bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural, morphological, thermal, dielectric, and electrical properties of alumina nanoparticles filled PVA–PVP blend matrix‐based polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Choudhary Shobhna
Published: February 2018

Alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles filled poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) blend matrix (50/50 wt%) based polymer nanocomposite (PNC) films (i.e., [PVA–PVP]–x wt% Al2O3; x = 0, 1, 3, and 5) have been prepared by solution‐cast method. X‐ray diffraction study has confirmed that the structures of these PNC materials are predominantly amorphous. The formation of miscible blend, polymer–polymer and polymer–nanoparticle interactions, and the effect of Al2O3 nanoparticles on the thermal properties of PVA–PVP blend matrix have been examined by Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy measurements of the PNC films. The dielectric and electrical spectra of these PNC films have been measured from 20 Hz to 1 MHz using dielectric relaxation spectroscopy. It has been found that the dispersion of merely 1 wt% Al2O3 nanoparticles in the PVA–PVP blend matrix significantly reduces the crystalline phase and enhance the melting phase transition temperature of the PNC material, while the dielectric permittivity greatly decrease due to nano confinement effect. The real parts of dielectric permittivity and the impedance of these PNC films decrease linearly with the increase of the frequency, whereas the ac electrical conductivity has increased. A nonlinear increase of dielectric permittivity has been found with an increase of the temperature of PNC film and its dc electrical conductivity obeys the Arrhenius behavior. The dielectric and electrical properties of these PNC materials confirm their suitability as flexible nanodielectric of frequency tunable permittivity. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1788–E1799, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Surface modification of bamboo‐char and its reinforcement in PLA biocomposites
Authors: Qian Shaoping , Yan Wei , Zhu Susu , Fontanillo Lopez Cesar A. , Sheng Kuichuan
Published: February 2018

High‐temperature bamboo‐char is a potential polymer reinforcement due to its porous structure, high strength and modulus. To improve the surface structure and properties of bamboo‐char, different concentrations of HNO3 and NaOH solution modifications were conducted. The HNO3 treatment grafted amino groups on bamboo‐char and NaOH treatment modified carbonyl and carboxyl groups. The specific surface area and the total pore volume of bamboo‐char reduced with HNO3 treatment, whereas the two values firstly increased and then decreased in the case of NaOH treatment; the maximum values of 30.422 m2·g−1 and 0.066 cm3·g−1 were reached at 10 wt% NaOH concentration. The maximum tensile strength and modulus of PLA/bamboo‐char composites were achieved up to 65.36 and 1012.0 MPa at 15 wt% NaOH concentration. The maximum elongation at break was reached at 15.36% and impact strength of 25.69 KJ·m−2 were obtained at the HNO3 concentration of 39 and 54 wt%, respectively. These results will help to extend the application of bamboo‐char in polymer composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E633–E639, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of high‐temperature treatment on the mechanical and thermal properties of phenolic syntactic foams
Authors: Huang Chi , Huang Zhixiong , Wang Qiong
Published: February 2018

Phenolic syntactic foams were prepared with phenol–formaldehyde resin (PF), p‐toluene sulfonic acid, γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), and glutaraldehyde (GA) cooperative treated hollow glass microsphere (HGM). Five types of syntactic foams were fabricated by filling different content of modified HGM. Compressive, flexural and thermal properties of the foams were investigated with respect to HGM content and treated temperature. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) studies presented a considerable reduction in the weight loss rate of system with the addition of HGM, the residual weight of syntactic foam with 50 vol% HGM at 800°C is 72.45%. Compression and bending tests results showed an increase on compressive and flexural properties for syntactic foams treated at high temperature with increasing HGM volume fraction. The thermal conductivity of all syntactic foams increased with temperature while decreased with introducing HGM, and thermal conduction through solid phase was the main heat transfer approach. The incorporation of HGM was beneficial to improving the thermal insulation property of syntactic foams especially at high temperatures. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:2200–2209, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Evidences for flow‐assisted interfacial reaction in coextruded PA6/PP/PA6 films
Authors: Kiparissoff‐Bondil H. , Devisme S. , Rauline D. , Chopinez F. , Restagno F. , Léger L.
Published: February 2018

We present an investigation of the progressive building of copolymer layers formed by chemical reaction at interfaces in multilayer coextruded polymer films. Analyzing the surface density of copolymers in the final films, we show that the interface always remains under‐saturated in copolymers, even for coextrusion parameters such that the time open to the interfacial chemical reaction is well above the time necessary to reach saturation without flow. Based on a numerical analysis of the flow all along the coextrusion line, we show that this under‐saturation of the interface, which may strongly affect the final adhesion between the different polymers, results from a competition between the interfacial chemical reaction and the dilution of yet formed copolymers in all the zones of the coextrusion line where surface of interface is increased, due to convergent, divergent or elongational flow. We also show that the coupling between flow and reaction kinetics needs be taken into account to control the final surface density of copolymers and precisely optimize the interfacial properties, through an optimization of the coextrusion parameters POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E44–E50, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Close visual bridge inspection using a UAV with a passive rotating spherical shell
Authors: Salaan Carl John O. , Okada Yoshito , Mizutani Shoma , Ishii Takuma , Koura Keishi , Ohno Kazunori , Tadokoro Satoshi
Published: February 2018

Today, robots are expected to be used for the inspection of infrastructures such as bridges. One important task in bridge inspection is to acquire clear images of its various parts for further damage evaluation. However, this task has not yet been completely realized because of the complexity of bridge structures. For this situation, a UAV with a passive rotating spherical shell (PRSS) that can easily maneuver while protecting itself is introduced. In this paper, we explain the development of the PRSS unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based on the design strategy. We then analyze its performance through simulated bridge inspection. Finally, we discuss the results of actual bridge experiments. The spherical shell has a size ( 0.95 m) and structure (fullerene) that is well‐suited for bridge inspection applications. It can also handle an impact equivalent to 2 m/s, which is more than the UAV's maximum flight speed. Test flight experiment also validated the characteristic of PRSS that shows a stable flight during disturbances. The image test also shows that the visual system can provide a full overhead view of the bridge. Likewise, it can detect a 0.1‐mm wide line that replicates the damage (e.g., a crack) from a position 0.5 m away and while the camera moves at 0.3 m/s. These characteristics have yielded a system that can acquire inspection images from critical parts of the bridge. An evaluation by third parties confirmed the effectiveness of the system. Further, the system satisfies the mandatory requirements of the Next Generation Robots for Social Infrastructure (NGRSI) program.
Live Large–Carry Little
Authors: Walker Smith J.
Published: February 2018

Switch on growth and the future of consumption
We don't talk anymore
Authors: Pineda Stephanie
Published: February 2018

Keeping the human touch using Instant Messenger
The latest trends in the world competitiveness ranking
Authors: Heeg Robert
Published: February 2018

For over 25 years the IMD World Competitiveness Center has researched how nations and enterprises compete to lay the foundations for future prosperity. We asked professor Arturo Bris, the director of the Center, about the latest trends in the ranking, the next global crisis, as well as the fintech revolution.
Making a difference
Authors: Kearon John
Published: February 2018

How research can help build a better world
Newton's laws as an interpretive framework in system dynamics
Authors: Hayward John , Roach Paul A.
Published: February 2018

This paper proposes an interpretative framework for system dynamics models using concepts from Newtonian mechanics. By considering the second derivative form of a model, it is shown that Newton's three laws of motion have their equivalent in system dynamics, with forces between stocks being determined using the loop impact method. The concepts of mass, inertia, momentum and friction are explored as to their usefulness in understanding model behaviour. The Newtonian framework is applied to two standard system dynamics models—inventory–workforce and economic long‐wave—where their behaviour is analyzed using force dominance on the stocks. Results show improved intuitive understanding of system behaviour compared with existing dominance methods, particularly for models with exogenous effects, oscillations and many loops. The framework is commended for further exploration.

Copyright © 2018 System Dynamics Society
Detection of Lead Using a Sensitive Anodic Stripping Voltammetric Method Based on Composite Mesoporous Silica/Bismuth Oxychloride Modified Electrode
Authors: Song Yiyan , Jiang Huijun , Shi Xueyan , Chen Jin , Wu Yuan , Wei Wei
Published: February 2018

Exposure to lead in the environment and food poses severe threat to human health especially for the nervous and hemopoietic system, of which children are more vulnerable than adults. In this study, a sensitive detection platform aimed at the blood lead sample was developed based on BiOCl‐KIT‐6 composite materials modified glassy carbon electrode (BiOCl‐KIT‐6/GCE). The BiOCl‐KIT‐6 composites of varied molar ratio of Bi/Si with a litchi‐like surface structure are facilely prepared under hydrothermal conditions. The synthesized composites and modified electrode were characterized by a combination of physicochemical as well as electrochemical methods. Under optimized experimental conditions, square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) was employed to determine the lead concentration using BiOCl‐KIT‐6/GCE, which exhibits a good electrochemical response to Pb (II) with linear calibration curves ranging from 0.2 to 10 and 10 to 300 μg/L and a detection limit of 33 ng/L. The constructed sensor was also successfully used for the electrochemical determination of lead‐spiked human blood sample with desirable accuracy.
Mobilizing private finance for coastal adaptation: A literature review
Authors: Bisaro Alexander , Hinkel Jochen
Published: February 2018

Coastal adaptation can reduce climate change impacts and investing now, though costly, will bring greater benefits over the longer term, particularly in urban areas. Yet public actors currently cover a small fraction of needed coastal adaptation investments, a finance gap set to widen as coastal adaptation costs continue to increase. Mobilizing private finance for coastal adaptation is thus a salient challenge, as emphasized in the Paris Agreement. Key under‐researched dimensions of this challenge are what promotes private investment in coastal adaptation and how can public actors’ interest in adaptation be aligned with private investor interests. To address this, we review the literatures on coastal adaptation finance and on financial arrangements involving both public actors and private investors. We describe key actors and interests, and identify coastal financial arrangements that align public actor and private investor interests, finding that private provisioning, public–private Partnerships (PPP), and public debt arrangements are promising. We then survey empirical examples, finding that private provisioning attracts investment when returns are high, for example, in urban real estate, and that PPPs attract dredging and construction companies’ investment, particularly for adaptation measures with a large share of operational costs, for example, beach nourishment. We find little evidence of institutional investment through public debt instruments. A number of policy instruments, for example, concessional loans, tax incentives, and standards, may address this gap and enhance private coastal adaptation investment. Our results are also relevant for other sectors that involve long‐term infrastructure adaptation measures.

This article is categorized under:

Climate Economics > Iterative Risk‐Management Policy Portfolios

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Learning from Cases and Analogies
Multiscale systems biology of trauma‐induced coagulopathy
Authors: Tsiklidis Evan , Sims Carrie , Sinno Talid , Diamond Scott L.
Published: February 2018

Trauma with hypovolemic shock is an extreme pathological state that challenges the body to maintain blood pressure and oxygenation in the face of hemorrhagic blood loss. In conjunction with surgical actions and transfusion therapy, survival requires the patient's blood to maintain hemostasis to stop bleeding. The physics of the problem are multiscale: (a) the systemic circulation sets the global blood pressure in response to blood loss and resuscitation therapy, (b) local tissue perfusion is altered by localized vasoregulatory mechanisms and bleeding, and (c) altered blood and vessel biology resulting from the trauma as well as local hemodynamics control the assembly of clotting components at the site of injury. Building upon ongoing modeling efforts to simulate arterial or venous thrombosis in a diseased vasculature, computer simulation of trauma‐induced coagulopathy is an emerging approach to understand patient risk and predict response. Despite uncertainties in quantifying the patient's dynamic injury burden, multiscale systems biology may help link blood biochemistry at the molecular level to multiorgan responses in the bleeding patient. As an important goal of systems modeling, establishing early metrics of a patient's high‐dimensional trajectory may help guide transfusion therapy or warn of subsequent later stage bleeding or thrombotic risks.

This article is categorized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods

Biological Mechanisms > Regulatory Biology

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic Models
Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Patients with cT3/Nearly T4 Esophageal Cancer: Is Sarcopenia Correlated with Postoperative Complications and Prognosis?
Authors: Saeki Hiroshi , Nakashima Yuichiro , Kudou Kensuke , Sasaki Shun , Jogo Tomoko , Hirose Kosuke , Edahiro Keitaro , Korehisa Shotaro , Taniguchi Daisuke , Nakanishi Ryota , Kubo Nobuhide , Ando Koji , Kabashima Akira , Oki Eiji , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: February 2018

Background

Since the clinical impact of sarcopenia on multimodal therapy for patients with esophageal cancer is not well understood, this study was conducted to determine the influence of sarcopenia on the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) for locally advanced esophageal cancer.

Methods

The skeletal muscle index was quantified at the level of the third lumbar vertebra on computed tomography images, and sarcopenia was defined as a skeletal muscle index that was less than the average for each gender. We compared treatment outcomes in patients with cT3 and nearly T4 thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma between the sarcopenia group (n = 85) and the non‐sarcopenia group (n = 72).

Results

The 5‐year survival rates were 33.4% in the non‐sarcopenia group and 31.5% in the sarcopenia group; these differences were not significant. The prognosis of the patients with sarcopenia was worse than that of the patients without sarcopenia in the surgery‐alone group, but there was no difference between patients with and without sarcopenia in the NACRT group.

Conclusions

NACRT could be a useful option for patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, even for those with sarcopenia, without increasing the incidence of morbidity and mortality.
Exploring object-based content adaptation for mobile audio
Authors: Walton Tim , Evans Michael , Kirk David , Melchior Frank
Published: February 2018

Mobile devices enable users to consume media with audio content in a wide range of contexts, with environmental noise being present in many of these. Several methods exist that aim to improve the experience of mobile listening by utilising information about the environmental noise, such as volume and dynamic range adaptation. This paper explores a fundamentally different approach to improving the mobile listening experience by using the object-based audio paradigm, where individual audio sources are mixed in response to each specific listening context. Three experimental studies, containing both quantitative and qualitative aspects, are presented which investigate whether environmental noise influences preference of background-foreground audio object balance in a mix. The results indicate that environmental noise can influence the preferred audio mix and that the nature of the adaptations made is dependent upon both audio content and user. Additionally, qualitative analysis provides an understanding of the role of environmental noise on preferred audio mix. It is believed that the content adaptation method explored in this paper is a simple yet useful tool for adapting content to suit both the context and the user.
Mulberries in the urine: a tell‐tale sign of Fabry disease
Authors: Chong Pin Fee , Nakamura Kimitoshi , Kira Ryutaro
Published: February 2018

Fabry disease is a treatable progressive illness of inborn error causing eventual multiple organ dysfunction in advanced untreated cases. We report on a classic Fabry child patient presenting with urinary mulberry cells and bodies without renal involvement. This report emphasizes the usefulness of urinary microscopic findings in the early diagnosis of Fabry disease.
STRONGLY QUASI-HEREDITARY ALGEBRAS AND REJECTIVE SUBCATEGORIES
Authors: TSUKAMOTO MAYU
Published: February 2018

Ringel’s right-strongly quasi-hereditary algebras are a distinguished class of quasi-hereditary algebras of Cline–Parshall–Scott. We give characterizations of these algebras in terms of heredity chains and right rejective subcategories. We prove that any artin algebra of global dimension at most two is right-strongly quasi-hereditary. Moreover we show that the Auslander algebra of a representation-finite algebra $A$ is strongly quasi-hereditary if and only if $A$ is a Nakayama algebra.
Mosaic evolution in the middle Miocene planktonic foraminifera Fohsella lineage
Authors: Si Weimin , Berggren William A. , Aubry Marie-Pierre
Published: February 2018

Recent studies have shown that modes of evolution, namely directional trend, random walk, and stasis, vary across morphologic traits and over the geographic range of a taxon. If so, is it possible that our interpretation of evolutionary modes is actually driven by our selection of traits in a study? In an attempt to answer this question, we have restudied the middle Miocene planktonic foraminifera Fohsella lineage, an iconic example of gradual morphologic evolution. In contrast to previous studies that have focused on the gross morphology as embodied by the edge view of tests, we analyze here multiple phenotypic traits chosen because their biologic and ecologic significance is well understood in living populations. We find that traits in the lineage did not evolve in concert. The timing and geographic pattern of changes in shape, coiling direction, size, and ecology were different. The evolution of this lineage is a mosaic combination of different evolutionary modes for different traits. We suggest that overemphasis on the evolution of some single trait, such as the edge-view outline, from narrow geographic ranges has significantly underestimated the dynamic evolutionary history of this group.
A Manual of Anthropology or Science of Man, based on Modern Research
Authors: Brat Charles
Published: February 2018

In a brief notice of this work in our last number we intimated a design to give some farther account of it, but in doing so we did not sufficiently consider what we were undertaking. Mr. Bray has travelled over such a great extent of ground, and has brought together such a quantity of information from different sources, often in the form of quotations from all sorts of authors, and not in the most systematic way, that it is a hard matter for a reviewer to give a just and adequate idea of his discursive book. Its great aim, however, is to bring the study of man out of the uncertain light of fancy and speculation, metaphysical or otherwise, within the scope of scientific enquiry, and, in the pursuit of this end, large use is made of the results of modern research. We must content ourselves with giving a few quotations as samples of the author's style and matter. Here is one which will serve to show the stand-point which he takes:—
A Treatise on the Medical Jurisprudence of Insanity
Authors: Ray J.
Published: February 2018

We have received the fifth edition of Dr. Ray's valuable treatise on the Medical Jurisprudence of Insanity, the first edition of which appeared thirty-three years ago. A work which has lived and flourished during that length of time, and has been so well appreciated both in America and in this country, requires no further testimony of its worth. In the additions to the present edition the author has availed himself of some of the latest accessions to our knowledge, and so has maintained the character of his book as a standard treatise. If we were to pass any criticism upon it, we should be disposed to say that it is perhaps too much inspired of the psychological spirit of the time of Hoffbauer and Georget, and too little inspired by the positive scientific spirit of more recent investigations. The important researches of Griesinger into the relations of mental to other disorders of the nervous system, of Skae into the relations of mental to other bodily disorders, and of Morel, Moreau, and others into the hereditary connections between nervous diseases—researches which are producing a sort of revolution in our mode of looking at the varieties of mental derangement—have not received their due appreciation from the author. In fact, when we say that we have not observed any mention of the names of these distinguished investigators, or of the work which they have done, we have said enough to show that there is yet room for further additions and improvements in the sixth edition, which we hope the author may live to publish, and those of our readers, who are not weary of the sun, may live to see.
The Mechanism of Involutionary Melancholia
Authors: Menzies W. F.
Published: February 2018

At a time like the present, when the claims of psychogenic treatment are attracting the attention not only of the medical, but also of the lay mind, it befits those of us who believe that beneath every mental process there lies a mechanical basis to take careful thought whether we are altogether blameless if comparatively easily understood psychological explanations of disease are substituted for the far more intricate and complex physiological, and to ask ourselves whether we have in fact always applied to the problems of nervous physics the knowledge we actually possess. We turn to text-books of mental diseases seeking enlightenment, and are put off by vague explanations, no more convincing and far less logical than those advanced by the psychologist, nor do we find any reference to much work on the physical nature of mind which has long been known, although, indeed, twenty years ago Crookshank made an effort to correlate physical signs with mental. conditions, and five years ago Dunlop Robertson drew attention to the importance of adrenalin in the production of depression. We do not know much about nerve action, but we do know something, and if we are not willing to apply to our own special work the simpler tests of the physiologist and the chemist we are in danger of seeing our teaching discredited; and therefore I have decided to address you to-day upon one class of mental illness which comprises two distinct processes, and to endeavour, by tracing the conditions present in both, to offer some explanations, not indeed of the ultimate, but of the proximate causes which may underlie each in turn. The two processes are involution and depression, and my title is: “The Mechanism of Involutionary Melancholia.” None of my facts are new, none have been worked out by any special labours of mine, but as there may be some who, like myself, banished in the depths of the country and many hours distant from a medical library, find a difficulty in marshalling current knowledge into its ordered place, I give these deductions for what they are worth; for the psychology of melancholia is the depressive emotion, and the anatomy of the depressive emotion is a sympatheticotonus, and the chemistry of a sympatheticotonus is an endogenous anoamia.
Hamlet: A Psychological Study.
Authors: J. C. B.
Published: February 2018

All critical study of Hamlet must be psychological, and as there are few subjects which have been more closely studied, and more copiously written upon, than this magnificent drama, criticism upon it may seem to be exhausted. But human nature itself is still more trite; yet, study it profoundly as we can, criticise and speculise upon it as we may, much will ever be left outside the largest grasp of those minds who undertake to elucidate so much of it as they can comprehend. Hamlet is human nature, or at least a wide range of it, and no amount of criticism can exhaust the wealth of this magnificent store-house. It invites and evades criticism. Its mysterious profundity fascinates the attention; its infinite variety and its hidden meanings deny exhaustive analysis. Some leavings of treasure will always be discoverable to those who seek for it in an earnest and reverent spirit. Probably no two minds can ever contemplate Hamlet from exactly the same point of view, as no two men can ever regard human life under exactly the same aspect. Hence all truthful criticism of this great drama is not only various as mind itself, but is apt to become reflective of the critic. The strong sense of Johnson, the subtle insight of Coleridge, the fervid eloquence of Hazlitt, the discriminating tact of Schlegel, are nowhere more evident than in their treatment of this mighty monument of human intellect. Every man who has learned to think, and has dared to question the inward monitor, has seen some part of the character of Hamlet reflected in his own bosom.
Gold price volatility, tax revenue, and employment: can Burkina Faso's adaptation strategy avoid the natural resource curse?
Authors: Sisso Delphine Carole , Beaumais Olivier
Published: February 2018

Since 2007, Burkina Faso's mining sector has grown quickly, with gold replacing cotton as the country's biggest export. The decline in gold prices since 2012, however, has hit the Burkina Faso economy hard. Using a static computable general equilibrium model, we assess whether – in a context of gold-price decline and volatility – an increase in the tax burden on the mining sector, as implemented by the government of Burkina Faso, is the appropriate way to avoid the natural resource curse. The results show that a tax policy based solely on increasing taxes on the gold sector brings only limited economic benefits, notably in terms of employment, and fails to significantly mitigate the effects of gold-price volatility.
Impact of Soil pH on Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) and Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) Competition
Authors: Prince Candice M. , MacDonald Gregory E. , Ferrell Jason A. , Sellers Brent A. , Wang Jingjing
Published: February 2018

Cogongrass is commonly found in disturbed areas in Florida, where it is increasingly becoming a problem in bahiagrass pastures. Soil pH has been suggested as a possible mechanism for this invasion; to evaluate this, replacement series competition studies were conducted under greenhouse conditions at two soil pH levels: pH 4.5, or pH 6.8. Cogongrass ramets and bahiagrass seedlings were planted at proportions of 0:40, 1:20, 2:10, 4:1, and 8:0, respectively. Aboveground biomass was measured after 8 weeks and used to calculate relative yield, relative crowding coefficients, and aggressivity values. At soil pH 4.5, the relative competitiveness of cogongrass and bahiagrass was similar, with both species contributing equally to relative yield. At soil pH 6.8, bahiagrass seedlings showed greater competitive ability than cogongrass ramets. Relative crowding coefficient and aggressivity values supported this, with bahiagrass showing increased competitiveness under higher soil pH. This indicates that decreases in soil pH, often associated with poor soil fertility, is likely a contributing factor for cogongrass invasion into bahiagrass pastures. Soil amendments to raise pH may provide a cultural management tool for cogongrass infestations in pastures.
One step fabrication of Silicon nanocones with wide-angle enhanced light absorption
Authors: Magdi Sara , El-Rifai Joumana , Swillam Mohamed A.
Published: February 2018

We report the fabrication of an array of random Silicon nanocones using a KrF excimer laser. A 370 nm thick amorphous Silicon layer deposited on a glass substrate was used in the process. The fabricated nanocones showed a large and broadband absorption enhancement over the entire visible wavelength range. An enhancement up to 350% is measured at λ = 650 nm. Additionally, the laser irradiation caused the nanocones to crystallize. The effect of changing the laser parameters (i.e. energy density, time, and frequency) on the morphology and the absorption is studied and compared. Wide-angle anti-reflective properties have been observed for the fabricated nanocones with less than 10% reflection for angles up to 60°. The major limitation of amorphous silicon thin film solar cells is the reduced absorption. This problem could be solved if light is trapped efficiently inside the thin film without the need of increasing the film thickness. The random array of nanocones presented in this work showed a substantial increase in absorption over a wide angle, were fabricated at a low cost and are easily scalable. This technique offers a fast approach which could significantly help in overcoming the absorption limitation.
Observation of optic disc neovascularization using OCT angiography in proliferative diabetic retinopathy after intravitreal conbercept injections
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Wu Chan , Zhou Li-jia , Dai Rong-ping
Published: February 2018

This study reports the short-term efficacy and safety of intravitreal conbercept injections for neovascularization at the disc (NVD) in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Conbercept is a recombinant fusion protein with a high affinity for all isoforms of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, placental growth factor and VEGF-B. A prospective case series study was conducted in 15 patients (15 eyes). Patients had complete ocular examinations and received a 0.5 mg intravitreal conbercept injection followed by supplemental pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP). Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was performed before and after treatment. Before treatment, the mean NVD area was 1.05 ± 0.33 mm2, and it decreased to 0.56 ± 0.17 mm2 after an interval of 7.5 d (p = 0.000). One eye required vitrectomy during follow-up. Recurrent NVD was observed in 2 eyes, which resolved after repeated injections. The remaining 12 eyes were stable over a mean follow-up period of 8.3 months. The mean area of the NVD in 14 patients without vitrectomy was 0.22 ± 0.11 mm2 (p = 0.000) at the last visit. Intravitreal conbercept injections combined with intensive PRP are an effective and safe treatment for PDR with NVD. Quantitative information on NVD can be obtained with OCTA, which may be clinically useful in evaluating the therapeutic effect.
Sea urchin histamine receptor 1 regulates programmed cell death in larval Strongylocentrotus purpuratus
Authors: Lutek Keegan , Dhaliwal Rasmeet Singh , Van Raay Terence J. , Heyland Andreas
Published: February 2018

Settlement is a rapid process in many marine invertebrate species, transitioning a planktonic larva into a benthic juvenile. In indirectly developing sea urchins, this ecological transition correlates with a morphological, developmental and physiological transition (metamorphosis) during which apoptosis is essential for the resorption and remodelling of larval and juvenile structures. While settlement is initiated by environmental cues (i.e. habitat-specific or benthic substrate cues), metamorphosis is regulated by developmental endocrine signals, such as histamine (HA), thyroid hormones (THs) and nitric oxide (NO). In the purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, we found that suH1R mRNA levels increase during larval development and peak during metamorphic competence. SuH1R positive cell clusters are prominently visible in the mouth region of sea urchin larvae, but the protein appears to be expressed at low levels throughout the larval arms and epidermis. SuH1R knock-down experiments in larval stages show that the function of suH1R is in inhibiting apoptosis. Our results therefore suggest that suH1R is regulating the metamorphic transition by inhibiting apoptosis. These results provide new insights into metamorphic mechanisms and have implications for our understanding of settlement and metamorphosis in the marine environment.
Clinical applications of infrared and Raman spectroscopy: state of play and future challenges
Authors: Baker Matthew J. , Byrne Hugh J. , Chalmers John , Gardner Peter , Goodacre Royston , Henderson Alex , Kazarian Sergei G. , Martin Francis L. , Moger Julian , Stone Nick , Sulé-Suso Josep
Published: February 2018

This review examines the state-of-the-art of clinical applications of infrared absorption and Raman spectroscopy, outstanding challenges, and progress towards translation.
Sensitive detection of formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase activity based on target-induced self-primed rolling circle amplification and magnetic nanoprobes
Authors: Song Juan , Yin Fei , Li Xia , Dong Na , Zhu Yingjie , Shao Yanan , Chen Baoli , Jiang Wei , Li Chen-zhong
Published: February 2018

We developed a novel approach to sensitive detection of formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase activity based on target-induced selfprimed rolling circle amplification and magnetic nanoprobes.
Shedding light on tau protein aggregation: the progress in developing highly selective fluorophores
Authors: Verwilst Peter , Kim Hyeong Seok , Kim Soobin , Kang Chulhun , Kim Jong Seung
Published: February 2018

The development of highly selective fluorophores for tau protein aggregates, a key feature of Alzheimer's disease, is highlighted.
Hybridizing semiconductor nanocrystals with metal–organic frameworks for visible and near-infrared photon upconversion
Authors: Amemori Shogo , Gupta Rakesh Kumar , Böhm Marcus Leo , Xiao James , Huynh Uyen , Oyama Tomoki , Kaneko Kenji , Rao Akshay , Yanai Nobuhiro , Kimizuka Nobuo
Published: February 2018

Solid upconverters consisting of semiconductor nanocrystals and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) show NIR-to-visible TTA-UC with large anti-stokes shifts.
Mechanochemistry and organic synthesis: from mystical to practical
Authors: Andersen J. , Mack J.
Published: February 2018

Mechanochemical knowledge and technology is leaving empiricism behind. What has been learned? And what secrets still remain in the blackbox?
Facile synthesis of a NiO/NiS hybrid and its use as an efficient electrode material for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Kim Sang-Yong , Gopi Chandu V. V. Muralee , Reddy Araveeti Eswar , Kim Hee-Je
Published: February 2018

Cost-effective NiO/NiS nanosheets decorated with nanoparticles were successfully fabricated on Ni foam by carrying out a simple two-step hydrothermal synthesis. The resultant NiO/NiS composite electrode exhibited better specific capacitance and cyclic stability than did a NiO electrode.
Diverse copper(iii) trifluoromethyl complexes with mono-, bi- and tridentate ligands and their versatile reactivity
Authors: Zhang Song-Lin , Xiao Chang , Wan Hai-Xing
Published: February 2018

Novel square planar (L)CuIII(CF3)3 (L = pyridine, 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine) complexes, which are fluxional in solution and versatile to enable various transformations, are isolated and characterized for the first time.
Computer simulations of the catalytic mechanism of wild-type and mutant β-phosphoglucomutase
Authors: Barrozo Alexandre , Liao Qinghua , Esguerra Mauricio , Marloie Gaël , Florián Jan , Williams Nicholas H. , Kamerlin Shina Caroline Lynn
Published: February 2018

β-Phosphoglucomutase (β-PGM) has served as an important model system for understanding biological phosphoryl transfer.
Evidence for a carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) of Tannerella forsythia NanH sialidase, key to interactions at the host–pathogen interface
Authors: Frey Andrew M. , Satur Marianne J. , Phansopa Chatchawal , Parker Jennifer L. , Bradshaw David , Pratten Jonathan , Stafford Graham P.
Published: February 2018

Bacterial sialidases cleave terminal sialic acid from a variety of host glycoproteins, and contribute to survival and growth of many human-dwelling bacterial species, including various pathogens. Tannerella forsythia, an oral, Gram-negative, fastidious anaerobe, is a key organism in periodontal disease and possesses a dedicated sialic acid utilisation and scavenging (nan) operon, including NanH sialidase. Here, we describe biochemical characterisation of recombinant NanH, including its action on host-relevant sialoglycans such as sialyl Lewis A and sialyl Lewis X (SLeA/X), and on human cell-attached sialic acids directly, uncovering that it is a highly active broad specificity sialidase. Furthermore, the N-terminal domain of NanH was hypothesised and proved to be capable of binding to a range of sialoglycans and non-sialylated derivatives with Kd in the micromolar range, as determined by steady-state tryptophan fluorescence spectroscopy, but it has no catalytic activity in isolation from the active site. We consider this domain to represent the founding member of a novel subfamily of carbohydrate-binding module (CBM), involved in glycosidase-ligand binding. In addition, we created a catalytically inactive version of the NanH enzyme (FRIP → YMAP) that retained its ability to bind sialic acid-containing ligands and revealed for the first time that binding activity of a CBM is enhanced by association with the catalytic domain. Finally, we investigated the importance of Lewis-type sialoglycans on T. forsythia–host interactions, showing that nanomolar amounts of SLeA/X were capable of reducing invasion of oral epithelial cells by T. forsythia, suggesting that these are key ligands for bacterial–cellular interactions during periodontal disease.
Maternal obesity increases the risk of metabolic disease and impacts renal health in offspring
Authors: Glastras Sarah J. , Chen Hui , Pollock Carol A. , Saad Sonia
Published: February 2018

Obesity, together with insulin resistance, promotes multiple metabolic abnormalities and is strongly associated with an increased risk of chronic disease including type 2 diabetes (T2D), hypertension, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The incidence of obesity continues to rise in astronomical proportions throughout the world and affects all the different stages of the lifespan. Importantly, the proportion of women of reproductive age who are overweight or obese is increasing at an alarming rate and has potential ramifications for offspring health and disease risk. Evidence suggests a strong link between the intrauterine environment and disease programming. The current review will describe the importance of the intrauterine environment in the development of metabolic disease, including kidney disease. It will detail the known mechanisms of fetal programming, including the role of epigenetic modulation. The evidence for the role of maternal obesity in the developmental programming of CKD is derived mostly from our rodent models which will be described. The clinical implication of such findings will also be discussed.
Research of omnidirectional measurement method to detect the errors of multi‐axis numerical control machine tool based on laser tracker
Authors: Wang Jindong , Guo Junjie , Li Haitao , Deng Yufen , Lu Junfeng
Published: February 2018

The detection of geometric errors of machine tool is very important in machine tool area. In this study, the omnidirectional measurement method is presented to achieve the quick and accurate detection of the geometric error of machine tool. The laser cat eye (target mirror) angle servo control system (SCS) is applied for improving measurement accuracy and efficiency. The design and principle of the SCS is proposed, and its application in omnidirectional measurement method is also analysed. The range of reflecting angle of the cat eye reflector is expanded because the cat eye reflector can rotate in the range of 360°. The SCS can not only optimise the layout of laser tracker but also decrease measuring time. Meanwhile, the corresponding measurement algorithm and error separation algorithm for linear axis and rotary axis of machine tool are deduced, and the simulations verify the feasibility of the algorithms derived. The experimental results show that the geometric errors of the multi‐axis machine tool can be quickly and accurately identified with the omnidirectional measurement method.
The coolest extremely low-mass white dwarfs
Authors: Calcaferro Leila M. , Althaus Leandro G. , Córsico Alejandro H.
Published: February 2018

Context. Extremely low-mass white dwarf (ELM WD; M⋆ ≲ 0.18–0.20 M⊙) stars are thought to be formed in binary systems via stable or unstable mass transfer. Although stable mass transfer predicts the formation of ELM WDs with thick hydrogen (H) envelopes that are characterized by dominant residual nuclear burning along the cooling branch, the formation of ELM WDs with thinner H envelopes from unstable mass loss cannot be discarded.

Aims. We compute new evolutionary sequences for helium (He) core WD stars with thin H envelopes with the main aim of assessing the lowest Teff that could be reached by this type of stars.

Methods. We generate a new grid of evolutionary sequences of He-core WD stars with thin H envelopes in the mass range from 0.1554 to 0.2025 M⊙, and assess the changes in both the cooling times and surface gravity induced by a reduction of the H envelope. We also determine, taking into account the predictions of progenitor evolution, the lowest Teff reached by the resulting ELM WDs.

Results. We find that a slight reduction in the H envelope yields a significant increase in the cooling rate of ELM WDs. Because of this, ELM WDs with thin H envelopes could cool down to ~2500 K, in contrast to their canonical counterparts that cool down to ~7000 K. In addition, we find that a reduction of the thickness of the H envelope markedly increases the surface gravity (g) of these stars.

Conclusions. If ELM WDs are formed with thin H envelopes, they could be detected at very low Teff. The detection of such cool ELM WDs would be indicative that they were formed with thin H envelopes, thus opening the possibility of placing constraints on the possible mechanisms of formation of this type of star. Last but not least, the increase in g due to the reduction of the H envelope leads to consequences in the spectroscopic determinations of these stars.
The largest renewable, easily exploitable, and economically sustainable energy resource
Authors: Abbate Giancarlo , Saraceno Eugenio
Published: February 2018

Sun, the ultimate energy resource of our planet, transfers energy to the Earth at an average power of 23,000 TW. Earth surface can be regarded as a huge panel transforming solar energy into a more convenient mechanical form, the wind. Since millennia wind is recognized as an exploitable form of energy and it is common knowledge that the higher you go, the stronger the winds flow. To go high is difficult; however Bill Gates cites high wind among possible energy miracles in the near future. Public awareness of this possible miracle is still missing, but today's technology is ready for it.
Towards TeV-scale electron-positron collisions: the Compact Linear Collider (CLIC)
Authors: Doebert Steffen , Sicking Eva
Published: February 2018

The Compact Linear Collider (CLIC), a future electron-positron collider at the energy frontier, has the potential to change our understanding of the universe. Proposed to follow the Large Hardron Collider (LHC) programme at CERN, it is conceived for precision measurements as well as for searches for new phenomena.
The First Example of Azole-Fused Cyclic Anhydride Reacting in the Castagnoli–Cushman Way
Authors: Krasavin Mikhail , Moreau Ella , Dar’in Dmitry
Published: February 2018

Pyrazole-fused cyclic anhydrides have been employed for the first time as the Castagnoli–Cushman reaction partners to produce hitherto unknown 4-oxo-4,5,6,7-tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrazine-7-carboxylates in remarkably convenient and speedy fashion. Attempts to realize the same chemistry with indole and benzimidazole analogues failed.
Annulation Reactions for Conjugated Ladder-Type Oligomers
Authors: Fang Lei , Kalin Alexander , Lee Jongbok
Published: February 2018

Conjugated ladder-type oligomers are a class of important functional organic materials. They possess intriguing properties stemming from their fully fused aromatic backbones. The construction of the ladder-type backbone relies on a ‘ladderization’ step, which may be accomplished through either kinetically or thermodynamically controlled annulation reactions. The attributes of these reactions are discussed, with relevant recent examples. The development of these reactions is key to continued advances and innovation in the field of organic conjugated materials.

1 Introduction

2 Kinetic Annulations

3 Thermodynamic Annulations

4 Future Outlooks and Conclusion
Synthesis of Dihydrospiro Furo[2,3-c]pyrazoles Promoted by Hypervalent Iodine in Water
Authors: Atmakur Krishnaiah , Kale Ashok , Medishetti Nagaraju , Bingi Chiranjeevi
Published: February 2018

A simple, green protocol has been accomplished for the synthesis of dihydrospirofuro[2,3-c]pyrazoles in aqueous medium involving pyrazolone and aldehydes in a one-pot reaction promoted by bis(acetoxy)iodobenzene (BAIB) at ambient temperature. The protocol presented herein describes a new transformation where two molecules of pyrazolone react with an aldehyde in a Knoevenagel condensation followed by a Michael addition, and the resulting dienol was rearranged to the title compound. High compatibility, easy work-up, and excellent yields are the advantages of this protocol.