bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mean hydrography on the continental shelf from 26 repeat glider deployments along Southeastern Australia
Authors: Schaeffer Amandine , Roughan Moninya , Austin Tim , Everett Jason D. , Griffin David , Hollings Ben , King Edward , Mantovanelli Alessandra , Milburn Stuart , Pasquer Benedicte , Pattiaratchi Charitha , Robertson Robin , Stanley Dennis , Suthers Iain , White Dana
Published: August 2016

Since 2008, 26 glider missions have been undertaken along the continental shelf of southeastern Australia. Typically these missions have spanned the continental shelf on the inshore edge of the East Australian Current from 29.5–33.5°S. This comprehensive dataset of over 33,600 CTD profiles from the surface to within 10 m of the bottom in water depths ranging 25–200 m provides new and unprecedented high resolution observations of the properties of the continental shelf waters adjacent to a western boundary current, straddling the region where it separates from the coast. The region is both physically and biologically significant, and is also in a hotspot of ocean warming. We present gridded mean fields for temperature, salinity and density, but also dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll-a fluorescence indicative of phytoplankton biomass. This data will be invaluable for understanding shelf stratification, circulation, biophysical and bio-geochemical interactions, as well as for the validation of high-resolution ocean models or serving as teaching material.
Non-stick syringe needles: Beneficial effects of thin film metallic glass coating
Authors: Chu Jinn P. , Yu Chia-Chi , Tanatsugu Yusuke , Yasuzawa Mikito , Shen Yu-Lin
Published: August 2016

This paper reports on the use of Zr-based (Zr53Cu33Al9Ta5) thin film metallic glass (TFMG) for the coating of syringe needles and compares the results with those obtained using titanium nitride and pure titanium coatings. TFMG coatings were shown to reduce insertion forces by ∼66% and retraction forces by ∼72%, when tested using polyurethane rubber block. The benefits of TFMG-coated needles were also observed when tested using muscle tissue from pigs. In nano-scratch tests, the TFMG coatings achieved a coefficient of friction (COF) of just ∼0.05, which is about one order of magnitude lower than those of other coatings. Finite-element modeling also indicates a significant reduction in injection and retraction forces. The COF can be attributed to the absence of grain boundaries in the TFMG coating as well as a smooth surface morphology and low surface free energy.
Noggin inactivation affects the number and differentiation potential of muscle progenitor cells in vivo
Authors: Costamagna Domiziana , Mommaerts Hendrik , Sampaolesi Maurilio , Tylzanowski Przemko
Published: August 2016

Inactivation of Noggin, a secreted antagonist of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs), in mice leads, among others, to severe malformations of the appendicular skeleton and defective skeletal muscle fibers. To determine the molecular basis of the phenotype, we carried out a histomorphological and molecular analysis of developing muscles Noggin−/− mice. We show that in 18.5 dpc embryos there is a marked reduction in muscle fiber size and a failure of nuclei migration towards the cell membrane. Molecularly, the absence of Noggin results in an increased BMP signaling in muscle tissue as shown by the increase in SMAD1/5/8 phosphorylation, concomitant with the induction of BMP target genes such as Id1, 2, 3 as well as Msx1. Finally, upon removal of Noggin, the number of mesenchymal Pax7+ muscle precursor cells is reduced and they are more prone to differentiate into adipocytes in vitro. Thus, our results highlight the importance of Noggin/BMP balance for myogenic commitment of early fetal progenitor cells.
UPF1 regulates myeloid cell functions and S100A9 expression by the hnRNP E2/miRNA-328 balance
Authors: Saul Meike J. , Stein Stefan , Grez Manuel , Jakobsson Per-Johan , Steinhilber Dieter , Suess Beatrix
Published: August 2016

UPF1 is a key player in nonsense mediated mRNA decay (NMD) but also involved in posttranscriptional gene regulation. In this study we found that UPF1 regulates the expression of genes with functions in inflammation and myeloid cell differentiation via hnRNP E2. The majority of the UPF1-regulated genes identified in monocytic cells contain a binding site for hnRNP E2 within 5′ UTR located introns with hnRNP E2 acting here as splicing regulator. We found that miRNA-328 which is significantly induced during monocytic cell differentiation acts independently from its gene silencing function as RNA decoy for hnRNP E2. One representative gene controlled by the hnRNP E2/miRNA-328 balance is S100A9 which plays an important role in cell differentiation and oxidative stress response of monocytes. Induction of miRNA-328 expression during cell differentiation antagonizes the blockade by hnRNP E2 which results in the upregulation of CD11b expression and ROS production in monocytic cells. Taken together, our data indicate that upregulation of miR-328 is responsible for the induction of hnRNP E2 target genes during myeloid cell differentiation.
Genome-wide identification of cassava R2R3 MYB family genes related to abscission zone separation after environmental-stress-induced abscission
Authors: Liao Wenbin , Yang Yiling , Li Yayun , Wang Gan , Peng Ming
Published: August 2016

Cassava plants (Manihot esculenta Crantz) resist environmental stresses by shedding leaves in leaf pulvinus abscission zones (AZs), thus leading to adaptation to new environmental conditions. Little is known about the roles of cassava R2R3 MYB factors in regulating AZ separation. Herein, 166 cassava R2R3 MYB genes were identified. Evolutionary analysis indicated that the 166 R2R3 MYB genes could be divided into 11 subfamilies. Transcriptome analysis indicated that 26 R2R3 MYB genes were expressed in AZs across six time points during both ethylene- and water-deficit stress-induced leaf abscission. Comparative expression profile analysis of similar SOTA (Self Organizing Tree Algorithm) clusters demonstrated that 10 R2R3 MYB genes had similar expression patterns at six time points in response to both treatments. GO (Gene Ontology) annotation confirmed that all 10 R2R3 MYB genes participated in the responses to stress and ethylene and auxin stimuli. Analysis of the putative 10 R2R3 MYB promoter regions showed that those genes primarily contained ethylene- and stress-related cis-elements. The expression profiles of the genes acting downstream of the selected MYBs were confirmed to be involved in cassava abscission zone separation. All these results indicated that R2R3 MYB plays an important regulatory role in AZ separation.
Lack of association between SREBF-1c gene polymorphisms and risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Peng Xian-E. , Chen Feng-Lin , Liu Wenjuan , Hu ZhiJian , Lin Xu
Published: August 2016

The transcription factor sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) is a key regulator of lipogenesis and insulin sensitivity and is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Here, we assessed the impact of common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SREBF-1c on NAFLD susceptibility and associated metabolic phenotypes in a Han Chinese population. Four common SNPs (rs62064119, rs2297508, rs11868035 and rs13306741) in the SREBP-1c gene were selected and genotyped in 593 patients with NAFLD and 593 healthy controls. Unconditional logistic regression was performed to assess the risk of NAFLD by determining odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). No significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies of these four SNPs were found between the NAFLD population and the controls (all P > 0.05). In addition, we did not find any association between the SREBF-1c SNPs and the clinical and biochemical parameters, such as body mass index, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol or systolic and diastolic blood pressure, except that the rs2297508 C-allele or rs11868035 G-allele showed significant associations with lower triglyceride levels in control subjects (P < 0.01). Our findings suggested that the four polymorphisms in SREBF-1c gene are not associated with risk of NAFLD in the Chinese Han population.
Polyurethane scaffolds seeded with CD34+ cells maintain early stem cells whilst also facilitating prolonged egress of haematopoietic progenitors
Authors: Severn Charlotte E. , Macedo Hugo , Eagle Mark J. , Rooney Paul , Mantalaris Athanasios , Toye Ashley M.
Published: August 2016

We describe a 3D erythroid culture system that utilises a porous polyurethane (PU) scaffold to mimic the compartmentalisation found in the bone marrow. PU scaffolds seeded with peripheral blood CD34+ cells exhibit a remarkable reproducibility of egress, with an increased output when directly compared to human bone scaffolds over 28 days. Immunofluorescence demonstrated the persistence of CD34+ cells within the scaffolds for the entirety of the culture. To characterise scaffold outputs, we designed a flow cytometry panel that utilises surface marker expression observed in standard 2D erythroid and megakaryocyte cultures. This showed that the egress population is comprised of haematopoietic progenitor cells (CD36+GPA−/low). Control cultures conducted in parallel but in the absence of a scaffold were also generally maintained for the longevity of the culture albeit with a higher level of cell death. The harvested scaffold egress can also be expanded and differentiated to the reticulocyte stage. In summary, PU scaffolds can behave as a subtractive compartmentalised culture system retaining and allowing maintenance of the seeded “CD34+ cell” population despite this population decreasing in amount as the culture progresses, whilst also facilitating egress of increasingly differentiated cells.
Graphene Dendrimer-stabilized silver nanoparticles for detection of methimazole using Surface-enhanced Raman scattering with computational assignment
Authors: Saleh Tawfik A. , Al-Shalalfeh Mutasem M. , Al-Saadi Abdulaziz A.
Published: August 2016

Graphene functionalized with polyamidoamine dendrimer, decorated with silver nanoparticles (G-D-Ag), was synthesized and evaluated as a substrate with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for methimazole (MTZ) detection. Sodium borohydride was used as a reducing agent to cultivate silver nanoparticles on the dendrimer. The obtained G-D-Ag was characterized by using UV-vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier-transformed infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy. The SEM image indicated the successful formation of the G-D-Ag. The behavior of MTZ on the G-D-Ag as a reliable and robust substrate was investigated by SERS, which indicated mostly a chemical interaction between G-D-Ag and MTZ. The bands of the MTZ normal spectra at 1538, 1463, 1342, 1278, 1156, 1092, 1016, 600, 525 and 410 cm−1 were enhanced due to the SERS effect. Correlations between the logarithmical scale of MTZ concentrations and SERS signal intensities were established, and a low detection limit of 1.43 × 10−12 M was successfully obtained. The density functional theory (DFT) approach was utilized to provide reliable assignment of the key Raman bands.
Complementarity effects on tree growth are contingent on tree size and climatic conditions across Europe
Authors: Madrigal-González Jaime , Ruiz-Benito Paloma , Ratcliffe Sophia , Calatayud Joaquín , Kändler Gerald , Lehtonen Aleksi , Dahlgren Jonas , Wirth Christian , Zavala Miguel A.
Published: August 2016

Neglecting tree size and stand structure dynamics might bias the interpretation of the diversity-productivity relationship in forests. Here we show evidence that complementarity is contingent on tree size across large-scale climatic gradients in Europe. We compiled growth data of the 14 most dominant tree species in 32,628 permanent plots covering boreal, temperate and Mediterranean forest biomes. Niche complementarity is expected to result in significant growth increments of trees surrounded by a larger proportion of functionally dissimilar neighbours. Functional dissimilarity at the tree level was assessed using four functional types: i.e. broad-leaved deciduous, broad-leaved evergreen, needle-leaved deciduous and needle-leaved evergreen. Using Linear Mixed Models we show that, complementarity effects depend on tree size along an energy availability gradient across Europe. Specifically: (i) complementarity effects at low and intermediate positions of the gradient (coldest-temperate areas) were stronger for small than for large trees; (ii) in contrast, at the upper end of the gradient (warmer regions), complementarity is more widespread in larger than smaller trees, which in turn showed negative growth responses to increased functional dissimilarity. Our findings suggest that the outcome of species mixing on stand productivity might critically depend on individual size distribution structure along gradients of environmental variation.
Abcb1 in Pigs: Molecular cloning, tissues distribution, functional analysis, and its effect on pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin
Authors: Guo Tingting , Huang Jinhu , Zhang Hongyu , Dong Lingling , Guo Dawei , Guo Li , He Fang , Bhutto Zohaib Ahmed , Wang Liping
Published: August 2016

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is one of the best-known ATP-dependent efflux transporters, contributing to differences in pharmacokinetics and drug-drug interactions. Until now, studies on pig P-gp have been scarce. In our studies, the full-length porcine P-gp cDNA was cloned and expressed in a Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell line. P-gp expression was then determined in tissues and its role in the pharmacokinetics of oral enrofloxacin in pigs was studied. The coding region of pig Abcb1 gene was 3,861 bp, encoding 1,286 amino acid residues (Mw = 141,966). Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close evolutionary relationship between porcine P-gp and those of cow and sheep. Pig P-gp was successfully stably overexpressed in MDCK cells and had efflux activity for rhodamine 123, a substrate of P-gp. Tissue distribution analysis indicated that P-gp was highly expressed in brain capillaries, small intestine, and liver. In MDCK-pAbcb1 cells, enrofloxacin was transported by P-gp with net efflux ratio of 2.48 and the efflux function was blocked by P-gp inhibitor verapamil. High expression of P-gp in the small intestine could modify the pharmacokinetics of orally administrated enrofloxacin by increasing the Cmax, AUC and Ka, which was demonstrated using verapamil, an inhibitor of P-gp.
Non-Motor symptoms in Portuguese Parkinson’s Disease patients: correlation and impact on Quality of Life and Activities of Daily Living
Authors: Bugalho Paulo , Lampreia Tânia , Miguel Rita , Mendonça Marcelo D. , Caetano André , Barbosa Raquel
Published: August 2016

The prevalence of non-motor symptoms (NMS) in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) has varied between studies. Their interrelation isn’t totally understood. Also, the relative importance of each symptom, regarding its impact on activities of daily living (ADL) and health related quality of life (HRQL), remains debatable. We assessed all PD patients attending a Portuguese tertiary movement disorders center during one year (n = 134), with ADL, HRQL and other clinical scales approved for identifying the most relevant NMS in PD. All patients had at least one NMS. Sleep/fatigue, affect/cognition, attention/memory were the most frequent complaints and their prevalence, above 80%, was higher than in most studies. There were significantly correlations between: sleepiness, psychosis and cognition; gastrointestinal, cardiovascular symptoms and pain; depression and apathy; anxiety and insomnia; olfaction, weight and hyperhidrosis. Depression/apathy exerted the strongest influence on HRQL and non-tremor motor dysfunction on ADL. Compared to studies in other countries, we found a higher prevalence of NMS, which could be specific of this population. The interrelation between NMS could be related to degeneration of different brain structures. NMS exert a stronger influence than MS in HRQL, which should be taken in account regarding treatment options.
A Na+ Superionic Conductor for Room-Temperature Sodium Batteries
Authors: Song Shufeng , Duong Hai M. , Korsunsky Alexander M. , Hu Ning , Lu Li
Published: August 2016

Rechargeable lithium ion batteries have ruled the consumer electronics market for the past 20 years and have great significance in the growing number of electric vehicles and stationary energy storage applications. However, in addition to concerns about electrochemical performance, the limited availability of lithium is gradually becoming an important issue for further continued use and development of lithium ion batteries. Therefore, a significant shift in attention has been taking place towards new types of rechargeable batteries such as sodium-based systems that have low cost. Another important aspect of sodium battery is its potential compatibility with the all-solid-state design where solid electrolyte is used to replace liquid one, leading to simple battery design, long life span, and excellent safety. The key to the success of all-solid-state battery design is the challenge of finding solid electrolytes possessing acceptable high ionic conductivities at room temperature. Herein, we report a novel sodium superionic conductor with NASICON structure, Na3.1Zr1.95Mg0.05Si2PO12 that shows high room-temperature ionic conductivity of 3.5 × 10−3 S cm−1. We also report successful fabrication of a room-temperature solid-state Na-S cell using this conductor.
Dynamic transition of neuronal firing induced by abnormal astrocytic glutamate oscillation
Authors: Li Jiajia , Tang Jun , Ma Jun , Du Mengmeng , Wang Rong , Wu Ying
Published: August 2016

The gliotransmitter glutamate released from astrocytes can modulate neuronal firing by activating neuronal N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors. This enables astrocytic glutamate(AG) to be involved in neuronal physiological and pathological functions. Based on empirical results and classical neuron-glial “tripartite synapse” model, we propose a practical model to describe extracellular AG oscillation, in which the fluctuation of AG depends on the threshold of calcium concentration and the effect of AG degradation is considered as well. We predict the seizure-like discharges under the dysfunction of AG degradation duration. Consistent with our prediction, the suppression of AG uptake by astrocytic transporters, which operates by modulating the AG degradation process, can account for the emergence of epilepsy.
Physiological basis for low-temperature survival and storage of quiescent larvae of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Koštál Vladimír , Korbelová Jaroslava , Štětina Tomáš , Poupardin Rodolphe , Colinet Hervé , Zahradníčková Helena , Opekarová Iva , Moos Martin , Šimek Petr
Published: August 2016

The cryopreservation techniques proposed for embryos of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster are not yet ready for practical use. Alternative methods for long-term storage of D. melanogaster strains, although urgently needed, do not exist. Herein, we describe a narrow interval of low temperatures under which the larvae of D. melanogaster can be stored in quiescence for up to two months. The development of larvae was arrested at the pre-wandering stage under fluctuating thermal regime (FTR), which simultaneously resulted in diminishing the accumulation of indirect chill injuries. Our physiological, metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that compared to larvae stored at constant low temperatures, the larvae stored under FTR conditions were able to decrease the rates of depletion of energy substrates, exploited brief warm episodes of FTR for homeostatic control of metabolite levels and more efficiently exerted protection against oxidative damage.
SOX9-regulated cell plasticity in colorectal metastasis is attenuated by rapamycin
Authors: Carrasco-Garcia Estefania , Lopez Lidia , Aldaz Paula , Arevalo Sara , Aldaregia Juncal , Egaña Larraitz , Bujanda Luis , Cheung Martin , Sampron Nicolas , Garcia Idoia , Matheu Ander
Published: August 2016

The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis proposes a hierarchical organization of tumors, in which stem-like cells sustain tumors and drive metastasis. The molecular mechanisms underlying the acquisition of CSCs and metastatic traits are not well understood. SOX9 is a transcription factor linked to stem cell maintenance and commonly overexpressed in solid cancers including colorectal cancer. In this study, we show that SOX9 levels are higher in metastatic (SW620) than in primary colorectal cancer cells (SW480) derived from the same patient. This elevated expression correlated with enhanced self-renewal activity. By gain and loss-of-function studies in SW480 and SW620 cells respectively, we reveal that SOX9 levels modulate tumorsphere formation and self-renewal ability in vitro and tumor initiation in vivo. Moreover, SOX9 regulates migration and invasion and triggers the transition between epithelial and mesenchymal states. These activities are partially dependent on SOX9 post-transcriptional modifications. Importantly, treatment with rapamycin inhibits self-renewal and tumor growth in a SOX9-dependent manner. These results identify a functional role for SOX9 in regulating colorectal cancer cell plasticity and metastasis and provide a strong rationale for a rapamycin-based therapeutic strategy.
Incorporation of non-canonical amino acids into the developing murine proteome
Authors: Calve Sarah , Witten Andrew J. , Ocken Alexander R. , Kinzer-Ursem Tamara L.
Published: August 2016

Analysis of the developing proteome has been complicated by a lack of tools that can be easily employed to label and identify newly synthesized proteins within complex biological mixtures. Here, we demonstrate that the methionine analogs azidohomoalanine and homopropargylglycine can be globally incorporated into the proteome of mice through facile intraperitoneal injections. These analogs contain bio-orthogonal chemical handles to which fluorescent tags can be conjugated to identify newly synthesized proteins. We show these non-canonical amino acids are incorporated into various tissues in juvenile mice and in a concentration dependent manner. Furthermore, administration of these methionine analogs to pregnant dams during a critical stage of murine development, E10.5–12.5 when many tissues are assembling, does not overtly disrupt development as assessed by proteomic analysis and normal parturition and growth of pups. This successful demonstration that non-canonical amino acids can be directly administered in vivo will enable future studies that seek to characterize the murine proteome during growth, disease and repair.
In vivo mutagenesis of miRNA gene families using a scalable multiplexed CRISPR/Cas9 nuclease system
Authors: Narayanan Anand , Hill-Teran Guillermina , Moro Albertomaria , Ristori Emma , Kasper Dionna M. , A. Roden Christine , Lu Jun , Nicoli Stefania
Published: August 2016

A large number of microRNAs (miRNAs) are grouped into families derived from the same phylogenetic ancestors. miRNAs within a family often share the same physiological functions despite differences in their primary sequences, secondary structures, or chromosomal locations. Consequently, the generation of animal models to analyze the activity of miRNA families is extremely challenging. Using zebrafish as a model system, we successfully provide experimental evidence that a large number of miRNAs can be simultaneously mutated to abrogate the activity of an entire miRNA family. We show that injection of the Cas9 nuclease and two, four, ten and up to twenty-four multiplexed single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) can induce mutations in 90% of the miRNA genomic sequences analyzed. We performed a survey of these 45 mutations in 10 miRNA genes, analyzing the impact of our mutagenesis strategy on the processing of each miRNA both computationally and in vivo. Our results offer an effective approach to mutate and study the activity of miRNA families and pave the way for further analysis on the function of complex miRNA families in higher multicellular organisms.
Function of RSKS-1-AAK-2-DAF-16 signaling cascade in enhancing toxicity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes can be suppressed by mir-259 activation in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Zhuang Ziheng , Li Min , Liu Hui , Luo Libo , Gu Weidong , Wu Qiuli , Wang Dayong
Published: August 2016

Caenorhabditis elegansis an important non-mammalian alternative assay model for toxicological study. Previous study has indicated that exposure to multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) dysregulated the transcriptional expression ofmir-259. In this study, we examined the molecular basis formir-259in regulating MWCNTs toxicity in nematodes. Mutation ofmir-259induced a susceptible property to MWCNTs toxicity and MWCNTs exposure induced a significant increase inmir-259::GFPin pharyngeal/intestinal valve and reproductive tract, implying thatmir-259might mediate a protection mechanisms for nematodes against MWCNTs toxicity. RSKS-1, a putative ribosomal protein S6 kinase, acted as the target formir-259in regulating MWCNTs toxicity and mutation ofrsks-1suppressed the susceptible property ofmir-259mutant to MWCNTs toxicity. Moreover,mir-259functioned in pharynx-intestinal valve and RSKS-1 functioned in pharynx to regulate MWCNTs toxicity. Furthermore, RSKS-1 regulated MWCNTs toxicity by suppressing the function of AAK-2-DAF-16 signaling cascade. Our results will strengthen our understanding the microRNAs mediated protection mechanisms for animals against the toxicity from certain nanomaterials.
Spin-orbit coupling control of anisotropy, ground state and frustration in 5d2 Sr2MgOsO6
Authors: Morrow Ryan , Taylor Alice E. , Singh D. J. , Xiong Jie , Rodan Steven , Wolter A. U. B. , Wurmehl Sabine , Büchner Bernd , Stone M. B. , Kolesnikov A. I. , Aczel Adam A. , Christianson A. D. , Woodward Patrick M.
Published: August 2016

The influence of spin-orbit coupling (SOC) on the physical properties of the 5d2 system Sr2MgOsO6 is probed via a combination of magnetometry, specific heat measurements, elastic and inelastic neutron scattering and density functional theory calculations. Although a significant degree of frustration is expected, we find that Sr2MgOsO6 orders in a type I antiferromagnetic structure at the remarkably high temperature of 108 K. The measurements presented allow for the first accurate quantification of the size of the magnetic moment in a 5d2 system of 0.60(2) μB –a significantly reduced moment from the expected value for such a system. Furthermore, significant anisotropy is identified via a spin excitation gap and we confirm by first principles calculations that SOC not only provides the magnetocrystalline anisotropy, but also plays a crucial role in determining both the ground state magnetic order and the size of the local moment in this compound. Through comparison to Sr2ScOsO6, it is demonstrated that SOC-induced anisotropy has the ability to relieve frustration in 5d2 systems relative to their 5d3 counterparts, providing an explanation of the high TN found in Sr2MgOsO6.
Quantitative analysis and measurement of carbon isotopic compositions in individual fluid inclusions by micro-laser Raman spectrometry
Authors: Li Jiajia , Li Rongxi , Zhao Bangsheng , Wang Ning , Cheng Jinghua
Published: August 2016

Micro-laser Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive technique to quantitatively determine the carbon isotopic compositions of CO2 in individual fluid inclusions.
Knot theory in modern chemistry
Authors: Horner Kate E. , Miller Mark A. , Steed Jonathan W. , Sutcliffe Paul M.
Published: August 2016

This tutorial review provides an introduction to the mathematics of knots and topological concepts in the context of the chemical sciences.
Direct fabrication of catalytically active FexC sites by sol–gel autocombustion for preparing Fischer–Tropsch synthesis catalysts without reduction
Authors: Phienluphon Rungravee , Ai Peipei , Gao Xinhua , Yoneyama Yoshiharu , Reubroycharoen Prasert , Vitidsant Tharapong , Tsubaki Noritatsu
Published: August 2016

A new novel modified sol–gel autocombustion method was used to synthesize the highly active Fe carbide directly without further reduction for FTS which consequently gave high performance.
Photocontrolled proton transfer in solution and polymers using a novel photoacid with strong C–H acidity
Authors: Yang Chun , Khalil Thaaer , Liao Yi
Published: August 2016

A easily-prepared photoacid with low O–H dark acidity and high C–H photoacidity reversibly protonated different acidochromic dyes in polymer films.
Curing kinetics, thermal and mechanical properties of TDE-85 modified by bicyclo-benzoxazine
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Wang Rumin , Farhan Shameel , Jiang Hao , Wang Ningning , Yuan Liu
Published: August 2016

To reduce the curing temperature and also to enhance the mechanical properties and the heat resistance of diglycidyl-4,5-epoxy-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (TDE-85), it was crosslinked with DDS by using a synthesized BOZ crosslinker.
Superhydrophobic magnetic nanoparticle-free fatty acid regenerated from waste cooking oil for the enrichment of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sewage sludges and landfill leachates
Authors: Mahmad Rozi Siti Khalijah , Bakhshaei Shabnam , Abdul Manan Ninie Suhana , Mohamad Sharifah
Published: August 2016

In this study, Fe3O4 nanoparticles grafted with superhydrophobic free fatty acids from waste cooking oil (FFA@MNP) were successfully fabricated as an adsorbent for the magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) technique.
Preparation of antibacterial keratin fabrics via UV curing and click chemistry
Authors: Hu Yi , Wang Wei , Yu Dan
Published: August 2016

A clean and cost-effective surface modification method of keratin fabrics was proposed by UV curing and thiolene click reaction.
Interplay of structural and compositional effects on carrier recombination in mixed-halide perovskites
Authors: Talbert Eric M. , Zarick Holly F. , Orfield Noah J. , Li Wei , Erwin William R. , DeBra Zachary R. , Reid Kemar R. , McDonald Christopher P. , McBride James R. , Valentine Jason , Rosenthal Sandra J. , Bardhan Rizia
Published: August 2016

We investigate the effect of grain structure and bromide content on charge transport in methylammonium lead iodide/bromide perovskites by probing the steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence of planar films with distinct morphologies.
Synthesis and characterization of CoCuMnOx spinel ceramic thin films for spectral selectivity absorption
Authors: Ma Pengjun , Geng Qingfen , Gao Xianghu , Zhou Tianhong , Yang Shengrong , Liu Gang
Published: August 2016

CoCuMnOx ceramic films were deposited on stainless steel (SS) substrates by a convenient and innovative aqueous solution chemical method.
A green synthetic approach to synthesizing diverse 2-pyridones for their exceptional UV shielding functions
Authors: Bautista Maezono Shizuka Mei , Poudel Tej Narayan , Xia Likai , Lee Yong Rok
Published: August 2016

An efficient catalyst- and solvent-free multicomponent reaction of 4-oxo-4H-chromene-3-carbaldehydes with malonates and ammonium acetate was developed for diverse N-nonsubstituted 2-pyridones.
Steering the formation of supported Pt–Sn nanoalloys by reactive metal–oxide interaction
Authors: Neitzel Armin , Kovács Gábor , Lykhach Yaroslava , Tsud Nataliya , Kozlov Sergey M. , Skála Tomáš , Vorokhta Mykhailo , Matolín Vladimír , Neyman Konstantin M. , Libuda Jörg
Published: August 2016

The thermodynamically favorable bulk and surface Pt/Sn stoichiometries drive the growth of the Pt–Sn nanoalloy upon Pt deposition onto a Sn–CeO2 substrate at 300 K under ultra-high vacuum conditions.
Mononuclear copper(ii) complexes of an arylhydrazone of 1H-indene-1,3(2H)-dione as catalysts for the oxidation of 1-phenylethanol in ionic liquid medium
Authors: Tiago Gonçalo A. O. , Ribeiro Ana P. C. , Mahmudov Kamran T. , Guedes da Silva M. Fátima C. , Branco Luís C. , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: August 2016

CuII complexes of an arylhydrazone of 1H-indene-1,3(2H)-dione act as homogeneous catalysts for the microwave-assisted peroxidative oxidation of alcohols in ionic liquid medium.
Combatting AMR: photoactivatable ruthenium(ii)-isoniazid complex exhibits rapid selective antimycobacterial activity
Authors: Smith Nichola A. , Zhang Pingyu , Greenough Simon E. , Horbury Michael D. , Clarkson Guy J. , McFeely Daniel , Habtemariam Abraha , Salassa Luca , Stavros Vasilios G. , Dowson Christopher G. , Sadler Peter J.
Published: August 2016

The Ru(ii) complex,cis-[Ru(bpy)2(INH)2]2+is inactive in the dark but highly active towards mycobacteria on photoactivation with visible light when it releases the antituberculosis drug isoniazid (INH).
Mesoporous self-assembled nanoparticles of biotransesterified cyclodextrins and nonlamellar lipids as carriers of water-insoluble substances
Authors: Zerkoune Leïla , Lesieur Sylviane , Putaux Jean-Luc , Choisnard Luc , Gèze Annabelle , Wouessidjewe Denis , Angelov Borislav , Vebert-Nardin Corinne , Doutch James , Angelova Angelina
Published: August 2016

Biotransesterified cyclodextrin βCD-nC10 induces Im3m cubic lattice nanostructures in host Pn3m monoglyceride lipid assemblies as evidenced by SAXS and cryo-TEM (FFT) analyses.
Experimental and computational studies of formic acid dehydrogenation over PdAu: influence of ensemble and ligand effects on catalysis
Authors: Lee Jin Hee , Cho Jinwon , Jeon Mina , Ridwan Muhammad , Park Hyun S. , Choi Sun Hee , Nam Suk Woo , Han Jonghee , Lim Tae-Hoon , Ham Hyung Chul , Yoon Chang Won
Published: August 2016

Au alloying into Pd can greatly improve the catalytic activity for FA dehydrogenation. Distinct PdAu surface ensembles are prepared and the Au alloying effects are revealed by experimental and theoretical examinations.
Screening for Language Delay: Growth Trajectories of Language Ability in Low- and High-Performing Children
Authors: Klem Marianne , Hagtvet Bente , Hulme Charles , Gustafsson Jan-Eric
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This study investigated the stability and growth of preschool language skills and explores latent class analysis as an approach for identifying children at risk of language impairment.

Method

The authors present data from a large-scale 2-year longitudinal study, in which 600 children were assessed with a language-screening tool (LANGUAGE4) at age 4 years. A subsample (
n
= 206) was assessed on measures of sentence repetition, vocabulary, and grammatical knowledge at ages 4, 5, and 6 years.

Results

A global latent language factor showed a high degree of longitudinal stability in children between the ages of 4 to 6 years. A low-performing group showing a language deficit compared to their age peers at age 4 was identified on the basis of the LANGUAGE4. The growth-rates during this 2-year time period were parallel for the low-performing and 3 higher performing groups of children.

Conclusions

There is strong stability in children's language skills between the ages of 4 and 6 years. The results demonstrate that a simple language screening measure can successfully identify a low-performing group of children who show persistent language weaknesses between the ages of 4 and 6 years.
EO polymer at cryogenic temperatures
Authors: Park D.H. , Yun V. , Luo J. , Jen A.K.‐Y. , Herman W.N.
Published: August 2016

Electro‐optic (EO) properties at 7 K of a guest–host type nonlinear poled polymer system consisting of AJLZ53 chromophores in an amorphous polycarbonate host are reported for the first time. A modified attenuated total reflection method that takes into account multilayer structure is used to accurately characterise linear and nonlinear optical properties. At the telecommunication wavelength of 1550 nm, <10% drop of the EO coefficient r33 at 7 K is observed compared with that at 300 K, while n3r33 only decreases <5% because of increased anisotropic indices of refraction at low temperatures. This decrease of the r33 at 7 K indicates that the EO activity of nonlinear polymers at room temperatures is not of pure electronic origin because of vibrational mode contributions to the first‐order hyperpolarisability.
Kirchhoff's current law as local cloaking condition: theory and applications
Authors: Labate G. , Matekovits L.
Published: August 2016

Starting from the electric field integral equation (EFIE), it is shown how, for quasi‐static cloaking (i.e. zero scattered fields), the EFIE can be reduced to classical Kirchhoff's current law (KCL). The KCL, if considered according to all‐dielectric or metal‐dielectric structures, is demonstrated to realise devices based on plasmonic or mantle cloaking, respectively. The KCL generalises scattering cancellation theory for arbitrary shape devices in homogeneous backgrounds and it can be extended as a local cloaking condition beyond quasi‐static regime. A cloaking device can be seen as a node (i.e. no current source or sink) that ensures all current densities to be compensated even for more complicated low scattering devices.
Radar HRRP recognition based on discriminant deep autoencoders with small training data size
Authors: Mian Pan , Jie Jiang , Zhu Li , Jing Cao , Tao Zhou
Published: August 2016

A novel radar high resolution range profile (HRRP) recognition method based on discriminant deep autoencoders is proposed to enhance the classification performance with limited training samples. Compared with the conventional models, the proposed method not only extracts high‐level feature which can reflect physical structure of HRRP, but also trains HRRP samples globally to reduce the requirement of the training data. The experiment based on the measured data demonstrates the physical meanings of the extracted feature. Moreover, the recognition performance of the proposed method consistently outperforms the conventional models, and the improvement become more significant with smaller training data size.
Voltage security regions considering wind power curtailment to prevent cascading trip faults in wind power integration areas
Authors: Niu Tao , Guo Qinglai , Sun Hongbin , Wang Bin , Zhang Boming
Published: August 2016

Hundreds of cascading trip faults have occurred in recent years in Chinese wind farms, leading to challenges in the secure operation of the power system. To prevent cascading trip faults, the concept of a voltage security region (VSR) has been discussed in previous studies. However, the VSR proposed in previous work cannot provide decoupled voltage control ranges for each wind farm, which would be a more promising and applicable solution for wind farms in China. In addition, with increasing wind farm active power penetration, the VSR of a wind power integration area may not exist. In this situation, the control centre must curtail some wind power to guarantee security. Thus, this study proposes an iterative VSR model to guarantee secure operation and obtain a larger VSR in wind farms considering wind power curtailment. In each wind farm, the VSR is designed to guarantee normal operation of each wind turbine generator, while in the control centre, the region is designed to guarantee normal operation both under normal conditions and N–1 contingencies considering wind power curtailment. The proposed VSR demonstrated good performance in a simple test case and in a real system in Northern China using a Monte Carlo method.
Pain, Quality of Life, and Clinical Outcomes after Robotic Lobectomy
Authors: Mosala Nezhad Zahra , Kahn David , Steyaert Arnaud , Poncelet Alain , Pieters Thierry , Noirhomme Philippe , Lacroix Valerie
Published: August 2016

Background To evaluate pulmonary function, pain, and quality of life at midterm after robotic lobectomy performed in a single institution.

Methods Sixty-five consecutive patients underwent robotic thoracic surgery over 32 months using a complete four-arm portal technique. Sixty-one patients underwent lobectomies predominantly for stage I non–small cell lung cancer. Pulmonary function tests were repeated at midterm follow-up. Pain and quality of life were evaluated during the follow-up on a subgroup of 39 patients, excluding the learning period.

Results At a mean of 7-month follow-up, there was no significant difference in preoperative and midterm postoperative pulmonary function. A total of 62.5% of the patients reported a variable intensity of discomfort or pain at the surgical site, with a mean pain intensity score of 2.1 ± 1.4. Mean pain interference score were weak (1.8 ± 1.9), with patients with moderate pain reporting significantly higher pain interference scores than those with mild pain (p = 0.0025). Only one patient suffered from neuropathic-like pain. Quality of life was globally favorable and related to the pain level, with a significant interference on the physical component.

Conclusion Robotic lobectomy does not appear to have an impact on midterm pulmonary function. Persistent postoperative pain is mild, nonneuropathic-like, with weak interference on daily activities. Quality of life is satisfactory but related to the pain level.
Perspective: Ultrafast magnetism and THz spintronics
Authors: Walowski Jakob , Münzenberg Markus
Published: August 2016

This year the discovery of femtosecond demagnetization by laser pulses is 20 years old. For the first time, this milestone work by Bigot and coworkers gave insight directly into the time scales of microscopic interactions that connect the spin and electron system. While intense discussions in the field were fueled by the complexity of the processes in the past, it now became evident that it is a puzzle of many different parts. Rather than providing an overview that has been presented in previous reviews on ultrafast processes in ferromagnets, this perspective will show that with our current depth of knowledge the first applications are developed: THz spintronics and all-optical spin manipulation are becoming more and more feasible. The aim of this perspective is to point out where we can connect the different puzzle pieces of understanding gathered over 20 years to develop novel applications. Based on many observations in a large number of experiments. Differences in the theoretical models arise from the localized and delocalized nature of ferromagnetism. Transport effects are intrinsically non-local in spintronic devices and at interfaces. We review the need for multiscale modeling to address the processes starting from electronic excitation of the spin system on the picometer length scale and sub-femtosecond time scale, to spin wave generation, and towards the modeling of ultrafast phase transitions that altogether determine the response time of the ferromagnetic system. Today, our current understanding gives rise to the first usage of ultrafast spin physics for ultrafast magnetism control: THz spintronic devices. This makes the field of ultrafast spin-dynamics an emerging topic open for many researchers right now.
Low-temperature piezoresponse force microscopy on barium titanate
Authors: Döring Jonathan , Eng Lukas M. , Kehr Susanne C.
Published: August 2016

Piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) is a well-established method to study ferroelectric domains on the nanometer length scale. Here, we apply low-temperature PFM and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) to investigate the domain configuration of (111)-oriented barium titanate in the temperature range from 150 K to 290 K. We are able to identify all three ferroelectric phases and domain orientations from the combined PFM, KPFM, and topographic data. Ferroelectric phase transitions manifest in changes of the piezoelectric tensor elements as well as in variations of the spatial domain arrangement. A complete reordering of domains occurs exclusively upon the rhombohedral-to-orthorhombic phase transition during heating.
First-principles study of the optoelectronic properties and photovoltaic absorber layer efficiency of Cu-based chalcogenides
Authors: Sarmadian N. , Saniz R. , Partoens B. , Lamoen D.
Published: August 2016

Cu-based chalcogenides are promising materials for thin-film solar cells with more than 20% measured cell efficiency. Using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory, the optoelectronic properties of a group of Cu-based chalcogenides Cu2-II-IV-VI4 is studied. They are then screened with the aim of identifying potential absorber materials for photovoltaic applications. The spectroscopic limited maximum efficiency (SLME) introduced by Yu and Zunger [Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 068701 (2012)] is used as a metric for the screening. After constructing the current-voltage curve, the SLME is calculated from the maximum power output. The role of the nature of the band gap, direct or indirect, and also of the absorptivity of the studied materials on the maximum theoretical power conversion efficiency is studied. Our results show that Cu2II-GeSe4 with II = Cd and Hg, and Cu2-II-SnS4 with II = Cd, Hg, and Zn have a higher theoretical efficiency compared with the materials currently used as absorber layer.
Shock initiation of explosives: Temperature spikes and growth spurts
Authors: Bassett Will P. , Dlott Dana D.
Published: August 2016

When energetic materials are subjected to high-velocity impacts, the first steps in the shock-to-detonation transition are the creation, ignition, and growth of hot spots. We used 1–3.2 km s−1 laser-launched flyer plates to impact powdered octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine, a powerful explosive, and monitored hundreds of emission bursts with an apparatus that determined temperature and emissivity at all times. The time-dependent volume fraction of hot spots was determined by measuring the time-dependent emissivity. After the shock, most hot spots extinguished, but the survivors smoldered for hundreds of nanoseconds until their temperatures spiked, causing a hot spot growth spurt. Depending on the impact duration, the growth spurts could be as fast as 300 ns and as slow as 13 μs.
Translation-rotation states of H2 in C60: New insights from a perturbation-theory treatment
Authors: Felker Peter M. , Bačić Zlatko
Published: August 2016

We report an investigation of the translation-rotation (TR) level structure of H2 entrapped in C60, in the rigid-monomer approximation, by means of a low-order perturbation theory (PT). We focus in particular on the degree to which PT can accurately account for that level structure, by comparison with the variational quantum five-dimensional calculations. To apply PT to the system, the interaction potential of H2@C60 is decomposed into a sum over bipolar spherical tensors. A zeroth-order Hamiltonian, Hˆ0, is then constructed as the sum of the TR kinetic-energy operator and the one term in the tensor decomposition of the potential that depends solely on the radial displacement of the H2 center of mass (c.m.) from the cage center. The remaining terms in the potential are treated as perturbations. The eigenstates of Hˆ0, constructed to also account for the coupling of the angular momentum of the H2 c.m. about the cage center with the rotational angular momentum of the H2 about the c.m., are taken as the PT zeroth-order states. This zeroth-order level structure is shown to be an excellent approximation to the true one except for two types of TR-level splittings present in the latter. We then show that first-order PT accounts very well for these splittings, with respect to both their patterns and magnitudes. This allows one to connect specific features of the level structure with specific features of the potential-energy surface, and provides important new physical insight into the characteristics of the TR level structure.