bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Slippery” Liquid-Infused Surfaces Inspired by Nature
Authors: Zacharia Nicole S.
Published: February 2016

The bioinspired strategy of infusing a porous or textured surface with a liquid has been shown to be an exciting new way to create omniphobic and low adhesion surfaces. These slippery or “SLIPS” surfaces have properties similar to superhydrophobic surfaces that mimic the lotus leaf structure, but are more even resilient. They remain effective over larger temperature ranges, they better withstand pressure and shear forces, and they show repellency to a wide range of materials. The underlying texture does not require as precise a hierarchical structure as lotus leaf mimics in order to have liquid repelling properties, making liquid-infused surfaces easier to fabricate and more tolerant of wear or damage to the underlying solid surface. Beyond application as omniphobic surfaces, these liquid-infused materials show potential for other applications, such as resistance to biofouling, drag reduction, and even in specialized separations.
Dispersive solid phase extraction followed by low-toxicity vortex-assisted liquid–liquid microextraction for the determination of organophosphorus pesticides by high-performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Peng Guilong , He Qiang , Lu Ying , Mmereki Daniel , Zhong Zhihui , Jiang Kaiyong , Chen Dingjun
Published: February 2016

A simple, rapid and environmentally friendly method for the determination of OPPs in soil and cucumber samples was developed by using DSPE-LT-VALLME and HPLC-UV.
Synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles for selective extraction and pre-concentration of protriptyline by ultrasound-assisted extraction method in human plasma
Authors: Sheykhaghaei Golaleh , Sadr Moayad Hosaini , Setamdideh Davood , Alipouramjad Awat
Published: February 2016

In this study, molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (MIP-NPs) for the selective pre-concentration of protriptyline have been described.
Facile fabrication of MIL-103(Eu) porous coordination polymer nanostructures and their sorption and sensing properties
Authors: Liu Qing , Yang Ji-Min , Guo Fan , Jin Li-Na , Sun Wei-Yin
Published: February 2016

Facilely synthesized MIL-103(Eu) nanorods can selectively adsorb CO2 over N2 and exhibit high sensitivity for sensing acetone and Cu(ii).
Synthesis, structure, and physical properties of new rare earth ferrocenoylacetonates
Authors: Koroteev Pavel S. , Dobrokhotova Zhanna V. , Ilyukhin Andrey B. , Efimov Nikolay N. , Rouzières Mathieu , Kiskin Mikhail A. , Clérac Rodolphe , Novotortsev Vladimir M.
Published: February 2016

Rare earth ferrocenoylacetonates, [Ln(fca)3(bpy)]·MeC6H5 and [Sc(fca)3]·0.5MeC6H5, were obtained, their thermolysis and magnetism were studied; the Dy complex manifests a preeminent anisotropy barrier of 241 K.
The urinary metabolomic profile following the intake of meals supplemented with a cocoa extract in middle-aged obese subjects
Authors: Ibero-Baraibar Idoia , Romo-Hualde Ana , Gonzalez-Navarro Carlos J. , Zulet M. Angeles , Martinez J. Alfredo
Published: February 2016

Metabolomics is used to assess the compliance and bioavailability of food components, as well as to evaluate the metabolic changes associated with food consumption.
Methionine sulfoxide profiling of milk proteins to assess the influence of lipids on protein oxidation in milk
Authors: Wüst Johannes , Pischetsrieder Monika
Published: February 2016

Methionine sulfoxide profiling revealed that protein oxidation in milk and milk products is not promoted by lipids.
cis,cis-Muconic acid: separation and catalysis to bio-adipic acid for nylon-6,6 polymerization
Authors: Vardon Derek R. , Rorrer Nicholas A. , Salvachúa Davinia , Settle Amy E. , Johnson Christopher W. , Menart Martin J. , Cleveland Nicholas S. , Ciesielski Peter N. , Steirer K. Xerxes , Dorgan John R. , Beckham Gregg T.
Published: February 2016

cis,cis-Muconic acid for downstream separation and catalytic upgrading to adipic acid for nylon-6,6 polymerization.
Au nanoparticle modified carbon paper electrode for an electrocatalytic oxidation nitrite sensor
Authors: Wan Yue , Zheng Yi Fan , Yin Hao Yong , Song Xu Chun
Published: February 2016

A AuNPs/CP electrode was fabricated by an electrodeposition technique. The highest electrocatalytic activity for nitrite oxidation was obtained with the 35 consecutive cycles modified electrode.
Production, characterization, engine performance and emission characteristics of Croton megalocarpus and Ceiba pentandra complementary blends in a single-cylinder diesel engine
Authors: Ruhul A. M. , Kalam M. A. , Masjuki H. H. , Alabdulkarem Abdullah , Atabani A. E. , Fattah I. M. Rizwanul , Abedin M. J.
Published: February 2016

Potentiality and sustainability of two biodiesel feedstocks namelyCroton megalocarpusandCeiba pentandrahave been investigated. 20% (v/v) optimum combined blending of this two sources can substitute the fossil diesel.
Two-dimensional germanane and germanane ribbons: density functional calculation of structural, electronic, optical and transport properties and the role of defects
Authors: Zhao Jun , Zeng Hui
Published: February 2016

We have performed first principles calculations combined with non-equilibrium Green’s function to study the structural, electronic, optical and transport properties of two-dimensional germanane and germanane ribbons.
An experimental and quantum chemical study on the non-covalent interactions of a cyclometallated Rh(iii) complex with DNA and BSA
Authors: Esteghamat-Panah Roya , Farrokhpour Hossein , Hadadzadeh Hassan , Abyar Fatemeh , Rudbari Hadi Amiri
Published: February 2016

The interaction of a new cyclometallated Rh(iii) complex with DNA and BSA was investigated. The three-layer ONIOM method was employed to calculate the interaction energy between DNA and the complex.
Corrosion inhibition of N80 steel in 15% HCl by pyrazolone derivatives: electrochemical, surface and quantum chemical studies
Authors: Ansari K. R. , Quraishi M. A. , Singh Ambrish , Ramkumar Sowmya , Obote Ime B.
Published: February 2016

The corrosion protection of N80 steel in 15% HCl using 2-(3-amino-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)(p-tolyl)methyl)malononitrile (PZ-1) and 2-((3-amino-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)(phenyl)methyl)malononitrile (PZ-2) has been investigated.
Resonance Rayleigh scattering and resonance nonlinear scattering methods for the determination of nicardipine hydrochloride using eosin Y as a probe
Authors: Li Junbo , Yang Xiaoli , Yang Jinxiang , Lai Lina
Published: February 2016

A novel, highly sensitive, simple and quick method to determine nicardipine hydrochloride by RRS, SOS and FDS were established.
Synthesis and structure of new polyhedral Ni, Na- and Cu, Na-metallasiloxanes with tolyl substituent at the silicon atom
Authors: Anisimov Anton A. , Kononevich Yuriy N. , Zhemchugov Pavel V. , Milenin Sergey A. , Korlyukov Alexander A. , Tsareva Ul'yana S. , Peregudov Alexander S. , Dorovatovskii Pavel V. , Molodtsova Yuliya A. , Takazova Rina U. , Shchegolikhina Olga I. , Muzafarov Aziz M.
Published: February 2016

Two new polyhedral tolyl-containing Ni, Na and Cu, Na-metallasiloxanes and two new large stereoregular cyclosiloxanes have been synthesized and characterized.
Colorimetric detection of lead(ii) ions based on accelerating surface etching of gold nanorods to nanospheres: the effect of sodium thiosulfate
Authors: Zhu Jian , Yu Yun-Qi , Li Jian-Jun , Zhao Jun-Wu
Published: February 2016

The lead ion-participated etching of gold nanorods leads to qualitative spectral change from double bands to single band LSPR, which results in a distinct irreversible color change of the gold colloid from blue to red.
The hydrogen sensing properties of Pt–Pd/reduced graphene oxide based sensor under different operating conditions
Authors: Peng Yitian , Ye Jianxin , Zheng Lulu , Zou Kun
Published: February 2016

Uniform nanocrystalline Pt–Pd nanoparticle-decorated reduced graphene oxide has been synthesized and applied to hydrogen sensing.
Significant enhancement of photodetector performance by subtle changes in the side chains of dithienopyrrole-based polymers
Authors: Hu Liuyong , Qiao Wenqiang , Qi Ji , Zhang Xiaoqin , Han Jinfeng , Wang Canglong
Published: February 2016

The insertion of phenylene unit at side chain reduces π–π distance and promotes morphology, resulting in significant increase in responsivity.
Catalytic wet air oxidation of high-concentration organic pollutants by upflow packed-bed reactor using a Ru–Ce catalyst derived from a Ru3(CO)12 precursor
Authors: Yu Chaoying , Meng Xu , Chen Gexin , Zhao Peiqing
Published: February 2016

The low loading Ru–Ce catalyst have high activity in CWAO due to a strong interaction with the support.
Discovery of a novel human lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) inhibitor as an anti-proliferation agent against MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Sun Yunpeng , Tao Chonglin , Yu Fuxiang , Yang Wenjun , Shan Yunfeng , Yu Zhengping , Shi Hongqi , Zhou Mengtao , Zhang Qiyu , Wu Huanhuan
Published: February 2016

A potent LDHA inhibitor with anti-proliferation activity against MIA PaCa-2 cancer cells was first time reported.
Docking-guided identification of protein hosts for GFP chromophore-like ligands
Authors: Povarova Natalia V. , Bozhanova Nina G. , Sarkisyan Karen S. , Gritcenko Roman , Baranov Mikhail S. , Yampolsky Ilia V. , Lukyanov Konstantin A. , Mishin Alexander S.
Published: February 2016

Fluorogenic chromophore–protein pairs were predicted by molecular docking and validated experimentally.
High thermoelectric performance in Sn-substituted α-As2Te3
Authors: Vaney J. B. , Carreaud J. , Delaizir G. , Piarristeguy A. , Pradel A. , Alleno E. , Monnier J. , Lopes E. B. , Gonçalves A. P. , Dauscher A. , Candolfi C. , Lenoir B.
Published: February 2016

Substitution of Sn for As in α-As2Te3 enhances the thermoelectric performances with a maximum ZT of 0.8 at 523 K.
Capsoplexes: encapsulating complexes via guest recognition
Authors: Altmann Philipp J. , Pöthig Alexander
Published: February 2016

A new dinuclear Ni–NHC complex is able to selectively recognise and self-assemble with guests via tennis-ball like encapsulation, exemplarily demonstrated employing halides.
The synthesis of pillar[5]arene functionalized graphene as a fluorescent probe for paraquat in living cells and mice
Authors: Mao Xiaowei , Liu Ting , Bi Jiahai , Luo Li , Tian Demei , Li Haibing
Published: February 2016

As complex organisms varyin vivo, it remains a challenging task to get fluorescence ‘turn on’ imaging for special targets.
A PET-based fluorometric chemosensor for the determination of mercury(ii) and pH, and hydrolysis reaction-based colorimetric detection of hydrogen sulfide
Authors: Lee Jae Jun , Kim Yong Sung , Nam Eunju , Lee Sun Young , Lim Mi Hee , Kim Cheal
Published: February 2016

A selective chemosensor was developed for the fluorescence detection of Hg2+and pH, and the colorimetric detection of S2−.
Metallogels through glyme coordination
Authors: Compel W. Scott
Published: February 2016

Glyme coordinates to copper–thiolate polymers to significantly strengthen materials and provide tunable optical and mechanical properties.
New AIE-active pyrimidine-based boronfluoride complexes with high solid-state emission and reversible mechanochromism luminescence behavior
Authors: Qi Fen , Lin Jianjian , Wang Xiaoqing , Cui Peng , Yan Hui , Gong Shuwen , Ma Chunlin , Liu Zhipeng , Huang Wei
Published: February 2016

New BF2 complexes (PB-1–4) exhibiting intense fluorescence in their solid-state were developed. PB-4 exhibits a reversible mechanochromic response to grinding, and a distinct red-shift of emission is observed.
Non-enzymatic amperometric sensing of glucose by employing sucrose templated microspheres of copper oxide (CuO)
Authors: Saraf Mohit , Natarajan Kaushik , Mobin Shaikh M.
Published: February 2016

An enzymeless glucose sensor (MCSPE) based on copper oxide microspheres (CMS) prepared by hydrothermal reaction of copper nitrate and sucrose, can sense glucose in a wide linear detection range with good sensitivity and low detection limit.
Sources of organic matter (PAHs and n-alkanes) in PM2.5of Beijing in haze weather analyzed by combining the C–N isotopic and PCA-MLR analyses
Authors: Guo Xinyue , Li Cai , Gao Yang , Tang Lei , Briki Meryem , Ding Huaijian , Ji Hongbing
Published: February 2016

Organic molecular composition and carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of PM2.5samples collected in November 2013 were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and isotope ratio mass spectrometry.
Thinking big by thinking small: advances in mechanobiology across the length scales
Authors: Mok Stephanie , Moraes Christopher
Published: February 2016

We highlight recent technical innovations that have enabled advanced insight into the cellular microenvironment across a range of length scales.
Selective chemical labeling of proteins
Authors: Chen Xi , Wu Yao-Wen
Published: February 2016

Diverse bioorthogonal reactions and chemical tagging approaches for protein labeling are discussed and compared in this review.
Selective and tunable synthesis of 3-arylsuccinimides and 3-arylmaleimides from arenediazonium tetrafluoroborates and maleimides
Authors: Yang Zhen-Hua , Chen Zhong-Hui , An Yu-Long , Zhao Sheng-Yin
Published: February 2016

A highly efficient and tunable synthetic strategy for 3-arylsuccinimides or 3-arylmaleimides has been developed from arenediazonium tetrafluoroborates and maleimides with satisfactory yields in the presence of TiCl3 or CuCl.
Rheological, morphological and mechanical investigations on ethylene octene copolymer toughened polypropylene prepared by continuous electron induced reactive processing
Authors: Razavi Aghjeh Masoud , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Jafari Seyed Hassan , Zschech Carsten , Gohs Uwe , Heinrich Gert
Published: February 2016

EOC toughened PP with increased interfacial adhesion due to EOC–PP grafting was prepared by continuous EIReP and in continuation the rheological, morphological and mechanical properties of EOC toughened samples were investigated.
Investigation of the transport properties of PPy/[Co(EDTA)NH3Cl]·H2O nanocomposite prepared by chemical oxidation method
Authors: Najar Mohd Hanief , Majid Kowsar
Published: February 2016

Charge transport across a potential barrier is important in determining the properties of many devices ranging from solar cells to the production of H2.
Effect of rare-earth doping on the free-volume structure of Ga-modified Te20As30Se50glass
Authors: Shpotyuk Ya. , Ingram A. , Shpotyuk O. , Boussard-Pledel C. , Nazabal V. , Bureau B.
Published: February 2016

Doping with 500 ppmw of Pr3+ions is found to depress positron trapping in Te20As29Ga1Se50glass, this effect being explained in terms of competitive contribution of different occupancy positions available for rare-earth ions and trapped positrons.
Composition optimization of ternary palladium–iridium–iron alloy catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in acid medium
Authors: Meku Esubalew , Du Chunyu , Sun Yongrong , Du Lei , Wang Yajing , Kong Fanpeng , Yin Geping
Published: February 2016

Ternary PdxIrFe/C catalysts exhibit remarkable activity for oxygen reduction reaction, due to the modified Pd surface induced by subsurface Ir.
Correction: High shear-induced exfoliation of graphite into high quality graphene by Taylor–Couette flow
Authors: Tran Tuan Sang , Park Seung Jun , Yoo Sung Sic , Lee Tae-Rin , Kim TaeYoung
Published: February 2016

Correction for ‘High shear-induced exfoliation of graphite into high quality graphene by Taylor–Couette flow’ by Tuan Sang Tran et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 12003–12008.
2D amorphous iron phosphate nanosheets with high rate capability and ultra-long cycle life for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Liu Tongchao , Duan Yandong , Zhang Guangxing , Li Maofan , Feng Yancong , Hu Jiangtao , Zheng Jiaxin , Chen Jitao , Pan Feng
Published: February 2016

2D amorphous iron phosphate nanosheet coated carbon exhibits high rate capability and ultra-long cycle life for sodium ion batteries.
Reduction and oxidation of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) induced by methylamine (CH3NH2)-containing atmosphere for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Liu Tiefeng , Jiang Fangyuan , Tong Jinhui , Qin Fei , Meng Wei , Jiang Youyu , Li Zaifang , Zhou Yinhua
Published: February 2016

Perovskite solar cells with PEDOT:PSS hole-transporting layer are susceptible to methylamine (MA)-containing atmosphere because of the chemical reduction of PEDOT:PSS by MA.
Ionothermal synthesis of microporous and mesoporous carbon aerogels from fructose as electrode materials for supercapacitors
Authors: Lin Xiao-Xiao , Tan Bin , Peng Lu , Wu Zhao-Feng , Xie Zai-Lai
Published: February 2016

In the present work, a series of hierarchical porous carbon monoliths were prepared from fructoseviaa one-step ionothermal carbonization approach using an iron-based ionic liquid as solvent, and a porogenic agent.
Enhanced moisture repulsion of ceramic-coated separators from aqueous composite coating solution for lithium-ion batteries inspired by a plant leaf surface
Authors: Kim Sang Woo , Cho Kuk Young
Published: February 2016

In this study, we demonstrate enhanced moisture repulsion of aqueous processed ceramic coated separators inspired by the distributed wax domain on a plant leaf surface.
Ultrastrong and flexible hybrid hydrogels based on solution self-assembly of chitin nanofibers in gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)
Authors: Hassanzadeh P. , Kazemzadeh-Narbat M. , Rosenzweig R. , Zhang X. , Khademhosseini A. , Annabi N. , Rolandi M.
Published: February 2016

We demonstrate the formation of ultrastrong and flexible hydrogels via self-assembly of chitin nanofibers in the presence of gelatin methacryloyl.
A one-step sonochemical synthesis of stable ZnO–PVA nanocolloid as a potential biocidal agent
Authors: Nagvenkar Anjani P. , Deokar Archana , Perelshtein Ilana , Gedanken Aharon
Published: February 2016

One of the limitations in the applications and commercialization of metal oxides in diverse fields is their inferior colloidal stability.
An autoreduction method to prepare plasmonic gold-embedded polypeptide micelles for synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy
Authors: Wu Xingjie , Zhou Linzhu , Su Yue , Dong Chang-Ming
Published: February 2016

An autoreduction method was introduced to prepare plasmonic gold-embedded polypeptide micelles, opening up a new avenue for the development of anticancer nanotherapeutics with synergistic chemo-photothermal effects.
Robust room-temperature inversion-asymmetry topological transitions in functionalized HgSe monolayer
Authors: Li Sheng-shi , Ji Wei-xiao , Zhang Chang-wen , Li Ping , Wang Pei-ji
Published: February 2016

Nontrivial topological phase can be confirmed in HgSeI2monolayer with typical band inversion and sizable Rashba spin splitting, which possesses excellent robustness against strain engineering and external electric field.
Disentangling magnetic core/shell morphologies in Co-based nanoparticles
Authors: Rinaldi-Montes Natalia , Gorria Pedro , Martínez-Blanco David , Amghouz Zakariae , Fuertes Antonio B. , Fernández Barquín Luis , Rodríguez Fernández Jesús , Olivi Luca , Aquilanti Giuliana , Blanco Jesús A.
Published: February 2016

The intentional oxidation of metallic Co NPs with different sizes (3–50 nm) gives rise to a wide variety of core/shell morphologies including Co, CoO and Co3O4 phases and diverse magnetic behaviours.
SIG 18 Perspectives Vol. 2, No. 1, September 2012
Authors: Cohn Ellen R.
Published: February 2016

Sorry, this activity is no longer available for CEUs. Visit the SIG 18 page on the
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to see available CE activities.

Use the CE questions PDF here as study questions to guide your Perspectives reading.
Parallel feed bandpass filter with high selectivity and wide stopband
Authors: He Zhaosheng , Shao Zhenhai , You Chang Jiang
Published: February 2016

A quasi‐elliptic function bandpass filter (BPF) based on parallel feed topology is presented. The parallel feed topology is realised by splitting the input/output port of the filter into two paths through a T‐junction to excite a pair of resonators simultaneously. This configuration contributes to further improving the selectivity of the filter by introducing more transmission zeros (TZs) near the passband. In addition, a defected microstrip structure is utilised to enhance the out‐band attenuation and spur suppression. In order to verify the proposed topology, a fourth order BPF with cross‐coupling is designed, fabricated and measured. The measured frequency responses agree well with simulated ones. Four TZs can be obtained with two TZs on each side of the passband.
Fast detection for spatial modulation MIMO based on cost estimation
Authors: Kong B.Y. , Park I.‐C.
Published: February 2016

Aiming at fast hardware processing, a detection algorithm for multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems that employ spatial modulation (SM), or SM‐MIMO, is proposed. Conventional SM‐MIMO detection inherently suffers from the nearsightedness as it depends only on the cost of the preceding path that has been traversed. To overcome such a drawback, the proposed detection traverses the tree by taking into account not only the cost of the preceding path but also the estimated cost of the sub‐tree that has not been visited yet. Compared to conventional methods, as a result, the proposed algorithm significantly reduces the number of visits that determines the latency in hardware, making it suitable to hardware implementation.
Region of convergence of derivative of Z transform
Authors: Forouzan A.R.
Published: February 2016

A well‐known property of the Z transform is the differentiation in z‐domain property, which states that if X(z) ≡ Z{x[n]} is the Z transform of a sequence x[n] then the Z transform of the sequence nx[n] is Z{nx[n]}=−z(dX (z)/dz). It is generally believed that the regions of convergence (ROC) for the two Z transforms are the same. It is shown that this is not true in the general case where X(z) is not rational and an example, in which the ROC is different for X(z) and Z{nx[n]}, is given.
Context‐based prediction filtering of impulse noise images
Authors: Gellert Arpad , Brad Remus
Published: February 2016

A new image denoising method for impulse noise in greyscale images using a context‐based prediction scheme is presented. The algorithm replaces the noisy pixel with the value occurring with the highest frequency, in the same context as the replaceable pixel. Since it is a context‐based technique, it preserves the details in the filtered images better than other methods. In the aim of validation, the authors have compared the proposed method with several existing denoising methods, many of them being outperformed by the proposed filter.
Spontaneous Acute Subdural Hemorrhage with Rupture of Intracranial Aneurysm: A Series of Two Cases and Review of Literature
Authors: Raheja Amol , Bansal Sumit , Borkar Sachin A. , Mahapatra Ashok K. , Suri Ashish
Published: February 2016

We present a rare series of two cases of spontaneous intracranial aneurysmal hemorrhage associated with acute subdural hematoma. One patient was having ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm and acute subdural hematoma with no evidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage and the other patient presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage with bleeding in subdural, intraparenchymal, and intraventricular location with rupture of posterior communicating artery aneurysm. In this report, we are describing the pathophysiology and radiological features of subdural hematoma with aneurysm bleed.
Potassium enhances frost tolerance in young individuals of three tropical dry forest species from Mexico
Authors: Gómez-Ruiz Pilar A. , Lindig-Cisneros Roberto , de la Barrera Erick , Martorell Carlos
Published: February 2016

Movement of species outside their range of distribution could be a strategy for conservation purposes, but before implementation, it is necessary to evaluate plants responses to the conditions that they will experience in new locations. We evaluated the effect of potassium fertilisation to enhance the frost tolerance of young individuals of Albizia plurijuga (Standley) Britton & Rose, Cedrela dugesii S.Watson and Ceiba aesculifolia (Kunth) Britten & Baker f., which are all common species from tropical dry forests in Mexico. Plants were propagated in a shade-house and fertilised during 9 months with different concentrations of potassium (39, 189 and 528 ppm). In frost simulations, plants were exposed to temperatures below 0°C during different time periods and frost injury was assessed by electrolyte leakage of leaf discs from young and old leaves. We observed that potassium fertilisation enhanced frost tolerance by reducing electrolyte leakage mainly in young leaves. We recorded plant re-sprouting ability after exposure to subzero temperatures over 45 days, finding notable differences among species: all individuals of C. dugesii sprouted, followed by some of A. plurijuga and finally just one of C. aesculifolia. Also, high potassium levels increased re-sprouting response. These species have a low frost tolerance, but potassium fertilisation seemed to be effective to enhance it for young individuals, increasing the probability of survival if plants are moved to colder areas than current habitats.
Core disgust is attenuated by ingroup relations
Authors: Reicher Stephen D. , Templeton Anne , Neville Fergus , Ferrari Lucienne , Drury John
Published: February 2016

Significance

Two experiments showed that where there is shared identity with others in a group the disgust experienced at smelling their sweat is significantly attenuated, and willingness to interact with them increased, compared with when the sweat was from an outgroup member or another individual. This difference is explained by the similarity to self of ingroup members. The analysis points to both the importance of social group boundaries in moderating the experience of “core” physical disgust and also the importance of disgust in the analysis of basic group processes, including the ability of group members to cohere and work together.
Regularities in positronium formation for atoms and molecules
Authors: Machacek J R , Blanco F , Garcia G , Buckman S J , Sullivan J P
Published: February 2016

In an effort to aid the modelling of positron and positronium (Ps) transport in biological media we have compiled recent experimental results for the total Ps formation in positron scattering from atoms and molecules. A simple function was found to adequately describe the total Ps formation cross section for both atoms and molecules. The parameters of this function describe the magnitude and shape of the Ps formation cross section and are compared to physical characteristics of the target atoms and molecules. A general trend in the magnitude of the total Ps formation cross section is observed as a function of the target atom/molecule dipole polarisability. The functional form may enable quick estimation of the Ps cross section for molecules for which experimental measurements or theoretical estimates do not exist.
Self-Portrait in a Library: Charles d'Orléans and his Books
Authors: Frieden Philippe
Published: February 2016

Like most cultivated nobles of his time, Charles d'Orléans possessed a large library, partly inherited from his parents, Louis d'Orléans and Valentina Visconti. Charles's library is fascinating due to its multiple origins: books were received as gifts, or purchased during Charles's captivity in England, or copied by him or his brother during the same period, or written by him, as in the case of his ‘notebook’. As such, this library represents a lifetime and reflects its collector. Taking into consideration the medieval catalogues of the collection, details held within books made for Charles, and his own book of poetry, this article shows how the figure of the duke as owner or collector appears in a variety of forms. But it also argues that genealogy offers a powerful lens through which to understand the collection's successive iterations; unity is seen to rest more on a series of social, especially familial, interactions than on the identity of any one individual. The late medieval library can thus be considered the result of a network of genealogical relationships, and a powerful expression of the intimate links connecting manuscripts, medieval libraries, and their owners.
Language evolution and climate: the case of desiccation and tone
Authors: Everett Caleb , Blasí Damián E. , Roberts Seán G.
Published: February 2016

We make the case that, contra standard assumption in linguistic theory, the sound systems of human languages are adapted to their environment. While not conclusive, this plausible case rests on several points discussed in this work: First, human behavior is generally adaptive and the assumption that this characteristic does not extend to linguistic structure is empirically unsubstantiated. Second, animal communication systems are well known to be adaptive within species across a variety of phyla and taxa. Third, research in laryngology demonstrates clearly that ambient desiccation impacts the performance of the human vocal cords. The latter point motivates a clear, testable hypothesis with respect to the synchronic global distribution of language types. Fourth, this hypothesis is supported in our own previous work, and here we discuss new approaches being developed to further explore the hypothesis. We conclude by suggesting that the time has come to more substantively examine the possibility that linguistic sound systems are adapted to their physical ecology.
No evidence for [O iii] variability in Mrk 142
Authors: Barth Aaron J. , Bentz Misty C.
Published: February 2016

Using archival data from the 2008 Lick AGN Monitoring Project, Zhang & Feng claimed to find evidence for flux variations in the narrow [O iii] emission of the Seyfert 1 galaxy Mrk 142 over a two-month time span. If correct, this would imply a surprisingly compact size for the narrow-line region. We show that the claimed [O iii] variations are merely the result of random errors in the overall flux calibration of the spectra. The data do not provide any support for the hypothesis that the [O iii] flux was variable during the 2008 monitoring period.
Low Serum Vitamin D
Authors: Ahmad Imad I. , Trikudanathan Guru , Feinn Richard , Anderson Joseph C. , Nicholson Marie , Lowe Samantha , Levine Joel B.
Published: February 2016

Aims:

To examine the association between low 25-OH Vitamin D levels and prevalence of advanced adenomas (AAs) in screening/surveillance colonoscopy patients.

Rationale:

Low serum 25-OH Vitamin D has been associated with an increased risk for colon cancer. In the Adenoma-Carcinoma pathway, a subset of colon polyps (AA) have been regarded as high-risk precursor lesions. We used a retrospective case-control design to examine the association between Vitamin D deficiency and the prevalence of AA in a high-risk population.

Materials and Methods:

We examined a total of 354 patients who presented for initial screening or surveillance colonoscopy at our Colon Cancer Prevention Program. Our main exposure variable was serum Vitamin D levels and the outcome was AAs defined as those adenomas that were large (≥1 cm) or had advanced pathology (>25% villous components or high-grade dysplasia). Known risk factors were also collected from the patients’ charts including gender, age, smoking, and family history. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine the relationship between serum 25-OH Vitamin D levels and AAs. A total of 354 patients [(males, 188; females, 166); average age, 61 y] charts were reviewed. Vitamin D levels ranged between 4 and 70 ng/mL, with a mean of 25 ng/mL (clinical laboratory normal>30 ng/mL). There was no significant association between serum levels and time of the year of blood draw. Risk for tubular adenoma and AA increased as Vitamin D levels decreased to <30 ng/mL (P=0.002). In total, 80% of AAs were detected in patients whose levels were below this value (odds ratio, 3.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.40-8.03;P=0.007). Bivariate analysis also showed a positive association between smokers with AA as well as those with a family history of colon cancer (P=0.011) and low Vitamin D levels (P=0.001). A multivariate analysis using quintiles of Vitamin D levels demonstrated an increased risk of AAs for patients with levels in the second quintile (33 ng/mL) (odds ratio, 4.3;P=0.01)

Main Conclusions:

Most patients presenting in our Colon Cancer Prevention Program have low levels of serum 25-OH Vitamin D. Analysis of the results of both screening and surveillance colonoscopies demonstrated an inverse relation between serum 25-OH Vitamin D level and AAs.
The Outcome of Critically Ill Pediatric Cancer Patients Admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in a Tertiary University Oncology Center in a Developing Country: A 5-Year Experience
Authors: Ali Amany M. , Sayed Heba A. , Elzembely Mahmoud M.
Published: February 2016

Introduction:

Cancer remains a major cause of death in children, but recent advances in supportive care and progress in the use of chemotherapy have considerably improved the prognosis. The need for intensive care management in pediatric oncology patients is increasing. However, studies demonstrating their outcome in the literature are still deficient, especially in developing countries. Here, we aim to report our experience in managing patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at South Egypt Cancer Institute, a tertiary university oncology center in a developing country.

Patients and Methods:

A review of all cancer patients admitted to the PICU at South Egypt Cancer Institute between January 2007 and December 2011 and an evaluation of prognostic factors that may correlate to their short-term outcome were performed.

Results:

A total of 550 pediatric oncology patients were admitted to the PICU on 757 occasions. Hematological malignancies represented 73.6% of the cases. The median duration of PICU stay was 5 days. Sepsis and respiratory failure were the most frequent indications for PICU admission. The overall survival at the time of discharge from the PICU was 60%. Several factors were found to significantly affect the outcome of patients admitted to the PICU, including the underlying disease, the reason for admission, the intervention used, and the number of failing organs at the time of admission to the PICU.

Conclusions:

The prognosis of patients admitted to the PICU in developing countries is still behind those in developed ones. Late referral, especially of patients presenting with respiratory failure, sepsis, and multiorgan failure usually, requires urgent intervention with inotropic support, oxygen therapy, and mechanical ventilation and is significantly associated with poor outcomes, especially in patients with hematological malignancies.
The Use of Continuous Veno-Venous Hemodiafiltration in the Management of Ifosfamide-induced Encephalopathy: A Case Report
Authors: Yeo Kee Kiat , HaDuong Josephine H.
Published: February 2016

Encephalopathy is a common side effect of ifosfamide, occurring in up to 30% of patients. Although self-resolving in most cases, death secondary to severe encephalopathy has been reported. Methylene blue and thiamine have been occasionally successful as treatment. We report a case of an 11-year-old girl with relapsed neuroblastoma who developed grade 4 ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy. She showed no initial response to methylene blue and thiamine. She remained neurologically impaired and continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration was started, with rapid resolution of encephalopathy. This is the first report of continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration use for suspected ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy in the pediatric population.
Clinical Interpretation of Quantitative Sensory Testing as a Measure of Pain Sensitivity in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Brandow Amanda M. , Panepinto Julie A.
Published: February 2016

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) display significantly lower mean/median thermal and mechanical pain thresholds compared with controls. This suggests impaired pain sensitivity where stimuli produce exaggerated pain. Despite these mean/median differences, clinicians need to understand if patients meet criteria for impaired pain sensitivity. We defined thresholds for impaired cold, heat, and mechanical pain sensitivity in SCD patients. Using quantitative sensory testing (QST) we assessed cold, heat, and mechanical pain thresholds in SCD patients and African American controls aged 7 years and above. Impaired pain sensitivity was defined as: (1) cold pain threshold 1 SD above control median threshold; (2) heat pain threshold 1 SD below control median threshold; and (3) mechanical pain threshold 1 SD below control median threshold. Fifty-five SCD patients and 57 controls participated in this study. Impaired pain sensitivity thresholds were: (1) cold: 17.01°C, (2) heat: 43.91°C, and (3) mechanical: 4.42 g. Impaired cold pain sensitivity was the most common finding (63.6%), then heat (60%), and mechanical (38.2%). Impaired pain sensitivity to ≥1 testing modalities occurred in 81.8% of SCD patients. Determining impaired pain sensitivity thresholds increases clinical utility of QST. QST could be a screening tool to phenotype SCD pain, an outcome for pain interventional trials, or guide pain neurobiology investigations.
Health System Quality Improvement
Authors: Meehan Anita , Loose Claire , Bell Jvawnna , Partridge Jamie , Nelson Jeffrey , Goates Scott
Published: February 2016

Among hospitalized patients, malnutrition is prevalent yet often overlooked and undertreated. We implemented a quality improvement program that positioned early nutritional care into the nursing workflow. Nurses screened for malnutrition risk at patient admission and then immediately ordered oral nutritional supplements for those at risk. Supplements were given as regular medications, guided and monitored by medication administration records. Post–quality improvement program, pressure ulcer incidence, length of stay, 30-day readmissions, and costs of care were reduced.
Accurate Coulomb blockade thermometry up to 60 kelvin
Authors: Meschke M. , Kemppinen A. , Pekola J. P.
Published: February 2016

We demonstrate experimentally a precise realization of Coulomb blockade thermometry working at temperatures up to 60 K. Advances in nano-fabrication methods using electron beam lithography allow us to fabricate uniform arrays of sufficiently small tunnel junctions to guarantee an overall temperature reading precision of about 1%.
Declaring a tuberculosis outbreak over with genomic epidemiology
Authors: Hatherell Hollie-Ann , Didelot Xavier , Pollock Sue L. , Tang Patrick , Crisan Anamaria , Johnston James C. , Colijn Caroline , Gardy Jennifer
Published: February 2016

We report an updated method for inferring the time at which an infectious disease was transmitted between persons from a time-labelled pathogen genome phylogeny. We applied the method to 48 Mycobacterium tuberculosis genomes as part of a real-time public health outbreak investigation, demonstrating that although active tuberculosis (TB) cases were diagnosed through 2013, no transmission events took place beyond mid-2012. Subsequent cases were the result of progression from latent TB infection to active disease and not recent transmission. This evolutionary genomic approach was used to declare the outbreak over in January 2015.
The non-essentiality of essential genes suggests a loss-of-function therapeutic strategy for loss-of-function human diseases
Authors: Chen Piaopiao , Wang Dandan , Chen Han , Zhou Zhenzhen , He Xionglei
Published: February 2016

Essential genes refer to those whose null mutation leads to lethality or sterility. We propose that the fatal effect of inactivating an essential gene can be attributed to either the loss of indispensable core cellular function (type I), or the gain of fatal side effects after losing dispensable periphery function (type II). In principle, inactivation of the type I essential genes can be rescued only by regain of the core functions, whereas inactivation of the type II essential genes could be rescued by a further loss of function of another gene to eliminate the otherwise fatal side effects. Because such loss-of-function rescuing mutations may occur spontaneously, type II essential genes may become non-essential in a few individuals of a large population. We tested this idea in the yeastSacchromyces cerevisiae. Large-scale whole genome sequencing of such essentiality-reversing mutants reveals 14 cases where inactivation of an essential gene is rescued by loss-of-function mutations on another gene. In particular, the essential gene encoding the enzyme adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL) is shown to be type II, suggesting a loss-of-function therapeutic strategy for the human disorder ADSL deficiency. A proof-of-principle test of this strategy in the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansshows promising results.
eQTL regulating Transcript Levels Associated with Diverse Biological Processes in Tomato
Authors: Ranjan Aashish , Budke Jessica M. , Rowland Steven D. , Chitwood Daniel H. , Kumar Ravi , Carriedo Leonela , Ichihashi Yasunori , Zumstein Kristina , Maloof Julin N. , Sinha Neelima R.
Published: February 2016

Variation in gene expression, in addition to sequence polymorphisms, is known to influence developmental, physiological and metabolic traits in plants. Genetic mapping populations have facilitated identification of expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTL), the genetic determinants of variation in gene expression patterns. We used an introgression population developed from the wild desert-adaptedSolanum pennelliiand domesticated tomatoSolanum lycopersicumto identify the genetic basis of transcript level variation. We established the effect of each introgression on the transcriptome, and identified ~7,200 eQTL regulating the steady state transcript levels of 5,300 genes. Barnes-Hutt-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding clustering identified 42 modules revealing novel associations between transcript level patterns and biological processes. The results showed a complex genetic architecture of global transcript abundance pattern in tomato. Several genetic hotspots regulating a large number of transcript level patterns relating to diverse biological processes such as plant defense and photosynthesis were identified. Important eQTL regulating transcript level patterns were related to leaf number and complexity, and hypocotyl length. Genes associated with leaf development showed an inverse correlation with photosynthetic gene expression but eQTL regulating genes associated with leaf development and photosynthesis were dispersed across the genome. This comprehensive expression QTL analysis details the influence of these loci on plant phenotypes, and will be a valuable community resource for investigations on the genetic effects of eQTL on phenotypic traits in tomato.
Analytical results for directional and quadratic selection gradients for log-linear models of fitness functions
Authors: Morrissey Michael B. , Goudie I. B. J.
Published: February 2016

Established methods for inference about selection gradients involve least-squares regression of fitness on phenotype. While these methods are simple and may generally be quite robust, they do not account well for distributions of fitness.

Some progress has previously been made in relating inferences about trait-fitness relationships from generalised linear models to selection gradients in the formal quantitative genetic sense. These approaches involve numerical calculation of average derivatives of relative fitness with respect to phenotype.

We present analytical results expressing selection gradients as functions of the coefficients of generalised linear models for fitness in terms of traits. The analytical results allow calculation of univariate and multivariate directional, quadratic, and correlational selection gradients from log-linear and log-quadratic models.

The results should be quite generally applicable in selection analysis. They apply to any generalised linear model with a log link function. Furthermore, we show how they apply to some situations including inference of selection from (molecular) paternity data, capture-mark-recapture analysis, and survival analysis. Finally, the results may bridge some gaps between typical approaches in empirical and theoretical studies of natural selection.
Boiler: Lossy compression of RNA-seq alignments using coverage vectors
Authors: Pritt Jacob , Langmead Ben
Published: February 2016

We describe Boiler, a new software tool for compressing and querying large collections of RNA-seq alignments. Boiler discards most per-read data, keeping only a genomic coverage vector plus a few empirical distributions summarizing the alignments. Since most per-read data is discarded, storage footprint is often much smaller than that achieved by other compression tools. Despite this, the most relevant per-read data can be recovered; we show that Boiler compression has only a slight negative impact on results given by downstream tools for isoform assembly and quantification. Boiler also allows the user to pose fast and useful queries without decompressing the entire file. Boiler is free open source software available fromgithub.com/jpritt/boiler.
Reconstructing three-dimensional helical structure with an X-ray free electron laser
Authors: Uddin M.
Published: February 2016

Recovery of three-dimensional structure from single-particle X-ray scattering of completely randomly oriented diffraction patterns as predicted a few decades ago has been realized owing to the advent of the new emerging X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) technology. Since the world's first XFEL started operation in June 2009 at SLAC National Laboratory at Stanford, the first few experiments have been conducted on larger objects such as viruses. Many of the important structures of nature such as helical viruses or DNA consist of helical repetition of biological subunits. Hence development of a method for reconstructing helical structure from collected XFEL data has been a top research priority. This work describes the development of a method for solving helical structures such as tobacco mosaic virus from a set of randomly oriented simulated diffraction patterns exploiting the symmetry and Fourier space constraint of the diffraction volume.