bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stepping Stones to the Neolithic? Radiocarbon Dating the Early Neolithic on Islands Within the ‘Western Seaways’ of Britain
Authors: Garrow Duncan , Griffiths Seren , Anderson-Whymark Hugo , Sturt Fraser
Published: September 2017

The western seaways – an arc of sea stretching from the Channel Islands in the south, up through the Isles of Scilly, the Isle of Man, and the Outer Hebrides to Orkney in the north – have long been seen as crucial to our understanding of the processes which led to the arrival of the Neolithic in Britain and Ireland in the centuries around 4000 cal bc. The western seaways have not, however, been considered in detail within any of the recent studies addressing the radiocarbon chronology of the earliest Neolithic in that wider region. This paper presents a synthesis of all existing 5th and 4th millennia cal bc radiocarbon dates from islands within the western seaways, including 50 new results obtained specifically for this study. While the focus here is insular in a literal sense, the project’s results have far reaching implications for our understanding of the Mesolithic–Neolithic transition in Britain and Ireland and beyond. The findings broadly fit well with the Gathering Time model of Whittle et al., suggesting that the earliest dated Neolithic in this zone falls into the c. 3900–3700 cal bc bracket. However, it is also noted that our current chronological understanding is based on comparatively few dates spread across a large area. Consequently, it is suggested that both further targeted work and an approach that incorporates an element of typo-chronology (as well as absolute dating) is necessary if we are to move forward our understanding of the processes associated with the appearance of the first Neolithic material culture and practices in this key region.
Thin blue lines: product placement and the drama of pregnancy testing in British cinema and television
Authors: OLSZYNKO-GRYN JESSE
Published: September 2017

This article uses the case of pregnancy testing in Britain to investigate the process whereby new and often controversial reproductive technologies are made visible and normalized in mainstream entertainment media. It shows how in the 1980s and 1990s the then nascent product placement industry was instrumental in embedding pregnancy testing in British cinema and television's dramatic productions. In this period, the pregnancy-test close-up became a conventional trope and the thin blue lines associated with Unilever's Clearblue rose to prominence in mainstream consumer culture. This article investigates the aestheticization of pregnancy testing and shows how increasingly visible public concerns about ‘schoolgirl mums’, abortion and the biological clock, dramatized on the big and small screen, propelled the commercial rise of Clearblue. It argues that the Clearblue close-up ambiguously concealed as much as it revealed; abstraction, ambiguity and flexibility were its keys to success.
‘A machine for recreating life’: an introduction to reproduction on film
Authors: OLSZYNKO-GRYN JESSE , ELLIS PATRICK
Published: September 2017

Reproduction is one of the most persistently generative themes in the history of science and cinema. Cabbage fairies, clones and monstrous creations have fascinated filmmakers and audiences for more than a century. Today we have grown accustomed not only to the once controversial portrayals of sperm, eggs and embryos in biology and medicine, but also to the artificial wombs and dystopian futures of science fiction and fantasy. Yet, while scholars have examined key films and genres, especially in response to the recent cycle of Hollywood ‘mom coms’, the analytic potential of reproduction on film as a larger theme remains largely untapped. This introduction to a special issue aims to consolidate a disparate literature by exploring diverse strands of film studies that are rarely considered in the same frame. It traces the contours of a little-studied history, pauses to consider in greater detail a few particularly instructive examples, and underscores some promising lines of inquiry. Along the way, it introduces the six original articles that constituteReproduction on Film.
Foraging behaviour of the exotic waspVespula germanica(Hymenoptera: Vespidae) on a native caterpillar defoliator
Authors: Pietrantuono A.L. , Moreyra S. , Lozada M.
Published: September 2017

Vespula germanicais a social wasp and an opportunistic predator. While foraging, these wasps learn and integrate different kinds of cues. They have successfully invaded many parts of the world, including nativeNothofagusandLophozoniaforests located in the Andean-Patagonian region, where they forage on native arthropods.Perzelia arda,a lepidopteron defoliator ofLophozonia obliqua,uses the foliage to hide in and feed on. The purpose of this work is to study whetherV. germanicause olfactory cues when foraging onP. arda. To do this, we used a Y-tube olfactometer and established three treatments to compare pairs of all combinations of stimuli (larvae, leaves with larval traces, and leaves without larval traces) and controls. Data were analysed via two developed models that showed decisions made byV. germanicaand allowed to establish a scale of preferences between the stimuli. The analysis demonstrates thatV. germanicawasps chooseP. ardaas larval prey and are capable of discriminating between the offered stimuli (deviance information criterion (DIC) null model = 873.97; DIC simple model = 84.5,n= 152). According to the preference scale,V. germanicapreferred leaves with traces of larvae,suggesting its ability to associate these traces with the presence of the prey. This may be because, under natural conditions, larvae are never exposed outside their shelters of leaves and thereforeV. germanicauses indirect signals. The presence ofV. germanicaforaging onP. ardahighlights the flexible foraging behaviour of this wasp which may also act as a positive biological control, reducing lepidopteran populations.
CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE IN THE INDOGANGETIC PLAINS OF INDIA: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
Authors: HOBBS PETER , GUPTA RAJ , JAT RAJ KUMAR , MALIK R. K.
Published: September 2017

This paper follows the progress made in India for research and farmer adoption of conservation agriculture (CA) since the publication of Erenstein (2012), who contested the idea that zero-till (ZT) establishment of wheat in rice–wheat systems could be further developed into full CA systems. Data presented in this paper show that research has successfully found solutions for both the wheat and rice phases of the rice–wheat systems of the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) in the past 8 years. It shows that by finding solutions in both the rice and wheat phases, yields, water use efficiency and profits increased, while labour needs reduced. Indian scientists have also confirmed these benefits in participatory on-farm research in various locations, both east and west regions of the IGP. Farmers see for themselves through experimentation that they get higher yields with less cost and with more efficient use of inputs and water. A key factor has been the development of improved seed drills with the help of Indian private sector manufacturers of agricultural equipment. Indian scientists have also successfully conducted CA research on several other crops and in other regions besides the IGP. The paper shows that it is better to introduce parts of the CA management practices in a step-wise fashion first, rather than introducing the entire package at once since farmers first have to test and evaluate a new technology to understand how it benefits them personally before they will adopt it. The paper concludes that in the rice–wheat systems of South Asia, adoption of CA is indeed possible to achieve although it is still a work in progress. CA is a complex technology package and it takes time to overcome all of the contested issues mentioned in Erenstein (2012).
Quality and quantity in New Zealand English vowel contrasts
Authors: Warren Paul
Published: September 2017

Acoustic analysis of word-list and sentence data from a database of spoken New Zealand English is used to address the suggestion that a number of vowel contrasts in this variety are moving towards a quantity-based distinction. Data from 73 speakers across three age groups and two sexes are analysed, for a total of almost 6,000 vowel tokens. The move to a quantity distinction is confirmed for thestrut‒startcontrast. In the case ofdressandfleece, younger and female speakers show greater overlap of the two vowels but also stronger diphthongisation offleece. The data also confirm the fronting offootaway fromthoughtand towardsgoose, but with no evident adjustment in durational contrasts or in the diphthongisation of either long vowel.Kitis becoming increasingly centralised, especially in the speech of young women, and is as a consequence becoming more distinct fromnurse. The findings are discussed in the context of the system of vowel contrasts in this variety.
A conservation framework for the Critically Endangered endemic species of the Caribbean palmCoccothrinax
Authors: Jestrow Brett , Peguero Brígido , Jiménez Francisco , Verdecia Raúl , González-Oliva Lisbet , Moya Celio E. , Cinea William , Griffith M. Patrick , Meerow Alan W. , Maunder Mike , Francisco-Ortega Javier
Published: September 2017

With 30 threatened species (14 categorized as Critically Endangered and 16 as Endangered, sensu IUCN),Coccothrinax(c. 54 species) is the flagship palm genus for conservation in the Caribbean Island Biodiversity Hotspot.Coccothrinaxhas its centre of taxonomic diversity in these islands, with c. 51 endemic species. We present a conservation framework for the 14 Critically Endangered species, found in Cuba, Haiti or the Dominican Republic. Only two species (C. jimenezii,C. montana) occur in more than one country (Haiti and the Dominican Republic). Immediate threats include oil drilling and nickel mining, intrusion of saline water into soil, urban and agricultural development, low population recruitment, uncontrolled fires, interspecific hybridization, and unsustainable ethnobotanical practices.Coccothrinax bermudezii,C. borhidiana,C. crinitassp.crinita,C. leonisandC. spissaare not conserved in protected areas.Coccothrinax bermudezii,C. jimenezii,C. leonisandC. nipensisare not part of ex situ collections. Based on results from a conservation project targetingC. jimenezii, we recommend international cooperation between the three range states to implement integrative conservation management plans, plant exploration initiatives, taxonomic revisions, outreach, and fundraising. The ultimate aim of this review is to provide baseline information that will develop conservation synergy among relevant parties working onCoccothrinaxconservation in Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Such collaborations could also benefit through partnerships with botanists working in other countries.
Living arrangements of older persons in 1987–2035 in Finland: trends by age, sex and educational attainment
Authors: MARTIKAINEN PEKKA , MURPHY MIKE , MOUSTGAARD HETA , MIKKONEN JANNE
Published: September 2017

Changes in household structure may have a major impact on the future wellbeing of older people. We evaluate changes in living arrangements of 65+ Finnish men and women from 1987 to 2011 and project living arrangements to 2035 by education level. We use an 11 per cent longitudinal sample of Finns drawn from the population registration data. We estimate proportions in various living arrangements and multi-state life table estimates of years lived in particular states. Projections are based on dynamic transition probability forecasts with constant and changing rates. We show that women more than men tend to live alone at older ages. These proportions are likely to start to decline slowly among women, particularly at 80+, but increase or stabilise among men. Apart from living with a marital or co-habiting partner, other living arrangements are growing increasingly rare. The number of basic educated older people is declining rapidly. Educational differences in living arrangements are modest among women, but among men living with a partner is more common among the higher educated. Future living arrangements of older people are strongly determined by past partnership behaviour and future changes in mortality. If life expectancy differences between men and women continue to converge, so will sex differences in the remaining years of life spent living with a partner.
BritishEscherichia coliO157 in Cattle Study (BECS): to determine the prevalence ofE. coliO157 in herds with cattle destined for the food chain
Authors: HENRY M. K. , TONGUE S. C. , EVANS J. , WEBSTER C. , McKENDRICK I. J. , MORGAN M. , WILLETT A. , REEVES A. , HUMPHRY R. W. , GALLY D. L. , GUNN G. J. , CHASE-TOPPING M. E.
Published: September 2017

Escherichia coliO157 are zoonotic bacteria for which cattle are an important reservoir. Prevalence estimates forE. coliO157 in British cattle for human consumption are over 10 years old. A new baseline is needed to inform current human health risk. The BritishE. coliO157 in Cattle Study (BECS) ran between September 2014 and November 2015 on 270 farms across Scotland and England & Wales. This is the first study to be conducted contemporaneously across Great Britain, thus enabling comparison between Scotland and England & Wales. Herd-level prevalence estimates forE. coliO157 did not differ significantly for Scotland (0·236, 95% CI 0·166–0·325) and England & Wales (0·213, 95% CI 0·156–0·283) (P= 0·65). The majority of isolates were verocytotoxin positive. A higher proportion of samples from Scotland were in the super-shedder category, though there was no difference between the surveys in the likelihood of a positive farm having at least one super-shedder sample.E. coliO157 continues to be common in British beef cattle, reaffirming public health policy that contact with cattle and their environments is a potential infection source.
Parenting practices in middle childhood mediate the relation between growing up with a parent having bipolar disorder and offspring psychopathology from childhood into early adulthood
Authors: Iacono Vanessa , Beaulieu Leah , Hodgins Sheilagh , Ellenbogen Mark A.
Published: September 2017

The offspring of parents with bipolar disorder (OBD) are at high risk for developing mental disorders. In addition to genetic factors, environmental risk is purported to be associated with these negative outcomes. However, few studies have examined this relation. Using concurrent and longitudinal data, we examined if support, structure, and control provided by parents in middle childhood mediated the relation between having a parent with or without bipolar disorder, and offspring mental health. The sample included 145 offspring (77 OBD, 68 controls) aged 4 to 14 years and their parents. Parent and teacher ratings of child behavior were collected, and diagnostic assessments were conducted in offspring 12 years later (n = 101). Bootstrapping analyses showed that low levels of structure mediated the relation between having a parent with bipolar disorder and elevated internalizing and externalizing difficulties during middle childhood. For the longitudinal outcomes, parental control emerged as the strongest mediator of the relation between parents’ bipolar disorder and offspring psychopathology. Suboptimal childrearing may have different immediate and enduring consequences on mental health outcomes in the OBD. Parental structure has robust effects on emotional and behavioral problems in middle childhood, while levels of control promote psychological adjustment in the OBD as they mature.
MONETARY NEUTRALITY
Authors: Serletis Apostolos , Koustas Zisimos
Published: September 2017

We test the long-run neutrality of money proposition for the United States paying attention to the integration and cointegration properties of the variables. We use quarterly data (over the period from 1967:1 to 2014:1) and the new Center for Financial Stability Divisia monetary aggregates. We make a comparison among the narrower monetary aggregates, M1, M2M, MZM, M2, and ALL, and the broad monetary aggregates, M4+, M4-, and M3, and show that there is no statistically significant evidence against long-run monetary neutrality, consistent with both monetarist and Keynesian macroeconomic theory.
Fission, forking and fine tuning
Authors: LANGLOIS RICHARD N.
Published: September 2017

Does innovation proceed from the top down or the bottom up? This is a crucial question for those who think about the sources of economic growth and especially for those who think about policies and institutions to promote innovation. The answer lies in part with the structure of the existing system of production and the array of assets that an innovation would displace, especially on the extent of complementarity and modularity in that structure. But it also depends on institutions. This paper argues for the centrality of decision rights to the process of innovation. Especially if it takes place in a systemic, non-modular way, innovation may require unified decision rights, often implying integrated control of complementary stages of production, in order to overcome the dynamic transaction costs of change. But the processes of subdivision, differentiation, and learning – the processes of fission, forking, and fine tuning – may also require changes in decision rights in order to overcome dynamic transaction costs. I illustrate these points with a case study of three generations of an American family of inventor-entrepreneurs in electricity and electronics.
An Exploratory TMS Study on Prefrontal Lateralization in Valence	Categorization of Facial Expressions
Authors: Ferrari Chiara , Gamond Lucile , Gallucci Marcello , Vecchi Tomaso , Cattaneo Zaira
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Converging neuroimaging and patient data suggest that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is involved in emotional processing. However, it is still not clear whether the DLPFC in the left and right hemisphere is differentially involved in emotion recognition depending on the emotion considered. Here we used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to shed light on the possible causal role of the left and right DLPFC in encoding valence of positive and negative emotional facial expressions. Participants were required to indicate whether a series of faces displayed a positive or negative expression, while TMS was delivered over the right DLPFC, the left DLPFC, and a control site (vertex). Interfering with activity in both the left and right DLPFC delayed valence categorization (compared to control stimulation) to a similar extent irrespective of emotion type. Overall, we failed to demonstrate any valence-related lateralization in the DLPFC by using TMS. Possible methodological limitations are discussed.
Split-Second Trustworthiness Detection From Faces in an Economic	Game
Authors: De Neys Wim , Hopfensitz Astrid , Bonnefon Jean-François
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Economic interactions often imply to gauge the trustworthiness of others. Recent studies showed that when making trust decisions in economic games, people have some accuracy in detecting trustworthiness from the facial features of unknown partners. Here we provide evidence that this face-based trustworthiness detection is a fast and intuitive process by testing its performance at split-second levels of exposure. Participants played a Trust game, in which they made decisions whether to trust another player based on their picture. In two studies, we manipulated the exposure time of the picture. We observed that trustworthiness detection remained better than chance for exposure times as short as 100 ms, although it disappeared with an exposure time of 33 ms. We discuss implications for ongoing debates on the use of facial inferences for social and economic decisions.
Pattern of Near Transfer Effects Following Working Memory Training	With a Dual N-Back Task
Authors: Soveri Anna , Karlsson Eric P. A. , Waris Otto , Grönholm-Nyman Petra , Laine Matti
Published: September 2017

Abstract. In a randomized controlled trial, we investigated the pattern of near transfer effects of working memory (WM) training with an adaptive auditory-visuospatial dual n-back training task in healthy young adults. The results revealed significant task-specific transfer to an untrained single n-back task, and more general near transfer to a WM updating composite score plus a nearly significant effect on a composite score measuring interference control in WM. No transfer effects were seen on Active or Passive WM composites. The results are discussed in the light of cognitive versus strategy-related overlap between training and transfer tasks.
AGU Revises Its Integrity and Ethics Policy
Authors: McPhaden Michael , Gundersen Linda , Williams Billy
Published: September 2017

The updated ethics policy takes a strong stance against harassment in the sciences.
Ultrathin high band gap solar cells with improved efficiencies from the world’s oldest photovoltaic material
Authors: Todorov Teodor K. , Singh Saurabh , Bishop Douglas M. , Gunawan Oki , Lee Yun Seog , Gershon Talia S. , Brew Kevin W. , Antunez Priscilla D. , Haight Richard
Published: September 2017

Selenium was used in the first solid state solar cell in 1883 and gave early insights into the photoelectric effect that inspired Einstein’s Nobel Prize work; however, the latest efficiency milestone of 5.0% was more than 30 years ago. The recent surge of interest towards high-band gap absorbers for tandem applications led us to reconsider this attractive 1.95 eV material. Here, we show completely redesigned selenium devices with improved back and front interfaces optimized through combinatorial studies and demonstrate record open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 970 mV and efficiency of 6.5% under 1 Sun. In addition, Se devices are air-stable, non-toxic, and extremely simple to fabricate. The absorber layer is only 100 nm thick, and can be processed at 200 ˚C, allowing temperature compatibility with most bottom substrates or sub-cells. We analyze device limitations and find significant potential for further improvement making selenium an attractive high-band-gap absorber for multi-junction device applications.
Network Analysis of Drug–target Interactions: A Study on FDA-approved New Molecular Entities Between 2000 to 2015
Authors: Lin Hui-Heng , Zhang Le-Le , Yan Ru , Lu Jin-Jian , Hu Yuanjia
Published: September 2017

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves new drugs every year. Drug targets are some of the most important interactive molecules for drugs, as they have a significant impact on the therapeutic effects of drugs. In this work, we thoroughly analyzed the data of small molecule drugs approved by the U.S. FDA between 2000 and 2015. Specifically, we focused on seven classes of new molecular entity (NME) classified by the anatomic therapeutic chemical (ATC) classification system. They were NMEs and their corresponding targets for the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, nerve system, general anti-infective systemic, genito-urinary system and sex hormones, alimentary tract and metabolisms, and antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents. To study the drug–target interaction on the systems level, we employed network topological analysis and multipartite network projections. As a result, the drug–target relations of different kinds of drugs were comprehensively characterized and global pictures of drug–target, drug–drug, and target–target interactions were visualized and analyzed from the perspective of network models.
Characteristic analyses of a neural differentiation model from iPSC-derived neuron according to morphology, physiology, and global gene expression pattern
Authors: Kang Sai , Chen Xiaoxia , Gong Siyi , Yu Panpan , Yau SukYu , Su Zhenghui , Zhou Libing , Yu Jiandong , Pan Guangjin , Shi Lingling
Published: September 2017

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can differentiate into neural progenitor cells (NPC) under proper conditions. NPC can be used as a model and is a useful tool for disease mechanism exploration and drug screening. However, the characteristics of the cells in various stages from NPC to functional neurons have not been fully described. This study investigated the characteristics of iPSC-derived NPCs during differentiation. Morphological characteristics of the NPCs, including soma area, neurite length, and the number of neurite branches, were examined on selected differentiation days. Physiological functions were assessed by recordings of sodium current, spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current (sEPSC), and spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic current (sIPSC). Furthermore, gene expression patterns were assessed with RNA-seq. We found that NPCs derived from iPSCs can be differentiated into glutamatergic and gabaergic neurons. Cell growth peaked during differentiation day 7–12, as the soma area decreased after day 12, growth cone and the number of branches peaked at day 9 and decreased afterwards; whereas a functional synapse formed after day 23. RNA-seq analysis found that a differential expression pattern emerged by day 7. Overall, the study provides a framework for the differentiation process of hiPSC-derived NPCs.
Clinical importance of TERT overexpression in hepatocellular carcinoma treated with curative surgical resection in HBV endemic area
Authors: Yu Jeong Il , Choi Changhoon , Ha Sang Yun , Park Cheol-Keun , Kang So Young , Joh Jae-Won , Paik Seung Woon , Kim Seonwoo , Kim Minji , Jung Sang Hoon , Park Hee Chul
Published: September 2017

This study was designed to investigate the associations between TERT overexpression and the clinicopathologic factors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 291 patients with HCC were enrolled. The site of first recurrence (anywhere in the liver) was classified as intrahepatic recurrence (IHR). Recurrence was then sub classified as either early or late IHR according to whether it was discovered within 2 years of resection, or after, respectively. TERT overexpression was not significantly correlated with previously recognized prognostic factors. During follow-up, early IHR occurred in 126 (63.6%) patients, while late IHR was detected in 59 patients among 145 patients who remained free of HCC recurrence for ≥ 2 years after surgery. Multivariate analysis showed late IHR was significantly correlated with TERT overexpression (P < 0.001, hazard ratio [HR] 2.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.51–4.72). Intrahepatic metastasis (P < 0.001, HR 4.48, 95% CI 2.62–7.65) and TERT overexpression (P < 0.001, HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.28–2.45) were significant prognostic factors for IHR-free survival in both univariate and multivariate analyses. TERT overexpression was the only significant prognostic factor for late IHR in HCC treated with curative resection. And, the statistical significance of TERT overexpression on late IHR was limited to HBsAg-positive patients.
Concomitant high expression of ERα36, EGFR and HER2 is associated with aggressive behaviors of papillary thyroid carcinomas
Authors: Dai Yu-Jie , Qiu Yi-Bo , Jiang Rong , Xu Man , Zhao Le , Chen George G. , Liu Zhi-Min
Published: September 2017

ERα, ERβ, PR, ERα36, EGFR and HER2 mRNA and protein expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) were examined by real time RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA and protein expression of ERα and PR were gradually increased and those of ERβ were gradually decreased from normal thyroid tissues to nodular hyperplasias (P < 0.05) and to PTCs (P < 0.05). However, the mRNA and protein expression of ERα36, EGFR and HER2 were only significantly increased in PTCs when compared with those in normal thyroid tissues (P < 0.001) and nodular hyperplasias (P < 0.001). There was some correlation between ERα, ERβ and PR, and between ERα36, EGFR and HER2 protein expression in PTCs. As for ERα, ERβ and PR, there was a significant positive correlation between ERα and PR, and a significant negative correlation between ERα and ERβ and between PR and ERβ protein expression. As for ERα36, EGFR and HER2, there was a significant positive correlation between ERα36, EGFR and HER2 protein expression in PTCs. Concomitant high expression of ERα36, EGFR and HER2 was strongly associated with aggressive behaviors including extrathyroidal extension (ETE), lymph node metastasis (LNM) and high TNM stage in PTCs (P < 0.001).
Ultra-Broadband Nonlinearity Enhancement based on a Novel Graphene-Silicon Hybrid Waveguide: Structure Design and Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Jin Qiang , Li Xibin , Chen Junfan , Gao Shiming
Published: September 2017

A graphene-silicon hybrid waveguide with a dielectric spacer is proposed to enhance the nonlinear response in ultra-wide wavelength range by applying graphene’s broadband highly nonlinear optical properties. The chemical potential of the graphene layer is tuned to satisfy the resonance condition and hence a low propagation loss is obtained. The dielectric spacer is used for avoiding additional free-carrier-absorption loss due to carrier interchange between the silicon core and the graphene layer. Aiming at the special waveguide structure with ultra-thin graphene layer, a full-vectorial theoretical model is developed to analyze its nonlinear properties. The waveguide dimensions are optimized in terms of the nonlinear parameter. The proposed hybrid waveguide exhibits high nonlinearity enhancement in an ultra-broad wavelength region covering near-infrared and mid-infrared bands. The conversion efficiency for a degenerate four-wave mixing process reaches −18.5 dB only with a pump power of 0.5 W and a waveguide length of tens of microns. In the wavelength range of 1.3–2.3 μm, the conversion efficiency can be kept stable by adopting suitable waveguide geometry and length. The corresponding 3-dB bandwidth can reach 40–110 nm for each fixed pump. The graphene-silicon hybrid waveguide has the potential to support chip-scale nonlinear applications in both near- and mid-infrared bands.
Paper test card for detection of adulterated milk
Authors: Luther Jamie L. , Henry de Frahan Valentine , Lieberman Marya
Published: September 2017

The MilkPAD can colorimetrically detect a variety of starches, urea, glucose, and sucrose with greater than 90% sensitivity and specificity.
Mechanoluminescence from pure hydrocarbon AIEgen
Authors: Xie Yujun , Tu Jin , Zhang Tianqi , Wang Jiaqiang , Xie Zongliang , Chi Zhenguo , Peng Qian , Li Zhen
Published: September 2017

The pure hydrocarbon molecule of 1,1,2,2-tetrakis(4-ethynylphenyl)ethene (TETPE), with an ideal symmetric molecular geometry, exhibits the character of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and mechanoluminescence (ML), mainly due to its twist structure and strong intermolecular static electric interaction.
Silicon diimide gel as an efficient stationary phase in thin layer chromatography for acid-sensitive organic compounds
Authors: Kitney Stuart P. , Sajedin Seyed M. , Rocher Vincent , Cheng Fei , Kelly Stephen M.
Published: September 2017

Mesoporous silicon diimide gel (Si(NH)2)n is a suitable, efficient, and stable stationary phase for thin layer chromatography, that has the capacity to separate organic compounds chromatographically without decomposing acid-sensitive functions or bonds.
Rapid, sensitive, and in-solution screening of peptide probes for targeted imaging of live cancer cells based on peptide recognition-induced emission
Authors: He Jiayuan , Gui Shilang , Huang Yanyan , Hu Fang , Jin Yulong , Yu Yang , Zhang Guanxin , Zhang Deqing , Zhao Rui
Published: September 2017

A generally applicable method was developed for screening cancer cell-specific peptides with one-residue resolution based on a ligand binding-induced emission phenomenon.
Cobalt(ii)-catalyzed bis-isocyanide insertion reactions with sulfonyl azides via nitrene radicals: chemoselective synthesis of sulfonylamidyl amide and 3-imine indole derivatives
Authors: Gu Zheng-Yang , Li Jing-Hao , Wang Shun-Yi , Ji Shun-Jun
Published: September 2017

A chemoselective Co(ii)-catalyzed effective synthesis of sulfonylamidyl amide and 3-imine indole derivatives by using isocyanides and sulfonyl azides has been developed.
SO3 formation from the X-ray photolysis of SO2 astrophysical ice analogues: FTIR spectroscopy and thermodynamic investigations
Authors: de Souza Bonfim Víctor , Barbosa de Castilho Roberto , Baptista Leonardo , Pilling Sergio
Published: September 2017

This work presents the outcomes of broadband X-ray irradiation on an SO2(s) sample, with ΔH calculations for evaluating the most favorable reactions.
Awaking N-hyperfine couplings in charged yttrium nitride endohedral fullerenes
Authors: Zhao Chong , Wang Taishan , Li Yongjian , Meng Haibing , Nie Mingzhe , Tian Jianlei , Wang Chunru
Published: September 2017

Charged yttrium nitride endohedral fullerenes show particular N-hyperfine couplings that are sensitive to the outer carbon cage.
Melting kinetics of superheated crystals of glucose and fructose
Authors: Liavitskaya Tatsiana , Birx Lily , Vyazovkin Sergey
Published: September 2017

The kinetics obeys the growth model meaning that melting involves growth of the melt nuclei formed below the melting temperature.
Visualization of stable ferritin complexes with palladium, rhodium and iridium nanoparticles detected by their catalytic activity in native polyacrylamide gels
Authors: Pekarik Vladimir , Peskova Marie , Guran Roman , Novacek Jiri , Heger Zbynek , Tripsianes Konstantinos , Kumar Jitender , Adam Vojtech
Published: September 2017

Direct visualization of proteins and the catalytic activity of metal nanoparticles from metal–protein complexes in native polyacrylamide gels.
Brønsted acidity in deep eutectic solvents and ionic liquids
Authors: Abbott Andrew P. , Alabdullah Sahar S. M. , Al-Murshedi Azhar Y. M. , Ryder Karl S.
Published: September 2017

Relative pH values are calculated using an indicator dye and a glass electrode, and they are found to provide consistent results.
A novel visible light responsive nanosystem for cancer treatment
Authors: Martínez-Carmona M. , Lozano D. , Baeza A. , Colilla M. , Vallet-Regí M.
Published: September 2017

A new visible light-responsive drug delivery nanosystem for cancer treatment.
FIB and MIP: understanding nanoscale porosity in molecularly imprinted polymers via 3D FIB/SEM tomography
Authors: Neusser G. , Eppler S. , Bowen J. , Allender C. J. , Walther P. , Mizaikoff B. , Kranz C.
Published: September 2017

We present combined focused ion beam/scanning electron beam (FIB/SEM) tomography as innovative method for differentiating and visualizing the distribution and connectivity of pores within molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and non-imprinted polymers (NIPs).
Low gas permeability of particulate films slows down the aging of gas marbles
Authors: Timounay Yousra , Ou Even , Lorenceau Elise , Rouyer Florence
Published: September 2017

The gas permeability of gas marbles is measured: a shell made of particulate films is less permeable to gas than its pure liquid counterparts.
Surface immobilized azomethine for multiple component exchange
Authors: Lerond Michael , Bélanger Daniel , Skene W. G.
Published: September 2017

Diazonium chemistry concomitant within situelectrochemical reduction was used to graft an aryl aldehyde to indium-tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrates for subsequent azomethine formation, hydrolysis, and component exchange with different arylamines.
Model for ice wet growth on composite insulator and its experimental validation
Authors: Jiang Xingliang , Han Xingbo , Hu Yuyao , Yang Zhongyi
Published: September 2017

The indigenous and foreign scholars have conducted considerable research on the electrical characteristics of ice‐covered insulators, but there is a lack of research on the growth process of ice accretion on insulators. On the basis of the heat and mass balance during icing, a complete wet‐growth icing model, including the ice accretion on the insulator surface and the growth of icicles is established. In this model, the loss of water film on the insulator surface and the water supply for icicles are taken into account, and rebuild the icicle growing equations according to the water mass balance. The effect of flow‐field change due to the growth of icicles is considered and analysed. The simulation results indicate that the growth of icicles and ice thickness are affected by climate parameters and the flow‐field change. Low temperature and high wind speed can increase the growing rate of icicles and the ice thickness and decrease the time of icicle bridging. The change of flow field leads to changes in water mass balance and slows the progress of icing on the insulator surface. Through a series of icing tests on insulator FXBW‐110/100, it is found that the experimental results are in good agreement with those obtained by the numerical simulation method.
Coordinated optimisation problem integrating EMU circulation and timetabling for high‐speed railway
Authors: Li Wenjun , Nie Lei
Published: September 2017

In this study, the problem of electric multiple unit (EMU) circulation planning and train timetabling is studied through a coordinated process that provides a feedback mechanism to simultaneously minimise the number of EMUs, the number of EMU maintenance tasks and the train travel time. Based on an adjustable train departure time window as the key parameter in the problem, the approach mainly consists of two components: a column generation process, which searches for better EMU circulation routes; and a mathematical model, which produces timetables. These components interact according to the results of computational assessments until the solution reaches a certain level of optimality or the allotted computation time is exhausted. Finally, the authors test this approach using a small example to illustrate the effectiveness, and they also study a real‐world case. A quantitative comparative analysis shows that long travel distances and travel times of trains significantly affect the number of EMUs used. The results indicate that the proposed model and algorithm can effectively address the coordinated optimisation problem of integrating EMU circulation planning and timetabling.
Adaptive predictive control of a small capacity SMES unit for improved frequency control of a wind‐diesel power system
Authors: Zargar Mubashar Yaqoob , Mufti Mairaj Ud‐Din , Lone Shameem Ahmad
Published: September 2017

Energy storage is becoming increasingly important for isolated power systems having overall low inertia. Among many energy storage devices, superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) is most suited for improved frequency control in isolated power systems, due to its outstanding advantages. However, a small rating SMES device has operational constraints, therefore a suitable control strategy is required for its profitable and constrained operation. An adaptive controller which encapsulates on‐line identification with model predictive control is proposed in this paper. A recursive least‐squares algorithm is used to identify a reduced‐order model of wind‐diesel power system on‐line. Based on the identified model and a simple discrete time model of SMES unit, an adaptive generalized predictive control scheme (AGPC) considering constraints on SMES current level and converter rating is formulated. The scheme yields a control signal which on one hand keeps the system frequency deviations to minimum and on the other hand forces the SMES device to operate within and near its operational constraints, for profitable operation. Simulation studies are performed to illustrate the potency of the proposed strategy in achieving all the control objectives.
Stochastic security and risk‐constrained scheduling for an autonomous microgrid with demand response and renewable energy resources
Authors: Vahedipour‐Dahraie Mostafa , Rashidizadeh‐Kermani Homa , Najafi Hamid Reza , Anvari‐Moghaddam Amjad , Guerrero Josep M.
Published: September 2017

Increasing penetration of intermittent renewable energy sources and the development of advanced information give rise to questions on how responsive loads can be managed to optimise the use of resources and assets. In this context, demand response as a way for modifying the consumption pattern of customers can be effectively applied to balance the demand and supply in electricity networks. This study presents a novel stochastic model from a microgrid (MG) operator perspective for energy and reserve scheduling considering risk management strategy. It is assumed that the MG operator can procure energy from various sources, including local generating units and demand‐side resources to serve the customers. The operator sells electricity to customers under real‐time pricing scheme and the customers response to electricity prices by adjusting their loads to reduce consumption costs. The objective is to determine the optimal scheduling with considering risk aversion and system frequency security to maximise the expected profit of operator. To deal with various uncertainties, a risk‐constrained two‐stage stochastic programming model is proposed where the risk aversion of MG operator is modelled using conditional value at risk method. Extensive numerical results are shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
The secular evolution of discrete quasi-Keplerian systems
Authors: Fouvry J.-B. , Pichon C. , Chavanis P.-H.
Published: September 2017

A discrete self-gravitating quasi-Keplerian razor-thin axisymmetric stellar disc orbiting a massive black hole sees its orbital structure diffuse on secular timescales as a result of a self-induced resonant relaxation. In the absence of collective effects, such a process is described by the recently derived inhomogeneous multi-mass degenerate Landau equation. Relying on Gauss’ method, we computed the associated drift and diffusion coefficients to characterise the properties of the resonant relaxation of razor-thin discs. For a disc-like configuration in our Galactic centre, we showed how this secular diffusion induces an adiabatic distortion of orbits and estimate the typical timescale of resonant relaxation. When considering a disc composed of multiple masses similarly distributed, we have illustrated how the population of lighter stars will gain eccentricity, driving it closer to the central black hole, provided the distribution function increases with angular momentum. The kinetic equation recovers as well the quenching of the resonant diffusion of a test star in the vicinity of the black hole (the “Schwarzschild barrier”) as a result of the divergence of the relativistic precessions. The dual stochastic Langevin formulation yields consistent results and offers a versatile framework in which to incorporate other stochastic processes.
Palladium-Catalyzed Allylation of Polyfluoroarenes with Allylic Pivalates
Authors: Jiang Xinpeng , Liu Yong , Zhang Lei , Chen Jinkang , Cheng Kang , Yu Chuanming
Published: September 2017

An efficient 1,5-cyclooctadiene–PdCl2/dicyclohexyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphine (XPhos) catalytic system was developed for C–H allylation of polyfluoroarenes with allylic pivalates. The reactions showed excellent functional-group tolerance, good yields, and high regioselectivities. Mechanistic investigations supported a (π-allyl)palladium complex pathway through a directed oxidative addition of the allylic pivalate to palladium, followed by sequential nucleophilic attack by the polyfluorobenzene and reductive elimination. In a gram-scale reaction, a palladium loading of 0.5 mol% was enough to afford the required product in good yield.
A Novel Approach for the Management and Prevention of Self-Induced Masticatory Lingual Trauma in the Neurologically Injured Patient
Authors: Avashia Yash , Bittar Peter , Suresh Visakha , Powers David B.
Published: September 2017

Self-induced masticatory trauma is an unfortunate complication of a variety of neurologic disorders, including epileptic seizures, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, psychiatric disease, and brain trauma, in addition to other described etiologies. While single or occasional occurrences of tongue biting are relatively benign, recurrent self-injury can pose major issues and predispose a patient to chronic, severe complications. To prevent the complications associated with ongoing trauma to the tongue, steps must be taken to protect individuals from chronic self-injurious behavior. Often, these interventions cause significant morbidity to the patient, such as elective removal of the dentition or complications in gaining access to the oral cavity/airway associated with maxillomandibular fixation. In the neurologically impaired patient, immobilization of the jaws is frequently associated with higher rates of agitation, aspiration, or development of complicating infections of the gingival tissues. We report a case of self-induced masticatory trauma managed with the fabrication of a custom-fabricated oral appliance. This treatment modality successfully prevents the recurrence or incidence of self-induced masticatory trauma to the tongue. The benefits of this modality are that it allows access to the oral cavity, prevents immobilization of the jaws, has minimal to no morbidity, and is completely reversible.
Expression of Imprinted Genes Kcnq1 and Cdkn1c During the Course of Differentiation from Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells into Islet-like Cells in vitro
Authors: Liu Feng , yu-huan Peng , Qiang Li , Chanchan Liu
Published: September 2017

To study the effects of inducement on the expression of mouse embryonic stem cells SF1-G imprinted genes, Kcnq1 and Cdkn1c during the course of differentiation into islet-like cells in vitro. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were isolated from pregnant mice embryos and fibroblast feeder cells were prepared by treating 3–5th generations MEFs with Mitomycin C. Moreover, mouse embryonic stem cells were induced to differentiate into islet-like cells directly. RT-PCR and Immunofluorescence staining were used to test the expression of islet cell-specific markers. Cells were collected at various stages throughout the differentiation process and the imprinted genes Kcnq1 and Cdkn1c were tested by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction fragment length polymorphism (RT-PCR/RFLP). In the present study, we found that cells appear islet cell-specific gene expression. Furthermore, immunofluorescence shows us that the islet cell-specific hormone protein can be measured at stage, which confirms that the embryonic stem cells can be successfully induced into islet-like cells in vitro. RT-PCR/RFLP analysis showsthat imprinted genes Kcnq1 and Cdkn1c are biallelic expression in the differentiated cells, suggestive of loss of imprinting (LOI), while these genes demonstrate maternal monoallelic expression in the undifferentiated cells’ continued subculture; this marks the maintenance of imprinting (MOI). Our data indicate that mouse embryonic stem cells are induced into islet-like cells in vitro. The gene imprinting status of Kcnq1 and Cdkn1c may be changed in differentiated cells during the induction in vitro.
MS on the Rocks – Multiple Sklerose und therapeutisches Klettern
Authors: Kern Claudia
Published: September 2017

Multiple Sklerose-Betroffene profitieren trotz ihrer vielfältigen Beschwerden besonders von therapeutischen Sport- und Bewegungsangeboten. Neu in der Sporttherapie ist das therapeutische Klettern, das jeden Teilnehmer individuell fördern kann. Klinische Studien belegen den hohen Trainingseffekt. Der Beitrag beschreibt den Aufbau und die Wirkungsweise des therapeutischen Kletterns bei MS-Kranken und den wissenschaftlichen Hintergrund durch eine Pilotstudie. Abschließend zeigt er auf, wie die Qualität durch eine spezialisierte Weiterbildung an der TU München, gesichert wird.