bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial regulation of the L cell transcriptome
Authors: Arora Tulika , Akrami Rozita , Pais Ramona , Bergqvist Linda , Johansson Bengt R. , Schwartz Thue W. , Reimann Frank , Gribble Fiona M. , Bäckhed Fredrik
Published: January 2018

L cells are an important class of enteroendocrine cells secreting hormones such as glucagon like peptide-1 and peptide YY that have several metabolic and physiological effects. The gut is home to trillions of bacteria affecting host physiology, but there has been limited understanding about how the microbiota affects gene expression in L cells. Thus, we rederived the reporter mouse strain, GLU-Venus expressing yellow fluorescent protein under the control of the proglucagon gene, as germ-free (GF). Lposcells from ileum and colon of GF and conventionally raised (CONV-R) GLU-Venus mice were isolated and subjected to transcriptomic profiling. We observed that the microbiota exerted major effects on ileal L cells. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed that microbiota suppressed biological processes related to vesicle localization and synaptic vesicle cycling in Lposcells from ileum. This finding was corroborated by electron microscopy of Lposcells showing reduced numbers of vesicles as well as by demonstrating decreased intracellular GLP-1 content in primary cultures from ileum of CONV-R compared with GF GLU-Venus mice. By analysing Lposcells following colonization of GF mice we observed that the greatest transcriptional regulation was evident within 1 day of colonization. Thus, the microbiota has a rapid and pronounced effect on the L cell transcriptome, predominantly in the ileum.
Light induced assembly and self-sorting of silica microparticles
Authors: Vilanova Neus , Feijter Isja de , Teunissen Abraham J. P. , Voets Ilja K.
Published: January 2018

To tailor the properties of colloidal materials, precise control over the self-assembly of their constituents is a prerequisite. Here, we govern the assembly of silica particles by functionalization with supramolecular moieties which interact with each other via directional and reversible hydrogen bonding. Through a generally applicable synthesis protocol, two different types of self-complementary hydrogen bonding moieties, BTA- and UPy-derivatives, are anchored to silica particles. Their self-assembly is initiated by the UV-induced removal of a photolabile protecting group, allowing the formation of hydrogen bonds between tethered molecules. The light-induced assembly of BTA- and UPy-decorated colloids in single-component dispersions and colloidal self-sorting in mixed dispersions is studied. Furthermore, we demonstrate that UPy-colloids can dissasemble upon addition of traces of a competitive binder (NaPy). This work provides further insight into the utility of supramolecular handles to orchestrate the assembly of micron-sized colloids via non-oligonucleotide hydrogen-bonding units.
Design of non-equiatomic medium-entropy alloys
Authors: Zhou Yang , Zhou Dong , Jin Xi , Zhang Lu , Du Xingyu , Li Bangsheng
Published: January 2018

High-entropy alloys have attracted much attention due to their unique microstructures and excellent properties. Since their invention more than ten years ago, research attention has been mainly focused on the study of multicomponent alloys with equiatomic or near-equiatomic compositions. Here we propose a novel design of non-equiatomic medium-entropy alloys that contain one matrix element and several equiatomic alloying elements. To verify the utility of this new design, a series of Co-free Fex(CrNiAl)100−x (at.%, 25 ≤ x ≤ 65) medium-entropy alloys were designed from the much-studied FeNiCrCoAl high-entropy alloy. Detailed characterization reveals that the alloys exhibit novel two-phase microstructures consisting of B2-ordered nanoprecipitates and BCC-disordered matrix. As the alloys deviate far from equiatomic composition, the structure of the nanoprecipitates transfers from a spinodal-like intertwined structure to a nanoparticle dispersed structure. Previous parametric approaches to predict phase formation rules for high-entropy alloys are unable to describe the phase separation behaviors in the studied alloys. Our findings provide a new route to design medium-entropy alloys and also demonstrate a strategy for designing nanostructured alloys from multicomponent alloy systems through simple variations in non-equiatomic compositions.
Effects of ambroxol on the autophagy-lysosome pathway and mitochondria in primary cortical neurons
Authors: Magalhaes J. , Gegg M. E. , Migdalska-Richards A. , Schapira A. H.
Published: January 2018

Glucocerebrosidase (GBA1) mutations are the major genetic risk factor for Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The pathogenic mechanism is still unclear, but alterations in lysosomal-autophagy processes are implicated due to reduction of mutated glucocerebrosidase (GCase) in lysosomes. Wild-type GCase activity is also decreased in sporadic PD brains. Small molecule chaperones that increase lysosomal GCase activity have potential to be disease-modifying therapies for GBA1-associated and sporadic PD. Therefore we have used mouse cortical neurons to explore the effects of the chaperone ambroxol. This chaperone increased wild-type GCase mRNA, protein levels and activity, as well as increasing other lysosomal enzymes and LIMP2, the GCase transporter. Transcription factor EB (TFEB), the master regulator of the CLEAR pathway involved in lysosomal biogenesis was also increased upon ambroxol treatment. Moreover, we found macroautophagy flux blocked and exocytosis increased in neurons treated with ambroxol. We suggest that ambroxol is blocking autophagy and driving cargo towards the secretory pathway. Mitochondria content was also found to be increased by ambroxol via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1-α). Our data suggest that ambroxol, besides being a GCase chaperone, also acts on other pathways, such as mitochondria, lysosomal biogenesis, and the secretory pathway.
Making spectral shape measurements in inverse Compton scattering a tool for advanced diagnostic applications
Authors: Krämer J. M. , Jochmann A. , Budde M. , Bussmann M. , Couperus J. P. , Cowan T. E. , Debus A. , Köhler A. , Kuntzsch M. , Laso García A. , Lehnert U. , Michel P. , Pausch R. , Zarini O. , Schramm U. , Irman A.
Published: January 2018

Interaction of relativistic electron beams with high power lasers can both serve as a secondary light source and as a novel diagnostic tool for various beam parameters. For both applications, it is important to understand the dynamics of the inverse Compton scattering mechanism and the dependence of the scattered light’s spectral properties on the interacting laser and electron beam parameters. Measurements are easily misinterpreted due to the complex interplay of the interaction parameters. Here we report the potential of inverse Compton scattering as an advanced diagnostic tool by investigating two of the most influential interaction parameters, namely the laser intensity and the electron beam emittance. Established scaling laws for the spectral bandwidth and redshift of the mean scattered photon energy are refined. This allows for a quantitatively well matching prediction of the spectral shape. Driving the interaction to a nonlinear regime, we spectrally resolve the rise of higher harmonic radiation with increasing laser intensity. Unprecedented agreement with 3D radiation simulations is found, showing the good control and characterization of the interaction. The findings advance the interpretation of inverse Compton scattering measurements into a diagnostic tool for electron beams from laser plasma acceleration.
Whole Organ Blood and Lymphatic Vessels Imaging (WOBLI)
Authors: Oren Roni , Fellus-Alyagor Liat , Addadi Yoseph , Bochner Filip , Gutman Hila , Blumenreich Shani , Dafni Hagit , Dekel Nava , Neeman Michal , Lazar Shlomi
Published: January 2018

Thin section histology is limited in providing 3D structural information, particularly of the intricate morphology of the vasculature. Availability of high spatial resolution imaging for thick samples, would overcome the restriction dictated by low light penetration. Our study aimed at optimizing the procedure for efficient and affordable tissue clearing, along with an appropriate immunofluorescence labeling that will be applicable for high resolution imaging of blood and lymphatic vessels. The new procedure, termed whole organ blood and lymphatic vessels imaging (WOBLI), is based on two previously reported methods, CLARITY and ScaleA2. We used this procedure for the analysis of isolated whole ovary, uterus, lung and liver. These organs were subjected to passive clearing, following fixation, immunolabeling and embedding in hydrogel. Cleared specimens were immersed in ScaleA2 solution until transparency was achieved and imaged using light sheet microscopy. We demonstrate that WOBLI allows detailed analysis and generation of structural information of the lymphatic and blood vasculature from thick slices and more importantly, from whole organs. We conclude that WOBLI offers the advantages of morphology and fluorescence preservation with efficient clearing. Furthermore, WOBLI provides a robust, cost-effective method for generation of transparent specimens, allowing high resolution, 3D-imaging of blood and lymphatic vessels networks.
Comparing different technologies for active TB case-finding among the homeless: a transmission-dynamic modelling study
Authors: Mugwagwa Tendai , Stagg Helen R. , Abubakar Ibrahim , White Peter J.
Published: January 2018

Homeless persons have elevated risk of tuberculosis (TB) and are under-served by conventional health services. Approaches to active case-finding (ACF) and treatment tailored to their needs are required. A transmission-dynamic model was developed to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of screening with mobile Chest X-ray, GeneXpert, or both. Effectiveness of ACF depends upon the prevalence of infection in the population (which determines screening ‘yield’), patient willingness to wait for GeneXpert results, and treatment adherence. ACF is efficient when TB prevalence exceeds 78/100,000 and 46% of drug sensitive TB cases and 33% of multi-drug resistant TB cases complete treatment. This threshold increases to 92/100,000 if additional post-ACF enhanced case management (ECM) increases treatment completion to 85%. Generally, the most efficient option is one-step screening of all patients with GeneXpert, but if too many patients (>27% without ECM, >19% with ECM) are unwilling to wait the 90 minutes required then two-step screening using chest X-ray (which is rapid) followed by GeneXpert for confirmation of TB is the most efficient option. Targeted ACF and support services benefit health through early successful treatment and averting TB transmission and disease. The optimal strategy is setting-specific, requiring careful consideration of patients’ needs regarding testing and treatment.
Geographically weighted temporally correlated logistic regression model
Authors: Liu Yang , Lam Kwok-Fai , Wu Joseph T. , Lam Tommy Tsan-Yuk
Published: January 2018

Detecting the temporally and spatially varying correlations is important to understand the biological and disease systems. Here we proposed a geographically weighted temporally correlated logistic regression (GWTCLR) model to identify such dynamic correlation of predictors on binomial outcome data, by incorporating spatial and temporal information for joint inference. The local likelihood method is adopted to estimate the spatial relationship, while the smoothing method is employed to estimate the temporal variation. We present the construction and implementation of GWTCLR and the study of the asymptotic properties of the proposed estimator. Simulation studies were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the proposed model. GWTCLR was applied on real epidemiologic data to study the climatic determinants of human seasonal influenza epidemics. Our method obtained results largely consistent with previous studies but also revealed certain spatial and temporal varying patterns that were unobservable by previous models and methods.
Thermal Dynamics Effects using Pulse-Shaping Laser Sintering of Printed Silver Inks
Authors: Bolduc M. , Trudeau C. , Beaupré P. , Cloutier S. G. , Galarneau P.
Published: January 2018

In recent years, additive manufacturing has been evolving towards flexible substrates for the fabrication of printable electronic devices and circuits. Generally polymer-based, these emerging substrates suffer from their heat sensitivity and low glass-transition temperatures. As such they require new highly-localized sintering processes to treat the electronic inks without damaging the polymer-based substrate. Laser-based sintering techniques have shown great promises to achieve high-quality sintering locally, while controlling the heat penetration to preserve the polymer substrates integrity. In this report, we explore new optimization pathways for dynamic laser-based sintering of conductive silver inks. Multiple passes of a pulsed laser are first performed while varying pulse train frequencies and pulse energies as an attempt to optimize the properties of the silver inks. Then, time-domain pulse shaping is performed to alter the properties of the conductive inks. Together, these pathways allow for the careful control of the time-domain laser energy distribution in order to achieve the best electronic performances while preserving the substrate’s integrity. Sheet resistance values as low as 0.024Ω/□ are achieved, which is comparable to conventional 1-hour oven annealing, with the processing time dramatically reduced to the milisecond range. These results are supported by finite element modeling of the laser-induced thermal dynamics.
Gene expression of human endometrial L-selectin ligand in relation to the phases of the natural menstrual cycle
Authors: Lai Tsung-Hsuan , Chang Fung-Wei , Lin Jun-Jie , Ling Qing-Dong
Published: January 2018

This study investigates peptide components of L-selectin ligand (LSL) and their gene expressions in human endometrium during the natural menstrual cycle. We recruited 41 endometrial samples from reproductive-aged women with leiomyoma and undergoing hysterectomy and 11 endometrial samples from menopausal women as controls. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong MECA-79 expression from the early through the mid-secretory phase and low expression in menopausal endometrium. Five peptide components of LSL were detected in reproductive and menopausal endometrium by one-step quantitative RT-PCR: podocalyxin, endomucin, nepmucin, GlyCAM-1, and CD34. Endomucin differed significantly between the proliferative and early-secretory phases. CHST2 and CHST4 genes (which are involved in the generation of LSL epitopes) were expressed without significant differences among phases. The gene expression of progesterone receptor decreased from the proliferative to the late-secretory phase, and the difference was significant. However, estrogen receptor α expression showed stability among phases. The significant expression of endomucin between the proliferative and early-secretory phases might play a vital role in endometrial receptivity. Further studies are needed to investigate the factors that regulate the expression of endomucin and other LSL peptide components in different phases of the menstrual cycle.
High Hydrostatic Pressure Food Processing: Potential and Limitations
Authors: Jung Stephanie , Tonello-Samson Carole
Published: January 2018

The wide variety of food products that can be produced by high-pressure processing (HPP) illustrates the versatility of this technology. During the past 30 years, it has evolved from the status of an emerging processing method to an industrially reliable technology. The unique effects of pressure on food constituents along with consumers’ acceptance of the process explain the tremendous potential of this technology to produce microbiologically safe, nutrient-rich, preservative-free products. The advantages of the process more than compensate for its processing cost of ∼€0.064–0.163 kg−1 or ∼US$0.032–0.081 lb−1. This chapter gives an overview of the effect of the technology on food safety and shelf life. In particular, the effect of HPP on microorganisms, food quality, nutritional quality, and food toxicology, and the types of pressurized products commercially available, are discussed. The international use of this technology and the challenges it still faces are presented.
Ultrasonic Food Processing
Authors: Leong Thomas S. H. , Martin Gregory J. O. , Ashokkumar Muthupandian
Published: January 2018

Ultrasonic processing has wide applicability in the food industry. Ultrasonication can be used to improve conventional food processing unit operations by reducing energy and chemical requirements, thus offering a greener option. It can also be used to modify foods to create novel food products not possible using conventional food processing technologies. The unique mechanisms of ultrasound derive from both the physical interactions between the ultrasonic wave and the food medium and the phenomenon known as acoustic cavitation, which is the growth and collapse of bubbles in fluids. Food processing operations that can be enhanced by the physical effects of ultrasonic waves include drying, defoaming and solid–liquid separations. The physical effects resulting from acoustic cavitation can be used for food emulsification, extraction, crystallisation and freezing and enhancement of filtration. Viscosity and texture modification, enhancement of wine maturation and deactivation of enzymes and microorganisms can result from a combination of the physical and chemical effects of acoustic cavitation. Currently, ultrasound is being used in only a few select commercial applications in the food industry, but the future outlook is promising based on positive laboratory and pilot-scale findings.
In-cell NMR: from metabolites to macromolecules
Authors: Lippens G. , Cahoreau E. , Millard P. , Charlier C. , Lopez J. , Hanoulle X. , Portais J. C.
Published: January 2018

In-cell NMR of macromolecules has gained momentum over the last ten years as an approach that might bridge the branches of cell biology and structural biology.
Solvated-electron production using cyanocuprates is compatible with the UV-environment on a Hadean–Archaean Earth
Authors: Todd Zoe R. , Fahrenbach Albert C. , Magnani Christopher J. , Ranjan Sukrit , Björkbom Anders , Szostak Jack W. , Sasselov Dimitar D.
Published: January 2018

Simple sugars necessary for the synthesis of prebiotic molecules can be generated from UV-driven cyanocuprate photoprocessing under conditions consistent with those expected on the surface of the early Earth.
Facile synthesis of pyrroloindoles via a rhodium(ii)-catalyzed annulation of 3-benzylidene-indolin-2-ones and α-imino carbenes
Authors: Ma Xueji , Xie Xuemei , Liu Li , Xia Ran , Li Tongyu , Wang Hangxiang
Published: January 2018

A novel carbenoid strategy to construct pyrrole-fused indole alkaloids.
A stable free tetragermacyclobutadiene incorporating fused-ring bulky EMind groups
Authors: Suzuki Katsunori , Numata Yasuyuki , Fujita Naoko , Hayakawa Naoki , Tanikawa Tomoharu , Hashizume Daisuke , Tamao Kohei , Fueno Hiroyuki , Tanaka Kazuyoshi , Matsuo Tsukasa
Published: January 2018

The first coordination-free cyclobutadiene (CBD) germanium analogue, tetragermacyclobutadiene, has been obtained as room-temperature stable dark red crystals.
Nonaqueous synthesis of metal cyanamide semiconductor nanocrystals for photocatalytic water oxidation
Authors: Zhao Wei , Pan Jie , Huang Fuqiang
Published: January 2018

Ag2NCN nanorods synthesized in nonaqueous solution are used as novel visible-light-driven photocatalysts for water oxidation.
An efficient exciton harvest route for high-performance OLEDs based on aggregation-induced delayed fluorescence
Authors: Yu Ling , Wu Zhongbin , Xie Guohua , Zhong Cheng , Zhu Zece , Ma Dongge , Yang Chuluo
Published: January 2018

Two new fluoro-substituted quinoxaline derivatives featuring both AIE and TADF characteristics are designed and synthesized. Based on the emitters, the doped OLEDs have realized a maximum EQE close to 25% and the non-doped device presents an orange emission with the EQE over 10%.
Threading dislocation classification for 4H-SiC substrates using the KOH etching method
Authors: Cui Yingxin , Hu Xiaobo , Xie Xuejian , Xu Xiangang
Published: January 2018

We have studied the threading dislocations of 4H-SiC substrates with different conductivity types by means of molten KOH defect selective etching.
Global quasi-linearization (GQL)versusQSSA for a hydrogen–air auto-ignition problem
Authors: Yu Chunkan , Bykov Viatcheslav , Maas Ulrich
Published: January 2018

A recently developed automatic reduction method for systems of chemical kinetics, the so-called Global Quasi-Linearization (GQL) method, has been implemented to study and reduce the dimensions of a homogeneous combustion system.
Triphenylamine based yellowish-orange light emitting organic dyes (donor–π–acceptor) for hybrid WLEDs and OLEDs: synthesis, characterization and theoretical study
Authors: Kajjam Aravind Babu , Kumar P. Shyam Vinod , Subramanian V. , Vaidyanathan Sivakumar
Published: January 2018

Six novel yellowish-orange light emitting dye molecules consisting of an electron deficient phenone (acceptor) linked to triphenylamine (donor), were designed and synthesized.
QM/MM studies on the excited-state relaxation mechanism of a semisynthetic dTPT3 base
Authors: Guo Wei-Wei , Zhang Teng-Shuo , Fang Wei-Hai , Cui Ganglong
Published: January 2018

Two efficient excited-state relaxation pathways populating the lowest triplet state.
The challenge of catalyst prediction
Authors: van Santen Rutger A. , Sengar Aditya , Steur Erik
Published: January 2018

New insights and successful use of computational catalysis is highlighted.
Time-resolved operando studies of carbon supported Pd nanoparticles under hydrogenation reactions by X-ray diffraction and absorption
Authors: Bugaev Aram L. , Usoltsev Oleg A. , Lazzarini Andrea , Lomachenko Kirill A. , Guda Alexander A. , Pellegrini Riccardo , Carosso Michele , Vitillo Jenny G. , Groppo Elena , van Bokhoven Jeroen A. , Soldatov Alexander V. , Lamberti Carlo
Published: January 2018

We present a comprehensive study of a 5 wt% Pd/C catalyst in various environments by usingin situandoperandoX-ray absorption and diffraction.
The antioxidant 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol moiety attenuates the pro-oxidant properties of the auranofin analogue
Authors: Shpakovsky D. B. , Shtil A. A. , Kharitonashvili E. V. , Tyurin V. Yu. , Antonenko T. A. , Nazarov A. A. , Osipova V. P. , Berberova N. T. , Foteeva L. S. , Schmidt C. , Ott I. , Milaeva E. R.
Published: January 2018

Metal-based drugs are gaining momentum as a rapidly developing area of medicinal inorganic chemistry.
Copper ferrite nanoparticle modified starch as a highly recoverable catalyst for room temperature click chemistry: multicomponent synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles in water
Authors: Bonyasi Reza , Gholinejad Mohammad , Saadati Fariba , Nájera Carmen
Published: January 2018

Highly water dispersible CuFe2O4@Starch catalyzed click reaction.
A novel class of photoinitiators with a thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) property
Authors: Bouzrati-Zerelli Mariem , Guillaume Noirbent , Goubard Fabrice , Bui Thanh-Tuan , Villotte Ségolène , Dietlin Céline , Morlet-Savary Fabrice , Gigmes Didier , Fouassier Jean Pierre , Dumur Frédéric , Lalevée Jacques
Published: January 2018

Photoinitiators exhibiting efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) are investigated.
Liquid crystal self-assembly of upconversion nanorods enriched by depletion forces for mesostructured material preparation
Authors: Xie Yong , Li Yuanyuan , Wei Guoqing , Liu Qingkun , Mundoor Haridas , Chen Ziyu , Smalyukh Ivan I.
Published: January 2018

A mesostructured orientationally ordered material with polarized upconversion properties is formed by using the liquid crystalline colloidal self-assembly of semiconductor nanorods.
Rifaximin, a pregnane X receptor (PXR) activator regulates apoptosis in a murine model of breast cancer
Authors: Gautam Swetlana , Singh Priyanka , Singh Manjari , Roy Subhadeep , Rawat Jitendra K. , Yadav Rajnish K. , Devi Uma , Gupta Pushpraj S. , Saraf Shubhini A. , Kaithwas Gaurav
Published: January 2018

The present study was proposed to investigate the effect of rifaximin (RFX) on methyl nitrosourea (MNU) induced mammary gland carcinoma in albino wistar rats.
Insightful understanding of the correlations of the microstructure and catalytic performances of Pd@chitosan membrane catalysts studied by positron annihilation spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Qi , Xu Mengdie , Zhao Jing , Wang Yudong , Qi Chenze , Zeng Minfeng , Xia Rui , Cao Xingzhong , Wang Baoyi
Published: January 2018

A number of instantaneously connected free volume holes act as mass transport channels of the Pd0@CS membrane catalyst in reactions.
Synergistic effect of Co–Ni co-bridging with MoS2 nanosheets for enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions
Authors: Yousaf Ammar Bin , Imran Muhammad , Farooq Muhammad , Kasak Peter
Published: January 2018

A noble-metal-free Co–Ni/MoS2 nanocomposite was synthesized, which showed enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance.
Enhanced electrochemical properties of cerium metal–organic framework based composite electrodes for high-performance supercapacitor application
Authors: Ramachandran Rajendran , Xuan Wenlu , Zhao Changhui , Leng Xiaohui , Sun Dazhi , Luo Dan , Wang Fei
Published: January 2018

The presence of oxygen functional groups in GO enhances the charge storage behavior of Ce-MOF/GO composites for use as supercapacitor electrode materials.
Hierarchical ZSM-5 nanocrystal aggregates: seed-induced green synthesis and its application in alkylation of phenol withtert-butanol
Authors: Chen Li , Xue Teng , Wu Haihong , Wu Peng
Published: January 2018

Hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolite aggregates were synthesized in an organic-template-free systemviaseed-induced crystallization.
Photocurable ABA triblock copolymer-based ion gels utilizing photodimerization of coumarin
Authors: Tamate Ryota , Ueki Takeshi , Akimoto Aya Mizutani , Yoshida Ryo , Oyama Toshiyuki , Kokubo Hisashi , Watanabe Masayoshi
Published: January 2018

Photoinduced dimerization of coumarin was utilized to develop a photocurable ABA triblock copolymer-based ion gel.
Polyaniline based charcoal/Ni nanocomposite material for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Elanthamilan E. , Sathiyan A. , Rajkumar S. , Sheryl E. Joan , Merlin J. Princy
Published: January 2018

Among the synthesized PANI, PANI/AC, and PANI/AC/Ni nanomaterials, PANI/AC/Ni exhibits high specific capacitance (Cs) due to its high surface area.
In situ determination of the electrochemically active platinum surface area: key to improvement of solid acid fuel cells
Authors: Lohmann-Richters Felix P. , Abel Bernd , Varga Áron
Published: January 2018

Surface oxide reduction is demonstrated for measuring the active Pt surface area in a solid electrolyte system at 240 °C.
Surface imaging microscopy with tunable penetration depth as short as 20 nm by employing hyperbolic metamaterials
Authors: Kong Weijie , Du Wenjuan , Liu Kaipeng , Liu Hongchao , Zhao Zeyu , Pu Mingbo , Wang Changtao , Luo Xiangang
Published: January 2018

Deep subwavelength bulk plasmon polaritons excited by a hyperbolic metamaterial could provide an illumination field with tunable ultra-short penetration depth.
Tunable broadband wavelength-selective enhancement of responsivity in ordered Au-nanorod array-modified PbS photodetectors
Authors: Xie Bing He , Fei Guang Tao , Xu Shao Hui , Gao Xu Dong , Zhang Jun Xi , Zhang Li De
Published: January 2018

A PbS-based photodetector integrated with ordered Au-nanorod arrays exhibited high wavelength-selective enhancement in the visible and infrared region.
Ultrastable red-emitting phosphor-in-glass for superior high-power artificial plant growth LEDs
Authors: Deng Jiankun , Zhang Haoran , Zhang Xuejie , Zheng Yinjian , Yuan Junqiang , Liu Hongzhong , Liu Yingliang , Lei Bingfu , Qiu Jianbei
Published: January 2018

Red-emitting phosphor-in-glass with excellent thermal stability was prepared, showing great potential for high-power LED plant-growth lamps with high color stability.
Mechanistic insight into ROS and neutral lipid alteration induced toxicity in the human model with fins (Danio rerio) by industrially synthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Verma Suresh K. , Jha Ealisha , Panda Pritam Kumar , Mukherjee Mohana , Thirumurugan Arun , Makkar Hardik , Das Biswadeep , Parashar S. K. S. , Suar Mrutyunjay
Published: January 2018

Toxicological impact of TiO2nanoparticles synthesized by HEBM on embryonic zebrafish at molecular level.
Low‐power high‐performance CMOS 5‐2 compressor with 58 transistors
Authors: Balobas D. , Konofaos N.
Published: January 2018

Compressors are the fundamental components in the partial product reduction stage of CMOS multipliers. A new design is presented for the CMOS 5‐2 compressor with 58 transistors, which is the lowest reported device count for such a circuit. Simulation results show that the proposed 5‐2 compressor has significantly improved power–delay performance compared to previously proposed approaches.
Instance expansion algorithm for micro‐service with prediction
Authors: Zhu Min , Qu Hua , Zhao Jihong
Published: January 2018

Instance expansion of micro‐service consumes time for constructing new instances, it cannot satisfy the requirement of low latency service, such as scientific calculation workflows. In order to reduce the time for expanding instances, an instance expansion algorithm for micro‐service with prediction is proposed in this letter, which sets correntropy as cost function and uses maximum correntropy criteria to filter the burst service requirements to improve the accuracy of prediction, and use stochastic gradient descent algorithm to train the data set to predict the required micro‐service instances in the next time. The performance of the proposed algorithm is analysed in a real experiment telecom office with the compared ones using A/B test, and the experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has 70% less time of instance expansion than the compared ones, and the accuracy of the proposed algorithm is 20% more than the compared one which uses least mean square as the cost function.
Wireless sensing system for the welfare of sewer labourers
Authors: Ambeth Kumar V.D. , Elangovan D. , Gokul G. , Praveen Samuel J. , Ashok Kumar V.D.
Published: January 2018

There is a growing demand for the environmental pollution monitoring and control systems. In the view of ever increasing sources of toxic chemicals, these systems should have the facilities to detect and calibrate the source quickly. Toxic gases are the ones that cause health impact but humans are being exposed to it in various situations. These gases have to be monitored such that increase in the normal level of them could be known and proper precaution measures can be undertaken. So, an embedded system is designed using a microcontroller with internet of things, for the purpose of detecting and monitoring the hazardous gas leakage, which aids in the evasion of endangering of human lives. The hazardous gases can be sensed and displayed each and every second, in proximity to one more sensor for tracking heart beats which help to monitor the condition of the sewer labourers. If both the gases along with a pulse detector exceeds the normal level then an alarm is generated immediately and also an alert warning message can be sent to the authorised administrator and as well to the nearest health center to make the sewer labourers feel comfortable with necessary first aid and possibilities with the treatment in the case of emergency. Once the message is received by the health center, they enforce their team with necessary first aid to the current location to save the sewer labourer. Once this system is established for a particular user this will completely become fully automated and does not need any other additional people for monitoring and alerting purpose. It has an advantage over the manual method in offering quick response time and accurate detection of an emergency.
Effect of inductor parasitic resistances on the voltage gain of high step‐up DC–DC converters for electric vehicle applications
Authors: Martinez Wilmar , Cortes Camilo , Yamamoto Masayoshi , Imaoka Jun
Published: January 2018

Reconfiguration, sizing and downsizing of the storage unit, in electrically propelled vehicles, are techniques that have been reported effective to improve the shelf life and performance of the storage cells. However, these solutions might decrease the rated voltage of the storage unit and therefore DC‐DC converters with high voltage gain are suitable solutions to connect these low‐voltage units to the motor drive, keeping a good performance of the vehicle. Moreover, parasitic resistances presented in the components of these converters have proved to influence the efficiency and the voltage gain of the converter. The ideal voltage gain of four high step‐up converters is analysed, derived, and compared. These converters were selected because of their potential to be applied in electric mobility and their similarity in the techniques that use to achieve high voltage gain: interleaving phases and magnetic integration. One of the analysed topologies is proposed by the authors. Afterwards, the parasitic resistance effect is analysed to obtain the non‐ideal voltage gain and the efficiency of these four topologies. Finally, the topology that presents the best trade‐off between the non‐ideal voltage gain and the efficiency is experimentally tested with a 100 W prototype
Performance analysis of an interference cancellation technique for radio navigation
Authors: Jang Jaegyu , Seo Seungwoo , Ahn Woo‐Guen , Lee Jangyong , Park Junpyo
Published: January 2018

This study describes the theoretical performance of a successive interference cancellation (IC) technique as an electronic counter countermeasure and verifies its feasibility through experiments. In a radio navigation system using direct sequence/code division multiple access, strong pseudorandom signals can be used as interference sources for unauthorised users when regional radio navigation needs to be denied in a specific area, while authorised users can use both the strong signal and the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) ranging signal for navigation through the IC method. To determine the feasibility of this selective jamming concept, this study investigated its theoretical performance and compared the results with experimental ones. The experimental results show that a maximum jamming‐to‐signal ratio performance of 57 dB or higher can be achieved, which is similar to the theoretical estimation.
Consistency of a likelihood estimator for stochastic damping Hamiltonian systems. Totally observed data
Authors: León José Rafael , Rodríguez Luis-Ángel , Ruggiero Roberto
Published: January 2018

In this work we prove the consistency of an estimator for a stochastic damping Hamiltonian system considering that both position and velocity are observed. Next we perform some simulations, including the case when only position is available, to see how the estimators work numerically and then compare the obtained results with those obtained by other authors.
Synthesis of Diastereomeric Bis(oxazoline) Ligands Derived from (S,S)-1,1′-Bis(4-isopropyloxazolin-2-yl)ferrocene
Authors: Richards Christopher , Arthurs Ross
Published: January 2018

Starting from (S,S)-1,1′-bis(4-isopropyloxazolin-2-yl)ferrocene, all possible 2-trimethylsilyl- and 2,2′-di(trimethylsilyl)-substituted diastereoisomers, potential bisoxazoline ligands for use in asymmetric catalysis, were synthesised by selective lithiation followed by addition of trimethylsilyl chloride. Access to the (S,S,R
p,R
p)-diastereoisomer was achieved following diastereoselective introduction of two deuterium-blocking groups and utilisation of the high k
H/k
D value for lithiation, methodology that was also applied to the synthesis of a related 2,2′-di(diphenylmethanol)bisoxazoline ligand.
Investigation of the use of uniaxial comb-shaped Galfenol patches for a guided wave-based magnetostrictive phased array sensor
Authors: Yoo Byungseok , Pines Darryll J.
Published: January 2018

This paper investigates the use of uniaxial comb-shaped Fe-Ga alloy (Galfenol) patches in the development of a Magnetostrictive Phased Array Sensor (MPAS) for the Guided Wave (GW) damage inspection technique. The MPAS consists of six highly-textured Galfenol patches with a <100> preferred orientation and a Hexagonal Magnetic Circuit Device (HMCD). The Galfenol patches individually aligned to distinct azimuthal directions were permanently attached to a thin aluminum plate specimen. The detachable HMCD encloses a biasing magnet and six sensing coils with unique directional sensing preferences, equivalent to the specific orientation of the discrete Galfenol patches. The preliminary experimental tests validated that the GW sensing performance and directional sensitivity of the Galfenol-based sensor were significantly improved by the magnetic shape anisotropy effect on the fabrication of uniaxial comb fingers to a Galfenol disc patch. We employed a series of uniaxial comb-shaped Galfenol patches to form an MPAS with a hexagonal sensor configuration, uniformly arranged within a diameter of 1”. The Galfenol MPAS was utilized to identify structural damage simulated by loosening joint bolts used to fasten the plate specimen to a frame structure. We compared the damage detection results of the MPAS with those of a PZT Phased Array Sensor (PPAS) collocated to the back surface of the plate. The directional filtering characteristic of the Galfenol MPAS led to acquiring less complicated GW signals than the PPAS using omnidirectional PZT discs. However, due to the detection limit of the standard hexagonal patterned array, the two array sensors apparently identified only the loosened bolts located along one of the preferred orientations of the array configuration. The use of the fixed number of the Galfenol patches for the MPAS construction constrained the capability of sensing point multiplication of the HMCD by altering its rotational orientation, resulting in such damage detection limitation of the MPAS.
Transformational leadership and turnover intention: the mediating effects of right speech (Samma Vaca) and trust in the leader
Authors: Pravichai Sunisa , Ariyabuddhiphongs Vanchai
Published: January 2018

The Right Speech Scale was developed in the Buddhist Noble Eightfold Path framework and used to assess the relationships among transformational leadership, right speech, trust in the leader, and turnover intention. Transformational leadership was defined as the process by which followers
are inspired to accomplish more than originally expected; right speech as abstention from lying, speaking maliciously of others, using bad words, and engaging in idle talk; trust in the leaders as subordinates’ belief and trust in their managers; and turnover intention as the thought
of leaving the job and the organization. In a study conducted among 164 bank employees in Bangkok, Thailand, right speech and trust in the leader mediated the effects of transformational leadership to reduce turnover intention. The results of the study support the Buddhist laws of karma stating
that good deeds return good results and indicate the need for organizational leaders to practice right speech.
Auditory P300 and mismatch negativity (MMN) in patients with peripheral vestibular hypofunction
Authors: El-Gharib Amani , Nada Ebtessam , Lasheen Reham
Published: January 2018

Introduction:

There is increasing evidence that the loss of vestibular sensory information may change, possibly permanently, the way that cognitive processing areas of the brain integrate spatial and non-spatial information.

Objective:

We designed this research to assess attention by auditory P300 and memory by MMN in patients with peripheral vestibular hypofunction.

Materials and method:

The field included 40 subjects divided into two groups, a study group (SG) and a control group (CG). SG: consisted of 20 adult patients with unilateral uncompensated peripheral vestibular hypofunction. CG: consists of 20 normal individuals with normal vestibular function. All matters were submitted to basic audiological evaluation, VNG, P300 and MMN.

The results:

Our results presented that in patients with unilateral caloric hypofunction, auditory P300 and MMN showed prolonged latency and smaller amplitude than normal. These parameters were involved not simply in the ear ipsilateral to the affected side, but also the contralateral one.

Conclusions:

The results of our research confirm the view of the presence of cognitive affection in patient with peripheral vestibular lesion. This cognitive affection appeared in the form of attention and memory deficit.
Measuring Food Expenditure Poverty in SNAP Populations: Some Extensions with an Application to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Authors: Yang Yanliang , Davis George C , You Wen
Published: January 2018

The adequacy of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is always an important concern. This article extends the most common measure for evaluating the adequacy of SNAP, food expenditures, and uses more comprehensive metrics to evaluate the impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). These more comprehensive metrics are easy to implement with existing data, more closely tied to the purpose of the SNAP, and indicate a slightly larger impact of the ARRA.
Impact of Lyman alpha pressure on metal-poor dwarf galaxies
Authors: Kimm Taysun , Haehnelt Martin , Blaizot Jérémy , Katz Harley , Michel-Dansac Léo , Garel Thibault , Rosdahl Joakim , Teyssier Romain
Published: January 2018

Understanding the origin of strong galactic outflows and the suppression of star formation in dwarf galaxies is a key problem in galaxy formation. Using a set of radiation-hydrodynamic simulations of an isolated dwarf galaxy embedded in a 1010 M⊙ halo, we show that the momentum transferred from resonantly scattered Lyman-α (Lyα) photons is an important source of stellar feedback which can shape the evolution of galaxies. We find that Lyα feedback suppresses star formation by a factor of two in metal-poor galaxies by regulating the dynamics of star-forming clouds before the onset of supernova explosions (SNe). This is possible because each Lyα photon resonantly scatters and imparts ∼10–300 times greater momentum than in the single scattering limit. Consequently, the number of star clusters predicted in the simulations is reduced by a factor of ∼5, compared to the model without the early feedback. More importantly, we find that galactic outflows become weaker in the presence of strong Lyα radiation feedback, as star formation and associated SNe become less bursty. We also examine a model in which radiation field is arbitrarily enhanced by a factor of up to 10, and reach the same conclusion. The typical mass-loading factors in our metal-poor dwarf system are estimated to be ∼5–10 near the mid-plane, while it is reduced to ∼1 at larger radii. Finally, we find that the escape of ionizing radiation and hence the reionization history of the Universe is unlikely to be strongly affected by Lyα feedback.
Feasibility and Effectiveness of Continuing Methadone Maintenance Treatment During Incarceration Compared With Forced Withdrawal
Authors: Moore Kelly E. , Oberleitner Lindsay , Smith Kathryn M.Z. , Maurer Kathleen , McKee Sherry A.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is underutilized in correctional settings, and those receiving MMT in the community often undergo withdrawal upon incarceration. Federal and state regulations present barriers to providing methadone in correctional facilities. For this investigation, a community provider administered methadone to inmates who had been receiving methadone prior to incarceration. We hypothesized that inmates continued on MMT would have improved behavior during incarceration and post-release.

Methods:

This open-label quasi-experimental trial (n = 382) compared MMT continuation throughout incarceration (n = 184) to an administrative control group (ie, forced withdrawal; n = 198) on disciplinary tickets and other program attendance during incarceration. Post-release, re-engagement in community-based MMT and 6-month recidivism outcomes were evaluated.

Results:

Inmates in the MMT continuation group versus controls were less likely to receive disciplinary tickets (odds ratio [OR] = 0.32) but no more likely to attend other programs while incarcerated. MMT continuation increased engagement with a community MMT provider within 1 day of release (OR  = 32.04), and 40.6% of MMT participants re-engaged within the first 30 days (vs 10.1% of controls). Overall, re-engagement in MMT was not associated with recidivism. However, among a subset of inmates who received MMT post-incarceration from the jail MMT provider (n = 69), re-engagement with that provider was associated with reduced risk of arrest, new charges, and re-incarceration compared with those who did not re-engage.

Conclusions:

Results support interventions that facilitate continuity of MMT during and after incarceration. Engagement of a community provider is feasible and can improve access to methadone in correctional facilities.
Multicohort Analysis of Whole-Blood Gene Expression Data Does Not Form a Robust Diagnostic for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Sweeney Timothy E. , Thomas Neal J. , Howrylak Judie A. , Wong Hector R. , Rogers Angela J. , Khatri Purvesh
Published: January 2018

Objectives:

To identify a novel, generalizable diagnostic for acute respiratory distress syndrome using whole-blood gene expression arrays from multiple acute respiratory distress syndrome cohorts of varying etiologies.

Data Sources:

We performed a systematic search for human whole-blood gene expression arrays of acute respiratory distress syndrome in National Institutes of Health Gene Expression Omnibus and ArrayExpress. We also included the Glue Grant gene expression cohorts.

Study Selection:

We included investigator-defined acute respiratory distress syndrome within 48 hours of diagnosis and compared these with relevant critically ill controls.

Data Extraction:

We used multicohort analysis of gene expression to identify genes significantly associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome, both with and without adjustment for clinical severity score. We performed gene ontology enrichment using Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery and cell type enrichment tests for both immune cells and pneumocyte gene expression. Finally, we selected a gene set optimized for diagnostic power across the datasets and used leave-one-dataset-out cross validation to assess robustness of the model.

Data Synthesis:

We identified datasets from three adult cohorts with sepsis, one pediatric cohort with acute respiratory failure, and two datasets of adult patients with trauma and burns, for a total of 148 acute respiratory distress syndrome cases and 268 critically ill controls. We identified 30 genes that were significantly associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (false discovery rate < 20% and effect size >1.3), many of which had been previously associated with sepsis. When metaregression was used to adjust for clinical severity scores, none of these genes remained significant. Cell type enrichment was notable for bands and neutrophils, suggesting that the gene expression signature is one of acute inflammation rather than lung injury per se. Finally, an attempt to develop a generalizable diagnostic gene set for acute respiratory distress syndrome showed a mean area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of only 0.63 on leave-one-dataset-out cross validation.

Conclusions:

The whole-blood gene expression signature across a wide clinical spectrum of acute respiratory distress syndrome is likely confounded by systemic inflammation, limiting the utility of whole-blood gene expression studies for uncovering a generalizable diagnostic gene signature.