bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cigarette Smoke Impairs A2A Adenosine Receptor Mediated Wound Repair through Up-regulation of Duox-1 Expression
Authors: Tian Zhi , Zhang Hui , Dixon Jendayi , Traphagen Nicole , Wyatt Todd A. , Kharbanda Kusum , Simet Chadwick Samantha , Kolliputi Narasaiah , Allen-Gipson Diane S.
Published: March 2017

Cigarette smoke (CS) exposure and intrinsic factors such as the NADPH oxidases produce high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), ensuing inflammatory tissue injury. We previously demonstrated that CS-generated ROS, particularly hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), impaired adenosine stimulated wound repair. We hypothesized that CS exposure modulates expression of Dual oxidase 1 (Duox-1), a NADPH oxidases known to generate H2O2. To test this hypothesis, we used human bronchial epithelial cell line Nuli-1 and C57BL/6 mice. Cells were treated with 5% CS extract (CSE) for various periods of time, and mice were exposed to whole body CS for six weeks. Both CSE and CS treatment induced increased expression of Duox-1, and silencing of Doux-1 improved the rate of cell wound repair induced by CSE treatment. Nuli-1 cells pretreated with thapsigargin but not calcium ionophore exhibited increased Duox-1 mRNA expression. CSE treatment stimulated PKCα activation, which was effectively blocked by pretreatment with diphenylene iodonium, a NADPH oxidase inhibitor. Compared to control, lungs from CS-exposed mice showed a significant increase in PKCα activity and Duox-1 expression. Collectively, the data demonstrated that CS exposure upregulates expression of Duox-1 protein. This further leads to H2O2 production and PKCα activation, inhibiting A2AAR-stimulated wound repair.
Antiproliferative Activity of Crocin Involves Targeting of Microtubules in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Hire Rupali R. , Srivastava Shalini , Davis Melissa B. , Kumar Konreddy Ananda , Panda Dulal
Published: March 2017

Crocin, a component of saffron spice, is known to have an anticancer activity. However, the targets of crocin are not known. In this study, crocin was found to inhibit the proliferation of HCC70, HCC1806, HeLa and CCD1059sk cells by targeting microtubules. Crocin depolymerized both the interphase and mitotic microtubules of different cancer cells, inhibited mitosis and induced multipolar spindle formation in these cells. In vitro, crocin inhibited the assembly of pure tubulin as well as the assembly of microtubule-associated protein rich tubulin. Electron microscopic analysis showed that crocin inhibited microtubule assembly while it induced aggregation of tubulin at higher concentrations. Crocin co-eluted with tubulin suggesting that it binds to tubulin. Vinblastine inhibited the binding of crocin to tubulin while podophyllotoxin did not inhibit the crocin binding indicating that crocin binds at the vinblastine site on tubulin. The results suggested that crocin inhibited cell proliferation mainly by disrupting the microtubule network.
The New Phases due to Symmetry Protected Piecewise Berry Phases; Enhanced Pumping and Non-reciprocity in Trimer Lattices
Authors: Liu Xuele , Agarwal G. S.
Published: March 2017

Finding new phase of matter is a fundamental task in physics. Generally, various phases or states of matter (for instance solid/liquid/gas phases) have different symmetries, the phase transitions among them can be explained by Landau’s symmetry breaking theory. The topological phases discovered in recent years show that different phases may have the same symmetry. The different topological phases are characterized by different integer values of the Berry phases. By studying one dimensional (1D) trimer lattices we report new phases beyond topological phases. The new phases that we find are characterized by piecewise continuous Berry phases with the discontinuity occurring at the transition point. With time-dependent changes in trimer lattices, we can generate two dimensional (2D) phases, which are characterized by the Berry phase of half period. This half-period Berry phase changes smoothly within one state of the system while changes discontinuously at the transition point. We further demonstrate the existence of adiabatic pumping for each phase and gain assisted enhanced pumping. The non reciprocity of the pumping process makes the system a good optical diode.
High-rate squeezing process of bulk metallic glasses
Authors: Fan Jitang
Published: March 2017

High-rate squeezing process of bulk metallic glasses from a cylinder into an intact sheet achieved by impact loading is investigated. Such a large deformation is caused by plastic flow, accompanied with geometrical confinement, shear banding/slipping, thermo softening, melting and joining. Temperature rise during the high-rate squeezing process makes a main effect. The inherent mechanisms are illustrated. Like high-pressure torsion (HPT), equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) and surface mechanical attrition treatments (SMAT) for refining grain of metals, High-Rate Squeezing (HRS), as a multiple-functions technique, not only creates a new road of processing metallic glasses and other metallic alloys for developing advanced materials, but also directs a novel technology of processing, grain refining, coating, welding and so on for treating materials.
Abnormal levels of histone methylation in the retinas of diabetic rats are reversed by minocycline treatment
Authors: Wang Wenjun , Sidoli Simone , Zhang Wenquan , Wang Qing , Wang Leilei , Jensen Ole N. , Guo Lin , Zhao Xiaolu , Zheng Ling
Published: March 2017

In this study we quantified the alterations of retinal histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) in diabetic rats using a liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approach. Some diabetic rats were subsequently treated with minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, which has been shown to inhibit the diabetes-induced chronic inflammation in the retinas of rodents. We quantified 266 differentially modified histone peptides, including 48 out of 83 methylation marks with significantly different abundancein retinas of diabetic rats as compared to non-diabetic controls. About 67% of these marks had their relative abundance restored to non-diabetic levels after minocycline treatment. Mono- and di-methylation states of histone H4 lysine 20 (H4K20me1/me2), markers related to DNA damage response, were found to be up-regulated in the retinas of diabetic rats and restored to control levels upon minocycline treatment. DNA damage response biomarkers showed the same pattern once quantified by western blotting. Collectively, this study indicates that alteration of some histone methylation levels is associated with the development of diabetic retinopathy in rodents, and the beneficial effect of minocycline on the retinas of diabetic rodents is partially through its ability to normalize the altered histone methylation levels.
Gsα Controls Cortical Bone Quality by Regulating Osteoclast Differentiation via cAMP/PKA and β-Catenin Pathways
Authors: Ramaswamy Girish , Kim Hyunsoo , Zhang Deyu , Lounev Vitali , Wu Joy Y. , Choi Yongwon , Kaplan Frederick S. , Pignolo Robert J. , Shore Eileen M.
Published: March 2017

Skeletal bone formation and maintenance requires coordinate functions of several cell types, including bone forming osteoblasts and bone resorbing osteoclasts. Gsα, the stimulatory subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins, activates downstream signaling through cAMP and plays important roles in skeletal development by regulating osteoblast differentiation. Here, we demonstrate that Gsα signaling also regulates osteoclast differentiation during bone modeling and remodeling.Gnas, the gene encoding Gsα, is imprinted. Mice with paternal allele deletion ofGnas (Gnas+/p−) have defects in cortical bone quality and strength during early development (bone modeling) that persist during adult bone remodeling. Reduced bone quality inGnas+/p−mice was associated with increased endosteal osteoclast numbers, with no significant effects on osteoblast number and function. Osteoclast differentiation and resorption activity was enhanced inGnas+/p−cells. During differentiation,Gnas+/p−cells showed diminished pCREB, β-catenin and cyclin D1, and enhanced Nfatc1 levels, conditions favoring osteoclastogenesis. Forskolin treatment increased pCREB and rescued osteoclast differentiation inGnas+/p−by reducing Nfatc1 levels. Cortical bone ofGnas+/p−mice showed elevated expression of Wnt inhibitors sclerostin and Sfrp4 consistent with reduced Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Our data identify a new role for Gsα signaling in maintaining bone quality by regulating osteoclast differentiation and function through cAMP/PKA and Wnt/β-catenin pathways.
210Pb-226Ra disequilibria in young gas-laden magmas
Authors: Reagan Mark , Turner Simon , Handley Heather , Turner Michael , Beier Christoph , Caulfield John , Peate David
Published: March 2017

We present new 238U-230Th-226Ra-210Pb and supporting data for young lavas from southwest Pacific island arcs, Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland, and Terceira, Azores. The arc lavas have significant 238U and 226Ra excesses, whereas those from the ocean islands have moderate 230Th and 226Ra excesses, reflecting mantle melting in the presence of a water-rich fluid in the former and mantle melting by decompression in the latter. Differentiation to erupted compositions in both settings appears to have taken no longer than a few millennia. Variations in the (210Pb/226Ra)0 values in all settings largely result from degassing processes rather than mineral-melt partitioning. Like most other ocean island basalts, the Terceira basalt has a 210Pb deficit, which we attribute to ~8.5 years of steady 222Rn loss to a CO2-rich volatile phase while it traversed the crust. Lavas erupted from water-laden magma systems, including those investigated here, commonly have near equilibrium (210Pb/226Ra)0 values. Maintaining these equilibrium values requires minimal persistent loss or accumulation of 222Rn in a gas phase. We infer that degassing during decompression of water-saturated magmas either causes these magmas to crystallize and stall in reservoirs where they reside under conditions of near stasis, or to quickly rise towards the surface and erupt.
Phase-Transition Nanodroplets for Real-Time Photoacoustic/Ultrasound Dual-Modality Imaging and Photothermal Therapy of Sentinel Lymph Node in Breast Cancer
Authors: Yang Lu , Cheng Juan , Chen Yuli , Yu Shengjie , Liu Fengqiu , Sun Yang , Chen Yu , Ran Haitao
Published: March 2017

Pathological status of lymph nodes (LNs) plays a critical role in staging and treatment for the patients with breast cancer. Sentinel lymph node biopsy has become the standard method in determining pathological status of axillary LNs. Therefore, the determination of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) and therapy of metastatic LNs are highly desirable in clinic. Herein, an unprecedented carbon nanoparticles (CNs)-incorporated liquid-gas phase-transition nanodroplets (CNPs) with strong near-infrared (NIR) absorption, good biocompatibility, excellent photoacoustic (PA) and ultrasound (US) contrast, and high photothermal-conversion efficiency are reported in this study. Upon laser irradiation, liquid-gas phase transition of the CNPs has been demonstrated to provide excellent contrasts for PA/US dual-modality imaging both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, the CNPs are capable of staining lymph nodes, which can contribute significantly to the identification of LNs with naked eyes. With increased laser energy, the CNPs exhibit the high performance in killing the breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo, due to the photothermal effect induced from the CNs within CNPs. These results suggest that the developed multifunctional phase-transition nanodroplets have high potential to act as the theranostic agents in both SLNs detection and therapy of metastatic LNs.
Simultaneous treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis with severe mandibular deficiency by standard TMJ prosthesis
Authors: Hu YiHui , Zhang LuZhu , He DongMei , Yang Chi , Chen MinJie , Zhang ShanYong , Li Hui , Ellis III Edward
Published: March 2017

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a refractory disease that is difficult to predictably treat. This study evaluated the prognosis of using standard alloplastic TMJ prostheses for the treatment of TMJ ankylosis in Chinese patients with severe mandibular deficiency. Patients treated from 2013 to 2015 were reviewed. The computer-aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM) technique was used to guide bony mass removal and locate the TMJ prosthesis (Biomet, USA). Eleven patients were included in this study. All prostheses were successfully installed and stabilized intraoperatively. In 4 patients with severe mandibular deficiency, their mandibular ramus was elongated by the TMJ prosthesis and 2 patients were combined with Le Fort I osteotomy guided by digital templates. Their mean chin advancement was 10.19 mm. Their SNB and ramus heights were also significantly improved after operation (P < 0.05). There was no prosthesis loosening, breakage, or infection leading to removal after a mean follow-up period of 22 months (range, 12-31mos.). Mouth opening was significantly improved from 5.5 mm preoperatively to 31.5 mm postoperatively. TMJ reconstruction with standard alloplastic prosthesis is a reliable treatment for ankylosis, especially in recurrent cases. By CAD/CAM technique, it can correct jaw deformities simultaneously and produce stable results.
Correction: Corrigendum: Inference of immune cell composition on the expression profiles of mouse tissue
Authors: Chen Ziyi , Huang Anfei , Sun Jiya , Jiang Taijiao , Qin F. Xiao-Feng , Wu Aiping
Published: March 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 40508; published online: 13 January 2017; updated: 24 March 2017 The authors regret that previous work cited in reference 18 reporting the CIBERSORT method was not properly acknowledged for their contribution to the development of methodological framework utilized in this work.
Nickel Binding Sites – Coordination Modes and Thermodynamics
Authors: Rowińska-Żyrek Magdalena , Kozłowski Henryk
Published: March 2017

Nickel, the main character of this book, is a key player of several enzymes, present mostly in lower organisms. The metal is completely unnecessary for humans and crucial for the survival and virulence of pathogens, therefore its coordination chemistry could be an excellent therapeutic target. In this chapter, we explain the coordination chemistry of nickel, focusing on its protein binding properties. Detailed descriptions of complex binding modes are intertwined with explorations of chemically fascinating binding sites in bacterial proteins, such as the cysteine-rich or poly-histidine repeats in nickel chaperones of Helicobacter pylori.
Biochemistry of Methyl-Coenzyme M Reductase
Authors: Ragsdale Stephen W. , Raugei Simone , Ginovska Bojana , Wongnate Thanyaporn
Published: March 2017

Methanogens are masters of CO2 reduction. They conserve energy by coupling H2 oxidation to the reduction of CO2 to CH4, the primary constituent of natural gas. They also generate methane by the reduction of acetic acid, methanol, methane thiol, and methylamines. Methanogens produce 109 tons of methane per year and are the major source of the earth’s atmospheric methane. Reverse methanogenesis or anaerobic methane oxidation, which is catalyzed by methanotrophic archaea living in consortia among bacteria that can act as an electron acceptor, is responsible for annual oxidation of 108 tons of methane to CO2. This chapter briefly describes the overall process of methanogenesis and then describes the enzymatic mechanism of the nickel enzyme, methyl-CoM reductase (MCR), the key enzyme in methane synthesis and oxidation. MCR catalyzes the formation of methane and the heterodisulfide (CoBSSCoM) from methyl-coenzyme M (methyl-CoM) and coenzyme B (HSCoB). Uncovering the mechanistic and molecular details of MCR catalysis is critical since methane is an abundant and important fuel and is the second (to CO2) most prevalent greenhouse gas.
Reinventing the Wheel: The NiSOD Story
Authors: Campeciño Julius O. , Maroney Michael J.
Published: March 2017

The most recently discovered SOD requires nickel in its active site – NiSOD. Among the available metals, nickel seems an unlikely redox center. This chapter discusses the protein adaptations required in order to use nickel for SOD catalysis. Cysteine ligands are employed for the first time in an SOD, to suppress the potential of the Ni(ii/iii) couple. However, this adaptation alone is not sufficient to produce an SOD, since thiolate ligands are sensitive to oxidation by H2O2 and O2. Additional adaptations include the use of two unusual backbone N-donor ligands, an amidate and the N-terminal amine. Yet merely producing a stable Ni redox center is not sufficient for SOD catalysis. A source of protons is needed to produce H2O2 and the pH-independent catalysis that is characteristic of SODs. Thus, the cysteine thiolates were also employed to provide a site for protonation. In restricting active site access, NiSOD appears to have utilized the same strategy employed by MnSOD and FeSOD – a “gateway” formed by Tyr residues. Thus, NiSOD represents evolution that converged on the same criteria for catalysis as other SODs, where the adaptations to the metal site are uniquely suited to using nickel as a redox center.
Nickel in Microbial Physiology – from Single Proteins to Complex Trafficking Systems: Nickel Import/Export
Authors: Rodrigue Agnes , Albareda Marta , Mandrand-Berthelot Marie-Andrée , Palacios Jose
Published: March 2017

In response to the low nickel availability in most natural environments, bacteria have developed high-affinity transporters to meet cell needs for the synthesis of nickel-containing enzymes. Two main categories of such importers are known: single polypeptide permeases and multicomponent members of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) family. In addition, bacteria possess different kinds of nickel efflux systems to regulate nickel homeostasis and avoid toxic buildup of nickel concentration in the cell. In this chapter we review the recent advances concerning nickel import/export mechanisms that allow bacteria to fulfill metalloenzyme biosynthesis while circumventing the toxicity of this element.
Application of Ni2+-Binding Proteins
Authors: Zakrzewska-Czerwińska J. , Zawilak-Pawlik A. M.
Published: March 2017

Proteins that bind nickel play important roles in various biological processes. They are either metalloenzymes, whose activity depends on Ni2+, or processing proteins, responsible for Ni2+ sensing, uptake, and storage, because free transition metals are harmful to the cell. However, nickel-binding proteins, or their fragments, are also considered biomolecules, which may be applied in science, medicine, or biotechnology. In fact, the histidine polypeptide (His-tag) is an example of one of the most successful applications of the nickel-binding motif in molecular biology. There are many other ways to exploit nickel-binding proteins as biosensors, drug targets, or in remediation technology.
Delineation of disease phenotypes associated with esophageal adenocarcinoma by MALDI-IMS-MS analysis of serum N-linked glycans
Authors: Gaye M. M. , Ding T. , Shion H. , Hussein A. , HU Y. , Zhou S. , Hammoud Z. T. , Lavine B. K. , Mechref Y. , Gebler J. C. , Clemmer D. E.
Published: March 2017

Using mobility distributions generated by MALDI-IMS-MS in combination with principal component analysis for disease phenotype delineation.
Assembling gold nanoparticles into flower-like structures by complementary base pairing of DNA molecules with mediation by apoferritins
Authors: Wei Jing , Li Yan-Li , Gao Peng-Cheng , Lu Qian , Wang Zhi-Fei , Zhou Jian-Jun , Jiang Yong
Published: March 2017

A novel strategy was developed to assemble gold nanoparticles into flower-like structures by base pairing of the attached DNA molecules with mediation by an apoferritin cage.
Enhanced photoelectrochemical performance of internally porous Au-embedded α-Fe2O3 photoanodes for water oxidation
Authors: Shinde Pravin S. , Lee Su Yong , Ryu Jungho , Choi Sun Hee , Jang Jum Suk
Published: March 2017

We report CTAB-mediated synthesis of internally porous Au-embedded hematite photoanode with enhanced photoelectrochemical water oxidation performance.
Delineating the role of ripples on the thermal expansion of 2D honeycomb materials: graphene, 2D h-BN and monolayer (ML)-MoS2
Authors: Anees P. , Valsakumar M. C. , Panigrahi B. K.
Published: March 2017

Thermally excited ripples are inevitable in 2D crystals, and they can affect the thermophysical properties of these materials significantly. We delineated the role of ripples on the thermal expansion of 2D honeycomb materials using classical molecular dynamics simulations.
AgPd–MnOx supported on carbon nanospheres: an efficient catalyst for dehydrogenation of formic acid
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Shang Ningzhao , Zhou Xin , Feng Cheng , Gao Shutao , Wu Qiuhua , Wang Zhi , Wang Chun
Published: March 2017

AgPd and MnOx nanoparticles were immobilized on biomass-derived carbon nanospheres, which exhibited excellent activity for the dehydrogenation of formic acid.
Preparation of porous CuO films from Cu(NO3)2 aqueous solutions containing poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and their photocathodic properties
Authors: Uchiyama H. , Isobe K. , Kozuka H.
Published: March 2017

We prepared porous CuO photocathode films by dip coating from Cu(NO3)2 aqueous solutions containing poly(vinylpyrrolidone). The porous structure led to an efficient photocathodic reaction under the UV and visible light illumination.
A bidirectional synthesis of spiroacetals via Rh(ii)-catalysed C–H insertion
Authors: Lepage Romain J. , White Jonathan M. , Coster Mark J.
Published: March 2017

Acyclic methylene acetals bearing two diazoester subunits have been converted to [5,5]-spiroacetalsviabidirectional C–H insertion under Rh(ii) catalysis.
Magnetic zeolites: novel nanoreactors through radiofrequency heating
Authors: García-Aguilar Jaime , Fernández-García Javier , Rebrov Evgeny V. , Lees Martin Richard , Gao Pengzhao , Cazorla-Amorós Diego , Berenguer-Murcia Ángel
Published: March 2017

Novel ferrite@zeolites have been synthesized and applied in citronellal isomerization under radiofrequency heating for enhanced microreactor development.
A family of ‘windmill’-like {Cu6Ln12} complexes exhibiting single-molecule magnetism behavior and large magnetic entropy changes
Authors: Alexandropoulos Dimitris I. , Poole Katye M. , Cunha-Silva Luis , Ahmad Sheikh Javeed , Wernsdorfer Wolfgang , Christou George , Stamatatos Theocharis C.
Published: March 2017

The first octadecanuclear {Cu6Ln12} clusters with a ‘windmill’-like topology have been prepared from a ‘ligand blend’ comprising a pyridyl dioxime chelate and azides.
Effect of low water content in protic ionic liquid on ions electrosorption in porous carbon: application to electrochemical capacitors
Authors: Gorska B. , Timperman L. , Anouti M. , Béguin F.
Published: March 2017

We report the effect of low water content in [(C2H5)3N+H] [TFSI−] on the Stern layer nanostructure in a porous carbon electrode at positive and negative potentials.
Entropy in multiple equilibria, theory and applications
Authors: Calzaferri Gion
Published: March 2017

Entropy controls the dependence of the equilibrium constants in the synthesis of host–guest composites on the occupation rc for channels of different length.
Interactions between charged particles with bathing multivalent counterions: experiments vs. dressed ion theory
Authors: Kanduč Matej , Moazzami-Gudarzi Mohsen , Valmacco Valentina , Podgornik Rudolf , Trefalt Gregor
Published: March 2017

Dressed ion theory captures experimentally measured non-DLVO force, induced by ion-correlations.
Electrolytic conductivity-related radiofrequency heating of aqueous suspensions of nanoparticles for biomedicine
Authors: Tamarov Konstantin , Gongalsky Maxim , Osminkina Liubov , Huang Yuanhui , Omar Murad , Yakunin Valery , Ntziachristos Vasilis , Razansky Daniel , Timoshenko Victor
Published: March 2017

Solid-state nanoparticles can be used as contrast agents for local hyperthermia and thermoacoustic imaging. The underlying mechanisms of heating are studied.
Anionic and cationic Hofmeister effects are non-additive for guanidinium salts
Authors: Balos V. , Bonn M. , Hunger J.
Published: March 2017

The interaction of spherical anions and cations with a model amide is additive, except for salts containing the guanidinium cation.
Embedded silicene nanostructures in partly-dehydrogenated polysilane
Authors: Li Xiuling , Zeng Xiao Cheng , Wu Xiaojun
Published: March 2017

First-principles calculations reveal that embedded silicene nanoribbons with novel electronic properties can be obtained by partly dehydrogenating polysilane sheets.
Synergistic effect of CoPi-hole and Cu(ii)-electron cocatalysts for enhanced photocatalytic activity and photoinduced stability of Ag3PO4
Authors: Wang Ping , Xu Shunqiu , Xia Yang , Wang Xuefei , Yu Huogen , Yu Jiaguo
Published: March 2017

CoPi–Cu(ii)/Ag3PO4 not only exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity than Ag3PO4, Cu(ii)/Ag3PO4 and CoPi/Ag3PO4 but could also maintain excellently stable performance.
Spacer length dependent architectural diversity in bis-dipyrrin copper(ii) complexes
Authors: Paitandi Rajendra Prasad , Singh Roop Shikha , Mukhopadhyay Sujay , Kumar Ashish , Pandey Daya Shankar
Published: March 2017

A series of copper(ii) complexes (1–9 and 3′) from bis-dipyrrin ligands (L1–L9 and L3′) have been synthesized with diverse spacer lengths [–(CH2)n–] which exhibit systematic transition of complex geometry from heteroleptic binuclear to homoleptic mononuclear simply by increasing the length (n) of alkyl spacers.
Selectivity control between Mizoroki–Heck and homo-coupling reactions for synthesising multinuclear metal complexes: unique addition effects of tertiary phosphines and O2
Authors: Yamazaki Yasuomi , Ishitani Osamu
Published: March 2017

Selectivity control between the Mizoroki–Heck and the homo-coupling reactions for synthesising multinuclear metal complexes could be achieved by using tertiary phosphines and air, which affected the particle size of Pd species as catalysts for the reactions.
High efficiency and high open-circuit voltage quadruple-junction silicon thin film solar cells for future electronic applications
Authors: Liu Bofei , Bai Lisha , Li Tiantian , Wei Changchun , Li Baozhang , Huang Qian , Zhang Dekun , Wang Guangcai , Zhao Ying , Zhang Xiaodan
Published: March 2017

A highly efficient quadruple-junction silicon based thin-film solar cell with a remarkably high open-circuit voltage was demonstrated to inspire functional photoelectrical devices for environmental applications.
The15N NMR chemical shift in the characterization of weak halogen bonding in solution
Authors: Hakkert Sebastiaan B. , Gräfenstein Jürgen , Erdelyi Mate
Published: March 2017

We have studied the applicability of15N NMR spectroscopy in the characterization of the very weak halogen bonds of nonfluorinated halogen bond donors with a nitrogenous Lewis base in solution. The ability of the technique to detect the relative strength of iodine-, bromine- and chlorine-centered halogen bonds, as well as solvent and substituent effects was evaluated. Whereas computations on the DFT level indicate that15N NMR chemical shifts reflect the diamagnetic deshielding associated with the formation of a weak halogen bond, the experimentally observed chemical shift differences were on the edge of detectability due to the low molar fraction of halogen-bonded complexes in solution. The formation of the analogous yet stronger hydrogen bond of phenols have induced approximately ten times larger chemical shift changes, and could be detected and correlated to the electronic properties of substituents of the hydrogen bond donors. Overall,15N NMR is shown to be a suitable tool for the characterization of comparably strong secondary interactions in solution, but not sufficiently accurate for the detection of the formation of thermodynamically labile, weak halogen bonded complexes.
A facile synthesis of copper nanoparticles supported on an ordered mesoporous polymer as an efficient and stable catalyst for solvent-free sonogashira coupling Reactions
Authors: Wang Kaixuan , Yang Liping , Zhao Weiliang , Cao Linqing , Sun Zhenliang , Zhang Fang
Published: March 2017

A facile synthesis of copper nanoparticles supported on an ordered mesoporous polymer was developed for solvent-free Sonogashira coupling reactions.
Directly embroidered microtubes for fluid transport in wearable applications
Authors: Rahimi Rahim , Yu Wuyang , Ochoa Manuel , Ziaie Babak
Published: March 2017

We demonstrate a facile approach for integrating highly flexible and stretchable microfluidics into textile-based substrates by directly embroidering surface-functionalized micro-tubing.
Hydrogenation of 3-nitro-4-methoxy-acetylaniline with H2 to 3-amino-4-methoxy-acetylaniline catalyzed by bimetallic copper/nickel nanoparticles
Authors: Yang Chenchen , Xue Wuping , Yin Hengbo , Lu Zhipeng , Wang Aili , Shen Lingqin , Jiang Yunyan
Published: March 2017

The presence of a Cu–Ni alloy phase favored the catalytic hydrogenation of 3-nitro-4-methoxy-acetylaniline to 3-amino-4-methoxy-acetylaniline.
Sustainable polyvinyl acetals from bioaromatic aldehydes
Authors: Rostagno Mayra , Shen Steven , Ghiviriga Ion , Miller Stephen A.
Published: March 2017

Water-degradable polyvinyl acetals with high glass transition temperatures (114–157 °C) were made via acetalization of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with bioaromatic aldehydes.
Stable DNA-based reaction–diffusion patterns
Authors: Zenk John , Scalise Dominic , Wang Kaiyuan , Dorsey Phillip , Fern Joshua , Cruz Ariana , Schulman Rebecca
Published: March 2017

This paper demonstrates the generation of enzyme free DNA reaction–diffusion gradientsin vitrothat remain stable for tens of hours.
Effective removal of surface-bound cetyltrimethylammonium ions from thiol-monolayer-protected Au nanorods by treatment with dimethyl sulfoxide/citric acid
Authors: Nishida Keisuke , Kawasaki Hideya
Published: March 2017

A simple and effective strategy for removing surface-bound cetyltrimethylammonium (CTA) cations from poly(ethylene glycol)thiolate-protected AuNRs (PEG-AuNRs) by treatment with dimethyl sulfoxide/citric acid (DMSO/Cit).
Ambulatory Voice Biofeedback: Relative Frequency and Summary Feedback Effects on Performance and Retention of Reduced Vocal Intensity in the Daily Lives of Participants With Normal Voices
Authors: Van Stan Jarrad H. , Mehta Daryush D. , Sternad Dagmar , Petit Robert , Hillman Robert E.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Ambulatory voice biofeedback has the potential to significantly improve voice therapy effectiveness by targeting carryover of desired behaviors outside the therapy session (i.e., retention). This study applies motor learning concepts (reduced frequency and delayed, summary feedback) that demonstrate increased retention to ambulatory voice monitoring for training nurses to talk softer during work hours.

Method

Forty-eight nurses with normal voices wore the Voice Health Monitor (Mehta, Zañartu, Feng, Cheyne, & Hillman, 2012) for 6 days: 3 baseline days, 1 biofeedback day, 1 short-term retention day, and 1 long-term retention day. Participants were block-randomized into 3 different biofeedback groups: 100%, 25%, and Summary. Performance was measured in terms of compliance time below a participant-specific vocal intensity threshold.

Results

All participants exhibited a significant increase in compliance time (Cohen'sd= 4.5) during biofeedback days compared with baseline days. The Summary feedback group exhibited statistically smaller performance reduction during both short-term (d= 1.14) and long-term (d= 1.04) retention days compared with the 100% feedback group.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that modifications in feedback frequency and timing affect retention of a modified vocal behavior in daily life. Future work calls for studying the potential beneficial impact of ambulatory voice biofeedback in participants with behaviorally based voice disorders.
Origin of the wide-orbit circumbinary giant planet HD 106906
Authors: Rodet L. , Beust H. , Bonnefoy M. , Lagrange A.-M. , Galli P. A. B. , Ducourant C. , Teixeira R.
Published: March 2017

Context. A giant planet has been recently resolved at a projected distance of 730 au from the tight pair of young (~13 Myr) intermediate-mass stars HD 106906AB in the Lower Centaurus Crux (LCC) group. The stars are surrounded by a debris disk which displays a ring-like morphology and strong asymmetries at multiple scales.

Aims. We aim to study the likelihood of a scenario where the planet formed closer to the stars in the disk, underwent inward disk-induced migration, and got scattered away by the binary star before being stabilized by a close encounter (fly-by).

Methods. We performed semi-analytical calculations and numerical simulations (Swift_HJS package) to model the interactions between the planet and the two stars. We accounted for the migration as a simple force. We studied the LCC kinematics to set constraints on the local density of stars, and therefore on the fly-by likelihood. We performed N-body simulations to determine the effects of the planet trajectories (ejection and secular effects) onto the disk morphology.

Results. The combination of the migration and mean-motion resonances with the binary star (often 1:6) can eject the planet. Nonetheless, we estimate that the fly-by hypothesis decreases the scenario probability to less than 10-7 for a derived local density of stars of 0.11 stars/pc3. We show that the concomitant effect of the planet and stars trajectories induce spiral-features in the disk which may correspond to the observed asymmetries. Moreover, the present disk shape suggests that the planet is on an eccentric orbit.

Conclusions. The scenario we explored is a natural hypothesis if the planet formed within a disk. Conversely, its low probability of occurrence and the fact that HD 106906 b shares some characteristics with other systems in Sco-Cen (e.g., HIP 78530, in terms of mass ratio and separation) may indicate an alternative formation pathway for those objects.
Traumatismo cranioencefálico leve: uma breve revisão
Authors: Andrade Almir Ferreira de , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Figueiredo Eberval Gadelha , Teixeira Renan Ribeiro
Published: March 2017

Considerado a principal causa de invalidez, morte e consumo de recursos, o traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE) pode ser definido como uma alteração da função normal do cérebro causada por colisão ou movimentos bruscos na cabeça, ou ainda por um ferimento penetrante. Os TCEs são classificados como leves, moderados ou graves. No caso dos traumas leves, há uma grande variedade em sua classificação, que pode ser feita com base no uso da escala de Glasgow entre 13 e 15, em alterações da consciência, em amnésia, na nona revisão da Classificação Estatística Internacional de Doenças e Problemas Relacionados com a Saúde (CID-9), e até na escala abreviada de lesões (EAL). Devido a sua importância (corresponde a 75% de todos os TCEs e, segundo o Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], há aproximadamente 500 novos casos por 100 mil pessoas por ano), este trabalho faz uma revisão breve apontando a epidemiologia, as formas de diagnóstico e os possíveis prognósticos. Assim, podemos entender melhor os traumas leves, pois este é um dos poucos distúrbios da medicina em que a classificação benigna é enganosa, e pode estar associada a complicações ao longo da vida.
Pedestal structure and inter-ELM evolution for different main ion species in ASDEX Upgrade
Authors: Laggner F. M. , Wolfrum E. , Cavedon M. , Mink F. , Bernert M. , Dunne M. G. , Schneider P. A. , Kappatou A. , Birkenmeier G. , Fischer R. , Willensdorfer M. , Aumayr F. ,   EUROfusion MST1 Team,   ASDEX Upgrade Team
Published: March 2017

In tokamak plasmas with different main ion species, a change in confinement occurs, known as the isotope effect. Experiments comparing hydrogen (H), deuterium (D), and helium (4He) plasmas have been performed to identify processes that define the pedestal structure and evolution in between the crashes of edge localized modes (ELMs). The pedestal top electron densities and temperatures have been matched to compare the pedestal shape and stability. In the D and H discharges, the pedestal electron temperature profiles do not differ, whereas the density profile in H has shallower gradients. Furthermore, the heat flux across the pedestal in H is roughly a factor of two higher than in D. In 4He plasmas at similar stored energy, the pedestal top electron density is roughly a factor of 1.5 larger than in the references owing to the larger effective charge. The peeling-ballooning theory, which is independent of the main ion species mass, can sufficiently describe the pedestal stability in the hydrogenic plasmas. The inter-ELM pedestal evolution has the same sequence of recovery phases for all investigated species, giving evidence that similar mechanisms are acting in the pedestals. This is further supported by a similar evolution of the inter-ELM magnetic signature and the corresponding toroidal structure.
Increasing plasma parameters using sheared flow stabilization of a Z-pinch
Authors: Shumlak U. , Nelson B. A. , Claveau E. L. , Forbes E. G. , Golingo R. P. , Hughes M. C. , Oberto R. J. , Ross M. P. , Weber T. R.
Published: March 2017

The ZaP and ZaP-HD Flow Z-pinch experiments at the University of Washington have successfully demonstrated that sheared plasma flows can be used as a stabilization mechanism over a range of parameters that has not previously been accessible to long-lived Z-pinch configurations. The stabilization is effective even when the plasma column is compressed to small radii, producing predicted increases in magnetic field and electron temperature. The flow shear value, extent, and duration are shown to be consistent with theoretical models of the plasma viscosity, which places a design constraint on the maximum axial length of a sheared flow stabilized Z-pinch. Measurements of the magnetic field topology indicate simultaneous azimuthal symmetry and axial uniformity along the entire 100 cm length of the Z-pinch plasma. Separate control of plasma acceleration and compression has increased the accessible plasma parameters and has generated stable plasmas with radii of 0.3 cm, as measured with a high resolution digital holographic interferometer. Compressing the plasma with higher pinch currents has produced high magnetic fields (8.5 T) and electron temperatures (1 keV) with an electron density of 2×1017 cm−3, while maintaining plasma stability for many Alfvén times (approximately 50 μs). The results suggest that sheared flow stabilization can be applied to extend Z-pinch plasma parameters to high energy densities.
Multi-field/-scale interactions of turbulence with neoclassical tearing mode magnetic islands in the DIII-D tokamak
Authors: Bardóczi L. , Rhodes T. L. , Bañón Navarro A. , Sung C. , Carter T. A. , La Haye R. J. , McKee G. R. , Petty C. C. , Chrystal C. , Jenko F.
Published: March 2017

We present the first localized measurements of long and intermediate wavelength turbulent density fluctuations (ñ) and long wavelength turbulent electron temperature fluctuations (T̃e) modified by m/n=2/1 Neoclassical Tearing Mode (NTM) islands (m and n are the poloidal and toroidal mode numbers, respectively). These long and intermediate wavelengths correspond to the expected Ion Temperature Gradient and Trapped Electron Mode scales, respectively. Two regimes have been observed when tracking ñ during NTM evolution: (1) small islands are characterized by a steep Te radial profile and turbulence levels comparable to those of the background; (2) large islands have a flat Te profile and reduced turbulence level at the O-point. Radially outside the large island, the Te profile is steeper and the turbulence level increased compared to the no or small island case. Reduced turbulence at the O-point compared to the X-point leads to a 15% modulation of ñ2 across the island that is nearly in phase with the Te modulation. Qualitative comparisons to the GENE non-linear gyrokinetic code are promising with GENE replicating the observed scaling of turbulence modification with island size. These results are significant as they allow the validation of gyrokinetic simulations modeling the interaction of these multi-scale phenomena.
Analysis of self-consistent nonlinear wave-particle interactions of whistler waves in laboratory and space plasmas
Authors: Crabtree Chris , Ganguli Gurudas , Tejero Erik
Published: March 2017

Whistler mode chorus is one of the most important emissions affecting the energization of the radiation belts. Recent laboratory experiments that inject energetic electron beams into a cold plasma have revealed several spectral features in the nonlinear evolution of these instabilities that have also been observed in high-time resolution in situ wave-form data. These features include (1) a sub-element structure which consists of an amplitude modulation on time-scales slower than the bounce time, (2) closely spaced discrete frequency hopping that results in a faster apparent frequency chirp rate, (3) fast frequency changes near the sub-element boundaries, and (4) harmonic generation. In this paper, we develop a finite dimensional self-consistent Hamiltonian model for the evolution of the resonant beam of electrons. We analyze a single wave case and demonstrate that the instability occurs due to a Krein collision, which manifests as a coupling between a negative and positive energy mode. This analysis revealed that the nonlinear evolution of the spectrally stable fixed-points of the self-consistent Hamiltonian develop a sub-packet structure similar to that of space observations. We then analyze the case of two whistler waves to show that the model reproduces the nonlinear harmonic generation and leads to a hypothesis for the closely spaced frequency hopping observed in laboratory experiments and space data.
Feasibility study of SWIR light absorption enhancement in PbS and PbSe nano-structure layers using surface plasmon polariton
Authors: Nissim Nimrod , Rosenblit Michael , Sarusi Gabby
Published: March 2017

We present a theoretical feasibility study of the use of reflection grating couplers in order to harness the Surface Plasmon Polariton (SPP) to increase the absorption efficiency in the short wavelength infrared (SWIR) spectral range of a novel SWIR to visible (VIS) direct up-conversion imaging device. This device detects the SWIR spectral band photons using high absorption PbSe/CdSe core-shell, PbS nano-spheres or PbSe nano-columns. In order to further enhance the absorption of the SWIR light within the nano-structure layer we propose to add another light absorption enhancement, known as SPP enhanced absorption. The idea is to cover the absorber layer surface with a structured metal layer that will ignite SPPs on the metal – dielectric interface, by coupling between the incident TM polarized photons and the SPP modes; this results in better field confinement at the interface that will further increase the SWIR absorption of this thin layer. Calculation of the field profile of the surface plasmon (SP) in the SWIR range shows perpendicular dominance of the SP’s electrical field direction on the dielectric layer side (the PbS or PbSe/CdSe absorption layer side). Based on this result, it was found that, due to the use of quantum confined and, thus, high oscillator strength nanostructures, there is only a marginal increase in the absorption and, hence, in the quantum efficiency when using the SPP enhancement technique. Nevertheless, we show that one of the proposed configurations of the metal grating coupler, having a lamellar structure with a pitch of 1.38μm, a duty cycle (DC) of 0.12μm and a height of 60nm, is predicted to increase the total layer’s absorption by 9.5%, mainly due to efficient light scattering rather than to SPP enhanced absorption.
Ab initio quantum Monte Carlo simulation of the warm dense electron gas
Authors: Dornheim Tobias , Groth Simon , Malone Fionn D. , Schoof Tim , Sjostrom Travis , Foulkes W. M. C. , Bonitz Michael
Published: March 2017

Warm dense matter is one of the most active frontiers in plasma physics due to its relevance for dense astrophysical objects and for novel laboratory experiments in which matter is being strongly compressed, e.g., by high-power lasers. Its description is theoretically very challenging as it contains correlated quantum electrons at finite temperature—a system that cannot be accurately modeled by standard analytical or ground state approaches. Recently, several breakthroughs have been achieved in the field of fermionic quantum Monte Carlo simulations. First, it was shown that exact simulations of a finite model system (30…100 electrons) are possible, which avoid any simplifying approximations such as fixed nodes [Schoof et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 115, 130402 (2015)]. Second, a novel way to accurately extrapolate these results to the thermodynamic limit was reported by Dornheim et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 156403 (2016)]. As a result, now thermodynamic results for the warm dense electron gas are available, which have an unprecedented accuracy on the order of 0.1%. Here, we present an overview on these results and discuss limitations and future directions.
Plasma-based water purification: Challenges and prospects for the future
Authors: Foster John E.
Published: March 2017

Freshwater scarcity derived from seasonal weather variations, climate change, and over-development has led to serious consideration for water reuse. Water reuse involves the direct processing of wastewater for either indirect or directly potable water reuse. In either case, advanced water treatment technologies will be required to process the water to the point that it can be reused in a meaningful way. Additionally, there is growing concern regarding micropollutants, such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, which have been detected in finished drinking water not removed by conventional means. The health impact of these contaminants in low concentration is not well understood. Pending regulatory action, the removal of these contaminants by water treatment plants will also require advanced technology. One new and emerging technology that could potentially address the removal of micropollutants in both finished drinking water as well as wastewater slated for reuse is plasma-based water purification. Plasma in contact with liquid water generates a host of reactive species that attack and ultimately mineralize contaminants in solution. This interaction takes place in the boundary layer or interaction zone centered at the plasma-liquid water interface. An understanding of the physical processes taking place at the interface, though poorly understood, is key to the optimization of plasma-based water purifiers. High electric field conditions, large density gradients, plasma-driven chemistries, and fluid dynamic effects prevail in this multiphase region. The region is also the source function for longer-lived reactive species that ultimately treat the water. Here, we review the need for advanced water treatment methods and in the process, make the case for plasma-based methods. Additionally, we survey the basic methods of interacting plasma with liquid water (including a discussion of breakdown processes in water), the current state of understanding of the physical processes taking place at the plasma-liquid interface, and the role these processes play in water purification. The development of plasma diagnostics usable in this multiphase environment along with modeling efforts aimed at elucidating physical processes taking place at the interface are also detailed. Key experiments that demonstrate the capability of plasma-based water treatment are also reviewed. The technical challenges to the implementation of plasma-based water reactors are also discussed. We conclude with a discussion of prospects for the future of plasma-based water purification.