bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response to climate change of montane herbaceous plants in the genus Rhodiola predicted by ecological niche modelling
Authors: You Jianling , Qin Xiaoping , Ranjitkar Sailesh , Lougheed Stephen C. , Wang Mingcheng , Zhou Wen , Ouyang Dongxin , Zhou Yin , Xu Jianchu , Zhang Wenju , Wang Yuguo , Yang Ji , Song Zhiping
Published: April 2018

Climate change profoundly influences species distributions. These effects are evident in poleward latitudinal range shifts for many taxa, and upward altitudinal range shifts for alpine species, that resulted from increased annual global temperatures since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, ca. 22,000 BP). For the latter, the ultimate consequence of upward shifts may be extinction as species in the highest alpine ecosystems can migrate no further, a phenomenon often characterized as “nowhere to go”. To predict responses to climate change of the alpine plants on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), we used ecological niche modelling (ENM) to estimate the range shifts of 14 Rhodiola species, beginning with the Last Interglacial (ca. 120,000–140,000 BP) through to 2050. Distributions of Rhodiola species appear to be shaped by temperature-related variables. The southeastern QTP, and especially the Hengduan Mountains, were the origin and center of distribution for Rhodiola, and also served as refugia during the LGM. Under future climate scenario in 2050, Rhodiola species might have to migrate upward and northward, but many species would expand their ranges contra the prediction of the “nowhere to go” hypothesis, caused by the appearance of additional potential habitat concomitant with the reduction of permafrost with climate warming.
Degradation Kinetics of Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Alsari Mejd , Pearson Andrew J. , Wang Jacob Tse-Wei , Wang Zhiping , Montisci Augusto , Greenham Neil C. , Snaith Henry J. , Lilliu Samuele , Friend Richard H.
Published: April 2018

We explore the degradation behaviour under continuous illumination and direct oxygen exposure of inverted unencapsulated formamidinium(FA)0.83Cs0.17Pb(I0.8Br0.2)3, CH3NH3PbI3, and CH3NH3PbI3−xClx perovskite solar cells. We continuously test the devices in-situ and in-operando with current-voltage sweeps, transient photocurrent, and transient photovoltage measurements, and find that degradation in the CH3NH3PbI3−xClx solar cells due to oxygen exposure occurs over shorter timescales than FA0.83Cs0.17Pb(I0.8Br0.2)3 mixed-cation devices. We attribute these oxygen-induced losses in the power conversion efficiencies to the formation of electron traps within the perovskite photoactive layer. Our results highlight that the formamidinium-caesium mixed-cation perovskites are much less sensitive to oxygen-induced degradation than the methylammonium-based perovskite cells, and that further improvements in perovskite solar cell stability should focus on the mitigation of trap generation during ageing.
Mediators of the Effects of Gender on Uric Acid Nephrolithiasis: A Novel Application of Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Chen Hao-Wei , Chen Yu-Chen , Yang Frances M. , Wu Wen-Jeng , Li Ching-Chia , Chang Yong-Yuan , Chou Yii-Her
Published: April 2018

Numerous epidemiological studies have shown that male patients with uric acid nephrolithiasis outnumber female patients. To our knowledge, no research exists evaluating the reasons gender affects the development of uric acid nephrolithiasis. We hereby used a novel application of structural equation modeling to analyze the mediators of the effects of gender on uric acid nephrolithiasis. In 1,098 patients with nephrolithiasis between 2012 and 2016, male gender was found to have a statistically significant positive indirect effect on the development of uric acid nephrolithiasis, which was mediated by lower urine pH (estimate: 0.010, standard error: 0.005, critical ratio: 2.135, 95% confidence interval: 0.002–0.023, P = 0.017), lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (estimate: 0.014, standard error: 0.005, critical ratio: 2.993, 95% confidence interval: 0.006–0.025, P < 0.001), and higher incidence rate of gout (estimate: 0.009, standard error: 0.005, critical ratio: 2.028, 95% confidence interval: 0.002–0.021, P = 0.009). We conclude that low urine pH, impaired renal function, and gout are the mediators of the effect of male gender on the development of uric acid nephrolithiasis. The survey, treatment, and follow-up of kidney diseases, acidic urine, and uric acid metabolism disorders should be considered in men with uric acid nephrolithiasis.
Psoriasis patients demonstrate HLA-Cw*06:02 allele dosage-dependent T cell proliferation when treated with hair follicle-derived keratin 17 protein
Authors: Yunusbaeva Milyausha , Valiev Ruslan , Bilalov Fanil , Sultanova Zilya , Sharipova Leyla , Yunusbayev Bayazit
Published: April 2018

It is broadly accepted that psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease with a heritable component, but it is not clear what causes inflammation in the skin. Previous research suggests that fragments of the keratin 17 (K17) protein, which are constitutively expressed in hair follicles, could act as autoantigens. In this study, we synthesized the K17 protein from mRNA derived from hair follicles and tested whether it elicited T cell responses depending on the patient genotype at the major susceptibility locus HLA-Cw*06:02. We treated peripheral blood-derived cells with the K17 protein and its short fragments to assess the T cell proliferation response using flow cytometry. Our analyses show a significantly stronger increase in cell proliferation among patients but not in healthy controls. We then examined whether the variation in T cell proliferation correlated with the patient HLA-Cw*06:02 risk genotype. Considering the affected status and patient genotype as two independent predictors, we fitted a linear model and showed that the HLA-Cw*06:02 allele dosage strongly predicted the T cell response. Our study findings suggest that the K17 protein likely acts as an autoantigen in psoriasis and that patients’ risk genotype is strongly correlated with the magnitude of the response to this putative autoantigen.
On the use of Parylene C polymer as substrate for peripheral nerve electrodes
Authors: de la Oliva Natàlia , Mueller Matthias , Stieglitz Thomas , Navarro Xavier , del Valle Jaume
Published: April 2018

Parylene C is a highly flexible polymer used in several biomedical implants. Since previous studies have reported valuable biocompatible and manufacturing characteristics for brain and intraneural implants, we tested its suitability as a substrate for peripheral nerve electrodes. We evaluated 1-year-agedin vitrosamples, where no chemical differences were observed and only a slight deviation on Young’s modulus was found. The foreign body reaction (FBR) to longitudinal Parylene C devices implanted in the rat sciatic nerve for 8 months was characterized. After 2 weeks, a capsule was formed around the device, which continued increasing up to 16 and 32 weeks. Histological analyses revealed two cell types implicated in the FBR: macrophages, in contact with the device, and fibroblasts, localized in the outermost zone after 8 weeks. Molecular analysis of implanted nerves comparing Parylene C and polyimide devices revealed a peak of inflammatory cytokines after 1 day of implant, returning to low levels thereafter. Only an increase of CCL2 and CCL3 was found at chronic time-points for both materials. Although no molecular differences in the FBR to both polymers were found, the thick tissue capsule formed around Parylene C puts some concern on its use as a scaffold for intraneural electrodes.
Direct observation of α- to β-glycine transformation during the ionic liquid-mediated crystallization process
Authors: Ouyang Liangfei , Zheng Tengfei , Shen Liang
Published: April 2018

The application of in situ powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) to monitor the polymorphic transformation and crystallization of glycine from an ionic liquid–water system is introduced.
Galena weathering under simulated acid rain conditions: electrochemical processes and environmental assessments
Authors: Zheng Kai , Li Heping , Wang Luying , Wen Xiaoying , Liu Qingyou
Published: April 2018

Galena can be easily weathered under acid rain conditions and causes environmental issues.
Water-promoted synthesis of fused bicyclic triazolines and naphthols from oxa(aza)bicyclic alkenes and transformation via a novel ring-opening/rearrangement reaction
Authors: Chen Wenkun , Yang Wen , Wu Ruihua , Yang Dingqiao
Published: April 2018

A water-promoted approach to synthesize fused bicyclic triazolines and naphthols from the oxa(aza)bicyclic alkenes in water/ haloalkane system, and a cascade ring-opening/rearrangement to synthesize indenes has also been reported.
Adsorptive removal of antibiotics from water using peanut shells from agricultural waste
Authors: Li Rui , Zhang Yuling , Chu Wenlei , Chen Zaixing , Wang Jiali
Published: April 2018

The porous structure of the materials was determined using the surface area and pore size analyzer (JW-BK132F) by N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms at 77 K.
Extremely low trap-state energy level perovskite solar cells passivated using NH2-POSS with improved efficiency and stability
Authors: Liu Na , Du Qin , Yin Guangzhong , Liu Pengfei , Li Liang , Xie Haipeng , Zhu Cheng , Li Yujing , Zhou Huanping , Zhang Wen-Bin , Chen Qi
Published: April 2018

The defects at perovskite film surface could be passivated effectively using a derivative of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane with an amino-group (NH2-POSS). The extremely low trap-state energy level (0.045 eV) was obtained by temperature-dependent admittance measurements. Both stability and efficiency in devices have been approved.
Ultra-long-term cycling stability of an integrated carbon–sulfur membrane with dual shuttle-inhibiting layers of graphene “nets” and a porous carbon skin
Authors: Liu Mingkai , Meng Qinghua , Yang Zhiyuan , Zhao Xinsheng , Liu Tianxi
Published: April 2018

An integrated carbon–sulfur membrane (CSG/PC) with dual “shuttle-inhibiting” layers of graphene “nets” and a porous carbon (PC) skin can overcome the poor cycling performance of lithium–sulfur batteries.
Ultrasonication-induced sp3 hybridization defects in Langmuir–Schaefer layers of turbostratic graphene
Authors: Rytel K. , Widelicka M. , Łukawski D. , Lisiecki F. , Kędzierski K. , Wróbel D.
Published: April 2018

In this paper we show that sp3 hybridization defects introduced by long high-power sonication cause a significant decrease in electrical conductivity.
Characterizing the structure and properties of dry and wet polyethylene glycol using multi-scale simulations
Authors: Kacar Gokhan
Published: April 2018

Multi-scale simulations to study the structure and material properties of PEG in dry and wet conditions.
The effect of ligand symmetry on the ratiometric luminescence characteristics of lanthanides
Authors: Okayasu Yoshinori , Kamebuchi Hajime , Yuasa Junpei
Published: April 2018

Nona-coordinated europium(iii) complexes incorporating unsymmetrical β-diketonate ligands exhibit distinctive ratiometric spectral changes within the extremely narrow f–f transition bands in response to temperature changes over the range from 253 to 323 K.
A green synthesis of highly luminescent carbon dots from itaconic acid and their application as an efficient sensor for Fe3+ ions in aqueous medium
Authors: Ramanan Vadivel , Subray Supriya Hegde , Ramamurthy Perumal
Published: April 2018

The green synthesis of carbon dots (CDs) is one of the hot research areas in the present-day context.
Thioacids – synthons for amide bond formation and ligation reactions: assembly of peptides and peptidomimetics
Authors: N. Narendra , Thimmalapura Vishwanatha M. , Hosamani Basavaprabhu , Prabhu Girish , Kumar L. Roopesh , Sureshbabu Vommina V.
Published: April 2018

The synthesis of α-amino thioacids and peptide thioacids and their applications in chemoselective amide bond formation, ligation of peptides/proteins/glycopeptides and synthesis of peptidomimetics are reviewed.
Room-temperature borylation and one-pot two-step borylation/Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction of aryl chlorides
Authors: Ji Hong , Wu Li-Yang , Cai Jiang-Hong , Li Guo-Rong , Gan Na-Na , Wang Zhao-Hua
Published: April 2018

A highly efficient room-temperature strategy for borylation and one-pot two-step borylation/Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction of aryl chlorides have been developed.
A julolidine-fused anthracene derivative: synthesis, photophysical properties, and oxidative dimerization
Authors: Xia Zeming , Guo Xiaoyu , Zhu Yanpeng , Wang Yonggen , Wang Jiaobing
Published: April 2018

A julolidine fused anthracene derivative with unique photophysical and redox properties was presented.
A novel pillar[5]arene-based supramolecular organic framework gel to achieve an ultrasensitive response by introducing the competition of cation⋯π and π⋯π interactions
Authors: Zhang You-Ming , Li Yong-Fu , Zhong Kai-Peng , Qu Wen-Juan , Chen Xiao-Peng , Yao Hong , Wei Tai-Bao , Lin Qi
Published: April 2018

A novel pillar[5]arene-based SOF gel (SOF-AMP-G) show ultrasensitive response for ions through the competition of cation⋯π and π⋯π interactions.
High dehumidification performance of amorphous cellulose composite membranes prepared from trimethylsilyl cellulose
Authors: Puspasari Tiara , Akhtar Faheem Hassan , Ogieglo Wojciech , Alharbi Ohoud , Peinemann Klaus-Viktor
Published: April 2018

Composite membranes with a thin cellulose layer with outstanding flux and selectivity for water vapour are achieved via coating with trimethylsilyl cellulose.
Co9S8@carbon porous nanocages derived from a metal–organic framework: a highly efficient bifunctional catalyst for aprotic Li–O2batteries
Authors: Dou Yaying , Lian Ruqian , Zhang Yantao , Zhao Yingying , Chen Gang , Wei Yingjin , Peng Zhangquan
Published: April 2018

The highly efficient bifunctional electrocatalytic activity of Co9S8@CPNs was confirmed by experiments and DFT calculations in aprotic Li–O2batteries for the first time.
From proof-of-concept material to PEGylated and modularly targeted ultrasound-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles
Authors: Paris Juan L. , Villaverde Gonzalo , Cabañas M. Victoria , Manzano Miguel , Vallet-Regí María
Published: April 2018

A modularly-targeted, PEGylated and ultrasound-responsive hybrid nanomaterial is here prepared. Starting from naked mesoporous silica nanoparticles, we describe the synthetic method to obtain this hybrid material, also carrying out its characterization and in vitro evaluation.
Association of the independent polymorphisms in CDKN2A with susceptibility of acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Zhou Xueyan , Liao Fei , Zhang Junlong , Qin Yun , Xu Heng , Ding Zhenyu , Zhang Yan , Zhang Feng
Published: April 2018

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer in children, and alterations in CDKN2A were considered to play an important role on leukemogenesis. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at CDKN2A locus were identified to impact on ALL susceptibility via genome wide association studies, and followed by multiple subsequent replication studies at the specific hits. Here, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to re-evaluate the association of both SNPs (rs3731217 and rs3731249) with ALL susceptibility by gathering the data from 24 independent studies, totally containing 7922 cases/21503 controls for rs3731217 and 6295 cases/24191 controls for rs3731249. Both SNPs were significantly associated with ALL risk (odds ratio [OR] = 0.72 and 2.26 respectively), however, exhibit race-specific pattern. In summary, our meta-analysis indicated that two SNPs at CDKN2A locus are associated with ALL susceptibility independently mainly in Caucasians. Future large-scale studies are required to validate the associations in other ethnicities.
Characterisation and structure analysis of taxanes‐loaded human serum albumin nanoparticles prepared by self‐assembly method
Authors: Fang Ru , Wang Yanbin , Liu Bentong , Qian Hua , Yang Shaozong
Published: April 2018

In this work, human serum albumin (HSA) was used to prepare core‐shell taxanes‐loaded nanoparticle (NP) by self‐assembly method. Various experimental technologies were used to character two different taxanes‐loaded HSA NPs and analyse the structure of them. The obtained NPs had a spherical morphology and core‐shell structure. The data revealed that one paclitaxel (PTX)‐loaded HSA NP (∼40 nm) consisted of six HSA molecules and 34 PTX molecules, and one docetaxel (DOC)‐loaded HSA NP (∼30 nm) consisted of five HSA molecules and 40 DOC molecules. The infrared, three‐dimensional fluorescence and ultraviolet absorption spectra showed that intermolecular hydrogen bond occurred between taxanes and polypeptide chain of HSA and resulted in change of its secondary structure. The fluorescence spectra experiment results suggested that PTX and DOC interacted with tryptophan (Trp)‐214, which lie on site I of HSA, and the type of interactions were hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interaction, respectively. It suggested that the binding mode of taxanes with Trp‐214 is the primary factor that determined the size and loading capacity of taxanes‐loaded HSA NPs. This work indicates that such HSA NP is very promising in the field of nanoscale drug delivery systems research.
Generalised model-independent characterisation of strong gravitational lenses
Authors: Wagner J.
Published: April 2018

In galaxy-galaxy strong gravitational lensing, Einstein rings are generated when the lensing galaxy has an axisymmetric lensing potential and the source galaxy is aligned with its symmetry centre along the line of sight. Using a Taylor expansion around the Einstein radius and eliminating the unknown source, I derive a set of analytic equations that determine differences of the deflection angle of the perturber weighted by the convergence of the axisymmetric lens and ratios of the convergences at the positions of the arcs from the measurable thickness of the arcs. In the same manner, asymmetries in the brightness distributions along an arc determine differences in the deflection angle of the perturber if the source has a symmetric brightness profile and is oriented parallel to or orthogonal to the caustic. These equations are the only model-independent information retrievable from observations to leading order in the Taylor expansion. General constraints on the derivatives of the perturbing lens are derived such that the perturbation does not change the number of critical curves. To infer physical properties such as the mass of the perturber or its position, models need to be inserted. The same conclusions about the scale of detectable masses (of the order of 108M⊙) and model-dependent degeneracies as in other approaches are then found and supported by analysing B1938+666 as an example. Yet, the model-independent equations show that there is a fundamental degeneracy between the main lens and the perturber that can only be broken if their relative position is known. This explains the degeneracies between lens models already found in simulations from a more general viewpoint. Hence, apart from the radii and brightness distributions of the arcs, independent information on the axisymmetric lens or the perturber has to be employed to disentangle the axisymmetric lens and the perturber. Depending on the properties of the pertuber, this degeneracy can be broken by characterising the surrounding of the lens or by measuring the time delay between quasar images embedded in the perturbed Einstein ring of the host galaxy.
Manipulation of negative-index collimation beam using band-gap guidance
Authors: Shen Fengfu , Zhu Ge , Shi Qing , Lv Zengtao
Published: April 2018

We manipulate the source distance, emission position and number of negative-index collimation beam in a two-dimensional hybrid sonic crystal by using band-gap waveguide to control the flow of acoustic waves from a point source. The desired beam manipulations can be achieved at many different frequencies by suitably selecting the first order resonant mode of two crystal components and the waveguide structures. These results have potential applications in acoustic mutifunctional directional emission and acoustic integrated circuits. The proposed approach is also applicable for the similar manipulations of other types of acoustic collimation beams.
Mineral dust in central asia: 18-month lidar measurements in tajikistan during the central Asian dust experiment (CADEX)
Authors: Hofer Julian , Althausen Dietrich , Abdullaev Sabur F. , Makhmudov Abduvosit , Nazarov Bakhron I. , Schettler Georg , Fomba K.Wadinga , Müller Konrad , Heinold Bernd , Baars Holger , Engelmann Ronny , Ansmann Albert
Published: April 2018

Tajikistan is often affected by atmospheric mineral dust. The direct and indirect radiative effects of dust play a sensitive role in the climate system in Central Asia. The Central Asian Dust Experiment (CADEX) provides first lidar measurements in Tajikistan. The autonomous multiwavelength polarization Raman lidar PollyXT was operated for 1.5 years (2015/16) in Dushanbe. In spring, lofted layers of long-range transported dust and in summer/ autumn, lower laying dust from local or regional sources with large optical thicknesses occurred.
Facile Two-Step Synthesis of Methyl Bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)phosphonoacetate by Exploiting Garegg–Samuelsson Reaction Conditions
Authors: Sano Shigeki , Matsumoto Tomoya , Toguchi Munehisa , Nakao Michiyasu
Published: April 2018

A facile two-step synthesis of methyl bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)phosphonoacetate (Still–Gennari reagent) has been developed by exploiting Garegg–Samuelsson reaction conditions. Starting from trimethyl phosphonoacetate, Still–Gennari reagent was prepared in 94% yield via methyl 2-{bis[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]phosphoryl}acetate intermediate. This synthetic procedure was also used to prepare some kinds of Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reagents and related compounds.
Vein of Galen Aneurysmal Malformation: An Updated Review
Authors: Cao Li-Rong , Cai Chun-Quan
Published: April 2018

Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGAM) is a rare intracranial vascular anomaly in the choroidal arteries characterized by the persistence of the embryonic median prosencephalic vein of Markowski (MProsV). It is common in children with high mortality and disability rates. VGAM-associated clinical presentations include heart failure, hydrocephalus, and neurological symptoms, which make it difficult for diagnosis. Simultaneously, the complex VGAM vascular architecture, characterized by a wide interindividual variability, makes the management of this condition challenging to clinicians. Thus, timely diagnosis and treatment of VGAM are crucial. In this review article, we elucidated the latest research progresses of VGAM in the aspects of the pathogenesis, classification, clinical features, imaging, management, and prognosis based on recent relevant literatures. It is beneficial to raise the awareness of VGAM and improve the level of management and treatment.
Short-crested, cnoidal, and solitary wave forces on composite bucket foundation for an offshore wind turbine
Authors: Wang Piguang , Zhao Mi , Du Xiuli
Published: April 2018

The analytical solutions for the diffraction of the short-crested wave, the cnoidal wave, and the solitary wave incident on a composite bucket foundation of an offshore wind turbine are derived in this paper. The analytical expressions for the pressure, wave run-up, and wave force on the composite bucket foundation are obtained. Based on the numerical results, it is found that the short-crested wave run-up is affected by the wave phase, the cnoidal wave run-up is affected by the wave parameter λ, and the solitary wave run-up is affected by the wave parameter χ. For a composite bucket foundation, the long-crested wave force is larger than the short-crested wave force and the solitary wave force is larger than cnoidal wave force in certain shallow water conditions. Moreover, the short-crested wave force may first increase and then decrease with the increase in the water depth, while the cnoidal wave force and the solitary wave force monotonically increase with the increase in the water depth. In the design of the offshore wind turbine with composite bucket foundation, it will be more conservative if the formula derived from the plane waves is used as design criteria in a short-crested sea, and the wave force in shallow water should be determined by the solitary wave and the cnoidal wave together.
Combination of thermal and electric properties’ measurement techniques in a single setup suitable for radioactive materials in controlled environments and based on the 3ω approach
Authors: Shrestha K. , Gofryk K.
Published: April 2018

We have designed and developed a new experimental setup, based on the 3ω method, to measure thermal conductivity, heat capacity, and electrical resistivity of a variety of samples in a broad temperature range (2–550 K) and under magnetic fields up to 9 T. The validity of this method is tested by measuring various types of metallic (copper, platinum, and constantan) and insulating (SiO2) materials, which have a wide range of thermal conductivity values (1–400 W m−1 K−1). We have successfully employed this technique for measuring the thermal conductivity of two actinide single crystals: uranium dioxide and uranium nitride. This new experimental approach for studying nuclear materials will help us to advance reactor fuel development and understanding. We have also shown that this experimental setup can be adapted to the Physical Property Measurement System (Quantum Design) environment and/or other cryocooler systems.
OMNY—A tOMography Nano crYo stage
Authors: Holler M. , Raabe J. , Diaz A. , Guizar-Sicairos M. , Wepf R. , Odstrcil M. , Shaik F. R. , Panneels V. , Menzel A. , Sarafimov B. , Maag S. , Wang X. , Thominet V. , Walther H. , Lachat T. , Vitins M. , Bunk O.
Published: April 2018

For many scientific questions gaining three-dimensional insight into a specimen can provide valuable information. We here present an instrument called “tOMography Nano crYo (OMNY),” dedicated to high resolution 3D scanning x-ray microscopy at cryogenic conditions via hard X-ray ptychography. Ptychography is a lens-less imaging method requiring accurate sample positioning. In OMNY, this in achieved via dedicated laser interferometry and closed-loop position control reaching sub-10 nm positioning accuracy. Cryogenic sample conditions are maintained via conductive cooling. 90 K can be reached when using liquid nitrogen as coolant, and 10 K is possible with liquid helium. A cryogenic sample-change mechanism permits measurements of cryogenically fixed specimens. We compare images obtained with OMNY with older measurements performed using a nitrogen gas cryo-jet of stained, epoxy-embedded retina tissue and of frozen-hydrated Chlamydomonas cells.
A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) force-displacement transducer for sub-5 nm nanoindentation and adhesion measurements
Authors: Zhang Youfeng , Oh Yunje , Stauffer Douglas , Polycarpou Andreas A.
Published: April 2018

We present a highly sensitive force-displacement transducer capable of performing ultra-shallow nanoindentation and adhesion measurements. The transducer utilizes electrostatic actuation and capacitive sensing combined with microelectromechanical fabrication technologies. Air indentation experiments report a root-mean-square (RMS) force resolution of 1.8 nN and an RMS displacement resolution of 0.019 nm. Nanoindentation experiments on a standard fused quartz sample report a practical RMS force resolution of 5 nN and an RMS displacement resolution of 0.05 nm at sub-10 nm indentation depths, indicating that the system has a very low system noise for indentation experiments. The high sensitivity and low noise enables the transducer to obtain high-resolution nanoindentation data at sub-5 nm contact depths. The sensitive force transducer is used to successfully perform nanoindentation measurements on a 14 nm thin film. Adhesion measurements were also performed, clearly capturing the pull-on and pull-off forces during approach and separation of two contacting surfaces.
Magnetic effect in the test of the weak equivalence principle using a rotating torsion pendulum
Authors: Zhu Lin , Liu Qi , Zhao Hui-Hui , Yang Shan-Qing , Luo Pengshun , Shao Cheng-Gang , Luo Jun
Published: April 2018

The high precision test of the weak equivalence principle (WEP) using a rotating torsion pendulum requires thorough analysis of systematic effects. Here we investigate one of the main systematic effects, the coupling of the ambient magnetic field to the pendulum. It is shown that the dominant term, the interaction between the average magnetic field and the magnetic dipole of the pendulum, is decreased by a factor of 1.1 × 104 with multi-layer magnetic shield shells. The shield shells reduce the magnetic field to 1.9 × 10−9 T in the transverse direction so that the dipole-interaction limited WEP test is expected at η ≲ 10−14 for a pendulum dipole less than 10−9 A m2. The high-order effect, the coupling of the magnetic field gradient to the magnetic quadrupole of the pendulum, would also contribute to the systematic errors for a test precision down to η ∼ 10−14.
High pressure synthesis and stability of cobalt hydrides
Authors: Wang Mengnan , Binns Jack , Donnelly Mary-Ellen , Peña-Alvarez Miriam , Dalladay-Simpson Philip , Howie Ross T.
Published: April 2018

In situ high-pressure high-temperature X-ray powder diffraction studies of the cobalt-hydrogen system reveal the direct synthesis of both the binary cobalt hydride (CoH) and a novel cobalt dihydride (CoH2). We observe the formation of fcc CoH at pressures of 4 GPa, which persists to pressures of 45 GPa. At this pressure, we see the emergence with time of a further expanded fcc lattice, which we identify as CoH2, where the hydrogen atoms occupy the tetrahedral vacancies. We have explored alternative synthesis routes of CoH2 and can lower the synthesis pressure to 35 GPa by the application of high temperature. CoH2 is stable to at least 55 GPa and decomposes into CoH below 10 GPa, releasing molecular hydrogen before further decomposing completely into its constituent elements below 3 GPa. As a first-row transition metal, cobalt has a relatively lower mass than other hydride-forming transition metals, and as a result, CoH2 has a high hydrogen content of 3.3 wt. % and a volumetric hydrogen density of 214 g/l.
Synthesis of Highly Enantio-Enriched Heliespirones A and C by a Diastereoselective Aromatic Claisen Rearrangement
Authors: Norcott Philip , McErlean Christopher S. P.
Published: April 2018

Computational methods were used to investigate the stereochemical course of the extra-annular Claisen rearrangement. The stereochemical fidelity of the synthetic strategy and comparison of the optical properties support the hypothesis that the heliespirones are scalemic natural products.
Phosphorus recovery: a need for an integrated approach
Authors: Sarvajayakesavalu Suriyanarayanan , Lu Yonglong , Withers Paul. J. A. , Pavinato Paulo Sergio , Pan Gang , Chareonsudjai Pisit
Published: April 2018

Introduction:
Phosphorus (P) is an essential element in food production. P consumption is increasing over the years due to increasing population and increasing demand for agricultural yields. Managing the agricultural P through the understanding of bioavailability, transport, and runoff will maximize the soil productivity and minimize the environmental effects. Efficient management in agriculture, governance, and lack of integrated international governance need to be addressed to overcome the P scarcity issue.

Results and Discussions:
This article is focusing one such efficient management of P resource addressing the major portion of phosphorus which is unnoticed in agricultural residues, manures, and other sources. Increasing cost of phosphate fertilizer, a scarcity of high-quality phosphate rock (PR), and increasing surface water pollution are driving a need to accelerate the recovery and reuse of phosphorus (P) from various waste sectors. Options to recover P occur all along the open P cycle from mining to households to oceans. However, P recovery as a regional and global strategy toward P sustainability and future food, bio energy, and water security are in its infancy because of a number of technological, socioeconomic, and institutional constraints. Resolving these constraints requires concerted collaboration between relevant stakeholders and an integrated approach combining successful business models with socioeconomic and institutional changes.
Wave propagation problem for a micropolar elastic waveguide
Authors: Kovalev V A , Murashkin E V , Radayev Y N
Published: April 2018

A propagation problem for coupled harmonic waves of translational displacements and microrotations along the axis of a long cylindrical waveguide is discussed at present study. Microrotations modeling is carried out within the linear micropolar elasticity frameworks. The mathematical model of the linear (or even nonlinear) micropolar elasticity is also expanded to a field theory model by variational least action integral and the least action principle. The governing coupled vector differential equations of the linear micropolar elasticity are given. The translational displacements and microrotations in the harmonic coupled wave are decomposed into potential and vortex parts. Calibrating equations providing simplification of the equations for the wave potentials are proposed. The coupled differential equations are then reduced to uncoupled ones and finally to the Helmholtz wave equations. The wave equations solutions for the translational and microrotational waves potentials are obtained for a high-frequency range.
Full thermomechanical coupling in modelling of micropolar thermoelasticity
Authors: Murashkin E V , Radayev Y N
Published: April 2018

The present paper is devoted to plane harmonic waves of displacements and microrotations propagating in fully coupled thermoelastic continua. The analysis is carried out in the framework of linear conventional thermoelastic micropolar continuum model. The reduced energy balance equation and the special form of the Helmholtz free energy are discussed. The constitutive constants providing fully coupling of equations of motion and heat conduction are considered. The dispersion equation is derived and analysed in the form bi-cubic and bi-quadratic polynoms product. The equation are analyzed by the computer algebra system Mathematica. Algebraic forms expressed by complex multivalued square and cubic radicals are obtained for wavenumbers of transverse and longitudinal waves. The exact forms of wavenumbers of a plane harmonic coupled thermoelastic waves are computed.
Using standard microbiome reference groups to simplify beta-diversity analyses and facilitate independent validation
Authors: Maziarz Marlena , Pfeiffer Ruth M , Wan Yunhu , Gail Mitchell H
Published: April 2018

Motivation

Comparisons of microbiome communities across populations are often based on pairwise distance measures (beta-diversity). Standard analyses (principal coordinate plots, permutation tests, kernel methods) require access to primary data if another investigator wants to add or compare independent data. We propose using standard reference measurements to simplify microbiome beta-diversity analyses, to make them more transparent, and to facilitate independent validation and comparisons across studies.

Results

Using stool and nasal reference sets from the Human Microbiome Project (HMP), we computed mean distances (actually Bray-Curtis or Pearson correlation dissimilarities) to each reference set for each new sample. Thus, each new sample has two mean distances that can be plotted and analyzed with classical statistical methods. To test the approach, we studied independent (not reference) HMP subjects. Simple Hotelling tests demonstrated statistically significant differences in mean distances to reference sets between all pairs of body sites (stool, skin, nasal, saliva and vagina) at the phylum, class, order, family and genus levels. Using the distance to a single reference set was usually sufficient, but using both reference sets always worked well. The use of reference sets simplifies standard analyses of beta-diversity and facilitates the independent validation and combining of such data because others can compute distances to the same reference sets. Moreover, standard statistical methods for survival analysis, logistic regression and other procedures can be applied to vectors of mean distances to reference sets, thereby greatly expanding the potential uses of beta-diversity information. More work is needed to identify the best reference sets for particular applications.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/NCI-biostats/microbiome-fixed-reference

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Comparison of Whole Plant and Detached Leaf Screening Techniques for Identifying Anthracnose Resistance in Strawberry Plants
Authors: Miller-Butler Melinda A. , Smith Barbara J. , Babiker Ebrahiem M. , Kreiser Brian R. , Blythe Eugene K.
Published: April 2018

Anthracnose is a destructive disease of strawberry caused by several Colletotrichum species including C. acutatum, C. fragariae, and C. gloeosporioides. Identification of anthracnose resistant strawberry germplasm has commonly relied on inoculation of whole plants with isolates of these pathogens. In this study, whole plants and detached leaves from 81 germplasm lines were inoculated with a conidial suspension of isolates of C. acutatum, C. fragariae, and C. gloeosporioides, incubated in the dark at 30°C, 100% relative humidity, for 48 h, and assessed for disease severity based on symptoms on inoculated petioles and leaves. The correlation between the disease severity ratings of the whole plants rated 30 days after inoculation and detached leaves rated 5 days after inoculation was determined. Based on leaf symptoms and petiole lesions, the association between the whole plant leaf disease severity rating (DSR) and detached leaf DSR was positive (rp = 0.70), and the association between the whole plant DSR and the detached leaf DSR was also positive (rp = 0.66). Whole plant and detached leaf DSRs were used to assign each germplasm line to a resistance category, and a posthoc Tukey’s test showed that the whole plant DSR means and the detached leaf DSR means for each resistance category differed significantly at p < 0.05. This research was used to develop a strawberry detached leaf assay which can reliably and quickly determine the degree of resistance of strawberry germplasm to anthracnose.
The Effect of Concept Maps on Undergraduate Nursing Students’ Critical Thinking
Authors: Garwood Janet K. , Ahmed Azza H. , McComb Sara A.
Published: April 2018

AIM

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of using concept maps as a teaching and learning strategy on students' critical thinking abilities and examine students' perceptions toward concept maps utilizing the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.

BACKGROUND

Researchers have found that almost two thirds of nurse graduates do not have adequate critical thinking skills for a beginner nurse. Critical thinking skills are required for safe practice and mandated by accrediting organizations. Nursing educators should consider teaching and learning strategies that promote the development of critical thinking skills.

METHOD

A literature review was conducted using “concept maps, nursing education, and critical thinking” as the combined search terms. Inclusion criteria were studies that measured the effects of concept mapping on critical thinking in nursing students.

RESULTS

Seventeen articles were identified.

CONCLUSION

Concept maps may be useful tools to promote critical thinking in nursing education and for applying theory to practice.
Using Tabletop Exercises as an Innovative and Practical Teaching Strategy in Response to External Disaster Scenarios
Authors: Evans Cathleen A. , Schwartz Rose
Published: April 2018

Transferring previous learning to novel and unfamiliar health care situations is a challenge that nurses face daily. As a nursing classroom experience, tabletop exercises provide nursing students with open-ended decision-making opportunities to manage realistic practice problems. This article describes an innovative tabletop exercise with a disaster healthcare context and patient scenarios that senior nursing students used to demonstrate foundational nursing education knowledge, skills, and abilities. Students demonstrated a transfer of knowledge from early medical-surgical coursework to a complex, novel situation using the nursing process and evidence-based clinical judgment.
Faculty Mentorship
Authors: Martin Jennifer B. , Douglas Dianna H.
Published: April 2018

Mentoring is a way to foster personal and professional career development within professional disciplines such as nursing. The National League for Nursing has described the nurse faculty role as multidimensional and difficult to balance. A school of nursing implemented a faculty mentorship program focused on the school’s core values: caring, professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity, and excellence (CPRIDE). This program combines traditional and nontraditional mentoring models to create an environment in which junior faculty form relationships with senior faculty who possess expertise in a particular field.
What you should not miss from the systematic reviews and meta-analyses on allergen-specific immunotherapy in 2017
Authors: Larenas-Linnemann Désirée , Luna-Pech Jorge A.
Published: April 2018

Purpose of review

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is a well recognized and extensively studied therapeutic intervention for some allergic diseases. Every year new systematic reviews and meta-analysis provide the most powerful source of evidence to orient decision making on prevention or efficacy of AIT. We here discuss systematic reviews and meta-analyses on AIT (published January 2017 to February 2018).

Recent findings

We identified 4 systematic reviews and 10 meta-analyses. Subcutaneous and sublingual AIT (SCIT/SLIT) significantly reduced the development of asthma in children–adolescents with moderate/severe allergic rhinitis, but evidence for a short-term, preventive effect for new allergic sensitizations was nonconclusive. SCIT/SLIT proved to significantly improve symptom and medication scores versus placebo or active comparators in respiratory allergy, with various effect sizes. Oral immunotherapy for IgE-mediated food allergy resulted in substantial benefit in desensitization rates. Data on venom AIT and latex AIT, although limited in quantity and quality, respectively, suggest a large and discrete beneficial effect.

Although current evidence extracted from meta-analyses and systematic reviews support AIT as an effective, relatively safe, and well tolerated alternative for some allergic diseases, heterogeneity and some methodological inconsistencies represent matters of concern as they may affect the validity and applicability of their results, especially in the context of individual, real-life settings.
How to manage food dependent exercise induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA)
Authors: Asaumi Tomoyuki , Ebisawa Motohiro
Published: April 2018

Purpose of review

In recent years, the number of reports on food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA) has been increasing. This review aims to describe the standard management of FDEIA including provocation tests and identify the issues that remain unclear.

Recent findings

Provocation tests with aspirin for FDEIA enable us to confirm the definitive diagnosis and to make differential diagnosis. In some cases, FDEIA symptoms can be induced by aspirin and the causative food without exercise. Exercise may only be an augmenting factor of FDEIA, similar to aspirin or alcohol.

The mechanisms of FDEIA development remain unclear. It has been suggested that in FDEIA, exercise lowers the threshold of a food allergy. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism of FDEIA and to establish strategies for effective disease management.
How to actively treat food allergy
Authors: Pecora Valentina , Mennini Maurizio , Calandrelli Veronica , Patriarca Giampiero , Valluzzi Rocco , Fierro Vincenzo
Published: April 2018

Purpose of review

In the last years, food allergy treatment is moving away from food avoidance to interventional treatments. We review here the recent developments on immunotherapy with food allergens.

Recent findings

Oral immunotherapy remains the best studied form of food immunotherapy. In 2017, further evidence has been added to its efficacy. Its mechanisms of action are under scrutiny. To reduce its side effects, studies have been dedicated to the simultaneous use of biologics, in particular omalizumab. Among the other forms of food immunotherapy that are being developed, the epicutaneous application of food allergens is promising.

The immunologic trajectories of the development of food tolerance may be intercepted by different forms of food immunotherapy. Research efforts aim to make these therapies feasible at the clinical level.
Guanylyl Cyclase A in Both Renal Proximal Tubular and Vascular Endothelial Cells Protects the Kidney against Acute Injury in Rodent Experimental Endotoxemia Models
Authors: Kitamura Hiroaki , Nakano Daisuke , Sawanobori Yoshiharu , Asaga Takehiko , Yokoi Hideki , Yanagita Motoko , Mukoyama Masashi , Tokudome Takeshi , Kangawa Kenji , Shirakami Gotaro , Nishiyama Akira
Published: April 2018

What We Already Know about This Topic

What This Article Tells Us That Is New

Background

Natriuretic peptides are used, based on empirical observations, in intensive care units as antioliguric treatments. We hypothesized that natriuretic peptides prevent lipopolysaccharide-induced oliguria by activating guanylyl cyclase A, a receptor for natriuretic peptides, in proximal tubules and endothelial cells.

Methods

Normal Sprague-Dawley rats and mice lacking guanylyl cyclase A in either endothelial cells or proximal tubular cells were challenged with lipopolysaccharide and assessed for oliguria and intratubular flow rate by intravital imaging with multiphoton microscopy.

Results

Recombinant atrial natriuretic peptide efficiently improved urine volume without changing blood pressure after lipopolysaccharide challenge in rats (urine volume at 4 h, lipopolysaccharide: 0.6 ± 0.3 ml · kg−1 · h−1; lipopolysaccharide + fluid resuscitation: 4.6 ± 2.0 ml · kg−1 · h−1; lipopolysaccharide + fluid resuscitation + atrial natriuretic peptide: 9.0 ± 4.8 ml · kg−1 · h−1; mean ± SD; n = 5 per group). Lipopolysaccharide decreased glomerular filtration rate and slowed intraproximal tubular flow rate, as measured by in vivo imaging. Fluid resuscitation restored glomerular filtration rate but not tubular flow rate. Adding atrial natriuretic peptide to fluid resuscitation improved both glomerular filtration rate and tubular flow rate. Mice lacking guanylyl cyclase A in either proximal tubules or endothelium demonstrated less improvement of tubular flow rate when treated with atrial natriuretic peptide, compared with control mice. Deletion of endothelial, but not proximal tubular, guanylyl cyclase A augmented the reduction of glomerular filtration rate by lipopolysaccharide.

Conclusions

Both endogenous and exogenous natriuretic peptides prevent lipopolysaccharide-induced oliguria by activating guanylyl cyclase A in proximal tubules and endothelial cells.