bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gimap5-dependent inactivation of GSK3β is required for CD4+ T cell homeostasis and prevention of immune pathology
Authors: Patterson Andrew R. , Endale Mehari , Lampe Kristin , Aksoylar Halil I. , Flagg Aron , Woodgett Jim R. , Hildeman David , Jordan Michael B. , Singh Harinder , Kucuk Zeynep , Bleesing Jack , Hoebe Kasper
Published: January 2018

GTPase of immunity-associated protein 5 (Gimap5) is linked with lymphocyte survival, autoimmunity, and colitis, but its mechanisms of action are unclear. Here, we show that Gimap5 is essential for the inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) following T cell activation. In the absence of Gimap5, constitutive GSK3β activity constrains c-Myc induction and NFATc1 nuclear import, thereby limiting productive CD4+T cell proliferation. Additionally, Gimap5 facilitates Ser389 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of GSK3β, thereby limiting DNA damage in CD4+T cells. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition and genetic targeting of GSK3β can override Gimap5 deficiency in CD4+T cells and ameliorates immunopathology in mice. Finally, we show that a human patient with aGIMAP5loss-of-function mutation has lymphopenia and impaired T cell proliferation in vitro that can be rescued with GSK3 inhibitors. Given that the expression of Gimap5 is lymphocyte-restricted, we propose that its control of GSK3β is an important checkpoint in lymphocyte proliferation.
Population-Wide Genetic Risk Prediction of Complex Diseases: A Pilot Feasibility Study in Macau Population for Precision Public Healthcare Planning
Authors: Tsui Nancy B. Y. , Cheng Gregory , Chung Teresa , Lam Christopher W. K. , Yee Anita , Chung Peter K. C. , Kwan Tsz-Ki , Ko Elaine , He Daihai , Wong Wing-Tak , Lau Johnson Y. N. , Lau Lok Ting , Fok Manson
Published: January 2018

The genetic bases of many common diseases have been identified through genome-wide association studies in the past decade. However, the application of this approach on public healthcare planning has not been well established. Using Macau with population of around 650,000 as a basis, we conducted a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of population genomic research and its potential on public health decisions. By performing genome-wide SNP genotyping of over a thousand Macau individuals, we evaluated the population genetic risk profiles of 47 non-communicable diseases and traits, as well as two traits associated with influenza infection. We found that for most of the diseases, the genetic risks of Macau population were different from those of Caucasian, but with similar profile with mainland Chinese. We also identified a panel of diseases that Macau population may have a high or elevated genetic risks. This pilot study showed that (1) population genomic study is feasible in Asian regions like Macau; (2) Macau may have different profile of population-based genetic risks than Caucasians, (3) the different prevalence of genetic risk profile indicates the importance of Asian-specific studies for Asian populations; and (4) the results generated may have an impact for going forward healthcare planning.
On the tunneling time of ultracold atoms through a system of two mazer cavities
Authors: Badshah Fazal , Ge Guo-Qin , Irfan Muhammad , Qamar Sajid , Qamar Shahid
Published: January 2018

We study the resonant tunneling of ultraslow atoms through a system of high quality microwave cavities. We find that the phase tunneling time across the two coupled cavities exhibits more frequent resonances as compared to the single cavity interaction. The increased resonances are instrumental in the display of an alternate sub and superclassical character of the tunneling time along the momentum axis with increasing energies of the incident slow atoms. Here, the intercavity separation appears as an additional controlling parameter of the system that provides an efficient control of the superclassical behavior of the phase tunneling time. Further, we find that the phase time characteristics through two cavity system has the combined features of the tunneling through a double barrier and a double well arrangements.
A novel human induced pluripotent stem cell blood-brain barrier model: Applicability to study antibody-triggered receptor-mediated transcytosis
Authors: Ribecco-Lutkiewicz Maria , Sodja Caroline , Haukenfrers Julie , Haqqani Arsalan S. , Ly Dao , Zachar Peter , Baumann Ewa , Ball Marguerite , Huang Jez , Rukhlova Marina , Martina Marzia , Liu Qing , Stanimirovic Danica , Jezierski Anna , Bani-Yaghoub Mahmud
Published: January 2018

We have developed a renewable, scalable and transgene free human blood-brain barrier model, composed of brain endothelial cells (BECs), generated from human amniotic fluid derived induced pluripotent stem cells (AF-iPSC), which can also give rise to syngeneic neural cells of the neurovascular unit. These AF-iPSC-derived BECs (i-BEC) exhibited high transendothelial electrical resistance (up to 1500 Ω cm2) inducible by astrocyte-derived molecular cues and retinoic acid treatment, polarized expression of functional efflux transporters and receptor mediated transcytosis triggered by antibodies against specific receptors. In vitro human BBB models enable pre-clinical screening of central nervous system (CNS)-targeting drugs and are of particular importance for assessing species-specific/selective transport mechanisms. This i-BEC human BBB model discriminates species-selective antibody- mediated transcytosis mechanisms, is predictive of in vivo CNS exposure of rodent cross-reactive antibodies and can be implemented into pre-clinical CNS drug discovery and development processes.
Dynamic cellular phenotyping defines specific mobilization mechanisms of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells induced by SDF1α versus synthetic agents
Authors: Monzel Cornelia , Becker Alexandra S. , Saffrich Rainer , Wuchter Patrick , Eckstein Volker , Ho Anthony D. , Tanaka Motomu
Published: January 2018

Efficient mobilization of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) is one of the most crucial issues for harvesting an adequate amount of peripheral HSPC for successful clinical transplantation. Applying well-defined surrogate models for the bone marrow niche, live cell imaging techniques, and novel tools in statistical physics, we have quantified the functionality of two mobilization agents that have been applied in the clinic, NOX-A12 and AMD3100 (plerixafor), as compared to a naturally occurring chemokine in the bone marrow, SDF1α. We found that NOX-A12, an L-enantiomeric RNA oligonucleotide to SDF1, significantly reduced the adhesion of HSPC to the niche surface mediated via the CXCR4-SDF1α axis, and stretched the migration trajectories of the HSPC. We found that the stretching of trajectories by NOX-A12 was more prominent than that by SDF1α. In contrast, plerixafor exhibited no detectable interference with adhesion and migration. We also found that the deformation of HSPC induced by SDF1α or plerixafor was also drastically suppressed in the presence of NOX-A12. This novel technology of quantitative assessment of “dynamic phenotypes” by physical tools has therefore enabled us to define different mechanisms of function for various extrinsic factors compared to naturally occurring chemokines.
Spin-Orbit Effects on the Dynamical Properties of Polarons in Graphene Nanoribbons
Authors: Ribeiro Luiz Antônio , da Silva Gesiel Gomes , de Sousa Rafael Timóteo , de Almeida Fonseca Antonio Luciano , da Cunha Wiliam Ferreira , Silva Geraldo Magela e
Published: January 2018

The dynamical properties of polarons in armchair graphene nanoribbons (GNR) is numerically investigated in the framework of a two-dimensional tight-binding model that considers spin-orbit (SO) coupling and electron-lattice (e-l) interactions. Within this physical picture, novel polaron properties with no counterparts to results obtained from conventional tight-binding models are obtained. Our findings show that, depending on the system’s width, the presence of SO coupling changes the polaron’s charge localization giving rise to different degrees of stability for the charge carrier. For instance, the joint action of SO coupling and e-l interactions could promote a slight increase on the charge concentration in the center of the lattice deformation associated to the polaron. As a straightforward consequence, this process of increasing stability would lead to a depreciation in the polaron’s motion by decreasing its saturation velocity. Our finds are in good agreement with recent experimental investigations for the charge localization in GNR, mostly when it comes to the influence of SO coupling. Moreover, the contributions reported here provide a reliable method for future works to evaluate spin-orbit influence on the performance of graphene nanoribbons.
Convergent and Divergent Migratory Patterns of Human Neutrophils inside Microfluidic Mazes
Authors: Boneschansker Leo , Jorgensen Julianne , Ellett Felix , Briscoe David M. , Irimia Daniel
Published: January 2018

Neutrophils are key cellular components of the innate immune response and characteristically migrate from the blood towards and throughout tissues. Their migratory process is complex, guided by multiple chemoattractants released from injured tissues and microbes. How neutrophils integrate the various signals in the tissue microenvironment and mount effective responses is not fully understood. Here, we employed microfluidic mazes that replicate features of interstitial spaces and chemoattractant gradients within tissues to analyze the migration patterns of human neutrophils. We find that neutrophils respond to LTB4 and fMLF gradients with highly directional migration patterns and converge towards the source of chemoattractant. We named this directed migration pattern convergent. Moreover, neutrophils respond to gradients of C5a and IL-8 with a low-directionality migration pattern and disperse within mazes. We named this alternative migration pattern divergent. Inhibitors of MAP kinase and PI-3 kinase signaling pathways do not alter either convergent or divergent migration patterns, but reduce the number of responding neutrophils. Overlapping gradients of chemoattractants conserve the convergent and divergent migration patterns corresponding to each chemoattractant and have additive effects on the number of neutrophils migrating. These results suggest that convergent and divergent neutrophil migration-patterns are the result of simultaneous activation of multiple signaling pathways.
Damage-free plasma etching of porous organo-silicate low-k using micro-capillary condensation above −50 °C
Authors: Chanson R. , Zhang L. , Naumov S. , Mankelevich Yu. A. , Tillocher T. , Lefaucheux P. , Dussart R. , Gendt S. De , Marneffe J.-F. de
Published: January 2018

The micro-capillary condensation of a new high boiling point organic reagent (HBPO), is studied in a periodic mesoporous oxide (PMO) with ∼34 % porosity and k-value ∼2.3. At a partial pressure of 3 mT, the onset of micro-capillary condensation occurs around +20 °C and the low-k matrix is filled at −20 °C. The condensed phase shows high stability from −50 < T ≤−35 °C, and persists in the pores when the low-k is exposed to a SF6-based plasma discharge. The etching properties of a SF6-based 150W-biased plasma discharge, using as additive this new HBPO gas, shows that negligible damage can be achieved at −50 °C, with acceptable etch rates. The evolution of the damage depth as a function of time was studied without bias and indicates that Si-CH3 loss occurs principally through Si-C dissociation by VUV photons.
A heralded and error-rejecting three-photon hyper-parallel quantum gate through cavity-assisted interactions
Authors: Liu Ji-Zhen , Wei Hai-Rui , Chen Ning-Yang
Published: January 2018

Hyper-parallel quantum computation is a promising and fruitful area of research with its high capacity and low loss rate characters. In this paper, we propose a heralded, compact, scalable, and deterministic error-rejecting scheme for implementing three-photon hyper-parallel Toffoli gate simultaneously acting on polarization and spatial degrees of freedom. It is a practical and unity gate without strong coupling strength limitations, since the undesired performances caused by the side leakage and the limited coupling strength are detected by the single-photon detectors. The success of our proposal can be heralded by the detectors, and the efficiency can be further improved by repeating the operation processes when the detectors are clicked. The evaluation of gate performance with experimental parameters shows that it is feasible with current experimental technology.
Enhancing Thermal Transport in Layered Nanomaterials
Authors: Malhotra Abhinav , Kothari Kartik , Maldovan Martin
Published: January 2018

A comprehensive rational thermal material design paradigm requires the ability to reduce and enhance the thermal conductivities of nanomaterials. In contrast to the existing ability to reduce the thermal conductivity, methods that allow to enhance heat conduction are currently limited. Enhancing the nanoscale thermal conductivity could bring radical improvements in the performance of electronics, optoelectronics, and photovoltaic systems. Here, we show that enhanced thermal conductivities can be achieved in semiconductor nanostructures by rationally engineering phonon spectral coupling between materials. By embedding a germanium film between silicon layers, we show that its thermal conductivity can be increased by more than 100% at room temperature in contrast to a free standing thin-film. The injection of phonons from the cladding silicon layers creates the observed enhancement in thermal conductivity. We study the key factors underlying the phonon injection mechanism and find that the surface conditions and layer thicknesses play a determining role. The findings presented here will allow for the creation of nanomaterials with an increased thermal conductivity.
Phase space volume scaling of generalized entropies and anomalous diffusion scaling governed by corresponding non-linear Fokker-Planck equations
Authors: Czégel Dániel , Balogh Sámuel G. , Pollner Péter , Palla Gergely
Published: January 2018

Many physical, biological or social systems are governed by history-dependent dynamics or are composed of strongly interacting units, showing an extreme diversity of microscopic behaviour. Macroscopically, however, they can be efficiently modeled by generalizing concepts of the theory of Markovian, ergodic and weakly interacting stochastic processes. In this paper, we model stochastic processes by a family of generalized Fokker-Planck equations whose stationary solutions are equivalent to the maximum entropy distributions according to generalized entropies. We show that at asymptotically large times and volumes, the scaling exponent of the anomalous diffusion process described by the generalized Fokker-Planck equation and the phase space volume scaling exponent of the generalized entropy bijectively determine each other via a simple algebraic relation. This implies that these basic measures characterizing the transient and the stationary behaviour of the processes provide the same information regarding the asymptotic regime, and consequently, the classification of the processes given by these two exponents coincide.
Developmental delays and psychiatric diagnoses are elevated in offspring staying in prisons with their mothers
Authors: Kutuk Meryem Ozlem , Altintas Ebru , Tufan Ali Evren , Guler Gulen , Aslan Betul , Aytan Nurgul , Kutuk Ozgur
Published: January 2018

The aim of the study was to describe the sociodemographic and clinical features of the mothers and their offspring staying with them in prison. The study was planned as a cross-sectional, single-center study of mothers residing in Tarsus Closed Women’s Prison of Turkish Ministry of Justice along with their 0 to 6 years old offspring. Mothers were evaluated via Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders. A psychologist blind to maternal evaluations applied the Denver Developmental Screening Test II (DII-DST). Children/mothers were also evaluated by a child and adolescent psychiatrist via K-SADS-PL. Twenty-four mothers with a mean age of 29.3 years were included. Most common diagnoses in mothers were nicotine abuse (n = 17, 70.8%), specific phobia (n = 8, 33.3%), alcohol abuse (n = 7, 29.2%) and substance abuse (n = 5, 20.8%). Twenty-six children (53.9% female) were living with their mothers in prison, and the mean age of those was 26.3 months. Results of the D-II-DST were abnormal in 33.3% of the children. Most common diagnoses in children were adjustment disorder (n = 7, 26.9%) separation anxiety disorder (n = 3, 11.5%) and conduct disorder (n = 2, 7.7%). A multi-center study is necessary to reach that neglected/under-served population and address the inter-generational transmission of abuse, neglect, and psychopathology.
Comparative Analysis of Natural Radioactivity Content in Tiles made in Nigeria and Imported Tiles from China
Authors: Joel E. S. , Maxwell O. , Adewoyin O. O. , Ehi-Eromosele C. O. , Saeed M. A.
Published: January 2018

In this investigation, natural radioactive contents in tiles manufactured in Nigeria and tiles imported from China were measured using gamma ray spectroscopy. High Purity Germanium detector was used to estimate the concentrations of some radioisotopes present in 17 samples of various tiles from Nigeria and China. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K for the tiles were found to be 68.2 ± 0.5; 173.9 ± 9.2 and 490 ± 15 Bq/kg and 58.2 ± 0.5, 161.5 ± 9.4 and 455.7 ± 15.1 Bq/kg for the tiles from Nigeria and China respectively. Radiological hazard indices such as absorbed dose rate, radium equivalent activity, external Hazard Index (Hex), internal Hazard Index (Hin), Annual Effective Dose (mSv/y), Gamma activity Index (Iγ) and Alpha Index (Iα) were determined for both kind of tiles from Nigeria and China. The mean values obtained were: 354.56 and 317.16 Bq/kg; 169.22 nGyh−1 and 153.92 nGyh−1; 0.95 and 0.87; 1.14 and 1.08; 1.59 mSv/y and 1.52 mSv/y; 1 and 1.15 and; 0.34 and 0.29 respectively. The mean value of radium equivalent obtained in this study is less than that of the international reference value of 370 Bq/kg for the both kind of tiles.
Diverse functions of clusterin promote and protect against the development of pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Peix Lizzy , Evans Iona C. , Pearce David R. , Simpson Juliet K. , Maher Toby M. , McAnulty Robin J.
Published: January 2018

Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive scarring disorder of the lung with dismal prognosis and no curative therapy. Clusterin, an extracellular chaperone and regulator of cell functions, is reduced in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with pulmonary fibrosis. However, its distribution and role in normal and fibrotic human lung are incompletely characterized. Immunohistochemical localization of clusterin revealed strong staining associated with fibroblasts in control lung and morphologically normal areas of fibrotic lung but weak or undetectable staining in fibrotic regions and particularly fibroblastic foci. Clusterin also co-localized with elastin in vessel walls and additionally with amorphous elastin deposits in fibrotic lung. Analysis of primary lung fibroblast isolates in vitro confirmed the down-regulation of clusterin expression in fibrotic compared with control lung fibroblasts and further demonstrated that TGF-β1 is capable of down-regulating fibroblast clusterin expression. shRNA-mediated down-regulation of clusterin did not affect TGF-β1-induced fibroblast-myofibroblast differentiation but inhibited fibroblast proliferative responses and sensitized to apoptosis. Down-regulation of clusterin in fibrotic lung fibroblasts at least partly due to increased TGF-β1 may therefore represent an appropriate but insufficient response to limit fibroproliferation. Reduced expression of clusterin in the lung may also limit its extracellular chaperoning activity contributing to dysregulated deposition of extracellular matrix proteins.
Incubation temperature affects the expression of young precocial birds’ fear-related behaviours and neuroendocrine correlates
Authors: Bertin Aline , Calandreau Ludovic , Meurisse Maryse , Georgelin Marion , Palme Rupert , Lumineau Sophie , Houdelier Cécilia , Darmaillacq Anne-Sophie , Dickel Ludovic , Colson Violaine , Cornilleau Fabien , Rat Christophe , Delaveau Joel , Arnould Cécile
Published: January 2018

The influence of embryonic microclimate on the behavioural development of birds remains unexplored. In this study, we experimentally tested whether chronic exposure to suboptimal temperatures engendered plasticity in the expression of fear-related behaviours and in the expression of the corticotropin-releasing factor in the brains of domestic chicks (Gallus g. domesticus). We compared the neurobehavioural phenotypes of a control group of chicks incubated in an optimal thermal environment (37.8 °C) with those of a group of experimental chicks exposed chronicallyin ovoto suboptimal temperatures (27.2 °C for 1 hour twice a day). Chronic exposure to a suboptimal temperature delayed hatching and decreased growth rate and experimental chicks had higher neophobic responses than controls in novel food and novel environment tests. In addition, experimental chicks showed higher expression of corticotropin-releasing factor than did controls in nuclei of the amygdala, a structure involved in the regulation of fear-related behaviours. In this study, we report the first evidence of the strong but underappreciated role of incubation microclimate on the development of birds’ behaviour and its neurobiological correlates.
Macro-/Micro-Controlled 3D Lithium-Ion Batteries via Additive Manufacturing and Electric Field Processing
Authors: Li Jie , Liang Xinhua , Liou Frank , Park Jonghyun
Published: January 2018

This paper presents a new concept for making battery electrodes that can simultaneously control macro-/micro-structures and help address current energy storage technology gaps and future energy storage requirements. Modern batteries are fabricated in the form of laminated structures that are composed of randomly mixed constituent materials. This randomness in conventional methods can provide a possibility of developing new breakthrough processing techniques to build well-organized structures that can improve battery performance. In the proposed processing, an electric field (EF) controls the microstructures of manganese-based electrodes, while additive manufacturing controls macro-3D structures and the integration of both scales. The synergistic control of micro-/macro-structures is a novel concept in energy material processing that has considerable potential for providing unprecedented control of electrode structures, thereby enhancing performance. Electrochemical tests have shown that these new electrodes exhibit superior performance in their specific capacity, areal capacity, and life cycle.
Sewable soft shields for the γ-ray radiation
Authors: Gwon Seok Hyeon , Oh Jeong-Hwan , Kim Minseok , Choi Sooseok , Oh Kyu Hwan , Sun Jeong-Yun
Published: January 2018

Soft shields are required to protect the human body during a radioactive accident. However, the modulus of most soft shields, such as HDPE and epoxy, is high, thereby making it difficult to process them in wearable forms like gloves and clothes. We synthesized a soft shield based on a hydrogel that is very compliant, stretchable, and biocompatible. The shields were fabricated by integrating γ-ray-shield particles into hydrogels with an interpenetrating network. The soft shields containing 3.33 M of PbO2 exhibited a high attenuation coefficient (0.284 cm−1) and were stretched to 400% without a rupture. Furthermore, the fabricated soft shield can be sewn without a fabric support due to its high energy-dispersion ability. A wearable arm shield for the γ-ray radiation was demonstrated using a direct sewing of the soft-shield materials.
Self-assembling nanostructured intercalates via ion–dipole bonding
Authors: Dabbaghianamiri M. , Beall G. W.
Published: January 2018

A new system of highly ordered self-assembly intercalated polymer/clay nanocomposite is reported.
An upconversion nanoplatform with extracellular pH-driven tumor-targeting ability for improved photodynamic therapy
Authors: Ai Fujin , Wang Na , Zhang Xiaoman , Sun Tianying , Zhu Qi , Kong Wei , Wang Feng , Zhu Guangyu
Published: January 2018

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are widely utilized for photodynamic therapy (PDT) due to their specific upconverting luminescence that utilizes near infrared (NIR) light to excite photosensitizers (PSs) for PDT.
Substrate modified thermal stability of mono- and few-layer MoS2
Authors: Wang Xuewen , Fan Wen , Fan Ziwei , Dai Wanyu , Zhu Kunlei , Hong Shengzhe , Sun Yufei , Wu Junqiao , Liu Kai
Published: January 2018

Substrate modifies thermal stability of MoS2: on Al2O3or SiO2, monolayer appears more stable, while on mica, opposite behavior exists.
Encapsulation of Ni/Fe3O4 heterostructures inside onion-like N-doped carbon nanorods enables synergistic electrocatalysis for water oxidation
Authors: Liu Guang , Yao Rui , Zhao Yong , Wang Muheng , Li Na , Li Yibing , Bo Xin , Li Jinping , Zhao Chuan
Published: January 2018

One strategy for synergistic effects: Ni/Fe3O4@ONC nanorods are fabricated and a comprehensive enhancement in water oxidation performance is realized.
Mechanochromic MOF nanoplates: spatial molecular isolation of light-emitting guests in a sodalite framework structure
Authors: Chaudhari Abhijeet K. , Tan Jin-Chong
Published: January 2018

Mechanochromic materials have a wide range of promising technological applications, such as photonics-based sensors and smart optoelectronics.
Novel conformationally constrained 2′-C-methylribonucleosides: synthesis and incorporation into oligonucleotides
Authors: Vejlegaard Kim , Wegeberg Christina , McKee Vickie , Wengel Jesper
Published: January 2018

We have demonstrated the synthesis of ONs containing 2′-Me-locked nucleotide analogous (X) and (Y), and examined their biophysical properties.
PLP-independent racemization: mechanistic and mutational studies ofO-ureidoserine racemase (DcsC)
Authors: Ahn Yeong-Chan , Fischer Conrad , van Belkum Marco J. , Vederas John C.
Published: January 2018

Site-specific mutagenesis and inhibition ofO-ureidoserine racemase reveals mechanistic insights in the unique PLP-independent bioenzymatic racemization of amino acids.
NMR and experimental reinvestigation of the condensation reaction between γ-methylene-α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and propargyl aldehydes
Authors: Riveira Martín J. , Sarotti Ariel M.
Published: January 2018

An experimental and computational study of the reaction between γ-methylene enals and propargyl aldehydes uncovered a deconjugative aldol condensation.
Triaryl-1,4-diamine-based polysquaraines: effect of co-solvent and monomer insertion on optoelectronic properties
Authors: Garbay G. , Tailliez T. , Pavlopoulou E. , Oriou J. , Bezirdjoglou M. , Hadziioannou G. , Cloutet E. , Brochon C.
Published: January 2018

Emission of the synthesized polysquaraine (left) and CIE 1931 color space chromaticity diagram of the corresponding OLED (right).
Donor–acceptor conjugated ladder polymer via aromatization-driven thermodynamic annulation
Authors: Lee Jongbok , Kalin Alexander J. , Wang Chenxu , Early Julia T. , Al-Hashimi Mohammed , Fang Lei
Published: January 2018

The construction of coplanar conjugated ladder polymers featuring alternating donor–acceptor units has been achieved in high efficiency using ring-closing olefin metathesis.
Biomimetic total synthesis of homodimericin A
Authors: Long Xianwen , Huang Yunhong , Long Yang , Deng Jun
Published: January 2018

A practical total synthesis of homodimericin A has been achieved in 7 steps.
Qualitatively and quantitatively characterizing water adsorption of a cellulose nanofiber film using micro-FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Guo Xin , Liu Liu , Wu Junjie , Fan Jia , Wu Yiqiang
Published: January 2018

The efficient utilization of cellulose is very important for environmental protection and sustainability of resources.
Penicilazaphilones D and E: two new azaphilones from a sponge-derived strain of the fungus Penicillium sclerotiorum
Authors: Wang Chao-Yi , Hao Jun-Di , Ning Xing-Yan , Wu Jing-Shuai , Zhao Dong-Lin , Kong Chui-Jian , Shao Chang-Lun , Wang Chang-Yun
Published: January 2018

Two new azaphilones, penicilazaphilones D (1) and E (2), along with four known analogs (3–6), were obtained from the sponge-derived fungus Penicillium sclerotiorum.
Electronic and steric effects of substituents in 1,3-diphenylprop-2-yn-1-one during its reaction with Ru3(CO)12
Authors: Xu Lei , Li Shasha , Jiang Liping , Zhang Guofang , Zhang Weiqiang , Gao Ziwei
Published: January 2018

Electronic and steric effects of substituents of alkynyl ketones play important roles in regulating reaction pathways.
Comparative conformational analyses and molecular dynamics studies of glycylglycine methyl ester and glycylglycine N-methylamide
Authors: Thakkar Balmukund S. , Engh Richard A.
Published: January 2018

Amide–ester substitution and water models significantly alter conformational and solvation properties of glycine–glycine dipeptides.
A highly stable and hierarchical tetrathiafulvalene-based metal–organic framework with improved performance as a solid catalyst
Authors: Souto Manuel , Santiago-Portillo Andrea , Palomino Miguel , Vitórica-Yrezábal Iñigo J. , Vieira Bruno J. C. , Waerenborgh João C. , Valencia Susana , Navalón Sergio , Rey Fernando , García Hermenegildo , Mínguez Espallargas Guillermo
Published: January 2018

A highly stable Metal–Organic Framework with a hierarchical structure based on the Fe3O cluster and a TTF-based ligand is presented.
A zeolite-like aluminophosphate membrane with molecular-sieving property for water desalination
Authors: Wang Yanju , Zou Xiaoqin , Sun Lei , Rong Huazhen , Zhu Guangshan
Published: January 2018

A fascinating membrane material composed of polycrystalline zeolite-like aluminophosphate with narrow pore and high water uptake is well developed, which exhibits superior desalination performance in terms of excellent ion rejection and record water flux.
Highly sensitive and stable zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PSBEDOT) glucose biosensor
Authors: Wu Haiyan , Lee Chen-Jung , Wang Huifeng , Hu Yang , Young Megan , Han Yu , Xu Fu-Jian , Cong Hongbo , Cheng Gang
Published: January 2018

A zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PSBEDOT)-based glucose biosensor was fabricated via encapsulating glucose oxidase (GOx) in a one-step electropolymerization method.
The influence of phosphonic acid protonation state on the efficiency of bis(diimine)copper(i) dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Stephens Alexander J. , Malzner Frederik J. , Constable Edwin C. , Housecroft Catherine E.
Published: January 2018

The effects of a change in the protonation state of the phosphonic acid anchoring ligand in a heteroleptic copper(i) sensitizer on the performance of n-type dye-sensitized solar cells are presented.
Two-dimensional Fe3O4/MoS2 nanocomposites for a magnetorheological fluid with enhanced sedimentation stability
Authors: Wang Guangshuo , Ma Yingying , Cui Guohua , Li Nannan , Dong Xufeng
Published: January 2018

Superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were successfully deposited on the surface of MoS2 nanosheets (Fe3O4/MoS2) by a sonochemical method, and the obtained Fe3O4/MoS2 nanocomposites were used as a promising candidate for a magnetorheological (MR) fluid.
Triazine-based conjugated microporous polymers with N,N,N′,N′-tetraphenyl-1,4-phenylenediamine, 1,3,5-tris(diphenylamino)benzene and 1,3,5-tris[(3-methylphenyl)-phenylamino]benzene as the core for high iodine capture and fluorescence sensing of o-nitrophenol
Authors: Geng Tongmou , Ye Sainan , Zhu Zongming , Zhang Weiyong
Published: January 2018

A series of novel triazine-based conjugated microporous polymers were constructed via Friedel–Crafts polymerization.
Metal–organic framework@silica as a stationary phase sorbent for rapid and cost-effective removal of hexavalent chromium
Authors: El-Mehalmey Worood A. , Ibrahim Ahmed H. , Abugable Arwa A. , Hassan Mohamed H. , Haikal Rana R. , Karakalos Stavros G. , Zaki Omar , Alkordi Mohamed H.
Published: January 2018

A one-pot synthesis is described to construct a composite of the amino-derivative Zr carboxylate metal–organic framework and silica gel (UiO-66-NH2@silica) as an efficient solid sorbent for hexavalent chromium.
Two-dimensional nanostructures for sodium-ion battery anodes
Authors: Mao Jianfeng , Zhou Tengfei , Zheng Yang , Gao Hong , Liu Hua kun , Guo Zaiping
Published: January 2018

Two-dimensional (2D) nanostructures including 2D materials and composites containing 2D supports and active materials as sodium-ion battery anodes are reviewed.
Progress in internal/external stimuli responsive fluorescent carbon nanoparticles for theranostic and sensing applications
Authors: Mazrad Zihnil Adha Islamy , Lee Kyueui , Chae Ari , In Insik , Lee Haeshin , Park Sung Young
Published: January 2018

The research and development of fluorescent carbon nanoparticles, from their resources, synthesis method to applications in theranostic and sensing application have been attractive due to their unique properties.
Correction: Freezing temperature controlled deep eutectic solvent dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic droplets for rapid determination of benzoylureas residual in water samples with assistance of metallic salt
Authors: Yang Miyi , Hong Kun , Li Xiaoqiang , Ge Fangji , Tan Yuqing
Published: January 2018

Correction for ‘Freezing temperature controlled deep eutectic solvent dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic droplets for rapid determination of benzoylureas residual in water samples with assistance of metallic salt’ by Miyi Yang et al., RSC Adv., 2017, 7, 56528–56536.
Compact planar quasi‐Yagi antenna with band‐notched characteristic for WLAN and DSRC for ultra‐wideband applications
Authors: Yang Tianming , Yang Deqiang , Geng Dongdong
Published: January 2018

A compact planar quasi‐Yagi antenna with a wideband microstrip‐to‐slotline transition and a modified bow‐tie driver is designed with an enhanced bandwidth for precise indoor positioning applications. A compact interdigital capacitor loaded loop resonator with a high quality factor is placed inside the ring resonator at the end of the antenna's slot to realise band‐notched characteristics over a frequency range of 5.1–6.3 GHz, thus avoiding interference from wireless local area networks (WLANs) and dedicated short‐range communications (DSRCs). Measured results show that the proposed antenna obtains a relative impedance bandwidth, determined by the voltage standing wave ratio <2, higher than 122.6% (3.0–12.5 GHz) and a gain of 4.9–7.8 dBi outside of the stop band.
Energy‐efficient clustering algorithm for structured wireless sensor networks
Authors: Padmanaban Yuvaraj , Muthukumarasamy Manimozhi
Published: January 2018

Wireless communication is preferred in numerous sensing applications due to its convenience, cost‐effectiveness, and flexibility. Modern sensors are versatile to sense the environmental factors and send them wirelessly. The information collection centres prefer to collect confined clustered information from a group of sensors rather than collecting them from individual sensors. Good connectivity, speedy communication, and effective data gathering can be ensured in the network when a good clustering algorithm is utilized. In this paper, a simple and effective clustering algorithm called energy efficient structured clustering algorithm (EESCA) is proposed for the environmental monitoring fields. Cluster heads (CHs) are elected based on average communication distance and lingering energy. Further, a new parameter called cluster head to normal ratio (CTNR) is introduced to rotate the cluster head role among the nodes. The performance evaluation is carried out in terms of first node die (FND), simulation time, scalability, load balancing, and a new parameter called complete useful data percentage (CUDP). Simulations are conducted for three different network scenarios. Results are compared with the renowned existing algorithms low energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) and scalable energy efficient clustering hierarchy (SEECH) and it is proved that the proposed technique is beneficial for WSNs.
Audio–visual perception‐based multimodal HCI
Authors: Yang Shu , Guan Ye‐peng
Published: January 2018

Human–computer interaction (HCI) has great potential for applications in many fields. The diversity of interaction habits and low recognition rate are main factors to limit its development. In this paper, a framework of multi‐modality‐based HCI is constructed. The interactive target can be determined by different modalities including gaze, hand pointing and speech in a non‐contact and non‐wearable way. The corresponding response is fed back timely to users in the form of audio–visual sense with an immersive experience. Besides, the decision matrix‐based fusion strategy is proposed to improve the system's accuracy and adapt to different interaction habits which are considered in an ordinary hardware from a crowded scene without any hypothesis that the interactive user and his corresponding actions are known in advance. Experimental results have highlighted that the proposed method has better robustness and real‐time performance in the actual scene by comparisons.
VLA radio observations of AR Scorpii
Authors: Stanway E. R. , Marsh T. R. , Chote P. , Gänsicke B. T. , Steeghs D. , Wheatley P. J.
Published: January 2018

Aims. AR Scorpii is unique amongst known white dwarf binaries in showing powerful pulsations extending to radio frequencies. Here we aim to investigate the multi-frequency radio emission of AR Sco in detail, in order to constrain its origin and emission mechanisms.

Methods. We present interferometric radio frequency imaging of AR Sco at 1.5, 5 and 9 GHz, analysing the total flux and polarization behaviour of this source at high time resolution (10, 3 and 3 s), across a full 3.6 h orbital period in each band.

Results. We find strong modulation of the radio flux on the orbital period and the orbital sideband of the white dwarf’s spin period (also known as the “beat” period). This indicates that, like the optical flux, the radio flux arises predominantly from on or near the inner surface of the M-dwarf companion star. The beat-phase pulsations of AR Sco decrease in strength with decreasing frequency. They are strongest at 9 GHz and at an orbital phase ~0.5. Unlike the optical emission from this source, radio emission from AR Sco shows weak linear polarization but very strong circular polarization, reaching ~30% at an orbital phase ~0.8. We infer the probable existence of a non-relativistic cyclotron emission component, which dominates at low radio frequencies. Given the required magnetic fields, this also likely arises from on or near the M-dwarf.
Demenzsensibles Krankenhaus
Authors: Blumenrode Stefan
Published: January 2018

Das Projekt HuBerTDA Die Einweisung in ein Krankenhaus stellt für Menschen mit Demenz eine besondere Belastung dar. Um diese Patienten
bedürfnisorientiert zu behandeln und sensibel auf ihre Belange einzugehen, wurde am Klinikum Stuttgart das Projekt „Handeln im Hier und
Jetzt! BereiT zum Demenz- und Alterssensiblen Krankenhaus“ – kurz HuBerTDA – entwickelt. Unser Autor hat den Projektverlauf begleitet.
Muscle Thickness and Passive Muscle Stiffness in Elite Athletes: Implications of the Effect of Long-Term Daily Training on Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Chino Kentaro , Ohya Toshiyuki , Kato Emika , Suzuki Yasuhiro
Published: January 2018

To examine the effect of long-term daily training on athletes’ skeletal muscle, this study determined the relation between their muscle thickness and passive muscle stiffness, and compared the muscle thickness and muscle stiffness between athletes and non-athletes. Participants were elite Japanese athletes (278 men, 200 women) from various sports and non-athletes (35 men, 35 women). Rectus femoris (RF) muscle thickness was measured using B-mode ultrasonography and was normalized to the total body mass (muscle thickness/body mass1/3). RF passive muscle stiffness (shear modulus) was assessed by ultrasound shear-wave elastography. There was a negligibly significant correlation between muscle thickness and muscle stiffness in male athletes (p=0.003; r=−0.18) but not in female athletes (p=0.764; r=0.02). Among men, muscle thickness was significantly greater in athletes than non-athletes (p<0.001), whereas muscle stiffness was significantly less in athletes than non-athletes (p=0.020). Among women, muscle thickness was significantly greater in athletes than non-athletes (p<0.001), whereas muscle stiffness did not differ significantly between athletes and non-athletes (p=0.412). These results suggest that the effect of long-term daily training performed by athletes on muscle stiffness is more complicated than that on muscle thickness.
First-principles study of giant thermoelectric power in incommensurate TlInSe2
Authors: Ishikawa M. , Nakayama T. , Wakita K. , Shim Y. G. , Mamedov N.
Published: January 2018

Ternary thallium compound TlInSe2 exhibits a giant Seebeck effect below around 410 K, where Tl atoms form one dimensional incommensurate (IC) arrays. To clarify the origin of large thermoelectric power in the IC phase, the electronic properties of Tl-atom super-structured TlInSe2 were studied using the first-principles calculations. It was shown that the super-structures induce strong binding states between Se-p orbitals in the nearest neighboring layers and produce large density of states near lower conduction bands, which might be one of the origins to produce large thermoelectric power.
Absence of positive solutions to the system of differential inequalities on manifolds
Authors: Sun Yuhua
Published: January 2018

We investigate the nonexistence of positive solutions to a certain system of differential inequalities on a complete connected non-compact Riemannian manifold. We show that if for some reference point x0, the volume of geodesic ball μ(B(x0, r)) ≤ Crp ln q r holds for all large enough r and for some constant C, then there exists no positive solution to the system. Here the exponents p and q are sharp and cannot be relaxed.
A Highly Sensitive Femtosecond Time-Resolved Sum Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy System with Simultaneous Measurement of Multiple Polarization Combinations
Authors: Tan Junjun , Luo Yi , Ye Shuji
Published: January 2018

Characterization of real-time and ultrafast motions of the complex molecules at surface and interface is critical to understand how interfacial molecules function. It requires to develop surface-sensitive, fast-identification, and time-resolved techniques. In this study, we employ several key technical procedures and successfully develop a highly sensitive femtosecond time-resolved sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (SFG-VS) system. This system is able to measure the spectra with two polarization combinations (ssp and ppp, or psp and ssp) simultaneously. It takes less than several seconds to collect one spectrum. To the best of our knowledge, it is the fastest speed of collecting SFG spectra reported by now. Using the time-resolved measurement, ultrafast vibrational dynamics of the N–H mode of α-helical peptide at water interface is determined. It is found that the membrane environment does not affect the N–H vibrational relaxation dynamics. It is expected that the time-resolved SFG system will play a vital role in the deep understanding of the dynamics and interaction of the complex molecules at surface and interface. Our method may also provide an important technical proposal for the people who plan to develop time-resolved SFG systems with simultaneous measurement of multiple polarization combinations.
Coherent Exciton-Phonon Coupling in CdSe/ZnS Nanocrystals Studied by Two-Dimensional Electronic Spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Rui , Huang Xin-yu , Zhang Chun-feng , Wang Xiao-yong , Xiao Min
Published: January 2018

Coherent exciton-phonon coupling in CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals have been investigated by temperature-dependent two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy (2DES) measurements. Benefiting from the ability of 2DES to dissect assembles in nanocrystal films, we have clearly identified experimental evidences of coherent coupling between exciton and phonon in CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals. In time domain, 2DES signals of excitonic transitions beat at a frequency resonant to a longitudinal optical phonon mode; in energy domain, phonon side bands are distinct at both Stokes and anti-Stokes sides. When temperature increases, phonon-induced exciton dephasing is observed with dramatic broadening of homogeneous linewidth. The results suggest exciton-phonon coupling is essential in elucidating the quantum dynamics of excitonic transitions in semiconductor nanocrystals.
Models of nutrition-focused continuing education programs for nurses: a systematic review of the evidence
Authors: Mitchell Holly , Lucas Catherine , Charlton Karen , McMahon Anne
Published: January 2018

Nurses are well-positioned to provide basic nutrition education and reinforce nutrition messages to patients in hospital and primary care settings. Despite this, nurses may not receive adequate training to provide this service, and there is limited opportunity for nurses to engage in nutrition-focused continuing education (CE). The aim of this review was to determine whether nurse nutrition education results in improved knowledge and practices; and explore which models of CE for nutrition may be most acceptable and effective in practice. Web of Science and Scopus were searched for case-series studies published between 2000 and 2016 that investigated changes in nutrition knowledge of nurses and midwives. Only studies that could transcend to nurses providing patient nutrition education were included. Twelve articles met the eligibility criteria. Articles are explored in terms of mode of delivery, duration of intervention and educational strategies employed. Nutrition CE programs that are delivered face-to-face or by self-directed learning manuals, which utilise active learning strategies, are positively associated with improvements in nutrition knowledge. Web-based CE and self-directed learning may be favourable modes of delivery as they may assist in addressing resource and time contraints.
Engineered bio-inspired coating for passive flow control
Authors: Bocanegra Evans Humberto , Hamed Ali M. , Gorumlu Serdar , Doosttalab Ali , Aksak Burak , Chamorro Leonardo P. , Castillo Luciano
Published: January 2018

Significance

Flow separation on moving bodies has a negative effect on energy efficiency. Reducing recirculating regions is key in the design of energy-efficient systems. Efficient design decreases fuel consumption and pollutant emissions, including the systems’ carbon footprint. The engineered bio-inspired coating presented here aims to contribute in that direction. The relative ease of manufacturing and installation and its cost effectiveness, as well as its functionality under both wet and dry conditions, make it a versatile solution of potentially high impact in a broad range of applications, including transportation, wind power, and underwater vehicles.
Null surgery on knots in L-spaces
Authors: Ni Yi , Vafaee Faramarz
Published: January 2018

Let

K
K

be a knot in an L-space

Y
Y

with a Dehn surgery to a surface bundle over

S
1

S^1

. We prove that

K
K

is rationally fibered, that is, the knot complement admits a fibration over

S
1

S^1

. As part of the proof, we show that if

K
⊂
Y

K\subset Y

has a Dehn surgery to

S
1

×

S
2

S^1 \times S^2

, then

K
K

is rationally fibered. In the case that

K
K

admits some

S
1

×

S
2

S^1 \times S^2

surgery,

K
K

is Floer simple, that is, the rank of

H
F
K

^

(
Y
,
K
)

\widehat {HFK}(Y,K)

is equal to the order of

H
1

(
Y
)

H_1(Y)

. By combining the latter two facts, we deduce that the induced contact structure on the ambient manifold

Y
Y

is tight.

In a different direction, we show that if

K
K

is a knot in an L-space

Y
Y

, then any Thurston norm minimizing rational Seifert surface for

K
K

extends to a Thurston norm minimizing surface in the manifold obtained by the null surgery on

K
K

(i.e., the unique surgery on

K
K

with

b
1

>
0

b_1>0

).