bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequential dielectric phase transitions induced by the vibrations of water molecules in an organic–inorganic hybrid halide (N-(2-ammoniumethyl)piperazinium) CuCl5·2H2O
Authors: Wang Zhongxia , Lu Yang , Zafar Zainab , Liu Yu-Ling , Chen Hai-Peng , Ge Jia-Zhen
Published: July 2017

An organic–inorganic hybrid compound (N-(2-ammoniumethyl)piperazinium)CuCl5·2H2O shows sequential dielectric phase transitions induced by the vibrations of water molecules.
Construction and preparation of novel 2D metal-free few-layer BN modified graphene-like g-C3N4 with enhanced photocatalytic performance
Authors: Gu Jiemin , Yan Jia , Chen Zhigang , Ji Haiyan , Song Yanhua , Fan Yamin , Xu Hui , Li Huaming
Published: July 2017

Novel two-dimensional (2D) metal-free few-layer BN/graphene-like g-C3N4 (2D BN/g-C3N4) composites have been synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method.
A mild post-functionalization method for the vanadium substituted P2W15V3 Wells–Dawson polyoxometalate based on a copper catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition
Authors: Vanhaecht S. , Quanten T. , Parac-Vogt T. N.
Published: July 2017

A novel post-functionalization method for the vanadium substituted P2W15V3 Wells–Dawson polyoxometalate has been developed using a copper catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition.
Synergizing graphene oxide with microwave irradiation for efficient cellulose depolymerization into glucose
Authors: Mission Elaine G. , Quitain Armando T. , Sasaki Mitsuru , Kida Tetsuya
Published: July 2017

Schematic representation of the depolymerization of cellulose into glucose through the synergy of microwave and graphene oxide resulting to 61 wt% yield in one hour without pretreatment.
AC electric field controlled non-Newtonian filament thinning and droplet formation on the microscale
Authors: Huang Y. , Wang Y. L. , Wong T. N.
Published: July 2017

We investigate the AC electric field controlled filament thinning and droplet formation dynamics of one non-Newtonian fluid. Furthermore, for the first time, we quantitatively measure the flow field of the non-Newtonian droplet formation under the influence of AC electric field, via a high-speed micro particle imaging velocimetry (μPIV) system. We discover the viscoelasticity contributes to the discrepancies majorly.
A comparative review of computational methods for pathway perturbation analysis: dynamical and topological perspectives
Authors: Vanhaelen Q. , Aliper A. M. , Zhavoronkov A.
Published: July 2017

Stem cells offer great promise within the field of regenerative medicine but despite encouraging results, the large scale use of stem cells for therapeutic applications still faces challenges when it comes to controlling signaling pathway responses with respect to environmental perturbations.
Coarse-grained simulations of conformational changes in the multidrug efflux transporter AcrB
Authors: Jewel Yead , Liu Jin , Dutta Prashanta
Published: July 2017

Deprotonation of Asp408 in the transmembrane domain induces opening of the cleft and closing of the exit in the porter domain.
A theoretical elucidation: why does a SO3H-functionalized imidazolium-based ionic liquid catalyze the conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to levulinic acid?
Authors: Li Jingjing , Jing Yaru , Liu Chengbu , Zhang Dongju
Published: July 2017

DFT calculations show a clear picture of how a SO3H-functionalized imidazolium-based ionic liquid catalyzes the conversion of 5-HMF to LA.
Crystal engineering of a series of complexes and coordination polymers based on pyrazole-carboxylic acid ligands
Authors: Radi Smaail , El-Massaoudi Mohamed , Benaissa Houria , Adarsh N. N. , Ferbinteanu Marilena , Devlin Eamonn , Sanakis Yiannis , Garcia Yann
Published: July 2017

Three new complexes and two coordination polymers have been synthesized.
Synthesis and properties of a series of β-cyclodextrin/nitrone spin traps for improved superoxide detection
Authors: Poulhès Florent , Rizzato Egon , Bernasconi Patrick , Rosas Roselyne , Viel Stéphane , Jicsinszky Laszlo , Rockenbauer Antal , Bardelang David , Siri Didier , Gaudel-Siri Anouk , Karoui Hakim , Hardy Micaël , Ouari Olivier
Published: July 2017

Improved EPR detection of superoxide radicals: cyclodextrin assisted spin trapping!.
Rapid and selective synthesis of spiropyrazolines and pyrazolylphthalides employing Seyferth–Gilbert reagent
Authors: Gupta Ashis Kumar , Vaishanv Narendra Kumar , Kant Ruchir , Mohanan Kishor
Published: July 2017

An efficient protocol for the selective synthesis of spiropyrazoline phosphonates and pyrazolylphthalides employing Seyferth–Gilbert reagent is reported.
Facile synthesis of benzo[b]thiophenes via metal-free radical-triggered intramolecular C–S bond formation
Authors: Fan Wei , Chen Kwong-Yuen , Chen Qi-Peng , Li Guigen , Jiang Bo
Published: July 2017

A facile method for the synthesis of benzo[b]thiophenes with good to excellent yields via metal-free intramolecular C–S bond formation has been developed by utilizing I2 as a catalyst and O2 from air as an oxidant (20 examples).
Superhemophobic titania nanotube array surfaces for blood contacting medical devices
Authors: Bartlet Kevin , Movafaghi Sanli , Kota Arun , Popat Ketul C.
Published: July 2017

Appropriate hemocompatible response for blood-contacting medical devices is necessary to prevent device failure.
Nontoxic (CH3NH3)3Bi2I9 perovskite solar cells free of hole conductors with an alternative architectural design and a solution-processable approach
Authors: Kong Mengqin , Hu Hang , Wan Li , Chen Miaomiao , Gan Yisheng , Wang Jia , Chen Fengxiang , Dong Binghai , Eder Dominik , Wang Shimin
Published: July 2017

Methylammonium iodide bismuthate ((CH3NH3)3Bi2I9) (MBI) perovskite was introduced as a new lead-free and air-stable absorber for hole conductor-free perovskite solar cells.
A global potential energy surface and dynamics study of the Au+ + H2 → H + Au+H reaction
Authors: Wang Shufen , He Di , Li Wentao , Chen Maodu
Published: July 2017

A global potential energy surface (PES) of the ground state of the Au+H2 system was constructed using a neural network method with permutation invariant polynomials.
Effect of structural optimization on the photovoltaic performance of dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrrole-based dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Zhang Hai , Iqbal Zafar , Chen Zhen-E. , Hong Yan-Ping
Published: July 2017

Five novel organic push–pull dyes, DT, CD-T, TD-T, CD-C and TD-P, based on carbazole or triphenylamine as donors, dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrrole as a π-spacer and cyanoacetic acid as an acceptor were synthesized, and their structures were optimized for DSSCs.
Anchovy-derived nitrogen and sulfur co-doped porous carbon materials for high-performance supercapacitors and dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Kim Chang Ki , Choi In Taek , Kang Sung Ho , Kim Hwan Kyu
Published: July 2017

Anchovy-derived nitrogen and sulfur co-doped porous carbons (AnCs) were prepared by a simple carbonization and alkali activation method for use as superior electrodes in supercapacitors and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
Neoansamycins from Streptomyces sp. LZ35
Authors: Liu Mengyujie , Lu Chunhua , Tang Ruocong , Li Shanren , Wang Haoxin , Shen Yuemao
Published: July 2017

Neoansamycins D–I with unusual extender units and diverse post-PKS modifications were isolated from the Streptomyces sp. SR201nam1OE strain.
Comparison between single loading–unloading indentation and continuous stiffness indentation
Authors: Jia Yun-Fei , Cui Yuan-Yuan , Xuan Fu-Zhen , Yang Fuqian
Published: July 2017

SEM images of indents and variation of a “constant” value of indentation hardness of fused silica with the indentation strain rate.
The dependence of silver nanowire stability on network composition and processing parameters
Authors: Deignan Geoffrey , Goldthorpe Irene A.
Published: July 2017

Variables such as nanowire diameter and density are found to have a significant effect on the degradation of silver nanowires.
Micro- and nano-patterned elastin-like polypeptide hydrogels for stem cell culture
Authors: Paul A. , Stührenberg M. , Chen S. , Rhee D. , Lee W.-K. , Odom T. W. , Heilshorn S. C. , Enejder A.
Published: July 2017

Submicron-sized patterns were imprinted into soft, engineered-protein materials to induce stem-cell alignment and were characterized using coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering.
Grafting of nano-Ag particles on –SO3−-coated nanopolymers for promoting methane hydrate formation
Authors: Wang Fei , Guo Gang , Luo Sheng-Jun , Guo Rong-Bo
Published: July 2017

Ag&–SO3−-coated nano-promoters facilitated methane hydrate formation, which was complete within 1 h with the storage capacity reaching about 150 v/v.
Influence of Cu2+ doping concentration on the catalytic activity of CuxCo3−xO4 for rechargeable Li–O2 batteries
Authors: He Lewei , Wang Youwei , Wang Fan , Zhang Sanpei , Wu Xiangwei , Wen Zhaoyin , Liu Jianjun , Zhang Wenqing
Published: July 2017

More Cu2+ in CuxCo3−xO4 results in better performance of Li–O2 batteries.
New allotropes of Li2MnO3 as cathode materials with better cycling performance predicted in high pressure synthesis
Authors: Wang Shuo , Liu Junyi , Sun Qiang
Published: July 2017

Layered Li2MnO3 as a cathode material is well known for its high lithium storage capacity.
Air plasma etching towards rich active sites in Fe/N-porous carbon for the oxygen reduction reaction with superior catalytic performance
Authors: Zhong Wenhua , Chen Jiaxiang , Zhang Peixin , Deng Libo , Yao Lei , Ren Xiangzhong , Li Yongliang , Mi Hongwei , Sun Lingna
Published: July 2017

Plasma etching removed less stable carbons and exposed the active sites in Fe–N/C catalysts which resulted in excellent performances towards the oxygen reduction reaction in both acidic and alkaline media.
Carbon nanospheres hanging on carbon nanotubes: a hierarchical three-dimensional carbon nanostructure for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Zhou Yongsheng , Jin Pan , Zhou Yatong , Zhu Yingchun
Published: July 2017

We describe the single-step synthesis of carbon nanospheres hanging on carbon nanotubes (CNs/CNTs), using a simple chemical vapor deposition method.
Giant liposome formation toward the synthesis of well-defined artificial cells
Authors: Kamiya Koki , Takeuchi Shoji
Published: July 2017

This review focuses on microfluidic technologies for giant liposome formations which emulate environments of biological cells.
A 3D graphene coated bioglass scaffold for bone defect therapy based on the molecular targeting approach
Authors: Wang Yulan , Hu Xiaoxia , Dai Jing , Wang Jie , Tan Yaning , Yang Xiangdong , Yang Shuang , Yuan Quan , Zhang Yufeng
Published: July 2017

An rGO functionalized bioactive glass scaffold integrated with an osteoblast-specific aptamer is rationally designed to recruit and induce the rapid differentiation of osteoblasts for bone regeneration.
Highly efficient luminescent E- and Z-isomers with stable configurations under photoirradiation induced by their charge transfer excited states
Authors: Li Weijun , Wang Shizhao , Zhang Yujian , Gao Yu , Dong Yujie , Zhang Xiang , Song Qingbao , Yang Bing , Ma Yuguang , Zhang Cheng
Published: July 2017

Two highly efficient luminescent E- and Z-isomers were synthesized, with stable E/Z configurations under photoirradiation, which was induced by their charge transfer excited states (S1).
Langmuir films and uniform, large area, transparent coatings of chemically exfoliated MoS2 single layers
Authors: Zhang Yefeng , Xu Luzhu , Walker Wesley R. , Tittle Collin M. , Backhouse Christopher J. , Pope Michael A.
Published: July 2017

A simple method to create large area monolayers and multi-layer films of chemically exfoliated MoS2 is presented.
Polarization dependent ferroelectric photovoltaic effects in BFTO/CuO thin films
Authors: Zhu Mingsai , Zheng Haiwu , Zhang Ju , Yuan Guoliang , Wang Ke , Yue Gentian , Li Fengzhu , Chen Yuanqing , Wu Mengjun , Zhang Weifeng
Published: July 2017

Bi5FeTi3O15 (BFTO) and BFTO/CuO films were deposited by a sol-gel technique, which exhibited macroscopic ferroelectric properties. It was found that the BFTO/CuO films showed a short circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) enhanced by nearly 10 times and power conversion efficiency increased by 13-fold compared to those of the BFTO film. The significant increase in the photovoltaic (PV) response may be attributed to the p-n junction internal electric field acting as the driving force of photogenerated carriers. Furthermore, both BFTO and BFTO/CuO films indicated a switchable PV response in both polarities. The open circuit voltage (Voc) and Jsc for BFTO and BFTO/CuO were observed to be −0.59 V and +43.88 μA/cm2 and −0.23 V and +123.16 μA/cm2, respectively, after upward poling, whereas after downward poling, +0.11 V and −6.26 μA/cm2 and +0.17 V and −83.21 μA/cm2 for BFTO and BFTO/CuO were observed, respectively. The switchable PV responses were explained by the ferroelectric depolarization field, whose direction could be altered with the variation in the applied poling field. This work provides an efficient approach to developing ferroelectric film based PV devices with low cost.
Fast vortex oscillations in a ferrimagnetic disk near the angular momentum compensation point
Authors: Kim Se Kwon , Tserkovnyak Yaroslav
Published: July 2017

We theoretically study the oscillatory dynamics of a vortex core in a ferrimagnetic disk near its angular momentum compensation point, where the spin density vanishes but the magnetization is finite. Due to the finite magnetostatic energy, a ferrimagnetic disk of suitable geometry can support a vortex as a ground state similar to a ferromagnetic disk. In the vicinity of the angular momentum compensation point, the dynamics of the vortex resemble those of an antiferromagnetic vortex, which is described by equations of motion analogous to Newton's second law for the motion of particles. Owing to the antiferromagnetic nature of the dynamics, the vortex oscillation frequency can be an order of magnitude larger than the frequency of a ferromagnetic vortex, amounting to tens of GHz in common transition-metal based alloys. We show that the frequency can be controlled either by applying an external field or by changing the temperature. In particular, the latter property allows us to detect the angular momentum compensation temperature, at which the lowest eigenfrequency attains its maximum, by performing ferromagnetic resonance measurements on the vortex disk. Our work proposes a ferrimagnetic vortex disk as a tunable source of fast magnetic oscillations and a useful platform to study the properties of ferrimagnets.
Lightweight-compact variable-gap undulator with force cancellation system based on multipole monolithic magnets
Authors: Kinjo Ryota , Kagamihata Akihiro , Seike Takamitsu , Kishimoto Hikaru , Ohashi Haruhiko , Yamamoto Shigeru , Tanaka Takashi
Published: July 2017

A lightweight-compact variable-gap undulator (LCVGU) having the force-cancellation system based on the multipole monolithic magnets (MMMs) has been developed. The LCVGU is free from the heavy mechanical frames, which is a fundamental element specific to conventional variable-gap undulators (VGUs) because of a strong attractive force, and thus the cost and time for construction and installation are expected to be significantly reduced; the MMMs counteract the strong attractive force in a cost-effective manner. Results of mechanical tests and magnetic-field measurements of two prototype LCVGUs equipped with the proposed force cancellation system have revealed the comparable performance with the conventional VGUs.
Hybrid stochastic-deterministic calculation of the second-order perturbative contribution of multireference perturbation theory
Authors: Garniron Yann , Scemama Anthony , Loos Pierre-François , Caffarel Michel
Published: July 2017

A hybrid stochastic-deterministic approach for computing the second-order perturbative contribution E(2) within multireference perturbation theory (MRPT) is presented. The idea at the heart of our hybrid scheme—based on a reformulation of E(2) as a sum of elementary contributions associated with each determinant of the MR wave function—is to split E(2) into a stochastic and a deterministic part. During the simulation, the stochastic part is gradually reduced by dynamically increasing the deterministic part until one reaches the desired accuracy. In sharp contrast with a purely stochastic Monte Carlo scheme where the error decreases indefinitely as t−1/2 (where t is the computational time), the statistical error in our hybrid algorithm displays a polynomial decay ∼t−n with n = 3–4 in the examples considered here. If desired, the calculation can be carried on until the stochastic part entirely vanishes. In that case, the exact result is obtained with no error bar and no noticeable computational overhead compared to the fully deterministic calculation. The method is illustrated on the F2 and Cr2 molecules. Even for the largest case corresponding to the Cr2 molecule treated with the cc-pVQZ basis set, very accurate results are obtained for E(2) for an active space of (28e, 176o) and a MR wave function including up to 2×107 determinants.
Acoustical breakdown of materials by focusing of laser-generated Rayleigh surface waves
Authors: Veysset David , Maznev A. A. , Veres István A. , Pezeril Thomas , Kooi Steven E. , Lomonosov Alexey M. , Nelson Keith A.
Published: July 2017

Focusing of high-amplitude surface acoustic waves leading to material damage is visualized in an all-optical experiment. The optical setup includes a lens and an axicon that focuses an intense picosecond excitation pulse into a ring-shaped pattern at the surface of a gold-coated glass substrate. Optical excitation induces a surface acoustic wave (SAW) that propagates in the plane of the sample and converges toward the center. The evolution of the SAW profile is monitored using interferometry with a femtosecond probe pulse at variable time delays. The quantitative analysis of the full-field images provides direct information about the surface displacement profiles, which are compared to calculations. The high stress at the focal point leads to the removal of the gold coating and, at higher excitation energies, to damage of the glass substrate. The results open the prospect for testing material strength on the microscale using laser-generated SAWs.
Photo absorption enhancement in strained silicon nanowires: An atomistic study
Authors: Shiri Daryoush , Golam Rabbani M. , Qi Jianqing , Buin Andrei K. , Anantram M. P.
Published: July 2017

The absorption spectra of silicon nanowires are calculated using semi-empirical sp3d5s* tight binding and Density Functional Theory methods. The roles of diameter, wave function symmetry, strain, and crystallographic direction in determining the absorption are discussed. We find that compressive strain can change the band edge absorption by more than one order of magnitude due to the change in wave function symmetry. In addition, photon polarization with respect to the nanowire axis significantly alters the band edge absorption. Overall, the band edge absorption of [110] and [100] silicon nanowires can differ by as much as three orders of magnitude. We find that compared to bulk Silicon, a strained Silicon nanowire array can absorb infrared photons (1.1 eV) approximately one hundred times better. Finally, we compare a fully numerical and a computationally efficient semi-analytical method, and find that they both yield satisfactory values of the band edge absorption.
In-plane magnetic anisotropy of the Sr4Ru3O10 nanosheet probed by planar Hall effect
Authors: Liu Yan , Yang Jiyong , Chu Weiwei , Du Haifeng , Ning Wei , Ling Langsheng , Tong Wei , Qu Zhe , Cao Gang , Zhang Yuheng , Tian Mingliang
Published: July 2017

The planar Hall effect (PHE) in a ruthenate Sr4Ru3O10 nanosheet as a function of the magnetic field direction and temperature has been investigated. From the magnetic reversal induced PHE signal, we find that the [1¯10] direction is the in-plane ferromagnetic easy-axis and the [110] direction is a metastable magnetic axis of the Sr4Ru3O10 nanosheet. This in-plane magnetic anisotropy can lead to a large, measurable, and field direction sensitive resistance switching when an in-plane magnetic field is swept, suggesting that Sr4Ru3O10 may have potential applications in spintronic and magnetic sensor devices.
Dynamic response of shear thickening fluid reinforced with SiC nanowires under high strain rates
Authors: Tan Zhuhua , Ge Jianhao , Zhang Hang , Zhai Pengcheng , Li Weihua
Published: July 2017

In this letter, SiC nanowires were adopted to reinforce the nanoparticle-based shear thickening fluid (STF) to improve its rheological properties. The reinforced STF showed a significant increase in viscosity. A Split-Hopkinson pressure bar was implemented to evaluate the dynamic response of STF at strain rates in the range of 3 × 103–1.2 × 104/s. For the pure STF, the flow stress reaches a saturation value with increasing strain rates and shows almost no strain rate sensitivity, whereas the flow stress of the reinforced STF increases with strain rates, and the strain rate sensitivity to flow stress is obvious owing to the resistance of nanowires. The essence of this study is to reveal that there is a limiting value of the flow stress of traditional nanoparticle-based STF at high strain rates due to the lubrication force among particles. SiC nanowires can be used to break this limitation of the nanoparticle-based STF.
Quantum mechanical E × B drift velocity in a weakly inhomogeneous electromagnetic field
Authors: Chan Poh Kam , Oikawa Shun-ichi , Kosaka Wataru
Published: July 2017

The analytical solution for the quantum mechanical drift velocity for a non-relativistic spinless charged particle of E × B drift in the presence of a weakly inhomogeneous electric and magnetic field for the magnetized plasma is presented. Using the Heisenberg equation of motion, the time evolution of the position and momentum operators for the charged particle is solved. From the time dependent operators, the analytical solution of the time dependent momenta operators and position operators is derived. The quantum mechanical expansion rates of variances are shown to agree with the numerical results. Most importantly, the quantum mechanical E × B drift velocity coincides perfectly with the classical drift velocity in the limit of Planck's constant being zero. With higher order electric field inhomogeneity, low energy particles would drift faster than what the classical drift theory predicts.
Cryogenic LED pixel-to-frequency mapper for kinetic inductance detector arrays
Authors: Liu X. , Guo W. , Wang Y. , Wei L. F. , Mckenney C. M. , Dober B. , Billings T. , Hubmayr J. , Ferreira L. S. , Vissers M. R. , Gao J.
Published: July 2017

We present a cryogenic wafer mapper based on light emitting diodes (LEDs) for spatial mapping of a large microwave kinetic inductance detector (MKID) array. In this scheme, an array of LEDs, addressed by DC wires and collimated through horns onto the detectors, is mounted in front of the detector wafer. By illuminating each LED individually and sweeping the frequency response of all the resonators, we can unambiguously correspond a detector pixel to its measured resonance frequency. We have demonstrated mapping a 76.2 mm 90-pixel MKID array using a mapper containing 126 LEDs with 16 DC bias wires. With the frequency to pixel-position correspondence data obtained by the LED mapper, we have found a radially position-dependent frequency non-uniformity of ≲1.6% over the 76.2 mm wafer. Our LED wafer mapper has no moving parts and is easy to implement. It may find broad applications in superconducting detectors and quantum computing/information experiments.
Quantitative measurement of active dopant density distribution in phosphorus-implanted monocrystalline silicon solar cell using scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy
Authors: Hirose K. , Tanahashi K. , Takato H. , Cho Y.
Published: July 2017

The performance of silicon (Si) solar cells is dependent on the active dopant distribution in emitters. Estimation of the dopant distribution in a Si solar cell fabricated by ion implantation is difficult due to the pyramidal surface texture of the emitter. Here, we investigate the active dopant distribution in a P-implanted Si solar cell using scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy (SNDM). SNDM and dC/dz-SNDM are complementarily applied to visualize the carrier distribution in the cross section of the Si solar cell. The carrier density in the emitter is calibrated using the SNDM data obtained from Si standard samples. The results show that the dopant distribution can be described as the sum of two Gaussian functions distributed over the vertical direction of the pyramidal faces. The three-dimensional (3D) dopant distribution is estimated from the superposition of the P distributions at each pyramidal face. The estimated 3D dopant distribution is in good agreement with the SNDM measurement results.
Comparison and relationship between meat colour and antioxidant capacity of different pig breeds
Authors: Chen Wei , Zeng Qi-fan , Xu Hai-peng , Fang Guo-feng , Wang Shou-dong , Li Chuan-hao , Wang Yan-dong , Wang Hui , Zeng Yong-qing
Published: July 2017

The objectives of this study were to evaluate meat colour, antioxidant performance of longissimus muscle in different pig breeds, including five Chinese native pig breeds, a Chinese bred pig breed as well as a commercial crossbred pig breed, and to analyse the relationships between meat colour and antioxidant capacity. The results showed that the Chinese native and bred pig breeds have higher meat colour and marbling scores than commercial crossbred pigs. The Chinese native and bred pig breeds showed significantly stronger total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity, and lower malondialdehyde contents than commercial crossbred pigs. Moreover, the total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase activity were positively correlated with visual colour, a* and chroma, and negatively correlated with L* and hue angle; on the contrary, the malondialdehyde content was negatively correlated with visual colour, marbling, a*, b* and chroma, and positively correlated with L* and hue angle. In addition, principal component 1 and 2 explained 46.41% and 18.30% of the total variance. These results indicated that meat colour and antioxidant capacity were affected by pig breeds, and meat colour was strongly correlated with antioxidant capacity.
Ontogenetic shifts in habitat use during the dry season by an amphidromous shrimp in a tropical lowland river
Authors: Novak Peter A. , Bayliss Peter , Garcia Erica A. , Pusey Brad J. , Douglas Michael M.
Published: July 2017

Caridean shrimp have considerable effects on ecosystem processes and, thus, understanding their use of key habitats is important for determining their potential ecological effect. The present study examined the meso-habitat use of Macrobrachium spinipes, a large-bodied and important amphidromous species, in the Daly River, northern Australia. We examined shrimp abundance at four common meso-habitat types; sand bank, rock bars, undercut and structurally complex banks and mid-channel areas at five sites on three occasions during the dry season (May to October). We found that habitat use changed considerably first, with ontogeny, and, second, with the colonisation of habitats with algae and macrophytes as the dry season progressed. As juveniles, their habitat use was strongly associated with well structured bank environments early in the dry season. By the mid-dry season, juveniles were more abundant within sand habitats recently colonised with macrophytes and filamentous algae. Females showed little change in habitat use, whereas large-bodied dominant males generally favoured rock bars and heavily structured bank environments. The present study has provided significant insights into the changes in use of key riverine habitats throughout the dry season by an ecologically important species. This information will be of considerable value to the determination of environmental flow requirements and food-web investigations.
Quantifying macrodetritus fluxes from a small temperate estuary
Authors: Gladstone-Gallagher Rebecca V. , Sandwell Dean R. , Lohrer Andrew M. , Lundquist Carolyn J. , Pilditch Conrad A.
Published: July 2017

Empirical measurements of estuary-to-coast material fluxes usually exclude the fraction of primary production that is exported as macrodetritus (marine plant litter), potentially leaving a gap in our understanding of the role of estuaries as outwelling systems. To address this gap, we sampled water and suspended material seasonally from the mouth of Pepe Inlet, Tairua Estuary, New Zealand. From samples collected hourly over 24h, we calculated the lateral tidal fluxes (import, export, net flux) of macrodetritus, particulate and dissolved forms of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Annually, the inlet was a net exporter of N and P (5145 and 362kg respectively). However, macrodetritus accounted for <13 and <3% of seasonal N and P exports respectively. Macrodetritus is an obvious and visible source of estuary-to-coast subsidy, but our derived nutrient budgets suggest the dissolved and particulate forms dominate the net export of N and P (>87%). Nevertheless, seasonal pulses in the source and supply of macrodetritus may have consequences for the temporal scales over which this resource subsidy affects receiving ecosystems (e.g. intertidal sandflats). These mensurative investigations are useful to inform estuarine nutrient budgets that quantify the ecosystem services provided by temperate estuaries (e.g. contribution to fisheries food webs).
A cognitive-developmental perspective on maps in children’s literature
Authors: Liben Lynn S.
Published: July 2017

Maps in children’s literature vary in many ways, for example, by representing real or imagined places; employing abstract or pictorial symbols; and depicting spaces at differing scales, orientations, and viewing angles. Although authors and illustrators may presume that children readily “see through” such maps to understand their underlying meaning, cognitive-developmental research suggests otherwise. This chapter reviews children’s developing representational and spatial concepts and their relevance for map understanding; contrasts perspectives of geography, literature, and cognitive development; and urges that future researchers study explicitly how maps are used during reading, and how these varied uses influence the cognitive and emotional consequences of the reading experience.
Mapping the new citizen – Pedagogy of cartophobia
Authors: von Merveldt Nikola
Published: July 2017

This chapter looks at the place of maps in the late eighteenth-century German pedagogic reform movement of philanthropism. Advocating a realist reform of the humanist schooling tradition, philanthropists declared geography to be the foundational elementary science. More importantly, geography was understood as the referential framework to educate children to become active citizens in the “real world.” Focusing on Joachim Heinrich Campe’s geographical writings, this chapter explores the historically specific version of geographic literacy that the philanthropists embraced. Far more than mere mappings of geographic realities, philanthropic maps were ideological projections of a new kind of citizen who took his bearings from a new vision of his place within the world.
Itineraries and maps
Authors: Juan Cantavella Anna
Published: July 2017

This chapter is based on two works by Czech author-illustrator Peter Sís, Madlenka (2000) and The Three Golden Keys (1994), in which the act of walking the streets of two cities becomes the main theme. Both works can be seen as a fragment of Sís’ personal cartography. The chapter pays particular attention to scholars from the fields of social anthropology and cultural studies. In doing so, the aim is to underline the marked subjectivity of space, a suggestion that is present in all of Peter Sís’ works, but which is especially relevant to these two picturebooks, dedicated to the two cities that have featured most strongly in the author’s own life.
Connecting worlds
Authors: Nikolajeva Maria , Taylor Liz
Published: July 2017

This chapter, based on a crossdisciplinary framework of cultural geography and children’s literature theory, discusses three children’s novels set on islands, all of which operate within ambiguous fictional worlds and use ambiguous narrative perspective. The issues of belonging/not belonging, time/space connections and interactions, mythical and contemporary world, nature/culture, displacement and spatial marginalisation are emphasised through the maps that are substantially more prominent than in most conventional children’s novels. Rather than an embellishment appearing outside the narrative they are in a subtle way incorporated into it, which also creates a fascinating tension between the visual map and its verbal ekphrasis.
Social motivations for linguistic exploration
Authors: Slobin Dan I.
Published: July 2017

The language-learning child is challenged to determine why there are alternate ways of expressing content, performing speech acts, and directing attention to inner states. Acquisition of syntax is driven by social cognition and by attention to linguistic constructions. This chapter presents an in-depth case study of one English-speaking 3-year-old, focusing on modals, conditionals, hypotheticals, and causal and temporal expressions. Underlying the acquisition of these forms is a concern with normativity – regularities in the social world and the child’s position in that world. Without the linguistic forms, it would be difficult for the child to focus on these issues; without an ability to cognize social interaction, the forms would remain opaque. The co-acquisition of form and function is a dialectical process.
Maternal input at 1;6
Authors: Ravid Dorit , Zimmerman Anael
Published: July 2017

A body of research points to disadvantaged language and literacy skills in children from poorer, less educated backgrounds compared with those raised in more favorable circumstances. The current chapter reports a double case study comparing the child-directed speech of two Hebrew-speaking mothers of toddlers aged 1;6, one from mid-high and another from low socio-economic (SES) background. Findings indicate that the linguistic input to the child from low-SES background was scarcer, less dense and less diverse based on all measures used. She was provided with less linguistic scaffolding, and fewer elaborations and commentary on her spoken production than her peer from high SES. Results are related to the literature on developmental challenges faced by children from low SES backgrounds.
Body heat responsive gelation of methylcellulose formulation containing betaine
Authors: Shirata Yoshiaki , Wakasa Asami , Miura Kiyoshi , Nakamura Hironori , Matsumoto Yoshinobu , Miyada Tomihiro
Published: July 2017

We examined a methylcellulose (MC) formulation that gels at body temperature for enteral alimentation. Betaine was found to have a lowering effect on the gelation temperature of the MC solution. The thermal gelation temperature of a body heat-responsive (BHR) gelling MC formulation, consisting of 2% MC, 15% glucose, 1.2% sodium citrate, and 3.5% betaine mixture, was approximately 32 °C, indicating that it could gel in response to body heat. Glucose release from the BHR gels was delayed at 37 °C in an in vitro study. In rats, oral administration of BHR gelling MC formulation delayed an increase in blood glucose and appearance of 13CO2 in expired air in a 13C-acetate breath test in comparison with the control. These results suggested that the BHR gelling MC formulation was gelled in the stomach and delayed gastric emptying after oral administration and glucose in the gels was absorbed slowly.
Effects of ethyl-α-d-glucoside on human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Bogaki Takayuki , Mitani Keiichi , Oura Yuki , Ozeki Kenji
Published: July 2017

Ethyl α-d-glucoside (α-EG) is a glycoside present in sake, Japanese rice wine. Previous studies have reported that α-EG suppresses skin roughness after ultraviolet B irradiation, transepidermal water loss, and hepatic function disorder, and has a skin moisturizing effect. In this study, 0.48 μM of α-EG was found to increase the proliferation of normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) by 121.0%, and the amount of collagen I produced by NHDF increased by 159.6% at an α-EG concentration of 0.048 μM, compared to those in cells cultured without α-EG. In NHDF cultured in α-EG-supplemented medium, the expression of fibroblast growth factor I and VII mRNA increased by 148.8 and 153.1%, at an α-EG concentration of 4.8 and 0.048 μM, respectively, as measured by a quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Transcript levels of type I collagen genes, COL1A1 and COL1A2, increased by 152.4 and 129.7%, respectively, and that of a type III collagen gene, COL3A1, increased by 131.8% at an α-EG concentration of 0.48 μM. These findings supported the possibility that α-EG was involved in the maintenance and improvement of skin homeostasis and moisturizing functions.
Strength in numbers: Phosphofructokinase polymerization prevails in the liver
Authors: Zaganjor Elma , Spinelli Jessica B. , Haigis Marcia C.
Published: July 2017

Numerous metabolic enzymes assemble into filamentous structures, which are thought to serve additional regulatory functions. In this issue, Webb et al. (2017. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201701084) show that the liver-specific isoform of phosphofructokinase-1 forms filaments in vitro and localizes as puncta in cells along the plasma membrane. This suggests spatial organization of glycolysis in higher organisms.
Dynamical Systems Theory and Explanatory Indispensability
Authors: Saatsi Juha
Published: July 2017

I examine explanations’ realist commitments in relation to dynamical systems theory. First I rebut an ‘explanatory indispensability argument’ for mathematical realism from the explanatory power of phase spaces. Then I critically consider a possible way of strengthening the indispensability argument by reference to attractors in dynamical systems theory. The take-home message is that understanding of the modal character of explanations (in dynamical systems theory) can undermine Platonist arguments from explanatory indispensability.
Colorful Simplicial Depth, Minkowski Sums, and Generalized Gale Transforms
Authors: Adiprasito Karim A , Brinkmann Philip , Padrol Arnau , Paták Pavel , Patáková Zuzana , Sanyal Raman
Published: July 2017

The colorful simplicial depth of a collection of $d+1$ finite sets of points in Euclidean $d$-space is the number of choices of a point from each set such that the origin is contained in their convex hull. We use methods from combinatorial topology to prove a tight upper bound on the colorful simplicial depth. This implies a conjecture of Deza et al. [7]. Furthermore, we introduce colorful Gale transforms as a bridge between colorful configurations and Minkowski sums. Our colorful upper bound then yields a tight upper bound on the number of totally mixed facets of certain Minkowski sums of simplices. This resolves a conjecture of Burton [6] in the theory of normal surfaces.
An efficient experiment design helps to identify differential expressed genes (DEGs) in RNA-seq data in studies of plant qualitative traits
Authors: Li Xingfeng , Song Zhenqiao , Bao Yinguang , Wang Honggang
Published: July 2017

In this study, we conducted comparative transcriptome analysis between homozygous dominant parent and heterozygous F1hybrid with homozygous recessive parent in qualitative trait study of common wheat (Triticum aestivumL.). Two sets of near-isogenic lines (NILs) were used: one set of NILs carrying powdery mildew resistance and susceptiblePm2alleles, the other set of NILs carrying different awn inhibition geneB1alleles. The results demonstrated that 2,932 DEGs were identified between L031 (Pm2Pm2) and Chancellor (pm2pm2), while 1,494 DEGs presented between F1hybrid (Pm2pm2) and Chancellor, the co-regulated DEGs were 1,028. For the wheat awn inhibition geneB1test, 720 DEGs were identified between SN051-2 (B1B1) and SN051-1 (b1b1), and 231 DEGs were identified between F1hybrid (B1b1) and SN051-1, the co-regulated DEGs were 180. Hierarchical clustering analysis of co-regulated DEGs showed that dominant parent and F1hybrid were clustered as the nearest neighbors, while recessive parent showed an apparent departure. The results showed that the overlapping DEGs between dominant parent and F1hybrid with recessive parent reduced the number of interested DEGs to only one-quarter (or one-third) of that between dominant and recessive parent, these overlapping loci could provide insights into molecular mechanisms that are affected by causal mutations.
siRNA biogenesis, DNA methylation and target locus silencing are distinct and separable Pol IV sub-functions differentially dependent on the largest subunit's CTD
Authors: Wendte Jered M. , Haag Jeremy R. , Pontes Olga M. , Singh Jasleen , Metcalf Sara , Pikaard Craig S.
Published: July 2017

Plant nuclear multisubunit RNA polymerase IV plays a key role in the RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway for transcriptional silencing of transposons, viruses and specific genes by synthesizing precursors of 24 nt siRNAs that guide the process. The Pol IV largest subunit, NRPD1 is derived from the Pol II largest subunit but has a unique carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) of unknown function. We show that the NRPD1 CTD is critical for transcriptional silencing of target loci and for producing 24 nt siRNAs at high levels. However, the CTD is surprisingly dispensable for near wild-type levels of Pol IV-dependent genomic cytosine methylation. These results suggest that low levels of 24 nt siRNAs, produced at only 20-30% of wild-type levels, are sufficient for full RNA-directed DNA methylation, yet insufficient for silencing, suggesting additional roles for siRNAs beyond DNA methylation. Moreover, at a subset of target loci, neither siRNA levels nor cytosine methylation are impaired upon deletion of the CTD, yet silencing is lost. Collectively, the non-linear relationships between siRNA levels, cytosine methylation and silencing suggest the existence of additional mechanisms of silencing dependent on Pol IV transcription and mediated by the CTD, such as promoter occlusion to inhibit the activities of other polymerases.
From structure to mechanism—understanding initiation of DNA replication
Authors: Riera Alberto , Barbon Marta , Noguchi Yasunori , Reuter L. Maximilian , Schneider Sarah , Speck Christian
Published: July 2017

DNA replication results in the doubling of the genome prior to cell division. This process requires the assembly of 50 or more protein factors into a replication fork. Here, we review recent structural and biochemical insights that start to explain how specific proteins recognize DNA replication origins, load the replicative helicase on DNA, unwind DNA, synthesize new DNA strands, and reassemble chromatin. We focus on the minichromosome maintenance (MCM2–7) proteins, which form the core of the eukaryotic replication fork, as this complex undergoes major structural rearrangements in order to engage with DNA, regulate its DNA-unwinding activity, and maintain genome stability.
Perceptions of FASD by Minnesota public defenders
Authors: Brown Jerrod , Cich Janina , Singh Jay
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Persons diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) are more likely to come into contact with the criminal justice system than general population controls. Although previous survey evidence has suggested that federal district attorneys are limited in their knowledge of the psycholegal impairments presented by defendants with this condition, such research has yet to have been conducted with state-specific public defenders. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The Dillman Total Design Method was used to disseminate an electronic survey to public defenders in Minnesota. The survey included questions designed to measure their knowledge bases on and legal experiences with FASD. Surveys were completed by 135 respondents (nMen=63; nWomen=72) with an average of 16.22 years (SD=11.34) of legal experience.

Findings

Respondents varied in their knowledge bases on the cognitive impairments, social deficits, and physical complications characteristic of FASD. Less than 20 percent of respondents reported having received training on the psycholegal impairments experienced by individuals diagnosed with FASD from arrest until the start of adjudication, during adjudication, or during incarceration. Over 95 percent of respondents reported that they could benefit from a Continuing Legal Education course on the psycholegal impairments of individuals diagnosed with FASD, and over 90 percent reported that they could benefit from being provided the findings of a screening tool for FASD in their daily practice.

Originality/value

First survey of state public defenders’ perceptions of FASD.
Service evaluation of a Specialist Memory Clinic for adults with ID in South Wales
Authors: Bayley Amanda , Amoako Annika , El-Tahir Mohamed Omer
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the findings of a service evaluation project of the Specialist Memory Clinic for people with intellectual disabilities in South Wales using the Dementia guidelines published by the British Psychological Society and the Royal College of Psychiatrists (BPS/RCPsych, 2015).

Design/methodology/approach

Clinical audit using case notes of patients attending Memory Clinics during 2011 and 2015 benchmarked against best practice guidelines; carers feedback from Memory Clinic attendance; and evaluation of the training sessions to carers.

Findings

Audit findings show full compliance with standards (100 per cent) except for the baseline assessment for people with Down syndrome. Carer’s evaluation and feedback was positive and constructive. Training evaluation indicates improvement in knowledge and positively received sessions.

Research limitations/implications

The small number of people included and possibility of high motivated team may affect the service evaluation result.

Practical implications

It is possible for the Community Learning Disability team to meet the standards published (BPS/RCPsych, 2015) through multidisciplinary working.

Originality/value

Initial service evaluation completed after published guidelines for Dementia care by the BPS/RCPsych (2015).
Aligning customer requirements and organizational constraints to service processes and strategies
Authors: Paltayian George , Gotzamani Katerina D. , Georgiou Andreas C. , Andronikidis Andreas
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Recognizing the fundamental role of quality as a means to differentiate service organizations, the purpose of this paper is to propose a strategic decision making framework for service organizations, which prioritizes performance improvement strategies that are rooted to customer requirements, organizational goals and constrained by organizational resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed framework is realized through the implementation of two stages and four distinct phases mirroring the combination of enhanced quality function deployment (first stage), and zero-one goal programming (second stage). It proposes the utilization of a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods, and the collection of data from multiple sources including customers, middle, and top management.

Findings

The application and validation of the proposed framework utilizes information from both customers and employees in the bank services sector. Overall, results from the specific study revealed that a combination of “reengineering” and “expansion” strategies was more appropriate corresponding to customer priorities, organizational goals and effective utilization of available resources.

Originality/value

The paper presents a novel two stage strategic framework for service organizations. It utilizes a balanced mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods in an effort to capture and delineate elusive customer requirements and design characteristics of services, allowing the assessment of different combinations of quality improvement strategies in response to management objectives.