bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aggregating behaviour in invasive Caribbean lionfish is driven by habitat complexity
Authors: Hunt Christina L. , Kelly George R. , Windmill Hannah , Curtis-Quick Jocelyn , Conlon Helen , Bodmer Max D. V. , Rogers Alex D. , Exton Dan A.
Published: January 2019

Caribbean lionfish (Pterois spp.) are considered the most heavily impacting invasive marine vertebrate ever recorded. However, current management is largely inadequate, relying on opportunistic culling by recreational SCUBA divers. Culling efficiency could be greatly improved by exploiting natural aggregations, but to date this behaviour has only been recorded anecdotally, and the drivers are unknown. We found aggregations to be common in situ, but detected no conspecific attraction through visual or olfactory cues in laboratory experiments. Aggregating individuals were on average larger, but showed no further differences in morphology or life history. However, using visual assessments and 3D modelling we show lionfish prefer broad-scale, but avoid fine-scale, habitat complexity. We therefore suggest that lionfish aggregations are coincidental based on individuals’ mutual attraction to similar reef structure to maximise hunting efficiency. Using this knowledge, artificial aggregation devices might be developed to concentrate lionfish densities and thus improve culling efficiency.
Parathyroid hormone and premature thymus ageing in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Iio Kenichiro , Kabata Daijiro , Iio Rei , Imai Yosuke , Hatanaka Masaki , Omori Hiroki , Hoshida Yoshihiko , Saeki Yukihiko , Shintani Ayumi , Hamano Takayuki , Isaka Yoshitaka , Ando Yutaka
Published: January 2019

Premature immune ageing, including thymic atrophy, is observed in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), which are mineral and bone disorder (MBD)-related factors, affect immune cells and possibly cause thymic atrophy. We examined the cross-sectional association between thymic atrophy, evaluated as the number of CD3+CD4+CD45RA+CD31+ cells [recent thymic emigrants (RTE)/μL], and MBD-related factors [(serum PTH, FGF23, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level] in 125 patients with non-dialysis dependent CKD. Median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 17 mL/min/1.73 m2. Older age (r = −0.46), male sex (r = −0.34), lower eGFR (r = 0.27), lower serum-corrected calcium (r = 0.27), higher PTH (r = −0.36), and higher ALP level (r = −0.20) were identified as determinants of lower number of RTE. In contrast, serum concentrations of FGF23 and phosphorus were not correlated with RTE. Multivariate non-linear regression analysis indicated a negative association between serum PTH and log-transformed RTE (P = 0.030, P for non-linearity = 0.124). However, the serum levels of FGF23 and ALP were not associated with RTE. In patients with CKD, serum PTH concentrations were related to thymic atrophy which contributes to immune abnormality.
Both anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties of novel drug candidate ABX464 are mediated by modulation of RNA splicing
Authors: Vautrin Audrey , Manchon Laurent , Garcel Aude , Campos Noëlie , Lapasset Laure , Laaref Abdelhamid Mahdi , Bruno Roman , Gislard Marie , Dubois Emeric , Scherrer Didier , Ehrlich J Hartmut , Tazi Jamal
Published: January 2019

ABX464 is a first-in-class, clinical-stage, small molecule for oral administration that has shown strong anti-inflammatory effects in the DSS-model for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and also prevents replication of the HIV virus. ABX464 which binds to cap binding complex (CBC) has demonstrated safety and efficacy in a phase 2a proof-of-concept clinical trial in patients with Ulcerative colitis. Previously, with limited technologies, it was not possible to quantify the effect of ABX464 on viral and cellular RNA biogenesis. Here, using RNA CaptureSeq and deep sequencing, we report that ABX464 enhances the splicing of HIV RNA in infected PBMCs from six healthy individuals and also the expression and splicing of a single long noncoding RNA to generate the anti-inflammatory miR-124 both ex vivo and in HIV patients. While ABX464 has no effect on pre-mRNA splicing of cellular genes, depletion of CBC complex by RNAi leads to accumulation of intron retention transcripts. These results imply that ABX464 did not inhibit the function of CBC in splicing but rather strengthens it under pathological condition like inflammation and HIV infection. The specific dual ability of ABX464 to generate both anti-inflammatory miR-124 and spliced viral RNA may have applicability for the treatment of both inflammatory diseases and HIV infection.
Nanoceria-promoted low Pd–Ni catalyst for the synthesis of secondary amines from aliphatic alcohols and ammonia
Authors: Fang L. , Yan Z. , Vits K. , Southward B. , Pera-Titus M.
Published: January 2019

Pd–Ni catalysts supported over nanoceria with very low Ni and Pd loading (<0.5 wt%) showed high activity and selectivity for the direct amination of 1-octanol with ammonia towards dioctylamine with 80% yield.
The interaction of aluminum with catecholamine-based neurotransmitters: can the formation of these species be considered a potential risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases?
Authors: Dalla Torre Gabriele , Mujika Jon I. , Lachowicz Joanna Izabela , Ramos Maria J. , Lopez Xabier
Published: January 2019

What are the molecular basis of the detrimental role of the aluminum ion within the catecholamine biosynthesis pathway?
Sewage spills are a major source of titanium dioxide engineered (nano)-particle release into the environment
Authors: Loosli Frédéric , Wang Jingjing , Rothenberg Sarah , Bizimis Michael , Winkler Christopher , Borovinskaya Olga , Flamigni Luca , Baalousha Mohammed
Published: January 2019

Quantification of TiO2 engineered particles in surface waters receiving untreated sewage spills.
Air bubbling for membrane fouling control in a submerged direct forward osmosis system for municipal wastewater treatment
Authors: Sun Yan , Gao Shanshan , Tian Jiayu , Hao Xiujuan , Liu Zhiquan , Shi Wenxin , Cui Fuyi
Published: January 2019

Air bubbling along the membrane improves water flux, alleviates the deposition of foulants and inhibits the formation of a fouling layer.
Red wine extract preserves tight junctions in intestinal epithelial cells under inflammatory conditions: implications for intestinal inflammation
Authors: Nunes Carla , Freitas Víctor , Almeida Leonor , Laranjinha João
Published: January 2019

Red wine polyphenols protect the intestinal barrier against inflammatory stimuli by modulating the gene expression of key tight junction proteins.
A manganese oxide nanozyme prevents the oxidative damage of biomolecules without affecting the endogenous antioxidant system
Authors: Singh Namrata , Savanur Mohammed Azharuddin , Srivastava Shubhi , D'Silva Patrick , Mugesh Govindasamy
Published: January 2019

Multi-enzyme mimetic Mn3O4nanoflowers (Mp) modulate the redox state of mammalian cells without altering the cellular antioxidant machinery under oxidative stress conditions.
Hysteresis enhancement on a hybrid Dy(iii) single molecule magnet/iron oxide nanoparticle system
Authors: Rosado Piquer Lidia , Escoda-Torroella Mariona , Ledezma Gairaud Marisol , Carneros Saul , Daffé Niéli , Studniarek Michał , Dreiser Jan , Wernsdorfer Wolfgang , Sañudo E. Carolina
Published: January 2019

A novel hybrid NP-Dy12 system presents an enhancement of the magnetization hysteresis with respect to the isolated components while retaining the morphological characteristics of the parent NPs.
Chemical composition and hepatoprotective effect of essential oil fromMyrtus communisL. flowers against CCL4-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Ben Hsouna Anis , Dhibi Sabah , Dhifi Wissal , Mnif Wissem , Ben Nasr hmed , Hfaiedh Najla
Published: January 2019

Myrtus communis L. (Myrtle) is one of the most important aromatic and medicinal species from the Myrtaceae family.
Nutritional composition of Eragrostis teff and its association with the observed antimutagenic effects
Authors: Goersch Maria Clara da Silva , Schäfer Laura , Tonial Marina , de Oliveira Viviani Ruffo , Ferraz Alexandre de Barros Falcão , Fachini Jean , da Silva Juliana Bondan , Niekraszewicz Liana Appel Boufleur , Rodrigues Carlos Eduardo , Pasquali Giancarlo , Dias Johnny Ferraz , Kist Tarso B. Ledur , Picada Jaqueline Nascimento
Published: January 2019

Eragrostis teff is an Ethiopian native grass plant (Poaceae or Gramineae family) whose importance as a crop grain has increased in recent years.
Green and facile production of high-quality graphene from graphite by the combination of hydroxyl radicals and electrical exfoliation in different electrolyte systems
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhang Long
Published: January 2019

A novel, simple and efficient method by the combination of hydroxyl radicals and electrical exfoliation of graphite for the green production of high-quality graphene from graphite was first developed in our self-manufactured exfoliation apparatus.
Three resorcin[4]arene-based lanthanide-coordination polymers with multifunctional photoluminescence sensing properties
Authors: Zhang Hang , Wang Jia-Chen , Jiang Wei , Zhao Si-Si
Published: January 2019

We report three lanthanide-coordination polymers assembled with a resorcin[4]arene ligand, where 1 and 2 could be applied as fluorescent sensors for N,N′-dimethylformamide and Fe3+ ion.
Do soft anions promote protein denaturation through binding interactions? A case study using ribonuclease A
Authors: Francisco Olga A. , Clark Courtney J. , Glor Hayden M. , Khajehpour Mazdak
Published: January 2019

Soft anions promote protein folding through binding backbone CH and CH2groups.
Enhanced fluorescent effect of graphitic C3N4@ZIF-8 nanocomposite contribute to its improved sensing capabilities
Authors: Chen Wei , Kong Shu , Wang Jian , Du Liping , Cai Wen , Wu Chunsheng
Published: January 2019

A novel graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)@ZIF-8 nanocomposite was synthesized by a facile approach and applied as a fluorescent sensor.
The proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma are inhibited by miR-101 via targetting ZEB2
Authors: Lin Haopeng , Zheng Xiaodong , Lu Ting , Gu Yang , Zheng Canhao , Yan Huajie
Published: January 2019

Having a better grasp of the molecular mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis and progression in osteosarcoma would be helpful to find novel therapeutic targets. Different types of cancers have presented abnormal expression of miRNA-101 (miR-101). Nevertheless, we still could not figure out what expression of miR-101 in human osteosarcoma is and its biological function. Thus, we conducted the present study to identify its expression, function, and molecular mechanism in osteosarcoma. We detected the expression of miR-101 in osteosarcoma samples and cell lines. The effects of miR-101 on osteosarcoma cells’ proliferation and invasion were evaluated. Luciferase reporter assay was applied to identify the direct target of miR-101. Compared with adjacent normal specimens and normal bone cell line by using qPCR, the expression levels of miR-101 in osteosarcoma specimens and human osteosarcoma cell lines distinctly decreased. According to function assays, we found that overexpression of miR-101 significantly inhibited the cell proliferation and invasion in osteosarcoma cells. Moreover, we confirmed that zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) was a direct target of miR-101. In addition, overexpression of ZEB2 could rescue the inhibition effect of proliferation and invasion induced by miR-101 in osteosarcoma cells. MiR-101 has been proved to be down-regulated in osteosarcoma and has the ability to suppress osteosarcoma cell proliferation and invasion by directly targetting ZEB2.
Using nomograms to predict prognostic factors in young colorectal mucinous and signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma patients
Authors: Wang Baochun , Zeng Juntao , Liu Yuren
Published: January 2019

Due to insufficient quantitative evaluation of the clinic-pathological features and prognosis of young colorectal cancer (CRC) with mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) and signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRC), the aim of our study was to develop a nomogram to identify the prognostic predictors for overall survival (OS) in this patient population. We retrospectively evaluated the patient records of MAC and SRC patients aged ≤ 40 years. Kaplan–Meier analysis and log-rank testing were performed to estimate OS. A nomogram predicting OS was created for risk quantitation and decision tree analysis was performed for patient grouping. With a median follow-up of 36.5 months, we included a total of 90 young CRC patients for analysis. The overall cumulate 5-year OS rate was 57.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 45.1–68.5%). The estimated 5-year OS was 62.9% (95% CI: 48.5–74.3%) for MAC and 37.3% (95% CI: 14.4–61.2%) for SRC (P=0.021). The recurrence rate was significantly greater in the SRC group compared with the mucinous group (52.4 compared with 26.1%, P=0.047). In the multivariate Cox regression model, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels and cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) were found to be an independent prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio (HR): 2.43; 95% CI: 1.13–5.62, P=0.024; HR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.083–0.57, P=0.002, respectively). Nomograms predicting 3- and 5-year OS were established that performed well (concordance index (c-indexes) of 0.636, 95% CI: 0.549–723) for OS. For MAC and SRC disease, a greater proportion of young patients present with advanced disease, and the prognosis for young SRC patients is poorer than MAC. Furthermore, preoperative CEA levels and cycles of adjuvant CT seem to independently affect the OS in this patient population.
Zum Umgang mit Fieber in der homöopathischen Kinderarztpraxis
Authors: Lucae Christian
Published: January 2019

In der Kinderarztpraxis ist man so gut wie täglich mit dem Symptom Fieber konfrontiert. Dabei sollte zunächst „Fieber“ als Hauptbeschwerde mit den damit verbundenen Ängsten der Eltern immer ernst genommen und anschließend die zugrundeliegende Erkrankung diagnostiziert werden. Nach einem Exkurs zum Fieberbegriff in der Geschichte der Homöopathie werden sowohl die aktuellen Leitlinien zur konventionellen Fiebersenkung als auch der homöopathische Behandlungsansatz besprochen, der anhand einer Krankengeschichte eines Kleinkindes mit zahlreichen fieberhaften Episoden illustriert wird.
Orbitale Manifestation der IgG4-assoziierten Erkrankung: eine Fallserie
Authors: Kroll Judith , Pitz Susanne , Brockmann Marc
Published: January 2019

Die IgG4-assoziierte Orbitopathie (IgG4-related orbital disease/IgG4 ROD) ist selten und gehört zu der erst in den letzten Jahren beschriebenen Multisystemerkrankung, der IgG4-assoziierten Erkrankung. Differenzialdiagnostisch ist sie von der idiopathischen orbitalen Entzündung, der endokrinen Orbitopathie und von einer orbitalen Neoplasie zu unterscheiden. Die Bildgebung mit MRT und eine Probenentnahme sind entscheidend für die Diagnose. Patienten mit dieser Erkrankung sprechen gut auf Steroide an. Im Folgenden werden 3 klinisch sehr unterschiedliche Manifestationen der orbitalen IgG4-assoziierten Erkrankung vorgestellt.
Dermatoskopische Muster zur Mikrosporie und Pityriasis rosea bei Kindern
Authors: Ufimtseva M. , Martynov A. , Vlasova A. , Antonova S.
Published: January 2019

Die vorliegende Arbeit umfasst eine Literaturrecherche und eigene Untersuchungen der dermatoskopischen Muster der Mikrosporie an der Haut und der Pityriasis rosea bei Kindern. Es war Ziel des Manuskripts, die Verfahren zur Differenzialdiagnostik zwischen Mikrosporie der Haut und der Pityriasis rosea bei Kindern zu untersuchen. Eine dermatoskopische Untersuchung der Läsionen der Haut erfolgt bei 120 Kindern unter Anwendung des manuellen Kontaktdermatoskops (Heine Delta 20).

Bei Mikrosporie der Haut wurden folgende dermatoskopische Muster gefunden: ein Erythem ohne Gefäße bei 56 Patienten (98,2 %), weiße rundliche Flecken (mit Mikropusteln vereinbar) bei 30 Untersuchten (52,6 %), braune Flecken umgeben von einem weiß-gelben Halo mit Verlust von Vellushärchen fanden sich bei 50 Kindern (87,7 %), grobe Schuppen mit chaotischer Verteilung waren bei 55 von 57 der Patienten mit einer Mikrosporie (96,5 %) nachweisbar. Bei der Pityriasis rosea wurden folgende dermatoskopische Zeichen festgestellt: ein gelblicher Hintergrund bei 60 Kindern (95,2 %), lineare irreguläre Gefäße bei 55 Patienten (87,3 %), dünne Schuppen, an der Peripherie gelegen als Spitzenkragen bei 59 von 63 Untersuchungspersonen (93,6 %).

Es wurden typische diagnostische Muster der Mikrosporie der Haut und der Pityriasis rosea bei Kindern festgestellt. Bei der Mikrosporie der Haut unterstützte das diagnostische Verfahren die Einschätzung der Beteiligung von Vellushärchen und eine rechtzeitige Verordnung der systemischen antimykotischen Therapie, was die Therapiedauer verkürzt.
Effects of Sideritis scardica Extract on Glucose Tolerance, Triglyceride Levels and Markers of Oxidative Stress in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Jeremic Ivica , Petricevic Sasa , Tadic Vanja , Petrovic Dragana , Tosic Jelena , Stanojevic Zeljka , Petronijevic Milan , Vidicevic Sasenka , Trajkovic Vladimir , Isakovic Aleksandra
Published: January 2019

Menopause is characterized by deep metabolic disturbances, including decreased insulin sensitivity, adiposity, and changes in lipid profiles. Estrogen replacement therapy can partially reverse these changes, and while it is safe in most healthy postmenopausal women, there are still existing concerns regarding an increased risk for breast and endometrial cancer as well as a risk for cardiovascular and thromboembolic disease. Therefore, certain natural compounds with positive metabolic effects may be considered as a possible alternative or adjunctive treatment in patients not willing to take estrogens or patients with contraindications for estrogens. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of Sideritis scardica (mountain tea) extract on metabolic disturbances induced by ovariectomy in rats. The study included 24 rats divided into three groups: ovariectomized rats treated with 200 mg/kg S. scardica extract for 24 weeks (n = 8), ovariectomized non-treated (n = 8), and Sham-operated (n = 8) rats. Food intake, weight gain, body composition, fasting glucose levels, response to oral glucose challenge, liver glycogen content, catalase activity, thiol groups, and malondialdehyde concentrations as well as AMP-activated protein kinase activity in liver cells were studied. Ovariectomized rats treated with S. scardica extract had lower blood triglycerides, reduced fasting glucose levels, as well lower glucose peaks after oral glucose challenge, increased liver glycogen content, and significantly higher catalase activity and thiol group concentration than non-treated ovariectomized rats. The ability of S. scardica extract to attenuate metabolic disturbances associated with ovariectomy was associated with the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in liver cells.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a Novel Topical Herbal Composition (VEL-091604) Consisting of Gentian Root, Licorice Root and Willow Bark Extract
Authors: Seiwerth Jasmin , Tasiopoulou Georgia , Hoffmann Julia , Wölfle Ute , Schwabe Kay , Quirin Karl-Werner , Schempp Christoph
Published: January 2019

The anti-inflammatory properties of the topical herbal composition VEL-091604 with gentian root, licorice root, and willow bark extract were assessed in a randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind ultraviolet (UV)-erythema test study with 42 healthy volunteers in comparison to 1% hydrocortisone acetate. The efficacy and tolerability of VEL-091604 cream 2 times daily over 2 wk was evaluated in an open-label, prospective proof of concept study in 10 subjects with atopic dermatitis using a lesional SCORAD severity score. In the UV-erythema test VEL-091604 cream significantly reduced inflammation compared to placebo and was as effective as 1% hydrocortisone acetate. The clinical study with atopic subjects revealed a significant and rapid reduction of the lesional SCORAD severity score in the test areas after 1 and 2 wk. No adverse events were recorded. It is concluded that the herbal cream VEL-091604 with licorice root, willow bark, and gentian root extract display anti-inflammatory properties in vivo. It is a promising new treatment option for atopic dermatitis that warrants further investigation in controlled studies.
Continuous Suture Technique for Aortic Valve Replacement: Technical Considerations and Controversies
Authors: Moeller Ellie , Nores Marcos , Stamou Sotiris
Published: January 2019

Continuous suture technique (CST) for aortic valve replacement (AVR) is a simple, secure, and fast surgical technique that has been shown to significantly decrease cross clamp time and cardiac bypass time, ultimately resulting in decreased myocardial ischemic injury, operation time, and hospital stay. However, previous studies have reported increased risk of periprosthetic regurgitation with CST for AVR. We describe our technique for AVR using CST in 100 patients with low complication rate and no perioperative paravalvular aortic insufficiency.
Development of a three-stage gas gun launcher for ultrahigh-pressure Hugoniot measurements
Authors: Wang Xiang , Dai Chengda , Wang Qingsong , Hao Long , Bai Jinsong , Yu Yuying , Wu Qiang , Tan Hua , Hu Jianbo , Luo Guoqiang , Shen Qiang , Zhang Lianmeng
Published: January 2019

A three-stage gas gun, composed of a two-stage gas gun and the add-on part, has been developed to launch high-Z (tantalum, for example) flyer plates up to 10 km/s for ultrahigh-pressure Hugoniot measurements. Great care has been taken to optimize the add-on part in which a specially designed graded density impactor is employed to quasi-isentropically accelerate the high-Z flyer plate for maximizing its impact velocity. The shock wave in the target generated by the flyer plate is characterized with the flatness of the shock-front better than 1 ns in the concerned area and the uncertainty of the shock-wave velocity less than 2%, thus satisfying the requirements for high-precision Hugoniot measurements. As a demonstration, we measured the ultrahigh-pressure Hugoniot equation of state of tantalum ranging from 0.45 TPa to 0.85 TPa with a symmetric impacting geometry in which the shock-wave velocity and the particle velocity are simultaneously determined. The results obtained are well consistent with data available in the literature, indicating the extended capability of the gas-gun launcher technique.
Calibrating the Young’s modulus of soft materials with surface tilt angle measured by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Fujii Yuki , Okajima Takaharu
Published: January 2019

We investigated the apparent Young’s modulus, Em, of soft materials with the surface tilt angle, as measured by colloidal probe atomic force microscopy (AFM). The AFM measurements of soft polymer hydrogels and natural unfertilized eggs showed a clear universal behavior of Em as a function of the tilt angle, θ, of the sample surface at the local contact area. We found that the observed θ dependence of Em was well fitted with a simple modified Hertz contact model, in which the pressure distribution in the contact area follows the conventional Hertz contact model, the vertical component of the net force balances the loading force, and the remaining lateral component of the net force is approximately ignored. We demonstrated how a simple analytical formula derived from the modified Hertz contact model can calibrate the Em values for single cells in a spherical embryo and for single isolated cells and a confluent cell monolayer adhered on flat substrates.
Gettering of transition metals in high-performance multicrystalline silicon by silicon nitride films and phosphorus diffusion
Authors: Liu AnYao , Sun Chang , Sio Hang Cheong , Zhang Xinyu , Jin Hao , Macdonald Daniel
Published: January 2019

High-performance multicrystalline silicon (HP mc-Si) from directional solidification has become the mainstream industrial material for fabricating mc-Si based solar cells for photovoltaic applications. Transition metal impurities are inherently contained in HP mc-Si during ingot growth, and they are one of the major efficiency-limiting drawbacks. In this work, we investigate the gettering of transition metals (Cu, Ni, Fe, and Cr) in HP mc-Si wafers along an industrial-standard p-type HP mc-Si ingot, via examining the metal concentration and distribution in the near-surface gettering layers using secondary ion mass spectrometry. We applied both conventional phosphorus diffusion gettering and the recently developed silicon nitride (from plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition) gettering techniques. Both techniques are shown to remove significant quantities of metals from the silicon wafer bulk to the surface gettering layers. Improvements in the bulk minority carrier lifetimes throughout the ingot height are also observed by lifetime measurements and spatially-resolved photoluminescence imaging. The gettered Cu and Ni concentrations, as well as the as-grown dissolved Fe concentrations in the silicon wafer bulk, along the HP mc-Si ingot height are shown to follow a similar concentration profile as the metals in conventional mc-Si ingots.
The electron couplings in the transition states: The stereodynamics of state to state autoionization processes
Authors: Falcinelli Stefano , Vecchiocattivi Franco , Pirani Fernando
Published: January 2019

Measurements of the kinetic energy distribution of electrons, emitted in collision between Ne*(3P2,0) and Kr(1S0) and Xe(1S0), have been performed in a crossed molecular beam apparatus which employs a mass spectrometer and a hemispherical electron analyzer as detectors. The analysis of the obtained experimental results provides new insights on electronic rearrangements and electronic angular momentum coupling effects that determine relevant properties of the transition state of autoionization processes, and that we have found useful to classify as adiabatic and non-adiabatic effects. In particular, while the adiabatic effects control sequence, energy, and symmetry of quantum states accessible to both reagents and products in the probed collision energy range, the non-adiabatic ones trigger the passage from entrance to exit channels. The obtained results are important not only to compact previous theoretical schemes of autoionization reactions in a unified representation but also to cast light on the role of electronic rearrangements within the transition state of many other types of chemical processes that are more difficult to characterize.
The significant and temperature-insensitive magnetoresistance observed in Co-doped (La0.7Sr0.3)MnO3 thin films
Authors: Sun Lei , Zhang Ji , Chen Y. B. , Zhang Shan-Tao , Hong Bin , Zhao Jiangtao , Luo Zhenlin , Chen Yan-Feng
Published: January 2019

Magnetic compounds with significant and temperature-insensitive magnetoresistance are quite promising for device applications. Here, we intentionally doped different amounts (0.025-0.1) of Co into epitaxial (La0.7Sr0.3)MnO3 thin films. The evolution of electrical, magnetic, magneto-transport, and valence state of this series of Co-doped (La0.7Sr0.3)MnO3 have been systematically characterized. Remarkably, the magnetoresistance in 0.1Co-doped (La0.7Sr0.3)MnO3 can reach significantly 35% within an extremely large temperature window (from 40 to 200 K). Other Co-doped epitaxial (La0.7Sr0.3)MnO3 thin films show similar sharp MR-peaks around Curie temperature as that in (La0.7Sr0.3)MnO3. The evolution of magnetic and magneto-transport properties of Co-(La0.7Sr0.3)MnO3 films can be explained by antiferromagnetic coupling induced by paramagnetic/low-spin Co3+(Co2+) ions in (La0.7Sr0.3)MnO3. Our work demonstrates that doping paramagnetic/low-spin Co into manganites is an effective way to optimize their magneto-transport properties.
Pair and many-body interactions between ligated Au nanoparticles
Authors: Liepold Emily R. , Smith Alex , Lin Binhua , de Pablo Juan , Rice Stuart A.
Published: January 2019

We report the results of molecular dynamics simulations of the properties of a pseudo-atom (united atom) model of dodecane thiol ligated 5-nm diameter gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in a vacuum as a function of ligand coverage and particle separation in three states of aggregation, namely, the isolated AuNPs, the isolated pair of AuNPs, and a square lattice of four AuNPs. Our calculations show that the ligand density along a radius emanating from the core of an isolated AuNP has the same gross features for all values of the coverage; it oscillates around a constant value up to a distance along the chain corresponding to the position of the fourth pseudo-atom and then smoothly decays to zero, reflecting both the restricted conformations of the chain near the core surface and the larger numbers of conformations available further from the core. Interaction between two AuNPs generates changes in the ligand distributions of each. We examine the structure and general shape of the ligand envelope as a function of the coverage and demonstrate that the equilibrium structure of the envelope and the deformation of that envelope generated by interaction between the NPs are coverage-dependent so that the shape, depth, and position of the minimum of the potential of mean force display a systematic dependence on the ligand coverage. We propose an accurate analytical description of the calculated potential of mean force as a function of a set of parameters that scale linearly with the ligand coverage. Noting that the conformational freedom of the ligands implies that multiparticle induced deviations from additivity of the pair potential of mean force are likely important; we define and calculate a “bond stretching” effective pair potential of mean force for a square lattice of particles that contains, implicitly, both the three- and four-NP contributions. We find that the bond stretching effective pair potential of mean force in this cluster has a different minimum and a different well depth from the isolated pair potential of mean force. Previous work has found that the three-particle contribution to deviation from pair additivity is monotonically repulsive, whereas we find that the combined three- and four-particle contributions have an attractive well, implying that the three- and four-particle contributions are of comparable magnitude but opposite sign, thereby suggesting that even higher order correction terms likely play a significant role in the behavior of dense assemblies of many nanoparticles.
Power-tracking control for cross-flow turbines
Authors: Forbush Dominic , Cavagnaro Robert J. , Polagye Brian
Published: January 2019

For economic reasons, above a certain water speed, it is desirable for current turbines to maintain a constant power output. This requires a control strategy to shed power. Here, such a strategy is evaluated through simulation and laboratory experiment for a helically bladed turbine with four blades and a straight-bladed turbine with two blades. These are contrasting cases because hydrodynamic torque produced by the straight-bladed turbine has a substantially more azimuthal phase variability than the helically bladed turbine. For practical implementation, a control algorithm is desired that requires only a time-average characteristic performance curve and estimates of angular velocity and control torque. Additionally, the transition between power maximizing and power tracking regimes should be smooth and automatic. The controller can be further constrained to only apply a resistive torque to the turbine. A control strategy satisfying these constraints is shown experimentally to achieve these objectives for both types of turbines at a variety of power set points. The power-tracking error (<3%) is primarily at the blade passage frequency for the straight-bladed turbine and at the rate of turbine rotation for the helical turbine. While partially a consequence of how the generator drive is tuned, comparison to simulation indicates that perfect power-tracking is not generally possible even under ideal conditions for a fixed-pitch, cross-flow turbine using purely resistive torque control.
First principles calculations of optical properties for oxygen vacancies in binary metal oxides
Authors: Strand Jack , Chulkov Sergey K. , Watkins Matthew B. , Shluger Alexander L.
Published: January 2019

Using an advanced computational methodology implemented in CP2K, a non-local PBE0-TC-LRC density functional and the recently implemented linear response formulation of the Time-dependent Density Functional Theory equations, we test the interpretation of the optical absorption and photoluminescence signatures attributed by previous experimental and theoretical studies to O-vacancies in two widely used oxides—cubic MgO and monoclinic (m)-HfO2. The results obtained in large periodic cells including up to 1000 atoms emphasize the importance of accurate predictions of defect-induced lattice distortions. They confirm that optical transitions of O-vacancies in 0, +1, and +2 charge states in MgO all have energies close to 5 eV. We test the models of photoluminescence of O-vacancies proposed in the literature. The photoluminescence of VO+2 centers in m-HfO2 is predicted to peak at 3.7 eV and originate from radiative tunneling transition between a VO+1 center and a self-trapped hole created by the 5.2 eV excitation.
Quantum state tomography of a single electron spin in diamond with Wigner function reconstruction
Authors: Chen Bing , Geng Jianpei , Zhou Feifei , Song Lingling , Shen Heng , Xu Nanyang
Published: January 2019

We present the experimental reconstruction of the Wigner function of an individual electronic spin qubit associated with a nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond at room temperature. This spherical Wigner function contains the same information as the density matrix for arbitrary spin systems. As an example, we exactly characterize the quantum state of a single qubit undergoing a nearly pure dephasing process by the Wigner function. The fidelities and purities during this process are extracted from the experimentally reconstructed Wigner functions, whose dynamics agree with the theoretical prediction.
Primary and secondary discharges in an atmospheric pressure plasma jet fed with helium and tetrafluoromethane mixtures
Authors: Chen Sile , Chen Xingyu , Wen Jiaye , Yao Congwei , Xu Guimin , Li Yuan , Chang Zhengshi , Zhang Guan-Jun
Published: January 2019

The primary and secondary discharge phenomenon in an atmospheric pressure plasma jet fed with helium and tetrafluoromethane (CF4) mixtures is reported in this letter. The two discharges are observed one after the other in discharge current waveforms and nanosecond images. The influence of the gap distance, applied voltage, and CF4 volume fraction on this phenomenon is studied. According to the results, the formation reason and mechanism of the phenomenon are discussed. The primary discharge is quenched by CF4 molecules which have strong electron affinities. The residual species remain in the primary discharge channel, which promote the occurrence of the secondary discharge. In conclusion, the primary and secondary discharges are involved with the processes of discharge quenching and re-ignition.
Diffusion of polymer-grafted nanoparticles in a homopolymer matrix
Authors: Medidhi Koteswara Rao , Padmanabhan Venkat
Published: January 2019

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the diffusion of polymer-grafted nanoparticles (PGNPs) in polymer. The diffusivity of PGNPs in the homopolymer matrix is investigated as a function of graft length and grafting density, and it is compared to that of bare nanoparticles with comparable effective size. Our results indicate that, in addition to the increase in the effective size of PGNPs due to grafting, the interpenetration of matrix polymers into the grafted layer also plays an important role in the mobility of PGNPs. In systems consisting of both PGNPs and bare particles, the spatial arrangement of the bare particles was found to be having a significant influence on the mobility of PGNPs. At low graft length and high grafting density, the matrix chains dewets the grafted layer, due to autophobic dewetting, creating a sharper interface between the matrix and the grafted layer. The bare particles then migrate to the interface creating a barrier around the PGNPs that hinders the matrix-graft interpenetration and results in the higher mobility of PGNPs. Our results emphasize the importance of polymer-particle interface on the dynamic properties of polymer nanocomposites.
Charge puddles in germanene
Authors: Yao Q. , Jiao Z. , Bampoulis P. , Zhang Lijie , Rudenko A. N. , Katsnelson M. I. , Zandvliet H. J. W.
Published: January 2019

We report an investigation of the electronic inhomogeneities in a single germanene layer grown on a molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) substrate. Using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy, we have recorded spatial maps of the Dirac point of germanene. The Dirac point maps reveal the presence of charge puddles in the germanene sheet. The Dirac point varies from −30 meV to +15 meV, corresponding to a charge density in the puddles in the range of 2.6 × 10−3 electrons to 6.6 × 10−4 holes per nm2. The radius of these puddles is about 10–20 nm, resulting in a total charge of the order of one charge carrier per puddle. The defect concentration in the top layer of the MoS2 substrate is very comparable to the density of charge puddles, suggesting that the charge puddles are caused by the charged defects in the top layer of the MoS2 substrate.
Historical politics in newspaper reporting
Authors: Fabiszak Małgorzata , Gruszecka Marta , Brzezińska Anna Weronika
Published: January 2019

Historical politics is usually an institutionalised top-down phenomenon, in which the government or the cultural elites selectively formulate a historical narrative to unify and homogenize the imagined nation-state. Yet, there are also grassroots movements in the public sphere, which participate in the uses and abuses of history for identity politics. We focus on one such case: the football supporters’ commemoration activism. While football supporters’ social activism and the role of football matches as lieux de mémoire have received significant scholarly interest, their commemoration activism is as yet poorly described. In this paper we investigate how two regional newspapers of differing political position report this issue. The DHA-inspired qualitative analysis shows that Gazeta Wyborcza writes about it relatively rarely and views it as an appropriation of collective memory. Głos Wielkopolski on the other hand constructs football supporters as a rejuvenating force in local identity and memory politics.
Discursive strategies and change
Authors: Lux Julia
Published: January 2019

In times of crisis, comparative capitalism analysis has difficulties differentiating crisis symptoms and effects from trends that may be more long-term. In this paper, I propose that by looking at the discursive strategies of central actors within the political economy, we may improve our understanding of capitalist trajectories. Drawing on Regulation Theory and Gramsci, the main empirical argument is that the French accumulation regime and its regulation are changing to a more explicitly export-oriented and financialised capitalism. This is underscored by the political project of capital-friendly austerity corresponding to a shift in the relationship of forces, the establishment of a neoliberal understanding of competitiveness, and the fading-out of purchasing power. The theoretical contribution of the paper is to integrate more closely critical discourse analysis with a critical political economy perspective.
Technology and second language pronunciation
Authors: Levis John M.
Published: January 2019

This issue addresses the intersection of technology and pronunciation, discussing past, current and future uses of technology, the
use of technology for researching L2 pronunciation, for training instructors, and for teaching learners. Technology is put forth
as an essential and interconnected element of second language pronunciation. The topic grew out of the 8th Pronunciation in Second
Language Learning and Teaching conference, held in August 2016 in Calgary, Alberta.
High Variability [Pronunciation] Training (HVPT)
Authors: Thomson Ron I.
Published: January 2019

This article is a critical research synthesis of 32 studies that used the High Variability Phonetic Training (HVPT) technique to teach learners to better perceive and produce L2 sounds. Taken together, the studies surveyed provide compelling evidence that HVPT is a very effective pronunciation training tool, and that resulting improvement is long-lasting. The analysis of this research also helps to explain why very few teachers have heard of this empirically-driven approach to pronunciation instruction: HVPT studies are largely published in technically oriented journals; few are accessible to language teachers. A variety of obstacles to the widespread use of HVPT are discussed, and some possible solutions are provided.
Plenary talk
Authors: Levis John M.
Published: January 2019

Second language pronunciation is undergoing dramatic changes in research visibility, in the intelligibility-centered goals that drive the field, and in the ways that technology is being deployed to address new needs. This plenary delineates problems that face the field as it has grown. I suggest the reasons that technology must be a critical part of the future of L2 pronunciation and the ways in which technology use can help to address problems facing future growth. These reasons include providing the support teachers need, individualizing instruction, providing ways to ensure that intelligibility-based instruction adheres to effective goals, combining information in unusual and innovative ways, taking advantage of multi-modality in instruction and delivering varied types of feedback, and researching pronunciation learning and teaching processes.
Breeding of a cordycepin-resistant and adenosine kinase-deficient sake yeast strain that accumulates high levels of S-adenosylmethionine
Authors: Kanai Muneyoshi , Yasuda Norito , Morimoto Tomoko , Yoshida Satoko , Nishibori Nahoko , Mizunuma Masaki , Fujii Tsutomu , Iefuji Haruyuki
Published: January 2019

Adenosine kinase (ADO1)-deficient mutants can be obtained from cordycepin-resistant strains, and the disruption of ADO1 causes S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) accumulation. To breed a high-SAM-accumulating yeast strain without genetic manipulation for industrial purposes, we bred a cordycepin-resistant strain using sake yeast kyokai No. 9 as the parent strain with a mutation in adenosine kinase (ADO1) and acquired high-SAM-accumulating strain. In the bred strain (NY9-10), a single mutation (T258I) was present in the ADO1, and this mutation site is an ATP binding site and is highly conserved during evolution. Moreover, it was suggested that high accumulation of SAM and cordycepin resistance in NY9-10 was due to functional deficiency of ADO1 by this mutation. This strain is not a genetically-modified organism and can be employed for use in the food and medicine industry such as mass production and sake making.
Raman spectroscopy as a quick tool to assess purity of extracellular vesicle preparations and predict their functionality
Authors: Gualerzi Alice , Kooijmans Sander Alexander Antonius , Niada Stefania , Picciolini Silvia , Brini Anna Teresa , Camussi Giovanni , Bedoni Marzia
Published: January 2019

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from a variety of stem cell sources are believed to harbour regenerative capacity, which may be exploited for therapeutic purposes. Because of EV interaction with other soluble secreted factors, EV activity may depend on the employed purification method, which limits cross‐study comparisons and therapeutic development. Raman spectroscopy (RS) is a quick and easy method to assess EV purity and composition, giving in‐depth biochemical overview on EV preparation. Hereby, we show how this method can be used to characterise EVs isolated from human liver stem cells and bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells by means of conventional ultracentrifugation (UC) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) protocols. The obtained EV preparations were demonstrated to be characterised by different degrees of purity and a specific Raman fingerprint that represents both the cell source and the isolation procedure used. Moreover, RS provided useful hints to explore the factors underlying the functional diversity of EV preparations from the same cell source, thus representing a valuable tool to assess EV quality prior to functional assays or therapeutic application.
Evolution of Psychiatric Diagnosis
Authors: North Carol S. , Yutzy Sean H.
Published: January 2019

This chapter considers the evolution of psychiatric diagnosis in the United States at length, with references to earlier European contributions. It reviews the medical model in psychiatry movement by the Washington University, St. Louis group in the United States to develop psychiatric diagnosis validity parameters and reliable criteria sets to facilitate communication, research, and clinical application for the major mental illnesses. Challenges to this model are considered and ultimate scientific solidification in DSM-III is reviewed. Over time (33 years), dissent and the continual failure to discover a neurobiological basis for any major psychiatric illness have placed a strain on the medical diagnostic process, and these controversies are reviewed at length. Outlined are the reasons that psychiatry should remain resolute in endorsing what we know scientifically instead of what expert consensus constructs.
Mood (Affective) Disorders
Authors: North Carol S. , Yutzy Sean H.
Published: January 2019

Descriptions of mood disorders go back to the time of Hippocrates. Mood disorders are primarily characterized by depressed and/or elevated (manic) moods. The essential feature of mood disorders is an episode that is a distinct and persistent change from a person’s typical mood (depression or mania), accompanied by other depressive and manic symptoms, lasting 2 weeks for a major depressive episode and 1 week for a manic episode. Such episodes typically remit and recur over the course of time. Manic episodes define bipolar disorder. Severe depression without manic episodes is diagnosed as major depressive disorder. Mood disorders present a 10- to 30-fold risk for suicide. Effective treatments for mood disorders include medications, brain stimulation modalities, and psychotherapy.
Schizophrenic Disorders
Authors: North Carol S. , Yutzy Sean H.
Published: January 2019

Schizophrenia and mood disorders comprise the main psychotic disorders. The schizophrenic disorders generally tend to have a more chronic and unremitting long-term prognosis compared with psychotic mood disorders. Schizophrenic conditions have considerable variability in outcome, but many patients may experience a chronic or deteriorating course. It is thought that schizophrenic disorders comprise a number of different conditions, but efforts to divide them into valid subgroups have had limited success. The main clinical features of schizophrenia include persistent hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech and behavior, inappropriate or flattened emotional expression, lack of motivation, social withdrawal, and inability to initiate and sustain goal-directed activities, and neurocognitive difficulties, especially in memory, attention, and executive functions. Most patients experience a decline in work and interpersonal functioning, and some are unable to maintain self-care functions.