bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frankincense upregulates the hippocampal calcium/calmodulin kinase II‐α during development of the rat brain and improves memory performance
Authors: Beheshti Siamak , Ghorbanpour Skakakomi Azadeh , Ghaedi Kamran , Dehestani Hadi
Published: June 2018

Background

Frankincense is an oleo gum resin derived from trees of genusBoswellia.It has favorable effects on memory formation. However, the probable underlying molecular mechanisms have not been assessed. Frankincense exerts some of its effects via activation of protein kinases. Calcium/calmodulin kinaseII (CaMKII) and CaMKIV are crucial mediators of learning and memory. We studied the effect of maternal injection of the aqueous extract of frankincense during gestation and lactation periods on spatial memory performance and the mRNA expression levels of the hippocampal CaMKIIand CaMKIV in the offspring rats.

Methods

Aqueous extract of Frankincense (50 and 100 mg/kg) or tap water was gavaged to distinct female rats during gestation and lactation periods. Memory performance was assessed in groups of male offspring using Morris water maze. In other groups of the offspring (with no memory test), the hippocampi of the juvenile rats were removed 30 days after labor. A real‐time PCR method was used to measure the mRNA levels of CaMKII and CaMKIV.

Results

Frankincense improved spatial memory retrieval in the offspring rats in a dose‐dependent manner. The mRNA expression of hippocampal CaMKIV was unchanged between groups. However, the mRNA expression of hippocampal CaMKII was dose‐dependently upregulated in the rats, whose mothers had received frankincense.

Conclusions

Due to the crucial role of the CaMKII in memory formation, the results provide a molecular basis for the effect of administration of frankincense to mother rats on improvement of the memory in the offspring.
Quantifying and Reducing Retained Botulinum Toxin Postinjection
Authors: Solinsky Ryan , Kirshblum Steven C.
Published: June 2018

Background

Retained botulinum toxin solution may be visible in vials and syringe tips after mixing and presumed complete injections, leaving patients without the full prescribed dose.

Objective

To quantify the mean amount of retained toxin within vials, syringes, and needles following spasticity injections (phase 1) and to design/test a targeted intervention for reduced retained toxin (phase 2).

Design

Prospective cohort quality assurance study.

Setting

Outpatient spasticity program in a rehabilitation facility.

Participants

Nine physicians specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, performing successive mixing and injections for spasticity with onabotulinumtoxinA or incobotulinumtoxinA.

Methods

After initial review (phase 1), recommendations were made (phase 2) including not inverting the vial to withdraw medication unless needed, favoring 2‐mL dilutions when possible, and decapping of vials for more complete medication withdrawal.

Main Outcome Measurements

Retained volume of toxin solution that was not injected and estimated retained units of toxin.

Results

A total of 157 vials of botulinum toxin A were tested. Of the 82 initial, phase 1, preintervention vials (8200 units), 5.5% (∼452 units) of toxin solution was retained following mixing and injections. One and 3‐mL syringe tips contained a mean of 3.32 and 1.44 units of toxin respectively. Within vials, saline dilutions with 2 mL contained less mean retained toxin (1.89 vs 3.31 units) relative to 1‐mL dilution. Awareness of monitoring significantly decreased retained solution in vials (0.035 mL vs 0.069 mL for naïve group, P = .002). Phase 2, postintervention testing of 75 vials demonstrated that withdrawing toxin from the inferior edge from a non‐inverted vial reduced the retained toxin by 32.8% (P < .001). Decapping the vial further reduced the mean retained toxin to 0.42 units per vial (81.9% reduction, P < .001).

Conclusions

A potentially clinically significant amount of botulinum toxin solution is retained following mixing and injections. Implementation of guidelines significantly decreased wasted botulinum toxin.

Level of Evidence

III
Compassion Focused Therapy Groups: Evidence from Routine Clinical Practice
Authors: McManus James , Tsivos Zoe , Woodward Sarah , Fraser Janelle , Hartwell Rosalyn
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Psychological therapy groups for people in adult mental health services can relieve waiting list pressures and potentially reduce stigma and social isolation. Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) focuses on shame and self-criticism. The aim of this study was to evaluate a transdiagnostic CFT group.

Design

Quantitative and qualitative data were obtained from 13 people who completed the group.

Methods

Participants completed a range of pre- and post-group self-report outcome measures that assess self-criticism and self-compassion.

Results

Statistically significant improvements were found on all measures used, suggesting that attending the CFT group did result in meaningful changes. People who completed the group also provided positive feedback about the experience.

Conclusions

The results suggest that running CFT groups is feasible and acceptable to clients with a range of psychiatric diagnoses as part of their care from community mental health teams. People who completed the group demonstrated significant improvements. A proportion of people did not complete the group, and more research is required about the reasons for this. Limitations of this study are considered together with future directions for research into CFT.
Outpatient antimicrobial stewardship targets for treatment of skin and soft-tissue infections
Authors: Jaggi Preeti , Wang Ling , Gleeson Sean , Moore-Clingenpeel Melissa , Watson Joshua R.
Published: July 2018

Objective

We sought to identify factors associated with long duration and/or non–first-line choice of treatment for pediatric skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Ambulatory encounter claims of Medicaid-insured children lacking chronic medical conditions treated for SSTI and/or animal bite injury in Ohio in 2014.

Methods

For all diagnoses, long treatment duration was defined as treatment >7 days. Non–first-line choice of treatment for SSTI included treatment with 2 antimicrobials dispensed on the same calendar day or any treatment not listed in the Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines. The adjusted odds of (1) long treatment duration and (2) non–first-line choice of treatment were calculated for patient age, prescriber type, and patient county of residence characteristics (ie, rural vs metropolitan area and poverty rate).

Results

Of 10,310 encounters with complete data available, long treatment duration was prescribed in 7,968 (77.3%). The most common duration of treatment prescribed was 10 days. A non–first-line choice was prescribed in 1,030 encounters (10%). Dispensation of 2 antimicrobials on the same calendar day was the most common reason for the non–first-line choice, and of these, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole plus a first-generation cephalosporin was the most common regimen. Compared to pediatricians, the adjusted odds ratio of long treatment duration was significantly lower for all other primary care specialties. Conversely, nonpediatricians were more likely to prescribe a non–first-line treatment choice. Patient residence in a high-poverty county increased the odds of both long duration and non–first-line choice of treatment.

Conclusions

Healthcare claims may be utilized to measure opportunities for first-line choice and/or shorter duration of treatment for SSTI.
Why did Italy contribute to UNIFIL II? An analytical eclectic analysis
Authors: Cladi Lorenzo , Locatelli Andrea
Published: July 2018

After the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, the UN launched the peacekeeping operation UNIFIL II. Italy embarked on the demanding task of taking responsibility for leading the mission. We present a model of military intervention in multilateral operations that aims at highlighting the mechanisms at stake. In so doing, we argue that an analytical eclectic approach offers a novel explanation of Italy’s behaviour. We explain the drivers of Italy’s intervention in Lebanon in two ways. First, we analyse Italy’s actions at the outset of the crisis. Second, we provide an account of the parliamentary debate that took place in both chambers of the Italian Parliament between July and October 2006.
Effects of fructose consumption on postprandial TAG: an update on systematic reviews with meta-analysis
Authors: Macedo Rodrigo C. O. , Vieira Alexandra F. , Moritz Cesar E. J. , Reischak-Oliveira Alvaro
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to re-examine the chronic effect (>7 d) of fructose consumption on postprandial TAG, in adolescents and adults. The research was carried out in March 2017 and used different electronic databases, such asMedline®(Pubmed®), Embase®and Cochrane. The review considered clinical trials (parallel or crossed) that evaluated the effect of fructose consumption for a period longer than 7 d, in humans. Two investigators independently performed data extraction. The outcome was the absolute delta of TAG concentration in a 4-h postprandial period. The results were presented with delta mean difference between treatments with 95 % CI. The calculations were made based on random-effect models. Statistical heterogeneity of treatment effects between studies was assessed by Cochrane’s ‘Q Test’ and ‘I2’ inconsistency test. The meta-analysis of the twelve selected interventions (n318) showed that fructose generated larger variation (δ) of TAG concentrations during the postprandial period, compared with other carbohydrates (mean difference: 8·02 (95 % CI 0·46, 15·58) mg/dl (0·09 (95 % CI 0·01, 0·18) mmol/l);I2: 74 %). High heterogeneity was generated almost exclusively by one study, and its withdrawal did not alter the result. We concluded that chronic consumption of fructose (>7 d) has a negative role on postprandial TAG in healthy adolescents and adults, as well as in overweight/obese individuals, but not in diabetics.
Does threatening their franchise make registered voters more likely to participate? Evidence from an aborted voter purge
Authors: Biggers Daniel R. , Smith Daniel A.
Published: July 2018

Prior research predicts that election administration changes that increase voting costs should decrease participation, but it fails to consider that some interpret those changes as attacking their franchise. Drawing on psychological reactance theory, this study tests whether such perceived attacks might instead activate those citizens. It leverages the State of Florida’s multi-stage effort in 2012 to purge suspected non-citizens from its voter rolls, comparing the voting rates of suspected non-citizens whose registration was and was not formally challenged by the state. Within-registrant difference-in-difference and matching analyses estimate a positive, significant participatory effect of being challenged, particularly for Hispanics (the vast majority of the sample). Placebo tests show that those challenged were no more likely than those not challenged to vote in previous elections.
Non-durational acoustic correlates of word-initial consonant gemination in Kelantan Malay: The potential roles of amplitude and f0
Authors: Hamzah Mohd Hilmi , Hajek John , Fletcher Janet
Published: July 2018

This study reports on non-durational acoustic correlates of typologically rare word-initial consonant gemination in Kelantan Malay (KM) by focusing on two acoustic parameters – amplitude and f0. Given the unusual characteristics of the word-initial consonant contrast and its potential maintenance in domain-initial environments, this study sets to examine the extent to which amplitude and f0 can potentially characterise such a contrast in KM in addition to the cross-linguistically established acoustic correlate of closure duration. The production data involved elicited materials from sixteen KM native speakers. RMS and f0 values were measured at the start of the vowel following stops and sonorants produced in isolation (i.e. utterance-initial position) and in a carrier sentence (i.e. utterance-medial position). Results indicate that the consonant contrast is reflected in systematic differences in (i) vowel onset amplitude and f0 following the target consonant and (ii) the ratios of amplitude and f0 across two syllables of disyllabic words. There are also effects of utterance position, manner of articulation and voicing type on the magnitude of contrast between singletons and geminates with utterance-initial voiceless stops generally showing the greatest magnitude difference. The conclusion is drawn that the KM word-initial singleton/geminate consonant contrast can be associated with a set of acoustic parameters alongside closure duration.
The challenges and conservation implications of bear bile farming in Viet Nam
Authors: Crudge Brian , Nguyen Trang , Cao Tien Trung
Published: July 2018

Legalized trade in commercially farmed wildlife products is sometimes promoted as a conservation strategy. In theory, flooding the market with cheaper or better quality products will decrease the profitability of poaching. Bear bile is highly sought-after for use in traditional medicine and overhunting to supply the demand for bear parts has led to declining populations across South-east Asia. Bear bile farming was established to help supply the high demand for bear bile. In Viet Nam it is legal to keep registered bears, but illegal to extract or sell bear bile. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 66 bear bile farmers in Viet Nam to examine the conservation implications of bear bile farming. The results show that demand for wild bear bile was not satisfied by the widespread availability of farmed bear bile. Farmers report a strong consumer preference and willingness to pay more for wild-sourced products. The existence of bear bile farms presents considerable challenges to law enforcement. The results suggest that bear bile farming in Viet Nam relies on restocking from wild populations, and farmers openly admit to extracting and selling bear bile, in clear violation of national legislation. The case of bear bile farming in Viet Nam provides an example of wildlife farming failing to reduce pressure on a once widely distributed and relatively abundant species. Research into consumer values, attitudes and behaviours will help to improve understanding of market drivers and help inform the design of effective species conservation and management strategies.
The emergence of birdwatching in China: history, demographics, activities, motivations, and environmental concerns of Chinese birdwatchers
Authors: WALTHER BRUNO ANDREAS , WHITE ARON
Published: July 2018

Birdwatching has become a global pastime and a driving force for conservation. Because of China’s economic and environmental importance, the emergence of birdwatching as a mass participation leisure activity in China over the past three decades is of global interest. We documented this emergence by conducting an extensive literature search and two online questionnaires which we used to describe the history, geographic distribution, demographics, activities, motivations, and environmental concerns of Chinese birdwatchers. The emergence happened because of (1) the transfer of ornithological knowledge to birdwatchers, (2) the increasing political tolerance to pursue pastimes, (3) the increasing leisure time, affordability of optical equipment, and urbanisation of China’s society, (4) increased internet use, and (5) interactions of birdwatchers with the media and foreign birdwatchers. Of the 576 respondents to our questionnaires, two-thirds were male, about half were younger than 35 years of age, approximately 90% were university-educated, and many also had an above-average income and originated mostly from the more urbanised coastal or near-coastal provinces. Our respondents were thus part of China’s economic and educational elite who largely birdwatch for enjoyment, but also because of the knowledge gained about the birds’ ecology. Many birdwatchers have become concerned about the deteriorating state of the environment and are frustrated about the lack of government action. Within the political constraints set by the government, many birdwatchers support environmental conservation through various activities, which have yielded some conservation successes. However, birdwatching societies remain constrained by the same legislative and administrative restraints which limit the actions of other environmental non-governmental organizations, thus hindering the effective discourse between China’s government and its emerging but still strictly controlled and regulated civil society.
Hypotension within 1 week of life associated with poor short- and long-term outcomes in very low birth weight infants
Authors: Kim Tae-Hoon , Moon Cheong-Jun , Sung In K. , Youn Young A.
Published: July 2018

We examined whether hypotension in very low birth weight infants aged⩽1 week was associated with hospital morbidities and overall mortality. Further, we studied whether hypotension was associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes in these patients at the corrected age of 18 months. A total of 166 very low birth weight infants were studied during this period. Hospital outcomes and neurodevelopmental outcomes at the corrected age of 18 months were evaluated. Among the 166 very low birth weight infants, 95 patients (57.2%) experienced hypotension at⩽1 week and were associated with an increased incidence of morbidities and mortality. At the corrected age of 18 months, hypotension of the⩽1 week group had significantly lower scores in all three – cognitive, language, and motor – composites of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III) screening tests. In addition, a multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that longer mechanical ventilation and periventricular leukomalacia were additionally associated with worse cognitive and language neurodevelopmental outcomes. Hypotension in very low birth weight infants within 1 week of life was associated with increased morbidities and overall mortality. It was also associated with an increased risk of cognitive and language outcomes.
‘The Ghost in the Machine’: Thomas Koschat and thevolkstümlichin Mahler’s Fifth Symphony
Authors: Barham Jeremy
Published: July 2018

This article offers a solution to a long-standing mystery surrounding the identity of a melody by Carinthian folkloric composer Thomas Koschat used by Mahler in his Fifth Symphony. It first places such musical reference in the broader scholarly context of Mahler and thevolkstümlich. Evidence surrounding the chronology and sketches of the symphony as well as Mahler’s intersection with Koschat and the latter’s reception is assessed. Musical materials are analysed in order to identify the source of borrowing in Koschat’s LiederspielAm Wörther See(1880), and to understand the key structural and expressive roles it plays in Mahler’s work. The article concludes by reflecting on the possible socio-cultural meaning and significance of this case of Mahlerian allusive practice.
Coevolution of Two Sulfonylurea-Resistant Common Chickweed (Stellaria media) Biotypes with Different Mutations in the Acetolactate Synthase Gene
Authors: Laforest Martin , Soufiane Brahim
Published: July 2018

Common chickweed [Stellaria media(L.) Vill.] is an annual weed found in grain fields and pastures. This creeping weed produces a mat-like canopy that competes with crop seedlings for light and nutrients. This species is almost exclusively autogamous. Acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides are frequently used to control this broadleaf weed, and two mutations in theS. media ALSgene (Pro-197-Gln and Trp-574-Leu) have been reported to confer herbicide resistance. Seeds from several plants that survived an application of thifensulfuron-methyl/tribenuron-methyl (16 g ai ha−1) were collected from the same field in Québec, Canada. Seedlings were grown, tested for the presence of mutations in theALSgene, and treated with different rates of foramsulfuron, flumetsulam, and imazethapyr, each belonging to different families of ALS inhibitors. Two herbicide resistance–conferring mutations were identified in this population. One biotype had the previously reported Pro-197-Gln, while a new mutation, Pro-197-Ser, was identified in different plants from the same population. The new mutation (Pro-197-Ser) confers a lower level of resistance to sulfonylureas than Pro-197-Gln, and both biotypes are susceptible to imizadolinone and triazolopyrimidines.
Relative Influence of Landscape Variables and Discharge on Suspended Sediment Yields in Temperate Mountain Catchments
Authors: Bywater‐Reyes Sharon , Bladon Kevin D. , Segura Catalina
Published: July 2018

Suspended sediment is an important regulator of stream habitat quality but notoriously difficult to predict and regulate. This difficulty arises because of high natural variability in suspended sediment yield in space and time. Here we quantified associations between suspended sediment yields and discharge, watershed setting (i.e., physiography and lithology), and disturbance history for 10 temperate mountain watersheds (8.5–6,242 ha) in the U.S. Pacific Northwest (H.J. Andrews Long‐Term Ecological Research, LTER) over an ~60‐year period. Annual suspended sediment yields varied almost 4 orders of magnitude across space and time. A linear mixed effects model indicated that much of the variation in yields could be explained by the random effect of site (conditionalR2 = 0.74) with additional variation explained by the fixed effects (marginalR2 = 0.67) of cumulative annual discharge (p < 0.001) and the variability (standard deviation) of watershed slope (p < 0.001). Two annual sediment yield data points were model outliers, that each occurred within a decade after forest management activities and a large‐magnitude storm event at sites with high variability of catchment slope. Other sites had low sediment yields for a range of conditions, including management or flood disturbance. Taken together, our study shows that watersheds with high slope variability have higher suspended sediment yields and may be more vulnerable to increases in sediment yields following disturbances.
Groundwater Subsidy From Headwaters to Their Parent Water Watershed: A Combined Field‐Modeling Approach
Authors: Ameli A. A. , Gabrielli C. , Morgenstern U. , McDonnell J. J.
Published: July 2018

Headwater groundwater subsidy, defined here as out‐of‐catchment groundwater flow contribution from a headwater catchment to its larger parent watershed (i.e., higher‐order stream), can influence the water quality and quantity of regional water resources. But the integrated flow and transport modeling approaches currently being implemented to quantify this subsidy are limited by an absence of critical field observations, such as water table dynamics and groundwater age that are required to test such models. Here we couple tracer (and hydrometric) observations from the well‐studied 4.5‐ha M8 headwater catchment in the Maimai experimental watershed with a new semianalytical free‐surface integrated flow and transport model. Our main research goals are to quantify the magnitude, age, and flow paths of the headwaters groundwater subsidies at the Maimai experimental watershed. Additionally, we explore through virtual experiments the effects of watershed slope, watershed active thickness, and recharge rate on the age, flow path, and magnitude of out‐of‐catchment headwater groundwater subsidies versus within‐catchment (or local) groundwater flow contributions. Our results show that more than 50% of groundwater recharged in the Maimai headwaters subsidizes their parent watershed. The relative proportion of headwaters groundwater subsidies is inversely proportional to recharge rate and/or directly proportional to slope angle. Our results also show that the age of the headwater groundwater subsidies is more than 500 years, almost 9 times older than the age of within‐catchment groundwater flow contributions. These findings highlight the need to consider headwaters groundwater subsidies in groundwater management area considerations.
An Alternative Relationship to Unemployment: Conceptualizing Unemployment Normalization
Authors: Pignault Anne , Houssemand Claude
Published: July 2018

Unemployment is widely described as a situation that engenders stress, malaise, and a loss of identity for those affected by it. Whereas the deleterious effects of unemployment are clear, people may also develop an alternative relationship to unemployment and hold other perceptions of this transition period. Some studies have indeed pointed toward a shift in the social work norm, whereas others have questioned the negative impact of unemployment on some individuals. Yet to date, few studies have directly focused on the process through which these other, less negative perceptions of unemployment may arise. The present article thus explores one possible experience that we have termed unemployment normalization. We conceptualize unemployment normalization as an emotional regulation process based on cognitive reappraisal. This article suggests some variables that may influence it and presents a roadmap for future research.
Fingerprint Detection and Differentiation of Gas-phase Amines Using a Fluorescent Sensor Array Assembled from Asymmetric Perylene Diimides
Authors: Hu Yanyong , Zhou Zichao , Zhao Feiping , Liu Xiaoling , Gong Yanjun , Xiong Wei , Sillanpää Mika
Published: July 2018

A series of structurally analogous PDIs were fabricated and used as fluorescent sensor arrays. Adjustment of the molecular electron-donating ability and polarity (i.e., chemical structure) was found to greatly influence the fluorescent quenching by different types of amines. Moreover, the sensor array displayed high sensitivity to amine vapors and allowed the fingerprint differentiation of different species.
An integrative approach to develop computational pipeline for drug-target interaction network analysis
Authors: Bansal Ankush , Srivastava Pulkit Anupam , Singh Tiratha Raj
Published: July 2018

Understanding the general principles governing the functioning of biological networks is a major challenge of the current era. Functionality of biological networks can be observed from drug and target interaction perspective. All possible modes of operations of biological networks are confined by the interaction analysis. Several of the existing approaches in this direction, however, are data-driven and thus lack potential to be generalized and extrapolated to different species. In this paper, we demonstrate a systems pharmacology pipeline and discuss how the network theory, along with gene ontology (GO) analysis, co-expression analysis, module re-construction, pathway mapping and structure level analysis can be used to decipher important properties of biological networks with the aim to propose lead molecule for the therapeutic interventions of various diseases.
Ozone balances in urban Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khalil M. A. K. , Butenhoff C. L. , Harrison R. M.
Published: July 2018

Net ozone production rates averaging 130 ppb/h lasting 3–5 h are calculated for five cities of urban Saudi Arabia where hourly ozone and NO2 measurements were taken for a whole year. Concentrations of ozone in the cities are not unusually high at ~40 ppb during the peak 4 h, but are 50–60 ppb at altitude throughout the day. A mass balance of ozone reveals that the locations represented by the sites export ozone during the peak production periods before mid-day at average rates comparable to the net production, but later a substantial import of ozone is required to balance the budget. Concentrations of NO are high throughout the day (~14 ppb) and night (~11 ppb) and yet significant ozone concentrations remain during the night (~18 ppb). An explanation is that large amounts of ozone are generated in the surrounding areas and aloft by ozone precursors from the cities. It is brought back during the night by transport processes and reacts with fresh emissions of NO driven by nightlife resulting in an outflow of NO2 to create the observed balances. Over the whole day, the regions represented by the sites are net sinks of ozone. We describe and support this picture of ozone balances in urban Saudi Arabia.
Correction: Corrigendum: Computer-assisted quantification of motile and invasive capabilities of cancer cells
Authors: Kumar Karthiga Santhana , Pillong Max , Kunze Jens , Burghardt Isabel , Weller Michael , Grotzer Michael A. , Schneider Gisbert , Baumgartner Martin
Published: July 2018

Scientific Reports 5; Article number: 15338; published online: 21 October 2015; updated: 2 July 2018 In the original version of this Article, the author Karthiga Santhana Kumar was incorrectly indexed. In addition, this Article contained an error in the Results section, under the subheading ‘Automated quantification of cell dissemination’,
Human histone demethylase KDM6B can catalyse sequential oxidations
Authors: Hopkinson Richard J. , Langley Gareth W. , Belle Roman , Walport Louise J. , Dunne Kate , Münzel Martin , Salah Eidarus , Kawamura Akane , Claridge Timothy D. W. , Schofield Christopher J.
Published: July 2018

Biochemical studies on the histone lysyl demethylase KDM6B reveal it is capable of catalysing reactions on multiple lysine analogues, forming de-alkylated, hydroxylated, and oxidised products.
A nanoclay-induced defective g-C3N4 photocatalyst for highly efficient catalytic reactions
Authors: Zhao Qihang , Fu Liangjie , Jiang Denghui , Xi Yunfei , Yang Huaming
Published: July 2018

A kaolinite nanoclay-induced defective graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) catalyst was successfully prepared for highly efficient degradation of organic pollutants.
Deciphering hot- and multi-exciton dynamics in core–shell QDs by 2D electronic spectroscopies
Authors: Righetto Marcello , Bolzonello Luca , Volpato Andrea , Amoruso Giordano , Panniello Annamaria , Fanizza Elisabetta , Striccoli Marinella , Collini Elisabetta
Published: July 2018

2D electronic spectroscopy maps acquired in different configurations unveil intraband hot carrier cooling and interband multi-exciton recombination dynamics.
Substrate-induced enhancement of the chemical reactivity in metal-supported graphene
Authors: Romero-Muñiz Carlos , Martín-Recio Ana , Pou Pablo , Gómez-Rodríguez José M. , Pérez Rubén
Published: July 2018

Although graphene is commonly regarded as an inert material, in this work we show that its chemical reactivity can be enhanced due to the presence of a strongly interacting metallic substrate.
K11RbB28O48: a new triple-layered borate with an unprecedented [B28O57] fundamental building block
Authors: Jiang Dequan , Wang Ying , Zhang Bingbing , Han Guopeng , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: June 2018

A new borate, K11RbB28O48, featuring an unprecedented [B28O57] fundamental building block and an unusual triple-layered anionic group, has been synthesized.
Droplet microarray: miniaturized platform for rapid formation and high-throughput screening of embryoid bodies
Authors: Tronser Tina , Demir Konstantin , Reischl Markus , Bastmeyer Martin , Levkin Pavel A.
Published: July 2018

The droplet microarray with its superhydrophobic–hydrophilic micropattern enables facile one-step formation of a dense array of multiple droplets containing homogeneous, single embryoid bodies for high-throughput screening.
Amplification-free, sequence-specific 16S rRNA detection at 1 aM
Authors: Koo Bonhye , Yorita Allison M. , Schmidt Jacob J. , Monbouquette Harold G.
Published: July 2018

A novel means to detect bacteria based on PCR-free, optics-free sensing of 16S RNA at ultralow concentration (i.e., 10−18M).
Metal-free, base promoted sp2 C–H functionalization in the sulfonamidation of 1,4-naphthoquinones
Authors: Devenderan Ramanathan , Kasi Pitchumani
Published: June 2018

A novel, metal-free, base promoted sp2 C–H functionalization in the sulfonyl amidation of 1,4-naphthoquinones via a [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction using sulfonyl azides under mild reaction conditions is reported.
Correction: Core/shell upconversion nanoparticles with intense fluorescence for detecting doxorubicin in vivo
Authors: Hu Junshan , Zhan Shiping , Wu Xiaofeng , Hu Shigang , Wu Shaobing , Liu Yunxin
Published: July 2018

Correction for ‘Core/shell upconversion nanoparticles with intense fluorescence for detecting doxorubicin in vivo’ by Junshan Hu et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 21505–21512.
Influence of outer-layer finite-size effects on the dewetting dynamics of a thin polymer film embedded in an immiscible matrix
Authors: Chebil M. S. , McGraw J. D. , Salez T. , Sollogoub C. , Miquelard-Garnier G.
Published: July 2018

Balancing capillary driving power and viscous dissipation with a no-slip boundary condition captures the hole growth dynamics in trilayer dewetting.
Cd(ii)–nucleobase supramolecular metallo-hydrogels for in situ growth of color tunable CdS quantum dots
Authors: Sharma Bhagwati , Mandani Sonam , Thakur Neha , Sarma Tridib K.
Published: July 2018

A blue, white and yellow emitting CdS–hydrogel composite was formed by interaction of unsubstituted thymine and uracil with Cd2+ ions.
Sampling rate influence in up and down mixing of QPSK and OFDM signals using an SOA‐MZI in a differential configuration
Authors: Termos H. , Rampone T. , Sharaiha A.
Published: June 2018

Up and down frequency conversions in the range of 0.5–39.5 GHz are performed by using a Semiconductor Optical Amplifier–Mach‐Zehnder interferometer (SOA‐MZI) in a differential configuration as a sampling mixer. The authors show that increasing the sampling frequency by a ratio of 2.5 (from 7.8 to 19.5 GHz) improves the efficiency and the quality of the optical transmission of QPSK and OFDM signals due to a better signal level and a lower aliased noise power when the sampling rate is higher. At the high sampling rate, the obtained EVM is sufficiently low for allowing data bit rates higher than 1 Gbit/s and 245 Mbit/s, respectively, for QPSK and OFDM modulated data.
Evolution of ransomware
Authors: O'Kane Philip , Sezer Sakir , Carlin Domhnall
Published: June 2018

Cybercrime has long since transformed from a world of Maverick attackers to a criminal business. Ransomware is a malware that renders a victim's computer or data unusable and is increasingly being used by criminals to generate revenue through extortion. This study contributes to the authors’ knowledge by exploring the transition from the early‐day scams, to extortion implemented by current ransomware. They examine the pathway from the first clumsy ransomware attempts to the present day sophisticated ransomware attack campaigns. This Crypto‐warfare now accounts for estimated damages of $1 billion. Considering the fact that many Internet users appear to be unaware of ransomware and do little to protect themselves, they argue that this low‐impact extortion, using highly automated methods, has proven very rewarding for the criminals. As criminals have been early adopters (or abusers) of Internet technology, they expect that ransomware will continue to evolve beyond the capability of present day defence solutions.
Application of fly ash/granulated blast-furnace slag cementing material for immobilization of Pb2+
Authors: Chao Li , Feng-qing Zhao
Published: July 2018

Based on activation and synergistic effect among various materials, a low-cost cementing material. FGC binder, was prepared by using fly ash. granulated blast-furnace slag (BFS). carbide slag and compound activator. The results showed that the immobilization efficiency of FGC binder for Pb2+: is higher than that of OPC cement. The hydration products and mechanism of immobilization were analyzed by using XRD. The major products of FGC binder are C-S-H, C-A-H. ettringite and zeolite-like materials. Under the experimental conditions, the Pb2+ curing efficiency of FGC binder is 1.04 ~ 1.24 times that of ordinary Portland cement.
The Research of Raft Foundation Anti-floating Piles’ Performance and its Impact on the Raft Foundation
Authors: Hong Qiuyun , Yan Bin , Ma Tingyu
Published: July 2018

By using the finite element software ANSYS and ABAQUS, we established the calculation model of raft foundation anti-floating pile foundation, and studied the mechanical properties of the raft foundation and the influence of raft foundation on the foundation. By comparing the stress and displacement of the anti-floating pile under different pile distance, the influence trend of the different anti-floating pile layout scheme on the mechanical property of the floating slab foundation anti-floating pile is explained, Then the optimal arrangement scheme of anti-floating pile was acquired. Under the action of vertical load, the anti-floating pile effectively reduces the average vertical displacement of the raft, and the raft foundation improves the bearing efficiency of the pile as well as the economic efficiency.
Study on the Blowing Scheme of a Propellant Storage Vessel
Authors: Zhigao Xu , Xinguo Liu , Jing Ma
Published: July 2018

The blowing flow field of a propellant storage vessel are simulated using Fluent software. Through steady flow field calculation, some important flow field parameters, such as pressure, temperature, velocity and Streamline, are obtained under three different working conditions. Based on these parameters, the effects of three different working conditions are analysed. According to the analysis, the improved blowing scheme is given, which can effectively improve the efficiency of the blowing process.
Research on the Traction Fuzzy Control of Articulated Vehicles Based on Matlab
Authors: Leng Jing , He Fan
Published: July 2018

In this paper, the slip rate of the articulated electric-wheel vehicles is monitored with the traction control system during running. Using fuzzy control system to control the traction force can effectively control the output torque of the motor so as to realize the effective control of the slip rate in different running roads. The full vehicle dynamic model of the articulated electric-wheel vehicles was built, and the dynamic equation of the steering process was analyzed. The motor control model and the traction fuzzy controller suitable for the system were constructed. Based on Matlab, the fuzzy controller was integrated with the full vehicle model to build the fuzzy control analysis model of full vehicle traction force. The running condition of the full vehicle on the low adhesion coefficient road and bisectional road was analyzed. The analysis results show that when vehicles run at different adhesion coefficients, the slip rate fuzzy control system can effectively reduce the skidding degree of wheels, so that the adhesive force provided by the pavement can be used to the maximum extent, so as to ensure the vehicle stability and improve the running safety, and the control has achieved good results.
Effect of Laser-arc Hybrid Welding Energy Parameters on Welding Stability
Authors: Fulong ZHANG , Hong ZHANG , Fengde LIU
Published: July 2018

The high-speed camera was used to collect the droplet transfer pattern and arc pattern of the laser-arc hybrid welding process. Using the methods of image processing and mathematical statistics, the effects of different laser and arc power conditions on the welding stability were studied. The results show that the melting width depends on the welding current, the depth of penetration depends on the laser power, the droplet transition pattern, the actual filament spacing and the arc length determine the welding stability of the laser arc hybrid welding.
Design and Analysis of a New Space Telescopic Mast
Authors: Yang Zhao , Xiao Yong , Wang Lipeng
Published: July 2018

The space telescopic mast has the characteristics of high rigidity, strong bearing capacity and simple deployment principle. Aiming at the shortcomings of large mass and limited screw length in the existing telescopic mast, a spiral climbing-driven telescopic mast was designed, and the structural design and kinematic analysis were studied. The verification results of the motion simulation through ADAMS software are consistent with theoretical calculations. The new telescopic mast has the characteristics of light weight, low manufacturing cost, and unrestricted length of single-section stretching.
Pipelined Soft Packaging Cargoes Handling Robot
Authors: guangyao Li , Xinzhong Fu , Yunjia Du , Shuqiong Xu
Published: July 2018

In order to solve the problem of packing and packing on the soft package in the pipeline, we use PLC system to control the robot. The step motor and the push rod motor cooperate with each other to realize the space movement. The vacuum sucker can firmly absorb the target and realize the transportation and packing of the target. To solve the problem of heavy workload of the soft packing line, wasting the manpower and material resources, we change the past hard grab transport mode and use the vacuum sucker to absorb the soft package to improve the packing efficiency. As for transporting soft package goods, the vacuum sucker has characteristics of small wear, fast speed, light and convenience. PLC control system greatly improves the accuracy of its moving objects, the robot is more efficient and practical.
Withdrawn article: Comparison of Non-linear Signals Analysis Methods
Authors: Yanhuai Qu , Zhang Shuai , Han Qingkai
Published: July 2018

This article has been withdrawn by the authors. Request approved by the editors and the publisher on July 9, 2018.
An elementary proof that real roots nonexistence of nonlinear equations and its optimal solutions
Authors: Li Lanyou , Lu Jingui , Chen Jianhong
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we give an elementary proof that the real roots nonexistence of nonlinear equation such as: xn+yn+zn=n,where n =1,2,3,(x,y,z)∈ℝ by contradiction. Thus, when n takes all positive integers between 4 and 1981, the value of function f= xn+yn+zn based on the exact solution of the above equations is still real. Finally, numerical experiments presents a set of approximate numerical solutions by using standard genetic algorithm(SGA), adaptive particle swarm optimization algorithm(APSO) and artificial fish swarm algorithm(AFSA).
Key Technologies of Finite Element Modeling of Machine Tools Based on ANSYS Platform
Authors: Liu Haitao , Wei Wenming
Published: July 2018

In order to establish the joint interface elements more quickly, and to analyze the dynamic characteristics of machine tools under different states (such as headstock at different position), the CAD model of machine tool must be divided effectively, so that the hexahedron elements with specified size can be generated in the area of the joint interfaces, so that the nodes on the joint surfaces can be coincident. Using APDL technology, the linear spring-damped elements are quickly established on the fixed joint (bolt joint interface between the bed and base) and the moving joint (guideway-slider, screw-nut). The experimental and simulation results show that the method is effective.It has considerable accuracy, and can greatly speed up the machine tool modeling, especially the processing speed of the joint interfaces.
Development of the IoT-based Monitoring System for Scaffold Shoring System of Concrete Formwork
Authors: Su Jian , Li Jieming , Tan Lingsheng , Huang Xiaodan
Published: July 2018

Construction safety monitoring is an important approach to prevent collapse of scaffold shoring system during concrete formwork. In this article, the causes of the collapse of scaffold shoring system are investigated. A monitoring system based on the Internet of Things(IoT) is then proposed, consisting of wireless sensors, wireless monitor, wireless alarm, monitoring cloud platform and mobile client. The monitoring system is then put into practical application and has successfully detected the malfunction of the monitored system, which proves the efficiency and reliability of the monitoring system.
Comparative analysis and case study on the absolute value accounting of mineral resources
Authors: Shuang XU , Chunxue LIU
Published: July 2018

Absolute value is an important part of the natural value of mineral resources, and it is also an important manifestation of the exhaustion of mineral resources. However, the calculation of the absolute value of mineral resources is greatly affected by changes in the market and it is easy to draw distorted results. In order to reflect the difference in absolute value of mineral resources at different development stages and the true value of the absolute value of mineral resources. This article is based on the analysis of the causes of the error in measuring the absolute value of mineral resources. The development stage coefficient, the highest price, and the industry discount rate were introduced in the model for measuring the absolute value of mineral resources. At the same time, it is combined with actual cases for comparative analysis. The improved calculation method can better reflect the true level of the absolute value of mineral resources. The accuracy of the measured results has also been improved. At the same time, it also reflects the future expected and risk levels of the measurement results. In the process of mineral resource management, it is conducive to more reasonable realization of the owner’s rights and interests. It can also improve the utilization efficiency of mineral resources. It can also better coordinate intergenerational interests and promote the sustainable development of the mineral resources industry.
A method of seismic performance evaluation based seismic fragility analysis
Authors: Wang Feng , Guo Zhongzheng
Published: July 2018

For evaluating seismic performance of structures, a method is presented based on increment dynamic analysis and seismic fragility analysis. Firstly, the failure probability equation is deduced, in which the relationships of seismic intensities and response demands can be determined by the increment dynamic analysis. On this basis the probabilities with different damage levels under different seismic intensities are obtained. Secondly, damage parameter R is defined and used to reflect seismic damage level of structures, damage index Re is defined and used to compare with R range and determine the situation of seismic damage. Finally, the procedure is proposed for evaluating structural seismic performance. In order to verify and demonstrate the method, three structural models are designed, and typical earthquake records are selected. The results of example analysis show that this method is convenient for evaluating multi-levels seismic performance of structures.
Probe into the Long-term Mechanism of “Studio Model” Teaching Internal Quality Guarantee
Authors: Zhang Yong , Shao Yingying , Yu Hongjie
Published: July 2018

Under the background of mass entrepreneurship and innovation, improving the quality of the teaching results and accomplishing the conversion of teaching achievements are the changes for the reform and development of colleges and universities. The reform of “Studio Model” teaching is more conducive to the improvement of undergraduate teaching quality, converse to results orientation. The effective quality guarantee mechanism is the important guarantee for forming undergraduate teaching method reform. Through the discussion of the concept and method of Carnegie Mellon University and the colleges of China. This paper puts forward the teaching reformation and exploration of the “Studio Model”, Based on the idea of implementing the “effective teaching”, this paper constructs the results-oriented curriculum in a pragmatic and innovative way, designs the teaching with the design competition and the practice project as the motivation.