bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Considering planetary environments in origin of life studies
Authors: Barge Laura M.
Published: November 2018

Early Earth geological conditions would have affected prebiotic chemistry: particularly the lack of atmospheric oxygen, presence of dissolved iron, and increased high-energy radiation. Incorporating planetary conditions into origin-of-life studies can also advance our search for life on other worlds.
H2 roaming chemistry and the formation of H3+ from organic molecules in strong laser fields
Authors: Ekanayake Nagitha , Severt Travis , Nairat Muath , Weingartz Nicholas P. , Farris Benjamin M. , Kaderiya Balram , Feizollah Peyman , Jochim Bethany , Ziaee Farzaneh , Borne Kurtis , Raju P. Kanaka , Carnes Kevin D. , Rolles Daniel , Rudenko Artem , Levine Benjamin G. , Jackson James E. , Ben-Itzhak Itzik , Dantus Marcos
Published: November 2018

Roaming mechanisms, involving the brief generation of a neutral atom or molecule that stays in the vicinity before reacting with the remaining atoms of the precursor, are providing valuable insights into previously unexplained chemical reactions. Here, the mechanistic details and femtosecond time-resolved dynamics of H3+ formation from a series of alcohols with varying primary carbon chain lengths are obtained through a combination of strong-field laser excitation studies and ab initio molecular dynamics calculations. For small alcohols, four distinct pathways involving hydrogen migration and H2 roaming prior to H3+ formation are uncovered. Despite the increased number of hydrogens and possible combinations leading to H3+ formation, the yield decreases as the carbon chain length increases. The fundamental mechanistic findings presented here explore the formation of H3+, the most important ion in interstellar chemistry, through H2 roaming occurring in ionic species.
ATP-dependent membrane remodeling links EHD1 functions to endocytic recycling
Authors: Deo Raunaq , Kushwah Manish S. , Kamerkar Sukrut C. , Kadam Nagesh Y. , Dar Srishti , Babu Kavita , Srivastava Anand , Pucadyil Thomas J.
Published: November 2018

Endocytic and recycling pathways generate cargo-laden transport carriers by membrane fission. Classical dynamins, which generate transport carriers during endocytosis, constrict and cause fission of membrane tubes in response to GTP hydrolysis. Relatively, less is known about the ATP-binding Eps15-homology domain-containing protein1 (EHD1), a dynamin family member that functions at the endocytic-recycling compartment. Here, we show using cross complementation assays in C. elegans that EHD1’s membrane binding and ATP hydrolysis activities are necessary for endocytic recycling. Further, we show that ATP-bound EHD1 forms membrane-active scaffolds that bulge tubular model membranes. ATP hydrolysis promotes scaffold self-assembly, causing the bulge to extend and thin down intermediate regions on the tube. On tubes below 25 nm in radius, such thinning leads to scission. Molecular dynamics simulations corroborate this scission pathway. Deletion of N-terminal residues causes defects in stable scaffolding, scission and endocytic recycling. Thus, ATP hydrolysis-dependent membrane remodeling links EHD1 functions to endocytic recycling.
Layer-edge device of two-dimensional hybrid perovskites
Authors: Cheng Bin , Li Ting-You , Wei Pai-Chun , Yin Jun , Ho Kang-Ting , Retamal José Ramón Durán , Mohammed Omar F. , He Jr-Hau
Published: November 2018

Two dimensional layered organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites (2D perovskites) are potential candidates for next generation photovoltaic device. Especially, the out-of-plane surface perpendicular to the superlattice plane of 2D perovskites (layer-edge surface) has presented several exotic behaviors, such as layer-edge states which are found to be crucial for improving the efficiency of 2D perovskite solar cells. However, fundamental research on transport properties of layer-edge surface is still absent. In this report, we observe the electronic and opto-electronic behavior in layer-edge device of 2D perovskites. The dark and photo currents are demonstrated to strongly depend on the crystallographic orientation in layer-edge device, and such anisotropic properties, together with photo response, are related to the thickness of inorganic layers. Finally, due to the abundant hydroxyl groups, water molecules are easy to condense on the layer-edge surface, and the conductance is extremely sensitive to the humidity environment, indicating a potential application of humidity sensor.
Population coding of valence in the basolateral amygdala
Authors: Zhang Xian , Li Bo
Published: November 2018

The basolateral amygdala (BLA) plays important roles in associative learning, by representing conditioned stimuli (CSs) and unconditioned stimuli (USs), and by forming associations between CSs and USs. However, how such associations are formed and updated remains unclear. Here we show that associative learning driven by reward and punishment profoundly alters BLA population responses, reducing noise correlations and transforming the representations of CSs to resemble the valence-specific representations of USs. This transformation is accompanied by the emergence of prevalent inhibitory CS and US responses, and by the plasticity of CS responses in individual BLA neurons. During reversal learning wherein the expected valences are reversed, BLA population CS representations are remapped onto ensembles representing the opposite valences and predict the switching in valence-specific behaviors. Our results reveal how signals predictive of opposing valences in the BLA evolve during learning, and how these signals are updated during reversal learning thereby guiding flexible behaviors.
Wavepacket insights into the photoprotection mechanism of the UV filter methyl anthranilate
Authors: Rodrigues Natércia d. N. , Cole-Filipiak Neil C. , Blodgett Karl N. , Abeysekera Chamara , Zwier Timothy S. , Stavros Vasilios G.
Published: November 2018

Meradimate is a broad-spectrum ultraviolet absorber used as a chemical filter in commercial sunscreens. Herein, we explore the ultrafast photodynamics occurring in methyl anthranilate (precursor to Meradimate) immediately after photoexcitation with ultraviolet radiation to understand the mechanisms underpinning Meradimate photoprotection. Using time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, signal from the first singlet excited state of methyl anthranilate shows an oscillatory behavior, i.e., quantum beats. Our studies reveal a dependence of the observed beating frequencies on photoexcitation wavelength and photoelectron kinetic energy, unveiling the different Franck-Condon overlaps between the vibrational levels of the ground electronic, first electronic excited, and ground cationic states of methyl anthranilate. By evaluating the behavior of these beats with increasing photon energy, we find evidence for intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution on the first electronic excited state. Such energy redistribution hinders efficient relaxation of the electronic excited state, making methyl anthranilate a poor choice for an efficient, efficacious sunscreen chemical filter.
Enrichment of the fetal fraction in non-invasive prenatal screening reduces maternal background interference
Authors: Liang Bo , Li Hong , He Quanze , Li Haibo , Kong Lingyin , Xuan Liming , Xia Yingying , Shen Jingjing , Mao Yan , Li Yixue , Wang Ting , Zhao Yi-Lei
Published: November 2018

Measurement of cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) is an indispensable process for non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS). According to recent studies, cffDNA in maternal plasma can be enriched for various lengths of fragments, and a sufficient amount of cffDNA can effectively eliminate background interference on the part of maternal DNA. Therefore, we developed a simple and effective separation method, improved NIPS (iNIPS), that enriches the fetal fraction and improves the accuracy of NIPS for fetal aneuploid detection. We adopted a novel strategy to achieve enrichment of 125–135 bp cell-free DNA (cfDNA) by e-gel electrophoresis. To evaluate clinical performance, we compared NIPS and iNIPS results from 2153 retrospective clinical samples. Of the 22 samples with NIPS results of “no call”, 17 samples were reclassified as “unaffected” (9 cases of chr13, 5 cases of chr18, and 3 cases of chr21); 2 samples remained classified as “no call” (1 case of chr18 and 1 case of chr21); and 3 samples were identified as T21 by iNIPS. The average increase in abundance of cfDNA fragments of 125–135 bp was 2.5 times, and the average decrease in maternal background interference was 1.3 times. On this basis, the detection of fetal aneuploidy was highly improved with the fetal fraction as low as 2%; iNIPS achieved 100% sensitivity and 99.90% specificity in retrospective samples.
Tuning structure and mechanical properties of Ta-C coatings by N-alloying and vacancy population
Authors: Glechner T. , Mayrhofer P. H. , Holec D. , Fritze S. , Lewin E. , Paneta V. , Primetzhofer D. , Kolozsvári S. , Riedl H.
Published: November 2018

Tailoring mechanical properties of transition metal carbides by substituting carbon with nitrogen atoms is a highly interesting approach, as thereby the bonding state changes towards a more metallic like character and thus ductility can be increased. Based on ab initio calculations we could prove experimentally, that up to a nitrogen content of about 68% on the non-metallic sublattice, Ta-C-N crystals prevail a face centered cubic structure for sputter deposited thin films. The cubic structure is partly stabilized by non-metallic as well as Ta vacancies – the latter are decisive for nitrogen rich compositions. With increasing nitrogen content, the originally super-hard fcc-TaC0.71 thin films soften from 40 GPa to 26 GPa for TaC0.33N0.67, accompanied by a decrease of the indentation modulus. With increasing nitrogen on the non-metallic sublattice (hence, decreasing C) the damage tolerance of Ta-C based coatings increases, when characterized after the Pugh and Pettifor criteria. Consequently, varying the non-metallic sublattice population allows for an effective tuning and designing of intrinsic coating properties.
The Effect of Memory in Inducing Pleasant Emotions with Musical and Pictorial Stimuli
Authors: Maksimainen Johanna , Wikgren Jan , Eerola Tuomas , Saarikallio Suvi
Published: November 2018

Music is known to evoke emotions through a range of mechanisms, but empirical investigation into the mechanisms underlying different emotions is sparse. This study investigated how affective experiences to music and pictures vary when induced by personal memories or mere stimulus features. Prior to the experiment, participants were asked to select eight types of stimuli according to distinct criteria concerning the emotion induction mechanism and valence. In the experiment, participants (N = 30) evaluated their affective experiences with the self-chosen material. EEG was recorded throughout the session. The results showed certain interaction effects of mechanism (memory vs. stimulus features), emotional valence of the stimulus (pleasant vs. unpleasant), and stimulus modality (music vs. pictures). While effects were mainly similar in music and pictures, the findings suggest that when personal memories are involved, stronger positive emotions were experienced in the context of music, even when the music was experienced as unpleasant. Memory generally enhanced social emotions specifically in pleasant conditions. As for sadness and melancholia, stimulus features did not evoke negative experiences; however, these emotions increased strongly with the involvement of memory, particularly in the condition of unpleasant music. Analysis of EEG-data corroborated the findings by relating frontomedial theta activity to memory-evoking material.
Author Correction: ALF: a strategy for identification of unauthorized GMOs in complex mixtures by a GW-NGS method and dedicated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Košir Alexandra Bogožalec , Arulandhu Alfred J. , Voorhuijzen Marleen M. , Xiao Hongmei , Hagelaar Rico , Staats Martijn , Costessi Adalberto , Žel Jana , Kok Esther J. , van Dijk Jeroen P.
Published: November 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
iTRAQ-based quantitative tissue proteomic analysis of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in non-transgenic and transgenic soybean seeds
Authors: Liu Weixiao , Xu Wentao , Li Liang , Dong Mei , Wan Yusong , He Xiaoyun , Huang Kunlun , Jin Wujun
Published: November 2018

The unintended effects of transgenesis have increased food safety concerns, meriting comprehensive evaluation. Proteomic profiling provides an approach to directly assess the unintended effects. Herein, the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) comparative proteomic approach was employed to evaluate proteomic profile differences in seed cotyledons from 4 genetically modified (GM) and 3 natural genotypic soybean lines. Compared with their non-GM parents, there were 67, 61, 13 and 22 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in MON87705, MON87701 × MON89788, MON87708, and FG72. Overall, 170 DEPs were identified in the 3 GM soybean lines with the same parents, but 232 DEPs were identified in the 3 natural soybean lines. Thus, the differences in protein expression among the genotypic varieties were greater than those caused by GM. When considering ≥2 replicates, 4 common DEPs (cDEPs) were identified in the 3 different GM soybean lines with the same parents and 6 cDEPs were identified in the 3 natural varieties. However, when considering 3 replicates, no cDEPs were identified. Regardless of whether ≥2 or 3 replicates were considered, no cDEPs were identified among the 4 GM soybean lines. Therefore, no feedback due to GM was observed at the common protein level in this study.
Lecithin-Stabilized Polymeric Micelles (LsbPMs) for Delivering Quercetin: Pharmacokinetic Studies and Therapeutic Effects of Quercetin Alone and in Combination with Doxorubicin
Authors: Chang Chia-En , Hsieh Chien-Ming , Huang Sheng-Chin , Su Chia-Yu , Sheu Ming-Thau , Ho Hsiu-O.
Published: November 2018

In this study, lecithin-stabilized polymeric micelles (LsbPMs) were prepared to load quercetin (QUE) in order to improve its bioavailability and increase its antitumor activity. Its combination with doxorubicin (DOX) to minimize DOX-mediated cardiac toxicity and increase the antitumor activity of QUE-loaded LsbPMs was also examined. LsbPMs were prepared following a previously reported procedure. Results demonstrated that optimal QUE-loaded LsbPMs contained quercetin, D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate, and lecithin at a weight ratio of 6:40:80. Drug-release studies showed that QUE released from LsbPMs followed a controlled release pattern. A cytotoxicity assay revealed that QUE-loaded LsbPMs had significant anticancer activities against MCF-7, SKBR-3, and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells and CT26 mouse colon cancer cells. In animal studies, intravenous administration of QUE-loaded LsbPMs resulted in efficient growth inhibition of CT26 colon cancer cells in a Balb/c mice model. In a pharmacokinetics study compared to free QUE, intravenous and oral administration of QUE-loaded LsbPMs was found to have significantly increased the relative bioavailability to 158% and 360%, respectively, and the absolute bioavailability to 5.13%. The effect of QUE-loaded LsbPMs in combination with DOX resulted in efficient growth inhibition of CT26 colon cancer cells and reduced cardiac toxicity in the Balb/c mice model.
Akinetic swept-source optical coherence tomography based on a pulse-modulated active mode locking fiber laser for human retinal imaging
Authors: Lee Hwi Don , Kim Gyeong Hun , Shin Jun Geun , Lee Boram , Kim Chang-Seok , Eom Tae Joong
Published: November 2018

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive imaging modality that can provide high-resolution, cross-sectional images of tissues. Especially in retinal imaging, OCT has become one of the most valuable imaging tools for diagnosing eye diseases. Considering the scattering and absorption properties of the eye, the 1000-nm OCT system is preferred for retinal imaging. In this study, we describe the use of an akinetic swept-source OCT system based on a pulse-modulated active mode locking (AML) fiber laser at a 1080-nm wavelength for in-vivo human retinal imaging. The akinetic AML wavelength-swept fiber laser was constructed with polarization-maintaining fiber that has an average linewidth of 0.625 nm, a spectral bandwidth of 81.15 nm, and duty ratio of 90% without the buffering method. We successfully obtained in-vivo human retinal images using the proposed OCT system without the additional k-clock and the frequency shifter that provides a wide field of view of 43.1°. The main retina layers, such as the retinal pigment epithelium, can be distinguished from the OCT image with an axial resolution of 6.3 μm with this OCT system.
BK channel blocker paxilline attenuates thalidomide-caused synaptic and cognitive dysfunctions in mice
Authors: Choi Tae-Yong , Lee Seung-Hyun , Kim Soo-Jeong , Jo Youhwa , Park Chul-Seung , Choi Se-Young
Published: November 2018

Thalidomide is a widely prescribed immunomodulatory drug (iMiD) for multiple myeloma, but causes reversible memory loss in humans. However, how thalidomide causes cognitive dysfunction at a cellular and molecular level has not been demonstrated. We studied the effect of thalidomide on synaptic functions and cognitive behaviors using a mouse model. Thalidomide led to cognitive deficits in learning behavior in a passive avoidance test and in a novel object recognition test, increased anxiety in an elevated plus maze test, and increased depressive behaviors in a tail suspension test. Interestingly, thalidomide elevated big- or large-conductance, calcium-activated K+ (BK) channel expression in the plasma membrane and BK channel activity in the hippocampus. Thalidomide also increased the paired pulse ratio of excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC), which suggests a decreased probability of glutamate release. Furthermore, the changes in the paired pulse ratio and in BK channel activity were blocked by paxilline, a BK channel blocker. Finally, we found that thalidomide-induced cognitive dysfunctions were restored by paxilline treatment. These results suggest that thalidomide-mediated BK channel hyperfunction is responsible for the pathological mechanism of thalidomide-associated reversible memory loss.
A facile synthesis of perforated reduced graphene oxide for high performance electrochemical sensors
Authors: Wei Hong , Pan Dawei , Ma Su , Gao Guangheng , Shen Dazhong
Published: November 2018

A paper model was utilized to illustrate the synthesis process of the slightly wrinkled 2D rGO and the perforated 3D rGO.
AuNP-peptide probe for caspase-3 detection in living cells by SERS
Authors: Zhao Cuilian , Qiu Lihong , Lv Peng , Han Ailing , Fang Guozhen , Liu Jifeng , Wang Shuo
Published: November 2018

Colloidal nanoparticles can be used as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates because the very close spacing between particles existing in these colloidal systems is beneficial for the generation of extremely strong and highly spatially localized electric field enhancements.
A chiral open-framework fluorinated cobalt phosphate consists of distorted F-encapsulated double 4-ring units with bulk homochirality
Authors: Tong Xiaoqiang , Jing Chaojie , Dong Zhaojun , Zhang Na , Bi Lijun , Wang Yanyan , Cai Hua , An Dongmin , Lian Xiaoxue , Wang Qiong , Zhou Qingjun , Guo Ying , Yan Yan , Yan Wenfu
Published: November 2018

A bulk homochiral open-framework cobalt-phosphate with distorted double-four-ring units having a 2-fold interpenetrating diamond topology has been synthesized ionothermally.
Highly efficient and stable air-processed hole-transport-material free carbon based perovskite solar cells with caesium incorporation
Authors: Liu Pei , Gong Youning , Xiao Yuqing , Su Meng , Kong Sen , Qi Fei , Zhang Huijie , Wang Shaofu , Sun Xiaohua , Wang Changlei , Zhao Xing-Zhong
Published: November 2018

Cs containing triple cation HTM-free carbon based PSCs were fabricated out of a glovebox showing the best performance over 15%.
Innate glycosidic activity in metallic implants for localized synthesis of antibacterial drugs
Authors: ter Meer Marja , Dillion Ross , Nielsen Signe Maria , Walther Raoul , Meyer Rikke L. , Daamen Willeke F. , van den Heuvel Lambertus P. , van der Vliet J. Adam , Lomme Roger M. L. M. , Hoogeveen Yvonne L. , Schultze Kool Leo J. , Schaffer Jeremy E. , Zelikin Alexander N.
Published: November 2018

The unexpected discovery presented herein is that industrialized metallic wires can perform conversion of the glucuronide prodrugs with ensuing antibacterial effects.
Direct synthesis of MoS2 or MoO3via thermolysis of a dialkyl dithiocarbamato molybdenum(iv) complex
Authors: Zeng Niting , Hopkinson David G. , Spencer Ben F. , McAdams Simon G. , Tedstone Aleksander A. , Haigh Sarah J. , Lewis David J.
Published: November 2018

Direct synthesis of either 2H-MoS2 or α-MoO3 is made possible by thermolysis of the same single source precursor in either argon or air at moderate temperatures.
Amorphous FeOOH nanorods and Co3O4 nanoflakes as binder-free electrodes for high-performance all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Liao Qingyu , Wang Chengxin
Published: November 2018

We have built a high-performance supercapacitor anode based on carbon fabric (CF), vertically aligned graphene nanosheets (VAGN) and FeOOH nanorods.
Three-dimensional auxetic properties in group V–VI binary monolayer crystals X3M2 (X = S, Se; M = N, P, As)
Authors: Chen Yan , Liao Xiangbiao , Shi Xiaoyang , Xiao Hang , Liu Yilun , Chen Xi
Published: November 2018

The mechanical behaviors of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) crystals X3M2 (X = S, Se; M = N, P, As) are explored through density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
Correspondence between electronic structure calculations and simulations: nonadiabatic dynamics in CS2
Authors: Bellshaw Darren , Minns Russell S. , Kirrander Adam
Published: November 2018

The choice of ab initio electronic structure method is an important factor in determining the fidelity of nonadiabatic dynamics simulations.
Structural transformations of the La2−xPrxNiO4+δ system probed by high-resolution synchrotron and neutron powder diffraction
Authors: Vibhu Vaibhav , Suchomel Matthew R. , Penin Nicolas , Weill François , Grenier Jean-Claude , Bassat Jean-Marc , Rougier Aline
Published: November 2018

Subtle structural distortions in the La2−xPrxNiO4+δ system are investigated using high resolution X-ray powder diffraction and neutron powder diffraction, analyzed by combined Rietveld refinements.
Novel cyclometallated 5-π-delocalized donor-1,3-di(2-pyridyl)benzene platinum(ii) complexes with good second-order nonlinear optical properties
Authors: Fontani Mattia , Garoni Eleonora , Colombo Alessia , Dragonetti Claudia , Fantacci Simona , Doucet Henri , Soulé Jean-François , Boixel Julien , Guerchais Véronique , Roberto Dominique
Published: November 2018

For platinum complexes bearing a cyclometallated 5-thiophene-1,3-di(2-pyridyl)benzene, βEFISH increases following the order of the LUMO stabilization.
A pillared-layer strategy to construct water-stable Zn–organic frameworks for iodine capture and luminescence sensing of Fe3+
Authors: Wang Di , Zhang Di , Han Song-De , Pan Jie , Xue Zhen-Zhen , Li Jin-Hua , Wang Guo-Ming
Published: November 2018

Two water-stable pillared-layer MOFs exhibiting sorption behavior towards iodine and luminescence sensing of Fe3+ have been successfully constructed.
Consecutive ligand-based PCET processes affording a doubly reduced nickel pyrazinedithiolate which transforms into a metal hydride required to evolve H2
Authors: Koshiba Keita , Yamauchi Kosei , Sakai Ken
Published: November 2018

Consecutive Ligand-based PCET Processes Affording a Doubly Reduced Nickel Pyrazinedithiolate which Transforms into a Metal Hydride Required to Evolve H2.
Hydrogen-bonding interactions and magnetic relaxation dynamics in tetracoordinated cobalt(ii) single-ion magnets
Authors: Mitsuhashi Ryoji , Hosoya Satoshi , Suzuki Takayoshi , Sunatsuki Yukinari , Sakiyama Hiroshi , Mikuriya Masahiro
Published: November 2018

Zero field slow magnetic relaxation was observed in two cobalt(ii) complexes with 1-D chain hydrogen-bonded structures.
Effect of conjugated linoleic acid overproducingLactobacilluswith berry pomace phenolic extracts onCampylobacter jejunipathogenesis
Authors: Tabashsum Zajeba , Peng Mengfei , Kahan Eliana , Rahaman Shaik O. , Biswas Debabrata
Published: November 2018

Prebiotics or prebiotic-like components such as bioactive phenolics from berry pomace can stimulate the growth of beneficial microbes includingLactobacillus caseiand its metabolites, and competitively inhibit the growth of enteric bacterial pathogens likeCampylobacter jejuni.
Anti-melanogenesis properties of condensed tannins from Vigna angularis seeds with potent antioxidant and DNA damage protection activities
Authors: Chai Wei-Ming , Wei Qi-Ming , Deng Wei-Liang , Zheng Yun-Ling , Chen Xiao-Ying , Huang Qian , Ou-Yang Chong , Peng Yi-Yuan
Published: November 2018

The characterization, anti-tyrosinase activity, cytotoxicity against B16 mouse melanoma cells, antioxidant, and DNA damage protection activities of condensed tannins purified from Vigna angularis seeds were reported.
A microfluidic co-cultivation platform to investigate microbial interactions at defined microenvironments
Authors: Burmeister Alina , Hilgers Fabienne , Langner Annika , Westerwalbesloh Christoph , Kerkhoff Yannic , Tenhaef Niklas , Drepper Thomas , Kohlheyer Dietrich , von Lieres Eric , Noack Stephan , Grünberger Alexander
Published: November 2018

A microfluidic device for the co-cultivation of microbial cells.
Converting plasmonic light scattering to confined light absorption and creating plexcitons by coupling a gold nano-pyramid array onto a silica–gold film
Authors: Zheng Peng , Kasani Sujan , Wu Nianqiang
Published: November 2018

This report presents a facile microfabrication-compatible approach to fabricate a large area of plasmonic nano-pyramid array-based antennas and demonstrates effective light management by tailoring the architecture.
IL-oxidizer/IL-fuel combinations as greener hypergols
Authors: Jiao Nianming , Zhang Yanqiang , Liu Long , Shreeve Jean'ne M. , Zhang Suojiang
Published: November 2018

Two ionic liquids were ignited spontaneously upon contact, suggesting an effective route to develop greener hypergolic IL–IL bipropellants.
3-Selenocyanate-indoles as new agents for the treatment of superficial and mucocutaneous infections
Authors: Quatrin Priscilla Maciel , Dalla Lana Daiane Flores , Bazana Luana Candice Genz , de Oliveira Luis Flávio Souza , Lettieri Teixeira Mario , Silva Edilma Elaine , Lopes William , Canto Rômulo Faria Santos , Silveira Gustavo Pozza , Fuentefria Alexandre Meneghello
Published: November 2018

The development of resistance to the current antifungal agents is an alarming problem.
Conversion of aldimines to secondary amines using iron-catalysed hydrosilylation
Authors: Saini Anu , Smith Cecilia R. , Wekesa Francis S. , Helms Amanda K. , Findlater Michael
Published: November 2018

Hydrosilylation of imines was achieved using a redox non-innocent Fe-BIAN catalyst and employing the inexpensive trialkoxysilane (EtO)3SiH.
Palladium-catalysed ring-opening [3 + 2]-annulation of spirovinylcyclopropyl oxindole to diastereoselectively access spirooxindoles
Authors: Xiao Jun-An , Cheng Xiu-Liang , Li Yu-Chun , He Yi-Miao , Li Jin-Lian , Liu Zhi-Ping , Xia Peng-Ju , Su Wei , Yang Hua
Published: November 2018

A palladium catalysed ring-opening [3 + 2]-annulation of novel spirovinylcyclopropanes with α,β-unsaturated nitroalkenes has been presented.
New insights into the mechanical and self-healing properties of polymers cross-linked by Fe(iii)-2,6-pyridinedicarboxamide coordination complexes
Authors: Mo Sheng-Ran , Lai Jian-Cheng , Zeng Ke-Yu , Wang Da-Peng , Li Cheng-Hui , Zuo Jing-Lin
Published: November 2018

Distinct mechanical and self-healing properties are observed in two PBCA polymers cross-linked by the mono-deprotonated complex [Fe(Hpdca)]+ and the double-deprotonated complex [Fe(pdca)]−.
Metal-dependent electronic and photochromic behaviors of dimethylbenzotriazolium iodometallate hybrids
Authors: Hao Pengfei , Wang Weipin , Zhang Lifang , Shen Junju , Fu Yunlong
Published: November 2018

Two isostructural organic–inorganic hybrids are constructed from [Ag3I4]−/[Cu3I4]− chains and dimethylbenzotriazolium, which exhibit metal-dependent electronic behaviors and adjustable photoresponsive properties.
Genome mining for fungal polyketide-diterpenoid hybrids: discovery of key terpene cyclases and multifunctional P450s for structural diversification
Authors: Wang Wei-Guang , Du Lian-Qiong , Sheng Shan-Ling , Li Ao , Li Yan-Ping , Cheng Gui-Guang , Li Gan-Peng , Sun Guiling , Hu Qiu-Fen , Matsuda Yudai
Published: November 2018

The biosynthesis of the fungal meroterpenoid chevalone E and its derivatives has been successfully elucidated and reconstituted.
The opposite and amplifying effect of B ← N coordination on photophysical properties of regioisomers with an unsymmetrical backbone
Authors: Zeng Chao , Yuan Kang , Wang Nan , Peng Tai , Wu Gang , Wang Suning
Published: November 2018

“Dichotomic” substituents such as PhBMes2 and py that have opposite inductive effects and can form an internal B ← N bond have been found to have a distinct impact on the electronic and photophysical properties of regioisomers with an unsymmetrical backbone.
The interplay between activity and filament flexibility determines the emergent properties of active nematics
Authors: Joshi Abhijeet , Putzig Elias , Baskaran Aparna , Hagan Michael F.
Published: November 2018

Simulations of active nematics show that energy input at the particle scale preferentially dissipates into bend modes, leading to a softening of the apparent bend modulus with increasing activity. Thus, the nature of the energy cascade from the particle to macroscales in active materials can be controlled by particle internal degrees of freedom.
Radial basis function network for fast bilateral filtering
Authors: Dai Longquan , Tang Liang
Published: November 2018

The bilateral filter perhaps is the most fundamental smoothing tool in image processing. However, low‐computational efficiency limits its applications. To the best of authors' knowledge, all existing fast bilateral filtering algorithms are handcrafted by talented authors. However, it is a painstaking and effortless work to design an acceleration algorithm. In this Letter, the authors propose a radial basis function network to automatically produce the fast bilateral filtering algorithm. This is done by establishing the one–one connection between the radial basis function network and the fast bilateral filtering algorithm. Experiments demonstrate that their method is able to produce state‐of‐the‐art results.
Improved appearance loss for deep estimation of image depth
Authors: El‐Shazly Ehab H. , Zhang Xiaoyan , Jiang Jianmin
Published: November 2018

Several recent deep network architectures tried to handle the depth estimation process as an image reconstruction problem, in order to overcome the shortfall that the ground truth depth data is not sufficiently available. The authors introduce and validate an efficient deeper network architecture for unsupervised depth estimation with an automated parameter optimisation. In addition, a hybrid appearance loss function is also proposed to improve the depth estimation accuracy and effectiveness. The authors' proposed model achieves the advantage that individual element of the loss function is weighted using normal distribution characteristics of a Gaussian model. The proposed ideas are validated on KITTI dataset achieving best reported results among recent state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Coordinated optimal dispatch of multi‐stakeholder game based on demand response for active distribution network
Authors: Lu Jinling , Chu Wenqi , Ren Hui , He Tongxiang , Wang Fei
Published: November 2018

The realisation of large‐scale utilisation of renewable energy and two‐way interactive electricity consumption are the main goals of active distribution networks (ADNs). This study focuses on the spirit ‘open, equal, cooperate, and share’ the initiative distribution network and premises that users’ habits of energy use will not change, establishes the optimal dispatch model of the multi‐stakeholder game. In order to effectively increase the enthusiasm and fairness of the participation of new stakeholders in the ADN to participate in grid coordination and optimisation, promote the consumption of renewable energy, the optimal relevance equilibrium strategy is found by using the multi‐stakeholder equilibrium game with improved correlated equilibrium learning . The results of the example show that the multi‐stakeholder game coordination optimisation dispatch strategy based on this study can guide users to participate in demand response, improve the load curve and the consumption of renewable energy, so as to the peak load shifting.
Asteroseismology of evolved stars to constrain the internal transport of angular momentum
Authors: Eggenberger P. , Deheuvels S. , Miglio A. , Ekström S. , Georgy C. , Meynet G. , Lagarde N. , Salmon S. , Buldgen G. , Montalbán J. , Spada F. , Ballot J.
Published: November 2018

Context. The observations of solar-like oscillations in evolved stars have brought important constraints on their internal rotation rates. To correctly reproduce these data, an efficient transport mechanism is needed in addition to the transport of angular momentum by meridional circulation and shear instability. The efficiency of this undetermined process is found to increase both with the mass and the evolutionary stage during the red giant phase.

Aims. We study the efficiency of the transport of angular momentum during the subgiant phase.

Methods. The efficiency of the unknown transport mechanism is determined during the subgiant phase by comparing rotating models computed with an additional corresponding viscosity to the asteroseismic measurements of both core and surface-rotation rates for six subgiants observed by the Kepler spacecraft. We then investigate the change in the efficiency of this transport of angular momentum with stellar mass and evolution during the subgiant phase.

Results. The precise asteroseismic measurements of both core and surface-rotation rates available for the six Kepler targets enable a precise determination of the efficiency of the transport of angular momentum needed for each of these subgiants. These results are found to be insensitive to all the uncertainties related to the modelling of rotational effects before the post-main sequence (poMS) phase. An interesting exception in this context is the case of young subgiants (typical values of log(g) close to 4), because their rotational properties are sensitive to the degree of radial differential rotation on the main sequence (MS). These young subgiants constitute therefore perfect targets to constrain the transport of angular momentum on the MS from asteroseismic observations of evolved stars. As for red giants, we find that the efficiency of the additional transport process increases with the mass of the star during the subgiant phase. However, the efficiency of this undetermined mechanism decreases with evolution during the subgiant phase, contrary to what is found for red giants. Consequently, a transport process with an efficiency that increases with the degree of radial differential rotation cannot account for the core-rotation rates of subgiants, while it correctly reproduces the rotation rates of red giant stars. This suggests that the physical nature of the additional mechanism needed for the internal transport of angular momentum may be different in subgiant and red giant stars.
High-speed photometry of the eclipsing polar UZ Fornacis
Authors: Khangale Z. N. , Potter S. B. , Kotze E. J. , Woudt P. A. , Breytenbach H.
Published: November 2018

We present 33 new mid-eclipse times spanning approximately eight years of the eclipsing polar UZ Fornacis. We have used our new observations to test the two-planet model previously proposed to explain the variations in its eclipse times measured over the past ~35 yr. We find that the proposed model does indeed follow the general trend of the new eclipse times, however, there are significant departures. In order to accommodate the new eclipse times, the two-planet model requires that one or both of the planets require highly eccentric orbits, that is, e ≥ 0.4. Such multiple planet orbits are considered to be unstable. Whilst our new observations are consistent with two cyclic variations as previously predicted, significant residuals remain. We conclude that either additional cyclic terms, possibly associated with more planets, or other mechanisms, such as the Applegate mechanism are contributing to the eclipse time variations. Further long-term monitoring is required.
Mit Hirn, Herz – und ganz viel Humor
Authors: Schlich Melanie
Published: November 2018

Was ist Humor? Warum lachen wir? Hat überhaupt jeder Mensch Humor? Und wie kann
man Humor als Copingstrategie nutzen? Antworten darauf liefert unser
Interventionskoffer, in dem wir Ihnen das Konzept einer Humorgruppe für
psychiatrische Patienten vorstellen.
Akut – und dann?
Authors: Weisbrod Sabine
Published: November 2018

Im neunten Teil unserer Serie geht es um einen Patienten, der sich in suizidaler
Absicht immer wieder selbst verletzt, pflegerische und therapeutische Angebote
auf der Akutstation jedoch ablehnt. Lesen Sie, wie das Pflegeteam es schafft,
mithilfe der systemischen Fallbesprechung neue Perspektiven zu entwickeln, um
dem Patienten zu helfen. Auch hier möchten wir Sie wieder einladen, sich selbst
in die verschiedenen Rollen hineinzuversetzen. Fallen Ihnen weitere Lösungswege
ein? Dann schreiben Sie uns an psych.pflegeheute@thieme.de.
Early Prognostic Value of High-Sensitivity Troponin T after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Machado Mauricio Nassau , Rodrigues Fernando Bruetto , Grigolo Ingrid Hellen , Sabbag Amália Tieco Rocha , Silva Osvaldo Lourenço , Maia Lilia Nigro , Nakazone Marcelo Arruda
Published: November 2018

Background Periprocedural myocardial injury after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) may affect the patient's prognosis and may be due to a different set of factors beyond the atherosclerotic plaque instability. Considering the challenges in the diagnosis of myocardial injury after CABG, the aim of this study was to determine the association between postoperative early elevation of high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) and all-cause 30-day mortality after CABG.

Methods We enrolled 600 consecutive patients who underwent CABG. The hsTnT value was measured immediately before surgery and in the morning of the first postoperative day.

Results The baseline hsTnT was 13 ng/L (7–26 ng/L) and 273 patients (45.7%) had baseline hsTnT above the 99th percentile/upper reference limit (URL) (14 ng/L). The median for hsTnT at first postoperative day was 235 ng/L (152–425 ng/L). We calculated the postoperative hsTnT ratio to URL for each patient, representing the number of times exceeding the URL (hsTnT value divided by 14 ng/L). The multivariate analysis by Cox proportional hazard model revealed that age (years) (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–1.20; p < 0.001) and postoperative hsTnT ratio to URL (per 10-fold increase) (HR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.04–1.08; p < 0.001) were independent predictors of all-cause 30-day mortality after CABG.

Conclusion In our series, age and higher postoperative hsTnT levels were independent and reliable predictors of all-cause 30-day mortality after CABG.
Sutureless versus Stented Bioprostheses for Aortic Valve Replacement: The Randomized PERSIST-AVR Study Design
Authors: Lorusso Roberto , Folliguet Thierry , Shrestha Malakh , Meuris Bart , Kappetein Arie Pieter , Roselli Eric , Klersy Catherine , Nozza Michele , Verhees Luc , Larracas Cristina , Goisis Giovanni , Fischlein Theodor
Published: November 2018

Introduction Sutureless biological valves for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), characterized by the absence of anchoring sutures at the aortic annulus, are gaining popularity because of ease and reproducibility of implant, shorter operating times, and enhancement of minimally invasive approaches. The stentless configuration of the sutureless valve was designed to achieve optimal hemodynamic performance.

Materials and Methods PERSIST-AVR (PERceval Sutureless Implant versus STandard Aortic Valve Replacement) is a prospective, randomized, adaptive, open-label, international, postmarket trial (NCT02673697). The primary objective of the trial is to assess the safety and efficacy of the Perceval (LivaNova, London, UK) sutureless bioprosthesis among patients undergoing SAVR in the presence of severe aortic stenosis to demonstrate the noninferiority of Perceval as compared with standard sutured stented bioprosthetic aortic valve as an isolated procedure or combined with coronary artery bypass grafting. Sample size will be determined adaptively through interim analyses performed by an Independent Statistical Unit till a maximum of 1,234 patients, enrolled at ∼60 sites in countries where the device is commercially available. Patients will be followed up for 5 years after implant. The primary end point is the number of patients free from major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular-related events at 1 year. Additional secondary outcomes will be assessed up to 5 years.

Discussion PERSIST-AVR is the first prospective, randomized study comparing in-hospital and postdischarge outcomes in a robust population of patients undergoing SAVR with either the Perceval sutureless bioprosthesis or a conventional sutured stented bioprosthesis up to 5 years.
Photogating and high gain in ReS2 field-effect transistors
Authors: Garcia C. , Pradhan N. R. , Rhodes D. , Balicas L. , McGill S. A.
Published: November 2018

Two-dimensional layered transition metal dichalcogenides have shown much promise due to their remarkable electro-optical properties and potential use as photodetectors. We observed photogating in our few-layered (3–4 layers) ReS2 field-effect transistors (FETs) in which varying the incident optical power shifted the FETs’ threshold voltage. The photogating effect produced a significant gain in the electrical response of the FETs to incident light as measured by the responsivity (R) and external quantum efficiency (EQE). We obtained a maximum R of 45 A/W corresponding to an EQE of ∼10 500% in a four-terminal measurement of the photoconductivity in the ON-state. We attribute both the photogating and the observed gain to the influence of charge traps. An estimate of the device gain based on our observations is calculated to be 5×104.
Anisotropic thermal expansions of select layered ternary transition metal borides: MoAlB, Cr2AlB2, Mn2AlB2, and Fe2AlB2
Authors: Verger L. , Kota S. , Roussel H. , Ouisse T. , Barsoum M. W.
Published: November 2018

The coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of the ternary borides, MoAlB, Cr2AlB2, Mn2AlB2, and Fe2AlB2, and the binary boride, CrB, were calculated from in situ high-temperature powder X-ray diffraction patterns. The order—from low to high—of the average linear thermal expansions was MoAlB (7.3 × 10−6 K−1), CrB (8.6 × 10−6 K−1), Fe2AlB2 (10.3 × 10−6 K−1), Cr2AlB2 (10.5 × 10−6 K−1), and Mn2AlB2 (14.0 × 10−6 K−1). Despite their structural and chemical similarities, the CTE anisotropies of these phases were different and could be grouped into two groups. In the first group, MoAlB and Fe2AlB2, the highest CTE values were along the stacking direction and the lowest were parallel to the B–B chains. In the second group, Cr2AlB2, Mn2AlB2, and CrB, the lowest CTE was along the stacking direction and the highest was normal to the chains. The thermal expansions parallel to the B–B chains were significantly lower (32% to 103%) than those perpendicular to the chains in all the ternaries except for MoAlB. In general, the relative CTEs parallel to the B–B chains in both the M2AlB2 ternaries and corresponding binary monoborides suggest that strong covalent character of the B–B bonds are at least partially responsible for the large thermal expansion anisotropies observed.
Size dependence of spin-torque switching in perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Bouquin Paul , Rao Siddharth , Kar Gouri Sankar , Devolder Thibaut
Published: November 2018

We simulate the spin torque-induced reversal of the magnetization in thin disks with perpendicular anisotropy at zero temperature. Disks typically smaller than 20 nm in diameter exhibit coherent reversal. A domain wall is involved in larger disks. We derive the critical diameter of this transition. Using a proper definition of the critical voltage, a macrospin model can account perfectly for the reversal dynamics when the reversal is coherent. The same critical voltage appears to match with the micromagnetics switching voltage regardless of the switching path.
Surface compressive and softening effect on deformation mode transition in Ni-Nb metallic glassy thin films: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Chen L. Y. , Cao Q. P. , Zhang H. , Wang X. D. , Zhang D. X. , Jiang J. Z.
Published: November 2018

Size-dependent deformation mode transition in metallic glasses (MGs) attracts a lot of interest due to potential application in micro-devices, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear from the perspective of structure, e.g., how the chemical composition affects the deformation mode transition in a particular system is mysterious as well and needs to be addressed. Here, a series of NixNb100−x (x = 30, 50, 62, and 70 at. %) MG thin films has been studied by molecular dynamics simulations for better understanding the thickness-dependent tensile behaviors. The results show that the deformation mode transition from highly-localized to non-localized occurs as the film thickness (t) approaches the critical size, tc, which strongly correlates with the chemical composition, i.e., a Ni-rich specimen with higher modulus has smaller tc. It is revealed that the softening and compressive effect of surface layers with about 0.4 nm thickness in terms of Voronoi volume is the key factor for this transition regardless of composition. We illustrate the surface softening effect in various MG thin films by introducing a softening coefficient (Ψ) parameter reflecting the structural difference between the surface layer and the internal part. It is found that the higher the Ψ, the severer the surface softening effect, and the larger the tc in the Ni-depleted specimen, indicating the importance of Ψ as an indicator for the deformation mode transition.
Invertebrate responses to land use in tropical streams: discrimination of impacts enhanced by analysis of discrete areas
Authors: Pearson Richard G. , Connolly Niall , Benson Lee J. , Cairns Andi , Clayton Paul , Crossland Michael , Hortle Kent G. , Leonard Katie , Nolen Jacqui
Published: November 2018

We identified influences of land-use disturbances on invertebrate assemblages in streams draining eight areas of the Great Barrier Reef catchment in tropical Australia (~15.7–22°S), a region of high biodiversity. We used distance-based linear modelling (DistLM) to analyse assemblage data (103 taxa), richness and the SIGNAL2 taxon sensitivity index. DistLM of assemblages explained ~40% of variation across all samples and 7–54% of variation in individual areas. DistLM of richness and SIGNAL2 explained respectively 19–81 and 26–95% of variation. Explanatory variables were land use (especially cropping and grazing v. forest), riparian width, instream habitat, climate (drier south) and water quality (conductivity greater in south). Local impacts of activities such as mining were evident in models of individual areas. A detailed comparison of streams with contrasting riparian management demonstrated a 25% loss of richness, but no change in SIGNAL2 score. Accounting for local environmental gradients and using measures appropriate to the type of disturbance improved identification of impacts, and could form a framework for future regional monitoring of stream ecological condition. The impacts identified may be mitigated by remediation such as riparian rehabilitation, although management at catchment scales is required to be effective.