bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced-quantum yield sulfur/nitrogen co-doped fluorescent carbon nanodots produced from biomass Enteromorpha prolifera: synthesis, posttreatment, applications and mechanism study
Authors: Xu Yuanhong , Li Dan , Liu Mengli , Niu Fushuang , Liu Jingquan , Wang Erkang
Published: June 2017

Enteromorpha prolifera (E. prolifera), one of the main algae genera for green tide, significantly influences both the coastal ecological environment and seawater quality. How to effectively utilize this waste as reproducible raw resource with credible application mechanism are urgent environmental issues to be solved. Herein, E. prolifera was converted to attractive fluorescent carbon nanodots (CNDs) by one-pot green hydrothermal process. The purity and quantum yields for the as-prepared CNDs can be enhanced upon the post-treatment of ethanol sedimentation. The CNDs can be well dispersed in aqueous medium with uniform spherical morphology, narrow size distribution and average size of 2.75 ± 0.12 nm. The ease synthesis and relatively high quantum yields of the CNDs make E. prolifera inexpensive benefit to the human and nature, such as applications in efficient cell imaging and fiber staining. Furthermore, it was discovered that the fluorescence intensity of the CNDs can be selectively quenched upon Fe3+ addition, which can be used for specific sensitive assay and removal of Fe3+ in aqueous medium. More importantly, it was reasonably proposed that the quenching was resulted from the synergistic effects of CNDs aggregation and Fe3+-CNDs charge-transfer transitions due to the coordination interactions between Fe3+ and the oxygenous groups on the CNDs.
Photonics and fracture toughness of heterogeneous composite materials
Authors: Antony S. Joseph , Okeke George , Tokgoz D. Deniz , Ozerkan N. Gozde
Published: June 2017

Fracture toughness measures the resistance of a material to fracture. This fundamental property is used in diverse engineering designs including mechanical, civil, materials, electronics and chemical engineering applications. In spite of the advancements made in the past 40 years, the evaluation of this remains challenging for extremely heterogeneous materials such as composite concretes. By taking advantage of the optical properties of a thin birefringent coating on the surface of opaque, notched composite concrete beams, here we sense the evolution of the maximum shear stress distribution on the beams under loading. The location of the maximum deviator stress is tracked ahead of the crack tip on the experimental concrete samples under the ultimate load, and hence the effective crack length is characterised. Using this, the fracture toughness of a number of heterogeneous composite beams is evaluated and the results compare favourably well with other conventional methods using combined experimental and numerical/analytical approaches. Finally a new model, correlating the optically measured shear stress concentration factor and flexural strength with the fracture toughness of concretes is proposed. The current photonics-based study could be vital in evaluating the fracture toughness of even opaque and complex heterogeneous materials more effectively in future.
Genotyping-by-sequencing reveals three QTL for clubroot resistance to six pathotypes of Plasmodiophora brassicae in Brassica rapa
Authors: Yu Fengqun , Zhang Xingguo , Peng Gary , Falk Kevin C. , Strelkov Stephen E. , Gossen Bruce D.
Published: June 2017

Clubroot, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, is an important disease of Brassica crops worldwide. F1 progeny from the Brassica rapa lines T19 (resistant) × ACDC (susceptible) were backcrossed with ACDC, then self-pollinated to produce BC1S1 lines, From genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) of the parental lines and BC1 plants, about 1.32 M sequences from T19 were aligned into the reference genome of B. rapa with 0.4-fold coverage, and 1.77 M sequences with 0.5-fold coverage in ACDC. The number of aligned short reads per plant in the BC1 ranged from 0.07 to 1.41 M sequences with 0.1-fold coverage. A total of 1584 high quality SNP loci were obtained, distributed on 10 chromosomes. A single co-localized QTL, designated as Rcr4 on chromosome A03, conferred resistance to pathotypes 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8. The peak was at SNP locus A03_23710236, where LOD values were 30.3 to 38.8, with phenotypic variation explained (PVE) of 85–95%. Two QTLs for resistance to a novel P. brassicae pathotype 5x, designated Rcr8 on chromosome A02 and Rcr9 on A08, were detected with 15.0 LOD and 15.8 LOD, and PVE of 36% and 39%, respectively. Bulked segregant analysis was performed to examine TIR-NBS-LRR proteins in the regions harboring the QTL.
Lateral multilayer/monolayer MoS2 heterojunction for high performance photodetector applications
Authors: Sun Mengxing , Xie Dan , Sun Yilin , Li Weiwei , Teng Changjiu , Xu Jianlong
Published: June 2017

Inspired by the unique, thickness-dependent energy band structure of 2D materials, we study the electronic and optical properties of the photodetector based on the as-exfoliated lateral multilayer/monolayer MoS2 heterojunction. Good gate-tunable current-rectifying characteristics are observed with a rectification ratio of 103 at Vgs = 10 V, which may offer an evidence on the existence of the heterojunction. Upon illumination from ultraviolet to visible light, the multilayer/monolayer MoS2 heterojunction shows outstanding photodetective performance, with a photoresponsivity of 103 A/W, a photosensitivity of 1.7 × 105 and a detectivity of 7 × 1010 Jones at 470 nm light illumination. Abnormal photoresponse under positive gate voltage is observed and analyzed, which indicates the important role of the heterojunction in the photocurrent generation process. We believe that these results contribute to a better understanding on the fundamental physics of band alignment for multilayer/monolayer MoS2 heterojunction and provide us a feasible solution for novel electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Coherent soft X-ray diffraction imaging of coliphage PR772 at the Linac coherent light source
Authors: Reddy Hemanth K.N. , Yoon Chun Hong , Aquila Andrew , Awel Salah , Ayyer Kartik , Barty Anton , Berntsen Peter , Bielecki Johan , Bobkov Sergey , Bucher Maximilian , Carini Gabriella A. , Carron Sebastian , Chapman Henry , Daurer Benedikt , DeMirci Hasan , Ekeberg Tomas , Fromme Petra , Hajdu Janos , Hanke Max Felix , Hart Philip , Hogue Brenda G. , Hosseinizadeh Ahmad , Kim Yoonhee , Kirian Richard A. , Kurta Ruslan P. , Larsson Daniel S.D. , Duane Loh N. , Maia Filipe R.N.C. , Mancuso Adrian P. , Mühlig Kerstin , Munke Anna , Nam Daewoong , Nettelblad Carl , Ourmazd Abbas , Rose Max , Schwander Peter , Seibert Marvin , Sellberg Jonas A. , Song Changyong , Spence John C.H. , Svenda Martin , Van der Schot Gijs , Vartanyants Ivan A. , Williams Garth J. , Xavier P. Lourdu
Published: June 2017

Single-particle diffraction from X-ray Free Electron Lasers offers the potential for molecular structure determination without the need for crystallization. In an effort to further develop the technique, we present a dataset of coherent soft X-ray diffraction images of Coliphage PR772 virus, collected at the Atomic Molecular Optics (AMO) beamline with pnCCD detectors in the LAMP instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source. The diameter of PR772 ranges from 65–70 nm, which is considerably smaller than the previously reported ~600 nm diameter Mimivirus. This reflects continued progress in XFEL-based single-particle imaging towards the single molecular imaging regime. The data set contains significantly more single particle hits than collected in previous experiments, enabling the development of improved statistical analysis, reconstruction algorithms, and quantitative metrics to determine resolution and self-consistency.
Muscovite mica as a growth template of PC61BM crystallites for organic photovoltaics
Authors: Feenstra Jon , van Eerden Maarten , Lemmens Alexander K. , de Poel Wester , Kouwer Paul H. J. , Rowan Alan E. , Schermer John J.
Published: June 2017

The processing conditions for and (local) performance benefits of epitaxially crystallized PC61BM for organic solar cells are investigated.
A robust analytical method for the determination of pesticide residues in wastewater
Authors: Jones L. , Kinsella B. , Forde K. , Furey A. , Regan F.
Published: June 2017

The aim of this research was to develop an analytical method for the detection and confirmation of 13 pesticide residues in wastewater.
A thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of solvent-enhanced selectivity in monophasic and biphasic reactor systems
Authors: Schwartz T. J. , Bond J. Q.
Published: June 2017

This work shows that selectivity control in biomass systems is governed by reactant solvation in both monophasic and biphasic systems.
A facile approach for graphdiyne preparation under atmosphere for an advanced battery anode
Authors: Zuo Zicheng , Shang Hong , Chen Yanhuan , Li Jiaofu , Liu Huibiao , Li Yongjun , Li Yuliang
Published: June 2017

An explosion approach was developed for efficiently preparing graphdiynes (GDYs) at 120 °C in air without any metal catalyst.
Alkaline electrochemical water oxidation with multi-shelled cobalt manganese oxide hollow spheres
Authors: Indra Arindam , Menezes Prashanth W. , Das Chittaranjan , Schmeißer Dieter , Driess Matthias
Published: June 2017

Promising multi-layered hollow spheres of cobalt manganese oxide catalysts have been synthesized which exhibit excellent water oxidation activity.
An N-heterocyclic carbene iridium catalyst with metal-centered chirality for enantioselective transfer hydrogenation of imines
Authors: Li Yanjun , Lei Meng , Yuan Wei , Meggers Eric , Gong Lei
Published: June 2017

A cyclometalating N-heterocyclic carbene iridium complex featuring metal-centered chirality has been developed for the highly enantioselective transfer hydrogenation of imines.
Construction and magnetic study of two new dysprosium complexes with chain or tetranuclear structure
Authors: Yang Jing , Ma Fang , Deng Xue-Bin , Sun Hao-Ling , Zhang Yi-Quan
Published: June 2017

Two novel dysprosium complexes with one-dimensional or tetranuclear structure exhibiting distinct slow magnetic relaxation were reported.
Five 1D to 3D Zn(ii)/Mn(ii)-CPs based on dicarboxyphenyl-terpyridine ligand: stepwise adsorptivity and magnetic properties
Authors: Bai Nan-Nan , Hou Lei , Gao Rui-Cheng , Liang Ji-Ye , Yang Fan , Wang Yao-Yu
Published: June 2017

Five coordination polymers with different dimensional structures have been solvothermally synthesized by utilizing H2dtp ligand. Complexes1and2reveal strong solid-state luminescence, and complexes3–5display antiferromagnetic exchange.
On the role of resonantly stabilized radicals in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) formation: pyrene and fluoranthene formation from benzyl–indenyl addition
Authors: Sinha Sourab , Rahman Ramees K. , Raj Abhijeet
Published: June 2017

Resonantly stabilized benzyl and indenyl radicals play a role in the formation of pyrene and fluoranthene.
Growth of germanium on Au(111): formation of germanene or intermixing of Au and Ge atoms?
Authors: Cantero Esteban D. , Solis Lara M. , Tong Yongfeng , Fuhr Javier D. , Martiarena María Luz , Grizzi Oscar , Sánchez Esteban A.
Published: June 2017

We studied the growth of Ge layers on Au(111) under ultra-high vacuum conditions from the submonolayer regime up to a few layers with Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM), Direct Recoiling Spectroscopy (DRS) and Low Energy Electron Diffraction (LEED).
How to efficiently tune the biradicaloid nature of acenes by chemical doping with boron and nitrogen
Authors: Pinheiro Max , Ferrão Luiz F. A. , Bettanin Fernanda , Aquino Adélia J. A. , Machado Francisco B. C. , Lischka Hans
Published: June 2017

Strong modulation of the biradical character of acenes with dopant positions is demonstrated by tracking the unpaired electron densities.
ORR viability of alumina-supported platinum nanocluster: exploring oxidation behaviour by DFT
Authors: Nigam Sandeep , Majumder Chiranjib
Published: June 2017

Despite abundant use of alumina-supported platinum nanoclusters as catalyst for various chemical reactions, their potential as an ORR catalyst is yet to be explored. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the viability of alumina supported platinum clusters as ORR catalysts.
Effect of physisorption of inert organic molecules on Au(111) surface electronic states
Authors: Mizushima Hirotaka , Koike Harunobu , Kuroda Kenta , Ishida Yukiaki , Nakayama Mitsuhiro , Mase Kazuhiko , Kondo Takeshi , Shin Shik , Kanai Kaname
Published: June 2017

The modification of the Au(111) Shockley surface state (SS) by an n-alkane molecule (n-tetratetracontane) monolayer was observed by angle-resolved ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy.
Plasmon-enhanced spectroscopy of absorption and spontaneous emissions explained using cavity quantum optics
Authors: Itoh Tamitake , Yamamoto Yuko S. , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this tutorial review is to provide a comprehensive explanation of all types of plasmon-enhanced spectroscopies by cavity quantum optics.
The development of anticancer ruthenium(ii) complexes: from single molecule compounds to nanomaterials
Authors: Zeng Leli , Gupta Pranav , Chen Yanglu , Wang Enju , Ji Liangnian , Chao Hui , Chen Zhe-Sheng
Published: June 2017

This review covers ruthenium(ii) complexes as anticancer drugs in single molecules and nanomaterials and includes targets, mechanisms, SAR, PDT and nano-systems.
Theoretical insights into the nature of synergistic enhancement in bimetallic CoTiAlPO-5 catalysts for ammonia activation
Authors: Potter M. E. , McColl K. , Corà F. , Levy A. B. , Raja R.
Published: June 2017

Bimetallic catalytic synergy, the concurrent action of two different metal ions in the same material, has resulted in improved efficiency in many catalytic systems and for a range of chemical processes.
Novel bifunctional DATA chelator for quick access to site-directed PET 68Ga-radiotracers: preclinical proof-of-principle with [Tyr3]octreotide
Authors: Nock Berthold A. , Kaloudi Aikaterini , Nagel Johannes , Sinnes Jean-Philippe , Roesch Frank , Maina Theodosia
Published: June 2017

Comparison of 68Ga-DATA-TOC vs. 68Ga-DOTA-TOC in sst2-positive cells and tumor-bearing mice revealed the suitability of DATA for easy access to 68Ga-labeled vectors.
Functionalized metal organic frameworks for effective capture of radioactive organic iodides
Authors: Li Baiyan , Dong Xinglong , Wang Hao , Ma Dingxuan , Tan Kui , Shi Zhan , Chabal Yves J. , Han Yu , Li Jing
Published: June 2017

Highly efficient capture of radioactive organic iodides (ROIs) from off-gas mixtures remains a substantial challenge for nuclear waste treatment. Current materials utilized for ROI sequestration suffer from low capacity, high cost (e.g. use of noble metals), and poor recyclability. Recently, we have developed a new strategy to tackle this challenge by functionalizing MOF materials with tertiary amines to create molecular traps for the effective capture and removal of ROIs (e.g. radioactive methyl iodide) from nuclear wastes. To further enhance the uptake capacity and performance of CH3I capture by ROI molecular traps, herein, we carry out a systematic study to investigate the effect of different amine molecules on ROI capture. The results demonstrate a record-high CH3I saturation uptake capacity of 80% for MIL-101–Cr–DMEDA at 150 °C, which is 5.3 times that of Ag0@MOR (15 wt%), a leading adsorbent material for capturing ROIs during nuclear fuel reprocessing. Furthermore, the CH3I decontamination factors (DFs) for MIL-101–Cr–DMEDA are as high as 5000 under simulated reprocessing conditions, largely exceeding that of facility regulatory requirements (DF = 3000). In addition, MIL-101–Cr–DMEDA can be recycled without loss of capacity, illustrating yet another advantage compared to known industrial adsorbents, which are typically of a “single-use” nature. Our analysis also shows that both physisorption and chemisorption of CH3I occur at the three amine-grafted MOFs. While chemisorption takes place at the amine functionalized sites, the amount of physisorption correlates with the MOF porosity. A possible binding site of amine–CH3I interaction has been identified via an in situ IR spectroscopic study. The results suggest that CH3I interacts strongly and directly with the tertiary nitrogen of the amine molecules. The CH3I uptake amount decreases as the amine chain length increases, in trend with the decreasing pore space of the corresponding framework. The strategy to build MOF-based molecular traps developed in this work not only leads to a new record-high performance for ROI capture, but also offers an effective way of systematically tuning the porosity by varying the length of functionalized amine molecules. This study also demonstrates that MOFs represent a promising new platform for selective capture and removal of radioactive nuclear waste.
Chemical composition and stability of renewable hydrocarbon products generated from a hydropyrolysis vapor upgrading process
Authors: Zhang Liang , Gong Kening , Lai Jinfeng , Alvey Paul
Published: June 2017

The unique feature of a two-step ex situ hydropyrolysis vapor upgrading process for producing infrastructure-compatible cellulosic biofuels has been demonstrated for the first time using a double fluidized-bed reactor system.
Solvent-free implementation of two dissimilar reactions using recyclable CuO nanoparticles under ball-milling conditions: synthesis of new oxindole-triazole pharmacophores
Authors: Vadivelu M. , Sugirdha S. , Dheenkumar P. , Arun Y. , Karthikeyan K. , Praveen C.
Published: June 2017

A mechanochemical approach for the solvent-free synthesis of oxindole-triazole pharmacophores using recyclable CuO nanoparticles has been developed.
Preparation of a new adsorbent expanded perlite@ZnO@reduced graphene oxide for the synergistic photocatalytic–adsorption removal of organic pollutants
Authors: Rabbani Mahboubeh , Haghverdi Marzieh , Heidari-Golafzani Mahdi , Rahimi Rahmatollah , Javaheri Kachousangi Marziye
Published: June 2017

In this work, nanocomposite of perlite@ZnO@reduced graphene oxide was successfully synthesized and characterized, then its photocatalytic activity was studied under the visible light irradiation.
First direct evidence of N-heterocyclic carbene in BMIm acetate ionic liquids. An electrochemical and chemical study on the role of temperature
Authors: Chiarotto I. , Feroci M. , Inesi A.
Published: June 2017

Cyclic voltammetry measurements provide the first direct evidence of N-heterocyclic carbene in neat 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ionic liquid at temperatures over 120 °C.
Construing the interactions between MnO2 nanoparticle and bovine serum albumin: insight into the structure and stability of a protein–nanoparticle complex
Authors: Baral Ayonbala , Satish Lakkoji , Das Dipti P. , Sahoo Harekrushna , Ghosh Malay K.
Published: June 2017

Systematic experimental investigation of MnO2–BSA complexes in terms of the structure and stability of the protein as well as the aggregation of the nanoparticle.
Biodegradable herbicidal ionic liquids based on synthetic auxins and analogues of betaine
Authors: Niemczak Michał , Chrzanowski Łukasz , Praczyk Tadeusz , Pernak Juliusz
Published: June 2017

Herbicidal ionic liquids derived from alkylbetaines proved to be biodegradable, thermally stable and highly effective anti-weed agents.
Photoelectrochemical properties and growth mechanism of varied ZnO nanostructures
Authors: Liu Zhifeng , Cai Qijun , Ma Chonghao , Zhang Jing , Liu Junqi
Published: June 2017

Herein, varied ZnO nanostructures have been fabricated and the mechanism of their transformation has been discussed.
A tensegrity driven DNA nanopore
Authors: Mendoza O. , Calmet P. , Alves I. , Lecomte S. , Raoux M. , Cullin C. , Elezgaray J.
Published: June 2017

Design and characterisation of a DNA nanopore which modifies its conductivity upon hybridization with a specific DNA signal.
One-pot synthesis of nanochain particles for targeting brain tumors
Authors: Perera V. S. , Covarrubias G. , Lorkowski M. , Atukorale P. , Rao A. , Raghunathan S. , Gopalakrishnan R. , Erokwu B. O. , Liu Y. , Dixit D. , Brady-Kalnay S. M. , Wilson D. , Flask C. , Rich J. , Peiris P. M. , Karathanasis E.
Published: June 2017

To synthesize multi-component nanochains, we developed a simple ‘one-pot’ synthesis, which exhibited high yield and consistency.
Strain-induced Stranski–Krastanov growth of Pd@Pt core–shell hexapods and octapods as electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation
Authors: Xiong Yalin , Ma Yanling , Li Junjie , Huang Jingbo , Yan Yucong , Zhang Hui , Wu Jianbo , Yang Deren
Published: June 2017

Pd@Pt core–shell hexapods and octapods were generated through the strain-induced Stranski–Krastanov growth mechanism and the hexapods exhibited the substantially enhanced catalytic properties towards methanol oxidation relative to the octapods and commercial Pt/C.
The Nature of Error Consistency in Individuals With Acquired Apraxia of Speech and Aphasia
Authors: Bislick Lauren , McNeil Malcolm , Spencer Kristie A. , Yorkston Kathryn , Kendall Diane L.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The primary characteristics used to define acquired apraxia of speech (AOS) have evolved to better reflect a disorder of motor planning/programming. However, there is debate regarding the feature of relatively consistent error location and type.

Method

Ten individuals with acquired AOS and aphasia and 11 individuals with aphasia without AOS participated in this study. In the context of a 2-group experimental design, error consistency was examined via 5 repetitions of 30 multisyllabic words. The influence of error rate, severity of impairment, and stimulus presentation condition (blocked vs. random) on error consistency was also explored, as well as between-groups differences in the types of errors produced.

Results

Groups performed similarly on consistency of error location; however, adults with AOS demonstrated greater variability of error type in a blocked presentation condition only. Stimulus presentation condition, error rate, and severity of impairment did not influence error consistency in either group. Groups differed in the production of phonetic errors (e.g., sound distortions) but not phonemic errors.

Conclusions

Overall, findings do not support relatively consistent errors as a differentiating characteristic of AOS.
Jaw Rotation in Dysarthria Measured With a Single Electromagnetic Articulography Sensor
Authors: Berry Jeff , Kolb Andrew , Schroeder James , Johnson Michael T.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This study evaluated a novel method for characterizing jaw rotation using orientation data from a single electromagnetic articulography sensor. This method was optimized for clinical application, and a preliminary examination of clinical feasibility and value was undertaken.

Method

The computational adequacy of the single-sensor orientation method was evaluated through comparisons of jaw-rotation histories calculated from dual-sensor positional data for 16 typical talkers. The clinical feasibility and potential value of single-sensor jaw rotation were assessed through comparisons of 7 talkers with dysarthria and 19 typical talkers in connected speech.

Results

The single-sensor orientation method allowed faster and safer participant preparation, required lower data-acquisition costs, and generated less high-frequency artifact than the dual-sensor positional approach. All talkers with dysarthria, regardless of severity, demonstrated jaw-rotation histories with more numerous changes in movement direction and reduced smoothness compared with typical talkers.

Conclusions

Results suggest that the single-sensor orientation method for calculating jaw rotation during speech is clinically feasible. Given the preliminary nature of this study and the small participant pool, the clinical value of such measures remains an open question. Further work must address the potential confound of reduced speaking rate on movement smoothness.
Acquired Apraxia of Speech: The Relationship Between Awareness of Errors in Word Productions and Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Mauszycki Shannon C. , Bailey Dallin J. , Wambaugh Julie L.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Awareness of errors has been considered a clinical feature of acquired apraxia of speech (AOS). However, there is limited research examining error awareness in speakers with AOS. The purpose of this investigation was to examine awareness of errors and explore the relationship between awareness of errors and treatment outcomes in speakers with AOS.

Method

Twenty speakers with AOS and aphasia produced mono- and multisyllabic words in a repetition task. Following each production, speakers were asked to judge the accuracy of their production (i.e., correct or incorrect). Then, speakers received Sound Production Treatment.

Results

Judgment accuracy of productions for the group ranged from 20% to 96%. There was a weak relationship between judgment accuracy and probe performance at posttreatment (
r
= .47) and a moderate relationship between judgment accuracy and probe performance at follow-up (
r
= .53).

Conclusion

Findings indicate that speakers with AOS varied in their ability to judge the accuracy of their productions. For some speakers, the ability to judge the accuracy of their productions did not coincide with their production accuracy of treatment stimuli at posttreatment and at follow-up. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between error awareness and treatment outcomes.
Speech Motor Sequence Learning: Effect of Parkinson Disease and Normal Aging on Dual-Task Performance
Authors: Whitfield Jason A. , Goberman Alexander M.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Everyday communication is carried out concurrently with other tasks. Therefore, determining how dual tasks interfere with newly learned speech motor skills can offer insight into the cognitive mechanisms underlying speech motor learning in Parkinson disease (PD). The current investigation examines a recently learned speech motor sequence under dual-task conditions.

Method

A previously learned sequence of 6 monosyllabic nonwords was examined using a dual-task paradigm. Participants repeated the sequence while concurrently performing a visuomotor task, and performance on both tasks was measured in single- and dual-task conditions.

Results

The younger adult group exhibited little to no dual-task interference on the accuracy and duration of the sequence. The older adult group exhibited variability in dual-task costs, with the group as a whole exhibiting an intermediate, though significant, amount of dual-task interference. The PD group exhibited the largest degree of bidirectional dual-task interference among all the groups.

Conclusions

These data suggest that PD affects the later stages of speech motor learning, as the dual-task condition interfered with production of the recently learned sequence beyond the effect of normal aging. Because the basal ganglia is critical for the later stages of motor sequence learning, the observed deficits may result from the underlying neural dysfunction associated with PD.
A Catalyzed Aerobic Intramolecular C–O Bond Formation: Facile Access to Ring-Fused Dihydrobenzoxazine Derivatives
Authors: Shang Xiao-Jie , Liu Zhong-Quan
Published: June 2017

A catalyst comprising of catalytic cobalt(II) acetate/copper(II) acetate/dl-tyrosine with oxygen as the oxidant allows aerobic intramolecular C–O bond construction in [2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)phenyl]methanol by free-radical promoted intramolecular selective functionalization of an (sp3)C–H bond by the alcohol, thus providing an environmentally friendly approach to 5H-benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1-b][1,3]oxazine derivatives.
A Rare Complication of TEVAR Performed for Complex Acute Stanford B Aortic Dissection
Authors: Awad George , Zardo Patrick , Baraki Hassina , Kutschka Ingo
Published: June 2017

Management of aortic dissection with a novel endovascular technique known as thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) paired with surgical debranching as a less invasive alternative to conventional repair has gained widespread acceptance. However, experience for complicated, Stanford type B dissection involving the aortic arch is still limited.
Ethics and Brain Death in Pediatrics: Recent Controversy and Practical Suggestions
Authors: Galbraith Kyle , Brothers Kyle , Bibler Trevor
Published: June 2017

Who decides when a child is dead? The story of Jahi McMath has brought this question into focus for pediatric intensivists, ethicists, and the American public. In this article, we address this question by arguing that medical professionals do not have an obligation to acquiesce when families insist upon postmortem therapies. To do so may harm the dignity of the child by subjecting him or her to procedures that objectify the body, damage the child's reputation, and violate his or her privacy. Applying this answer to the real world of pediatric intensive care, we suggest practices meant to preserve the dignity of the child while accepting that the family is struggling to understand the tragedy. Muddled communication or an unyielding attitude will fail to help the family understand and cope with the death of their young loved one. Clear and honest communication—in conjunction with an empathetic disposition—can improve pre- and postmortem care for both patient and family.
Fatal ulcerative enteritis of the small intestine in a patient with ulcerative colitis treated with vedolizumab
Authors: Monasterio Carmen , Schmitt-Gräff Annette , Pohl Matthias , Truschel Thomas , Warnatz Klaus , Kreisel Wolfgang , Thimme Robert , Hasselblatt Peter
Published: June 2017

Vedolizumab (VDZ) inhibits α4β7 integrins and is used to target intestinal immune responses in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, which is considered to be relatively safe. Here we report on a fatal complication following VDZ administration. A 64-year-old female patient with ulcerative colitis (UC) refractory to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors was treated with VDZ. One week after the second VDZ infusion, she was admitted to hospital with severe diarrhea and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Blood stream infections were ruled out, and endoscopy revealed extensive ulcerations of the small intestine covered with pseudomembranes, reminiscent of invasive candidiasis or mesenteric ischemia. Histology confirmed subtotal destruction of small intestinal epithelia and colonization with Candida. Moreover, small mesenteric vessels were occluded by hyaline thrombi, likely as a result of SIRS, while perfusion of large mesenteric vessels was not compromised. Beta-D-glucan concentrations were highly elevated, and antimycotic therapy was initiated for suspected invasive candidiasis but did not result in any clinical benefit. Given the non-responsiveness to anti-infective therapies, an autoimmune phenomenon was suspected and immunosuppressive therapy was escalated. However, the patient eventually died from multi-organ failure. This case should raise the awareness for rare but severe complications related to immunosuppressive therapy, particularly in high risk patients.
Schmutzige Wäsche
Authors: Müller H.V.
Published: June 2017

Erfolgreiche Mittelbestimmung bei einem zunächst anamnestisch ganz unergiebig erscheinenden schwer chronisch Kranken. Bestätigung von Carcinominsymptom. Das Mittel wird auch als Karzinosinum geführt.
Anhalonium
Authors: Müller H.V.
Published: June 2017

Bei diesem Fall von Anhalonium steht das Verbleiben in einem Traum, oder Kindheitswelt, die innere Unsicherheit und die paradoxe Willensorientierung im Vordergrund.
Die Pferdemauke und Herpes simplex
Authors: Müller H.V.
Published: June 2017

Zunächst wird das genaue Krankheitsbild der Mauke beim Pferd geschildert, wobei Vergleiche und Ergänzungen mit den Prüfungssymptomen der in eigener Praxis erlebten Aktivierung von 2 Mauke-Kranken empfohlen wird. Es folgt eine Aufführung von Malandrinum-Symptomen aus der englischsprachigen Literatur nach Allen und eine Zusammenfassung nach Julian. Die drei Bilder zeigen einmal den Patienten im Höhepunkt der Verschlimmerung und dann sein Gesicht, wie es im Stadium der Abschwellung und schließlich danach im normalen Zustand aussah.
Deterministic propagation of vortex-antivortex pairs in magnetic trilayers
Authors: Hierro-Rodriguez A. , Quirós C. , Sorrentino A. , Valcárcel R. , Estébanez I. , Alvarez-Prado L. M. , Martín J. I. , Alameda J. M. , Pereiro E. , Vélez M. , Ferrer S.
Published: June 2017

Thin perpendicular magnetic anisotropy films between two soft ferromagnetic layers have the nuclei for magnetization inversion at the bifurcations of their characteristic stripe domain pattern. The inverted nuclei induce vortex-antivortex pairs in the soft magnetic layers that exhibit a correlated motion extending several μm along the magnetic stripes during magnetization reversal. The sense of motion is completely determined by the topology of the magnetic bifurcations causing vortex-antivortex pairs to propagate in opposite senses depending on their polarities. This is a robust effect that might have practical applications. These findings are based on X-ray microscopy and micromagnetic calculations.
Use of micro-photoluminescence as a contactless measure of the 2D electron density in a GaAs quantum well
Authors: Kamburov D. , Baldwin K. W. , West K. W. , Lyon S. , Pfeiffer L. N. , Pinczuk A.
Published: June 2017

We compare micro-photoluminescence (μPL) as a measure of the electron density in a clean, two-dimensional (2D) system confined in a GaAs quantum well (QW) to the standard magneto-transport technique. Our study explores the PL shape evolution across a number of molecular beam epitaxy-grown samples with different QW widths and 2D electron densities and notes its correspondence with the density obtained in magneto-transport measurements on these samples. We also measure the 2D density in a top-gated quantum well sample using both PL and transport and find that the two techniques agree to within a few percent over a wide range of gate voltages. We find that the PL measurements are sensitive to gate-induced 2D density changes on the order of 109 electrons/cm2. The spatial resolution of the PL density measurement in our experiments is 40 μm, which is already substantially better than the millimeter-scale resolution now possible in spatial density mapping using magneto-transport. Our results establish that μPL can be used as a reliable high spatial resolution technique for future contactless measurements of density variations in a 2D electron system.
Control of the incubation time in the vapor-solid-solid growth of semiconductor nanowires
Authors: Orrù M. , den Hertog M. , Robin E. , Genuist Y. , André R. , Cibert J. , Bellet-Amalric E.
Published: June 2017

Nanowires grown in the vapor-solid-solid mode using solid gold nanoparticles as a catalyst may exhibit a strong fluctuation of their length mostly due to the presence of an incubation time with a large distribution. We show that this is efficiently cured by an appropriate preparation of the catalyst nanoparticle—in the case of ZnTe nanowires by adding a Zn flux during the dewetting process. While nanowires start at any time after dewetting in vacuum (resulting in a broad length distribution, up to a factor of 10), the incubation time is quite uniform after dewetting under Zn exposure. Residual fluctuations (reduced to below a factor of 2) are due to fluctuations of the nanoparticle size and to a change of the nanoparticle morphology during the growth.
Note: Laser-cut molybdenum grids for a retarding field energy analyzer
Authors: Landheer K. , Kobelev A. A. , Smirnov A. S. , Bosman J. , Deelen S. , Rossewij M. , de Waal A. C. , Poulios I. , Benschop A. F. , Schropp R. E. I. , Rath J. K.
Published: June 2017

A retarding field energy analyzer (RFEA) with grids created by laser-cutting a honeycomb mesh in a 50 μm thick molybdenum foil is presented. The flat grids span an area of 1 cm2 and have high transmission (20 μm wide walls between 150 μm wide meshes). The molybdenum grids were tested in a 3-grid RFEA configuration with an analyzer depth of 0.87 mm.
Chamber for mechanical testing in H2 with observation by neutron scattering
Authors: Connolly Matthew , Bradley Peter , Slifka Andrew , Drexler Elizabeth
Published: June 2017

A gas-pressure chamber has been designed, constructed, and tested at a moderate pressure (3.4 MPa, 500 psi) and has the capability of mechanical loading of steel specimens for neutron scattering measurements. The chamber will allow a variety of in situ neutron scattering measurements: in particular, diffraction, quasielastic scattering, inelastic scattering, and imaging. The chamber is compatible with load frames available at the user facilities at the NIST Center for Neutron Research and Oak Ridge National Laboratory Spallation Neutron Source. A demonstration of neutron Bragg edge imaging using the chamber is presented.
Continuously tuneable critical current in superconductor-ferromagnet multilayers
Authors: Curran P. J. , Kim J. , Satchell N. , Witt J. D. S. , Burnell G. , Flokstra M. G. , Lee S. L. , Bending S. J.
Published: June 2017

We demonstrate that the critical current of superconducting Nb/Ni multilayers can be continuously tuned by up to a factor of three during magnetization reversal of the Ni films under an applied in-plane magnetic field. Our observations are in reasonably good agreement with a model of vortex pinning by Bloch domain walls that proliferate in the samples during magnetization reversal, whereby each vortex interacts with at most one wall in any of the Ni layers. Our model suggests ways in which the controllable pinning effect could be significantly enhanced, with important potential applications in tuneable superconducting devices.
Characteristics and dispersity of a two gap capillary discharge applied for long spark gap ignition in air
Authors: Huang Dong , Yang Lanjun , Guo Haishan , Zhang Zhiyuan , Jiang Hongqiu , Xu Haipeng
Published: June 2017

In this paper, the characteristics and dispersity of a two gap capillary (TGC) discharge applied for long spark gap ignition are studied. Under the same discharge condition, 30 repetitive discharges are done to get a certain number of data samples. Accordingly, the change trend of the characteristics and the dispersity with the charging voltage of C1 are analyzed statistically. The delay of soft capillary discharge is determined by the saturation rate of the magnetic core of the pulse transformer and decreases with the increase in the charging voltage. The main discharge delay decreases from 1.0 kV to 2.0 kV and stops the decreasing trend when the charging voltage increases to 2.5 kV. In contrast, the current amplitude of soft capillary discharge and main discharge increases with charging voltage. Long tail extinction is witnessed at the charging voltage of 1.0 kV and the major cause is the insufficient pressure in the post discharge. The waveform of the capillary arc resistivity is U-like shape and the minimum resistivity decreases with the increase in the charging voltage. Meanwhile, the arc resistivity in the ascending stage is much higher than that in the descending stage with the same value of the discharge current. The energy consumption of the TGC discharge can be mainly divided into four parts and more than 70% of the energy is consumed in main discharge.
Surface passivation of n-type doped black silicon by atomic-layer-deposited SiO2/Al2O3 stacks
Authors: van de Loo B. W. H. , Ingenito A. , Verheijen M. A. , Isabella O. , Zeman M. , Kessels W. M. M.
Published: June 2017

Black silicon (b-Si) nanotextures can significantly enhance the light absorption of crystalline silicon solar cells. Nevertheless, for a successful application of b-Si textures in industrially relevant solar cell architectures, it is imperative that charge-carrier recombination at particularly highly n-type doped black Si surfaces is further suppressed. In this work, this issue is addressed through systematically studying lowly and highly doped b-Si surfaces, which are passivated by atomic-layer-deposited Al2O3 films or SiO2/Al2O3 stacks. In lowly doped b-Si textures, a very low surface recombination prefactor of 16 fA/cm2 was found after surface passivation by Al2O3. The excellent passivation was achieved after a dedicated wet-chemical treatment prior to surface passivation, which removed structural defects which resided below the b-Si surface. On highly n-type doped b-Si, the SiO2/Al2O3 stacks result in a considerable improvement in surface passivation compared to the Al2O3 single layers. The atomic-layer-deposited SiO2/Al2O3 stacks therefore provide a low-temperature, industrially viable passivation method, enabling the application of highly n- type doped b-Si nanotextures in industrial silicon solar cells.
Highly accurate intensity factors of pure CO2 lines near 2 μm
Authors: Odintsova T. A. , Fasci E. , Moretti L. , Zak E. J. , Polyansky O. L. , Tennyson J. , Gianfrani L. , Castrillo A.
Published: June 2017

Line intensities for carbon dioxide are measured with a novel spectroscopic approach, assisted by an optical frequency comb synthesizer for frequency calibration purposes. The main feature of the spectrometer consists in the exploitation of optical feedback from a V-shaped high-finesse optical resonator to effectively narrow a distributed feedback diode laser at the wavelength of 2 μm. Laser-gas interaction takes place inside an isothermal cell, which is placed on the transmission from the cavity. High quality, self-calibrated, absorption spectra are observed in pure CO2 samples at different gas pressures, in coincidence with three lines of the R-branch of the ν1 + 2ν2 + ν3 band. Line intensities are determined using a global fitting approach in which a manifold of spectra are simultaneously analyzed across the range of pressures between 5 and 100 Torr, sharing a restricted number of unknown parameters. Various sources of uncertainty have been identified and carefully quantified, thus leading to an overall uncertainty ranging between 0.17% and 0.23%. The measured values are in a very good agreement with recent ab initio predictions.
Multilevel control of the metastable states in a manganite film
Authors: Jin Feng , Feng Qiyuan , Guo Zhuang , Lan Da , Chen Binbin , Xu Haoran , Wang Ze , Wang Lingfei , Gao Guanyin , Chen Feng , Lu Qingyou , Wu Wenbin
Published: June 2017

For high density memory applications, the dynamic switching between multilevel resistance states per cell is highly desirable, and for oxide-based memory devices, the multistate operation has been actively explored. We have previously shown that for La2/3Ca1/3MnO3 films, the antiferromagnetic charge-ordered-insulator (COI) phase can be induced via the anisotropic epitaxial strain, and it competes with the doping-determined ferromagnetic-metal (FMM) ground state in a wide temperature range. Here, we show that for the phase competitions, in various magnetic fields and/or thermal cycling, the reappearance of the COI phase and thus the resistance and magnetization can be manipulated and quantified in a multilevel manner at lower temperatures. Furthermore, by using a high-field magnetic force microscope, we image the COI/FMM domain structures in accordance with the transport measurements, and find that the evolving domains or the phase fraction ratios do underline the metastability of the reappeared COI droplets, possibly protected by the energy barriers due to accommodation strain. These results may add new insights into the design and fabrication of future multilevel memory cells.
Electron kinetic energy and plasma emission diagnosis from femtosecond laser produced air plasmas
Authors: Heins A. , Singh S. C. , Guo C.
Published: June 2017

The characteristics of a plasma formed by a focused ultrashort laser in atmospheric-pressure air are studied with linear and circular pulses. We show that the ionization threshold for circular pulses is 1.36 times higher than for that linear pulses. Using an intensified CCD camera, we study plasma emission over seven orders of magnitude in a dynamic range. In spite of possessing a lower total ion number, plasmas produced by circular pulses are found to be brighter visible-light emitters than those produced by linear pulses of the same energy. This indicates that circular pulses produce plasmas with more electron kinetic energy than linear pulses and that kinetic energy plays a role in the optical emission intensity. The presence of high energy electrons is verified by demonstrating that a high-ionization-potential gas can be made to radiate more brightly by the addition of a low-ionization-potential gas even though the second gas lowers the achievable focal intensity.
Directly generating orbital angular momentum in second-harmonic waves with a spirally poled nonlinear photonic crystal
Authors: Wei Dunzhao , Zhu Yunzhi , Zhong Weihao , Cui Guoxin , Wang Huijun , He Ying , Zhang Yong , Lu Yanqing , Xiao Min
Published: June 2017

Based on nonlinear holography, we propose a 2D spirally poled LiNbO3 nonlinear photonic crystal that generates orbital angular momentum (OAM) states of second-harmonic (SH) waves. In this crystal, the generated SH waves from positive and negative domains have a π phase difference, which is used to compose a nonlinear Fresnel zone plate for an experimental demonstration of generating SH OAM states at the designed focusing spot. In addition, the crystal can be used to detect input OAM states of fundamental beams without significantly disturbing their wave fronts.
Functional selectivity for face processing in the temporal voice area of early deaf individuals
Authors: Benetti Stefania , van Ackeren Markus J. , Rabini Giuseppe , Zonca Joshua , Foa Valentina , Baruffaldi Francesca , Rezk Mohamed , Pavani Francesco , Rossion Bruno , Collignon Olivier
Published: June 2017

Significance

Here, we show that deaf individuals activate a specific and discrete subregion of the temporal cortex, typically selective to voices in hearing people, for visual face processing. This reorganized “voice” region participates in face identity processing and responds selectively to faces early in time, suggesting that this area becomes an integral part of the face network in early deaf individuals. Observing that face processing selectively colonizes a region of the hearing brain that is functionally related to identity processing evidences the intrinsic constraints imposed to cross-modal plasticity. Our work therefore supports the view that, even if brain components modify their sensory tuning in case of deprivation, they maintain a relation to the computational structure of the problems they solve.
Chimpanzee super strength and human skeletal muscle evolution
Authors: O’Neill Matthew C. , Umberger Brian R. , Holowka Nicholas B. , Larson Susan G. , Reiser Peter J.
Published: June 2017

Significance

Chimpanzee “super strength” has been widely reported since the 1920s although a critical review of the available data suggests that the chimpanzee–human muscular performance differential is only ∼1.5 times. Some hypothesize that this differential reflects underlying differences in muscle mechanics. Here, we present direct measurements of chimpanzee skeletal muscle properties in comparison with those of humans and other terrestrial mammals. Our results show that chimpanzee muscle exceeds human muscle in maximum dynamic force and power output by ∼1.35 times. This is primarily due to the chimpanzee’s higher fast-twitch fiber content, rather than exceptional maximum isometric force or maximum shortening velocities. We suggest that muscular performance capabilities declined during hominin evolution in response to selection for repetitive, low-cost contractile behavior.