bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crosstalk between diurnal rhythm and water stress reveals an altered primary carbon flux into soluble sugars in drought-treated rice leaves
Authors: Kim Seo-Woo , Lee Sang-Kyu , Jeong Hee-Jeong , An Gynheung , Jeon Jong-Seong , Jung Ki-Hong
Published: August 2017

Plants retain rhythmic physiological responses when adapting to environmental challenges. However, possible integrations between drought conditions and those responses have not received much focus, especially regarding crop plants, and the relationship between abiotic stress and the diurnal cycle is generally not considered. Therefore, we conducted a genome-wide analysis to identify genes showing both diurnal regulation and water-deficiency response in rice (Oryza sativa). Among the 712 drought-responsive genes primary identified, 56.6% are diurnally expressed while 47.6% of the 761 that are down-regulated by drought are also diurnal. Using the β-glucuronidase reporter system and qRT-PCR analyses, we validated expression patterns of two candidate genes, thereby supporting the reliability of our transcriptome data. MapMan analysis indicated that diurnal genes up-regulated by drought are closely associated with the starch-sucrose pathway while those that are down-regulated are involved in photosynthesis. We then confirmed that starch-sucrose contents and chlorophyll fluorescence are altered in a diurnal manner under drought stress, suggesting these metabolic diurnal alterations as a novel indicator to evaluate the drought response in rice leaves. We constructed a functional gene network associated with the starch-sucrose KEGG metabolic pathway for further functional studies, and also developed a regulatory pathway model that includes OsbZIP23 transcription factor.
Spin-Selective Transmission and Devisable Chirality in Two-Layer Metasurfaces
Authors: Li Zhancheng , Liu Wenwei , Cheng Hua , Chen Shuqi , Tian Jianguo
Published: August 2017

Chirality is a nearly ubiquitous natural phenomenon. Its minute presence in most naturally occurring materials makes it incredibly difficult to detect. Recent advances in metasurfaces indicate that they exhibit devisable chirality in novel forms; this finding offers an effective opening for studying chirality and its features in such nanostructures. These metasurfaces display vast possibilities for highly sensitive chirality discrimination in biological and chemical systems. Here, we show that two-layer metasurfaces based on twisted nanorods can generate giant spin-selective transmission and support engineered chirality in the near-infrared region. Two designed metasurfaces with opposite spin-selective transmission are proposed for treatment as enantiomers and can be used widely for spin selection and enhanced chiral sensing. Specifically, we demonstrate that the chirality in these proposed metasurfaces can be adjusted effectively by simply changing the orientation angle between the twisted nanorods. Our results offer simple and straightforward rules for chirality engineering in metasurfaces and suggest intriguing possibilities for the applications of such metasurfaces in spin optics and chiral sensing.
Joint inflammation related citrullination of functional arginines in extracellular proteins
Authors: Sipilä Kalle H. , Ranga Vipin , Rappu Pekka , Mali Markku , Pirilä Laura , Heino Ilona , Jokinen Johanna , Käpylä Jarmo , Johnson Mark S. , Heino Jyrki
Published: August 2017

We report the extent, specific sites and structural requirements of joint inflammation related citrullination in extracellular proteins. A total of 40 synovial fluid samples derived from chronically inflamed human joints were analysed by heparin-agarose fractionation and LC-MS/MS. Citrullination of 55 arginines in extracellular proteins was detected. Importantly, 20% of the sites have a characterized function related to the hallmarks of destructive joint inflammation. E.g. four arginine residues, shown here to be citrullinated, are also affected by mutations in inherited diseases causing haemolysis or blood clotting dysfunction. Citrullination of integrin ligands was selected for further studies since fibronectin R234 in isoDGR was among the most frequently citrullinated arginines in synovial fluid. Assays with synovial fibroblasts and integrin αVβ3 indicated decreased affinity to the enzymatically citrullinated integrin binding sites. To conclude, our data indicate that in inflamed joints extensive citrullination affects the functional arginine residues in extracellular proteins.
Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms Modify Cardiometabolic Response to Vitamin D Supplementation in T2DM Patients
Authors: Al-Daghri Nasser M. , Mohammed Abdul Khader , Al-Attas Omar S. , Ansari Mohammed Ghouse Ahmed , Wani Kaiser , Hussain Syed D. , Sabico Shaun , Tripathi Gyanendra , Alokail Majed S.
Published: August 2017

There is conflicting evidence on the favorable effects of vitamin D supplementation on metabolic profile in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and this might be due to genetic variations in vitamin D receptors (VDRs). Thus, we studied the metabolic effects of a 12-month vitamin D supplementation in T2DM patients according to VDR polymorphisms. A total of 204 T2DM subjects received 2000 IU vitamin D3 daily for 12 months. Serum 25(OH)D and metabolic profiles were measured at baseline and after 12 months. VDR polymorphisms (Taq-I, Bsm-I, Apa-I and Fok-I) were identified using TaqMan genotyping assays. Vitamin D supplementation significantly increased HOMA β-cell function (p = 0.003) as well as significantly decreased triglycerides, total and LDL-cholesterol (p < 0.001). The lowest increment in 25(OH)D levels was detected in patients with Fok-I CC genotypes (p < 0.0001). With vitamin D supplementation, Taq-I GG genotype carriers showed significant improvements in triglycerides, LDL- and total cholesterol, insulin, HbA1c and HOMA-IR (p < 0.005, 0.01, < 0.001, < 0.005, 0.03 and 0.01, respectively). Similarly, Bsm-I TT genotype carriers showed significant improvements in triglycerides (p = 0.01), insulin and HOMA-IR (p-values < 0.05). In conclusion, improvements in metabolic profile due to vitamin D supplementation is influenced by VDR polymorphisms, specifically for carriers of Taq-I GG and Bsm-I TT genotypes.
A Tissue Engineered Blood Vessel Model of Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome Using Human iPSC-derived Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Atchison Leigh , Zhang Haoyue , Cao Kan , Truskey George A.
Published: August 2017

Hutchison-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is a rare, accelerated aging disorder caused by nuclear accumulation of progerin, an altered form of the Lamin A gene. The primary cause of death is cardiovascular disease at about 14 years. Loss and dysfunction of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in the vasculature may cause defects associated with HGPS. Due to limitations of 2D cell culture and mouse models, there is a need to develop improved models to discover novel therapeutics. To address this need, we produced a functional three-dimensional model of HGPS that replicates an arteriole-scale tissue engineered blood vessel (TEBV) using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived SMCs from an HGPS patient. To isolate the effect of the HGPS iSMCs, the endothelial layer consisted of human cord blood-derived endothelial progenitor cells (hCB-EPCs) from a separate, healthy donor. TEBVs fabricated from HGPS iSMCs and hCB-EPCs show reduced vasoactivity, increased medial wall thickness, increased calcification and apoptosis relative to TEBVs fabricated from normal iSMCs or primary MSCs. Additionally, treatment of HGPS TEBVs with the proposed therapeutic Everolimus, increases HGPS TEBV vasoactivity and increases iSMC differentiation in the TEBVs. These results show the ability of this iPSC-derived TEBV to reproduce key features of HGPS and respond to drugs.
Autonomic versus perceptual accounts for tactile hypersensitivity in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Fukuyama Hiroshi , Kumagaya Shin-ichiro , Asada Kosuke , Ayaya Satsuki , Kato Masaharu
Published: August 2017

Tactile atypicality in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has harmful effects on their everyday lives including social interactions. However, whether tactile atypicality in ASD reflects perceptual and/or autonomic processes is unknown. Here, we show that adults with ASD have hypersensitivity to tactile stimuli in the autonomic but not perceptual domain. In particular, adults with ASD showed a greater skin conductance response (SCR) to tactile stimuli compared to typically developing (TD) adults, despite an absence of differences in subjective responses. Furthermore, the level of the SCR was correlated with sensory sensitivity in daily living. By contrast, in perceptual discriminative tasks that psychophysically measured thresholds to tactile stimuli, no differences were found between the ASD and TD groups. These results favor the hypothesis that atypical autonomic processing underlies tactile hypersensitivity in ASD.
Exploring Leishmania secretory proteins to design B and T cell multi-epitope subunit vaccine using immunoinformatics approach
Authors: Khatoon Nazia , Pandey Rajan Kumar , Prajapati Vijay Kumar
Published: August 2017

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a fatal form of leishmaniasis which affects 70 countries, worldwide. Increasing drug resistance, HIV co-infection, and poor health system require operative vaccination strategy to control the VL transmission dynamics. Therefore, a holistic approach is needed to generate T and B memory cells to mediate long-term immunity against VL infection. Consequently, immunoinformatics approach was applied to design Leishmania secretory protein based multi-epitope subunit vaccine construct consisting of B and T cell epitopes. Further, the physiochemical characterization was performed to check the aliphatic index, theoretical PI, molecular weight, and thermostable nature of vaccine construct. The allergenicity and antigenicity were also predicted to ensure the safety and immunogenic behavior of final vaccine construct. Moreover, homology modeling, followed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation study was also performed to evaluate the binding affinity and stability of receptor (TLR-4) and ligand (vaccine protein) complex. This study warrants the experimental validation to ensure the immunogenicity and safety profile of presented vaccine construct which may be further helpful to control VL infection.
Scale-dependent changes in the functional diversity of macrophytes in subtropical freshwater lakes in south China
Authors: Fu Hui , Zhong Jiayou , Fang Shaowen , Hu Jianmin , Guo Chunjing , Lou Qian , Yuan Guixiang , Dai Taotao , Li Zhongqiang , Zhang Meng , Li Wei , Xu Jun , Cao Te
Published: August 2017

Ecological processes are generally scale-dependent and there is little consensus about the relative importance of deterministic versus stochastic processes in driving patterns of biological diversity. We investigated how the relationship between functional dispersion and environmental gradients changes with spatial scale in subtropical freshwater lakes. The functional alpha and beta dispersions of all the tested traits were significantly under-dispersed across spatial scales and along environmental gradients. Results showed more functional similarity within communities in leaf dry mass content and flowering duration but less functional turnover among communities in all the tested traits at regional scales (Yunnan-Guizhou plateau and the middle and low reaches of the Yangtze River). The strengths and directions of environmental effects on the functional alpha and beta dispersions depended on the selected traits, diversity metrics and spatial scales. Surprisingly, broad-scale factors - elevation and water transparency - decreased the functional turnover for most traits along the gradients, whereas fine-scale factors - water depth - produced the opposite patterns along the gradient, depending on the trait selected. Our study highlights the dominant role of deterministic assembly processes in structuring the local functional composition and governing the spatial functional turnover of macrophyte communities across multiple spatial scales.
Spatio-temporal variations of PM2.5 concentrations and the evaluation of emission reduction measures during two red air pollution alerts in Beijing
Authors: Cheng Nianliang , Zhang Dawei , Li Yunting , Xie Xiaoming , Chen Ziyue , Meng Fan , Gao Bingbo , He Bin
Published: August 2017

To effectively improve air quality during pollution episodes, Beijing released two red alerts in 2015. Here we examined spatio-temporal variations of PM2.5 concentrations during two alerts based on multiple data sources. Results suggested that PM2.5 concentrations varied significantly across Beijing. PM2.5 concentrations in southern parts of Beijing were higher than those in northern areas during both alerts. In addition to unfavorable meteorological conditions, coal combustion, especially incomplete coal combustion contributed significantly to the high PM2.5 concentrations. Through the CAMx model, we evaluated the effects of emission-reduction measures on PM2.5 concentrations. Through simulation, emergency measures cut down 10% – 30% of the total emissions and decreased the peaks of PM2.5 concentrations by about 10–20% during two alerts. We further examined the scenario if emergency measures were implemented several days earlier than the start of red alerts. The results proved that the implementation of emission reduction measures 1–2 days before red alerts could lower the peak of PM2.5 concentrations significantly. Given the difficulty of precisely predicting the duration of heavy pollution episodes and the fact that successive heavy pollution episodes may return after red alerts, emergency measures should also be implemented one or two days after the red alerts.
Fractal properties of shoreline changes on a storm-exposed island
Authors: Zhong Xiaojing , Yu Peng , Chen Shenliang
Published: August 2017

Extreme storm events and their consequent shoreline changes are of great importance for understanding coastal evolution and assessing storm hazards. This work investigates the fractal properties of the spatial distributions of shoreline changes caused by storms. Wavelet analysis and upper-truncated power law (UTPL) fitting are used to study the power spectra of shoreline changes and to evaluate the upper limits of the cross-shore erosion and accretion. During a period affected by storms, the alongshore shoreline change patterns are strong on the 15 km scale but are weak with lower spectral power on the 20 km scale. The areas adjacent to the eroded shoreline are usually accrete, and the cross-shore extent of erosion is larger than that of accretion when the coast is affected by storms. The fractal properties of shoreline changes due to storms are found to be temporally continuous: the effects of later storms build on the preceding shoreline conditions, including both the effects of previous storms and the subsequent shoreline recoveries. This work provides a new perspective on the various scales of the spatial variations of the morphodynamics of storm-affected shorelines.
Transcriptomic analysis of nickel exposure in Sphingobium sp. ba1 cells using RNA-seq
Authors: Volpicella M. , Leoni C. , Manzari C. , Chiara M. , Picardi E. , Piancone E. , Italiano F. , D’Erchia A. , Trotta M. , Horner D. S. , Pesole G. , Ceci L. R.
Published: August 2017

Nickel acts as cofactor for a number of enzymes of many bacteria species. Its homeostasis is ensured by proteins working as ion efflux or accumulation systems. These mechanisms are also generally adopted to counteract life-threatening high extra-cellular Ni2+ concentrations. Little is known regarding nickel tolerance in the genus Sphingobium. We studied the response of the novel Sphingobium sp. ba1 strain, able to adapt to high Ni2+ concentrations. Differential gene expression in cells cultured in 10 mM Ni2+, investigated by RNA-seq analysis, identified 118 differentially expressed genes. Among the 90 up-regulated genes, a cluster including genes coding for nickel and other metal ion efflux systems (similar to either cnrCBA, nccCBA or cznABC) and for a NreB-like permease was found. Comparative analyses among thirty genomes of Sphingobium species show that this cluster is conserved only in two cases, while in the other genomes it is partially present or even absent. The differential expression of genes encoding proteins which could also work as Ni2+-accumulators (HupE/UreJ-like protein, NreA and components of TonB-associated transport and copper-homeostasis systems) was also detected. The identification of Sphingobium sp. ba1 strain adaptive mechanisms to nickel ions, can foster its possible use for biodegradation of poly-aromatic compounds in metal-rich environments.
Synthesis-free PET imaging of brown adipose tissue and TSPO via combination of disulfiram and 64CuCl2
Authors: Yang Jing , Yang Jian , Wang Lu , Moore Anna , Liang Steven H. , Ran Chongzhao
Published: August 2017

PET imaging is a widely applicable but a very expensive technology. On-site synthesis is one important contributor to the high cost. In this report, we demonstrated the feasibility of a synthesis-free method for PET imaging of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) via a combination of disulfiram, an FDA approved drug for alcoholism, and 64CuCl2 (termed 64Cu-Dis). In this method, a step-wise injection protocol of 64CuCl2 and disulfiram was used to accomplish the purpose of synthesis-free. Specifically, disulfiram, an inactive 64Cu ligand, was first injected to allow it to metabolize into diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC), a strong 64Cu ligand, which can chelate 64CuCl2 from the following injection to form the actual PET tracer in situ. Our blocking studies, western blot, and tissue histological imaging suggested that the observed BAT contrast was due to 64Cu-Dis binding to TSPO, which was further confirmed as a specific biomarker for BAT imaging using [18F]-F-DPA, a TSPO-specific PET tracer. Our studies, for the first time, demonstrated that TSPO could serve as a potential imaging biomarker for BAT. We believe that our strategy could be extended to other targets while significantly reducing the cost of PET imaging.
Large spontaneous exchange bias in a weak ferromagnet Pb6Ni9(TeO6)5
Authors: Koteswararao B. , Chakrabarty Tanmoy , Basu Tathamay , Hazra Binoy Krishna , Srinivasarao P. V. , Paulose P. L. , Srinath S.
Published: August 2017

We report the magnetic and dielectric behavior of Pb6Ni9(TeO6)5, a new compound comprising the honeycomb-like layers of S = 1 spins, through detailed structural, magnetic and dielectric investigation. An antiferromagnetic-type transition at 25 K (TN) with weak-ferromagnetic behavior is revealed. Interestingly, a large value of coercive field of 1.32 T at 2 K is observed. The isothermal magnetization after zero-field-cooled condition, it exhibits the presence of large spontaneous exchange bias (SEB) with a magnitude of 0.19 T at 2 K; which is rare in single bulk materials, especially without external doping. The value of |HEB| further enhances to 0.24 T under 16 T field-cooled condition, confirming the presence of large exchange bias in the material.
A broader view on ion heating in traveling-wave devices using fragmentation of CsI clusters and extent of H˙ migration as molecular thermometers
Authors: Lermyte Frederik , Sobott Frank
Published: August 2017

Traveling-wave-dependent ion ‘heating’ is observed during mass spectrometry experiments under both ion mobility and electron transfer dissociation conditions and investigated using novel molecular ‘thermometers’.
Electrochemical enantiorecognition of tryptophan enantiomers based on a multi-walled carbon nanotube–hydroxyethyl chitosan composite film
Authors: Li Zhenliang , Mo Zunli , Guo Ruibin , Meng Shujuan , Wang Ruijuan , Gao Huhu , Niu Xiaohui
Published: August 2017

A novel chiral electrochemical sensor based on hydroxyethyl chitosan (HECS) covalently binding with the carboxylic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT–COOH) was fabricated for discrimination of tryptophan (Trp) enantiomers.
Supramolecular core–glycoshell polythiophene nanodots for targeted imaging and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Han Hai-Hao , Wang Chang-Zheng , Zang Yi , Li Jia , James Tony D. , He Xiao-Peng
Published: August 2017

We show that supramolecular core–glycoshell nanodots are capable of targeted imaging and photodynamic therapy of liver and triple-negative breast cancer cells.
Identification of inhibitors targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell wall biosynthesis via dynamic combinatorial chemistry
Authors: Fu Jian , Fu Huixiao , Dieu Marc , Halloum Iman , Kremer Laurent , Xia Yufen , Pan Weidong , Vincent Stéphane P.
Published: August 2017

In this study, we report a dynamic combinatorial approach along with highly efficient in situ screening to identify inhibitors of UDP-galactopyranose mutase (UGM), an essential enzyme involved in mycobacterial cell wall biosynthesis.
Carbon quantum dot tailored counter electrode for 7.01%-rear efficiency in a bifacial dye-sensitized solar cell
Authors: Zhu Wanlu , Zhao Yuanyuan , Duan Jialong , Duan Yanyan , Tang Qunwei , He Benlin
Published: August 2017

We present here a carbon quantum dot (CQD) tailored counter electrode (CE) for a bifacial dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC).
A soluble star-shaped silsesquioxane-cored polymer—towards novel stabilization of pH-dependent high internal phase emulsions
Authors: Xing Yuxiu , Peng Jun , Xu Kai , Gao Shuxi , Gui Xuefeng , Liang Shengyuan , Sun Longfeng , Chen Mingcai
Published: August 2017

A well-defined pH-responsive star-shaped polymer containing poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMA) arms and a cage-like methacryloxypropyl silsesquioxane (CMSQ-T10) core was used as an interfacial stabilizer for emulsions consisting of m-xylene and water.
Proof of ion-pair structures in ammonium-based protic ionic liquids using combined NMR and DFT/PCM-based chemical shift calculations
Authors: Lozynski M. , Pernak J. , Gdaniec Z. , Gorska B. , Béguin F.
Published: August 2017

The self-assembly of triethylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, i.e. [(C2H5)3NH][TFSI], in chloroform and aqueous solutions has been investigated using 1H NMR spectroscopy and computational (DFT/PCM prediction) methods.
Photoluminescence properties of TADF-emitting three-coordinate silver(i) halide complexes with diphosphine ligands: a comparison study with copper(i) complexes
Authors: Osawa Masahisa , Hashimoto Masashi , Kawata Isao , Hoshino Mikio
Published: August 2017

A series of three- and four-coordinate silver(i) halide complexes exhibiting efficient blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence have been prepared.
Predicting and optimising the energy yield of perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cells under real world conditions
Authors: Hörantner Maximilian T. , Snaith Henry J.
Published: August 2017

Optical and device modelling of perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cells shows promising potential for real world deployment.
Facile synthesis and supercapacitor performances of nitrogen doped CNTs grown over mesoporous Fe/SBA-15 catalyst
Authors: Ragavan R. , Pandurangan A.
Published: August 2017

Herein, we report a new strategy to synthesize high-yield nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) using iron-supported SBA-15 as a catalystviathe chemical vapour deposition (CVD) method to utilize them as an electrode material for supercapacitors.
Facile synthesis of FeOCl/iron hydroxide hybrid nanosheets: enhanced catalytic activity as a Fenton-like catalyst
Authors: Zhang Jian , Liu Guodong , Wang Peihua , Liu Shaojie
Published: August 2017

A facile rapid thermal annealing method to prepare FeOCl/iron hydroxide hybrid nanosheets is reported.
Anionic multiblock core cross-linked star copolymers via RAFT polymerization
Authors: Bray Caroline , Peltier Raoul , Kim Hyungsoo , Mastrangelo Antonio , Perrier Sébastien
Published: August 2017

The synthesis of (multi)block copolymers sand star (multiblock) copolymers of poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid) by RAFT polymerisation is reported.
B2(OH)4-mediated one-pot synthesis of tetrahydroquinoxalines from 2-amino(nitro)anilines and 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds in water
Authors: Liu Sensheng , Zhou Yanmei , Sui Yuebo , Liu Huan , Zhou Haifeng
Published: August 2017

A practical one-pot synthesis of tetrahydroquinoxalines from readily available 2-amino(nitro)anilines and 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds mediated by diboronic acid with water as both a solvent and a hydrogen donor under metal-free conditions has been discovered.
Biofunctionalized zinc peroxide (ZnO2) nanoparticles as active oxygen sources and antibacterial agents
Authors: Bergs Christian , Brück Lisa , Rosencrantz Ruben R. , Conrads Georg , Elling Lothar , Pich Andrij
Published: August 2017

Small and uniform zinc peroxide nanoparticles were synthesized and biofunctionalizedin situ viaa high-pressure-impinging-jet-reactor for specific antibacterial applications.
Synthesis, characterization, and properties of nickel–cobalt layered double hydroxide nanostructures
Authors: Xing Chunxian , Musharavati Farayi , Li Hui , Zalezhad Erfan , Hui Oscar K. S. , Bae Sungchul , Cho Bum-Yean
Published: August 2017

Ni–Co-LDH has recently been examined for its potential as battery-type hybrid supercapacitors made from metal hydroxide electrode materials, due to their unique spatial structure, excellent electrochemical activity, and good electrical conductivity.
Narrowing the band gap to enhance the resistive switching properties of Pr3+-doped ZnO thin films by Cd-ion doping
Authors: He Shuai , Hao Aize , Qin Ni , Bao Dinghua
Published: August 2017

The resistive switching performance of ZnO thin films can be enhanced by decreasing the band gap and controlling oxygen vacancies.
Diethylamine Dess–Martin periodinane: an efficient catalyst–oxidant combination in a sequential, one-pot synthesis of difficult to access 2-amino-3,5-dicarbonitrile-6-sulfanylpyridines at ambient temperature
Authors: Kupwade R. V. , Khot S. S. , Kulkarni M. A. , Desai U. V. , Wadgaonkar P. P.
Published: August 2017

A problem solving approach towards high yielding synthesis of 2-amino-3,5-dicarbonitrile-6-sulfanylpyridines is described. Simple isolation and avoidance of chromatographic purification are the noteworthy advantages.
Tri-metallic phytate in situ electrodeposited on 3D Ni foam as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for enhanced overall water splitting
Authors: Chen Xiaojuan , Li Panpan , Jin Zhaoyu , Meng Yan , Yuan Hongyan , Xiao Dan
Published: August 2017

An interconnected catalyst architecture has been in situ fabricated on Ni foam through facile electrochemical corrosion in sodium phytate containing Co and Fe metal ions.
Luminol and gold nanoparticle-co-precipitated reduced graphene oxide hybrids with long-persistent chemiluminescence for cholesterol detection
Authors: Lin Ke Li , Yang Tong , Zhang Fang Fang , Lei Gang , Zou Hong Yan , Li Yuan Fang , Huang Cheng Zhi
Published: August 2017

Luminol and AuNP dual-functionalized rGO hybrids (rGO/AuNP/luminol) have been synthesized to generate long-persistent chemiluminescence, which can be used as a chemiluminescent biosensing platform for the detection of cholesterol.
Reporting of Socioeconomic Status in Pediatric Language Research
Authors: Inglebret Ella , Bailey Shana , Clothiaux Jeanne Amie , Skinder-Meredith Amy , Monson Kayla , Cleveland Lesli
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This study examined language-focused research articles published in 3 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association journals to: (a) determine the proportion that reported the socioeconomic status (SES) of pediatric participants and (b) identify the indicators used to represent SES in these articles.

Method

Researchers reviewed articles published from 2000–2015 in
Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools,
the
American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology,
and the
Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research
(language section) that involved pediatric participants and focused on language development, as well as on assessment and intervention for language disorders.

Results

For the 3 journals combined, 417 out of the total 652 (64%) pediatric language articles reported SES of the participants. Over the 16-year period there was an increase in SES reporting of 31.8% (55.6% to 73.3%). The types of SES indicators used represented education, income, and occupation.

Conclusion

Although SES reporting for pediatric participants in language-based studies increased over the 16-year period examined, over 1 quarter of studies published in the 3 journals combined still do not report SES. This is a concern. When determining the generalizability of research findings to specific children, it is important for speech-language pathologists to be able to identify the SES background of research participants.
Consistency relations for large-scale structures: Applications for the integrated Sachs-Wolfe effect and the kinematic Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect
Authors: Rizzo Luca Alberto , Mota David F. , Valageas Patrick
Published: August 2017

Consistency relations of large-scale structures provide exact nonperturbative results for cross-correlations of cosmic fields in the squeezed limit. They only depend on the equivalence principle and the assumption of Gaussian initial conditions, and remain nonzero at equal times for cross-correlations of density fields with velocity or momentum fields, or with the time derivative of density fields. We show how to apply these relations to observational probes that involve the integrated Sachs-Wolfe effect or the kinematic Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect. In the squeezed limit, this allows us to express the three-point cross-correlations, or bispectra, of two galaxy or matter density fields, or weak lensing convergence fields, with the secondary cosmic microwave background distortion in terms of products of a linear and a nonlinear power spectrum. In particular, we find that cross-correlations with the integrated Sachs-Wolfe effect show a specific angular dependence. These results could be used to test the equivalence principle and the primordial Gaussianity, or to check the modeling of large-scale structures.
SCALA: In situ calibration for integral field spectrographs
Authors: Lombardo S. , Küsters D. , Kowalski M. , Aldering G. , Antilogus P. , Bailey S. , Baltay C. , Barbary K. , Baugh D. , Bongard S. , Boone K. , Buton C. , Chen J. , Chotard N. , Copin Y. , Dixon S. , Fagrelius P. , Feindt U. , Fouchez D. , Gangler E. , Hayden B. , Hillebrandt W. , Hoffmann A. , Kim A. G. , Leget P.-F. , McKay L. , Nordin J. , Pain R. , Pécontal E. , Pereira R. , Perlmutter S. , Rabinowitz D. , Reif K. , Rigault M. , Rubin D. , Runge K. , Saunders C. , Smadja G. , Suzuki N. , Taubenberger S. , Tao C. , Thomas R. C. ,   The Nearby Supernova Factory
Published: August 2017

Aims. The scientific yield of current and future optical surveys is increasingly limited by systematic uncertainties in the flux calibration. This is the case for type Ia supernova (SN Ia) cosmology programs, where an improved calibration directly translates into improved cosmological constraints. Current methodology rests on models of stars. Here we aim to obtain flux calibration that is traceable to state-of-the-art detector-based calibration.

Methods. We present the SNIFS Calibration Apparatus (SCALA), a color (relative) flux calibration system developed for the SuperNova integral field spectrograph (SNIFS), operating at the University of Hawaii 2.2 m (UH 88) telescope.

Results. By comparing the color trend of the illumination generated by SCALA during two commissioning runs, and to previous laboratory measurements, we show that we can determine the light emitted by SCALA with a long-term repeatability better than 1%. We describe the calibration procedure necessary to control for system aging. We present measurements of the SNIFS throughput as estimated by SCALA observations.

Conclusions. The SCALA calibration unit is now fully deployed at the UH 88 telescope, and with it color-calibration between 4000 Å and 9000 Å is stable at the percent level over a one-year baseline.
Otologic and Audiology Concerns of Microtia Repair
Authors: Ali Kausar , Mohan Kriti , Liu Yi-Chun
Published: August 2017

Microtia is a congenital auricular deformity that commonly presents with associated congenital aural atresia. The most acute concern in these patients is concomitant hearing loss at birth. A team-based approach by plastic surgeons and otologists is necessary to address both the otologic and audiologic concerns of microtia and atresia. Hearing rehabilitation is imperative; yet it should not compromise the aesthetic components of reconstruction and vice versa. Here, the authors propose a framework to evaluate and manage patients with microtia and atresia with the goal of optimizing functional and cosmetic outcomes.
Newborn Ear Deformities: Early Recognition and Novel Nonoperative Techniques
Authors: Schultz Kelly , Guillen Diana , Maricevich Renata
Published: August 2017

Congenital auricular anomalies are common sources of aesthetic concern and psychosocial distress for both children and their parents. Only one-third of these anomalies self-correct, leaving a large need for acceptable corrective methods. Otoplasty is often the standard treatment; however, newer nonsurgical methods, including splinting and molding in the neonatal period, have shown favorable results without the complications of surgical intervention and with the advantage of early intervention. These treatment options have not yet been widely adopted in Western countries due to delayed diagnosis of auricular deformities and confusion regarding treatment indications and technique.
Partial Ear Defects
Authors: Pickrell Brent , Hughes Christopher , Maricevich Renata
Published: August 2017

Reconstruction of partial ear defects represents one of the most challenging areas within reconstructive surgery of the head and neck. Each case of auricular reconstruction is unique and warrants a systematic approach that accounts for defect size and location, the quality of the surrounding skin, patient preference, and operator experience. In this article, the authors outline different reconstructive approaches for defects of the upper-, middle-, and lower-third of the auricle. The relevant anatomy is discussed in detail. Successful outcomes in auricular reconstruction rely on the surgeon's careful analysis of the defect as well as knowledge of the different reconstructive options available.
Ferromagnetic resonance of biogenic nanoparticle-chains
Authors: Charilaou M.
Published: August 2017

A robust method for the quantitative analysis of magnetic anisotropy in linear chains of magnetic nanocrystals, based on ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy and a phenomenological theory, is presented. By fitting experimental resonance spectra with model calculations, we can extract the anisotropy contributions in assemblies of nanoparticle chains, as found in both cultured and natural magnetotactic bacteria, with high precision and in absolute units. This method enables the quantification of nano-scale anisotropy phenomena from a single bulk measurement and could be the key for the further development of particle magnetism and the optimization of diverse applications ranging from geo-exploration to biomedicine, where magnetic nanoparticles are key materials.
Coupled electron-nuclear quantum dynamics through and around a conical intersection
Authors: Albert Julian , Hader Kilian , Engel Volker
Published: August 2017

In solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation for a coupled electron-nuclear system, we study the motion of wave packets in a model which exhibits a conical intersection (CoIn) of adiabatic potential energy surfaces. Three different situations are studied. In the first case, an efficient non-adiabatic transition takes place while the wave packet passes the region of the CoIn. It is demonstrated that during these times, the nuclear probability density retains its Gaussian shape and the electronic density remains approximately constant. Second, dynamics are regarded where non-adiabatic transitions do not take place, and the nuclear dynamics follows a circle around the location of the CoIn. During this motion, the electronic density is shown to rotate. The comparison with the Born-Oppenheimer nuclear dynamics reveals the geometrical phase being associated with the circular motion. This phase is clearly revealed by an analysis of time-dependent autocorrelation functions and spectra obtained from the numerically exact and the Born-Oppenheimer calculation. The intermediate situation with a small non-adiabatic transition probability is characterized by wave-packet splitting into several fractions.
Geometrical aspects of turbulent/non-turbulent interfaces with and without mean shear
Authors: Watanabe Tomoaki , da Silva Carlos B. , Nagata Koji , Sakai Yasuhiko
Published: August 2017

The geometry of turbulent/non-turbulent interfaces (TNTIs) arising from flows with and without mean shear is investigated using direct numerical simulations of turbulent planar jets (PJET) and shear free turbulence (SFT), respectively, with Taylor Reynolds number of about Reλ≈100. In both flows, the TNTI is preferentially aligned with the tangent to the TNTI displaying convex, where the turbulent fluid nearby tends to have a stronger enstrophy, more frequently than concave shapes. The different flow configurations are reflected in different orientations of the TNTI with respect to the flow direction (and its normal). While the interface orientation with respect to the mean flow direction in PJET has an influence on the velocity field near the TNTI and the enstrophy production in the turbulent sublayer, there is no particular discernible dependence on the interface orientation in SFT. Finally, the intense vorticity structures or “worms,” which are possibly associated with “nibbling” entrainment mechanism, “feel” the local geometry of the TNTI, and it is shown that in PJET, a smaller local radius of these structures arises in regions near the TNTI where the local TNTI faces the mean flow direction.
Generating functions for weighted Hurwitz numbers
Authors: Guay-Paquet Mathieu , Harnad J.
Published: August 2017

Double Hurwitz numbers enumerating weighted n-sheeted branched coverings of the Riemann sphere or, equivalently, weighted paths in the Cayley graph of Sn generated by transpositions are determined by an associated weight generating function. A uniquely determined 1-parameter family of 2D Toda τ-functions of hypergeometric type is shown to consist of generating functions for such weighted Hurwitz numbers. Four classical cases are detailed, in which the weighting is uniform: Okounkov’s double Hurwitz numbers for which the ramification is simple at all but two specified branch points; the case of Belyi curves, with three branch points, two with specified profiles; the general case, with a specified number of branch points, two with fixed profiles, the rest constrained only by the genus; and the signed enumeration case, with sign determined by the parity of the number of branch points. Using the exponentiated quantum dilogarithm function as a weight generator, three new types of weighted enumerations are introduced. These determine quantum Hurwitz numbers depending on a deformation parameter q. By suitable interpretation of q, the statistical mechanics of quantum weighted branched covers may be related to that of Bosonic gases. The standard double Hurwitz numbers are recovered in the classical limit.
Evolution of initial discontinuities in the Riemann problem for the Kaup-Boussinesq equation with positive dispersion
Authors: Congy T. , Ivanov S. K. , Kamchatnov A. M. , Pavloff N.
Published: August 2017

We consider the space-time evolution of initial discontinuities of depth and flow velocity for an integrable version of the shallow water Boussinesq system introduced by Kaup. We focus on a specific version of this “Kaup-Boussinesq model” for which a flat water surface is modulationally stable, we speak below of “positive dispersion” model. This model also appears as an approximation to the equations governing the dynamics of polarisation waves in two-component Bose-Einstein condensates. We describe its periodic solutions and the corresponding Whitham modulation equations. The self-similar, one-phase wave structures are composed of different building blocks, which are studied in detail. This makes it possible to establish a classification of all the possible wave configurations evolving from initial discontinuities. The analytic results are confirmed by numerical simulations.
Multifunctional energy landscape for a DNA G-quadruplex: An evolved molecular switch
Authors: Cragnolini Tristan , Chakraborty Debayan , Šponer Jiří , Derreumaux Philippe , Pasquali Samuela , Wales David J.
Published: August 2017

We explore the energy landscape for a four-fold telomere repeat, obtaining interconversion pathways between six experimentally characterised G-quadruplex topologies. The results reveal a multi-funnel system, with a variety of intermediate configurations and misfolded states. This organisation is identified with the intrinsically multi-functional nature of the system, suggesting a new paradigm for the classification of such biomolecules and clarifying issues regarding apparently conflicting experimental results.
Linearizability for third order evolution equations
Authors: Basarab-Horwath P. , Güngör F.
Published: August 2017

The problem of linearization for third order evolution equations is considered. Criteria for testing equations for linearity are presented. A class of linearizable equations depending on arbitrary functions is obtained by requiring presence of an infinite-dimensional symmetry group. Linearizing transformations for this class are found using symmetry structure and local conservation laws. A number of special cases as examples are discussed. Their transformation to equations within the same class by differential substitutions and connection with KdV and mKdV equations is also reviewed in this framework.
The effects of slit-like confinement on flow-induced polymer deformation
Authors: Ghosal Aishani , Cherayil Binny J.
Published: August 2017

This paper is broadly concerned with the dynamics of a polymer confined to a rectangular slit of width D and deformed by a planar elongational flow of strength γ̇. It is interested, more specifically, in the nature of the coil-stretch transition that such polymers undergo when the flow strength γ̇ is varied, and in the degree to which this transition is affected by the presence of restrictive boundaries. These issues are explored within the framework of a finitely extensible Rouse model that includes pre-averaged surface-mediated hydrodynamic interactions. Calculations of the chain’s steady-state fractional extension x using this model suggest that different modes of relaxation (which are characterized by an integer p) exert different levels of control on the coil-stretch transition. In particular, the location of the transition (as identified from the graph of x versus the Weissenberg number Wi, a dimensionless parameter defined by the product of γ̇ and the time constant τp of a relaxation mode p) is found to vary with the choice of τp. In particular, when τ1 is used in the definition of Wi, the x vs. Wi data for different D lie on a single curve, but when τ3 is used instead (with τ3 > τ1) the corresponding data lie on distinct curves. These findings are in close qualitative agreement with a number of experimental results on confinement effects on DNA stretching in electric fields. Similar D-dependent trends are seen in our calculated force vs. Wi data, but force vs. x data are essentially D-independent and lie on a single curve.
Sub-picosecond acoustic pulses at buried GaP/Si interfaces
Authors: Ishioka Kunie , Rustagi Avinash , Beyer Andreas , Stolz Wolfgang , Volz Kerstin , Höfer Ulrich , Petek Hrvoje , Stanton Christopher J.
Published: August 2017

We report on the optical generation and detection of ultrashort acoustic pulses that propagate in three-dimensional semiconductor crystals. Photoexcitation of lattice-matched GaP layers grown on Si(001) gives rise to a sharp spike in transient reflectivity due to the acoustic pulse generated at the GaP/Si interface and detected at the GaP surface and vice versa. The extremely short width of the reflectivity spike, 0.5 ps, would translate to a spatial extent of 3 nm or 10 atomic bilayers, which is comparable with the width of the intermixing layer at the GaP/Si interface. The reflectivity signals are also modified by quasi-periodic Brillouin oscillations arising from the propagation of the acoustic pulses in the GaP and Si crystals. The present results demonstrate the potential applications of the simple optical pump-probe scheme in the nondestructive evaluation of the buried semiconductor interface quality.
Native-oxide limited cross-plane thermal transport in suspended silicon membranes revealed by scanning thermal microscopy
Authors: Massoud A. M. , Bluet J.-M. , Lacatena V. , Haras M. , Robillard J.-F. , Chapuis P.-O.
Published: August 2017

By thermally characterizing nanometer-thin suspended silicon membranes with various micrometric lengths in ambient conditions, we determine simultaneously the spatial resolution of our Wollaston-probe scanning thermal microscopy experiment, which probes an area of (285 nm)2, and the effective thermal conductivity of the membranes of 40 W.m−1.K−1. This value is smaller than the in-plane thermal conductivity measured using other techniques in vacuum (∼60 W.m−1.K−1), revealing that both cross-plane and in-plane heat conduction are strongly affected by the native oxide in ambient conditions. This work also underlines that high-thermal conductivity samples can be characterized by scanning thermal microscopy when micro-patterned.
Culture extends the scope of evolutionary biology in the great apes
Authors: Whiten Andrew
Published: August 2017

Discoveries about the cultures and cultural capacities of the great apes have played a leading role in the recognition emerging in recent decades that cultural inheritance can be a significant factor in the lives not only of humans but also of nonhuman animals. This prominence derives in part from these primates being those with whom we share the most recent common ancestry, thus offering clues to the origins of our own thoroughgoing reliance on cumulative cultural achievements. In addition, the intense research focus on these species has spawned an unprecedented diversity of complementary methodological approaches, the results of which suggest that cultural phenomena pervade the lives of these apes, with potentially major implications for their broader evolutionary biology. Here I review what this extremely broad array of observational and experimental methodologies has taught us about the cultural lives of chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans and consider the ways in which this knowledge extends our wider understanding of primate biology and the processes of adaptation and evolution that shape it. I address these issues first by evaluating the extent to which the results of cultural inheritance echo a suite of core principles that underlie organic Darwinian evolution but also extend them in new ways and then by assessing the principal causal interactions between the primary, genetically based organic processes of evolution and the secondary system of cultural inheritance that is based on social learning from others.