bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anion effect on the conformational equilibrium of sulfamide and its N,N′‐diindolyl derivative: Insights on anion transportation
Authors: Mendonça João G.P. , Fernandes Sergio A. , Cormanich Rodrigo A. , Freitas Matheus P.
Published: April 2018

The relatively high acidity of the sulfamide hydrogens suggests a potential for the development of sulfamide derivatives as novel anion receptors. The interactions of sulfamide with F−, Cl−, CH3COO−, and H2PO4− anions were spectroscopically (1H and 19F NMR) and theoretically (density functional theory) analyzed, and the complexation through hydrogen bonds was confirmed by changes in the NMR signals and theoretical calculations. The replacement of 2 sulfamide hydrogens with indolyl groups yields the N,N′‐diindolylsulfamide (DIS, N‐1H‐indol‐4‐yl‐N′‐1H‐indol‐7‐ylsulfuric diamide), whose bond rotations allow the interaction of 4 H(N) atoms with anions. The conformational preferences of DIS change upon the presence of anions, but they are practically insensitive to the anion type. According to the quantum theory of atoms in molecules, natural bond orbital analysis, and NMR chemical shifts, as well as to a thermodynamic cycle, the complex with fluoride is the most stable, followed by the oxoanion‐derived models.
Training cognitive control to reduce emotional vulnerability in breast cancer
Authors: Swainston Jessica , Derakshan Nazanin
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Breast cancer enhances anxiety and depressive vulnerability, profoundly impairing the quality of life in survivors. Hinging on recent research that training attentional control can reduce emotional vulnerability, we assess how improving cognitive function could reduce emotional vulnerability in female survivors of breast cancer.

Methods

Participants took part in a course of adaptive dual n‐back cognitive training (Training Group) or a non‐adaptive active control group (Active Control) for 12 days across a 2‐week period. Transfer‐related training gains were assessed immediately after the intervention, at a shorter 1‐month follow‐up and at a longer follow‐up time of approximately 15 months post intervention, to assess sustainability of training effects.

Results

Adaptive cognitive training reduced anxiety and rumination with effects evident at shorter and longer term follow‐up assessments.

Conclusions

Our results are among the first to suggest that adaptive cognitive training can reduce emotional vulnerability in breast cancer, with the potential to enhance quality of life in survivorship. Our findings have profound implications for designing interventions targeting cognitive function in populations who have suffered from cancer.
Dendrites of the dorsal and ventral hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons of singly housed female rats exhibit lamina‐specific growths and retractions during adolescence that are responsive to pair housing
Authors: Chen Yi‐Wen , Akad Ada , Aderogba Ruka , Chowdhury Tara G. , Aoki Chiye
Published: April 2018

Adolescence is accompanied by increased vulnerability to psychiatric illnesses, including anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. The hippocampus is important for regulating emotional state through its ventral compartment and spatial cognition through its dorsal compartment. Previous animal studies have examined hippocampal development at stages before, after or at single time points during adolescence. However, only one study has investigated morphological changes at multiple time points during adolescence, and no study has yet compared developmental changes of dorsal versus ventral hippocampi. We analyzed the dorsal and ventral hippocampi of rats to determine the developmental trajectory of Golgi‐stained hippocampal CA1 neurons by sampling at five time points, ranging from postnatal day (P) 35 (puberty) to 55 (end of adolescence). We show that the dorsal hippocampus undergoes transient dendritic retractions in stratum radiatum (SR), while the ventral hippocampus undergoes transient dendritic growths in SR. During adulthood, stress and hormonal fluctuations have been shown to alter the physiology and morphology of hippocampal neurons, but studies of the impact of these factors upon adolescent hippocampi are scarce. In addition, we show that female–female pair housing from P 36–44 significantly increases branching in the dorsal SR and reduces branching in the ventral SR. Taken together with data on spine density, these results indicate that pyramidal cells in the dorsal and ventral CA1 of female adolescents are remodeled differently following single housing. Social housing during adolescence elicits pathway‐specific changes in the hippocampus that may underlie behavioral benefits, including stability of emotion regulation and superior cognition.
Alternative shaper: a model for automatic design generation
Authors: Santos Filipe , Kwiecinski Krystian , de Almeida Ana , Eloy Sara , Taborda Bruno
Published: April 2018

This paper discusses the formalization of Alternative Shaper, a Spatial Grammar supplemented with procedural knowledge for supporting design generation. The nondeterministic process style perspective supports an exploratory and flexible specification of designs and the use of predicates relating shapes allow the confirmation of shape spatial restrictions on design processes. Although simple at this stage, Alternative Shaper actually offers interesting potentialities on design generation that may be improved soon with convenient abstractions.
Inequalities in Implementation and Different Outcomes During the Growth of Laparoscopic Colorectal Cancer Surgery in England: A National Population‐Based Study from 2002 to 2012
Authors: Byrne B. E. , Vincent C. A. , Faiz O. D.
Published: April 2018

Aim

Laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery has developed from unproven technique to mainstay of treatment. This study examined the application and relative outcomes of laparoscopic and open colorectal cancer surgery over time, as laparoscopic uptake and experience have grown.

Methods

Adults undergoing elective laparoscopic and open colorectal cancer surgery in the English NHS during 2002–2012 were included. Age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index and Index of Multiple Deprivation were compared over time. Post‐operative 30‐day mortality, length of stay, failure to rescue reoperation and the associated mortality rate were examined.

Results

Laparoscopy rates rose from 1.1 to 50.8%. Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery had lower comorbidity by 0.24 points (95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.20–0.27) and lower socioeconomic deprivation by 0.16 deciles (95% CI 0.12–0.20) than those having open procedures. Overall mortality fell by 48.0% from 2002–2003 to 2011–2002 and was 37.8% lower after laparoscopic surgery. Length of stay and mortality after surgical re‐intervention also fell. However, re‐intervention rates were higher after laparoscopic procedures by 7.8% (95% CI 0.9–15.2%).

Conclusions

There was clear and persistent inequality in the application of laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery during this study. Further work must explore and remedy inequalities to maximise patient benefit. Higher re‐intervention rates after laparoscopy are unexplained and differ from randomized controlled trials. This may reflect differences in surgeons and practice between research and usual care settings and should be further investigated.
Formation of the Fe-Containing Intermetallic Compounds during Solidification of Al-5Mg-2Si-0.7Mn-1.1Fe Alloy
Authors: Que Zhongping , Wang Yun , Fan Zhongyun
Published: April 2018

Iron (Fe) is the most common and the most detrimental impurity element in Al alloys due to the formation of Fe-containing intermetallic compounds (IMCs), which are harmful to mechanical performance of the Al-alloy components. In this paper we investigate the formation of Fe-containing IMCs during solidification of an Al-5Mg-2Si-0.7Mn-1.1Fe alloy under varied solidification conditions. We found that the primary Fe-containing intermetallic compound (P-IMC) in the alloy is the BCC α-Al15(Fe,Mn)3Si2 phase and has a polyhedral morphology with {1 1 0} surface termination. The formation of the P-IMCs can be easily suppressed by increasing the melt superheat and/or cooling rate, suggesting that the nucleation of the α-Al15(Fe,Mn)3Si2 phase is difficult. In addition, we found that the IMCs with a Chinese script morphology is initiated on the {1 0 0} surfaces of the P-IMCs during the binary eutectic reaction with the α-Al phase. Both the binary and ternary eutectic IMCs are also identified as the BCC α-Al15(Fe,Mn)3Si2 phase. Furthermore, we found that the Fe content increases and the Mn content decreases in the Fe-containing intermetallic compounds with the decrease of the formation temperature, although the sum of the Fe and Mn contents in all of the IMCs is constant.
Minnaert resonances for acoustic waves in bubbly media
Authors: Ammari Habib , Fitzpatrick Brian , Gontier David , Lee Hyundae , Zhang Hai
Published: April 2018

Through the application of layer potential techniques and Gohberg–Sigal theory we derive an original formula for the Minnaert resonance frequencies of arbitrarily shaped bubbles. We also provide a mathematical justification for the monopole approximation of scattering of acoustic waves by bubbles at their Minnaert resonant frequency. Our results are complemented by several numerical examples which serve to validate our formula in two dimensions.
Regularity theory for the Isaacs equation through approximation methods
Authors: Pimentel Edgard A.
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we propose an approximation method to study the regularity of solutions to the Isaacs equation. This class of problems plays a paramount role in the regularity theory for fully nonlinear elliptic equations. First, it is a model-problem of a non-convex operator. In addition, the usual mechanisms to access regularity of solutions fall short in addressing these equations. We approximate an Isaacs equation by a Bellman one, and make assumptions on the latter to recover information for the former. Our techniques produce results in Sobolev and Hölder spaces; we also examine a few consequences of our main findings.
Donepezil may reduce the risk of comorbidities in patients with Alzheimer's disease: A large‐scale matched case‐control analysis in Japan
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Arai Heii
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Few studies have focused on the association between donepezil and physical comorbid conditions in Alzheimer's disease patients.

Methods

We investigated the association between donepezil prescription and the occurrences of comorbidities in Alzheimer's disease patients, by using an electronic medical records database which contains case‐based information on approximately three million patients from more than 60 hospitals across Japan.

Results

Nine thousand seven hundred forty‐nine patients had at least one diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease between 2001 and 2015. To test the robustness of the results, we used a risk set sampling method, and the matched cohorts based on age, sex, comorbidity level, and duration of illness consisted of 1406 cases and an equal number of controls. From the multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for covariance, less occurrence of physical comorbidities was associated with donepezil prescription in the matched cohort.

Discussion

Although the mechanisms are unknown, donepezil may have positive effects on both cognition and physical status.
ANIOTO: LEOPARD-MEN KILLINGS AND INSTITUTIONAL DYNAMISM IN NORTHEAST CONGO, c. 1890–1940
Authors: VAN BOCKHAVEN VICKY
Published: April 2018

In northeast Congo, from c. 1890–1940, ritually-empowered militias of Bali Leopard-men, or anioto, killed people on behalf of local leaders to secure access to land, resources, and people and to keep rivals and subjects in check. Belgian colonial authorities portrayed the actions of anioto as an irrational disturbance, ignoring their political relevance. The contextualized study of colonial-era conflicts based on court hearings, in association with anthropological, historical, and material sources, gives insight into emic perspectives. As militias controlled by different leaders, they reflected human adaptability in dealing with social ills, performed judicial functions, and provided therapeutic relief through violence. Originating in the precolonial era, anioto adapted to various strategic needs throughout history. A study of different manifestations of anioto reveals the creative and amalgamating nature of institutional dynamism in northeast Congo. Better knowledge of this institutional history, based on studying conflicts from the past, may enrich our deeper understanding of the dynamics of conflicts in the present.
One‐Hertz Waves at Mars: MAVEN Observations
Authors: Ruhunusiri Suranga , Halekas J. S. , Espley J. R. , Eparvier F. , Brain D. , Mazelle C. , Harada Y. , DiBraccio G. A. , Thiemann E. M. B. , Larson D. E. , Mitchell D. L. , Jakosky B. M. , Sulaiman A. H.
Published: April 2018

We perform a survey of 1‐Hz waves at Mars utilizing Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft observations for a Martian year. We find that the 1‐Hz wave occurrence rate shows an apparent variation caused by masking of the waves by background turbulence during the times when the background turbulence levels are high. To correct for this turbulence masking, we select waves that occur in time intervals where the background turbulence levels are low. We find that the extreme ultraviolet flux does not affect the wave occurrence rate significantly, suggesting that the newly born pickup ions originating in the Mars's exosphere contribute minimally to the 1‐Hz wave generation. We find that the wave occurrence rates are higher for low Mach numbers and low beta values than for high Mach numbers and high beta values. Further, we find that a high percentage of 1‐Hz waves satisfy the group‐standing condition, which suggests that a high percentage of the waves seen as monochromatic waves in the spacecraft frame can be broadband waves in the solar wind frame that have group velocities nearly equal and opposite to the solar wind velocity. We infer that the wave occurrence rate trends with the Mach number and proton beta are a consequence of how the Mach numbers and beta values influence the wave generation and damping or how those parameters affect the group‐standing condition. Finally, we find that the 1‐Hz waves are equally likely to be found in both the quasi‐parallel and the quasi‐perpendicular foreshock regions.
Quantification of Observed Electrical Effect on the Raindrop Size Distribution in Tropical Clouds
Authors: Mudiar Dipjyoti , Pawar S. D. , Hazra Anupam , Konwar Mahen , Gopalakrishnan V. , Srivastava M. K. , Goswami B. N.
Published: April 2018

In the backdrop of extensive laboratory and theoretical evidence of broadening of the drop size distribution (DSD) of raindrops in the presence of electric field, quantification of the same in observed tropical clouds is lacking. Here this is quantified using the DSD measured by a microrain radar at 2,400‐, 1,200‐, and 600‐m heights from the surface in six strongly electrified and six weakly electrified stratiform rain events together with the DSD of raindrops at the surface measured by a disdrometer for the same cases. The presence/absence of lightning is used to distinguish between strongly and weakly electrified events. The vertical profile of Median Volume Diameter below the melting layer and DSDs at all three heights for strongly electrified events and weakly electrified events are significantly different from each other, consistent with previous laboratory and numerical studies (Rayleigh, 1879; Davis, 1964; Moore et al., 1964, https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0469(1964)021<0646:GORAMA>2.0.CO;2). Our results indicate that the electric field and surface charge of raindrops can affect the collision‐coalescence process and breakup characteristics of raindrops. Our study suggests that the parameterization of electrical processes in weather/climate models can possibly improve the simulation of tropical rainfall in numerical models as well as a proper representation of DSD will improve the estimation of tropical rainfall in airborne measurements.
Quasi‐6‐Day Wave Modulation of the Equatorial Electrojet
Authors: Yamazaki Yosuke , Stolle Claudia , Matzka Jürgen , Alken Patrick
Published: April 2018

The equatorial electrojet is an enhanced eastward current in the daysideEregion ionosphere flowing along the magnetic equator. The equatorial electrojet is highly variable as it is subject to various forcing mechanisms including atmospheric waves from the lower layers of the atmosphere. There are occasionally times when the intensity of the equatorial electrojet at a fixed longitude shows an oscillatory variation with a period of approximately 6 days. We present case studies of such events based on the equatorial electrojet measurements from the CHAMP and Swarm satellites. The spatial and temporal variability of the equatorial electrojet intensity during these events reveals characteristics of a westward propagating wave with zonal wavenumber 1, consistent with the effect of the quasi‐6‐day planetary wave. Analyses of the geopotential height data from the Aura satellite confirm the presence of the quasi‐6‐day planetary wave in the lower thermosphere during the events. The amplitude of the quasi‐6‐day variation in the equatorial electrojet intensity depends on longitude, but no systematic longitudinal dependence is found for different events. During the event of August 2010, quasi‐6‐day variations are also observed by ground‐based magnetometers and a radar in the Peruvian sector. The effect of the quasi‐6‐day wave accounts for up to ±5.9 m/s in the equatorial vertical plasma velocity at noon, which is much larger than previously predicted by a numerical model. These results suggest that the quasi‐6‐day planetary wave is an important source of short‐term variability in the equatorial ionosphere.
A review of microfluidic approaches for investigating cancer extravasation during metastasis
Authors: Ma Yu-Heng Vivian , Middleton Kevin , You Lidan , Sun Yu
Published: April 2018

Metastases, or migration of cancers, are common and severe cancer complications. Although the 5-year survival rates of primary tumors have greatly improved, those of metastasis remain below 30%, highlighting the importance of investigating specific mechanisms and therapeutic approaches for metastasis. Microfluidic devices have emerged as a powerful platform for drug target identification and drug response screening and allow incorporation of complex interactions in the metastatic microenvironment as well as manipulation of individual factors. In this work, we review microfluidic devices that have been developed to study cancer cell migration and extravasation in response to mechanical (section ‘Microfluidic investigation of mechanical factors in cancer cell migration’), biochemical (section ‘Microfluidic investigation of biochemical signals in cancer cell invasion’), and cellular (section ‘Microfluidic metastasis-on-a-chip models for investigation of cancer extravasation’) signals. We highlight the device characteristics, discuss the discoveries enabled by these devices, and offer perspectives on future directions for microfluidic investigations of cancer metastasis, with the ultimate aim of identifying the essential factors for a ‘metastasis-on-a-chip’ platform to pursue more efficacious treatment approaches for cancer metastasis.
Thermodynamic study on 8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carboxylic acid as a chelating agent for iron found in the gut of Noctuid larvae
Authors: Gama Sofia , Frontauria Mariachiara , Ueberschaar Nico , Brancato Giuseppe , Milea Demetrio , Sammartano Silvio , Plass Winfried
Published: April 2018

8-HQA is a good sequestering agent towards Fe2+and Fe3+over a wide pH range.
Ionic liquid-functionalized graphene quantum dot-bonded silica as multi-mode HPLC stationary phase with enhanced selectivity for acid compounds
Authors: Wu Qi , Sun Yaming , Gao Jie , Chen Lixiao , Dong Shuqing , Luo Guoying , Li Hui , Wang Litao , Zhao Liang
Published: April 2018

A novel IL/GQD/SiO2 stationary phase for reversed-phase/normal-phase/ionic exchange and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography.
Screening and multiple detection of cancer exosomes using an SERS-based method
Authors: Wang Zhile , Zong Shenfei , Wang Yujie , Li Na , Li Lang , Lu Ju , Wang Zhuyuan , Chen Baoan , Cui Yiping
Published: April 2018

We report an SERS-based method for the screening and multiple detection of cancer exosomes in solution and real blood samples.
Combining uretdione and disulfide reversibly degradable polyurethanes: route to alternating block copolymers
Authors: Summers Christopher J. , Day Roger , Makal Umit , Haddleton David M.
Published: April 2018

Uretdione (temperature and catalyst controlled) and disulphide (REDOX controlled) functionalised polyurethanes have been described and the reversibility of these bonds tested.
Ultra-wideband manipulation of electromagnetic waves by bilayer scattering engineered gradient metasurface
Authors: Guo Yinghui , Yan Jing , Pu Mingbo , Li Xiong , Ma Xiaoliang , Zhao Zeyu , Luo Xiangang
Published: April 2018

Ultra-broadband electromagnetic illusion is realized by spin–orbit interaction of two-dimensional dispersion engineered metasurfaces with catenary-shaped local field enhancement.
1-Alkenyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ionic liquids: novel and low-viscosity ionic liquid electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Tuyet , Nguyen Trang Ngoc , Nguyen Vinh Son , Nguyen Hai Truong , Thi Ngo Dung Kim , Tran Phuong Hoang
Published: April 2018

A new series of 1-alkenyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ionic liquids was prepared under microwave irradiation for application in DSC electrolytes.
Molecular gated-AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor for pH detection
Authors: Ding Xiangzhen , Yang Shuai , Miao Bin , Gu Le , Gu Zhiqi , Zhang Jian , Wu Baojun , Wang Hong , Wu Dongmin , Li Jiadong
Published: April 2018

A molecular gated-AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor has been developed for pH detection.
The mechanism and regularity of quenching the effect of bases on fluorophores: the base-quenched probe method
Authors: Mao Huihui , Luo Guanghua , Zhan Yuxia , Zhang Jun , Yao Shuang , Yu Yang
Published: April 2018

The base-quenched probe method for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) relies on real-time PCR and melting-curve analysis, which might require only one pair of primers and one probe.
Gene expression data and FTIR spectra provide a similar phenotypic description of breast cancer cell lines in 2D and 3D cultures
Authors: Smolina Margarita , Goormaghtigh Erik
Published: April 2018

Gene expression patterns and FTIR spectral data are strongly correlated. Both identified the genotypes and phenotypes of breast cancer cell lines.
Zinc-ion-mediated self-assembly of forky peptides for prostate cancer-specific drug delivery
Authors: Tao Mingtao , Xu Keming , He Suyun , Li Hongmei , Zhang Li , Luo Xuefang , Zhong Wenying
Published: April 2018

A hexapeptide with a unique forky structure can form hydrogels triggered by zinc ions for prostate cancer therapy.
A selective glucose sensor: the cooperative effect of monoboronic acid-modified poly(amidoamine) dendrimers
Authors: Tsai Ching-Hua , Tang Yi-Hsuan , Chen Hui-Ting , Yao Yi-Wen , Chien Tun-Cheng , Kao Chai-Lin
Published: April 2018

For the first time, monoboronic acid derivatives exhibited selective binding to glucose over other saccharides.
Exfoliation of ultrathin FePS3 layers as a promising electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhu Wen , Gan Wei , Muhammad Zahir , Wang Changda , Wu Chuanqiang , Liu Hengjie , Liu Daobin , Zhang Ke , He Qun , Jiang Hongliang , Zheng Xusheng , Sun Zhe , Chen Shuangming , Song Li
Published: April 2018

Few-layer ternary FePS3 nanosheets, prepared via chemical vapor transport synthesis and ball-milling exfoliation, exhibit excellent electrocatalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction in an alkaline medium.
Chiral separation and characterization of triazatruxene-based face-rotating polyhedra: the role of non-covalent facial interactions
Authors: Zhang Pei , Wang Xinchang , Xuan Wei , Peng Pixian , Li Zhihao , Lu Ruqiang , Wu Shuang , Tian Zhongqun , Cao Xiaoyu
Published: April 2018

We constructed a series of novel chiral molecular face-rotating polyhedra (FRP) from two 10,15-dihydro-5H-diindolo[3,2-a:3′,2′-c]carbazole (triazatruxene) derivatives and trans-1,2-cyclohexane diamine.
Retracted Article: Anomalies in growth of electrodeposited Ni–Fe nanogranular films
Authors: Zubar T. I. , Panina L. V. , Kovaleva N. N. , Sharko S. A. , Tishkevich D. I. , Vinnik D. A. , Gudkova S. A. , Trukhanova E. L. , Trofimov E. A. , Chizhik S. A. , Trukhanov S. V. , Trukhanov A. V.
Published: April 2018

Thin Ni–Fe films were produced via electrodeposition onto silicon substrates using direct current and pulse current (with different pulse durations) regimes.
High-purity very thin silver nanowires obtained by Ostwald ripening-driven coarsening and sedimentation of nanoparticles
Authors: Wan Mengjuan , Tao Jingqi , Jia Dan , Chu Xikun , Li Shuxin , Ji Shulin , Ye Changhui
Published: April 2018

High-purity very thin silver nanowires could be obtained by Ostwald ripening-driven coarsening and sedimentation combined with brief filtration of raw silver nanowire solution.
In situfollow-up of hybrid alginate–silicate microbeads formation by linear rheology
Authors: Haffner F. B. , Canilho N. , Medronho B. , Gardiennet C. , Gansmüller A. , Pasc A.
Published: April 2018

In situlinear rheology provides insights on the complex formation mechanism of hybrid silica materials through sol–gel process of silica and gelification of alginate.
Osteocalcin facilitates calcium phosphate ion complex growth as revealed by free energy calculation
Authors: Zhao Weilong , Wang Ziqiu , Xu Zhijun , Sahai Nita
Published: April 2018

The nanoscopic structural and thermodynamic basis of biomolecule-regulated assembly and the crystallization of inorganic solids have a tremendous impact on the rational design of novel functional nanomaterials, but are concealed by many difficulties in molecular-level characterization.
Selective sodium intercalation into sodium nickel–manganese sulfate for dual Na–Li-ion batteries
Authors: Marinova Delyana M. , Kukeva Rosica R. , Zhecheva Ekaterina N. , Stoyanova Radostina K.
Published: April 2018

Through electrochemical, diffraction and spectroscopic examination, we demonstrate that Na2Ni1/2Mn1/2(SO4)2 is able to intercalate Na+ ions in a selective way.
Structural phase transitions in YPtGe2and GdPtGe2
Authors: Janka Oliver , Hoffmann Rolf-Dieter , Heying Birgit , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: April 2018

The germanides YPtGe2and GdPtGe2were synthesized from REGe2precursor compounds and platinum by arc-melting and their structures were studied on the basis of temperature-dependent single crystal X-ray diffraction data.
CO oxidation over supported gold nanoparticles as revealed by operando grazing incidence X-ray scattering analysis
Authors: Odarchenko Yaroslav , Martin David J. , Arnold Thomas , Beale Andrew M.
Published: April 2018

Operando GISAXS/GIXD studies revealed that supported Au nanoparticles on a flat SiO2/Si(111) support undergo shape and phase transformations during CO oxidation.
Fully automated, on-site isolation of cfDNA from whole blood for cancer therapy monitoring
Authors: Kim Chi-Ju , Park Juhee , Sunkara Vijaya , Kim Tae-Hyeong , Lee Yongjin , Lee Kyusang , Kim Mi-Hyun , Cho Yoon-Kyoung
Published: April 2018

Fully integrated lab-on-a-disc for cfDNA isolation allows real-time monitoring of tumor mutation status during targeted therapy.
High current density cation-exchanged SnO2–CdSe/ZnSe and SnO2–CdSe/SnSe quantum-dot photoelectrochemical cells
Authors: Naushad Mu. , Khan M. R. , Bhande Sambhaji S. , Shaikh Shoyebmohamad F. , Alfadul S. M. , Shinde Pritamkumar V. , Mane Rajaram S.
Published: April 2018

The 9.74 mA cm−2current density of SnO2–CdSe photoanode is enhanced to 19.82 and 28.40 mA cm−2on SnO2–CdSe/ZnSe and SnO2–CdSe/SnSe surface modifications, respectively, through a process of cation-exchange.
Narrow-gap physical vapour deposition synthesis of ultrathin SnS1−xSex (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) two-dimensional alloys with unique polarized Raman spectra and high (opto)electronic properties
Authors: Gao Wei , Li Yongtao , Guo Jianhua , Ni Muxun , Liao Ming , Mo Haojie , Li Jingbo
Published: April 2018

An improved physical vapour deposition for achieving ultrathin SnS1−xSex alloyed nanosheets with unique anisotropic Raman characteristics and good (opto)electrical performance.
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) based advanced dermal therapeutics: current trends and future potential
Authors: Kuche Kaushik , Maheshwari Rahul , Tambe Vishakha , Mak Kit-Kay , Jogi Hardi , Raval Nidhi , Pichika Mallikarjuna Rao , Kumar Tekade Rakesh
Published: April 2018

The search for effective and non-invasive delivery modules to transport therapeutic molecules across skin has led to the discovery of a number of nanocarriers (viz.: liposomes, ethosomes, dendrimers,etc.) in the last few decades.
Tailored microstructure and mechanical properties of nanocomposite films made from polyacrylic/LDH hybrid latexes synthesized by RAFT-mediated emulsion polymerization
Authors: Dalmas Florent , Pearson Samuel , Gary Baptiste , Chenal Jean-Marc , Bourgeat-Lami Elodie , Prévot Vanessa , Chazeau Laurent
Published: April 2018

New layered double hydroxide (LDH)-filled nanocomposites with tunable microstructures and mechanical properties obtained from film-forming latexes.
An l-proline based thermoresponsive and pH-switchable nanogel as a drug delivery vehicle
Authors: Salinas Y. , Castilla A. M. , Resmini M.
Published: April 2018

The synthesis and characterisation of a novel dual stimuli-responsive nanogel, based on thermoresponsive N-n-propylacrylamide and an l-proline based monomer acting as a pH-switcher, is reported here.
Formation mechanism of bound rubber in elastomer nanocomposites: a molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Liu Jun , Wan Haixiao , Zhou Huanhuan , Feng Yancong , Zhang Liqun , Lyulin Alexey V.
Published: April 2018

The formation mechanism of the bound rubber in elastomer nanocomposites using the coarse-grained molecular-dynamics simulations.
Nanoporous foam fabricated by dealloying AgAl thin film through supercritical fluid corrosion
Authors: Liu Y. C. , Huang J. C. , Wang X. , Tsai M. T. , Wang Z. K.
Published: April 2018

In this research, nanoporous silver foams are fabricated through dealloying Ag35Al65 (as atomic percentage, at%) thin films in supercritical (SC) carbon dioxide.
Synthesis, electronic structures, and photoluminescence properties of an efficient and thermally stable red-emitting phosphor Ca3ZrSi2O9:Eu3+,Bi3+ for deep UV-LEDs
Authors: Zhong Jiyou , Zhao Weiren , Yang Lunwei , Shi Peng , Liao Zifeng , Xia Menglong , Pu Wenhua , Xiao Wei , Wang Ligen
Published: April 2018

A red-emitting phosphor Ca3ZrSi2O9:Eu3+,Bi3+ with high quantum yield and thermal stability was developed by introducing Bi3+ as an efficient sensitizer.
Impact of inkjet printed ZnO electron transport layer on the characteristics of polymer solar cells
Authors: Sánchez José G. , Balderrama Víctor S. , Garduño Salvador I. , Osorio Edith , Viterisi Aurelien , Estrada Magali , Ferré-Borrull Josep , Pallarès Josep , Marsal Lluis F.
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we demonstrate that zinc oxide (ZnO) layers deposited by inkjet printing (IJP) can be successfully applied to the low-temperature fabrication of efficient inverted polymer solar cells (i-PSCs).
Synergistic regulation mechanism of iperoxo and LY2119620 for muscarinic acetylcholine M2 receptor
Authors: Li Quan , Chen Hai-Feng
Published: April 2018

Dynamics correlation network was used to reveal the synergistic regulation mechanism of iperoxo and LY2119620 for muscarinic acetylcholine M2 receptor.
Thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline palladium sulfide
Authors: Chen Liu-Cheng , Jiang Bin-Bin , Yu Hao , Pang Hong-Jie , Su Lei , Shi Xun , Chen Li-Dong , Chen Xiao-Jia
Published: April 2018

Measurement of the electrical, thermal, and structural properties of palladium sulfide (PdS) has been conducted in order to investigate its thermoelectric performance.
Self-supported NiMo-based nanowire arrays as bifunctional electrocatalysts for full water splitting
Authors: Wang Yue , Sun Yue , Yan Feng , Zhu Chunling , Gao Peng , Zhang Xitian , Chen Yujin
Published: April 2018

Self-supported NiMo-based nanowire arrays as binder-free electrodes for full water splitting exhibited excellent electrochemical performance, superior to the one assembled with Pt and IrO2 electrocatalysts.
A gold nanoflower-based traceable drug delivery system for intracellular SERS imaging-guided targeted chemo-phototherapy
Authors: Song Chunyuan , Dou Yanxia , Yuwen Lihui , Sun Youzhi , Dong Chen , Li Fang , Yang Yanjun , Wang Lianhui
Published: April 2018

A novel traceable and targeted drug delivery nanosystem with high drug encapsulation and pH-controlled release was prepared based on gold nanoflowers for efficient intracellular SERS imaging-guided chemo-phototherapy.
Management and labour in an integrated crop-livestock-forestry system in Roraima, Brazilian Amazonia
Authors: Bendahan Amaury Burlamaqui , Poccard-Chapuis René , de Medeiros Roberto Dantas , de Lucena Costa Newton , Tourrand Jean-François
Published: April 2018

Livestock production systems in the Amazon have caused substantial environmental damage. With the pressure to improve and increase production on limited lands, and the new ways of evaluating systems, farmers are looking for alternatives to livestock production. The scientific community began to promote incorporating trees as a component of livestock systems, as an alternative to livestock specialization. However, these systems were not adopted as expected. One of the hypotheses is that this alternative requires a complicated management. In this context, the objective of this study was to describe the implications for the management of cattle farms and the work necessary to include an integrated crop-livestock-forestry system (CLFIS) in cattle farms in Roraima State. To address this objective, we used secondary government data, interviews, and farm monitoring. The results showed that, regardless of the scale of production, more components in the CLFIS result in more activity differentiation, more diversification of knowledge and work, and a more complicated management. In conclusion, the adoption of a CLFIS to replace the exclusive production of livestock results in losing the flexibility and characteristics of livestock production in Amazonia. The increase in the average age and the low level of schooling of farmers and rural workers are factors that make it difficult for them to internalize, understand and adopt CLFIS. Labour and management are complicating factors contributing to the low level of CLFIS adoption by Roraima State farmers.
The requirements for implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and for planning and implementing Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI) in mining areas
Authors: Florkowska Lucyna , Bryt-Nitarska Izabela
Published: April 2018

The notion of Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI) appears more and more frequently in contemporary regional development strategies. Formulating the main assumptions of ITI is a response to a growing need for a co-ordinated, multi-dimensional regional development suitable for the characteristics of a given area. Activities are mainly aimed at improving people’s quality of life with their significant participation. These activities include implementing the Sustainable development Goals (SDGs).

Territorial investments include, among others, projects in areas where land and building use is governed not only by general regulations (Spatial Planning and Land Development Act) but also by separate legal acts. This issue also concerns areas with active mines and post-mining areas undergoing revitalization. For the areas specified above land development and in particular making building investments is subject to the requirements set forth in the Geological and Mining Law and in the general regulations. In practice this means that factors connected with the present and future mining impacts must be taken into consideration in planning the investment process.

This article discusses the role of proper assessment of local geological conditions as well as the current and future mining situation in the context of proper planning and performance of the Integrated Territorial Investment programme and also in the context of implementing the SDGs. It also describes the technical and legislative factors which need to be taken into consideration in areas where mining is planned or where it took place in the past.
The application of Airborne Laser Scaning for identifying old lignite workings – case study: the mine “Borussia” near Ośno Lubuskie (Western Poland)
Authors: Gontaszewska-Piekarz Agnieszka , Mrówczyńska Maria
Published: April 2018

The paper presents the possibilities of using data obtained by airborne laser scanning for identifying areas where lignite used to be mined. The technology of airborne laser scanning presented in the paper as and its results have a vast potential in terms of identifying local terrain deformations. The paper also presents the history of lignite mining in the region of Ośno Lubuskie (the north-west of Ziemia Lubuska - western Poland). It describes underground mining in complicated geological conditions (glaciotectonic deformations). The paper is supplemented with historical maps showing the locations of the mines
The use of two-axis high precision inclination sensors in determining headframe deflection
Authors: Jaśkowski Wojciech , Jabłoński Mateusz , Ulmaniec Małgorzata , Paraszczuk Krzysztof
Published: April 2018

Reliability of transport equipment in the shaft depends, among other things, on the accuracy of the vertical foundation of the headframe together with elements of the hoisting equipment over the shaft. Any deviations beyond the installation and movement tolerances may cause incorrect or even dangerous operation of the hoisting equipment in the shaft. Therefore the headframe is subjected to periodic inventory measurements, which prevent the movement in the shaft and the smooth operation of the whole underground mine. The Wieliczka Salt Mine developed a project for the installation of precision Nivel 220 two-axis inclinometers on Kinga and Daniłowicz headframes. The paper summarizes the initial conclusions resulting from the first year of the system operation and indicates the directions of its development.
Assessment of deformations in mining areas using the Riegl VZ-400 terrestrial laser scanner
Authors: Szwarkowski Dariusz , Moskal Magdalena
Published: April 2018

The article discusses the use of terrestrial laser scanning to assess deformations in mining areas. Using the terrestrial laser scanning Riegl VZ-400, control measurements within the historical location of the underground coal mine in Zabrze were made. Two laser scanning measurements were taken over the course of one year. The research made it possible to determine changes in surface deformation on the shallowly located mining excavations. Differences in the terrain may be due to subsidence associated with the influence of underground mining and pose a threat to the adjacent road infrastructure and structures.
Improvement of specialized industrial manipulator movement control
Authors: Kuvshinnikov Vladimir , Kovshov Evgeny
Published: April 2018

This article deals with the specialized portal manipulator motion control. The key features of the system are analysed, management efficiency improvement task is considered and formulated. An approach to the manipulator trajectory formation is proposed, based on existing mobile and industrial robotics solutions including artificial neural networks.
The representativeness of the statistical data frame in the quantitative image analysis
Authors: Petrushin Vladimir N. , Rudyak Yuriy V. , Rytikov Georgy O.
Published: April 2018

In the article the concept of representativeness of the statistical data frame is discussed. Also the statistical measure of representativeness and a method for the quantitative assessment of the degree of representativeness of the general population are proposed. To demonstrate the techniques and methods of application, we consider a case of identifying the amount of statistically reliable sampling in the analysis of polymer composite surface’s SEM-images.
The experimental testing of semi-authomated process of degraded DNA extraction and reading on ancient samples from Baltic area
Authors: Merkulov Vsevolod , Kulakov Vladimir , Semenov Alexander
Published: April 2018

The extracting the genetic information from old and degraded DNA now become a serious and promising direction of biotechnology. In Russia, this kind of technological systems is fully developing only recent years, so building and testing the processes for degraded DNA extraction and reading is still important, as it makes Russia independent from foreign laboratories. Below we outline the authomated process designed and performed in Russia, and mainly the result of the experiment on Y-DNA haplogroup defining of two ancient burials from Kaliningrad Area. The obtained data allows defining the Y-haplogroup R1a with a certain probability. The paper outlines the experiment, testing process, and the obtained results for both samples in form of precise but scarce data. The experiment showed that the developed system manages with 1000-1500 year old samples preserved in acid soils prevailing in Russia. The technology mentioned and used in the test was developed in Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology by the Laboratory of Historical Genetics, Radiocarbon Analysis, and Applied Physics and was used in the project according to the agreement.
Review puzzles and construction sets falling under the category of augmented reality games
Authors: Osipov Ilya V. , Nikulchev Evgeny
Published: April 2018

In this article, the authors review puzzles and construction sets falling under the category of augmented reality games and, at the same time, serving as the elements of TUI interfaces. The review does not include games based on jigsaw puzzles (dissection puzzles, where the player has to put together a set of fragments of variously shaped images). Transreality puzzles are electronic-mechanical puzzles (usually three-dimensional), where the gameplay takes place both in the domain of a virtual game, and in that of a mechanical device.
UML class diagram object-oriented metrics: algorithms of calculation
Authors: Deryugina Olga
Published: April 2018

The paper proposes algorithms of the object oriented UML class diagram metrics calculation. Metrics include Average CBO, Average DIT, Average NOC, Average DAC, Average NLM, Average NOM, DAC2, SIZE2, and DSC. The proposed algorithms have become a part of the UML Refactoring tool providing UML class diagram analysis and transformation.
Creating the mobile apps independence rating
Authors: Kukanov Anton , Andrianova Elena
Published: April 2018

Nowadays the mobile apps market is experiencing unprecedented growth. The quantity of mobile applications, which is proposed for installation, has exceeded 6 million. It causes, that it’s difficult for common consumers to choose a safety and high-quality product from this amount. The proposed independent rating called up for helping ordinary consumers. It is based on the special standard of mobile apps quality requirements and group of test procedures, that allow to evaluate the quality of mobile software.
Enhanced fecundity and parasite release in the first amphipod invader on the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Banha Filipe , Anastácio Pedro M. , Rachalewski Michal , Bacela-Spychalska Karolina , Grabowski Michal
Published: April 2018

Crangonyx pseudogracilis is a North American amphipod recently detected in Portugal and it is the first invasive freshwater amphipod detected in the Iberian Peninsula. The aim of this study was to assess the population structure and its invasion range in this area, but also to assess its pathogen profile and its origin through genetic analyses. Crangonyx pseudogracilis was only found in the lowlands of the Tagus River basin, a restricted area of the three sampled river basins (Tagus, Guadiana and Sado). Only one mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) gene cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) haplotype, identical to the one already detected in Europe and in the Lake Charles, USA, was identified. The obtained data show that the studied populations are well-established, have a high female fecundity and a reproduction period extended throughout the year. No parasites were detected in the 236 dissected specimens. The dissimilarity of parasites prevalence to other European invasive populations opens the possibility of a direct introduction from North America but it also does not exclude the possibility of a secondary introduction from another European country.
Leaching behavior and ecotoxicological effects of different game shot materials in freshwater
Authors: Fäth Julian , Feiner Mona , Beggel Sebastian , Geist Jürgen , Göttlein Axel
Published: April 2018

Lead-based game shot used in hunting near waters is considered a main reason for lead-poisoning of waterfowl and aquatic organisms, prompting discussion about alternatives. This study provides a first comparison of the leaching behavior and resulting ecotoxicological impacts of shot exposed to freshwater, comprising lead-based and alternative shots containing bismuth, copper, steel, tungsten, and zinc. Ecotoxicological effect assessment was based on the acuteDaphnia magna48 h toxicity test according to the EN ISO 6341:2012 guideline. Strong leaching of copper (up to 4.22 μmol/L) and zinc (up to 41.12 μmol/L) from three types of alternative game shot caused significantly increased immobilization rates of up to 100%. In contrast, even the highest leaching of lead did not significantly impairDaphniamobility. Highest concentrations of dissolved metal ions only matched the declared main components of the respective shots in 3 out of 9 cases. These results demonstrate that metal release from alternative game shot is an underestimated ecotoxicological risk, particularly since release of copper and zinc from alternative shots was demonstrated to be more hazardous for aquatic biota than conventional lead shot. There is an urgent need of managing the use of shot ammunition near waterbodies based on realistic ecotoxicological risk assessments.
Global distribution and climatic match of a highly traded ornamental freshwater fish, the sailfin mollyPoecilia latipinna(Lesueur, 1821)
Authors: Koutsikos Nicholas , Vardakas Leonidas , Kalogianni Eleni , Economou Alcibiades N.
Published: April 2018

Predicting alien species' establishment through climate matching may inform management actions preventing future invasions. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the climate match of the sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna) worldwide, with emphasis on Europe and the Mediterranean. A literature review indicated that the species presents a total of 100 non-indigenous occurrences in 29 countries worldwide. Predominantly, it has been introduced within tropical/subtropical climatic zones, where it is usually clustered near ornamental trade centers and malaria affected areas. Overall, sailfin molly distribution reflects a warm-stenothermic tolerance, however, there are validated populations outside the subtropical belt in geothermally heated water bodies. Its invasion potential, assessed by Climatch tool, indicated a low environmental match (5% of the assessed sites) within Europe, whereas in the Mediterranean this rose to 60%, though the species is recorded only at one location. This poor match of the model's output may reflect its inability to take into account local environmental filters. Intolerance to prolonged temperature drops appears to be the leading factor constraining sailfin molly establishment in Europe. Additional constrains on its successful invasion,i.e.specialized habitat requirements, limited propagule supply or reduced reproductive fitness, due to breeding manipulations of commercially available strains, are discussed.