bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water Soluble Fluorescent Graphene Nanodots
Authors: Singh Shikha , Mitra Kheyanath , Senapati Sudipta , Singh Rajshree , Biswas Yajnaseni , Sen Gupta Susanta K. , Misra Nira , Mandal Tarun K. , Maiti Pralay , Ray Biswajit
Published: September 2018

Water soluble fluorescent graphene nanodots (GND) have been successfully prepared through a bottom up approach from brominated pyrene via alkaline hydrothermal condensation. FT‐IR, UV‐Vis, Raman, XRD, AFM, and TEM studies have shown the formation of −OH group rich nanodots having graphene features with an approximate size of 90 nm. Steady state and 3D fluorescence studies have shown efficient fluorescence emission with maximum at 540 nm upon excitation at 450 nm in pH≤7. Plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid (plasmid DNA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) have shown their interaction with GND, which was studied via fluorescence quenching of GND and BSA, respectively. Selective quenching of the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) of BSA‐GND conjugate via ascorbic acid (AA) has been used to construct a calibration curve for AA estimation with a linear range and limit of detection of 34.00–112.00 μmole/L and 31.343 μmole/L, respectively. GND has also shown concentration‐dependent turn offchemosensing towards heavy metals like Pb2+, Cu2+, Hg2+ and Zn2+. In‐vitromulticolor fluorescence imaging has been observed in GND‐labelled HeLa (human cervical cancer) and NIH‐3T3 (mouse embryonic fibroblast) cell lines with better uptake by HeLa cells. GND also has shown very high viability for both the cell lines up to the tested concentration of 300 μg/mL.
Silaffin‐Inspired Peptide Assemblies Template Silica Particles with Variable Morphologies
Authors: Kamalov Meder , Capel Patrick D. , Rentenberger Christian , Müllner Alexander R. M. , Peterlik Herwig , Becker Christian F. W.
Published: September 2018

A peptidic system is described containing linear and branched peptides based on the RRIL motif that is found in silaffin proteins in diatoms. These peptides form structured assemblies, in which the resulting morphology is dictated by single‐residue changes in their primary sequences as well as by changes in stereochemistry. The resulting supramolecular assemblies serve as templates that can precipitate nanostructured silica in a biomimetic manner under mild reaction conditions.
Highly Efficient Energy Transfer Cassettes by Assembly of Boronic Acid Derived Salicylidenehydrazone Complexes
Authors: Santos Fábio M. F. , Domínguez Zoe , Alcaide María M. , Matos Ana I. , Florindo Helena F. , Candeias Nuno R. , Gois Pedro M. P. , Pischel Uwe
Published: September 2018

Energy transfer cassettes that build on the platform of boronic acid derived salicylidenehydrazone (BASHY) complexes were prepared. The functional flexibility of the BASHY chromophore was underpinned by its tunable role as energy donor or acceptor, integrated in compact and non‐conjugated bichromophoric dyads. The energy transfer is highly efficient (ΦET>0.95) and is assumed to proceed mainly via a through‐bond mechanism. Both constituent chromophores benefit mutually from their integration in the cassettes: a) The pseudo Stokes shift is increased to 110–200 nm; b) the antenna (donor) chromophore improves the light absorption of the acceptor chromophore; and c) the emission window of the BASHY chromophore is expanded in the BASHY‐Bodipy dye without using strategies that compromise the observation of high quantum yields. The application of the cassettes for the formulation of fluorescent polymeric nanoparticles, that can be internalized in cells and observed by fluorescence imaging, was demonstrated using the BASHY‐Bodipy dye as an example.
Effectiveness of small monitoring skin paddle in free muscle flap for scalp reconstruction
Authors: Park Seong Oh , Son Yoosung , Kim Il‐Kug , Jin Ung Sik , Chang Hak
Published: September 2018

Background

Monitoring free muscle flaps with skin grafts is difficult. To intensify the monitoring process for this type of flap, a small skin paddle was included in the flap and analyzed its effects.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent scalp reconstruction with a free latissimus dorsi flap and skin graft between 1994 and 2016 was conducted. Flap monitoring was proceeded using a combination of clinical examination and handheld Doppler for both types of flaps.

Results

A total of 71 patients were included in this study and were divided into a study group (skin paddle included; n = 30) and a control group (conventional method; n = 41). The time between initial surgery to pedicle exploration was significantly shorter in the study group (11.3 ± 2.5 vs 79.8 ± 42.6 hours; P = .024). The flap salvage rate was significantly higher in the study group (100% vs 16.7%; P = .048).

Conclusion

The efficacy of flap monitoring and flap salvage outcomes were improved by including a small monitoring skin flap.
Unsuppressed serum albumin levels may jeopardize the clinical relevance of the international staging system to patients with light chain myeloma
Authors: Kasamatsu Tetsuhiro , Ozaki Shuji , Saitoh Takayuki , Konishi Jun , Sunami Kazutaka , Itagaki Mitsuhiro , Asaoku Hideki , Cho Takaaki , Handa Hiroshi , Hagiwara Shotaro , Wakayama Toshio , Negoro Akiko , Takezako Naoki , Harada Naoko , Kuroda Yoshiaki , Nakaseko Chiaki , Miyake Takaaki , Inoue Nobumasa , Hata Hiroyuki , Shimazaki Chihiro , Ohno Tatsuharu , Kuroda Junya , Murayama Tohru , Kobayashi Takahiro , Abe Masahiro , Ishida Tadao , Nagura Eiich , Shimizu Kazuyuki
Published: September 2018

The international staging system (ISS) is the most commonly used risk‐stratification system for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and is determined by serum albumin and β2‐microglobulin levels. In the two determinants, β2‐microglobulin levels are frequently observed to be elevated in patients with myeloma, particularly in those with renal impairment. In comparison with patients with intact immunoglobulin myeloma, patients with LC myeloma do not necessarily show decreased levels of serum albumin. The clinical impact of ISS in patients with LCMM, in particular the distinction between ISS I and II, may be complicated due to non‐decreased levels of serum albumin in both stages. Accordingly, we have attempted to assess clinical relevance of the ISS in patients with LC myeloma. The clinical data of 1899 patients with MM diagnosed between January 2001 and December 2012 were collected from 38 affiliated hospitals of the Japanese Society of Myeloma. Significant difference was not found between stage I (n = 72) and stage II (n = 92) in LC myeloma patients (n = 307). The mean serum albumin concentration of patients with LC myeloma was within the reference range but higher than that of patients with IgG + IgA myeloma (n = 1501), which complicates the distinction between ISS stage I and II myeloma. Patients with LC myeloma had low frequencies of t(4; 14) and high frequency of elevated lactate dehydrogenase, and despite a relevant amount of missing data in our registry (R‐ISS stage I; n = 11, stage II; n = 32, and stage III: n = 18), the information included in the R‐ISS scoring system seems to be more accurate than ISS to obtain a reliable risk stratification approach in non‐ISS stage III LC myeloma patients.
Load transfer, damage, and failure in ligaments and tendons
Authors: Zitnay Jared L. , Weiss Jeffrey A.
Published: September 2018

The function of ligaments and tendons is to support and transmit loads applied to the musculoskeletal system. These tissues are often able to perform their function for many decades; however, connective tissue disease and injury can compromise ligament and tendon integrity. A range of protein and non‐protein constituents, combined in a complex structural hierarchy from the collagen molecule to the tissue and covering nanometer to centimeter length scales, govern tissue function, and impart characteristic non‐linear material behavior. This review summarizes the structure of ligaments and tendons, the roles of their constituent components for load transfer across the hierarchy of structure, and the current understanding of how damage occurs in these tissues. Disease and injury can alter the constituent make‐up and structural organization of ligaments and tendons, affecting tissue function, while also providing insight to the role and interactions of individual constituents. The studies and techniques presented here have helped to understand the relationship between tissue constituents and the physical mechanisms (e.g., stretching, sliding) that govern material behavior at and between length scales. In recent years, new techniques have been developed to probe ever smaller length scales and may help to elucidate mechanisms of load transfer and damage and the molecular constituents involved in the in the earliest stages of ligament and tendon damage. A detailed understanding of load transfer and damage from the molecular to the tissue level may elucidate targets for the treatment of connective tissue diseases and inform practice to prevent and rehabilitate ligament and tendon injuries. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:3093–3104, 2018.
Some reflections on combining meta‐analysis and structural equation modeling
Authors: Cheung Mike W.‐L.
Published: September 2018

Meta‐analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) are 2 of the most prominent statistical techniques employed in the behavioral, medical, and social sciences. They each have their own well‐established research communities, terminologies, statistical models, software packages, and journals (Research Synthesis Methods and Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal). In this paper, I will provide some personal reflections on combining meta‐analysis and SEM in the forms of meta‐analytic SEM and SEM‐based meta‐analysis. The critical contributions of Becker (1992), Shadish (1992), and Viswesvaran and Ones (1995) in the early development of meta‐analytic SEM are highlighted. Another goal of the paper is to illustrate how meta‐analysis can be extended and integrated with other techniques to address new research questions such as the analysis of Big Data. I hope that this paper may stimulate more research development in the area of combining meta‐analysis and SEM.
Influence of boron carbide content on the microstructure, tensile strength and fracture behavior of boron carbide reinforced aluminum metal matrix composites
Authors: Raj R. , Thakur D.G.
Published: September 2018

In the present work, an indigenously developed low cost modified stir casting technique is developed for the processing of 6061 Al‐B4C composites containing high‐volume fraction of boron carbide particles (up to 20 vol. %). The influence of varying reinforcement content on the spatial distribution of boron carbide in the aluminum matrix is qualitatively characterized using scanning electron microscope. At a lower volume fraction of reinforcement, wide particle free zone and large interparticle spacing were observed in the matrix while the composite with high reinforcement content displayed relatively homogeneous and discrete particle distribution. X‐ray diffraction analysis confirms the presence of only aluminum and boron carbide diffraction peaks, indicating that no significant reaction occurs during composite processing. The tensile behavior of composites revealed that strength and ductility are influenced by varying particulate content. The quantitative analysis of strengthening mechanism in the casted composites showed that higher volume fraction of boron carbide lead to larger values of thermal dislocation strengthening, grain size and strain gradient strengthening. The morphology of fracture surfaces reveals the presence of dimple network and the average size of dimples gradually decreases with the increase in particulate content, which indicates the co‐existence of ductile and brittle fracture.
Investigation on alkalinity reduction methods of eco‐porous concrete
Authors: Yang J.W. , Gao T. , Yin J. , Wu S.Y. , Liang Q.
Published: September 2018

Laboratory tests were conducted to investigate the different alkalinity reduction methods. Single alkalinity‐reduced treatment and hybrid alkalinity‐reduced method were employed respectively. Single alkalinity‐reduced treatment methods include oxalic acid soaking, oxalic acid spraying and deep penetrating sealer (DPS) spraying. The hybrid alkalinity‐reduced method used silica fume (SF) and ferrous sulfate. Deep penetrating sealer spraying and rapid carbonization were performed in the hybrid alkalinity‐reduced treatment. The compressive strength and alkalinity of eco‐porous concrete were evaluated by employing different alkalinity‐reduced methods. The results showed that effect of single alkalinity‐reduced treatment on the strength of eco‐porous concrete is not obvious. The 28‐day compressive strength of the specimens was 7.8 MPa ‐ 10.3 MPa and the pH value was about 10.4. By using hybrid alkalinity‐reduced method, the rapid carbonization and alkali solidification gave the best performance in strength and alkalinity reduction. The 28‐day compressive strength was 8.1 MPa and pH value was reduced to 10.0.
Comparative experimental study on the modification of microstructural and mechanical properties of friction stir welded and gas metal arc welded EN AW‐6061 O aluminum alloys by post‐weld heat treatment
Authors: Gençer G.M. , Öztoprak N. , Serindağ H.T.
Published: September 2018

In this paper, the effects of post‐weld heat treatment on modification of microstructures and mechanical properties of friction stir welded and gas metal arc welded AA6061‐O plates were compared with each other. Gas metal arc welding and friction stir welding were used as the applicable welding processes for AA6061‐O alloys. The applied post‐weld heat treatment consisted of solution heat treatment, followed by water quenching and finally artificial aging. The samples were classified as post‐weld heat treated and as‐welded joints. The microstructural evolution, tensile properties, hardness features and fracture surfaces of both as‐welded and post‐weld heat treated samples were reported. The results clearly showed that friction stir welding process demonstrated better and more consistent mechanical properties by comparison with the gas metal arc welding process. The weld region of as‐welded samples exhibited a higher hardness value of 80 HV0.1 compared to the base material. In addition, the feasibility of post‐weld heat treatment in order to enhance the mechanical properties and to obtain more homogeneous microstructure of 6061‐O aluminum alloys was evaluated.
Hot deformation behavior and processing map of a Fe‐25Ni‐16Cr‐3Al alumina‐forming austenitic steel
Authors: Sun S. , Zhou Z. , Xu S. , Wang M.
Published: September 2018

The hot deformation behavior of a Fe‐25Ni‐16Cr‐3Al alumina‐forming austenitic steel was studied by hot compression using a Gleeble‐3500 thermal simulator. The compression tests were carried out in the temperatures range from 925 °C to 1175 °C and strain rates range from 0.01 s‐1 to 10 s‐1. It was concluded that the flow stress increased with decreasing deformation temperature and increasing strain rate. The constitutive equation was obtained and the activation energy was 420.98 kJ⋅mol‐1 according to the testing data. According to the achieved processing map, the optimal processing domain is determined in the temperatures range of 1050 °C – 1075 °C and strain rates range of 0.03 s‐1 ‐ 0.3 s‐1. The evolution of microstructure characterization is consistent with the rules predicted by the processing map. During compression at the same temperature, the higher the strain rate is, the higher the hardness will be. The ultimate tensile strength of the steel is 779 MPa with a total elongation of 27.1 % at room temperature.
TRIM59 overexpression correlates with poor prognosis and contributes to breast cancer progression through AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Yunxiao , Dong Yanyan , Zhao Liping , Su Lihong , Diao Kexin , Mi Xiaoyi
Published: September 2018

TRIM59 has been recently implicated in the carcinogenesis of several cancers such as lung cancer, gastric cancer, and bladder cancer. However, its expression pattern and clinical significance has not been investigated in human breast cancer. In the present study, we examined TRIM59 protein expression in 95 cases of breast cancer tissues using immunohistochemistry. We found that TRIM59 was upregulated in 42 out of 95 cases and correlated with TNM stage (P = 0.0056), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0088) and poor prognosis (P = 0.0092). Importantly, TRIM59 level was higher in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) (P = 0.0157). Expression of TRIM59 protein was also upregulated in breast cancer cell lines compared to normal MCF‐10A cell line. TRIM59 plasmid and shRNA transfection was performed in MCF‐7 and SK‐BR‐3 cells respectively. TRIM59 overexpression promoted cell proliferation, invasion, migration, cell cycle transition, and paclitaxel resistance, whereas TRIM59 depletion showed the opposite results. Further analysis showed that TRIM59 overexpression upregulated expression of cyclinA, cyclinE, Bcl‐xl, Bcl‐2, p‐AKT, and downregulated expression of p21, p27, p53. AKT inhibitor treatment abolished the effect of TRIM59 on Bcl‐2 expression. TRIM59 overexpression also upregulated the level of p53 ubiquitination. In conclusion, TRIM59 overexpression correlates with poor prognosis and promotes malignant behavior through regulation of AKT pathway in human breast cancer.
Und sie dreht sich doch …
Authors: Vollmer Michael , Möllmann Klaus‐Peter
Published: September 2018

Die Rotation der Erde äußert sich am offensichtlichsten an der scheinbaren Drehung des Nachthimmels. Tagsüber lässt sich die Wanderung der Sonne anhand von Schatten oder Sonnenreflexen beobachten. Zeitrafferfilme [1] eignen sich besonders gut zur Darstellung.
Zwischen Dampf und Depression
Authors: Loos Andreas
Published: September 2018

Das stille und nachdenkliche Kind wird in einem schottischen Nest unweit von Glasgow geboren. Wer hier keinen Whisky destilliert oder Fische fängt, der baut Schiffe. Der Vater des Gesuchten gehört zu Letzteren. Die Mutter kommt aus gutem Hause, ein Großvater ist Mathelehrer – insgesamt kein bildungsferner Haushalt.
A fertility needs assessment survey of male cancer patients
Authors: Perez Samara , Lambert Sylvie D. , Lee Virginia , Loiselle Carmen G. , Chan Peter , Gupta Abha , Lo Kirk , Rosberger Zeev , Zelkowitz Phyllis
Published: September 2018

Objective

To describe fertility‐related informational needs and practices, and to examine if demographic characteristics are related to these needs and practices.

Methods

A needs assessment survey was conducted at three Canadian cancer centres.

Results

192 male cancer patients (Mage = 33.6) completed the survey. Most patients (70%) recalled having had a discussion with a health care provider regarding their fertility and 44% banked their sperm. Patients reported not getting all the information that they wanted, eg, the risk that a future child may have the same type of cancer (78%), and what was covered by insurance plans (71%). Barriers to sperm preservation were urgency to begin cancer treatment (49%), not planning to have a child in the future (47%) and worries that cancer could be passed on to future children (38%). Participants' age and being the parent of a child were significantly associated with having had a discussion about fertility. Participants' age, province, being the parent of a child and the desire for future children were significantly associated with fertility preservation.

Conclusions

Discussions with health care providers were more frequent, and fertility preservation rates were higher than in past studies, but still not all patients' questions were answered. Misconceptions about passing on cancer to one's child, and that sperm preservation will delay treatment, should be dispelled. Health care providers can ask patients if they have any desire to have children in the future as a way to initiate a discussion of fertility preservation. Key information gaps and psychosocial resource needs are suggested to fully meet male cancer patients' fertility‐related concerns.
XPS on Gd1−xCexCo2 Intermetallic Compounds
Authors: Dudric Roxana , Souca Gabriela , Kuepper Karsten , Tetean Romulus
Published: September 2018

The electronic structure of Gd1−xCexCo2 compounds with x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.75, and 0.9 is investigated by means of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). All investigated samples are single phase and possess a cubic MgCu2 Laves type structure (C15). XPS core level spectra point out the intermediate valence state of Ce ions and that the Co atoms carry magnetic moments of similar magnitude in all compounds but smaller than in pure Co metal. The XPS valence band spectra of Gd1−xCexCo2 compounds are mainly the result of the Co 3d, Ce 5d, and Ce 4f states superposition, influenced by the 3d–5d and 3d–4f hybridizations.
Monitoring of linear profiles using generalized likelihood ratio control chart with variable sampling interval
Authors: Hafez Darbani Farhad , Shadman Alireza
Published: September 2018

The usual practice in using a control chart to monitor a profile is to take samples from the process with fixed sampling intervals. This article considered the use of generalized likelihood ratio (GLR) chart with a variable sampling interval (VSI) to monitor simple linear profiles. The performance of the VSI GLR chart was compared with that of the GLR chart with a fixed sampling rate. The results indicated the superiority of the VSI GLR chart over all possible single step changes in the intercept, slope, and standard deviation. Also, an example was provided to explain the implementation of the VSI GLR chart.
Segregation of dioctyl phthalate to the surface of polystyrene films characterized by ToF‐SIMS and XPS
Authors: Xie Wenjing , Weng Lu‐Tao , Yeung King Lun , Chan Chi‐Ming
Published: September 2018

Polystyrene (PS)‐dioctyl phthalate (DOP) films were prepared by spin coating solutions of a mixture of PS and DOP on Si wafers and characterized by time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). ToF‐SIMS depth profile results showed that DOP mainly segregated to the top 10 nm of the surface of the PS‐DOP film as well as to the interface between the film and the substrate. The normalized intensities of the ions corresponding to DOP on the surface increased as the annealing temperature increased and reached a maximum at the annealing temperature of 60°C, and then decreased as the annealing temperature increased. XPS results indicate that the maximum amount of DOP segregated to the top surface of the PS‐DOP film can reach to 39 wt% at the annealing temperature of 60°C. In addition, DOP evaporated at 25°C under ultra‐high vacuum conditions; hence, ToF‐SIMS and XPS analyses need to be carried out at low temperatures (e.g., −40°C).
α‐Benzyl‐β‐Alanine Containing Naphthalenediimide Promotes Photoresponsive Radical Anion
Authors: Paikar Arpita , Mondal Totan , Debnath Mintu , Haldar Debasish
Published: September 2018

The introduction of a β‐amino acid namely α‐benzyl‐β‐alanine in naphthalenediimide enables the photoresponsive formation and isolation of an extraordinary ambient stable radical anion. The single crystal X‐ray reveals that both the phenylalanine (Phe) and β‐amino acid side chains are in trans position in the reported naphthalenediimides 1 and 2 respectively. In higher order packing, the diimide 1 forms exciplex by face to face π‐π stacking between naphthalenediimide core and aromatic ring of phenylalanine to generate a staircase like architecture. However, the β‐amino acid analogue 2 forms excimer by self‐assembly through face to face π‐π stacking between naphthalenediimide cores. There also exists edge to edge π‐π stacking interaction between electron deficient central naphthalene moiety and side chain aromatic ring. As a result the LUMO and HOMO energy of diimide 2 are lowered significantly which promotes the photo‐induced electron transfer process. The remarkable stability of this radical anion facilitates the complete characterization by various spectroscopic techniques which are also supported by quantum mechanical calculations at the B3LYP−D3/TZVP level theory.
Modification of α‐Zirconium Phosphate Synthesis – Effects of Crystallinity and Acidity on Eu(III) and Am(III) Ion Exchange
Authors: Wiikinkoski Elmo W. , Xu Junhua , Zhang Wenzhong , Hietala Sami , Koivula Risto T.
Published: September 2018

The aim of an ongoing study is to develop ion exchange materials to be used in low pH in mineral acids for the uptake and separation of trivalent lanthanides and actinides. We present material development of α‐zirconium phosphate (ZrP), namely the effects of its crystallinity and acidity on other material properties and on Eu(III) and Am(III) trace ion exchange. One‐pot synthesis for three ZrP products having a time for (re)crystallization of 1 hour, 5 hours and 25 hours, is reported. Characterization techniques include X‐ray diffraction, solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, electron microscopy, pKa1 determination, and 152Eu(III) and 241Am(III) ion exchange studies, i. e. distribution‐, selectivity‐ and metal binding coefficient determinations. As crystallinity and crystallite size increase, so do Eu(III) and Am(III) metal binding coefficients. The acidity and Eu(III) and Am(III) distribution‐ and selectivity coefficients increase in the reverse order. Findings are discussed with separation in mind. Promising separation factors (Eu:Am) of up to 90 were achieved in pH less than 1 in nitric acid.
Facile Synthesis of Superthin Co3O4 Porous Nanoflake for Stable Electrochemical Supercapacitor
Authors: Li Jiangfeng , Hu Xinran , Chen Dandan , Gu Jun , Wu Qingsheng
Published: September 2018

Superthin Co3O4 porous nanoflake was synthesized via a simple natural biomembrane support system at a mild reaction condition. Due to its high BET specific surface area (125 m2 g−1) and superthin porous nanoflake structure, the as‐obtained sample exhibits a remarkable electrochemical performance, including high specific capacitance (448 F g−1) and excellent electrochemical stability (94% capacitance retention from 0.5 A g−1 up to 10 A g−1).
Enhancing the Fe3+ Sensing Sensitivity by Energy Transfer and Phase Transformation in a Bimetallic Lanthanide Metal‐Organic Framework
Authors: Song Xue‐Zhi , Wang Yu‐Xiang , Yan Jia‐Wei , Chen Xi , Meng Yu‐Lan , Tan Zhenquan
Published: September 2018

Two novel lanthanide metal‐organic frameworks (LnMOFs), {[Me2NH2]2[Eu4(L)5(SO4)2]⋅H2O}n (EuMOF‐1) and {[Me2NH2][Tb(L)(SO4)(H2O)]}n (TbMOF‐2), were successfully synthesized by using protonated pyridine‐3,5‐dicarboxylic acid sulfate ligand (H3L+⋅1/2SO42−) under identical solvthermal conditions. To our delight, structural analyses indicate that these two LnMOFs (Ln=Eu or Tb) exhibit two extremely different structures in terms of three‐dimensional open framework and two‐dimensional stacking layered network, which is entirely different from the usual isostructures of LnMOFs (Ln=Eu and Tb). The “Gadolinium break” effect was unprecedentedly observed, leading to phase transformation from EuMOF‐1 to TbMOF‐2 by gradual decrease of Eu content. A serious of bimetallic EuxTb1−x MOFs (x=0.8, 0.6, 0.4, 0.2) materials during phase transformation process were achieved. When evaluated as luminescent quenching sensors for Fe3+ ion, the KSV constant was increased by 36.6% from monometallic EuMOF‐1 to bimetallic Eu0.6Tb0.4 MOF. Additionally, the exclusive sensing and its enhancing mechanism towards Fe3+ are further discussed. This work would establish a new strategy for enhancing the sensing performance of luminescent lanthanide MOFs.
PeV scale supersymmetry breaking and the IceCube neutrino flux
Authors: Dhuria Mansi , Rentala Vikram
Published: September 2018

Abstract

The observation of very high energy neutrino events at IceCube has grasped a lot of attention in the fields of both astrophysics and particle physics. It has been speculated that these high energy neutrinos might originate either from purely conventional astrophysical sources or from the late decay of a super heavy (PeV scale) dark matter (DM) particle. In order for decaying DM to be a dominant source of the IceCube high-energy neutrinos, it would require an unusually suppressed value of the coupling of DM to neutrinos. We attempt to explain this small coupling in the context of an R-parity conserving minimal supergravity model which has right-handed neutrino superfields. With the main assumptions of super-partner masses at the PeV scale and also a reheating temperature not much larger than the PeV scale, we find in our model several natural order-of-magnitude “miracles”, (i) the gravitino is produced via freeze-in as a DM candidate with the correct relic density (ii) the right-handed (RH) sneutrino makes up only a tiny fraction (10−6), of the present day energy density of the universe, yet its decay lifetime to the gravitino and neutrinos is such that it naturally predicts the right order-of-magnitude for the IceCube neutrino flux. The long lifetime of the RH sneutrino is explained by the existence of a global R-symmetry which is only broken due to supersymmetry breaking effects. Our model also predicts a flux of 100 TeV gamma rays from the decaying RH sneutrino which are within the current observational constraints.
Corporate Boards in Europe and Japan: Convergence and Divergence in Transition
Authors: Yamanaka Toshiaki
Published: September 2018

This paper clarifies the current convergence and divergence of corporate boards in Europe and Japan. To this end, it offers an overview of the legal settings governing boards in Japan in transition. Japan introduced the Stewardship Code and a third board structure as an option in the Companies Act in 2014 and the Corporate Governance Code in 2015. These recent amendments focus both on shareholders’ governance mechanisms through institutional investors and on outside directors within companies. Some converged elements appeared on corporate boards in Europe and Japan even though significant divergences are observed because of historical developments specific to Japan. These convergences and divergences remain to be discussed and clarified upon further amendment.
Ready or not? Observations from a long-standing community engagement advisory board about investigator competencies for community-engaged research
Authors: Matthews Alicia K. , Castillo Amparo , Anderson Emily , Willis Marilyn , Choure Wendy , Rak Kevin , Ruiz Raymond
Published: September 2018

Preparing investigators to competently conduct community-engaged research is critical to achieving Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) program goals. The purpose of this study is to describe the perspectives of members of a long-standing community engagement advisory board (CEAB) on investigators’ readiness to engage communities and indicators of investigator competence in community-engaged research, in order to suggest core competencies to guide the development of CTSA-sponsored educational programs. Two 90-minute focus groups were conducted with a subset of members of a CEAB (n=19) affiliated with the Center for Clinical and Translational Science at the University of Illinois at Chicago. CEAB members identified a range of investigator skills and practices that demonstrate readiness to engage in community-engaged research. Eight competencies were identified that should be incorporated in providing education to enhance the readiness and competency of CTSA-affiliated researchers planning to engage communities in research. CEAB observations demonstrate the necessity of developing competency-based educational programs that prepare clinical and translational scientists at all levels for the important work of community-engaged research.
Topology of interacting coiled vortex rings
Authors: Kerr Robert M.
Published: September 2018

Pairs of nested vortex rings, one with coils, are evolved numerically to compare their topological numbers to those of recent experiments reported in Scheeler et al. (Science, vol. 357, 2017, pp. 487–491). Included are the twist $Tw$, writhe $Wr$ and self-linking ${\mathcal{L}}_{S}$ numbers, plus centreline helicities ${\mathcal{H}}_{c}$. The questions are: can the experimental numbers be validated and do these numbers have roles in the dynamics of the global helicities ${\mathcal{H}}$ and enstrophies $Z$ with respect to cascades? Topological analysis of the experiments $t=0$ analytic centreline vortex trajectories validates only the writhe measurements, not their values of $Tw$ and ${\mathcal{L}}_{S}$, which obey $Tw\lesssim {\mathcal{L}}_{S}=m\gg Wr$ for $m$-coil rings. Not $Tw\ll Wr$. To suggest why the large twists do not contribute to ${\mathcal{H}}$, it is noted that the mapping of the coiled rings onto the mesh is to a first approximation a single pair of Clebsch potentials, whose self-helicity ${\mathcal{H}}_{S}\equiv 0$. Numerical rings with circulations $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$, including some single rings, show small initial helicities with ${\mathcal{H}}(0)\approx {\mathcal{H}}_{c}\sim (\text{1 to 2})Wr\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}^{2}$$\ll {\mathcal{L}}_{S}\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}^{2}$. For time and velocity scales that are consistent with the experiments, as the coils evolve, their $Tw$, $Wr$, ${\mathcal{L}}_{S}$ numbers and their helicities are nearly static until reconnection. Nonetheless, $Wr$ and $Tw$ retain important complementary roles in the dynamics of the global helicity ${\mathcal{H}}$ and enstrophy $Z$, with the evolution of the torsion $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}(s)$ profile showing the beginnings of a cascade to small scales.
Integrated Stories and Israel's Contested Worship Space: Exod 15.17 and Stephen's Retelling ofHeilsgeschichte(Acts 7)
Authors: Shin W. Gil
Published: September 2018

Lukan scholarship has paid attention to the ambivalent attitude towards the temple found in Stephen's speech. However, a coherent explanation of this ambivalence is still needed from within the narrative of Stephen's retold history of Israel itself. This study points to a pattern of connection between God's salvation and Israel's worship space captured in the Song of Moses, particularly Exod 15.17, as a sub-structure of the Lukan Stephen's basic understanding ofHeilsgeschichtewithin which he integrates the stories of Abraham, exodus and David. The nature of Israel's worship space revealed in this scheme elucidates Stephen's ambivalent critique of the temple.
Modelling and verification of fatigue damage for compliant mechanisms
Authors: Liu Changli , Bi Zhuming , Ran Jilin , Gu Junjie , Wang Xuejun , Zhang Chris
Published: September 2018

This paper presents a model-based approach for the first time to identify the crack location for the hinge-based planar RRR compliant mechanism, a parallel micro-motion stage driven by piezoelectric (PZT) actuators. However, cracks more likely occur on a flexure hinge because it usually undergoes a periodic deformation in service, which eventually compromises mechanism's performance, positioning accuracy for instance. In this work, the pseudo-rigid-body method is used to develop kinematic and dynamic models of the RRR mechanism both in healthy and damaged conditions, where the crack is considered in terms of the rotational compliance of a flexible hinge. The crack location is determined by measuring PZT elongations, which represents the driving toque deviation because of the crack presence. Numerical simulation is conducted to verify the proposed approach, and the results show good match of the identified crack location with the assumed location. Finally, experiments on the RRR mechanism with a prefabricated crack is performed to further validate the proposed models; the experimental results yield a good consistence.
Examining interactions between genetic risk for alcohol problems, peer deviance, and interpersonal traumatic events on trajectories of alcohol use disorder symptoms among African American college students
Authors: Su Jinni , Kuo Sally I-Chun , Meyers Jacquelyn L. , Guy Mignonne C. , Dick Danielle M.
Published: September 2018

Numerous studies have demonstrated that genetic and environmental factors interact to influence alcohol problems. Yet prior research has primarily focused on samples of European descent and little is known about gene–environment interactions in relation to alcohol problems in non-European populations. In this study, we examined whether and how genetic risk for alcohol problems and peer deviance and interpersonal traumatic events independently and interactively influence trajectories of alcohol use disorder symptoms in a sample of African American students across the college years (N = 1,119; Mage = 18.44 years). Data were drawn from the Spit for Science study where participants completed multiple online surveys throughout college and provided a saliva sample for genotyping. Multilevel growth curve analyses indicated that alcohol dependence genome-wide polygenic risk scores did not predict trajectory of alcohol use disorder symptoms, while family history of alcohol problems was associated with alcohol use disorder symptoms at the start of college but not with the rate of change in symptoms over time. Peer deviance and interpersonal traumatic events were associated with more alcohol use disorder symptoms across college years. Neither alcohol dependence genome-wide polygenic risk scores nor family history of alcohol problems moderated the effects of these environmental risk factors on alcohol use disorder symptoms. Our findings indicated that peer deviance and experience of interpersonal traumatic events are salient risk factors that elevate risk for alcohol problems among African American college students. Family history of alcohol problems could be a useful indicator of genetic risk for alcohol problems. Gene identification efforts with much larger samples of African descent are needed to better characterize genetic risk for alcohol use disorders, in order to better understand gene–environment interaction processes in this understudied population.
An Iterative Qualitative–Quantitative Sequential Analysis Strategy for Electron-Excited X-ray Microanalysis with Energy Dispersive Spectrometry: Finding the Unexpected Needles in the Peak Overlap Haystack
Authors: Newbury Dale E. , Ritchie Nicholas W. M.
Published: September 2018

When analyzing an unknown by electron-excited energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, with the entire periodic table possibly in play, how does the analyst discover minor and trace constituents when their peaks are overwhelmed by the intensity of an interfering peak(s) from a major constituent? In this paper, we advocate for and demonstrate an iterative analytical approach, alternating qualitative analysis (peak identification) and standards-based quantitative analysis with peak fitting. This method employs two “tools”: (1) monitoring of the “raw analytical total,” which is the sum of all measured constituents as well as any such as oxygen calculated by the method of assumed stoichiometry, and (2) careful inspection of the “peak fitting residual spectrum” that is constructed as part of the quantitative analysis procedure in the software engine DTSA-II (a pseudo-acronym) from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Elements newly recognized after each round are incorporated into the next round of quantitative analysis until the limits of detection are reached, as defined by the total spectrum counts.
Growing ‘good food’: urban gardens, culturally acceptable produce and food security
Authors: Diekmann Lucy O. , Gray Leslie C. , Baker Gregory A.
Published: September 2018

With food security increasingly seen as an urban concern, urban agriculture (UA) has emerged as one strategy for improving access to healthy, affordable food within cities in the Global North. This research evaluates the contributions of three types of urban gardens in Santa Clara County, California, to food security. Survey, interview and harvest data were collected from home gardeners, community gardeners and gardeners participating in community food security (CFS) programs, which provide low-income families with the materials and training to grow their own vegetables. To assess food security we use a multi-dimensional framework that encompasses food availability, accessibility, nutritional adequacy and cultural acceptability as well as agency within the food system. Over the summer of 2015, median garden production ranged from 26 kg for participants in CFS programs to 56 kg for home gardeners. All garden types produced enough produce for at least one adult to consume the number of cups of vegetables recommended by federal nutritional guidelines. Gardening also increased some low-income gardeners’ access to healthy food, allowing them to have the diet they wanted—one high in organically grown vegetables—but could not otherwise afford to purchase. Interviews showed that gardeners do not think of cultural acceptability strictly in terms of the presence of certain types of cultural crops; they also articulated a broader set of values concerning the environmental and social conditions of food production. At all income levels, gardeners frequently described a set of food values related to knowledge, control, trust, freshness, flavor, organic production methods and sharing, which they were able to enact through gardening. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the nutritional contributions that urban gardens make but also highlight the importance that low-income gardeners place on having food that aligns with their cultural and ethical values and being able to exercise greater autonomy in making food choices. In conclusion, we suggest that more robust, holistic assessments of UA's contributions to food security will include the subjective aspects of food as well as quantitative measures related to food production.
Ultrasound-guided thrombin injection for treatment of femoral artery pseudoaneurysm with concomitant AV-fistula – a retrospective single centre experience
Authors: Steppich Birgit , Schürmann Friederike , Bruskina Olga , Hadamitzky Martin , Kastrati Adnan , Schunkert Heribert , Fusaro Massimiliano , Ott Ilka
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Background: Increasing volume of complex percutaneous endovascular procedures in highly anticoagulated patients generate a not negligible percentage of femoral pseudoaneurysms (PSA) with concomitant arteriovenous fistulas (AVF). While ultrasound-guided thrombin injection (UGTI) is the therapy of choice for PSA, concomitant AVF is regarded as a contraindication for UGTI, as venous thromboembolism is feared. In this retrospective, register-based cohort study, we report on and evaluate the use of UGTI for the treatment of PSA with AFV. Patients and methods: All patients (n = 523), who underwent UGTI for femoral PSA at the German Heart Centre Munich from January 2011 until January 2018, were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of a concomitant AVF and outcomes were recorded. Results: Forty femoral PSA/AVFs treated by UGTI were identified. The mean enddiastolic arterial-flow-velocity above the AVF, an estimate of the AVF size, was 14.61 ± 1.7 cm/sec. The Majority of patients exhibited flow-velocities < 25 cm/sec (n = 31; 77.5 %) and were on either uninterrupted oral anticoagulation (n = 32; 80 %) or dual antiplatelet therapy (n = 8). Twenty-eight (70 %) PSA/AVFs could be successfully closed by UGTI. In eight multicompartmental PSAs, partial obliteration necessitated combined treatment with manual compression, while one partial occlusion was treated by observation. There were three failures, of which two underwent covered-stent-graft-implantation and one surgical repair. One DVT (2.5 %) occurred two days after UGTI in the by far largest AVF (60 cm/sec) included in the study. Besides two late PSA recurrences treated by surgery, no other complications were observed. AVF persisted in 65 %, all of them asymptomatic. The mean follow-up was 6 ± 15.5 months. Conclusions: UGTI appears to be a treatment option in femoral PSA/AVF, at least under oral anticoagulation in small fistulas with enddiastolic arterial-flow-velocities ≤ 25 cm/sec. However, caution is necessary in larger AVFs, which should remain a contraindication for UGTI.
Development of a Within-Subject, Repeated-Measures Ego-Depletion Paradigm
Authors: Francis Zoë , Milyavskaya Marina , Lin Hause , Inzlicht Michael
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Ego depletion is under scrutiny for low replicability, possibly reflecting the limited statistical power available in between-subject designs. In response, we created a within-subject, repeated-measures ego-depletion paradigm that repeatedly alternated depletion and recovery manipulations. Each manipulation was followed by measuring subjective fatigue, mood, and self-control performance. Across 12 studies (N = 754), participants reliably reported having lower energy and mood after depleting manipulations compared to after recovery manipulations. Depletion manipulations did not consistently affect behavioral self-control, although the depletion effect was meta-analytically significant (d = .045). Furthermore, unintended fatigue and practice effects occurred over the course of the paradigm, systematically interfering with the intended depletion effects. We recommend that depletion research takes advantage of within-subject designs across multiple sessions to avoid spillover effects between measurements.
Toward a Satellite‐Derived Climatology of Blowing Snow Over Antarctica
Authors: Palm Stephen P. , Kayetha Vinay , Yang Yuekui
Published: September 2018

Satellite lidar remote sensing of the atmosphere has been ongoing for more than a decade providing the opportunity to study atmospheric processes in great detail. Here we use 12 years of Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization measurements to derive a climatology of blowing snow layer height, optical depth, and frequency over Antarctica for the period 2006–2017. Limited to the vertical resolution of the Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization data, our climatology includes all blowing snow layers greater than about 30 m in thickness for clear or optically thin cloud regions. Our results show that blowing snow occurs over 50% of the time over large regions with frequencies often exceeding 70%. The overall pattern of blowing snow frequency is fairly consistent from year to year, but there are regional differences. We examined the data for temporal trends in blowing snow properties and found significant trends only in blowing snow frequency. A small area of East Antarctica with generally low blowing snow frequency shows a statistically significant increase in blowing snow frequency ranging from 10% to 100% per decade. No significant trends in frequency were found in regions of high (>50%) blowing snow frequency, and only isolated small areas exhibited a decrease in frequency through the study period.
Facultative dosage compensation of developmental genes on autosomes in Drosophila and mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Valsecchi Claudia Isabelle Keller , Basilicata M. Felicia , Semplicio Giuseppe , Georgiev Plamen , Gutierrez Noel Marie , Akhtar Asifa
Published: September 2018

Haploinsufficiency and aneuploidy are two phenomena, where gene dosage alterations cause severe defects ultimately resulting in developmental failures and disease. One remarkable exception is the X chromosome, where copy number differences between sexes are buffered by dosage compensation systems. In Drosophila, the Male-Specific Lethal complex (MSLc) mediates upregulation of the single male X chromosome. The evolutionary origin and conservation of this process orchestrated by MSL2, the only male-specific protein within the fly MSLc, have remained unclear. Here, we report that MSL2, in addition to regulating the X chromosome, targets autosomal genes involved in patterning and morphogenesis. Precise regulation of these genes by MSL2 is required for proper development. This set of dosage-sensitive genes maintains such regulation during evolution, as MSL2 binds and similarly regulates mouse orthologues via Histone H4 lysine 16 acetylation. We propose that this gene-by-gene dosage compensation mechanism was co-opted during evolution for chromosome-wide regulation of the Drosophila male X.