bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Susceptibilities of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus‐infected and noninfected Diaphorina citri to entomopathogenic fungi and their detoxification enzyme activities under different temperatures
Authors: Hussain Mubasher , Akutse Komivi Senyo , Lin Yongwen , Chen Shiman , Huang Wei , Zhang Jinguan , Idrees Atif , Qiu Dongliang , Wang Liande
Published: March 2018

Some entomopathogenic fungi species, Isaria fumosorosea, and Hirsutella citriformis were found to be efficient against the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae). However, the susceptibility to these fungi increases when the psyllid infected with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las), which is transmitted by D. citri and causes citrus greening disease. In this study, we examined the Las‐infected and Las‐uninfected D. citri susceptibility to entomopathogenic fungi at different temperature regimes (5–40°C). When D. citri adults exposed to cold temperature (5°C), they showed less susceptibility to entomopathogenic fungi as compared with control (27°C). Irrespective of infection with Las, a significantly positive correlation was observed between temperature and percentage mortality caused by different isolates of I. fumosorosea, 3A Ifr, 5F Ifr, PS Ifr, and H. citriformis isolates, HC3D and 2H. In contrast, a significantly negative correlation was found between temperature and percentage mortality for 3A Ifr for both Las‐infected and Las‐uninfected psyllids. Detoxification enzymes, Glutathione S‐transferase levels in D. citri showed a negative correlation, whereas cytochrome P450 and general esterase levels were not correlated with changes in temperature. These findings revealed that detoxification enzymes and general esterase levels are not correlated with altered susceptibility to entomopathogenic fungi at the different temperature regimes. Conclusively, temperature fluctuations tested appear to be a significant factor impacting the management strategies of D. citri using entomopathogenic fungi.
Removal and biodegradation of different petroleum hydrocarbons using the filamentous fungus Aspergillus sp. RFC‐1
Authors: Al‐Hawash Adnan B. , Zhang Xiaoyu , Ma Fuying
Published: March 2018

Petroleum pollution inevitably occurs at any stage of oil production and exerts a negative impact on the environment. Some microorganisms can degrade petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs). Polluted sludge of Rumaila oil field was use to isolate the highly efficient hydrocarbon‐degrading fungal strain. Aspergillus sp. RFC‐1 was obtained and its degradation ability for petroleum hydrocarbons was evaluated through surface adsorption, cell uptake, hydrophobicity, surface tension, biosurfactant production, and emulsification activity. In addition, the degradation mechanism was investigated. The results indicated the strain RFC‐1 showed high removal activity for PHs, including biodegradation, adsorption, and emulsifiability. On the day 7 of incubation, the removal efficiencies of crude oil, naphthalene (NAP), phenanthrene (PHE), and pyrene (PYR) reached 60.3%, 97.4%, 84.9%, and 90.7%, respectively. Biodegradation efficiencies of crude oil, NAP, PHE, and PYR were 51.8%, 84.6%, 50.3%, and 55.1%, respectively. Surface adsorption and cell absorption by live mycelial pellets followed a decreasing order: PYR ≥ PHE > NAP > crude oil. Adsorption by heat‐killed mycelial pellets increased within 40 and 10 min for crude oil and PAHs, respectively, and remained constant thereafter. Effects of cell surface hydrophobicity, surface tension, and emulsification index were discussed. Intra‐ and extracellular enzymes of strain RFC‐1 played important roles in PHs degradation. The strain RFC‐1 is a prospective strain for removing PHs from aqueous environments.
Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae isolated from milk of the bovine udder as emerging pathogens: In vitro and in vivo infection of human cells and zebrafish as biological models
Authors: Alves‐Barroco Cinthia , Roma‐Rodrigues Catarina , Raposo Luís R. , Brás Catarina , Diniz Mário , Caço João , Costa Pedro M. , Santos‐Sanches Ilda , Fernandes Alexandra R.
Published: March 2018

Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae (SDSD) is a major cause of bovine mastitis and has been regarded as an animal‐restricted pathogen, although rare infections have been described in humans. Previous studies revealed the presence of virulence genes encoded by phages of the human pathogen Group A Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) in SDSD isolated from the milk of bovine udder with mastitis. The isolates SDSD VSD5 and VSD13 could adhere and internalize human primary keratinocyte cells, suggesting a possible human infection potential of bovine isolates. In this work, the in vitro and in vivo potential of SDSD to internalize/adhere human cells of the respiratory track and zebrafish as biological models was evaluated. Our results showed that, in vitro, bovine SDSD strains could interact and internalize human respiratory cell lines and that this internalization was dependent on an active transport mechanism and that, in vivo, SDSD are able to cause invasive infections producing zebrafish morbidity and mortality. The infectious potential of these isolates showed to be isolate‐specific and appeared to be independent of the presence or absence of GAS phage‐encoded virulence genes. Although the infection ability of the bovine SDSD strains was not as strong as the human pathogenic S. pyogenes in the zebrafish model, results suggested that these SDSD isolates are able to interact with human cells and infect zebrafish, a vertebrate infectious model, emerging as pathogens with zoonotic capability.
Non‐Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: How Its Gut Immune Activation and Potential Dietary Management Differ from Celiac Disease
Authors: Rotondi Aufiero Vera , Fasano Alessio , Mazzarella Giuseppe
Published: March 2018

Non‐celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is a clinical entity triggered by the ingestion of gluten‐containing grains leading to intestinal and/or extraintestinal symptoms that resolve once the gluten‐containing foodstuff is eliminated from the diet, and it is diagnosed when celiac disease (CD) and wheat allergy (WA) have been ruled out. The limited knowledge about the pathophysiology of NCGS and the lack of validated biomarkers are still major limitations for clinical studies, making it difficult to differentiate NCGS from other gluten‐related disorders (GRD). In the absence of clear‐cut diagnostic criteria, NCGS is still mainly a diagnosis of exclusion. Several studies suggest that NCGS is an immune‐mediated disease that likely activates an innate immune response. Moreover, it has recently been hypothesized that in addition to gluten, other components of wheat may be responsible for the symptoms observed in individuals without CD. This review aims at discussing available evidence related to the histological and immunological features in the gut mucosa of patients with NCGS and at outlining new dietary opportunities for these patients.
Resveratrol Improves Muscle Atrophy by Modulating Mitochondrial Quality Control in STZ‐Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Wang Dongtao , Sun Huili , Song Gaofeng , Yang Yajun , Zou Xiaohu , Han Pengxun , Li Shunmin
Published: March 2018

Scope

In this study, we aim to determine the effects of resveratrol (RSV) on muscle atrophy in streptozocin‐induced diabetic mice and to explore mitochondrial quality control (MQC) as a possible mechanism.

Methods and results

The experimental mice were fed either a control diet or an identical diet containing 0.04% RSV for 8 weeks. Examinations were subsequently carried out, including the effects of RSV on muscle atrophy and muscle function, as well as on the signaling pathways related to protein degradation and MQC processes. The results show that RSV supplementation improves muscle atrophy and muscle function, attenuates the increase in ubiquitin and muscle RING‐finger protein‐1 (MuRF‐1), and simultaneously attenuates LC3‐II and cleaved caspase‐3 in the skeletal muscle of diabetic mice. Moreover, RSV treatment of diabetic mice results in an increase in mitochondrial biogenesis and inhibition of the activation of mitophagy in skeletal muscle. RSV also protects skeletal muscle against excess mitochondrial fusion and fission in the diabetic mice.

Conclusion

The results suggest that RSV ameliorates diabetes‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy by modulating MQC.
Taste and Flavor Perceptions of Glucosinolates, Isothiocyanates, and Related Compounds
Authors: Bell Luke , Oloyede Omobolanle O. , Lignou Stella , Wagstaff Carol , Methven Lisa
Published: March 2018

Brassicaceae plants are renowned for their taste, aroma and trigeminal characteristics; predominantly bitter taste, sulfurous aroma, and pungency. Compounds responsible for these sensations include the glucosinolates (GSLs) and their hydrolysis products, particularly isothiocyanates (ITCs), but also sulfur‐containing volatile compounds. This article reviews the relative importance of taste and flavor perceptions resulting from such compounds; collating evidence from papers where findings are based on sensory analytical correlations, and those that have extracted specific compounds prior to sensory evaluation. Where specific GSLs impart bitterness and many ITCs impart pungency, this is clearly not true for all GSLs and ITCs. Designing crop improvement strategies for sensory traits based on total GSL content would be flawed, as it does not consider the relative differences in sensory characteristics of different GSLs and ITCs, nor the contribution from other GSL hydrolysis products. In addition, some Brassicaceae plants are consumed raw, whilst others are cooked; this affects not only the hydrolysis of GSLs, but also the generation and release of sulfides. Therefore, in breeding new plant varieties, it is prudent to consider the individual GSLs, the typical cooking conditions the plant is subjected to, enzyme stability, and resultant composition of both GSL hydrolysis products (including ITCs) and sulfides.
Hepatic Lipogenesis and Brain Fatty Acid Profile in Response to Different Dietary n6/n3 Ratios and DHA/EPA Supplementation in Streptozotocin Treated Rats
Authors: Starčević Kristina , Filipović Natalija , Galan Asier , Micek Vedran , Gudan Kurilj Andrea , Mašek Tomislav
Published: March 2018

Scope

We investigated the interaction between streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetes and dietary n6/n3 ratio, and its influence on lipogenesis.

Methods and results

The animals were treated with STZ and fed with different dietary n6/n3 ratios: 1, 7, and 60, or supplemented with DHA/EPA. Gene expression was assessed by RT‐PCR and protein expression by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Fatty acid profile was determined by GC‐MS. Pancreas and liver histology were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. STZ‐induced characteristic changes in all STZ treated groups, including: increased blood glucose, decreased body mass, increased lipid peroxidation and CD36 expression, decreased 16:1n7 and 18:1n7, increases in 20:3n6, decreases in phospholipid (PL) content of 20:4n6, as well as decreases in the expression of SREBP1c, Δ‐9‐desaturase (Δ9D), and Δ‐5‐desaturase (Δ5D). Additionally, other changes occurred that were dependent on the n6/n3 ratio. Among the diabetic groups, the lower n6/n3 ratio caused higher lipid peroxidation and CD36 expression, a greater decrease in 20:4n6 and decreased Δ6‐desaturase (Δ6D) expression, while the higher n6/n3 ratio caused increased partitioning of 20:4n6 into hepatic neutral lipids (NL), a decrease in 20:5n3 content, and increased β‐oxidation.

Conclusion

Presented data suggest that the n6/n3 ratio could significantly influence lipogenesis, lipid peroxidation, and β‐oxidation in STZ‐induced diabetes, which could have clinical significance.
A high DQE water‐equivalent EPID employing an array of plastic‐scintillating fibers for simultaneous imaging and dosimetry in radiotherapy
Authors: Blake Samuel J. , Cheng Zhangkai , McNamara Aimee , Lu Minghui , Vial Philip , Kuncic Zdenka
Published: March 2018

Purpose

First measurements of the imaging performance of a novel prototype water‐equivalent electronic portal imaging device (EPID) designed for simultaneous imaging and dose verification in radiotherapy and previously characterized by our group for dosimetry are reported. Experiments were conducted to characterize the prototype's imaging performance relative to a standard commercial EPID and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were performed to quantify the impact of several detector parameters on image quality and to inform the design of a proposed next‐generation prototype.

Methods

The prototype EPID utilizes an array of 3 cm long plastic‐scintillating fibers in place of the metal plate/phosphor screen in standard EPIDs. Using a clinical 6 MV photon beam, the prototype's modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS), and detective quantum efficiency (DQE) were measured and compared to measurements taken using a standard commercial EPID. A sensitivity analysis was then performed using the MC model by quantifying these metrics while varying the values of several geometrical and optical transport parameters that were unspecified by the prototype manufacturer. Finally, the MC model was used to quantify the imaging performance of a proposed next‐generation prototype incorporating 1.5 cm long fibers that is better suited for integration with clinical portal imaging and dosimetry systems.

Results

The prototype EPID's zero spatial frequency DQE exceeded 3%, more than doubling that measured with the standard EPID (1.25%). This increased DQE was a consequence of using a prototype array detector with a greater equivalent thickness than the combined copper plate and phosphor screen in a standard EPID. The increased thickness of our prototype decreased spatial resolution relative to the standard EPID; however, the prototype EPID NPS was also lower than that measured with the standard EPID across all spatial frequencies. The sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the NPS was strongly affected by the roughness of the boundaries between fiber core and cladding regions. By comparison, the MTF was most sensitive to beam divergence and the presence of air between the fiber array and underlying photodiode panel. Simulations demonstrated that by optimizing these parameters, DQE(0) >4% may be achievable with the proposed next‐generation prototype design.

Conclusions

The first measurements characterizing the imaging performance of a novel water‐equivalent EPID for imaging and dosimetry in radiotherapy demonstrated a DQE(0) more than double that of a standard EPID. MC simulations further demonstrated the potential for developing a next‐generation prototype better suited for clinical translation with even higher DQE.
In Situ Semibatch Emulsion Polymerization of 2‐Ethyl Hexyl Acrylate/n‐Butyl Acrylate/Methyl Methacrylate/Cellulose Nanocrystal Nanocomposites for Adhesive Applications
Authors: Ouzas Alexandra , Niinivaara Elina , Cranston Emily D. , Dubé Marc A.
Published: March 2018

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are safe, “green,” hydrophilic nanoparticles. CNCs are added in situ during a semibatch 2‐ethyl hexyl acrylate (EHA)/n‐butyl acrylate (BA)/methyl methacrylate (MMA) emulsion polymerization. As EHA is a more hydrophobic monomer, manipulation of the monomer feed composition allows for the evaluation of the effect of hydrophobicity on CNC distribution in the nanocomposite and ultimately on adhesive properties. The adhesive properties (loop tack, peel strength, and shear strength) of three different EHA/BA/MMA latex formulations are shown to simultaneously improve with increasing CNC loading. However, the hydrophobicity of the EHA leads to a nonuniform distribution of CNCs in the latex films. Comparison of the in situ polymerized nanocomposites to their blended counterparts is also made.
A three‐stage p‐median based exact method for the optimal diversity management problem
Authors: Masone Adriano , Sterle Claudio , Vasilyev Igor , Ushakov Anton
Published: March 2018

The optimal diversity management problem (ODMP) arises in many application fields when a company, producing a good and/or a service customizable with options, has to satisfy many different client demands with various subset of options, but only a limited number of option combinations can be produced. ODMP can be represented by a disconnected network and formulated as a large‐scale ‐median problem (PMP). In this article we improve a known decomposition approach where smaller PMPs, related to the network components, can be solved instead of the initial large problem. The proposed method is structured in three stages and it combines Lagrangian relaxation‐based techniques, variable fixing and reduction tests, and a dynamic programming algorithm. It drastically reduces the number and the dimensions of the ‐median subproblems to be solved to optimality by a MIP solver and to be combined to determine the optimal solution of the original PMP by a multiple choice knapsack problem. A sequential and a parallel implementation of the method are provided and tested. Obtained results on known and new test instances show that our approach considerably outperforms state‐of‐the‐art algorithms for large‐scale ODMPs.
Distributed hierarchical SVD in the Hierarchical Tucker format
Authors: Grasedyck Lars , Löbbert Christian
Published: March 2018

We consider tensors in the Hierarchical Tucker format and suppose the tensor data to be distributed among several compute nodes. We assume the compute nodes to be in a one‐to‐one correspondence with the nodes of the Hierarchical Tucker format such that connected nodes can communicate with each other. An appropriate tree structure in the Hierarchical Tucker format then allows for the parallelization of basic arithmetic operations between tensors with a parallel runtime that grows like
, where d is the tensor dimension. We introduce parallel algorithms for several tensor operations, some of which can be applied to solve linear equations
directly in the Hierarchical Tucker format using iterative methods such as conjugate gradients or multigrid. We present weak scaling studies, which provide evidence that the runtime of our algorithms indeed grows like
. Furthermore, we present numerical experiments in which we apply our algorithms to solve a parameter‐dependent diffusion equation in the Hierarchical Tucker format by means of a multigrid algorithm.
Variational inequality‐based framework of discontinuous deformation analysis
Authors: Fan Huo , Zhao Jidong , Zheng Hong
Published: March 2018

For modeling discrete particle‐block systems, a new framework of discontinuous deformation analysis is established on the basis of finite‐dimensional variational inequality. The presented method takes into account the contacts, the rolling resistance, and the tensile resistance of cemented interface among particles and blocks using the corresponding variational or quasivariational inequalities. The new formulation avoids using the artificial springs that are usually indispensable in many conventional methods dealing with similar discrete problems and conveniently integrates the rigid circle particles, the nonrigid ring particles, and the arbitrary shape blocks into a uniform framework. The proposed discontinuous deformation analysis approach is further coupled with the finite element method using a node‐based composite contact matrix and several simple transformation matrices to solve practical problems. A particle/block‐based composite contact matrix is constructed to further broaden the application of the proposed method. The accuracy, robustness, and capability of the presented method are demonstrated with examples.
Anthropometric Indices Based on Waist Circumference as Measures of Adiposity in Children
Authors: Santos Susana , Severo Milton , Lopes Carla , Oliveira Andreia
Published: March 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of body fat patterns and single measures in assessing body fat and to clarify the use of indices based on waist circumference as measures of adiposity in children.

Methods

This study included 2,531 7‐year‐old children from the Generation XXI birth cohort (Porto, Portugal). Anthropometrics were obtained by trained personnel and whole‐body dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were performed.

Results

Principal component analysis identified two body fat patterns. Pattern 1 (BMI, fat mass index from tetra‐polar bioelectric impedance, and waist‐to‐height ratio) showed strong correlations with DXA fat mass index (r = 0.85;P < 0.001), and pattern 2 (waist‐to‐hip, waist‐to‐thigh, and waist‐to‐weight ratios) showed moderate correlations with DXA central fat (r = 0.35;P < 0.001). Compared with single measures, body fat patterns showed similar correlations with DXA‐derived measures.

Conclusions

Compared with single anthropometric indices, body fat patterns seem to add little value for estimating body fat in children. Waist‐to‐height ratio seems to be a proxy for total fat, while waist‐to‐hip, waist‐to‐thigh, and waist‐to‐weight ratios seem to be proxies for central fat. Further studies should address the predictive ability of waist‐to‐weight ratio to identify children at risk of developing cardiometabolic disease, as this was the first time describing its potential usefulness.
Magnesium ion‐conducting gel polymer electrolyte nanocomposites: Effect of active and passive nanofillers
Authors: Sharma Jyoti , Hashmi Safir
Published: March 2018

A novel magnesium (Mg) ion conducting nanocomposite gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) films comprising a solution of Mg‐salt, Mg trifluoromethanesulfonate [Mg‐triflate or Mg(Tf)2] in a mixture of ethylene carbonate (EC) and propylene carbonate (PC), entrapped in a host polymer poly(vinylidenefluoride‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF‐HFP) has been reported. The effect of dispersion of nanosized passive filler aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and active filler Mg aluminate (MgAl2O4) in the films was studied. Free standing transparent nanocomposite films are obtained with excellent dimensional stability. The filler‐polymer interactions and possible conformational changes in the host polymer PVdF‐HFP due to the liquid electrolyte entrapmentment and dispersion of nanosized Al2O3 and MgAl2O4 fillers are examined by X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and tensile strength measurement. A nanocomposite films with 30 wt% Al2O3 and 20 wt% MgAl2O4 fillers offer maximum ionic conductivity of 3.3 × 10−3 and 4.0 × 10−3 S cm−1, respectively, at room temperature. The temperature dependence of electrical conductivity of undispersed and nanocomposites GPE follows the Vogel‐Tammen‐Fulcher behavior. The Mg ion conduction in the nanocomposites GPE films is confirmed from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and transport number measurement. The Mg2+ ion transport number has been found to be significantly enhanced up to 0.66 for the dispersion of 20 wt% MgAl2O4 nanofiller, indicating a substantial enhancement in Mg2+ ion conductivity. The nanocomposites films possess a good electrochemical stability window, which indicates their potential applicability as electrolytes in ionic devices including Mg batteries. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1295–1306, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Composite materials based on polyolefins with new petroleum resins
Authors: Kraus Eduard , Orf Lukas , Starostina Irina , Efimova Alfia , Perelygina Regina , Stoyanov Oleg
Published: March 2018

We investigated the composition and surface energy characteristics—the surface free energy, its acid‐base and dispersive components, acid and base parameters (according to the van Oss–Chaudhury–Good method), and acidity parameter (according to the Berger method) of composite materials based on the ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer with the addition of new aromatic petroleum resins in different percentage ratios. The thermal properties of the compositions were studied by the methods of differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis. An ambiguous influence of various resin brands on the thermal effects in the compositions was observed. The physical and mechanical properties of the compositions as well as their adhesion to metal substrates were investigated. A significant increase in adhesion, tensile strength, and in relative elongation could be achieved for ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymers due to the modification with new petroleum resins. This article is the second part of a study on surface properties with new brands of new petroleum resins in order to optimize their selection for polymeric composite materials. Here, a comprehensive study on the effect of petroleum polymer resins on various properties of polymer composite materials based on ethylene‐vinyl acetate was carried out. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:2288–2292, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Commercial challenges in developing biomaterials for medical device development
Authors: Harris Jeremy J , Lu Steven , Gabriele Peter
Published: March 2018

From initial conceptualization through to market adoption, the introduction of new technology into a commercial market is often fraught with challenges. In the field of biomaterials these challenges manifest themselves at every step of the commercialization process. As the understanding of the mechanobiologic relationship in tissue engineering has progressed, there is greater emphasis being placed on the engineering of specific properties into new biomaterials. During this early development, intellectual property is a critical factor in determining commercial feasibility as patent protection establishes the property lines around the technology and helps define future market segments. Once developed, a new biomaterial then enters the next series of challenges including commercial‐scale manufacturing and addressing regulatory concerns. Synthesis of the biomaterial must be economically and technically scalable to meet market demands and the new biomaterial must be designed to stand up to regulatory scrutiny with regards to safety and efficacy. However daunting, a robust understanding of the design elements and the commercial requirements will aid the researcher in overcoming the challenges of bringing a new biomaterial to the market. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Differential scanning calorimetry study of cross‐nucleation between polymorphs in isotactic poly(1‐butene)
Authors: Wang Bao , Menyhard Alfred , Alfonso Giovanni C , Müller Alejandro J , Cavallo Dario
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Cross‐nucleation is denoted as the heterogeneous nucleation of a ‘daughter’ polymorph on another pre‐existing (‘parent’) structure of the same substance. Several examples of the phenomenon for semicrystalline polymers have recently been reported. Polarized optical microscopy is commonly used to investigate both the morphology and the kinetics aspects of cross‐nucleation. Hereby, we propose a DSC approach for the quantitative investigation of cross‐nucleation in seeded crystallization. This case study deals with isotactic poly(1‐butene) Form II on Form I nucleation.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Seeds of the trigonal Form I were produced in situ in poly(1‐butene) samples, their amount and characteristic size being varied by appropriate choice of the thermal protocol. DSC isothermal and non‐isothermal crystallization measurements of Form I seeded samples were performed, highlighting a meaningful nucleation effect of the stable polymorph on Form II. As expected, the nucleating efficiency is highly dependent on the specific content of Form I seeds (i.e. the area of Form I spherulites per unit sample volume). Depending on the seeding and crystallization conditions, Form II crystallization is dominated by nucleation either on foreign heterogeneous surfaces or on Form I crystals. The described quantitative approach can be extended to the study of cross‐nucleation in polymorphic systems in which morphological evidence is not sufficiently informative. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Trajectories of change in symptom distress in a clinical group of late adolescents: The role of maladaptive personality traits and relations with parents
Authors: Koster Nagila , Laceulle Odilia , van der Heijden Paul , de Clercq Barbara , van Aken Marcel
Published: March 2018

In this study, it was analysed whether trajectories of change in symptom distress could be identified in a clinical group of late adolescents with personality pathology. Furthermore, it was examined whether maladaptive personality traits and relations with parents were predictive of following one of these trajectories. Three latent classes emerged from growth mixture modelling with a symptom inventory (n = 911): a Stable High, a Strong Decreasing and a Moderate Decreasing trajectory. Subsequently, by using multinomial logistic regression analyses in a subsample of late‐adolescents (n = 127), it was revealed that high levels of Negative Affectivity and Detachment were predictive of following the Strong Decreasing, and high levels of Detachment were predictive of following the Stable High trajectory. Support from or Negative Interactions with parents were not predictive of any of the trajectories. The current results contribute to the notion of individual trajectories of change in symptom distress and provide suggestions for screening patients on personality traits to gain insight in the course of this change. © 2018 The Authors Personality and Mental Health Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
A Novel Cell Fixation Method that Greatly Enhances Protein Identification in Microproteomic Studies Using Laser Capture Microdissection and Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Gordon Ana , Kannan Shravan Kumar , Gousset Karine
Published: March 2018

Microproteomic studies have improved our knowledge of cell biology. Yet, with mass spectrometry (MS) analysis, accuracy can be lost for protein identification and quantification when using heterogeneous samples. Laser capture microdissection (LCM) allows for the enrichment of specific subsets of cells to study their proteome; however, sample fixation is necessary. Unfortunately, fixation hampers MS results due to protein cross‐linking. The aim of this study was to identify both a fixation protocol and an extraction method that returns the best yield of proteins for downstream MS analysis, while preserving cellular structures. We compared glutaraldehyde (GLU), a common fixative to preserve cells, to dithiobispropionimidate (DTBP), a cleavable cross‐linker. Our DTBP fixation/extraction protocol greatly increased the protein recovery. In fact, while 1000 GLU fixed cells returned only 159 unique protein hits, from 1464 unique peptides of 1994 unique collected spectra, 1000 DTBP fixed cells resulted in 567 unique collected protein hits, from 7542 unique peptides, of 10,401 unique collected spectra. That is, a 3.57‐fold increase in protein hits, 5.15‐fold increase in unique peptides, and a 5.22‐fold increase in unique collected spectra. Overall, the novel protocol introduced here allows for a very efficient protein recovery and good sample quality for MS after sample collection using LCM.
Pt/Co‐Au Dumbbell‐Like Nanorods for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Performance of Formic Acid Electrooxidation
Authors: Li Xiaotong , Zhang Junshu , Kou Shufang , Yang Xianfeng , Guo Xia , Yang Jian
Published: March 2018

Pt/Co and Au are organized into well‐defined nanostructures by a simple and mild method, such as dumbbell‐like nanorods and core–shell nanorods. The resultant dumbbell‐like nanorods show a superior performance in the electrooxidation of formic acid, as compared with core–shell nanorods, Pt‐tipped gold nanorods, and commercial Pt/C. This result can be attributed to electronic effect between Au and Pt, heteroatom effect of Co, irregular surface at the tips, and the interface effect.
Noncommutativity and Nonassociativity of Closed Bosonic String on T‐dual Toroidal Backgrounds
Authors: Nikolić B. , Obrić D.
Published: March 2018

In this article we consider closed bosonic string in the presence of constant metric and Kalb‐Ramond field with one non‐zero component, , where field strength H is infinitesimal. Using Buscher T‐duality procedure we dualize along x and y directions and using generalized T‐duality procedure along z direction imposing trivial winding conditions. After first two T‐dualizations we obtain Q flux theory which is just locally well defined, while after all three T‐dualizations we obtain nonlocal R flux theory. Origin of non‐locality is variable defined as line integral, which appears as an argument of the background fields. Rewriting T‐dual transformation laws in the canonical form and using standard Poisson algebra, we obtained that Q flux theory is commutative one and the R flux theory is noncommutative and nonassociative one. Consequently, there is a correlation between non‐locality and closed string noncommutativity and nonassociativity.
The role of plant size in the selection of glyphosate resistance in Sorghum halepense
Authors: Vila‐Aiub Martin , Casas Cecilia , Gundel Pedro E
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

The effect of plant size (seedlings versus young plants versus adult plants) on the phenotypic level of glyphosate resistance and selection intensity (SI) in Sorghum halepense with and without a reduced glyphosate translocation resistance mechanism was evaluated.

RESULTS

Resistance parameters [the 50% lethal dose (LD50) and the dose required to cause a 50% reduction in plant growth (GR50)] in adult plants were notably higher than in seedlings regardless of the resistance status. However, under similar plant size increases, populations comprised of glyphosate‐resistant (R) individuals showed higher survival and growth when glyphosate treated compared with glyphosate‐susceptible (S) plants. An increase in SI was always evident with increasing glyphosate doses. However, the rate of increase in SI was higher under glyphosate selection of young R and S plants, followed by seedlings and adult R and S plants. However, in conditions of R seedlings coexisting with adult S plants under glyphosate treatment (1000–4000 g ha−1), selection against glyphosate resistance was observed.

CONCLUSION

Any increase in size from the seedling stage of R plants translates into an amplification of resistance. Depending on the particular size combinations of spatially coexisting R and S plants, selection for glyphosate resistance may be faster, slower or even not evident. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Acaricidal toxicities and synergistic activities of Salvia lavandulifolia oil constituents against synanthropic mites
Authors: Lee Myung‐Ji , Park Jun‐Hwan , Lee Hoi‐Seon
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

The acaricidal activity of Salvia lavandulifolia oil and its major components was evaluated using contact and vapor bioassays. Synergistic interactions among components contained in S. lavandulifolia oil were studied.

RESULTS

The 50% lethal dose (LD50) of S. lavandulifolia oil was 3.66, 3.37, and 5.04 μg cm−3, respectively, in the vapor bioassay against Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Tyrophagus putrescentiae. The major components of S. lavandulifolia oil were (−)‐camphor, camphene, 1,8‐cineole, (±)‐limonene, and α‐pinene (79.11% combined). Several combinations of these components exhibited synergistic effects against D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus, and T. putrescentiae, particularly (−)‐camphor, camphene, and α‐pinene. (−)‐Camphor usually had synergistic interactive effects in the mixtures. For the vapor action, the mixture of (−)‐camphor, camphene and α‐pinene was the most potent combination against D. farinae (R = 2.34), D. pteronyssinus (R = 2.75), and T. putrescentiae (R = 2.30) when used at their naturally occurring ratio.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first report on the acaricidal activity of S. lavandulifolia oil and the synergistic interactive effects of its components against D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus and T. putrescentiae. The oil may be an alternative tool for the control of synanthropic mites. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Al2O3/HfO2 Multilayer High‐k Dielectric Stacks for Charge Trapping Flash Memories
Authors: Spassov Dencho , Paskaleva Albena , Krajewski Tomasz A. , Guziewicz Elzbieta , Luka Grzegorz , Ivanov Tzvetan
Published: March 2018

Dielectric and electrical properties of Al2O3/HfO2 multilayer stacks deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) in dependence on the thickness of Al2О3 and HfO2 layers and the post‐deposition annealing (PDA) in different ambient (O2, N2, air) are investigated in terms of their application as trapping layers in emerging charge‐trapping non‐volatile flash memories. Differentiation is made between different processes giving rise to hysteresis effects: trapping of electrons and holes under positive and negative gate bias, respectively (as useful processes which define the memory window), and the generation of positive charge under high electric field stress (which degrades the stacks and results in permanent damage and ultimately in breakdown). Dependence of these processes on HfO2 and Al2O3 thickness as well as annealing ambient is analyzed. It is established that electrically active defects and trapping phenomena are most strongly affected by the annealing ambient. Oxygen annealing is favorable in terms of charge storage ability as it increases electron trapping and improves the electric field stress stability of Al2О3/HfO2 multilayer stacks.
Preparation and Performance of Visible‐Light‐Driven Bi2O3/ZnS Heterojunction Functionalized Porous CA Membranes for Effective Degradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: Li Binrong , Chu Jinyu , Li Yi , Meng Minjia , Cui Yanhua , Li Qidi , Feng Yonghai
Published: March 2018

Photocatalytic degradation is an effective method for fast removal of dye‐contaminated water. In the present work, a bismuth oxide/zinc sulfide‐cellulose acetate photocatalytic membrane (Bi2O3/ZnS‐CA) is successfully fabricated via the phase‐inversion method with a Bi2O3/ZnS heterojunction as the photocatalyst. The Bi2O3/ZnS‐CA membranes shows high photocatalytic activity in degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible‐light irradiation due to the Bi2O3/ZnS heterojunction structure contributing to the high efficiency of photogenerated charge separation. The photodegradation efficiency of Bi2O3/ZnS‐CA membrane is significantly enhanced (about 30% improvement) and the photodegradation kinetic is four times faster than that of the Bi2O3‐CA and the ZnS‐CA membranes. Moreover, the Bi2O3/ZnS‐CA membrane exhibits excellent permeation flux (649.7 L m−2 h−1) and high porosity (69.94%). The Bi2O3/ZnS‐CA membrane also shows good adsorption performance of RhB, which could enhance the interaction between RhB and the catalyst. This work provides a new sight to construct highly effective visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic membranes for continuous organic dye treatment.
Discretization of generalized Coriolis and friction terms on the deformed hexagonal C‐grid
Authors: Gassmann Almut
Published: March 2018

This article discusses the generalized Coriolis and friction terms on the hexagonal C‐grid from two perspectives: (a) within the linearized discretized momentum equations on an equilateral grid, and (b) as nonlinear terms on a distorted mesh.

The discrete linearized momentum equations are formulated using a trivariate coordinate system. The tendencies of the different forcing terms for each wind component must be linearly dependent. This constraint determines unique discretizations for each term. The linearized vorticity flux term around a zonal mean current requires only the four rhombus potential vorticities (PVs) next to an edge. The vector Laplacian must be formulated with the vorticity on vertices defined as the average of three rhombus vorticities.

A modified generalized Coriolis term is defined on the deformed mesh. The baroclinic wave test on the sphere does not reveal any sign of nonlinear Hollingsworth instability, even though it is demonstrated that the vector‐invariant form and the advective form of momentum advection are not equivalent.

Physical constraints determine the shape of the stress tensor. These are invariance to the addition of solid‐body rotation and a resulting positive‐definite dissipation rate. An appropriate stress‐tensor formulation does not deliver Laplacian momentum diffusion in the linear case. On the deformed mesh, parts of this stress tensor are obtained by a least‐squares reconstruction of wind gradients. This approach avoids spurious deformations diagnosed for constant flow in the vicinity of pentagon cells.
Controllable Construction of Core–Shell Polymer@Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks Fiber Derived Heteroatom‐Doped Carbon Nanofiber Network for Efficient Oxygen Electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhao Yingxuan , Lai Qingxue , Zhu Junjie , Zhong Jia , Tang Zeming , Luo Yan , Liang Yanyu
Published: March 2018

Designing rational nanostructures of metal–organic frameworks based carbon materials to promote the bifunctional catalytic activity of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is highly desired but still remains a great challenge. Herein, an in situ growth method to achieve 1D structure‐controllable zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) core/shell fiber (PAN@ZIFs) is developed. Subsequent pyrolysis of this precursor can obtain a heteroatom‐doped carbon nanofiber network as an efficient bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst. The electrocatalytic performance of derived carbon nanofiber is dominated by the structures of PAN@ZIFs fiber, which is facilely regulated by efficiently controlling the nucleation and growth process of ZIFs on the surface of polymer fiber as well as optimizing the components of ZIFs. Benefiting from the core–shell structures with appropriate dopants and porosity, as‐prepared catalysts show brilliant bifunctional ORR/OER catalytic activity and durability. Finally, the rechargeable Zn‐air battery assembled from the optimized catalyst (CNF@Zn/CoNC) displays a peak power density of 140.1 mW cm−2, energy density of 878.9 Wh kgZn−1, and excellent cyclic stability over 150 h, giving a promising performance in realistic application.
Strongly Coupled CoO Nanoclusters/CoFe LDHs Hybrid as a Synergistic Catalyst for Electrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Gao Zhi‐Wen , Ma Tian , Chen Xue‐Min , Liu Hui , Cui Lan , Qiao Shi‐Zhang , Yang Jing , Du Xi‐Wen
Published: March 2018

Exploiting high‐performance, robust, and cost‐effective electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial for electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies. Engineering the interfacial structure of hybrid catalysts often induces synergistically enhanced electrocatalytic performance. Herein, a new strongly coupled heterogeneous catalyst with proper interfacial structures, i.e., CoO nanoclusters decorated on CoFe layered double hydroxides (LDHs) nanosheets, is prepared via a simple one‐step pulsed laser ablation in liquid method. Thorough spectroscopic characterizations reveal that strong chemical couplings at the hybrid interface trigger charge transfer from CoII in the oxide to FeIII in the LDHs through the interfacial FeOCo bond, leading to considerable amounts of high oxidation state CoIII sites present in the hybrid. Interestingly, the CoO/CoFe LDHs exhibit pronounced synergistic effects in electrocatalytic water oxidation, with substantially enhanced intrinsic catalytic activity and stability relative to both components. The hybrid catalyst achieves remarkably low OER overpotential and Tafel slope in alkaline medium, outperforming that of Ru/C and manifesting itself among the most active Co‐based OER catalysts.
Applications of Conventional Vibrational Spectroscopic Methods for Batteries Beyond Li‐Ion
Authors: Deng Yuanfu , Dong Shengyang , Li Zhifei , Jiang Heng , Zhang Xiaogang , Ji Xiulei
Published: March 2018

Advanced energy‐storage devices are in tremendous demand to meet the ever‐growing electrification of the economy. To design batteries, it is critical to understand the evolving structures of the electrode materials, the compositions of the solid electrolyte interphase, and the reaction intermediates during the electrochemical processes. To this end, a plethora of characterization techniques are employed in battery research to bridge the fundamental understanding to practical optimization of battery systems. Vibrational spectroscopy methods, including Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy are powerful analytic tools for the purposes of battery studies. Here, the usage of Raman and FTIR spectroscopy techniques for secondary batteries, such as lithium‐ion batteries, lithium–sulfur batteries, lithium–oxygen batteries, sodium‐ion batteries, and potassium‐ion batteries, is described.
Robust Metallic Lithium Anode Protection by the Molecular‐Layer‐Deposition Technique
Authors: Zhao Yang , Goncharova Lyudmila V. , Sun Qian , Li Xia , Lushington Andrew , Wang Biqiong , Li Ruying , Dai Fang , Cai Mei , Sun Xueliang
Published: March 2018

The Li metal anode is considered as a promising alternative candidate for next‐generation Li metal batteries with high specific capacity, low potential, and light weight. However, the crucial problem for the Li metal anode is one of the biggest challenges. Mossy or dendritic growth of Li occurs in the repetitive Li stripping/plating process with an unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer of nonuniform ionic flux, which can not only lead to low Coulombic efficiency, but can also create the risk of a short‐circuit, resulting in possible burning or explosion. Here, an advanced molecular‐layer‐deposition (MLD) Alucone protective layer is first demonstrated for Li metal anodes. By protecting Li foil with a controllable Alucone layer, the dendrites and mossy Li formation are effectively suppressed and the lifetime is significantly improved in different electrolytes (carbonate‐based and ether‐based). Furthermore, the detailed surface changes are studied by the advanced characterization technique of Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. The novel design of the MLD‐protected Li metal anode may bring in new opportunities to the realization of the next‐generation high‐energy‐density Li metal batteries.
Stable Hydrogen Production from Water on an NIR‐Responsive Photocathode under Harsh Conditions
Authors: Kaneko Hiroyuki , Minegishi Tsutomu , Higashi Tomohiro , Nakabayashi Mamiko , Shibata Naoya , Domen Kazunari
Published: March 2018

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting using a cell composed of a photocathode and photoanode is an attractive approach to producing hydrogen utilizing solar energy. Photocathodes based on nonoxide materials exhibit high solar‐to‐hydrogen conversion efficiencies thanks to their narrow bandgaps. However, the corrosion of photocathode surfaces at oxidative potentials and under highly alkaline conditions has resulted in insufficient durability. Here, the PEC properties of near‐infrared‐sensitive (ZnSe)0.85(CuIn0.7Ga0.3Se2)0.15‐based photocathodes coated with a RuO2 nanolayer using a photo‐electrodeposition method are investigated under harsh conditions. A RuO2‐coated (ZnSe)0.85(CuIn0.7Ga0.3Se2)0.15 photocathode exhibits no degradation during the PEC hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at 0.6 VRHE for longer than 10 h in electrolytes having pH values of 7 or 13. Maximum photocurrents of 9.1 and 2.9 mA cm−2 are obtained at 0 and 0.6 VRHE, respectively, under simulated sunlight without the use of any other HER catalyst or a conductor layer. This study therefore demonstrates a useful method for the fabrication of efficient, durable PEC cells using nonoxide photocathodes.