bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave Annealing Effects of Indium‐Tin‐Oxide Thin Films: Comparison with Conventional Annealing Methods
Authors: Shin Joong‐Won , Cho Won‐Ju
Published: April 2018

In this study, an optimized post‐deposition heat treatment method is investigated to improve the electrical, optical, and structural properties of indium‐tin‐oxide (ITO) thin films applied to transparent electrodes in next‐generation displays. In order to improve the properties of ITO thin films, heat treatment is performed using conventional thermal annealing (CTA), rapid thermal annealing (RTA), and microwave annealing (MWA). To evaluate the effect of MWA on the ITO thin film, the electrical, optical, and structural characteristics of the thin film are analyzed and compared with those of the films annealed by traditional CTA and RTA. The results show that the electrical and optical characteristics of the ITO thin film improve with the increase in microwave power. In particular, the sheet resistance of the ITO thin film reduces to 4 × 102 Ω sq−1, despite the microwave power of 250 W and short heat treatment duration of 2.5 min by MWA. In addition, the optical transmittance of the ITO thin film in the visible region increases to 89.5%, superior to the transmittance before heat treatment of 87.5%.
Is robotic beating heart totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass feasible for BMI > 35 morbidly obese patients?
Authors: Kitahara Hiroto , Patel Brooke , McCrorey Mackenzie , Nisivaco Sarah , Balkhy Husam H.
Published: April 2018

Background

We investigated the outcomes of morbidly obese patients after robotic beating heart totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (BH‐TECAB).

Methods

This is a retrospective single center study. From July 2013 to December 2016, the outcomes of patients undergoing BH‐TECAB were reviewed.

Results

A total of 234 patients underwent BH‐TECAB (172 male, mean age 65.2 years). There were 43 morbidly obese patients defined as body mass index (BMI) greater than 35, and 191 non‐morbidly obese patients. Postoperative complications, or mortality in morbidly obese and other patients were similar except for prolonged ventilation >24 h (11.6% vs 2.1%, P = 0.008).

Conclusions

Morbidly obese patients had an increased incidence of prolonged ventilation after BH‐TECAB, but an otherwise reasonably low morbidity and mortality similar to patients with a lower BMI. We believe that adoption of robotics technology allows for BH‐TECAB and can lead to improved outcomes in this high‐risk population.
Molecular mechanisms of embryonic implantation in mammals: Lessons from the gene manipulation of mice
Authors: Namiki Takafumi , Ito Junya , Kashiwazaki Naomi
Published: April 2018

Background

Human infertility has become a serious and social issue all over the world, especially in developed countries. Numerous types of assisted reproductive technology have been developed and are widely used to treat infertility. However, pregnancy outcomes require further improvement. It is essential to understand the cross‐talk between the uterus (mother) and the embryo (fetus) in pregnancy, which is a very complicated event.

Methods

The mammalian uterus requires many physiological and morphological changes for pregnancy‐associated events, including implantation, decidualization, placentation, and parturition, to occur. Here is discussed recent advances in the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying these reproductive events — in particular, embryonic implantation and decidualization — based on original and review articles.

Main findings (Results)

In mice, embryonic implantation and decidualization are regulated by two steroid hormones: estrogen and progesterone. Along with these hormones, cytokines, cell‐cycle regulators, growth factors, and transcription factors have essential roles in implantation and decidualization in mice.

Conclusion

Recent studies using the gene manipulation of mice have given considerable insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying embryonic implantation and decidualization. However, as most of the findings are based on mice, comparative research using different mammalian species will be useful for a better understanding of the species‐dependent differences that are associated with reproductive events, including embryonic implantation.
Modulation of Twisted Intramolecular Charge Transfer Emission of 2‐(4′‐N,N‐Dimethylaminophenyl)imidazopyridines in Aqueous Cucurbit[7]uril+
Authors: Behera Santosh Kumar , Pegu Meenakshi , Krishnamoorthy Govindarajan
Published: April 2018

The twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) of 2‐(4′‐N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl)imidazopyridines (DMAPIPs) is examined in aqueous cucurbit[7]uril (CB7). The fluorescence spectral changes show the formation of a 1:1 inclusion complex between CB7 and DMAPIPs. Using the fluorescence data the association constants for DMAPIP‐CB7 complexes are also estimated. High stabilization energy obtained from DFT calculation corroborates the stability of DMAPIP‐CB7 complexes. The studies infer that imidazopyridine moiety of the DMAPIPs present inside the CB7 cavity and the dimethylamino phenyl ring is present outside in bulk water. The TICT emission is observed from both the DMAPIPs in CB7 environment too. The biexponential decay illustrated the dual emission of the DMAPIPs in aqueous CB7.
Large Stokes Shifted Far‐Red to NIR‐Emitting D‐π‐A Coumarins: Combined Synthesis, Experimental, and Computational Investigation of Spectroscopic and Non‐Linear Optical Properties
Authors: Avhad Kiran C. , Patil Dinesh S. , Gawale Yogesh K. , Chitrambalam Subramaniyan , Sreenath Mavila C. , Joe Issac H. , Sekar Nagaiyan
Published: April 2018

Coumarin based push‐pull fluorophores (COM‐1 to COM‐5) bearing thiophene π‐spacer were synthesized having a donor at 7‐position and acceptor at 3‐position. Increasing the π‐conjugation length shifts their fluorescence maxima to the longer wavelength (600–756 nm). All fluorophores exhibit positive emission solvatochromism, fluorescence lifetime is in the range of 1.31 to 2.18 ns, and are high thermal stability. The nonlinear optical behavior was investigated by calculating the first/second‐order hyperpolarizability using a spectroscopic and computational method wherein, COM‐3 shows higher optical nonlinearity (μβCT=987 x 10−48 e.s.u and μβ0=9758 x 10−48 e.s.u.) in DMF. Third‐order nonlinear optical parameters measured using the Z‐scan method in each closed and open aperture curves. The fluorophores possess the self‐focusing effect and show negative nonlinear absorption coefficient (β) and positive nonlinear refractive index (n). Among all fluorophores, COM‐5 shows better real part of third‐order susceptibility χ(3) in DMSO (8.58 x 10−13 e.s.u.). Bond length alternation (BLA), natural bond orbital analysis (NBO), and generalized Mulliken‐Hush (GMH) analysis were studied to give theoretical evidence to the effective charge transfer (CT). Quadratic optical nonlinearity and Z‐scan results show that these coumarin‐based fluorophores can be considered as promising candidates for organic NLOphores in material for nonlinear optics.
Synthesis of Antimony Trioxide Crystals with Various Morphologies and Their UV‐Vis‐NIR Reflectance Performance
Authors: Li Min , Zhu Lihua , Liu Xiaohong , Yu Youya , Zhang Huan , Yu Biqing , Zheng Jinbao , Zhang Nuowei , Yu Changlin , Chen Bing Hui
Published: April 2018

The antimony trioxide (Sb2O3) crystals with various morphologies were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal or solvothermal method. Sb2O3 shapes including nanorods, nanosheets, nanobelts, nanowires, flower‐like, cubic‐like and common powders have also been obtained by modulating experimental conditions of hydrothermal or solvothermal synthesis, such as concentration of antimony trichloride, solvent, surfactant, solution pH and synthesis temperature. The morphologies, microstructures and crystallite phase of Sb2O3 were characterized by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The proposed formation mechanism of different morphologies of the Sb2O3 crystals was provided in this study. The ultraviolet‐visible‐near infrared (UV‐Vis‐NIR) reflectance performance of the Sb2O3 samples with different shapes was evaluated and the relationship of morphology‐UV‐Vis‐NIR reflectance performance was established in this work.
Porous Zr‐Bibenzyldiphosphonate Nanohybrid with Extra Hydroxy Species for Enhancive Upgrading of Biomass‐Based Levulinates
Authors: Yang Tingting , Zhao Wenfeng , Li Hu , Saravanamurugan Shunmugavel , Yang Song
Published: April 2018

Lewis acidic and/or basic sites are typically clarified to play a positive role in the cascade hydrogen transfer and lactonization process, while the influence of Brønsted acid species on the catalyst activity and stability is rarely studied. In this work, a new acid‐base bifunctional hybrid BPhZr with augmented average pore diameter was prepared from the assembly of ([1, 1’‐biphenyl]‐4,4’‐diylbis(methylene))diphosphonic acid with zirconium via a facile solvothermal method. The effects of reaction parameters, substrate scope, and metal ion type were investigated. Besides the promotional effect of moderate Lewis acid/base sites and improved texture properties, the presence of Brønsted acidic species (e. g., –OH) in BPhZr was demonstrated to positively promote the synthesis of γ‐valerolactone (GVL; ca. 95% yield) from levulinates via cascade transfer hydrogenation and lactonization. In comparison with previously reported catalysts, the BPhZr hybrid exhibited a superior activity in terms of TOF (3.2 h−1) and activation energy (21 kJ/mol) for the reaction. Moreover, BPhZr was found to be highly stable and recyclable in five consecutive cycles, showing no significant decrease in GVL yield and selectivity.
The Use of Spray Drying in Large Batch Synthesis of KB‐S@rGO Composite for High‐Performance Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Gu Junfang , Yuan Lixia , Liu Jing , Xiang Jingwei , Hao Zhangxiang , Liao Yaqi , Huang Yunhui
Published: April 2018

In addition to tackling the issues of the low sulfur (S) utilization and poor cycle stability caused by the low conductivity of S and the dissolution of the intermediate polysulfides, Li−S system also yearns for a simple and scalable synthetic route for the S‐based cathode material. Here we demonstrate that a facile spray drying method can be successfully applied to prepare the high‐performance KB−S@rGO composite based on easily obtained commercial raw materials. The spray drying process realizes a quasi‐core‐shell structure: the KB−S congeries enrich the core, and the large GO sheets tend to distribute in the shell and therefore package the KB−S core. A simple post heating‐process facilitate the uniform distribution of S and the partial reduction of the GO. The final KB−S@rGO composite achieves a significant enhancement in both S utilization and capacity retention: it reveals a high initial reversible capacity of 1250 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C. After 100 cycles, the cell still remains a reversible capacity of 883 mA h g−1, responding to a cycle decay value of 0.34% per cycle.
β‐Cyclodextrin in Water: As an Efficient Green Protocol for the Synthesis of Pyrimido[4, 5‐b]quinoline‐diones
Authors: Reddy Sirigireddy Sudharsan , Reddy Motakatla Venkata Krishna , Peddiahgari Vasu Govardhana Reddy
Published: April 2018

An efficient and straight forward strategy towards the construction of series of pyrimido[4, 5‐b]quinoline‐diones by the condensation of aldehyde, aniline and barbituric acid mediated by a supramolecular catalyst β‐cyclodextrinin in aqueous media has been demonstrated for the first time. The present protocol provides a benign route for the building up of the title compounds in environmentally safer reaction medium.
Multicycle Testing of P‐Mo–V Heteropoly Acid Catalysts in Oxidation of Substituted Phenols
Authors: Rodikova Yulia A. , Zhizhina Elena G. , Pai Zinaida P.
Published: April 2018

A series of valuable para‐quinones, such as 2,3‐ and 2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐benzoquinones (Me2BQs), were synthesized via oxidation of the corresponding 2,3‐ and 2,6‐dimethylphenols by using homogeneous high‐vanadium solutions of heteropoly acids: H11P3Mo18V8’O87 (HPA‐8’) and H17P3Mo16V10’O89 (HPA‐10’). These catalysts were shown to be capable of interdependent and reversible change of their acid and oxidative properties, the efficient regeneration of which can be performed for 25 min. The complete optimization of reaction conditions allowed one to reach the selectivity of the desired Me2BQs in 95–97% and shorten the oxidation time. The structural integrity of heteropoly anions present in the catalyst solutions was found to persist during the repeated performing substrate oxidation and catalyst regeneration. The catalysts showed the preservation of stability and efficiency for 25 cycles, demonstrating the prospectivity of high‐vanadium heteropoly acids in oxidation of organic substances.
Computational Study on the Absorption Mechanisms of SO2 by Ionic Liquids
Authors: Wu Chongchong , Lü Renqing , Gates Ian D.
Published: April 2018

A density functional theory study was conducted to explore the absorption mechanisms of SO2 by ionic liquids (ILs), including task specific ILs 1,1,3,3‐tetramethylguanidinium lactate ([TMG][LAC]), and normal ILs 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM][BF4]) and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM][PF6]). The strength of chemical absorption by [TMG][LAC] is stronger than physical absorption, and the physical absorption energy follows the order of [TMG][LAC] > [BMIM][BF4] > [BMIM][PF6]. Other than O⋅⋅⋅H hydrogen bonding, S⋅⋅⋅O interactions are important for [TMG][LAC] physical absorption of SO2, and S⋅⋅⋅F interactions are critical for SO2 absorption by [BMIM][BF4] or [BMIM][PF6]. Both anions and cations of ILs contribute to the physical absorption of SO2. [TMG]+ plays an important role in the chemical reaction between SO2 and [TMG][LAC]. The proton transfer reaction barrier between 1,1,3,3‐tetramethylguanidine and lactic acid is 1.176 kcal/mol.
Methyl 2‐Nitrosobenzoate: A Simple Dehydrating Agent for the Synthesis of Nitriles from Aldoximes
Authors: Thunga Sanjeeva , Poshala Soumya , Kokatla Hari Prasad
Published: April 2018

A simple and convenient synthesis of nitriles from the corresponding aldoximes using methyl 2‐nitrosobenzoate under milder condition has been developed. The reaction proceeds under weak alkaline conditions and, allows for the conversion of a wide variety of aldoximes including aromatic aldoximes, and heterocyclic aldoximes in good to excellent yields in short time. Notably, α, β‐unsaturated aldoximes were also compatible with the reaction conditions without any cis/trans isomerization of the double bonds. An unprotected hydroxyl and amine group has no effect on the reaction outcome.
Copper‐Catalyzed Alkoxylation as Key Step to Convert Isatin to Oxazinoindol‐2‐one Derivatives
Authors: Christodoulou Michael S. , Giofrè Sabrina , Broggini Gianluigi , Dalla Via Lisa , Mazza Alberto , Beccalli Egle M.
Published: April 2018

The treatment of N‐alkyl‐5,7‐dibromoisatin derivatives through the copper‐catalyzed sequential processes consisting of intra/intermolecular alkoxylation/amination or double alkoxylation provided the pyrrolo[1, 2,3‐de]‐1,4‐benzoxazine derivatives. Moreover, the alkoxylation/arylation process proceeded in a one‐pot fashion under tandem copper‐palladium catalysis affording 5‐(hetero)aryl substituted hetero‐tricyclic systems. Biological evaluation of the synthesized compounds showed antiproliferative activity on the low micromolar range.
Dual Utility of Heterogeneous Catalyst ZSM‐5 for C–C Cleavage Leading to Nitriles, and for the Synthesis of Hydrazides
Authors: Ghodse Shrikant M. , Takale Balaram S. , Hatvate Navnath T. , Telvekar Vikas N.
Published: April 2018

A unique reactivity of zeolite based heterogeneous catalyst (ZSM‐5) is disclosed. ZSM‐5 in combination with NaNO2 resulted in direct access to nitriles by C−C cleavage of acetone derivatives at more substituted carbon. This cyanide free nitrile synthesis could be promising where one or more cyano‐labile electrophiles are present. Further, the catalyst has been successfully utilized for the synthesis of hydrazides from nitriles. Wide scope with high chemical yields have been achieved. Moreover, ZSM‐5 was recycled and reused several times without significant loss in its activity.
Molecular Structure, Optical and Magnetic Properties of Dianionic Free‐Base Tetrapyrazinoporphyrazine Macrocycle
Authors: Konarev Dmitri V. , Faraonov Maxim A. , Kuzmin Alexey V. , Fatalov Alexey M. , Osipov Nikita G. , Khasanov Salavat S. , Shestakov Alexander F. , Lyubovskaya Rimma N.
Published: April 2018

Free‐base tetrapyrazinoporphyrazine (H2TPyzPz) has been synthesized and the reduction of this macrocycle by an excess of sodium fluorenone ketyl in the presence of 2.2.2‐cryptand yields {Na(2.2.2‐cryptand)}2(H2TPyzPz)⋅2C6H4Cl2 (1) salt containing H2TPyzPz2‐ dianions. Blue shift of both Soret and Q‐bands is observed in the spectrum of 1 and a new band is observed at 822 nm. Reduction is accompanied by alternation of the C‐Nimine bonds in the macrocycle. The difference between short and long bonds of 0.092 Å is essentially higher than that for free‐base phthalocyanine radical anions (0.040 Å). This difference can be explained by population of LUMO of H2TPyzP by two electrons in singlet ground state. According to the calculations distortion almost disappears in triplet excited state since in this state two additional electrons occupy orbitals which bonding and antibonding properties are interchanged. Salt 1 shows a weak narrow EPR signal indicating diamagnetism of H2TPyzPz2‐. Calculations also show singlet ground state for the dianions whereas the excited triplet state is positioned by 1130 K higher than the ground state and is not populated at room temperature.
Fe Nanocatalysts Supported on Dealuminated ZSM‐5 for Efficient Decomposition of Ammonia to COx‐Free Hydrogen
Authors: Hu Zhong‐Pan , Chen Lei , Weng Chen‐Chen , Yuan Zhong‐Yong
Published: April 2018

A series of dealuminated ZSM‐5 zeolite (deAlZSM‐5) supported Fe‐based catalysts are prepared by a modified solid‐state ion exchange method, in which the HZSM‐5 zeolite is dealuminated by concentrated HNO3 and subsequently ground with ferric nitrate. The physicochemical properties of the resultant Fe/deAlZSM‐5 catalysts are characterized by XRD, N2 sorption, TEM, H2‐TPR and NH3‐TPD techniques. It is revealed that the Fe species are highly dispersed in the deAlZSM‐5, and would be transformed into elemental Fe nanoparticles after reduction by H2. Due to the confinement effect of ZSM‐5 zeolite, the Fe/deAlZSM‐5 catalysts exhibit high catalytic activity and excellent stability for NH3 decomposition. At 650 oC, about 100% NH3 conversion can be achieved over the 9%Fe/deAlZSM‐5 catalysts for 50 h time‐on‐stream, demonstrating a very promising catalyst system in NH3 decomposition.
Porous A‐SnO2/rGO Nanocomposite via Annealing Treatment with Stable High‐Capacity as Anode of Lithium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Gao Qiuming , Qian Weiwei , Zhang Hang , Li Zeyu , Tan Yanli , Tian Weiqian
Published: April 2018

Porous tin oxide and reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite is prepared by in situ growth tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles on the surface of well reduced graphene oxide (rGO) under hydrothermal condition followed by annealing treatment. The SnO2 nanoparticles are crystallized and uniform with the sizes of about 4–8 nm, the rGO matrix is constructed by 7–8 monosheets of graphene, and there are C−O‐Sn bonds between the SnO2 and rGO matrix. The resultant A‐SnO2/rGO (annealed SnO2 and rGO) nanocomposite has a large specific surface area of 161.8 m2 g−1 with the pore size distribution mainly in the micropore and small mesopore ranges (1‐11 nm). Used as the anode of lithium ion battery, the A‐SnO2/rGO electrode may deliver a high initial discharge capacity of 1871.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, presenting its large specific capacity property. When the current density enhances to 5 C, a good discharge capacity of 262.2 mAh g−1 can be obtained, showing its superior rate capability. A fascinating large discharge capacity of 885.2 mAh g−1 may be obtained after 150 cycles at 0.1 C and a discharge capacity of 414.2 mAh g−1 can be gotten after 300 cycles at 1 C, indicating its excellent cyclic stability.
Metallic Contact between MoS2 and Ni via Au Nanoglue
Authors: Shi Xinying , Posysaev Sergei , Huttula Marko , Pankratov Vladimir , Hoszowska Joanna , Dousse Jean‐Claude , Zeeshan Faisal , Niu Yuran , Zakharov Alexei , Li Taohai , Miroshnichenko Olga , Zhang Meng , Wang Xiao , Huang Zhongjia , Saukko Sami , González Diego López , van Dijken Sebastiaan , Alatalo Matti , Cao Wei
Published: April 2018

A critical factor for electronics based on inorganic layered crystals stems from the electrical contact mode between the semiconducting crystals and the metal counterparts in the electric circuit. Here, a materials tailoring strategy via nanocomposite decoration is carried out to reach metallic contact between MoS2 matrix and transition metal nanoparticles. Nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) are successfully joined to the sides of a layered MoS2 crystal through gold nanobuffers, forming semiconducting and magnetic NiNPs@MoS2 complexes. The intrinsic semiconducting property of MoS2 remains unchanged, and it can be lowered to only few layers. Chemical bonding of the Ni to the MoS2 host is verified by synchrotron radiation based photoemission electron microscopy, and further proved by first‐principles calculations. Following the system's band alignment, new electron migration channels between metal and the semiconducting side contribute to the metallic contact mechanism, while semiconductor–metal heterojunctions enhance the photocatalytic ability.
Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dot Modification of Yolk–Shell NiO Microspheres for Superior Lithium Storage
Authors: Yin Xiaojie , Chen Hengqiao , Zhi Chuanwei , Sun Weiwei , Lv Li‐Ping , Wang Yong
Published: April 2018

Yolk–shell NiO microspheres are modified by two types of functionalized graphene quantum dots (denoted as NiO/GQDs) via a facile solvothermal treatment. The modification of GQDs on the surface of NiO greatly boosts the stability of the NiO/GQD electrode during long‐term cycling. Specifically, the NiO with carboxyl‐functionalized GQDs (NiO/GQDsCOOH) exhibits better performances than NiO with amino‐functionalized GQDs (NiO/GQDsNH2). It delivers a capacity of ≈1081 mAh g−1 (NiO contribution: ≈1182 mAh g−1) after 250 cycles at 0.1 A g−1. In comparison, NiO/GQDsNH2 electrode holds ≈834 mAh g−1 of capacity, while the bald NiO exhibits an obvious decline in capacity with ≈396 mAh g−1 retained after cycling. Except for the yolk–shell and mesoporous merits, the superior performances of the NiO/GQD electrode are mainly ascribed to the assistance of GQDs. The GQD modification can support as a buffer alleviating the volume change, improve the electronic conductivity, and act as a reservoir for electrolytes to facilitate the transportation of Li+. Moreover, the enrichment of carboxyl/amino groups on GQDs can further donate more active sites for the diffusion of Li+ and facilitate the electrochemical redox kinetics of the electrode, thus together leading to the superior lithium storage performance.
Comprehensive metabolic profiling of Zanthoxylum armatum and Zanthoxylum acanthopodium leaves, bark, flowers and fruits using ultra high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Bhatt Vinod , Kumar Neeraj , Sharma Upendra , Singh Bikram
Published: April 2018

Zanthoxylum armatum and Z. acanthopodium belong to the Rutaceae family, are extensively used in traditional folk medicine and possess anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, hepatoprotecive and antidiabetic properties. However, the comprehensive phytochemical studies of these species in order to explain medicinal properties are still not clear. In the present study, a new ultra high performance liquid chromatography method has been developed for the determination of the biologically important compounds in the different parts (leaves, bark, flowers and fruits) of Z. armatum and Z. acanthopodium. The results revealed that lignans and flavonoids are the principal components in leaves samples while aporphine alkaloids, lignans and amides are the major constituents in bark samples of Z. armatum. None of the analyzed compounds were detected in bark and leaves of Z. acanthopodium except catechin. In contrast, the fruit pericarp was characterized by the sanshool analogues, especially hydroxy‐α‐sanshool. In addition, the method was also applied for identification of 27 metabolites in the different parts of Z. armatum and Z. acanthopodium using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The identification of eight compounds in Z. armatum and metabolic profiling of Z. acanthopodium is reported here for the first time. The results obtained were also analyzed by principal component analysis to discriminate the similarity and differences among the samples.
Genetic diversity of BCoV in Brazilian cattle herds
Authors: de Mira Fernandes Adeline , Brandão Paulo E. , dos Santos Lima Michele , de Souza Nunes Martins Maira , da Silva Thais G. , da Silva Cardoso Pinto Vivian , de Paula Larissa T. , Vicente Marta Elisabete S. , Okuda Liria H. , Pituco Edviges M.
Published: April 2018

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is one of the main aetiological agents of gastroenteritis in calves, causing significant economic damage to livestock. This study aims to characterise BCoV genetically on the basis of the N gene. A total of 114 faecal samples from beef and dairy calves with or without clinical symptoms of diarrhoea from five Brazilian states (São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Santa Catarina, Mato Grosso and Bahia) were evaluated between 2008 and 2015 by technique of Semi‐nested RT‐PCR for gene N and genealogical analysis. Of the 114 samples analysed, 14.91% (17/114) were positive. BCoV was detected in 22.72% (10/44) of the animals with diarrhoea and in 10% (7/70) of asymptomatic animals. BCoV was identified in calves from rural properties located in all of the regions sampled. Genealogical analysis showed that the Brazilian sequences of BCoV for the gene which codes for the N protein can be broken down into two distinct clusters, and the samples from this study were closely linked to Asian strains. These results contribute to the molecular characterization of BCoV in Brazil and are the first report of the circulation of BCoV in the states of Santa Catarina and Bahia.
Visualizing urban inequalities: The ethics of videography and documentary filmmaking in water research
Authors: Rusca Maria
Published: April 2018

Visual methods are becoming increasingly popular in social sciences, but are still little explored when it comes to water related studies. Drawing on literature on visual methods and documentary filmmaking, this paper reflects on the role and potential of videography to capture and visualize inequalities in urban water supply and access. The paper is based on research undertaken over a period of 4 years, in which a mix of talk based and videographic methods was used to capture the production of uneven conditions of access to water in Lilongwe, Malawi, and Maputo, Mozambique. It reflects on the important and unique ethical questions raised by video‐based methods, including the data collection process, the type of knowledge that is produced, how it is mobilized, who has access to it and the relation between representation of social reality and the power of storytelling.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Methods

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Human Water > Rights to Water
How not to put the O into an OSCE
Authors: Wilkinson Tim
Published: April 2018

None
A mixed-methods evaluation of a community pharmacy signposting service to a commercial weight-loss provider
Authors: Inch Jackie , Avenell Alison , Aucott Lorna , Watson Margaret C
Published: April 2018

Objective

Community pharmacies could provide access for clients to commercial weight management organizations. We evaluated recruitment, referral and outcomes of adults provided with free vouchers by community pharmacies to attend Scottish Slimmers classes.

Design

Prospective cohort design with qualitative interviews with clients and pharmacy personnel. Scottish Slimmers collected weight and attendance data.

Setting

Pharmacies in Aberdeen City, Scotland.

Subjects

Clients aged ≥18 years with BMI≥30 kg/m2.

Results

Ten of twenty-three pharmacies were recruited; eight successfully recruited clients. Of 129 clients recruited, ninety-seven (75 %) attended at least one class and fifty-one (40 %) attended all twelve classes. At baseline, clients’ mean weight was 99·4 (sd 17·5) kg, mean BMI was 37·8 (sd 6·0) kg/m2. After 12 weeks, mean weight change was −3·7 % (last observation carried forward) or −2·8 % (baseline observation carried forward) for all ninety-seven clients. Client interviews indicated that many individuals would have not addressed their weight problems if this referral service had not been available. They had positive attitudes towards the pharmacy signposting service, attributed to the use of consultation rooms for privacy, receiving professional service from personnel and ongoing support and encouragement. The free provision of 12-week access facilitated participation. Service providers had positive attitudes and indicated their willingness to provide this service in future.

Conclusions

Community pharmacies could be used to increase access to weight management services, with pharmacy personnel providing additional support to clients. Future provision of pharmacy referral schemes should be evaluated on a larger scale with an economic evaluation.
What’s Real About Virtual Reality Flight	Simulation?
Authors: Oberhauser Matthias , Dreyer Daniel , Braunstingl Reinhard , Koglbauer Ioana
Published: April 2018

Abstract. With the help of immersive virtual reality technology, novel cockpit systems can be evaluated with pilots in an early design phase. This comparative study investigates the functional fidelity of a virtual reality flight simulator (VRFS) in comparison with a conventional flight simulator. Pilots’ movement time to reach cockpit controls, deviation from the ideal flight path, workload, and simulator sickness are evaluated using an operational scenario. The results show statistically significant differences in heading, altitude, and flight path, as well as delays in operating the controls in virtual reality. Yet, most participants could safely and reliably complete the flight task. For use cases in which adaptations to pace, exposure time, and flight task are acceptable, which is often the case in early phases of the design process, VRFSs can be viable tools for human factors engineering.
The Association of High‐Latitude Dayside Aurora With NBZ Field‐Aligned Currents
Authors: Carter J. A. , Milan S. E. , Fogg A. R. , Paxton L. J. , Anderson B. J.
Published: April 2018

The relationship between auroral emissions in the polar ionosphere and the large‐scale flow of current within the Earth's magnetosphere has yet to be comprehensively established. Under northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions, magnetic reconnection occurs at the high‐latitude magnetopause, exciting two reverse lobe convection cells in the dayside polar ionosphere and allowing ingress of solar wind plasma to form an auroral “cusp spot” by direct impact on the atmosphere. It has been hypothesized that a second class of NBZ auroras, High‐latitude Dayside Aurora, are produced by upward field‐aligned currents associated with lobe convection. Here we present data from the Special Sensor Ultraviolet Spectrographic Imager instrument and from the Active Magnetosphere and Planetary Electrodynamics Response Experiment, from January 2010 to September 2013, in a large statistical study. We reveal a northward IMF auroral phenomenon that is located adjacent to the cusp spot and that is colocated with a region of upward electrical current in the clockwise‐rotating lobe cell. The emission only occurs in the sunlit summer hemisphere, demonstrating the influence of the conductance of the ionosphere on current closure. In addition, fast solar wind speed is required for this emission to be bright. The results show that dayside auroral emission is produced by IMF‐magnetosphere electrodynamic coupling, as well as by direct impact of the atmosphere by the solar wind, confirming the association of High‐latitude Dayside Aurora with NBZ currents.
Magnetosheath Propagation Time of Solar Wind Directional Discontinuities
Authors: Samsonov A. A. , Sibeck D. G. , Dmitrieva N. P. , Semenov V. S. , Slivka K. Yu. , Šafránkova J. , Němeček Z.
Published: April 2018

Observed delays in the ground response to solar wind directional discontinuities have been explained as the result of larger than expected magnetosheath propagation times. Recently, Samsonov et al. (2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017GL075020) showed that the typical time for a southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) turning to propagate across the magnetosheath is 14 min. Here by using a combination of magnetohydrodynamic simulations, spacecraft observations, and analytic calculations, we study the dependence of the propagation time on solar wind parameters and near‐magnetopause cutoff speed. Increases in the solar wind speed result in greater magnetosheath plasma flow velocities, decreases in the magnetosheath thickness and, as a result, decreases in the propagation time. Increases in the IMF strength result in increases in the magnetosheath thickness and increases in the propagation time. Both magnetohydrodynamic simulations and observations suggest that propagation times are slightly smaller for northward IMF turnings. Magnetosheath flow deceleration must be taken into account when predicting the arrival times of solar wind structures at the dayside magnetopause.
Evaluation of Radiative Transfer Models With Clouds
Authors: Aumann Hartmut H. , Chen Xiuhong , Fishbein Evan , Geer Alan , Havemann Stephan , Huang Xianglei , Liu Xu , Liuzzi Giuliano , DeSouza‐Machado Sergio , Manning Evan M. , Masiello Guido , Matricardi Marco , Moradi Isaac , Natraj Vijay , Serio Carmine , Strow Larrabee , Vidot Jerome , Chris Wilson R. , Wu Wan , Yang Qiguang , Yung Yuk L.
Published: April 2018

Data from hyperspectral infrared sounders are routinely ingested worldwide by the National Weather Centers. The cloud‐free fraction of this data is used for initializing forecasts which include temperature, water vapor, water cloud, and ice cloud profiles on a global grid. Although the data from these sounders are sensitive to the vertical distribution of ice and liquid water in clouds, this information is not fully utilized. In the future, this information could be used for validating clouds in National Weather Center models and for initializing forecasts. We evaluate how well the calculated radiances from hyperspectral Radiative Transfer Models (RTMs) compare to cloudy radiances observed by AIRS and to one another. Vertical profiles of the clouds, temperature, and water vapor from the European Center for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasting were used as input for the RTMs. For nonfrozen ocean day and night data, the histograms derived from the calculations by several RTMs at 900 cm−1 have a better than 0.95 correlation with the histogram derived from the AIRS observations, with a bias relative to AIRS of typically less than 2 K. Differences in the cloud physics and cloud overlap assumptions result in little bias between the RTMs, but the standard deviation of the differences ranges from 6 to 12 K. Results at 2,616 cm−1 at night are reasonably consistent with results at 900 cm−1. Except for RTMs which use full scattering calculations, the bias and histogram correlations at 2,616 cm−1 are inferior to those at 900 cm−1 for daytime calculations.
Riverine Bathymetry Imaging With Indirect Observations
Authors: Lee Jonghyun , Ghorbanidehno Hojat , Farthing Matthew W. , Hesser Tyler J. , Darve Eric F. , Kitanidis Peter K.
Published: April 2018

Bathymetry, i.e., depth, imaging in a river is of crucial importance for shipping operations and flood management. With advancements in sensor technology and plentiful computational resources, various types of indirect measurements can be used to estimate high‐resolution river bed topography. In this work, we image river bed topography using depth‐averaged quasi‐steady velocity observations related to the topography through the 2‐D shallow water equations. The principal component geostatistical approach (PCGA), a fast and scalable variational inverse modeling method powered by low‐rank representation of covariance matrix structure, is presented and applied to two riverine bathymetry identification problems. To compare the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed method, an ensemble‐based approach is also applied to the test problems. It is demonstrated that PCGA is superior to the ensemble‐based approach in terms of computational effort and accuracy because of the successive linearization of the forward model and the optimal low‐rank representation of the prior covariance matrix. To investigate how different low‐rank covariance matrix representation by the two approaches can affect the solution accuracy, we analyze the direct survey data of the river bottom topography in the test problem and show that PCGA utilizes more efficient and parsimonious choice of the solution basis than the ensemble‐based approach. Geostatistical analysis performed on the direct survey data also confirms the validity of the chosen covariance model and its structural parameters.
O-GlcNAc elevation through activation of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway enhances cancer cell chemoresistance
Authors: Liu Yubo , Cao Yu , Pan Xiaoqing , Shi Meiyun , Wu Qiong , Huang Tianmiao , Jiang Hui , Li Wenli , Zhang Jianing
Published: April 2018

Chemoresistance has become a major obstacle to the success of cancer therapy, but the mechanisms underlying chemoresistance are not yet fully understood. O-GlcNAcylation is a post-translational modification that is regulated by the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP) and has an important role in a wide range of cellular functions. Here we assessed the role of O-GlcNAcylation in chemoresistance and investigated the underlying cellular mechanisms. The results showed that the HBP has an important role in cancer cell chemoresistance by regulating O-GlcNAcylation. An increase in the levels of O-GlcNAcylation indicates an increased resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy. Acute treatment with doxorubicin (DOX) or camptothecin (CPT) induced O-GlcNAcylation through HBP activation. In fact, the chemotherapy agents activated the AKT/X-box-binding protein 1 (XBP1) axis and then induced the HBP. Furthermore, the observed elevation of cellular O-GlcNAcylation led to activation of survival signalling pathways and chemoresistance in cancer cells. Finally, suppression of O-GlcNAcylation reduced the resistance of both established and primary cancer cells to chemotherapy. These results provide significant novel insights regarding the important role of the HBP and O-GlcNAcylation in regulating cancer chemoresistance. Thus, O-GlcNAc inhibition might offer a new strategy for improving the efficacy of chemotherapy.
Large thermoelectric power factor from crystal symmetry-protected non-bonding orbital in half-Heuslers
Authors: Zhou Jiawei , Zhu Hangtian , Liu Te-Huan , Song Qichen , He Ran , Mao Jun , Liu Zihang , Ren Wuyang , Liao Bolin , Singh David J. , Ren Zhifeng , Chen Gang
Published: April 2018

Modern society relies on high charge mobility for efficient energy production and fast information technologies. The power factor of a material—the combination of electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient—measures its ability to extract electrical power from temperature differences. Recent advancements in thermoelectric materials have achieved enhanced Seebeck coefficient by manipulating the electronic band structure. However, this approach generally applies at relatively low conductivities, preventing the realization of exceptionally high-power factors. In contrast, half-Heusler semiconductors have been shown to break through that barrier in a way that could not be explained. Here, we show that symmetry-protected orbital interactions can steer electron–acoustic phonon interactions towards high mobility. This high-mobility regime enables large power factors in half-Heuslers, well above the maximum measured values. We anticipate that our understanding will spark new routes to search for better thermoelectric materials, and to discover high electron mobility semiconductors for electronic and photonic applications.
Environmental fluctuations accelerate molecular evolution of thermal tolerance in a marine diatom
Authors: Schaum C.-Elisa , Buckling A. , Smirnoff N. , Studholme D. J. , Yvon-Durocher G.
Published: April 2018

Diatoms contribute roughly 20% of global primary production, but the factors determining their ability to adapt to global warming are unknown. Here we quantify the capacity for adaptation to warming in the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana. We find that evolutionary rescue under severe (32 °C) warming is slow, but adaptation to more realistic scenarios where temperature increases are moderate (26 °C) or fluctuate between benign and severe conditions is rapid and linked to phenotypic changes in metabolic traits and elemental composition. Whole-genome re-sequencing identifies genetic divergence among populations selected in the different warming regimes and between the evolved and ancestral lineages. Consistent with the phenotypic changes, the most rapidly evolving genes are associated with transcriptional regulation, cellular responses to oxidative stress and redox homeostasis. These results demonstrate that the evolution of thermal tolerance in marine diatoms can be rapid, particularly in fluctuating environments, and is underpinned by major genomic and phenotypic change.
Heterochromatin protein 1a functions for piRNA biogenesis predominantly from pericentric and telomeric regions in Drosophila
Authors: Teo Ryan Yee Wei , Anand Amit , Sridhar Vishweshwaren , Okamura Katsutomo , Kai Toshie
Published: April 2018

In metazoan germline, Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) provide defence against transposons. Piwi–piRNA complex mediates transcriptional silencing of transposons in nucleus. Heterochromatin protein 1a (HP1a) has been proposed to function downstream of Piwi-piRNA complex in Drosophila. Here we show that HP1a germline knockdown (HP1a-GLKD) leads to a reduction in the total and Piwi-bound piRNAs mapping to clusters and transposons insertions, predominantly in the regions close to telomeres and centromeres, resulting in derepression of a limited number of transposons from these regions. In addition, HP1a-GLKD increases the splicing of transcripts arising from clusters in above regions, suggesting HP1a also functions upstream to piRNA processing. Evolutionarily old transposons enriched in the pericentric regions exhibit significant loss in piRNAs targeting these transposons upon HP1a-GLKD. Our study suggests that HP1a functions to repress transposons in a chromosomal compartmentalised manner.
The senescence-associated secretory phenotype is potentiated by feedforward regulatory mechanisms involving Zscan4 and TAK1
Authors: Zhang Boyi , Fu Da , Xu Qixia , Cong Xianling , Wu Chunyan , Zhong Xiaoming , Ma Yushui , Lv Zhongwei , Chen Fei , Han Liu , Qian Min , Chin Y. Eugene , Lam Eric W. -F. , Chiao Paul , Sun Yu
Published: April 2018

The senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) can be provoked by side effects of therapeutic agents, fueling advanced complications including cancer resistance. However, the intracellular signal network supporting initiation and development of the SASP driven by treatment-induced damage remains unclear. Here we report that the transcription factor Zscan4 is elevated for expression by an ATM-TRAF6-TAK1 axis during the acute DNA damage response and enables a long term SASP in human stromal cells. Further, TAK1 activates p38 and PI3K/Akt/mTOR to support the persistent SASP signaling. As TAK1 is implicated in dual feedforward mechanisms to orchestrate the SASP development, pharmacologically targeting TAK1 deprives cancer cells of resistance acquired from treatment-damaged stromal cells in vitro and substantially promotes tumour regression in vivo. Together, our study reveals a novel network that links functionally critical molecules associated with the SASP development in therapeutic settings, thus opening new avenues to improve clinical outcomes and advance precision medicine.
Increasing occurrence of cold and warm extremes during the recent global warming slowdown
Authors: Johnson Nathaniel C. , Xie Shang-Ping , Kosaka Yu , Li Xichen
Published: April 2018

The recent levelling of global mean temperatures after the late 1990s, the so-called global warming hiatus or slowdown, ignited a surge of scientific interest into natural global mean surface temperature variability, observed temperature biases, and climate communication, but many questions remain about how these findings relate to variations in more societally relevant temperature extremes. Here we show that both summertime warm and wintertime cold extreme occurrences increased over land during the so-called hiatus period, and that these increases occurred for distinct reasons. The increase in cold extremes is associated with an atmospheric circulation pattern resembling the warm Arctic-cold continents pattern, whereas the increase in warm extremes is tied to a pattern of sea surface temperatures resembling the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation. These findings indicate that large-scale factors responsible for the most societally relevant temperature variations over continents are distinct from those of global mean surface temperature.
Promotion of virus assembly and organization by the measles virus matrix protein
Authors: Ke Zunlong , Strauss Joshua D. , Hampton Cheri M. , Brindley Melinda A. , Dillard Rebecca S. , Leon Fredrick , Lamb Kristen M. , Plemper Richard K. , Wright Elizabeth R.
Published: April 2018

Measles virus (MeV) remains a major human pathogen, but there are presently no licensed antivirals to treat MeV or other paramyxoviruses. Here, we use cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) to elucidate the principles governing paramyxovirus assembly in MeV-infected human cells. The three-dimensional (3D) arrangement of the MeV structural proteins including the surface glycoproteins (F and H), matrix protein (M), and the ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP) are characterized at stages of virus assembly and budding, and in released virus particles. The M protein is observed as an organized two-dimensional (2D) paracrystalline array associated with the membrane. A two-layered F–M lattice is revealed suggesting that interactions between F and M may coordinate processes essential for MeV assembly. The RNP complex remains associated with and in close proximity to the M lattice. In this model, the M lattice facilitates the well-ordered incorporation and concentration of the surface glycoproteins and the RNP at sites of virus assembly.
Reconstruction of the ancestral metazoan genome reveals an increase in genomic novelty
Authors: Paps Jordi , Holland Peter W. H.
Published: April 2018

Understanding the emergence of the Animal Kingdom is one of the major challenges of modern evolutionary biology. Many genomic changes took place along the evolutionary lineage that gave rise to the Metazoa. Recent research has revealed the role that co-option of old genes played during this transition, but the contribution of genomic novelty has not been fully assessed. Here, using extensive genome comparisons between metazoans and multiple outgroups, we infer the minimal protein-coding genome of the first animal, in addition to other eukaryotic ancestors, and estimate the proportion of novelties in these ancient genomes. Contrary to the prevailing view, this uncovers an unprecedented increase in the extent of genomic novelty during the origin of metazoans, and identifies 25 groups of metazoan-specific genes that are essential across the Animal Kingdom. We argue that internal genomic changes were as important as external factors in the emergence of animals.