的焦点考察
Authors: Xie Chenwei
Published: December 2018

抽象

本文将“把”字句中可出现的双音节动词按其构词形式的不同分为六类，并从音高、音长和音强三方面进行定量分析。结果表明，六组双音节动词“把”字句的韵律分布模式均是在动词处出现调域的最大值、音长的延长和音强的增幅，这说明“把”字句的焦点在动词上，“把”字句通过句法操作和语音韵律操作来凸显处置义。
Effects of fluvoxamine on nerve growth factor-induced neurite outgrowth inhibition by dexamethasone in PC12 cells
Authors: Matsushima Yukari , Terada Kazuki , Takata Jiro , Karube Yoshiharu , Kamei Chiaki , Sugimoto Yumi
Published: December 2018

In the present study, we examined the effects of fluvoxamine on nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite outgrowth inhibition by dexamethasone (DEX) in PC12 cells. Fluvoxamine increased NGF-induced neurite outgrowth. Compared with co-treatment with NGF and fluvoxamine, p-Akt levels were higher than the values without fluvoxamine. The phosphorylated extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 levels were slightly increased by co-treatment with NGF and fluvoxamine. Fluvoxamine concentration-dependently improved NGF-induced neurite outgrowth inhibition by DEX. Fluvoxamine also improved the decrease in the NGF-induced p-Akt level caused by DEX. Interestingly, the sigma-1 receptor antagonist NE-100 blocked the improvement effects of fluvoxamine on NGF-induced neurite outgrowth inhibition by DEX. The selective sigma-1 receptor agonist PRE-084 also improved NGF-induced neurite outgrowth inhibition by DEX, which is blocked by NE-100. These results indicate that the improvement effects of fluvoxamine on NGF-induced neurite outgrowth inhibition by DEX may be attributable to the phosphorylation of Akt and the sigma-1 receptor.
Prepositional City: Spatial Practice and Micro-Neighborhood in Renaissance Florence
Authors: Eckstein Nicholas A.
Published: December 2018

The famous Florentine tax census, the Catasto, contains an element that has escaped organized scholarly attention. This is theconfini:bare-bones lists of neighbors by which householders identified the location of private property to government officials. This article exploits theconfinito expose the microscopic connective fibers of spatial relationships that citizens reproduced every day at the level of individual streets, piazze, and buildings. Laying bare these elusive, ephemeral processes reveals how Florentines, like the inhabitants of other premodern European centers, conceived, articulated, and produced notions of urban space amid the structures and mundane rhythms of everyday life.
The Aesthetics of Theory Selection and the Logics of Art
Authors: O’Loughlin Ian , McCallum Kate
Published: December 2018

Philosophers of science discuss whether theory selection depends on aesthetic judgments or criteria and whether these putatively aesthetic features are genuinely extra-epistemic. As examples, judgments involving criteria such as simplicity and symmetry are often cited. However, other theory selection criteria, such as fecundity, coherence, internal consistency, and fertility, more closely match those criteria used in art contexts and by scholars working in aesthetics. Paying closer attention to the way these criteria are used in art contexts allows us to understand some evaluative and developmental practices in scientific theory selection as genuinely aesthetic, enlarging the scope of the goals of science.
Extrapolation of Experimental Results through Analogical Reasoning from Latent Classes
Authors: van Eersel Gerdien G. , Koppenol-Gonzalez Gabriela V. , Reiss Julian
Published: December 2018

In the human sciences, experimental research is used to establish causal relationships. However, the extrapolation of these results to the target population can be problematic. To facilitate extrapolation, we propose to use the statistical technique Latent Class Regression Analysis in combination with the analogical reasoning theory for extrapolation. This statistical technique can identify latent classes that differ in the effect of X on Y. In order to extrapolate by means of analogical reasoning, one can characterize the latent classes by a combination of features and then compare these features to features of the target.
Turning the microscope on power dynamics in the lab
Authors: Tintori Sophia C.
Published: December 2018

Sexual harassment is pervasive in academic science, as it is in so much of our society. My own department was confronted with this fact two years ago when high-profile accusations came out against a recent colleague of ours. Formal conversations in our department about sexual harassment quickly broadened to larger themes of power dynamics in the lab, and how the lab structure and our silence around power dynamics can enable abuses. Unexamined (and therefore uncheckable) power dynamics can allow sexual harassment, exploitation, bullying, and other ethical breaches to fester. These problems fall disproportionally on minority or marginalized persons, feeding into existing problems with diversity in science. Several students in our department organized and pushed for reforms on multiple scales. We offer our experience as an example of one way to aim for a healthier work environment for all researchers.
Popcorn Capsulorrhaphy in Revision Aesthetic Breast Surgery
Authors: Calobrace M Bradley , Mays Chet , Wilson Ryan , Wermeling Ryan
Published: December 2018

Background

Control of the pocket in revisional breast surgery can be technically challenging and unpredictable. A capsulorrhaphy technique has been utilized in altering capsules in secondary aesthetic breast surgery.

Objectives

The authors sought to determine the effectiveness of popcorn capsulorrhaphy in revisional breast surgery.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of revisional breast cases utilizing popcorn capsulorrhaphy was conducted between September 2015 and August 2017. Only aesthetic breast cases were included. Data were collected for 149 patients.

Results

One hundred forty-nine patients representing 266 breasts were operated on. The average patient age was 42 years and the mean body mass index was 24.2 kg/m2. The average time from their original surgery to the popcorn capsulorrhaphy secondary procedure was 9.3 years. Indications for capsulorrhaphy included malposition in 163 breasts (61.3%), implant positioning for breast ptosis in 34 breasts (12.8%), pocket adjustment for implant size change in 49 breasts (18.4%), and postexplantation pocket reduction in 20 breasts (7.5%). Of the 266 implants, 145 (54.5%) were smooth, 101 (38%) textured, and 20 (7.5%) were explanted. The average original implant size was 405 cc and the average size placed at the time of capsulorrhaphy was 422 cc. Two hundred thirty-six (88.7%) were in a submuscular pocket and 30 (11.3%) were subglandular. The total number of complications was 39 (14.7%), and 16 (6%) required some type of operative revision.

Conclusions

Popcorn capsulorrhaphy can provide pocket control and stability with low complication and revision rates. The addition of a mesh or biologic at the time of popcorn capsulorrhaphy can further lower the complication and revision rates.

Level of Evidence: 4
The metastasis suppressor, NDRG1, attenuates oncogenic TGF-β and NF-κB signaling to enhance membrane E-cadherin expression in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Menezes Sharleen V , Fouani Leyla , Huang Michael L H , Geleta Bekesho , Maleki Sanaz , Richardson Alexander , Richardson Des R , Kovacevic Zaklina
Published: December 2018

The metastasis suppressor, N-myc downstream-regulated gene-1 (NDRG1), plays multifaceted roles in inhibiting oncogenic signaling and can suppress the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), a key step in metastasis. In this investigation, NDRG1 inhibited the oncogenic effects of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells, promoting expression and co-localization of E-cadherin and β-catenin at the cell membrane. A similar effect of NDRG1 at supporting E-cadherin and β-catenin co-localization at the cell membrane was also demonstrated for HT-29 colon and CFPAC-1 pancreatic cancer cells. The increase in E-cadherin in PANC-1 cells in response to NDRG1 was mediated by the reduction of three transcriptional repressors of E-cadherin, namely SNAIL, SLUG and ZEB1. To dissect the mechanisms how NDRG1 inhibits nuclear SNAIL, SLUG and ZEB1, we assessed involvement of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, as its aberrant activation contributes to the EMT. Interestingly, NDRG1 comprehensively inhibited oncogenic NF-κB signaling at multiple sites in this pathway, suppressing NEMO, Iĸĸα and IĸBα expression, as well as reducing the activating phosphorylation of Iĸĸα/β and IĸBα. NDRG1 also reduced the levels, nuclear co-localization and DNA-binding activity of NF-κB p65. Further, Iĸĸα, which integrates NF-κB and TGF-β signaling to upregulate ZEB1, SNAIL and SLUG, was identified as an NDRG1 target. Considering this, therapies targeting NDRG1 could be a new strategy to inhibit metastasis, and as such, we examined novel anticancer agents, namely di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazones, which upregulate NDRG1. These agents downregulated SNAIL, SLUG and ZEB1 in vitro and in vivo using a PANC-1 tumor xenograft model, demonstrating their marked potential.
Ascending aortic rupture after zone 2 endovascular repair: a multiparametric computational analysis
Authors: van Bakel Theodorus M J , Burris Nicholas S , Patel Himanshu J , Figueroa C Alberto
Published: December 2018

A 74-year-old woman expired from ascending aortic rupture 3 months following branched zone 2 endovascular aortic repair. Multiparametric image-based computational evaluation of this case suggested that the stiffness mismatch between the endograft and the native aorta increased haemodynamic loads and likely led to the rupture of the ascending aorta. This under-recognized phenomenon should be considered in preoperative planning and presents suggestions for endograft development.
Prevention of Influenza Hospitalization Among Adults in the United States, 2015–2016: Results From the US Hospitalized Adult Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Network (HAIVEN)
Authors: Ferdinands Jill M , Gaglani Manjusha , Martin Emily T , Middleton Don , Monto Arnold S , Murthy Kempapura , Silveira Fernanda P , Talbot H Keipp , Zimmerman Richard , Alyanak Elif , Strickland Courtney , Spencer Sarah , Fry Alicia M ,   HAIVEN Study Investigators, Gaglani Manjusha , McNeal Tresa , Robertson Anne , Rao Arundhati , Chang Kevin , Walker Kimberly , Wimberly Meredith , Murthy Kempapura , Kilpatrick Laurel , Ghamande Shekhar , Arroliga Alejandro , Zimmerman Richard , Middleton Donald , Silveira Fernanda , Eng Heather , Sax Theresa , Paronish Julie , Saul Sean , Goundappa Balasubramani , Nowalk Mary Patricia , Rinaldo Charles , Bullota Arlene , Steiffel Lori , Pakstis Diana , Monto Arnold , Martin Emily , Malosh Ryan , Petrie Joshua , Lauring Adam , Cheng Caroline , Segaloff Hannah , McSpadden E J , Johnson Emileigh , Truscon Rachel , Lamerato Lois , Davis Susan , Zervos Marcus , Talbot H Keipp , Wyatt Dayna , Zhu Yuwei , Liu Zhouwen , McHenry Rendie , Griffin Marie , Halasa Natasha , Calvillo Sandra Alvarez , Longmire Stephanie , Zipperer Erin , Stewart Laura , Ferdinands Jill , Fry Alicia , Alyanak Elif , Strickland Courtney , Spencer Sarah , Flannery Brendan , Chung Jessie , Xu Xiyan , Lindstrom Stephen , Berman LaShondra , Sessions Wendy , Kondor Rebecca
Published: December 2018

Background

Evidence establishing effectiveness of influenza vaccination for prevention of severe illness is limited. The US Hospitalized Adult Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Network (HAIVEN) is a multiyear test-negative case-control study initiated in 2015–2016 to estimate effectiveness of vaccine in preventing influenza hospitalization among adults.

Methods

Adults aged ≥18 years admitted to 8 US hospitals with acute respiratory illness and testing positive for influenza by polymerase chain reaction were cases; those testing negative were controls. Vaccine effectiveness was estimated with logistic regression adjusting for age, comorbidities, and other confounding factors and stratified by frailty, 2-year vaccination history, and clinical presentation.

Results

We analyzed data from 236 cases and 1231 controls; mean age was 58 years. More than 90% of patients had ≥1 comorbidity elevating risk of influenza complications. Fifty percent of cases and 70% of controls were vaccinated. Vaccination was 51% (95% confidence interval [CI], 29%–65%) and 53% (95% CI, 11%–76%) effective in preventing hospitalization due to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and influenza B virus infection, respectively. Vaccine was protective for all age groups.

Conclusions

During the 2015–2016 US influenza A(H1N1)pdm09–predominant season, we found that vaccination halved the risk of influenza-association hospitalization among adults, most of whom were at increased risk of serious influenza complications due to comorbidity or age.
Disc Geometry is an Accurate Predictor of Lordotic Correction in the Thoracolumbar Spine Following Schwab Grade 2 Osteotomy: A Cadaveric Study and Biomechanical Analysis of Disc Space Changes Following Lordotic Correction
Authors: Bohl Michael A , Hlubek Randall J , Mooney Michael A , Chapple Kristina M , Preul Mark C , Chang Steve W , Turner Jay D , Kakarla U Kumar
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Posterior column osteotomy (PCO) is a powerful technique for correcting lordosis, but the surgical literature lacks objective evidence on preoperative predictors of achievable lordotic correction following PCO.

OBJECTIVE

To measure the correlation between disc geometry and achievable lordotic correction following Schwab grade 2 osteotomies and to describe geometric changes to disc space following lordotic correction.

METHODS

Schwab grade 2 osteotomies were performed from T1 to S1 in 5 cadavers. Lateral radiographs were taken before and after posterior column compression. Anterior disc height (ADH), middle disc height (MDH), posterior disc height (PDH), and lordotic angles were measured. The association between disc height and lordotic correction was analyzed using linear regression.

RESULTS

For all spinal levels (n = 79), PDH was most strongly correlated with lordotic correction (r = 0.72, P < .001). Regional subset analyses showed the strongest correlation between PDH and lordotic correction achievable within the lumbar spine (n = 22, r = 0.77, P < .001), followed by ADH for lower thoracic spine (n = 29, r = 0.65, P < .001) and PDH for upper thoracic spine (n = 28, r = 0.61, P = .001). Postcorrection analysis of disc heights revealed that as lordotic correction increases, the PDH decreases, and the ADH expands.

CONCLUSION

PDH is a strong predictor of achievable lordotic correction following Schwab grade 2 osteotomies and compression of an intact disc space. In the lumbar spine, 50% of lordotic change is predictable using PDH alone. Further testing of our linear regression equation is planned for prospective clinical studies, and further testing of postcorrection disc space geometry is planned for future biomechanical and surgical technique studies.
International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health Domains of 60 Physical Functioning Measurement Instruments Used During the Adult Intensive Care Unit Stay: A Scoping Review
Authors: González-Seguel Felipe , Corner Evelyn Jane , Merino-Osorio Catalina
Published: December 2018

Background

There has been a recent surge in the creation and adaptation of instruments to measure physical functioning (PF) in the intensive care unit (ICU). Selecting the right measurement instrument depends on understanding the core constructs that it measures in terms of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domains.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to map systematically the ICF domains and subdomains included in the PF measurement instruments used for adult patients during the ICU stay.

Data Sources

A systematic search was carried out in Cochrane CENTRAL, PubMed, CINAHL, and LILACS as well as a hand search up to May 17, 2017.

Study Selection

Study selection included all types of research articles that used at least 1 PF measurement instrument in adult patients within the ICU.

Data Extraction

Study design, year of publication, study population, and the measurement instruments reported were recorded. A consensus of experts analyzed the ICF domains included in each instrument.

Data Synthesis

We found 181 articles containing 60 PF measurement instruments used during the ICU stay. Twenty-six ICF domains were identified, 38 instruments included Mobility, and 13 included Muscle function.

Limitations

Studies not written in English or Spanish were excluded.

Conclusions

There are numerous PF measurement instruments used in adult patients in the ICU. The most frequent ICF domain measured is Mobility. This study highlights the ICF domains contained in the instruments that can be used clinically, providing a complete database of instruments that could facilitate selection of the most appropriate measure based on the patients’ needs.