bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ta2O5-TiO2 Composite Charge-trapping Dielectric for the Application of the Nonvolatile Memory
Authors: Wei C. Y. , Shen B. , Ding P. , Han P. , Li A. D. , Xia Y. D. , Xu B. , Yin J. , Liu Z. G.
Published: July 2017

The charge-trapping memory devices with a structure Pt/Al2O3/(Ta2O5)
x
(TiO2)
1−x
/Al2O3/p-Si (x = 0.9, 0.75, 0.5, 0.25) were fabricated by using rf-sputtering and atomic layer deposition techniques. A special band alignment between (Ta2O5)
x
(TiO2)
1−x
and Si substrate was designed to enhance the memory performance by controlling the composition and dielectric constant of the charge-trapping layer and reducing the difference of the potentials at the bottom of the conduction band between (Ta2O5)
x
(TiO2)
1−x
and Si substrate. The memory device with a composite charge storage layer (Ta2O5)
0.5
(TiO2)
0.5
shows a density of trapped charges 3.84 × 1013/cm2 at ± 12 V, a programming/erasing speed of 1 µs at ± 10 V, a 8% degradation of the memory window at ± 10 V after 104 programming/erasing cycles and a 32% losing of trapped charges after ten years. The difference among the activation energies of the trapped electrons in (Ta2O5)
x
(TiO2)
1−x
CTM devices indicates that the retention characteristics are dominated by the difference of energy level for the trap sites in each TTO CTM device.
DES-TOMATO: A Knowledge Exploration System Focused On Tomato Species
Authors: Salhi Adil , Negrão Sónia , Essack Magbubah , Morton Mitchell J. L. , Bougouffa Salim , Razali Rozaimi , Radovanovic Aleksandar , Marchand Benoit , Kulmanov Maxat , Hoehndorf Robert , Tester Mark , Bajic Vladimir B.
Published: July 2017

Tomato is the most economically important horticultural crop used as a model to study plant biology and particularly fruit development. Knowledge obtained from tomato research initiated improvements in tomato and, being transferrable to other such economically important crops, has led to a surge of tomato-related research and published literature. We developed DES-TOMATO knowledgebase (KB) for exploration of information related to tomato. Information exploration is enabled through terms from 26 dictionaries and combination of these terms. To illustrate the utility of DES-TOMATO, we provide several examples how one can efficiently use this KB to retrieve known or potentially novel information. DES-TOMATO is free for academic and nonprofit users and can be accessed at http://cbrc.kaust.edu.sa/des_tomato/, using any of the mainstream web browsers, including Firefox, Safari and Chrome.
Climate oscillations reflected within the microbiome of Arabian Sea sediments
Authors: Orsi William D. , Coolen Marco J. L. , Wuchter Cornelia , He Lijun , More Kuldeep D. , Irigoien Xabier , Chust Guillem , Johnson Carl , Hemingway Jordon D. , Lee Mitchell , Galy Valier , Giosan Liviu
Published: July 2017

Selection of microorganisms in marine sediment is shaped by energy-yielding electron acceptors for respiration that are depleted in vertical succession. However, some taxa have been reported to reflect past depositional conditions suggesting they have experienced weak selection after burial. In sediments underlying the Arabian Sea oxygen minimum zone (OMZ), we performed the first metagenomic profiling of sedimentary DNA at centennial-scale resolution in the context of a multi-proxy paleoclimate reconstruction. While vertical distributions of sulfate reducing bacteria and methanogens indicate energy-based selection typical of anoxic marine sediments, 5–15% of taxa per sample exhibit depth-independent stratigraphies indicative of paleoenvironmental selection over relatively short geological timescales. Despite being vertically separated, indicator taxa deposited under OMZ conditions were more similar to one another than those deposited in bioturbated intervals under intervening higher oxygen. The genomic potential for denitrification also correlated with palaeo-OMZ proxies, independent of sediment depth and available nitrate and nitrite. However, metagenomes revealed mixed acid and Entner-Dourdoroff fermentation pathways encoded by many of the same denitrifier groups. Fermentation thus may explain the subsistence of these facultatively anaerobic microbes whose stratigraphy follows changing paleoceanographic conditions. At least for certain taxa, our analysis provides evidence of their paleoenvironmental selection over the last glacial-interglacial cycle.
Extreme coastal erosion enhanced by anomalous extratropical storm wave direction
Authors: Harley Mitchell D. , Turner Ian L. , Kinsela Michael A. , Middleton Jason H. , Mumford Peter J. , Splinter Kristen D. , Phillips Matthew S. , Simmons Joshua A. , Hanslow David J. , Short Andrew D.
Published: July 2017

Extratropical cyclones (ETCs) are the primary driver of large-scale episodic beach erosion along coastlines in temperate regions. However, key drivers of the magnitude and regional variability in rapid morphological changes caused by ETCs at the coast remain poorly understood. Here we analyze an unprecedented dataset of high-resolution regional-scale morphological response to an ETC that impacted southeast Australia, and evaluate the new observations within the context of an existing long-term coastal monitoring program. This ETC was characterized by moderate intensity (for this regional setting) deepwater wave heights, but an anomalous wave direction approximately 45 degrees more counter-clockwise than average. The magnitude of measured beach volume change was the largest in four decades at the long-term monitoring site and, at the regional scale, commensurate with that observed due to extreme North Atlantic hurricanes. Spatial variability in morphological response across the study region was predominantly controlled by alongshore gradients in storm wave energy flux and local coastline alignment relative to storm wave direction. We attribute the severity of coastal erosion observed due to this ETC primarily to its anomalous wave direction, and call for greater research on the impacts of changing storm wave directionality in addition to projected future changes in wave heights.
Cryopreservation protocol for human biliary tree stem/progenitors, hepatic and pancreatic precursors
Authors: Nevi Lorenzo , Cardinale Vincenzo , Carpino Guido , Costantini Daniele , Di Matteo Sabina , Cantafora Alfredo , Melandro Fabio , Brunelli Roberto , Bastianelli Carlo , Aliberti Camilla , Monti Marco , Bosco Daniela , Berloco Pasquale Bartolomeo , Panici Pierluigi Benedetti , Reid Lola , Gaudio Eugenio , Alvaro Domenico
Published: July 2017

Human biliary tree stem/progenitor cells (hBTSCs) are being used for cell therapies of patients with liver cirrhosis. A cryopreservation method was established to optimize sourcing of hBTSCs for these clinical programs and that comprises serum-free Kubota’s Medium (KM) supplemented with 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), 15% human serum albumin (HSA) and 0.1% hyaluronans. Cryopreserved versus freshly isolated hBTSCs were similar in vitro with respect to self-replication, stemness traits, and multipotency. They were able to differentiate to functional hepatocytes,cholangiocytes or pancreatic islets, yielding similar levels of secretion of albumin or of glucose-inducible levels of insulin. Cryopreserved versus freshly isolated hBTSCs were equally able to engraft into immunocompromised mice yielding cells with human-specific gene expression and human albumin levels in murine serum that were higher for cryopreserved than for freshly isolated hBTSCs. The successful cryopreservation of hBTSCs facilitates establishment of hBTSCs cell banking offering logistical advantages for clinical programs for treatment of liver diseases.
Weakened IL-15 Production and Impaired mTOR Activation Alter Dendritic Epidermal T Cell Homeostasis in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Liu Zhongyang , Liang Guangping , Gui Li , Li Yashu , Liu Meixi , bai Yang , Zhang Xiaorong , Hu Xiaohong , Chen Jian , Huang Chibing , Liu Xusheng , Luo Gaoxing , Wu Jun , He Weifeng
Published: July 2017

Diabetes is associated with impaired wound healing, which may be caused primarily by a deficiency in dendritic epidermal T cells (DETCs). In the epidermis, IL-15, IGF-1, and mTOR are known to regulate the maintenance of DETCs; however, it is unclear how these molecules may intersect to regulate DETC homeostasis in diabetes. Here, we show that the reduction of DETCs in the epidermis of diabetic mice is caused by altered homeostasis mediated by a reduction in IL-15 levels. Both impaired mTOR activation and reduction of IL-15 in the epidermis play important roles in DETC homeostasis. Moreover, IGF-1 drives keratinocytes to produce IL-15. The activation of IL-15 is dependent on mTOR, and conversely, mTOR regulates IGF-1 production in DETC, in a classic feedback regulatory loop. Our data suggest that in the setting of diabetes, reduced IGF-1, impaired mTOR pathway activation and reduced IL-15 in the epidermis function coordinately to promote altered DETC homeostasis and delayed skin wound closure.
Enhancement of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and its electric field-induced change through interface engineering in Cr/Fe/MgO
Authors: Kozioł-Rachwał A. , Nozaki T. , Freindl K. , Korecki J. , Yuasa S. , Suzuki Y.
Published: July 2017

Recently, perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) and its voltage control (VC) was demonstrated for Cr/Fe/MgO. In this study, we shed light on the origin of large voltage-induced anisotropy change in Cr/Fe/MgO. Analysis of the chemical structure of Cr/Fe/MgO revealed the existence of Cr atoms in the proximity of the Fe/MgO interface, which can affect both magnetic anisotropy (MA) and its VC. We showed that PMA and its VC can be enhanced by controlled Cr doping at the Fe/MgO interface. For Cr/Fe (5.9 Å)/Cr (0.7 Å)/MgO with an effective PMA of 0.8 MJ/m3, a maximum value of the voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) effect of 370 fJ/Vm was demonstrated due to Cr insertion.
Distinct functional relevance of dynamic GTPase cysteine methylation in fission yeast
Authors: Franco Alejandro , Soto Teresa , Martín-García Rebeca , Madrid Marisa , Vázquez-Marín Beatriz , Vicente-Soler Jero , Coll Pedro M. , Gacto Mariano , Pérez Pilar , Cansado José
Published: July 2017

The final step in post-translational processing of Ras and Rho GTPases involves methylation of the prenylated cysteine residue by an isoprenylcysteine-O-carboxyl methyltransferase (ICMT). ICMT activity is essential for cell growth and development in higher eukaryotes, and inhibition of GTPase methylation has become an attractive target in cancer therapy to inactivate prenylated oncoproteins. However, the specificity and dynamics of the GTPase methylation process remain to be fully clarified. Notably, cells lacking Mam4, the ICMT ortholog in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, are viable. We have exploited this feature to analyze the role of methylation on GTPase localization and function. We show that methylation differentially affects GTPase membrane localization, being particularly relevant for plasma membrane tethering and downstream signaling of palmitoylated and farnesylated GTPases Ras1 and Rho2 lacking C-terminal polybasic motifs. Indeed, Ras1 and Rho2 cysteine methylation is required for proper regulation of differentiation elicited by MAPK Spk1 and for stress-dependent activation of the cell integrity pathway (CIP) and its main effector MAPK Pmk1. Further, Mam4 negatively regulates TORC2 signaling by a cross-inhibitory mechanism relying on Rho GTPase methylation. These results highlight the requirement for a tight control of GTPase methylation in vivo to allow adequate GTPase function.
Large-Scale Analysis of Drug Side Effects via Complex Regulatory Modules Composed of microRNAs, Transcription Factors and Gene Sets
Authors: Jia Xiaodong , Jin Qing , Liu Xiangqiong , Bian Xiusen , Wang Yunfeng , Liu Lei , Ma Hongzhe , Tan Fujian , Gu Mingliang , Chen Xiujie
Published: July 2017

Identifying the occurrence mechanism of drug-induced side effects (SEs) is critical for design of drug target and new drug development. The expression of genes in biological processes is regulated by transcription factors(TFs) and/or microRNAs. Most of previous studies were focused on a single level of gene or gene sets, while studies about regulatory relationships of TFs, miRNAs and biological processes are very rare. Discovering the complex regulating relations among TFs, gene sets and miRNAs will be helpful for researchers to get a more comprehensive understanding about the mechanism of side reaction. In this study, a framework was proposed to construct the relationship network of gene sets, miRNAs and TFs involved in side effects. Through the construction of this network, the potential complex regulatory relationship in the occurrence process of the side effects was reproduced. The SE-gene set network was employed to characterize the significant regulatory SE-gene set interaction and molecular basis of accompanied side effects. A total of 117 side effects complex modules including four types of regulating patterns were obtained from the SE-gene sets-miRNA/TF complex regulatory network. In addition, two cases were used to validate the complex regulatory modules which could more comprehensively interpret occurrence mechanism of side effects.
Linking Rheology and Printability for Dense and Strong Ceramics by Direct Ink Writing
Authors: M’Barki Amin , Bocquet Lydéric , Stevenson Adam
Published: July 2017

Direct ink writing of dense and strong ceramic objects remains an important open challenge. We develop a universal dimensionless criterion for printing such objects. Boehmite, an Al2O3 precursor, was used to assess the rheological properties leading to dense structures in ceramics manufactured by direct ink writing. Boehmite suspensions undergo time dependent gelation, thus providing a rheological laboratory of flow behaviours that can be correlated with printability requirements. We measured the evolution of rheological properties over several days and quantified the deformation of simple printed shapes at different aging times. We then identified the relevant physical parameters leading to printable suspensions. We defined a dimensionless number, Ξ, based on measured rheological properties, that predicts deformation of the printed object and determines the printability criterion. An important difference with this criterion is that Ξ necessarily accounts for capillary forces and gravitational slumping. We show that boehmite inks reach a printed shape fidelity > 90% when Ξ > 1, and that Al2O3 bars printed under these conditions can be sintered to 97% density, without printing defects, and have flexural strengths (500–600 MPa) competitive with commercial aluminas. Using Ξ, researchers can rationally design inks for printing dense materials by tailoring their rheological properties such that Ξ ≈ 1.
Effective Methods of Restraining Diffusion in Terms of Epidemic Dynamics
Authors: Xiong Fei , Li Zhao-Yi
Published: July 2017

Removing influential nodes or shortcuts in a network restrains epidemic or information diffusion, but this method destroys the connectivity of the network and changes the topological structure. As an alternative, an additional field can be imposed in the network to affect node behaviors and slow down diffusion dynamics. However, little research has been performed systematically to analyze and compare these methods. This paper investigates epidemic dynamics and proposes the following four methods to restrain the diffusion process: blocking nodes, blocking edges, distracting node attention, and propagating opposite information. We compare differences in the actions of these methods, and investigate their joint effects. Through numerical experiments in a scale-free network and a real network, we observe that these methods change the spreading threshold and final extent with different conditions. The method of blocking nodes is more efficient and economical than blocking edges. Propagating opposite information can effectively prevent diffusion of target information that has a large spreading rate, whereas distracting node attention only takes effect for the information with a small rate. Meanwhile, the effects of these two methods mainly depend on their action time. From the joint effects, we can select the optimal method for different situations.
Structure of general-population antibody titer distributions to influenza A virus
Authors: Nhat Nguyen Thi Duy , Todd Stacy , de Bruin Erwin , Thao Tran Thi Nhu , Vy Nguyen Ha Thao , Quan Tran Minh , Vinh Dao Nguyen , van Beek Janko , Anh Pham Hong , Lam Ha Minh , Hung Nguyen Thanh , Thanh Nguyen Thi Le , Huy Huynh Le Anh , Ha Vo Thi Hong , Baker Stephen , Thwaites Guy E. , Lien Nguyen Thi Nam , Hong Tran Thi Kim , Farrar Jeremy , Simmons Cameron P. , Chau Nguyen Van Vinh , Koopmans Marion , Boni Maciej F.
Published: July 2017

Seroepidemiological studies aim to understand population-level exposure and immunity to infectious diseases. Their results are normally presented as binary outcomes describing the presence or absence of pathogen-specific antibody, despite the fact that many assays measure continuous quantities. A population’s natural distribution of antibody titers to an endemic infectious disease may include information on multiple serological states – naiveté, recent infection, non-recent infection, childhood infection – depending on the disease in question and the acquisition and waning patterns of immunity. In this study, we investigate 20,152 general-population serum samples from southern Vietnam collected between 2009 and 2013 from which we report antibody titers to the influenza virus HA1 protein using a continuous titer measurement from a protein microarray assay. We describe the distributions of antibody titers to subtypes 2009 H1N1 and H3N2. Using a model selection approach to fit mixture distributions, we show that 2009 H1N1 antibody titers fall into four titer subgroups and that H3N2 titers fall into three subgroups. For H1N1, our interpretation is that the two highest-titer subgroups correspond to recent and historical infection, which is consistent with 2009 pandemic attack rates. Similar interpretations are available for H3N2, but right-censoring of titers makes these interpretations difficult to validate.
Differential control of dNTP biosynthesis and genome integrity maintenance by the dUTPase superfamily enzymes
Authors: Hirmondo Rita , Lopata Anna , Suranyi Eva Viola , Vertessy Beata G. , Toth Judit
Published: July 2017

dUTPase superfamily enzymes generate dUMP, the obligate precursor for de novo dTTP biosynthesis, from either dUTP (monofunctional dUTPase, Dut) or dCTP (bifunctional dCTP deaminase/dUTPase, Dcd:dut). In addition, the elimination of dUTP by these enzymes prevents harmful uracil incorporation into DNA. These two beneficial outcomes have been thought to be related. Here we determined the relationship between dTTP biosynthesis (dTTP/dCTP balance) and the prevention of DNA uracilation in a mycobacterial model that encodes both the Dut and Dcd:dut enzymes, and has no other ways to produce dUMP. We show that, in dut mutant mycobacteria, the dTTP/dCTP balance remained unchanged, but the uracil content of DNA increased in parallel with the in vitro activity-loss of Dut accompanied with a considerable increase in the mutation rate. Conversely, dcd:dut inactivation resulted in perturbed dTTP/dCTP balance and two-fold increased mutation rate, but did not increase the uracil content of DNA. Thus, unexpectedly, the regulation of dNTP balance and the prevention of DNA uracilation are decoupled and separately brought about by the Dcd:dut and Dut enzymes, respectively. Available evidence suggests that the discovered functional separation is conserved in humans and other organisms.
Sex-based Differences in the Association between Body Composition and Incident Fracture Risk in Koreans
Authors: Kim Jung Hee , Hong A. Ram , Choi Hyung Jin , Ku Eu Jeong , Cho Nam H. , Shin Chan Soo
Published: July 2017

The relative contribution of lean mass and fat mass on bone health is inconclusive. We investigated the relative contributions of lean and fat masses on fragility fracture risk in Korean men and women. This was an ongoing prospective community-dwelling cohort study at Ansung beginning in 2001, which included 2,189 men and 2,625 women over 40 years old. Study subjects were classified into the following four groups according to lean mass (LM)/height2 and percentage fat mass (PF). Clinical fragility fracture events were assessed at baseline and biennially using self-reported questionnaires. During a median follow-up of 9.4 years, 77 (3.5%) men and 203 (7.7%) women experienced at least one incident fracture. In Cox proportional hazard models, men with low LM under normal and high PF had a 2.16 and 2.59- fold higher risk for fragility fractures than normal ones even after adjusting for covariates. However, in women, low LM or high FM was not associated with fracture risk. We demonstrated sex-based differences in the association of body composition and incident fracture risk in Koreans aged over 40 years during a 10-year follow-up duration. Maintaining muscle mass in men is vital to maintaining bone health and preventing fragility fractures in Koreans.
Microstructure Refinement in W-Y2O3 Alloy Fabricated by Wet Chemical Method with Surfactant Addition and Subsequent Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Dong Zhi , Liu Nan , Ma Zongqing , Liu Chenxi , Guo Qianying , Alothman Zeid Abdullah , Yamauchi Yusuke , Shahriar A. Hossain Md. , Liu Yongchang
Published: July 2017

With the aim of preparing high performance oxide-dispersion-strengthened tungsten based alloys by powder metallurgy, the W-Y2O3 composite nanopowder precursor was fabricated by an improved wet chemical method with anion surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) addition. It is found that the employment of SDS can dramatically decrease W grain size (about 40 nm) and improve the size uniformity. What’s more, SDS addition can also remarkably improve the uniform dispersion of Y2O3 particles during the synthesis process. For the alloy whose powder precursor was fabricated by traditional wet chemical method without SDS addition, only a few Y2O3 dispersoids with size of approximate 10–50 nm distribute unevenly within tungsten grains. Nevertheless, for the sintered alloy whose powder precursor was produced by improved wet chemical method, the Y2O3 dispersoids (about 2–10 nm in size) with near spherical shape are dispersed well within tungsten grains. Additionally, compared with the former, the alloy possesses smaller grain size (approximate 700 nm) and higher relative density (99.00%). And a Vickers microhardness value up to 600 Hv was also obtained for this alloy. Based on these results, the employment of SDS in traditional wet chemical method is a feasible way to fabricate high performance yttria-dispersion-strengthened tungsten based alloys.
Anti-asthmatic effect of pitavastatin through aerosol inhalation is associated with CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ T cells in an asthma mouse model
Authors: Wu Songquan , Yang Ruhui , Wang Guangli
Published: July 2017

Statins are competitive inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-A) reductase, and studies have shown that statins also have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-asthmatic effects of pitavastatin, a type of statin, in an asthma mouse model. Mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to establish the asthma model. These mice were then treated with inhaled pitavastatin (5 mg/kg) or dexamethasone (2 mg/kg), the latter of which served as a positive control. The results of the study showed that pitavastatin reduced allergen-induced increases in airway resistance and alleviated bronchial tube thickness and goblet cell hyperplasia in lung tissues. In addition, the results showed that pitavastatin inhibited OVA-induced increases in eosinophil counts and total inflammatory cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and increased the percentage of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Treg in the BALF of asthmatic mice. IL-4 and IL-17 levels were decreased, whereas IFN-γ levels were significantly increased in the BALF of pitavastatin-treated mice compared with the BALF of OVA-challenged mice. These results suggest that pitavastatin has potential as a therapy for allergic airway disease and that its effects are associated with its ability to regulate CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ T cell counts.
Human hippocampal pre-activation predicts behavior
Authors: Jafarpour Anna , Piai Vitoria , Lin Jack J. , Knight Robert T.
Published: July 2017

The response to an upcoming salient event is accelerated when the event is expected given the preceding events – i.e. a temporal context effect. For example, naming a picture following a strongly constraining temporal context is faster than naming a picture after a weakly constraining temporal context. We used sentences as naturalistic stimuli to manipulate expectations on upcoming pictures without prior training. Here, using intracranial recordings from the human hippocampus we found more power in the high-frequency band prior to high-expected pictures than weakly expected ones. We applied pattern similarity analysis on the temporal pattern of hippocampal high-frequency band activity in single hippocampal contacts. We found that greater similarity in the pattern of hippocampal field potentials between pre-picture interval and expected picture interval in the high-frequency band predicted picture-naming latencies. Additional pattern similarity analysis indicated that the hippocampal representations follow a semantic map. The results suggest that hippocampal pre-activation of expected stimuli is a facilitating mechanism underlying the powerful contextual behavioral effect.
Three-dimensional visualization of intrauterine conceptus through the uterine wall by tissue clearing method
Authors: Kagami Kyosuke , Shinmyo Yohei , Ono Masanori , Kawasaki Hiroshi , Fujiwara Hiroshi
Published: July 2017

Visualization of specific cells in the three-dimensional organ architecture is one of the key steps to develop our knowledge about pathophysiological mechanisms in various organs. In this study, we successfully obtained stereoscopic whole images of the intrauterine murine embryo and placenta through the uterus using a modified tissue clearing CUBIC method. By this procedure, we can recognize the three-dimensional relationships among various tissues within the pregnant uterus and analyze free-angle images of cross-sections with single-cell resolution using a computer system. Based on these data, we can select optimal cross-section angles and then produce the corresponding tissue slices that are adequate for further immunohistochemical examination. Furthermore, using transgenic mice, distinct images of an EGFP-positive embryo and the placenta can be obtained, confirming the precise three-dimensional location of invading trophoblasts in the feto-maternal interface in the uterus. These results indicate that this procedure will significantly contribute to analyzing pathophysiological mechanisms in reproductive organs.
Adaptive Control of Ion Yield in Femtosecond Laser Post-ionization for Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Lorenc Dusan , Jerigova Monika , Stupavska Monika , Velic Dusan
Published: July 2017

Secondary ion mass spectrometry is an excellent technique of analytical chemistry, where primary ions sputter a solid sample generating the secondary ions which are determined. Although the ion yield is inherently low, it can be enhanced by using a post-ionization of sputtered neutral species. Our novel approach integrates this technique with a near infrared femtosecond laser post-ionization based on an adaptive control through a laser pulse shaper. The shaping of the laser pulse provides adaptive control to select a mass peak of interest and to enhance this peak intensity. Versatility is confirmed by optimizing the ion yield for different molecules (tryptophan, anthracene, polyethylene, and oxalic acid) with focus on parent ion enhancement, fragmentation process, sublimation effect, and excited secondary species. This proof-of-concept experiment provides not only a nonspecific increase of the overall ion yield, but also the selection of specific secondary species and the adaptive enhancement of their intensities on the order of 100, potentially simplifying data interpretation. Such tailored spectra might advance the (secondary ion) mass spectrometry to new capabilities.
Forest edge disturbance increases rattan abundance in tropical rain forest fragments
Authors: Campbell Mason J. , Edwards Will , Magrach Ainhoa , Laurance Susan G. , Alamgir Mohammed , Porolak Gabriel , Laurance William F.
Published: July 2017

Human-induced forest fragmentation poses one of the largest threats to global diversity yet its impact on rattans (climbing palms) has remained virtually unexplored. Rattan is arguably the world’s most valuable non-timber forest product though current levels of harvesting and land-use change place wild populations at risk. To assess rattan response to fragmentation exclusive of harvesting impacts we examined rattan abundance, demography and ecology within the forests of northeastern, Australia. We assessed the community abundance of rattans, and component adult (>3 m) and juvenile (≤3 m) abundance in five intact forests and five fragments (23–58 ha) to determine their response to a range of environmental and ecological parameters. Fragmented forests supported higher abundances of rattans than intact forests. Fragment size and edge degradation significantly increased adult rattan abundance, with more in smaller fragments and near edges. Our findings suggest that rattan increase within fragments is due to canopy disturbance of forest edges resulting in preferential, high-light habitat. However, adult and juvenile rattans may respond inconsistently to fragmentation. In managed forest fragments, a rattan abundance increase may provide economic benefits through sustainable harvesting practices. However, rattan increases in protected area forest fragments could negatively impact conservation outcomes.
Mechanically durable liquid-impregnated honeycomb surfaces
Authors: Brown Philip S. , Bhushan Bharat
Published: July 2017

Liquid repellent surfaces typically work by keeping the fouling liquid in a metastable state, with trapped pockets of air between the substrate and the liquid. An alternative method with greater long-term stability utilizes liquid-impregnated surfaces, where the liquid being repelled slides over an immiscible liquid immobilized on a porous surface. Here, we report a method for creating honeycomb surfaces amenable to liquid-impregnation. Polystyrene dissolved in a water-immiscible, volatile solvent was deposited in a humid environment on a variety of substrates to achieve the necessary porosity. Evaporative cooling results in condensation of water in a breath figure array of droplets, forming a sacrificial template for the drying polymer film. These honeycomb surfaces were further functionalized with fluorosilane and dipped in the lubricating liquid to result in a durable, liquid-repellent surface. These surfaces were found to exhibit repellency towards water and oils with extremely low tilt angles due to the smooth liquid–liquid contact between the lubricating liquid and the liquid being repelled.
A new fluorescence chemosensor for Zn2+with a remarkable red shift in emission spectra
Authors: Azadbakht Reza , Koolivand Mostafa , Khanabadi Javad
Published: July 2017

A new fluorescent chemosensor with a remarkable red shift in emission spectra based on naphthalene groups for quantification of zinc ions was synthesized and investigated.
Hollow and microporous triphenylamine networks post-modified with TCNE for enhanced organocathode performance
Authors: Choi Jaewon , Kim Eui Soon , Ko Ju Hong , Lee Sang Moon , Kim Hae Jin , Ko Yoon-Joo , Son Seung Uk
Published: July 2017

Hollow microporous triphenylamine networks (H-MTPN) were post-modified with tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) to generate tetracyanobutadiene moieties in H-MTPN-TCNE, showing the improved electrochemical performance of cathode materials for lithium ion batteries.
Local decomposition of imaginary polarizabilities and dispersion coefficients
Authors: Harczuk Ignat , Nagy Balazs , Jensen Frank , Vahtras Olav , Ågren Hans
Published: July 2017

We present a new way to compute the two-body contribution to the dispersion energy usingab initiotheory.
Ultra low lattice thermal conductivity and high carrier mobility of monolayer SnS2and SnSe2: a first principles study
Authors: Shafique Aamir , Samad Abdus , Shin Young-Han
Published: July 2017

Using density functional theory, we systematically investigate the lattice thermal conductivity and carrier mobility of monolayer SnX2(X = S, Se).
Syntheses, structures and magnetic properties of the lanthanide complexes of the pyrimidyl-substituted nitronyl nitroxide radical
Authors: Wang Jian , Miao Hao , Xiao Zhao-Xin , Zhou Yan , Deng Lin-Dan , Zhang Yi-Quan , Wang Xin-Yi
Published: July 2017

A series of lanthanide complexes of the pyrimidyl-substituted nitronyl nitroxide radical have been synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically.
Role of oxygenates and effect of operating conditions in the deactivation of a Ni supported catalyst during the steam reforming of bio-oil
Authors: Ochoa Aitor , Aramburu Borja , Valle Beatriz , Resasco Daniel E. , Bilbao Javier , Gayubo Ana G. , Castaño Pedro
Published: July 2017

This work investigates the correlation of the reaction conditions and the reaction medium composition with the deactivation behavior of a Ni/La2O3-αAl2O3 catalyst used in the steam reforming of bio-oil.
A two-phase system for the clean and high yield synthesis of furylmethane derivatives over –SO3H functionalized ionic liquids
Authors: Shinde S. H. , Rode C. V.
Published: July 2017

A new and effective unique two-phase reaction system for the high yield production of tri(furyl)methane from furfural and furan.
Custom 3D printer and resin for 18 μm × 20 μm microfluidic flow channels
Authors: Gong Hua , Bickham Bryce P. , Woolley Adam T. , Nordin Gregory P.
Published: July 2017

We demonstrate that 3D printing can consistently fabricate truly microfluidic features (18 μm × 20 μm cross sectional area) by creating a custom 3D printer and a low-cost custom resin.
Temperature dependent dielectric relaxation of ionic liquid ([bmim][BF4])/alcohol binary mixtures
Authors: Yang Man , Ma Liyan , Zhao Kongshuang
Published: July 2017

A dielectric spectroscopy study on the binary mixtures of the ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF4]) and four kinds of alcohols as a function of temperature was carried out over a frequency range of 100 MHz to 20 GHz.
Control of targeting ligand display by pH-responsive polymers on gold nanoparticles mediates selective entry into cancer cells
Authors: Brazzale C. , Mastrotto F. , Moody P. , Watson P. D. , Balasso A. , Malfanti A. , Mantovani G. , Caliceti P. , Alexander C. , Jones A. T. , Salmaso S.
Published: July 2017

The pH-triggered display of targeting agent on nanoparticle surface controls cancer cell uptake. This enhances site-selectivity of nanosystems.
Design and construction of a ferrocene based inclined polycatenated Co-MOF for supercapacitor and dye adsorption applications
Authors: Rajak Richa , Saraf Mohit , Mohammad Akbar , Mobin Shaikh M.
Published: July 2017

An inclined polycatenated Co-MOF (1) synthesized by a facile slow-diffusion technique shows excellent performance for supercapacitors and dye adsorption.
Hollow nanocubes composed of well-dispersed mixed metal-rich phosphides in N-doped carbon as highly efficient and durable electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction at high current densities
Authors: Zhang Lei , Chang Chun , Hsu Chan-Wei , Chang Chih-Wen , Lu Shih-Yuan
Published: July 2017

A MOF-derived and SiO2-protected phosphorization approach was developed to prepare N-doped C/Ni5P4/Fe3P hollow nanocubes as highly efficient OER electrocatalysts.
Ratiometric fluorescence imaging of endogenous selenocysteine in cancer cell matrix
Authors: Tian Yong , Xin Fangyun , Gao Congcong , Jing Jing , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: July 2017

A ratiometric method for tracing the variation of selenocysteine (Sec) in a cell matrix was provided. This was constructed by the quantitative correlation between the fluorescence ratio ofRat-Sec(blue emission, the probe) andNap-OH(green-yellow emission, the product from a Sec-specific reaction) and the concentration of Sec.
A novel ternary memory property achieved through rational introduction of end-capping naphthalimide acceptors
Authors: Zhang Qijian , He Jinghui , Li Hua , Li Najun , Xu Qingfeng , Chen Dongyun , Lu Jianmei
Published: July 2017

Small molecule-based multilevel rewritable memory devices have gained attention because they possess super-high storage density, can sustain the stored data without power supply and erase/rewrite electrically; however, formation of these memory devices is extremely hard to achieve.
Transparent tantalum cluster-based UV and IR blocking electrochromic devices
Authors: Renaud A. , Wilmet M. , Truong T. G. , Seze M. , Lemoine P. , Dumait N. , Chen W. , Saito N. , Ohsawa T. , Uchikoshi T. , Ohashi N. , Cordier S. , Grasset F.
Published: July 2017

The integration by a solution deposition process of tantalum octahedral clusters in multifunctional nanocomposite materials and devices for smart windows is investigated for the first time in this study.
Size dependent sensitivity of Yb3+,Er3+ up-converting luminescent nano-thermometers
Authors: Marciniak L. , Prorok K. , Bednarkiewicz A.
Published: July 2017

The non-contact temperature sensing using the luminescence intensity ratio (LIR) between 2H11/2 → 4I15/2 and 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 electronic transition in upconverting Yb3+ and Er3+ co-doped nanocrystals has been known for two decades.
Long-lasting phosphorescence with a tunable color in a Mn2+-doped anionic metal–organic framework
Authors: Yang Xiaogang , Yan Dongpeng
Published: July 2017

Based on a facile cation exchange with Mn2+ at different concentrations, the phosphorescence performance of the anionic metal–organic framework could be adjusted across an unusually wide range from blue to violet, white, yellow, orange and red.
Orthogonal 4,10 and 6,12 substitution of dibenzo[def,mno]chrysene polycyclic aromatic small molecules
Authors: Koldemir Unsal , Tinkham Jonathan S. , Johnson Robert , Lim Bogyu , Yemam Henok A. , Gagnon Kevin J. , Parkin Sean , Sellinger Alan
Published: July 2017

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds based on 4,10 and 6,12-functionalized dibenzo[def,mno]chrysene are reported with tunable electronic properties through varied molecular architecture.
Optical angle‐of‐arrival (AoA) sensor for the motion analysis of knee joints
Authors: Masum M.A.
Published: July 2017

The most widely used clinical technique for estimating bone movements in knee joints with acceptable accuracy utilises implantation of heavy metallic beads into the bones. These small metallic objects become visible as highly contrasting features in captured radiographs, thus facilitating post kinematic assessment of bones in human joints with pinpoint accuracy. Although, this approach provides necessary precision for clinical diagnosis, pre‐ and post‐surgery planning for restoring joint function and locomotion, however, this approach also incurs high degree of invasiveness. In this study, a novel optical sensor is proposed for use in non‐invasive motion measurement of knee joints in three‐dimensional (3D) space. The approach is based on 3D angle‐of‐arrival (AoA) estimation using image processing procedures on the two‐dimensional images of sensor's aperture shadows. The novelty of the sensor in terms of design, operation and its potential applications for a wide range of possibilities including precise AoA estimation for unconstrained 3D motion analysis of knee joints is described. Finally, error analysis of the sensor's AoA measurement uncertainty is provided for different incident angles of optical beams, which demonstrates the potential of the sensor not only for high‐precision motion analysis of human joints; however, for other motion and position‐aware systems.
High‐rate secret key generation aided by multiple relays for Internet of things
Authors: Xiao Shuaifang , Guo Yunfei , Huang Kaizhi , Jin Liang
Published: July 2017

A multiple relays aided secret key generation algorithm is proposed to improve the generated secret key rate for Internet of things when the wireless channels change slowly. First, the two legitimate users and relays send training sequences in turn to estimate the channels. Then, the relays employ secure network coding technique to help the two legitimate users exploit the randomness of relay channels. Finally, the two legitimate users agree on a secret key without the help of relays. In addition, the optimal relays selection with optimal power allocation algorithm is present to further improve the secret key rate when relay selection is needed. The performances of the proposed algorithms are verified by Monte Carlo simulation results.
Energy management system, generation and demand predictors: a review
Authors: Rafique Syed Furqan , Jianhua Zhang
Published: July 2017

A microgrid can integrate distributed energy resources for satisfying load demand, moreover, solve reliability, safety and environment issues. Spinning reserves in microgrid such as battery, gas and diesel generator can provide support for more sustainable operation in distributed networks. Critical loads for microgrid are crucial for the system to support at any cost, whereas, a non‐critical loads can be rescheduled based on the status of supply and demand mechanism. Microgrid is perfect for renewable energy integration, such as wind and solar, thus, it eliminates intermittency issues of these sources with proper operation and control strategy. In short, a proper secondary control is the key to achieve economic benefits from microgrid. Microgrid is also used to generate profit by sending excess power to the main grid via net metering approach and makes traditional consumer of power into producer at the same time. This study will provide insights into state‐of‐the‐art energy management as well as generation/consumption prediction issues, practices and research status. This review study will embark the deep foundation to study the energy management or prediction related study for microgrids.
A 16‐element corporate‐feed multilayer SIW cavity‐backed slot antenna array
Authors: Cai Yang , Zhang Yingsong , Qian Zuping , Liu Jie
Published: July 2017

In this study, a 16‐element multilayer substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity‐backed slot antenna array is investigated. In order to broaden the operating bandwidth of SIW slot antenna, multilayer cavities with gradually decreased permittivity and expanded aperture sizes are loaded above the slot, which realises a smooth transition between SIW slot and free space. A corporate‐feed method using slot coupling is designed to excite the array elements. Measured results indicate that the fabricated array operates with 26.5% bandwidth ranging from 22.9 to 29.8 GHz. Besides, stable broadside radiation patterns are obtained across the operating band. Moreover, the proposed array can be easily expanded to a large‐scale array, which will greatly satisfy the requirements of sufficient bandwidth and high radiation performance in modern communication systems.
Robust optimisation for deciding on real‐time flexibility of storage‐integrated photovoltaic units controlled by intelligent software agents
Authors: Ampatzis Michail , Nguyen Phuong H. , Kamphuis I.G. (Rene) , van Zwam Arno
Published: July 2017

The increasing penetration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES), the liberalization of the electricity markets across the world and devices such as smart meters present the end‐users of the power system with new opportunities to decrease their electricity costs or become active electricity market participants. However, the intermittent nature of RES and dynamic electricity prices require tools against uncertainty to protect the end‐users from underutilizing their assets. In this work, we examine the effectiveness of Robust Optimization (RO) in maximizing the economic benefit of the owner of a home battery storage system in the presence of uncertainty in dynamic electricity prices. The advantage of the robust model is that it keeps its linear class, thus it is not too computationally intensive to be included in the control algorithm of a residential energy storage controller. In the use‐case, the aggregating entity makes requests for flexibility and coordinates 100 such devices using a price signal, while the storage controller is doing dynamic electricity price arbitrage. The results indicated that the RO approach can be beneficial for a non‐conservative agent in the case of low daily price fluctuations, while, in summer, when the price fluctuations are higher, uncertainty can be ignored.
Ethynylation of Isoquinoline and Quinoline Derivatives with Calcium Carbide
Authors: Samzadeh-Kermani Alireza
Published: July 2017

An operatically simple method for the ethynylation of isoquinolines and quinolines is described. The ionic adduct derived from an alkynoic ester and the N-heterocycle was attacked by calcium carbide to give the ethynylation product. The procedure uses tetrabutylammonium fluoride trihydrate as a catalyst in aqueous N,N-dimethylacetamide. Steric and electronic effects of various substituents on the outcome of the reaction were examined.
Holmium Laser for Endoscopic Treatment of Benign Tracheal Stenosis
Authors: Verret D. , Jategaonkar Ameya , Helman Samuel , Kadakia Sameep , Bahrami Arash , Gordin Eli , Ducic Yadranko
Published: July 2017

Introduction Laryngotracheal stenosis is a difficult problem with varied etiology and various treatment options. The holmium laser represents another tool for the treatment of benign tracheal stenosis.

Objectives To determine the utility of holmium laser treatment for benign tracheal stenosis with regards to safety and efficacy.

Methods This was a retrospective case study examining patients with benign tracheal stenosis from 1998–2016 who underwent holmium laser treatment. Determining the safety of this procedure was the primary goal, and complications were monitored as a surrogate of safety.

Results A total of 123 patients who underwent holmium laser treatment for benign tracheal stenosis were identified. In total, 123 patients underwent 476 procedures, with follow-up ranging from 1 month to 14 years. No intraoperative or post-operative complications were identified as a direct result of the use of this particular laser.

Conclusions The holmium laser is an effective and safe laser to use for tracheal stenosis treatment. It is a contact laser with a short acting distance, which reduces the risk of injury to distal airway structures. Given the favorable experience reported here, the holmium laser should be considered when tracheal surgery is attempted.
Selen und Schwermetallentgiftung
Authors: Stoll Günther , Dawczynski Horst
Published: July 2017

Die Entgiftung und Ausleitung von Schwermetallen mithilfe von Selen ist eine wichtige therapeutische Maßnahme. Der Beitrag diskutiert den heutigen Stand des Wissens zum mechanistischen Hintergrund, insbesondere der Schutzwirkung von Selen gegenüber Quecksilber.