bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The interactome of the copper transporter ATP7A belongs to a network of neurodevelopmental and neurodegeneration factors
Authors: Comstra Heather S , McArthy Jacob , Rudin-Rush Samantha , Hartwig Cortnie , Gokhale Avanti , Zlatic Stephanie A , Blackburn Jessica B , Werner Erica , Petris Michael , D’Souza Priya , Panuwet Parinya , Barr Dana Boyd , Lupashin Vladimir , Vrailas-Mortimer Alysia , Faundez Victor
Published: March 2017

Genetic and environmental factors, such as metals, interact to determine neurological traits. We reasoned that interactomes of molecules handling metals in neurons should include novel metal homeostasis pathways. We focused on copper and its transporter ATP7A because ATP7A null mutations cause neurodegeneration. We performed ATP7A immunoaffinity chromatography and identified 541 proteins co-isolating with ATP7A. The ATP7A interactome concentrated gene products implicated in neurodegeneration and neurodevelopmental disorders, including subunits of the Golgi-localized conserved oligomeric Golgi (COG) complex. COG null cells possess altered content and subcellular localization of ATP7A and CTR1 (SLC31A1), the transporter required for copper uptake, as well as decreased total cellular copper, and impaired copper-dependent metabolic responses. Changes in the expression of ATP7A and COG subunits in Drosophila neurons altered synapse development in larvae and copper-induced mortality of adult flies. We conclude that the ATP7A interactome encompasses a novel COG-dependent mechanism to specify neuronal development and survival.
Assembly and comparative analysis of complete mitochondrial genome sequence of an economic plantSalix suchowensis
Authors: Ye Ning , Wang Xuelin , Li Juan , Bi Changwei , Xu Yiqing , Wu Dongyang , Ye Qiaolin
Published: March 2017

Willow is a widely used dioecious woody plant ofSalicaceaefamily in China. Due to their high biomass yields, willows are promising sources for bioenergy crops. In this study, we assembled the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome sequence ofS. suchowensiswith the length of 644,437 bp using Roche-454 GS FLX Titanium sequencing technologies. Base composition of theS. suchowensismt genome is A (27.43%), T (27.59%), C (22.34%), and G (22.64%), which shows a prevalent GC content with that of other angiosperms. This long circular mt genome encodes 58 unique genes (32 protein-coding genes, 23 tRNA genes and 3 rRNA genes), and 9 of the 32 protein-coding genes contain 17 introns. Through the phylogenetic analysis of 35 species based on 23 protein-coding genes, it is supported thatSalixas a sister toPopulus. With the detailed phylogenetic information and the identification of phylogenetic position, some ribosomal protein genes and succinate dehydrogenase genes are found usually lost during evolution. As a native shrub willow species, this worthwhile research ofS. suchowensismt genome will provide more desirable information for better understanding the genomic breeding and missing pieces of sex determination evolution in the future.
Integrating uncertainty propagation in GNSS radio occultation retrieval: From bending angle to dry‐air atmospheric profiles
Authors: Schwarz Jakob , Kirchengast Gottfried , Schwaerz Marc
Published: March 2017

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) Radio Occultation (RO) observations, globally available as a continuous record since 2001, are highly accurate and long‐term stable data records. Essential climate variables for the thermodynamic state of the free atmosphere, such as temperature and tropospheric water vapor profiles (involving background information), can be derived from these records, which consequentially have the potential to serve as climate benchmark data. In order to exploit this potential, atmospheric profile retrievals need to be very accurate and the remaining uncertainties need to be quantified and traced throughout the retrieval chain. The new Reference Occultation Processing System at the Wegener Center aims to deliver such an accurate retrieval chain with integrated uncertainty propagation. Here we introduce and demonstrate the algorithms implemented for uncertainty propagation from RO bending angle profiles to dry‐air variables (pressure and temperature), for estimated random and systematic uncertainties, and for coestimates of observation‐to‐background weighting ratio profiles. We estimated systematic uncertainty profiles with the same operators as used for the basic profiles retrieval. The random uncertainty propagation was integrated by a covariance propagation approach and validated using Monte‐Carlo ensemble methods. We present the results of the validation and demonstrate how the algorithm performs for individual simulated RO events and for ensembles of real RO events. We also compare the new results from the integrated uncertainty propagation to previous ones from empirical error analyses for RO‐retrieved atmospheric profiles. We find that the new uncertainty estimation chain shows robust performance and is in good agreement with previous comparable results.
New method for measuring compressibility and poroelasticity coefficients in porous and permeable rocks
Authors: Pimienta Lucas , Fortin Jérôme , Guéguen Yves
Published: March 2017

Over the last decades, a large understanding has been gained on the elastic properties of rocks. Rocks are, however, porous materials, which properties depend on both response of the bulk material and of the pores. Because in that case both the applied external pressure and the fluid pressure play a role, different poroelasticity coefficients exist. While theoretical relations exist, measuring precisely those different coefficients remains an experimental challenge. Accounting for the different experimental complexities, a new methodology is designed that allows attaining accurately a large set of compressibility and poroelasticity coefficients in porous and permeable rocks. This new method relies on the use of forced confining or pore fluid pressure oscillations. In total, seven independent coefficients have been measured using three different boundary conditions. Because the usual theories predict only four independent coefficients, this overdetermined set of data can be checked against existing thermodynamic relations. Measurements have been performed on a Bentheim sandstone under, water‐ and glycerine‐saturated conditions for different values of confining and pore fluid pressure. Consistently with the poroelasticity theory, the effect of the fluid bulk modulus is observed under undrained conditions but not under drained ones. Using thermodynamic relations, (i) the unjacketed, quartz, and skeleton (Zimmerman's relation) bulk moduli fit, (ii) the drained and undrained properties fit, and (iii) it is directly inferred from the measurements that the pore skeleton compressibility Cϕ is expected to be constant with pressure and to be exceedingly near the bulk skeleton Cs and mineral Cm compressibility coefficients.
Turbulent entrainment in a strongly stratified barrier layer
Authors: Pham H. T. , Sarkar S.
Published: March 2017

Large‐eddy simulation (LES) is used to investigate how turbulence in the wind‐driven ocean mixed layer erodes the stratification of barrier layers. The model consists of a stratified Ekman layer that is driven by a surface wind. Simulations at a wide range of
are performed to quantify the effect of turbulence and stratification on the entrainment rate. Here, N0 is the buoyancy frequency in the barrier layer and f is the Coriolis parameter. The evolution of the mixed layer follows two stages: a rapid initial deepening and a late‐time growth at a considerably slower rate. During the first stage, the mixed layer thickens to the depth that is proportional to
where
is the frictional velocity. During the second stage, the turbulence in the mixed layer continues to deepen further into the barrier layer, and the turbulent length scale is shown to scale with
, independent of f. The late‐time entrainment rate E follows the law of
where
is the Richardson number. The exponent of −1/2 is identical but the coefficient of 0.035 is much smaller relative to the value of 2−3/2 for the nonrotating boundary layer. Simulations using the KPP model (version applicable to this simple case without additional effects of Langmuir turbulence or surface buoyancy flux) also yield the entrainment scaling of
; however, the proportionality coefficient varies with the stratification. The structure of the Ekman current is examined to illustrate the strong effect of stratification in the limit of large
.
A machine learning nowcasting method based on real‐time reanalysis data
Authors: Han Lei , Sun Juanzhen , Zhang Wei , Xiu Yuanyuan , Feng Hailei , Lin Yinjing
Published: March 2017

Despite marked progress over the past several decades, convective storm nowcasting remains a challenge because most nowcasting systems are based on linear extrapolation of radar reflectivity without much consideration for other meteorological fields. The variational Doppler radar analysis system (VDRAS) is an advanced convective‐scale analysis system capable of providing analysis of 3‐D wind, temperature, and humidity by assimilating Doppler radar observations. Although potentially useful, it is still an open question as to how to use these fields to improve nowcasting. In this study, we present results from our first attempt at developing a support vector machine (SVM) box‐based nowcasting (SBOW) method under the machine learning framework using VDRAS analysis data. The key design points of SBOW are as follows: (1) The study domain is divided into many position‐fixed small boxes, and the nowcasting problem is transformed into one question, i.e., will a radar echo > 35 dBZappear in a box in 30 min? (2) Box‐based temporal and spatial features, which include time trends and surrounding environmental information, are constructed. (3) And the box‐based constructed features are used to first train the SVM classifier, and then the trained classifier is used to make predictions. Compared with complicated and expensive expert systems, the above design of SBOW allows the system to be small, compact, straightforward, and easy to maintain and expand at low cost. The experimental results show that although no complicated tracking algorithm is used, SBOW can predict the storm movement trend and storm growth with reasonable skill.
Validation of a GPU‐Based 3D dose calculator for modulated beams
Authors: Ahmed Saeed , Hunt Dylan , Kapatoes Jeff , Hayward Robert , Zhang Geoffrey , Moros Eduardo G. , Feygelman Vladimir
Published: March 2017

A superposition/convolution GPU‐accelerated dose computation algorithm (the Calculator) has been recently incorporated into commercial software. The algorithm requires validation prior to clinical use. Three photon energies were examined: conventional 6 MV and 15 MV, and 10 MV flattening filter free (10 MVFFF). For a set of IMRT and VMAT plans based on four of the five AAPM Practice Guideline 5a downloadable datasets, ion chamber (IC) measurements were performed on the water‐equivalent phantoms. The average difference between the Calculator and IC was −0.3 ± 0.8% (1SD). The same plans were projected on a phantom containing a biplanar diode array. We used the forthcoming criteria for routine gamma analysis, 3% dose–error (global (G) normalization, 2 mm distance to agreement, and 10% low dose cutoff). The γ (3%G/2 mm) average passing rate was 98.9 ± 2.1%. Measurement‐guided three‐dimensional dose reconstruction on the patient CT dataset (excluding the Lung) resulted in a similar average agreement rate with the Calculator: 98.2 ± 2.0%. The mean γ (3%G/2 mm) passing rate comparing the Calculator to the TPS (again excluding the Lung) was 99.0 ± 1.0%. Because of the significant inhomogeneity, the Lung case was investigated separately. The calculator has an alternate heterogeneity correction mode that can change the results in the thorax for higher‐energy beams (15 MV). As this correction is nonphysical and was optimized for simple slab geometries, its application leads to mixed results when compared to the TPS and independent Monte Carlo calculations, depending on the CT dataset and the plan. The Calculator vs. TPS 15 MV Guideline 5a IMRT and VMAT plans demonstrate 96.3% and 93.4% γ (3%G/2 mm) passing rates respectively. For the lower energies, which should be predominantly used in the thoracic region, the passing rates for the same plans and criteria range from 98.6 to 100%. Overall, the Calculator accuracy is sufficient for the intended use.
Lewis Acid Induced Functionalization of Photoluminescent 2D Silicon Nanosheets for the Fabrication of Functional Hybrid Films
Authors: Helbich Tobias , Lyuleeva Alina , Marx Philipp , Scherf Lavinia M. , Purkait Tapas K. , Fässler Thomas F. , Lugli Paolo , Veinot Jonathan G. C. , Rieger Bernhard
Published: March 2017

Various Lewis acids are found to efficiently catalyze hydrosilylation reactions of hydride‐terminated 2D silicon nanosheets at room temperature. The hydride‐terminated nanosheets can be functionalized with a variety of unsaturated functional substrates and still possess their unique characteristic (opto)electronic properties (e.g., photoluminescence). This is demonstrated by successfully implementing the readily functionalized materials into new silicon/semiconducting polymer‐based field‐effect transistors (FETs). Surface modification of the freestanding silicon nanosheets opens new possibilities to form highly homogeneous blends with the already broadly used conventional polymers poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl). The consequential combination of the different properties of the materials enables the enhancement of the sensitivity of the solution‐gated FETs and increases the transconductance of the operating device.
Ultrahigh Conductive Graphene Paper Based on Ball‐Milling Exfoliated Graphene
Authors: Teng Chao , Xie Dan , Wang Jianfeng , Yang Zhi , Ren Guangyuan , Zhu Ying
Published: March 2017

Due to low density, extremely high electrical and thermal conductivities, graphene has great potential to construct lightweight thermal conductive paper for high‐power electric devices. However, the remarkable properties of graphene are on a molecular level and difficult to achieve when processed into macroscopic paper. Here, an effective route to construct ultrahigh conductive graphene paper is developed. First, large‐volume, high‐concentration, plane‐defect‐free, few‐layer graphene dispersion is fast produced from graphite at high yield through ball milling. The exfoliated graphene dispersion is further processed into graphene paper through fast filtration, thermal treatment, and mechanical compression. The electrical and thermal conductivities of the resultant graphene paper are as high as 2231 S cm−1 and 1529 W m−1 K−1, superior to previously reported graphene papers. Structural analyses confirm that the ultrahigh conductivities are attributed to high quality of graphene sheets, their compact ordered stacking, and large graphitic crystalline domain size, which improve electron and phonon transport within basal plane of graphene sheet and between graphene sheets.
Control of Cell Alignment and Morphology by Redesigning ECM‐Mimetic Nanotopography on Multilayer Membranes
Authors: Sousa Maria P. , Caridade Sofia G. , Mano João F.
Published: March 2017

Inspired by native extracellular matrix (ECM) together with the multilevel architecture observed in nature, a material which topography recapitulates topographic features of the ECM and the internal architecture mimics the biological materials organization is engineered. The nanopatterned design along the XY plane is combined with a nanostructured organization along the Z axis on freestanding membranes prepared by layer‐by‐layer deposition of chitosan and chondroitin sulfate. Cellular behavior is monitored using two different mammalian cell lines, fibroblasts (L929) and myoblasts (C2C12), in order to perceive the response to topography. Viability, proliferation, and morphology of L929 are sensitively controlled by topography; also differentiation of C2C12 into myotubes is influenced by the presence of nanogrooves. This kind of nanopatterned structure has also been associated with strong cellular alignment. To the best of the knowledge, it is the first time that such a straightforward and inexpensive strategy is proposed to produce nanopatterned freestanding multilayer membranes. Controlling cellular alignment plays a critical role in many human tissues, such as muscles, nerves, or blood vessels, so these membranes can be potentially useful in specific tissue regeneration strategies.
Compositions Including Synthetic and Natural Blends for Integration and Structural Integrity: Engineered for Different Vascular Graft Applications
Authors: Shojaee Mozhgan , Bashur Chris A.
Published: March 2017

Tissue engineering approaches for small‐diameter arteries require a scaffold that simultaneously maintains patency by preventing thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia, maintains its structural integrity after grafting, and allows integration. While synthetic and extracellular matrix‐derived materials can provide some of these properties individually, developing a scaffold that provides the balanced properties needed for vascular graft survival in the clinic has been particularly challenging. After 30 years of research, there are now several scaffolds currently in clinical trials. However, these products are either being investigated for large‐diameter applications or they require pre‐seeding of endothelial cells. This progress report identifies important challenges unique to engineering vascular grafts for high pressure arteries less than 4 mm in diameter (e.g., coronary artery), and discusses limitations with the current usage of the term “small‐diameter.” Next, the composition and processing techniques used for generating tissue engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) are discussed, with a focus on the benefits of blended materials. Other scaffolds for non‐tissue engineering approaches and stents are also briefly mentioned for comparison. Overall, this progress report discusses the importance of defining the most critical challenges for small diameter TEVGs, developing new scaffolds to provide these properties, and determining acceptable benchmarks for scaffold responses in the body.
Bulk Rashba Semiconductors and Related Quantum Phenomena
Authors: Bahramy Mohammad Saeed , Ogawa Naoki
Published: March 2017

Bithmuth tellurohalides BiTeX (X = Cl, Br and I) are model examples of bulk Rashba semiconductors, exhibiting a giant Rashba‐type spin splitting among their both valence and conduction bands. Extensive spectroscopic and transport experiments combined with the state‐of‐the‐art first‐principles calculations have revealed many unique quantum phenomena emerging from the bulk Rashba effect in these systems. The novel features such as the exotic inter‐ and intra‐band optical transitions, enhanced magneto‐optical response, divergent orbital dia‐/para‐magnetic susceptibility and helical spin textures with a nontrivial Berry's phase in the momentum space are among the salient discoveries, all arising from this effect. Also, it is theoretically proposed and indications have been experimentally reported that bulk Rashba semiconductors such as BiTeI have the capability of becoming a topological insulator under the application of a hydrostatic pressure. Here, we overview these studies and show that BiTeX are an ideal platform to explore the next aspects of quantum matter, which could ultimately be utilized to create spintronic devices with novel functionalities.
Molecular Design of Polymer Heterojunctions for Efficient Solar–Hydrogen Conversion
Authors: Chen Jie , Dong Chung‐Li , Zhao Daming , Huang Yu‐Cheng , Wang Xixi , Samad Leith , Dang Lianna , Shearer Melinda , Shen Shaohua , Guo Liejin
Published: March 2017

Semiconducting photocatalytic solar–hydrogen conversion (SHC) from water is a great challenge for renewable fuel production. Organic semiconductors hold great promise for SHC in an economical and environmentally benign manner. However, organic semiconductors available for SHC are scarce and less efficient than most inorganic ones, largely due to their intrinsic Frenkel excitons with high binding energy. In this study the authors report polymer heterojunction (PHJ) photocatalysts consisting of polyfluorene family polymers and graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) for efficient SHC. A molecular design strategy is executed to further promote the exciton dissociation or light harvesting ability of these PHJs via alternative approaches. It is revealed that copolymerizing electron‐donating carbazole unit into the poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene) backbone promotes exciton dissociation within the poly(N‐decanyl‐2,7‐carbazole‐alt‐9,9‐dioctylfluorene) (PCzF)/g‐C3N4 PHJ, achieving an enhanced apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 27% at 440 nm over PCzF/g‐C3N4. Alternatively, copolymerizing electron‐accepting benzothiadiazole unit extended the visible light response of the obtained poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐alt‐benzothiadiazole)/g‐C3N4 PHJ, leading to an AQY of 13% at 500 nm. The present study highlights that constructing PHJs and adapting a rational molecular design of PHJs are effective strategies to exploit more of the potential of organic semiconductors for efficient solar energy conversion.
Ultrafast Solar‐Blind Ultraviolet Detection by Inorganic Perovskite CsPbX3 Quantum Dots Radial Junction Architecture
Authors: Lu Jiawen , Sheng Xuexi , Tong Guoqing , Yu Zhongwei , Sun Xiaolin , Yu Linwei , Xu Xiangxing , Wang Junzhuan , Xu Jun , Shi Yi , Chen Kunji
Published: March 2017

Inorganic CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I, or hybrid among them) perovskite quantum dots (IPQDs) are promising building blocks for exploring high performance optoelectronic applications. In this work, the authors report a new hybrid structure that marries CsPbX3 IPQDs to silicon nanowires (SiNWs) radial junction structures to achieve ultrafast and highly sensitive ultraviolet (UV) detection in solar‐blind spectrum. A compact and uniform deployment of CsPbX3 IPQDs upon the sidewall of low‐reflective 3D radial junctions enables a strong light field excitation and efficient down‐conversion of the ultraviolet incidences, which are directly tailored into emission bands optimized for a rapid photodetection in surrounding ultrathin radial p‐i‐n junctions. A fast solar‐blind UV detection has been demonstrated in this hybrid IPQD‐NW detectors, with rise/fall response time scales of 0.48/1.03 ms and a high responsivity of 54 mA W−1@200 nm (or 32 mA W−1@270 nm), without the need of any external power supply. These results pave the way toward large area manufacturing of high performance Si‐based perovskite UV detectors in a scalable and low‐cost procedure.
Ultrafast Formation of Amorphous Bimetallic Hydroxide Films on 3D Conductive Sulfide Nanoarrays for Large‐Current‐Density Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysis
Authors: Zou Xu , Liu Yipu , Li Guo‐Dong , Wu Yuanyuan , Liu Da‐Peng , Li Wang , Li Hai‐Wen , Wang Dejun , Zhang Yu , Zou Xiaoxin
Published: March 2017

Developing nonprecious oxygen evolution electrocatalysts that can work well at large current densities is of primary importance in a viable water‐splitting technology. Herein, a facile ultrafast (5 s) synthetic approach is reported that produces a novel, efficient, non‐noble metal oxygen‐evolution nano‐electrocatalyst that is composed of amorphous Ni–Fe bimetallic hydroxide film‐coated, nickel foam (NF)‐supported, Ni3S2 nanosheet arrays. The composite nanomaterial (denoted as Ni‐Fe‐OH@Ni3S2/NF) shows highly efficient electrocatalytic activity toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at large current densities, even in the order of 1000 mA cm−2. Ni‐Fe‐OH@Ni3S2/NF also gives an excellent catalytic stability toward OER both in 1 m KOH solution and in 30 wt% KOH solution. Further experimental results indicate that the effective integration of high catalytic reactivity, high structural stability, and high electronic conductivity into a single material system makes Ni‐Fe‐OH@Ni3S2/NF a remarkable catalytic ability for OER at large current densities.
The Influence of Ultrathin Amorphous ALD Alumina and Titania on the Rate Capability of Anatase TiO2 and LiMn2O4 Lithium Ion Battery Electrodes
Authors: Mattelaer Felix , Vereecken Philippe M. , Dendooven Jolien , Detavernier Christophe
Published: March 2017

Interface modification is a heavily investigated method of extending the lifetime of lithium ion batteries. While many studies have explored the effect of interface coating on the lifetime, the rate capability is often overlooked. In this study, the authors investigated the influence of ultrathin (<10 nm) atomic layer deposition (ALD) coatings of amorphous Al2O3 and amorphous TiO2. It is found that, on thin‐film anatase TiO2, the rate capability is unaffected by an amorphous TiO2 coating since it does not pose an additional impedance on the system, while Al2O3 coatings are detrimental for the rate performance due to the 1.5 × 1012 Ω cm resistivity toward lithium ions. A thicker than 2 nm ALD Al2O3 film is found to block lithium transfer completely, resulting in a purely capacitive film. Solvent oxidation is studied on thin‐film LiMn2O4. The authors demonstrate that both coatings can partially solve the solvent decomposition. However, the kinetic bottleneck posed by 1 nm Al2O3 is still greater than the uncoated LiMn2O4, leading to worsened rate capability. ALD TiO2 on the other hand can prevent most of the solvent decomposition, resulting in smoother electrodes. The absence of the decomposition layer and lithium conducting properties of the ALD TiO2 films results in an improved rate capability for the ALD TiO2 coated electrode.
Biobased Polycarbonate as a Gas Separation Membrane and “Breathing Glass” for Energy Saving Applications
Authors: Hauenstein Oliver , Rahman Md. Mushfequr , Elsayed Mohamed , Krause‐Rehberg Reinhard , Agarwal Seema , Abetz Volker , Greiner Andreas
Published: March 2017

The biobased poly(limonene carbonate) (PLimC) synthesized by catalytic copolymerization of trans‐limonene oxide and CO2 unifies sustainability, carbon capture and utilization of CO2 in one material. Films of PLimC show surprisingly high gas permeation and good selectivity. Additionally, it is not only very permeable to gases, but also to light, while simultaneously being a good heat insulator and mechanically strong, representing a novel type of material that is defined here as “breathing glass.” Hence, this study investigates the gas permeation and the selectivity in detail. The selectivity of PLimC for CO2 can be understood by its high fractional free volume, which is determined by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy supported by simulations. The CO2 permeability of PLimC at 30 °C is 68 barrer, while the CO2/N2 selectivity is ≈19, which places PLimC in a promising position in the Robeson plot and makes it unique due to its excellent transparency and processability under ambient conditions. Based on the high permeability of PLimC to gases and light, this study discusses here a completely new potential application of light transparent, gas‐permeable polymer films as “breathing glass.”
pH Dependent Optical Switching and Fluorescence Modulation of Molybdenum Sulfide Quantum Dots
Authors: Mishra Himanshu , Umrao Sima , Singh Jai , Srivastava Rajesh Kumar , Ali Rashid , Misra Arvind , Srivastava Anchal
Published: March 2017

Investigations on fluorescent molecules with fluorescence switching behavior as function of pH, temperature, ion concentration, etc. is highly desirable in the field of sensor device fabrication. In this study, the authors report an easy and eco‐friendly hydrothermal route for the synthesis of pH dependent fluorescent MoS2 quantum dots (MoS2‐QDs). The average size of the synthesized QDs is found to be ≈7 nm which was confirmed with transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. These MoS2‐QDs show the pH dependent fluorescence switching behavior. Under pH ≈ 1 the fluorescence intensity of the MoS2‐QDs is quenched while it shows ≈200 times enhancement under pH ≈ 13. This florescence ON/OFF switching is mainly due to the surface adsorbed functional groups (NH2, SO42−, OH−, etc.) and is a combined effect viz. protonation–deprotonation process, acid etching, quantum confined Stark effect and particle agglomeration. A plausible mechanism for this pH dependent ON/OFF switching behavior is also discussed in this study. The band gap calculation under different pH environment is also in good agreement to the hypothesis.
Enhanced Carrier Multiplication in InAs Quantum Dots for Bulk Avalanche Photodetector Applications
Authors: Ma Ying‐Jie , Zhang Yong‐Gang , Gu Yi , Chen Xing‐You , Wang Peng , Juang Bor‐Chau , Farrell Alan , Liang Bao‐Lai , Huffaker Diana L. , Shi Yan‐Hui , Ji Wan‐Yan , Du Ben , Xi Su‐Ping , Tang Heng‐Jing , Fang Jia‐Xiong
Published: March 2017

Exploring the potentiality of enhancing the performance of avalanche photodiodes (APDs) using novel nanoscale structures is highly attractive for overcoming the bottleneck of avalanche probability. This work demonstrates, for the first time, multiplication enhancement of electron‐initiated photocurrent due to impact ionization in InAs quantum dots (QDs) within a GaAs APD structure. A five‐layer stacked 2.25 MLs InAs QD/50 nm GaAs spacer multiplication structure integrated into a separated absorption, charge, and multiplication GaAs homo APD results in up to six times higher multiplication factors in comparison to a reference device without QD over a temperature range of 77–300 K. In addition, extremely low excess noise factor in close proximity to that of silicon is also observed with an effective k
eff factor below 0.1. This demonstration is of fundamental interest and relevant for future ultra efficient avalanche detector applications.
A call for action: Why anthropologists can (and should) join the discussion on climate change through education
Authors: Butaric Lauren N. , Light Lydia E. O. , Juengst Sara L.
Published: March 2017

Anthropologists, human biologists, and researchers in related fields have been investigating the human‐environment interaction and its effects on health for decades. While there have been numerous studies from the medical‐ and health‐sectors pointing to the connection between climate change and health needs, as well as studies advocating for the incorporation of appropriate curricula addressing these needs in medical schools and health‐professional programs, this connection is not being systematically taught to our future healthcare professionals. Here, we first briefly summarize research highlighting the interaction between environment and health; we follow this with discussion about why this interaction is important for current and future medical professionals to understand, particularly in light of the current issues of climate change. We specifically address how anthropologists and human biologists have contributed to the literature on marginal environments and climate change, and how anthropological research may be incorporated in health‐oriented and medical classrooms to aid in this discussion. Through interdisciplinary collaboration between anthropologists, human biologists, medical‐health professionals, and researchers in other fields, we can learn from our past and play a part in piecing together our future health care issues and needs.
The proceedings of the 15th professional conference on Williams Syndrome
Authors: Walton Jennifer R. , Martens Marilee A. , Pober Barbara R.
Published: March 2017

Williams Syndrome (WS) is a contiguous gene deletion disorder, caused by the deletion of approximately 26–28 genes from chromosome 7 (7q11.23). Individuals with WS have complex medical, developmental, and behavioral features, requiring multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration. Guidelines detailing the identification, evaluation, and monitoring of individuals with WS need clarification, especially for primary care providers who are first‐line in their management. This report summarizes the proceedings of the 2016 Professional Conference on WS in Columbus, OH. Presentations were directed towards primary care providers and subspecialists, emphasizing evidence‐based practices for treating the prevalent medical and behavioral features of WS. Included in this report are findings from a panel of cardiovascular experts discussing three case studies on treatment of hypertension and the use of sedation or anesthesia for non‐cardiac procedures. Abstracts from individual expert presenters are included, covering various medical and behavioral topics, and providing updates in management of WS individuals. The following topics were discussed: differences in phenotypes of 7q11.23 deletion versus duplication, growth parameters, endocrine concerns, sleep difficulties, behaviors to monitor, and pharmacological options, the neurodevelopmental profile of WS individuals, and the importance of monitoring medical and behavioral concerns as WS individuals transition to adulthood.
MED13L haploinsufficiency syndrome: A de novo frameshift and recurrent intragenic deletions due to parental mosaicism
Authors: Yamamoto Toshiyuki , Shimojima Keiko , Ondo Yumiko , Shimakawa Shuichi , Okamoto Nobuhiko
Published: March 2017

MED13L haploinsufficiency syndrome is a clinical condition manifesting intellectual disability and developmental delay in association with various complications including congenital heart defects and dysmorphic features. Most of the previously reported patients showed de novo loss‐of‐function mutations in MED13L. Additional three patients with MED13L haploinsufficiency syndrome were identified here in association with rare complications. One patient had a de novo deletion (c.257delT) and T2‐weighted high intensity in the occipital white matter on magnetic resonance imaging. Two siblings exhibited an intragenic deletion involving exons 3–14, which led to an in‐frame deletion in MED13L. The deletion was inherited from their carrier mother who possessed low frequency mosaicism. The older sister of the siblings showed craniosynostosis; this condition has never been reported in patients with MED13L haploinsufficiency syndrome. Dysmorphic features were observed in these patients; however, most of the findings were nonspecific. Further information would be necessary to understand this clinical condition better.
Stabilization and Structure of thecis Tautomer of a Free‐Base Porphyrin
Authors: Thomas Kolle E. , McCormick Laura J. , Vazquez‐Lima Hugo , Ghosh Abhik
Published: March 2017

Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis of the β‐heptakis(trifluoromethyl)‐meso‐tetrakis(p‐fluorophenyl)porphyrin, H2[(CF3)7TpFPP], has revealed the first example of a stablecistautomer of a free‐base porphyrin, the long‐postulated intermediate of porphyrin tautomerism. The stability of the unique molecule appears to reflect a dual origin: a strongly saddled porphyrin skeleton, which alleviates electrostatic repulsion between the two NH protons, and two polarization‐enhanced, transannular N−H⋅⋅⋅O−H⋅⋅⋅N hydrogen bond chains, each involving a molecule of water. DFT calculations suggest that the observed tautomer has a lower energy than the alternative, doubly hydratedtranstautomer by some 8.3 kcal mol−1. A fascinating prospect thus exists that H2[(CF3)7TpFPP]⋅2 H2O and cognate structures may act as supramolecular synthons, which, given their chirality, may even be amenable to resolution into optically pure enantiomers.
Influences of diallyl phthalate as chain extender on the properties of high molecular weight poly(vinyl chloride) resin
Authors: Wu Jianning , Sui Baoxun , Li Lei , Meng Guihua , Guo Xuhong , Liu Zhiyong
Published: March 2017

A higher porosity with better thermostability is desirable for poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) resin. In this study, high molecular weight PVC resins are prepared by vinyl chloride monomer (VCM)‐diallyl phthalate (DAP) suspension copolymerization in a 20‐L reactor at 50 °C using DAP as chain extender. SEM, BET, and analyses of plasticizer absorption results show the high molecular weight poly(vinyl chloride) (HPVC) by DAP‐VCM copolymerization is loose and porous. With increasing DAP content when the mass ratio of DAP/VCM (ω) is below the gel point, the porosity and the degree of polymerization increase. Nevertheless, the bulk density and particle size decrease. When more than the gel point, these relationships are reversed. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the HPVC had better thermostability than that of commercial PVC, and its thermostability increases with increasing ω before it reaches the gel point. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45093.
Extremely low‐frequency electromagnetic field exposure enhances inflammatory response and inhibits effect of antioxidant in RAW 264.7 cells
Authors: Kim Soo Jeong , Jang Ye Won , Hyung Kyung Eun , Lee Da Kyoung , Hyun Kee Hyeob , Jeong Seung Hwarn , Min Kyung Hoon , Kang Wonku , Jeong Ji Hoon , Park So‐Young , Hwang Kwang Woo
Published: March 2017

In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number and variety of electronic devices that emit electromagnetic waves. Because people live and work in close proximity to these pieces of electrical equipment, there is growing concern surrounding the destruction of homeostasis by electromagnetic field exposure. In the present study, the effects of 60 Hz 0.8 mT extremely low‐frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF‐EMF) on a macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) were examined. Under defined ELF‐EMF exposure conditions, the production of nitric oxide and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6, were increased in RAW 264.7 cells and the expression of those genes was also upregulated. However, cell proliferation was not altered. Translocation of NF‐κB (nuclear factor kappa B), molecules that act downstream of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines, were increased to the nucleus under ELF‐EMF exposure conditions. In addition, we found that ELF‐EMF exposure elevated activation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) 2, as well as positively affected the influx of calcium. Furthermore, with both the presence of a potent antioxidant (Resveratrol) and downregulation of the antioxidant‐related gene Prx‐1 (Peroxiredoxin‐1), ELF‐EMF was associated with higher inflammatory responses of macrophages. These results suggest that an ELF‐EMF amplifies inflammatory responses through enhanced macrophage activation and can decrease the effectiveness of antioxidants. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:374–385, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Discovery and informing research participants of incidental findings detected in brain magnetic resonance imaging studies: Review and multi‐institutional study
Authors: Takashima Kyoko , Takimoto Yoshiyuki , Nakazawa Eisuke , Hayashi Yoshinori , Tsuchiya Atsushi , Fujita Misao , Akabayashi Akira
Published: March 2017

Background

Brain imaging studies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sometimes reveal incidental findings (IFs) that might be relevant to some of the health issues in research participants. Although professional communities have discussed how to manage these IFs, there is no global consensus on the concrete handling procedures including how to inform participants of IFs.

Methods

First, this study reviewed previous studies for the number of IFs discovered in brain imaging studies using MEDLINE. Second, a multi‐institutional study determined the number of IF discoveries and evaluated the method of informing participants at multiple institutions, which participated in a national brain science project in Japan.

Results

Both the review and multi‐institutional study showed that IFs with a high urgency level were discovered in 0–2.0% of participants, including healthy volunteers, and that the rate of IF discovery in general was higher in studies conducted in elderly population. Moreover, multi‐institutional study suggested the criteria used to judge whether or not to inform participants of IFs may differ by institution.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that in order to ensure informing the participants of high urgency IFs, physicians who are capable of interpreting brain images clinically should review all brain images, and the establishment of a support system is required for brain imaging studies at nonmedical institutions. Since the method of informing participants of IFs might affect their understanding and acceptance of IFs, which are related to managing risks of false “clean bill of health” or psychological impacts of informing IFs, further research focusing on communication of IFs is needed.
Interviews of Children in a Portuguese Special Judicial Procedure
Authors: Peixoto Carlos Eduardo , Fernandes Raquel Veludo , Almeida Telma Sousa , Silva Júlia Marina , La Rooy David , Ribeiro Catarina , Magalhães Teresa , Lamb Michael E.
Published: March 2017

Since 2007, alleged victims of child sexual abuse in Portugal have provided evidence in a mandatory “Declarações para Memória Futura” (DMF; English transl. ‘Statement for future use’) proceeding. In order to protect children from having to testify in court, interviews conducted at the DMF can be used later as trial evidence because the hearings are conducted by judges. The present study examined 137 interviews with 3‐ to 17‐year‐olds conducted in several Portuguese criminal courts. Detailed examination of interview transcripts showed that 69% of all questions asked were option‐posing questions, 16% were directive questions, 11% were suggestive questions, and only 3% were open‐ended prompts. The vast majority of details provided by children were thus obtained using the risky recognition‐based prompts (i.e., option posing and suggestive questions) associated with the risks of contaminating and limiting children's informativeness, both potential threats to the credibility of their testimony. There is an urgent need to address this issue and consider the implementation of a scientifically validated structured interview protocol in Portugal. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retroperitoneal perforation arising from duodenal diverticulum treated by endoscopic drainage: a case report
Authors: Shirobe Takashi , Kawakami Hideyuki , Abe Sadanori , Yokochi Tomoki
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical Message

Retroperitoneal perforation of duodenal diverticula around the papilla of Vater is relatively rare. In this report, we describe retroperitoneal abscess, which was successfully treated by endoscopic drainage. Thus, endoscopic approach for retroperitoneal perforation caused by diverticulum is one of the treatment options in addition to surgery.
First‐Principles Investigation of the Relevant Surfaces Exposed by Polycrystalline LaFeO3
Authors: Blanck Dimitri , Berrier Elise , Paul Jean‐François
Published: March 2017

A systematic comparison of surface energy values computed over a series of possible surfaces and terminations exposed by lanthanum orthoferrite (LaFeO3) was performed for elucidating the nature of the exposed surfaces of LaFeO3‐based three way catalysts. Surface reconstruction of polar surfaces was attempted, which did change the ranking of the most stable surfaces. Indeed, the non‐polar (1 2 1) and (1 0 0) surfaces were found to remain the most stable ones in vacuum. The relative stability of surfaces was also questioned when a partial pressure of water was applied, as is expected under the operating conditions of three‐way catalysis. Our results show that the predominance of (1 2 1) and (1 0 0) surfaces is even strengthened upon water exposure.
Copper‐Decorated Microsized Nanoporous Titanium Dioxide Photocatalysts for Carbon Dioxide Reduction by Water
Authors: Zhang Tao , Low Jingxiang , Huang Xiaoxi , Al‐Sharab Jafar F. , Yu Jiaguo , Asefa Tewodros
Published: March 2017

A series of metallic copper (Cu)‐decorated microsized, nanoporous titanium dioxide (TiO2) materials with different loadings of Cu were synthesized by in situ hydrolysis of Sn2+‐grafted titanium glycolate microspheres in the presence of Cu2+ ions. The resulting materials showed good photocatalytic activity for CO2 reduction with water. In particular, the material prepared with an optimal loading of Cu (≈0.4 wt %) exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity for the reduction of CO2 to hydrocarbon fuel (CH4), with an efficiency that was 21‐fold higher than that of the most commonly studied and utilized commercial photocatalyst, Degussa P25 TiO2, under similar reaction conditions.
Electronic Structure Studies on the Whole Keplerate Family: Predicting New Members
Authors: Melgar Dolores , Bandeira Nuno A. G. , Bo Carles
Published: March 2017

A comprehensive study of the electronic structure of nanoscale molecular oxide capsules of the type [{MVI(MVI)5O21}12{M′V2O2(μ‐X)(μ‐Y)(Ln−)}30](12+n)− is presented, where M,M′=Mo,W, and the bridging ligands X,Y=O,S, carried out by means of density functional theory. Discussion of the electronic structure of these derivatives is focused on the thermodynamic stability of each of the structures, the one having the highest HOMO‐LUMO gap being M=W, M′=Mo, X=Y=S. For the most well‐known structure M=M′=Mo, X=Y=O, [Mo132O372]12−, the chemical bonding of several ligands to the {MoV2O2(μ‐O)2} linker moiety produces negligible effects on its stability, which is evidence of a strong ionic component in these bonds. The existence of a hitherto unknown species, namely W132 with both bridging alternatives, is discussed and put into context.
Ratiometric Hg2+/Ag+ Probes with Orange Red‐White‐Blue Fluorescence Response Constructed by Integrating Vibration‐Induced Emission with an Aggregation‐Induced Emission Motif
Authors: Li Yiru , Liu Yang , Zhou Haitao , Chen Wei , Mei Ju , Su Jianhua
Published: March 2017

Two novel ratiometric fluorometric probes 6 a and 6 b have been designed and synthesized for the detection of Hg2+ and Ag+, respectively. Each of these probes is comprised of a 9,14‐diphenyl‐9,14‐dihydrodibenzo[a,c]phenazine (DPAC) skeleton, a tetraphenylethylene (TPE) unit, and two thymine/adenine groups. In this proof‐of‐concept work, the DPAC unit featuring vibration‐induced emission (VIE) characteristics serves as a dual‐emission chromogen, whereas the TPE moiety, which is noted for its aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) properties, functions mainly as a signal amplifier. The coordination between the thymine/adenine groups and Hg2+/Ag+ leads to the formation of aggregates, which restricts the intramolecular vibrations of DPAC and the intramolecular rotations of TPE, activating the AIE effect of TPE and resulting in the bent form of DPAC. Accordingly, the overall fluorescence changed from moderate orange‐red (Iorange‐red) to intense blue light (Iblue) passing through the white‐light region, concurrently with an enhancement of fluorescence at 475 nm and a dramatic increase in the ratio of Iblue/Iorange‐red. Furthermore, the superb sensitivity of 6 a/6 b towards Hg2+/Ag+ has been demonstrated by the detection limit, which is as low as 6.1 nm and 0.1 μm, respectively. Both of these values are below the maximum concentration in drinking water permitted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, demonstrating their great potential to be applied for real‐world metal‐ion sensing.
Real‐Time Monitoring of Enzyme‐Catalysed Reactions using Deep UV Resonance Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Westley Chloe , Fisk Heidi , Xu Yun , Hollywood Katherine A. , Carnell Andrew J. , Micklefield Jason , Turner Nicholas J. , Goodacre Royston
Published: March 2017

For enzyme‐catalysed biotransformations, continuous in situ detection methods minimise the need for sample manipulation, ultimately leading to more accurate real‐time kinetic determinations of substrate(s) and product(s). We have established for the first time an on‐line, real‐time quantitative approach to monitor simultaneously multiple biotransformations based on UV resonance Raman (UVRR) spectroscopy. To exemplify the generality and versatility of this approach, multiple substrates and enzyme systems were used involving nitrile hydratase (NHase) and xanthine oxidase (XO), both of which are of industrial and biological significance, and incorporate multistep enzymatic conversions. Multivariate data analysis of the UVRR spectra, involving multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares (MCR‐ALS), was employed to effect absolute quantification of substrate(s) and product(s); repeated benchmarking of UVRR combined with MCR‐ALS by HPLC confirmed excellent reproducibility.