bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intra‐ and inter‐tooth variation in strontium isotope ratios from prehistoric seals by laser ablation multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Glykou A. , Eriksson G. , Storå J. , Schmitt M. , Kooijman E. , Lidén K.
Published: May 2018

Rationale

Strontium isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr) in modern‐day marine environments are considered to be homogeneous (~0.7092). However, in the Baltic Sea, the Sr ratios are controlled by mixing seawater and continental drainage from major rivers discharging into the Baltic. This pilot study explores if variations in Sr can be detected in marine mammals from archaeological sites in the Baltic Sea.

Methods

87Sr/86Sr ratios were measured in tooth enamel from three seal species by laser ablation multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS). The method enables micro‐sampling of solid materials. This is the first time that the method has been applied to marine samples from archaeological collections.

Results

The analyses showed inter‐tooth 87Sr/86Sr variation suggesting that different ratios can be detected in different regions of the Baltic Sea. Furthermore, the intra‐tooth variation suggests possible different geographic origin or seasonal movement of seals within different regions in the Baltic Sea through their lifetime.

Conclusions

The method was successfully applied to archaeological marine samples showing that: (1) the 87Sr/86Sr ratio in marine environments is not uniform, (2) 87Sr/86Sr differences might reflect differences in ecology and life history of different seal species, and (3) archaeological mobility studies based on 87Sr/86Sr ratios in humans should therefore be evaluated together with diet reconstruction.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Microvesicles Restore Protein Permeability Across Primary Cultures of Injured Human Lung Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Hu Shuling , Park Jeonghyun , Liu Airan , Lee JaeHoon , Zhang Xiwen , Hao Qi , Lee Jae-Woo
Published: May 2018

Our previous study demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) microvesicles (MV) reduced lung inflammation, protein permeability, and pulmonary edema in endotoxin-induced acute lung injury in mice. However, the underlying mechanisms for restoring lung protein permeability were not fully understood. In this current study, we hypothesized that MSC MV would restore protein permeability across injured human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVEC) in part through the transfer of angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) mRNA to the injured endothelium. A transwell coculture system was used to study the effect of MSC MV on protein permeability across HLMVECs injured by cytomix, a mixture of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ (50 ng/ml). Our result showed that cytomix significantly increased permeability to FITC-dextran (70 kDa) across HLMVECs over 24 hours. Administration of MSC MVs restored this permeability in a dose dependent manner, which was associated with an increase in Ang1 mRNA and protein secretion in the injured endothelium. This beneficial effect was diminished when MSC MV was pretreated with an anti-CD44 antibody, suggesting that internalization of MV into the HLMVEC was required for the therapeutic effect. Fluorescent microscopy showed that MSC MV largely prevented the reorganization of cytoskeleton protein F-actin into “actin stress fiber” and restored the location of the tight junction protein ZO-1 and adherens junction protein VE-cadherin in injured HLMVECs. Ang1 siRNA pretreatment of MSC MV prior to administration to injured HLMVECs eliminated the therapeutic effect of MV. In summary, MSC MVs restored protein permeability across HLMVEC in part by increasing Ang1 secretion by injured HLMVEC.
Plasmonic Heterodimers with Binding Site‐Dependent Hot Spot for Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Tian Yuanyuan , Shuai Zhenhua , Shen Jingjing , Zhang Lei , Chen Shufen , Song Chunyuan , Zhao Baomin , Fan Quli , Wang Lianhui
Published: May 2018

A novel plasmonic heterodimer nanostructure with a controllable self‐assembled hot spot is fabricated by the conjugation of individual Au@Ag core–shell nanocubes (Au@Ag NCs) and varisized gold nanospheres (GNSs) via the biotin–streptavidin interaction from the ensemble to the single‐assembly level. Due to their featured configurations, three types of heterogeneous nanostructures referred to as Vertice, Vicinity, and Middle are proposed and a single hot spot forms between the nanocube and nanosphere, which exhibits distinct diversity in surface plasmon resonance effect. Herein, the calculated surface‐enhanced Raman scattering enhancement factors of the three types of heterodimers show a narrow distribution and can be tuned in orders of magnitude by controlling the size of GNSs onto individual Au@Ag NCs. Particularly, the Vertice heterodimer with unique configuration can provide extraordinary enhancement of the electric field for the single hot spot region due to the collaborative interaction of lightning rod effect and interparticle plasmon coupling effect. This established relationship between the architecture and the corresponding optical properties of the heterodimers provides the basis for creating controllable platforms which can be exploited in the applications of plasmonic devices, electronics, and biodetection.
On geometric classification of 5d SCFTs
Authors: Jefferson Patrick , Katz Sheldon , Kim Hee-Cheol , Vafa Cumrun
Published: May 2018

Abstract

We formulate geometric conditions necessary for engineering 5d superconformal field theories (SCFTs) via M-theory compactification on a local Calabi-Yau 3-fold. Extending the classification of the rank 1 cases, which are realized geometrically as shrinking del Pezzo surfaces embedded in a 3-fold, we propose an exhaustive classification of local 3-folds engineering rank 2 SCFTs in 5d. This systematic classification confirms that all rank 2 SCFTs predicted using gauge theoretic arguments can be realized as consistent theories, with the exception of one family which is shown to be non-perturbatively inconsistent and thereby ruled out by geometric considerations. We find that all rank 2 SCFTs descend from 6d (1,0) SCFTs compactified on a circle possibly twisted with an automorphism together with holonomies for global symmetries around the Kaluza-Klein circle. These results support our conjecture that every 5d SCFT can be obtained from the circle compactification of some parent 6d (1,0) SCFT.
Translational PK-PD modeling analysis of MCLA-128, a HER2/HER3 bispecific monoclonal antibody, to predict clinical efficacious exposure and dose
Authors: de Vries Schultink Aurelia H. M. , Doornbos Robert P. , Bakker Alexander B. H. , Bol Kees , Throsby Mark , Geuijen Cecile , Maussang David , Schellens Jan H. M. , Beijnen Jos H. , Huitema Alwin D. R.
Published: May 2018

Introduction MCLA-128 is a bispecific monoclonal antibody targeting the HER2 and HER3 receptors. Pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of MCLA-128 have been evaluated in preclinical studies in cynomolgus monkeys and mice. The aim of this study was to characterize the PK and PD of MCLA-128 and to predict a safe starting dose and efficacious clinical dose for the First-In-Human study. Methods A PK-PD model was developed based on PK data from cynomolgus monkeys and tumor growth data from a mouse JIMT-1 xenograft model. Allometric scaling was used to scale PK parameters between species. Simulations were performed to predict the safe and efficacious clinical dose, based on AUCs, receptor occupancies and PK-PD model simulations. Results MCLA-128 PK in cynomolgus monkeys was described by a two-compartment model with parallel linear and nonlinear clearance. The xenograft tumor growth model consisted of a tumor compartment with a zero-order growth rate and a first-order dying rate, both affected by MCLA-128. Human doses of 10 to 480 mg q3wk were predicted to show a safety margin of >10-fold compared to the cynomolgus monkey AUC at the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL). Doses of ≥360 mg resulted in predicted receptor occupancies above 99% (Cmax and Cave). These doses showed anti-tumor efficacy in the PK-PD model. Conclusions This analysis predicts that a flat dose of 10 to 480 mg q3wk is suitable as starting dose for a First-in-Human study with MCLA-128. Flat doses ≥360 mg q3wk are expected to be efficacious in human, based on receptor occupancies and PK-PD model simulations.
Breeding value of selected blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) genotypes for early-age fruit yield and its quality
Authors: Masny Agnieszka , Pluta Stanisław , Seliga Łukasz
Published: May 2018

The study was conducted in the years from 2011 to 2013 at the Research Institute of Horticulture in Skierniewice, Poland. The aim of the research was to assess the breeding value, based on the effects of general and specific combining abilities (GCA and SCA), of 15 parental genotypes of blackcurrant in terms of fruit yield and quality. The plant material consisted of F1 generation seedlings obtained by crossing, in a factorial mating design of twelve maternal (‘Bona’, ‘Big Ben’, ‘Chereshnieva’, Kupoliniai’, ‘Gofert’, ‘Tines’, ‘Sofievskaia’, ‘Tihope’, ‘Ores’, ‘Ruben’, ‘Titania’ and D13B/11) and three paternal cultivars (‘Ceres’, ‘Foxendown’ and ‘Saniuta’). It was found that the cultivars ‘Ruben’, ‘Big Ben’, ‘Gofert’ and D13B/11 had significant positive effects of GCA on fruit yield at least in two consecutive years. ‘Ruben’, ‘Saniuta’ and D13B/11 had positive GCA effects on fruit weight. For ‘Chereshnieva’, ‘Gofert’, ‘Tines’, ‘Sofievskaia’, ‘Tihope’, ‘Titania’, ‘Ceres’ and Saniuta’ positive GCA effects were estimated for soluble solids content, whereas ‘Ruben’, ‘Ceres’, ‘Gofert’ and ‘Ores’ had positive GCA effects on the ascorbic acid content in fruit. This indicated a high breeding value of these parental genotypes in terms of the evaluated traits. The significantly positive values of SCA, estimated for the crossing combinations: ‘Big Ben’ × ‘Saniuta’, ‘Ruben’ × ‘Foxendown’, ‘Titania’ × ‘Ceres’, ‘Kupoliniai’ × ‘Saniuta’, ‘Gofert’ × ‘Foxendown’, ‘Gofert’ × ‘Saniuta’, ‘Tines’ × ‘Ceres’ and ‘Tihope’ × ‘Foxendown’ for at least two traits describing fruit yield and quality, were evidence of the interaction of both these parental genotypes in the creation of new dessert-type cultivars of blackcurrant.
A case report of a functioning mediastinal parathyroid cyst with no 99mTc-MIBI uptake
Authors: Uchida Naotaka , Yoshida Manabu , Matsui Yasuki , Notsu Takeshi
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Functioning mediastinal parathyroid cysts are extremely rare. Technetium-99m-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) scintigrams usually helps to localize parathyroid lesions, but we report a case with no MIBI uptake.

Presentation of case:

A 79-year-old woman with lower extremity edema and dysphagia was referred to our hospital. Her blood calcium (Ca) level was 11.1 mg/dl, and the intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was 132 pg/ml. Computed tomography showed a 3.5 cm solid nodule in the right thyroid lobe and a 5.4 cm cystic mass extending to the mediastinum. The 99mTc-MIBI scintigram showed abnormal uptake in the thyroid nodule but no uptake in the mediastinal mass. The diagnosis was a thyroid nodule in the right lobe, primary hyperparathyroidism and a mediastinal mass. Under general anesthesia, the thyroid nodule and the mediastinal mass were resected via a cervical incision. The right lower parathyroid gland was resected because it measured about 1 cm and had the dark red color of a parathyroid adenoma. The pathological diagnoses were adenomatous goiter, normal parathyroid gland and mediastinal parathyroid cystic adenoma. The histopathological examination of the mediastinal mass showed a uniform population of parathyroid cells. The postoperative serum Ca and intact-PTH levels were normal. There has been no relapse.

Discussion and Conclusion:

Patients with parathyroid cysts sometimes have negative 99mTc-MIBI scans. We should consider a parathyroid cyst when a mediastinal cystic mass is demonstrated. Surgical resection is thought to be the optimal therapeutic choice for mediastinal parathyroid cysts irrespective of functioning because mediastinal parathyroid cysts are large and produce compressive symptoms.

Highlights:
Speciality group is formed with expertise in filtration and catalysis technologies
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: May 2018

A speciality group has been formed that offers expertise in filtration and catalysis technologies. ALSYS, which has based its headquarters in France, combines unique abilities across a diverse range of industries and applications, as this brief news focus reveals.
Cortical structures and their clinical correlates in antipsychotic-naïve schizophrenia patients before and after 6 weeks of dopamine D2/3receptor antagonist treatment
Authors: Jessen Kasper , Rostrup Egill , Mandl Rene C.W. , Nielsen Mette Ø. , Bak Nikolaj , Fagerlund Birgitte , Glenthøj Birte Y. , Ebdrup Bjørn H.
Published: May 2018

Background

Schizophrenia has been associated with changes in both cortical thickness and surface area, but antipsychotic exposure, illness progression and substance use may confound observations. In antipsychotic-naïve schizophrenia patients, we investigated cortical thickness and surface area as well as mean curvature before and after monotherapy with amisulpride, a relatively selective dopamine D2/3receptor antagonist.

Methods

Fifty-six patients and 59 matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent T1-weighted 3T magnetic resonance imaging. Forty-one patients and 51 HCs were re-scanned. FreeSurfer-processed baseline, follow-up values and symmetrized percentage changes (SPC) in cortical structures were analysed using univariate analysis of variance. Clinical measures comprised psychopathology ratings, assessment of functioning and tests of premorbid and current intelligence. We applied false discovery rate correction to account for multiple comparisons.

Results

At baseline, groups did not differ in cortical thickness or surface area; however, curvature in the left hemisphere was higher in patients (p= 0.015). In both patients and HCs, higher curvature was associated with lower premorbid (p= 0.009) and current intelligence (p< 0.001). Lower surface area was associated with lower premorbid intelligence (p= 0.017). After 6 weeks, the cortical structures did not differ between groups. Amisulpride dose (275.0 mg/day) did not correlate with any cortical structures (p> 0.43). Cortical thickness SPC was negatively associated with symptom improvement (p= 0.002).

Conclusions

Schizophrenia appears associated with subtle, yet clinically relevant aberrations in cortical structures. Mean curvature holds promise as a sensitive supplement to cortical thickness and surface area to detect complex structural brain abnormalities.
The proper object of non-doxastic religion: why traditional religion should be preferred over Schellenberg's simple ultimism
Authors: PALMQVIST CARL-JOHAN
Published: May 2018

Taking for granted the view that belief-less, ‘non-doxastic’, engagement with religion is possible, this article discusses the proper object of such religiosity. Its focus is the claim of J. L. Schellenberg that non-doxastic religion should be directed at ’simple ultimism’. I argue that ‘simple ultimism’ is too abstract to allow for alignment with religious reality. Traditional religion is a better choice since it commonly contains religious experience. As long as the veridicality of such experience remains an epistemic possibility, it should guide our non-doxastic commitment. Objections commonly raised against reliance on religious experience become irrelevant on a non-doxastic approach.
Evaluation of ¡Vivir Mi Vida! to improve health and wellness of rural-dwelling, late middle-aged Latino adults: results of a feasibility and pilot study of a lifestyle intervention
Authors: Schepens Niemiec Stacey L. , Blanchard Jeanine , Vigen Cheryl L. P. , Martínez Jenny , Guzmán Laura , Concha Alyssa , Fluke Michelle , Carlson Mike
Published: May 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and efficacy of a culturally tailored lifestyle intervention, ¡Vivir Mi Vida! (Live My Life!). This intervention was designed to improve the health and well-being of high risk late middle-aged Latino adults and to be implemented in a rural primary care system.

Background

Rural-dwelling Latino adults experience higher rates of chronic disease compared with their urban counterparts, a disparity exacerbated by limited access to healthcare services. Very few lifestyle interventions exist that are both culturally sensitive and compatible for delivery within a non-metropolitan primary care context.

Methods

Participants were 37 Latino, Spanish-speaking adults aged 50–64-years-old, recruited from a rural health clinic in the Antelope Valley of California. ¡Vivir Mi Vida! was delivered by a community health worker-occupational therapy team over a 16-week period. Subjective health, lifestyle factors, and cardiometabolic measures were collected pre- and post-intervention. Follow-up interviews and focus groups were held to collect information related to the subjective experiences of key stakeholders and participants.

Findings

Participants demonstrated improvements in systolic blood pressure, sodium and saturated fat intake, and numerous patient-centered outcomes ranging from increased well-being to reduced stress. Although participants were extremely satisfied with the program, stakeholders identified a number of implementation challenges. The findings suggest that a tailored lifestyle intervention led by community health workers and occupational therapists is feasible to implement in a primary care setting and can improve health outcomes in rural-dwelling, late middle-aged Latinos.
Performing fully parallel constraint logic programming on a quantum annealer
Authors: PAKIN SCOTT
Published: May 2018

Aquantum annealerexploits quantum effects to solve a particular type of optimization problem. The advantage of this specialized hardware is that it effectively considers all possible solutions in parallel, thereby potentially outperforming classical computing systems. However, despite quantum annealers having recently become commercially available, there are relatively few high-level programming models that target these devices. In this article, we show how to compile a subset of Prolog enhanced with support for constraint logic programming into a two-local Ising-model Hamiltonian suitable for execution on a quantum annealer. In particular, we describe the series of transformations one can apply to convert constraint logic programs expressed in Prolog into an executable form that bears virtually no resemblance to a classical machine model yet that evaluates the specified constraints in a fully parallel manner. We evaluate our efforts on a 1,095-qubit D-Wave 2X quantum annealer and describe the approach's associated capabilities and shortcomings.
Current Status of the LOFAR EoR Key Science Project
Authors: Koopmans L. V. E.
Published: May 2018

A short status update on the LOFAR Epoch of Reionization (EoR) Key Science Project (KSP) is given, regarding data acquisition, data processing and analysis, and current power-spectrum limits on the redshifted 21-cm signal of neutral hydrogen at redshiftsz= 8 − 10. With caution, we present a preliminary astrophysical analysis of ∼60 hr of processed LOFAR data and their resulting power spectrum, showing that potentially already interesting limits on X-ray heating during the Cosmic Dawn can already be gained. This is by no means the final analysis of this sub-set of data, but illustrates the future potential when all nearly 3000 hr of data in hand on two EoR windows will have been processed.
Two Millennia of South Atlantic Convergence Zone Variability Reconstructed From Isotopic Proxies
Authors: Novello V. F. , Cruz F. W. , Moquet J. S. , Vuille M. , de Paula M. S. , Nunes D. , Edwards R. L. , Cheng H. , Karmann I. , Utida G. , Stríkis N. M. , Campos J. L. P. S.
Published: May 2018

Most reconstructions of the South American Monsoon System (SAMS) over the last two millennia are based on δ18O records from locations at high‐elevation sites in the Andes, which are not influenced by the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ). Yet the SACZ is a key driver of SAMS variability over much of Brazil. Here we use two new δ18O records from speleothems sampled in the central and southwestern portions of the SACZ core to show that the SAMS was not varying in phase over the entire tropical continent during the last two millennia. In fact, speleothem records located to the northeast of the SACZ record precipitation variations that are antiphased with similar records on the opposite side of the SACZ, in particular during the Little Ice Age period, while records close to the core of the SACZ axis show no significant departure from the mean state during this period.
Crustal Structure and Quaternary Acceleration of Deformation Rates in Central Washington Revealed by Stream Profile Inversion, Potential Field Geophysics, and Structural Geology of the Yakima Folds
Authors: Staisch Lydia , Blakely Richard , Kelsey Harvey , Styron Richard , Sherrod Brian
Published: May 2018

Abtract

Post‐Miocene tectonic uplift along fault‐cored anticlines within central Washington produced the Yakima Fold Province, a region of active NNE‐SSW shortening in the Cascadian backarc. The relative timing and rate of deformation along individual structures is coarsely defined yet imperative for seismic hazard assessment. In this work, we use geomorphic and geophysical mapping, stream profile inversion, and balanced cross‐section methods to constrain fault geometries and slip rates in the Yakima Canyon region. We extract stream profiles from LiDAR data and analytically solve for the rate of relative rock uplift along several active fault‐cored anticlines. To constrain the fault geometries at depth and the long‐term magnitude of deformation, we constructed two line‐balanced cross sections across the folds with forward‐modeled magnetic and gravity anomaly data. Our stream profile results indicate an increase of incision rates in the Pleistocene, and we infer the increase is tectonically controlled. We estimate modern slip rates between 0.4 and 0.6 mm/year accommodated on reverse faults that core the Manastash Ridge, Umtanum Ridge, and Selah Butte anticlines and establish that these faults reactivate and invert older normal faults in basement rocks. Finally, we calculate the time required to accumulate sufficient strain energy for a large magnitude earthquake (M ≥ 7) along individual structures in the Yakima Fold Province. Results show that the Yakima folds likely accommodate large magnitude earthquakes and that it takes several hundred to several thousand years to accumulate sufficient strain energy for an M ≥ 7 earthquake.
Influences of Root Hydraulic Redistribution on N2O Emissions at AmeriFlux Sites
Authors: Fu Congsheng , Lee Xuhui , Griffis Timothy J. , Wang Guiling , Wei Zhongwang
Published: May 2018

It has long been suspected that root hydraulic redistribution (HR) affects the carbon and nitrogen cycles. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an important greenhouse gas and is the primary stratospheric ozone‐depleting substance. To our knowledge, the influences of HR on N2O emissions have not been investigated. Here we use the HR schemes of Ryel et al. and Amenu and Kumar incorporated into CLM4.5 to examine N2O emissions at five AmeriFlux sites. The results show that HR reduced N2O emissions by 28–92% in the four natural ecosystems experiencing a dry season, whereas it had a very limited effect on the Corn Belt site that has strong emissions but with no distinct dry season. We hypothesize that N2O emissions in ecosystems with a distinct dry season are likely overestimated by CENTURY‐based Earth system models.
A strategy to apply machine learning to small datasets in materials science
Authors: Zhang Ying , Ling Chen
Published: May 2018

There is growing interest in applying machine learning techniques in the research of materials science. However, although it is recognized that materials datasets are typically smaller and sometimes more diverse compared to other fields, the influence of availability of materials data on training machine learning models has not yet been studied, which prevents the possibility to establish accurate predictive rules using small materials datasets. Here we analyzed the fundamental interplay between the availability of materials data and the predictive capability of machine learning models. Instead of affecting the model precision directly, the effect of data size is mediated by the degree of freedom (DoF) of model, resulting in the phenomenon of association between precision and DoF. The appearance of precision–DoF association signals the issue of underfitting and is characterized by large bias of prediction, which consequently restricts the accurate prediction in unknown domains. We proposed to incorporate the crude estimation of property in the feature space to establish ML models using small sized materials data, which increases the accuracy of prediction without the cost of higher DoF. In three case studies of predicting the band gap of binary semiconductors, lattice thermal conductivity, and elastic properties of zeolites, the integration of crude estimation effectively boosted the predictive capability of machine learning models to state-of-art levels, demonstrating the generality of the proposed strategy to construct accurate machine learning models using small materials dataset.
Faraday forcing of high-temperature levitated liquid metal drops for the measurement of surface tension
Authors: Brosius Nevin , Ward Kevin , Matsumoto Satoshi , SanSoucie Michael , Narayanan Ranga
Published: May 2018

In this work, a method for the measurement of surface tension using continuous periodic forcing is presented. To reduce gravitational effects, samples are electrostatically levitated prior to forcing. The method, called Faraday forcing, is particularly well suited for fluids that require high temperature measurements such as liquid metals where conventional surface tension measurement methods are not possible. It offers distinct advantages over the conventional pulse-decay analysis method when the sample viscosity is high or the levitation feedback control system is noisy. In the current method, levitated drops are continuously translated about a mean position at a small, constant forcing amplitude over a range of frequencies. At a particular frequency in this range, the drop suddenly enters a state of resonance, which is confirmed by large executions of prolate/oblate deformations about the mean spherical shape. The arrival at this resonant condition is a signature that the parametric forcing frequency is equal to the drop’s natural frequency, the latter being a known function of surface tension. A description of the experimental procedure is presented. A proof of concept is given using pure Zr and a Ti39.5Zr39.5Ni21 alloy as examples. The results compare favorably with accepted literature values obtained using the pulse-decay method.
Sex-related differences in vision are heterogeneous
Authors: Shaqiri Albulena , Roinishvili Maya , Grzeczkowski Lukasz , Chkonia Eka , Pilz Karin , Mohr Christine , Brand Andreas , Kunchulia Marina , Herzog Michael H.
Published: May 2018

Despite well-established sex differences for cognition, audition, and somatosensation, few studies have investigated whether there are also sex differences in visual perception. We report the results of fifteen perceptual measures (such as visual acuity, visual backward masking, contrast detection threshold or motion detection) for a cohort of over 800 participants. On six of the fifteen tests, males significantly outperformed females. On no test did females significantly outperform males. Given this heterogeneity of the sex effects, it is unlikely that the sex differences are due to any single mechanism. A practical consequence of the results is that it is important to control for sex in vision research, and that findings of sex differences for cognitive measures using visually based tasks should confirm that their results cannot be explained by baseline sex differences in visual perception.
Author Correction: Role of the particle size polydispersity in the electrical conductivity of carbon nanotube-epoxy composites
Authors: Majidian Maryam , Grimaldi Claudio , Forró László , Magrez Arnaud
Published: May 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Author Correction: Effect of varying soil water potentials on methanogenesis in aerated marshland soils
Authors: Wagner Dirk
Published: May 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Sequential and direct ionic excitation in the strong-field ionization of 1-butene molecules
Authors: Schell Felix , Boguslavskiy Andrey E. , Schulz Claus Peter , Patchkovskii Serguei , Vrakking Marc J. J. , Stolow Albert , Mikosch Jochen
Published: May 2018

We find a striking transition in excited ion state formation when changing the wavelength in strong-field ionization: from sequential excitation (left) to direct ionization (right).
Ligand libraries for high throughput screening of homogeneous catalysts
Authors: Renom-Carrasco Marc , Lefort Laurent
Published: May 2018

This review describes different approaches to construct ligand libraries towards high throughput screening of homogeneous metal catalysts.
Environmentally responsive plasmonic nanoassemblies for biosensing
Authors: Wu Xiaoling , Hao Changlong , Kumar Jatish , Kuang Hua , Kotov Nicholas A. , Liz-Marzán Luis M. , Xu Chuanlai
Published: May 2018

Assemblies of plasmonic nanoparticles enable new modalities for biosensing.
Tailoring rice flour structure by rubbery milling for improved gluten-free baked goods
Authors: Brütsch Linda , Tribolet Liliane , Isabettini Stéphane , Soltermann Patrick , Baumann Andreas , Windhab Erich J.
Published: May 2018

Ever-growing demand for gluten-free products calls for the development of novel food processing techniques to widen the range of existing baked goods.
Rh-Catalyzed C–H bond alkylation of indoles with α,α-difluorovinyl tosylate via indolyl group migration
Authors: Zhou Lu , Zhu Chuan , Loh Teck-Peng , Feng Chao
Published: May 2018

An unprecedented C–H alkylation of indoles was achieved with α,α-difluorovinyl tosylate through an indolyl group shift process enabled by fluorine substituents.
Zirconocene mediated acetylboron chemistry
Authors: Jian Zhongbao , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Kehr Gerald , Erker Gerhard
Published: May 2018

Carbon monoxide reacts with zirconium hydride and methyl–B(6F5)2 to give a Zr-bound acetyl(hydrido)borate as the major product. This reacts further with CO to form a Zr-coordinated borata-β-lactone.
Covalent switching, involving divinylbenzene ligands within 3D coordination polymers, indicated by changes in fluorescence
Authors: Li Ni-Ya , Liu Dong , Abrahams Brendan F. , Lang Jian-Ping
Published: May 2018

Reversible single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations of two photo-responsive three-dimensional coordination polymers exhibit green/blue and green/blue-green fluorescence switching behaviors.
The behavior of Ni nanotubes under the influence of environments with different acidities
Authors: Kutuzau Maksim D. , Kaniukov Egor Yu. , Shumskaya Elena E. , Bundyukova Victoria D. , Kalkabay Gulnar R. , Zdorovets Maxim V. , Borgekov Daryn B. , Kozlovskiy Artem L.
Published: May 2018

The results of research on the behavior of Ni nanotubes under the influence of environments with different pH values are presented.
Tailoring the hexagonal boron nitride nanomesh on Rh(111) with gold
Authors: Gubó R. , Vári G. , Kiss J. , Farkas A. P. , Palotás K. , Óvári L. , Berkó A. , Kónya Z.
Published: May 2018

The pore diameter (depth) of the periodically corrugated h-BN monolayer (“nanomesh”) can be tuned allyoing Au into the Rh(111) surface.
Supramolecular multicompartment gels formed by ABC graft copolymers: high toughness and recovery properties
Authors: Xu Pengxiang , Lin Jiaping , Zhang Liangshun
Published: May 2018

ABC graft copolymers self-assemble into a supramolecular multicompartment gel, exhibiting high toughness and recovery properties.
Non-covalent interactions in electrochemical reactions and implications in clean energy applications
Authors: Huang Botao , Muy Sokseiha , Feng Shuting , Katayama Yu , Lu Yi-Chun , Chen Gang , Shao-Horn Yang
Published: May 2018

Tuning redox solvation shell disordering was suggested to control reaction entropy change and redox kinetics in thermal electrochemical conversion.
The application of hierarchical structures in energy devices: new insights into the design of solid oxide fuel cells with enhanced mass transport
Authors: Lu Xuekun , Li Tao , Bertei Antonio , Cho Jason I. S. , Heenan Thomas M. M. , Rabuni Mohamad F. , Li Kang , Brett Dan J. L. , Shearing Paul R.
Published: May 2018

Multi-scale microstructure and flow physics investigations reveal the enhancement of mass transport by hierarchical-structured SOFC anodes fabricated by Phase Inversion.
Molecular tools for selective recovery and detection of lignin-derived molecules
Authors: Salmela Milla , Sanmark Hanna , Efimova Elena , Efimov Alexander , Hytönen Vesa P. , Lamminmäki Urpo , Santala Suvi , Santala Ville
Published: May 2018

Synthetic antibodies are proposed as highly selective recovery tools for lignin-derived molecules from industrial lignin streams.
A universal platform for selection and high-resolution phenotypic screening of bacterial mutants using the nanowell slide
Authors: Antypas H. , Veses-Garcia M. , Weibull E. , Andersson-Svahn H. , Richter-Dahlfors A.
Published: May 2018

Dual selection, high-resolution phenotypic screening and genotypic analysis of single-derived bacterial nanocultures using a 672-nanowell slide.
Synthesis of a TiO2–Cu2O composite catalyst with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity for gas-phase toluene
Authors: Cheng Yiqian , Gao Xue , Zhang Xiaoxia , Su Jixin , Wang Guoqing , Wang Luyao
Published: May 2018

(1) A TiO2–Cu2O photocatalyst composite was formed by the growth of Cu2O on a TiO2 nucleus. (2) A p–n heterojunction is formed at the junction of TiO2 and Cu2O and reduces the forbidden bandgap. (3) The degradation rate of 171.6 mg m−3 of gaseous toluene in visible light within 3 h is greatly improved by TiO2–Cu2O.
Efficient, non-stochastic, Monte-Carlo-like-accurate method for the calculation of the temperature-dependent mobility in nanocrystal films
Authors: Gómez-Campos Francisco M. , Rodríguez-Bolívar Salvador , Skibinsky-Gitlin Erik S. , Califano Marco
Published: May 2018

We present a new framework that enables speed-ups of several orders of magnitude compared to conventional Monte Carlo approaches, while maintaining a similar accuracy.
Protein scaffolded DNA tetrads enable efficient delivery and ultrasensitive imaging of miRNA through crosslinking hybridization chain reaction
Authors: Huang Du-Juan , Huang Zhi-Mei , Xiao Hu-Yan , Wu Zhen-Kun , Tang Li-Juan , Jiang Jian-Hui
Published: May 2018

DNA tetrads as an integrated platform that enables realization of efficient DNA delivery and HCR amplificationin situon nanostructures.
Nitroxyl radical based conjugated microporous polymers as heterogeneous catalysts for selective aerobic alcohol oxidation
Authors: Liu Mingxuan , Zhou Baolong , Zhou Lei , Xie Zhen , Li Shen , Chen Long
Published: May 2018

Porous radical polymers were constructed via cost-effective FeCl3-catalyzed oxidative polymerization of dicarbazole functionalized TEMPO. These porous polymers exhibit high catalytic activity and excellent recycling performance for the aerobic oxidation of a wide variety of alcohols.
Random fuzzy power flow of distribution network with uncertain wind turbine, PV generation, and load based on random fuzzy theory
Authors: Wu Huayi , Dong Ping , Liu Mingbo
Published: May 2018

No study in the literature considers both randomness and fuzziness simultaneously, which actually coexist as the penetration of renewable energy in power system increases. In order to handle these two kinds of uncertain features simultaneously, a novel random fuzzy power flow (RFPF) calculation method for a distribution network based on random fuzzy theory is presented here. Firstly, the random fuzzy models of wind and photovoltaic (PV) generation, and loads are set up for the first time according to their features of randomness and fuzziness. Then, a two‐fold random fuzzy simulation is conducted to obtain the results of the RFPF calculations; the random simulation stage is based on the 2m + 1 scheme of the point estimate method. Finally, the proposed method is applied to two test systems. The results show that the proposed method is feasible and effective in identifying important areas in the power system affected by distribution generation and loads with these two uncertainties.
Structure of photodissociation fronts in star-forming regions revealed by Herschel observations of high-J CO emission lines
Authors: Joblin C. , Bron E. , Pinto C. , Pilleri P. , Le Petit F. , Gerin M. , Le Bourlot J. , Fuente A. , Berne O. , Goicoechea J. R. , Habart E. , Köhler M. , Teyssier D. , Nagy Z. , Montillaud J. , Vastel C. , Cernicharo J. , Röllig M. , Ossenkopf-Okada V. , Bergin E. A.
Published: May 2018

Context. In bright photodissociation regions (PDR) associated with massive star formation, the presence of dense “clumps” that are immersed in a less dense interclump medium is often proposed to explain the difficulty of models to account for the observed gas emission in high-excitation lines.

Aims. We aim to present a comprehensive view of the modelling of the CO rotational ladder in PDRs, including the high-J lines that trace warm molecular gas at PDR interfaces.

Methods. We observed the 12CO and 13CO ladders in two prototypical PDRs, the Orion Bar and NGC 7023 NW using the instruments onboard Herschel. We also considered line emission from key species in the gas cooling of PDRs (C+, O, and H2) and other tracers of PDR edges such as OH and CH+. All the intensities are collected from Herschel observations, the literature and the Spitzer archive and were analysed using the Meudon PDR code.

Results. A grid of models was run to explore the parameter space of only two parameters: thermal gas pressure and a global scaling factor that corrects for approximations in the assumed geometry. We conclude that the emission in the high-J CO lines, which were observed up to Jup = 23 in the Orion Bar (Jup = 19 in NGC 7023), can only originate from small structures with typical thicknesses of a few 10−3 pc and at high thermal pressures (Pth ~ 108 K cm−3).

Conclusions. Compiling data from the literature, we find that the gas thermal pressure increases with the intensity of the UV radiation field given by G0, following a trend in line with recent simulations of the photoevaporation of illuminated edges of molecular clouds. This relation can help to rationalise the analysis of high-J CO emission in massive star formation and provides an observational constraint for models which study stellar feedback on molecular clouds.
PYMIEDAP: a Python–Fortran tool for computing fluxes and polarization signals of (exo)planets
Authors: Rossi Loïc , Berzosa-Molina Javier , Stam Daphne M.
Published: May 2018

PYMIEDAP (the Python Mie Doubling-Adding Programme) is a Python-based tool for computing the total linearly and circularly polarized fluxes of incident unpolarized sunlight or starlight that is reflected by solar system planets or moons, respectively, or by exoplanets at a range of wavelengths. The radiative transfer computations are based on an doubling-adding Fortran algorithm and fully include polarization for all orders of scattering. The model (exo)planets are described by a model atmosphere composed of a stack of homogeneous layers containing gas and/or aerosol and/or cloud particles bounded below by an isotropically depolarizing surface (that is optionally black). The reflected light can be computed spatially resolved and/or disk-integrated. Spatially resolved signals are mostly representative for observations of solar system planets (or moons), while disk-integrated signals are mostly representative for exoplanet observations. PYMIEDAP is modular and flexible, and allows users to adapt and optimize the code according to their needs. PYMIEDAP keeps options open for connections with external programs and for future additions and extensions. In this paper, we describe the radiative transfer algorithm that PYMIEDAP is based on and the principal functionalities of the code. We also provide benchmark results of PYMIEDAP that can be used for testing its installation and for comparison with other codes.
Multicenter prospective evaluation of the express view reading mode for small-bowel capsule endoscopy studies
Authors: Saurin Jean-Christophe , Jacob Philippe , Heyries Laurent , Pesanti Christian , Cholet Franck , Fassler Isaac , Boulant James , Bramli Slim , De Leusse Antoin , Rahmi Gabriel ,   and the French Society of Digestive Endoscopy (SFED)
Published: May 2018

Background Reducing the reading time of capsule endoscopy films is of high priority for gastroenterologists. We report a prospective multicenter evaluation of an “express view” reading mode (Intromedic capsule system).

Methods Eighty-three patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding were prospectively included in 10 centers. All patients underwent small-bowel capsule endoscopy (Intromedic, Seoul, Republic of Korea). Films were read in standard mode, then a second reading was performed in express view mode at a second center. For each lesion, the precise location, nature, and relevance were collected. A consensus reading and review were done by three experts, and considered to be the gold standard.

Results The mean reading time of capsule films was 39.7 minutes (11 – 180 minutes) and 19.7 minutes (4 – 40 minutes) by standard and express view mode, respectively (P < 1 × 10 – 4). The consensus review identified a significant lesion in 44/83 patients (53.0 %). Standard reading and express view reading had a 93.3 % and 82.2 % sensitivity, respectively (NS). Consensus review identified 70 significant images from which standard reading and express view reading detected 58 (82.9 %) and 55 (78.6 %), respectively. The informatics algorithm detected 66/70 images (94.3 %) thus missing four small-bowel angiodysplasia.

Conclusion The express view algorithm allows an important shortening of Intromedic capsule film reading time with a high sensitivity.
Methylene Blue-Catalyzed Oxidative Cleavage of N-Carbonylated Indoles
Authors: Liu Peng , Wang Ting , Wu Kui , Fang Cheng , Kaur Sarbjeet
Published: May 2018

The development of a visible-light-mediated oxidative cleavage of electron-deficient indoles is reported. Methylene blue serves as an effective catalyst and the transformation shows a broad substrate scope. A variety of functional groups are well accommodated in the mild reaction conditions. The photo-mediated single electron transfer and oxidative cleavage mechanisms were investigated via density functional theory and Marcus theory calculations.
Queer Fire: Ecology, Combustion and Pyrosexual Desire
Authors: Clark Nigel , Yusoff Kathryn
Published: May 2018

We set out by noting the preference for circular flows in ecological thought, and the related abhorrence of inefficiency and waste that Western ecology shares with mainstream economic thinking. This has often been manifest in a shared disdain both for uncontained, free-burning fire and for ‘unmanaged’ sexual desire. The paper constructs a ‘pyrosexual’ counter-narrative that explores the mutually constitutive and generative implication of sex and fire. Bringing together the solar ecology of Georges Bataille, feminist and queer thinking about sexuality and reproduction, and a range of ways of theorising biological life and fire, we explore how fire mediates between organismic desire and the energetic dynamics of the earth and solar system. The first section takes a genealogical approach to fire and sex that traces their entanglement from the initial ‘assembling’ of fire through to the emergence of a fire-handling creature. The second section looks at how fire has been contained and intensified by human actors, and the role that heat-driven transformations of inorganic matter have played in the incitement and channeling of desire in urban spaces. The third section addresses the development of industrial ‘heat engines’ and the implications for desire and reproduction of tapping vast reservoirs of subterranean solar energy. We round off by beginning to consider what alternative possibilities might lie in the renegotiation of sex and fire on a planet undergoing rapid change.
Effects of excess carriers on charged defect concentrations in wide bandgap semiconductors
Authors: Alberi Kirstin , Scarpulla Michael A.
Published: May 2018

Unintentional doping and doping limits in semiconductors are typically caused by compensating defects with low formation energies. Since the formation enthalpy of a charged defect depends linearly on the Fermi level, doping limits can be especially pronounced in wide bandgap semiconductors where the Fermi level can vary substantially. Introduction of non-equilibrium carrier concentrations during growth or processing alters the chemical potentials of band carriers and allows populations of charged defects to be modified in ways impossible at thermal equilibrium. We demonstrate that in the presence of excess carriers, the rates of carrier capture and emission involving a defect charge transition level determine the admixture of electron and hole quasi-Fermi levels involved in the formation enthalpy of non-zero charge defect states. To understand the range of possible responses, we investigate the behavior of a single donor-like defect as functions of extrinsic doping and charge transition level energy. We find that that excess carriers will increase the formation enthalpy of compensating defects for most values of the charge transition level in the bandgap. Thus, it may be possible to use non-equilibrium carrier concentrations to overcome limitations on doping imposed by native defects. Cases also exist in which the concentration of defects with the same charge polarity as the majority dopant is either left unchanged or actually increases. This surprising effect arises when emission rates are suppressed relative to the capture rates and is most pronounced in wide bandgap semiconductors. We provide guidelines for carrying out experimental tests of this model.
The folding pathways and thermodynamics of semiflexible polymers
Authors: Wu Jing , Cheng Chenqian , Liu Gaoyuan , Zhang Ping , Chen Tao
Published: May 2018

Inspired by the protein folding and DNA packing, we have systematically studied the thermodynamic and kinetic behaviors of single semiflexible homopolymers by Langevin dynamics simulations. In line with experiments, a rich variety of folding products, such as rod-like bundles, hairpins, toroids, and a mixture of them, are observed in the complete diagram of states. Moreover, knotted structures with a significant population are found in a certain range of bending stiffness in thermal equilibrium. As the solvent quality becomes poorer, the population of the intermediate occurring in the folding process increases, which leads to a severe chevron rollover for the folding arm. However, the population of the intermediates in the unfolding process is very low, insufficient to induce unfolding arm rollover. The total types of folding pathways from the coil state to the toroidal state for a semiflexible polymer chain remain unchanged by varying the solvent quality or temperature, whereas the kinetic partitioning into different folding events can be tuned significantly. In the process of knotting, three types of mechanisms, namely, plugging, slipknotting, and sliding, are discovered. Along the folding evolution, a semiflexible homopolymer chain can knot at any stage of folding upon leaving the extended coil state, and the probability to find a knot increases with chain compactness. In addition, we find rich types of knotted topologies during the folding of a semiflexible homopolymer chain. This study should be helpful in gaining insight into the general principles of biopolymer folding.