bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
All‐Optical Switching and Two‐States Light‐Controlled Coherent‐Incoherent Random Lasing in a Thiophene‐Based Donor‐Acceptor System
Authors: Szukalski Adam , Ayadi Awatef , Haupa Karolina , El‐Ghayoury Abdelkrim , Sahraoui Bouchta , Mysliwiec Jaroslaw 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWe describe herein the synthesis and characterization of a thiophene‐based donor‐acceptor system, namely (E)‐2‐(4‐nitrostyryl)‐5‐phenylthiophene (Th‐pNO2), which was prepared under Horner‐Wadsworth‐Emmons conditions. The UV/Vis absorption bands, including the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) band, were fully assigned using DFT and TD‐DFT computations. The results of both efficient third‐order nonlinear optical properties and light‐amplification phenomena are presented. Investigations of photoinduced birefringence (PIB) in optical Kerr effect (OKE) experiments showed a great potential for this particular compound as an efficient, fully reversible, and fast optical switch. Time constants for the observed trans‐cis‐trans molecular transitions are in the range of microseconds and give a competitive experimental result for the well‐known and exploited azobenzene derivatives. Random lasing (RL) investigations confirmed that this organic system is potentially useful to achieve strong light enhancement, observed as a multimode lasing action. Both RL and OKE measurements indicate that this material is a representative of thiophene derivatives, which can be utilized to fabricate fast all‐optical switches or random lasers (light amplifiers).
Supramolecular Confinement within Chitosan Nanocomposites Enhances Singlet Oxygen Generation
Authors: Naim Khalid , Nair Sreejisha T. , Yadav Pranjali , Shanavas Asifkhan , Neelakandan Prakash P. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe synthesis of water‐soluble chitosan nanocomposites incorporating BODIPY and the investigation of their photosensitization properties is reported. It was observed that the singlet oxygen generation capability of nanocomposites containing a mixture of BODIPY and iodine‐containing molecules are higher than that of the nanocomposites containing BODIPY alone. It is hypothesized that the supramolecular interactions between BODIPY and iodine‐containing molecules confined within the nanocomposites lead to the enhanced singlet oxygen generation.
Environmental policy and sustainable development: An empirical study on carbon reduction among Chinese enterprises
Authors: Yu Hui‐Cheng , Tsai Bor‐Yuan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis study mainly examined the influences of enterprises' carbon reduction behaviors on their sustainable development, and investigated the effects on sustainable development of carbon emission reduction by state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) from high‐carbon‐emission industries in China. Data were coded through a content analysis procedure, followed by regression analysis. Analysis of variance results revealed that SOEs and high‐carbon‐emission industries emphasize realizing carbon reduction more than do privately owned enterprises and non‐high‐carbon‐emission industries, with significant between‐groups differences observed between these enterprises and industries. Regression results indicated that carbon reduction positively and significantly influences corporate sustainable development, suggesting that carbon reduction is beneficial to both the ecological environment and corporate sustainable development. However, carbon reduction negatively yet insignificantly influences the sustainable development of SOEs in industries with high carbon emissions. The empirical findings may serve as a critical reference for China, which is moving toward a low‐carbon economy.
Connected guys: Endorsement of masculine honour predicts more frequent contact with members of criminal organisations
Authors: Travaglino Giovanni A. , Drury Lisbeth 
Published: March 2018

AbstractItalian criminal organisations (COs) engage in contact with community members to assert their control over local populations in Southern Italy. According to intracultural appropriation theory,COs’ presence in these regions is legitimised by values of masculinity and honour. Here, we test the role of these values in drawing people closer toCOs, facilitating more frequent contact withCOs’ members. Study 1 (NT1 = 176,NT2 = 170) used a two‐wave longitudinal design demonstrating that endorsement of masculine honour predicts more frequent contact withCOs after five months. In contrast, results revealed no longitudinal effect of contact frequency on masculine honour endorsement. Using a cross‐sectional design, Study 2 (N = 314) extended these results by revealing an indirect effect of masculine honour on the tendency to seeCOs as embodying honour and respect (romanticisation), through more frequent contact withCOs’ members. Limitations, directions for future research and implications of these results are discussed.
A direct replication: Unconscious arithmetic processing
Authors: Karpinski Andrew , Briggs Jessie C. , Yale Miriam 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAcross two experiments involving four presentation times in total, Sklar et al. (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 109, 2012, 19614) found that complex subtraction equations can be solved without awareness of the equations. These findings challenge the current position that consciousness is necessary for performing abstract, rule‐following tasks. Given the important implications of their work, we aimed to directly replicate Sklar's findings using a larger sample (n = 94) from a different population. Using continuous flash suppression, we investigated if people were able to solve an equation after subliminal (1,300 ms) exposure to it. We found evidence of unconscious subtraction consistent with Sklar et al., albeit the effect is weak. Critical review of our results and implications for further research are discussed.
Fabrication of β‐Cyclodextrin/Glycine/Carbon Nanotubes Electrochemical Neurotransmitters Sensor – Application in Ultra‐sensitive Determination of DOPAC in Human Serum
Authors: Galal Ahmed , Atta Nada F. , El‐Ads Ekram H. , El‐Gohary Asmaa R. M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn this work, an electrochemical sensor was constructed by applying two successive thin layers of glycine‐carbon nanotubes mixture and β‐cyclodextrin (CNTs‐Gly)/CD over glassy carbon electrode surface for some neurotransmitters determination. A host‐guest interaction between CD and neurotransmitters molecules is expected and resulted in enhanced sensitivity, selectivity and stability of sensor response. Other components of the sensor are crucial for the unique electrochemical response. Carbon nanotubes allowed large surface area for glycine distribution that provided hydrogen bonding to CD moieties and contributed to facilitated charge transfer. It was possible to determine 3,4‐dihydroxy phenyl acetic acid (DOPAC) in the linear range of 0.1 μmol L−1 to 80 μmol L−1 with detection limit of 9.40 nmol L−1, quantification limit of 31.5 nmol L−1 and sensitivity of 4.16 μA/μmol L−1. The proposed sensor was applied in synthetic cerebrospinal fluids samples using random standard addition method. Also, the proposed sensor was used to determine DOPAC in presence of common interferences and acceptable recovery results were achieved for its analysis in real blood serum. Figures of merit for (CNTs‐Gly)/CD composite in terms of precision, robustness, repeatability and reproducibility were reported.
Quality by design‐assisted development of a capillary electrophoresis method for the chiral purity determination of dexmedetomidine
Authors: Krait Sulaiman , Scriba Gerhard K. E. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractDexmedetomidine is a selective α2‐adrenergic agonist used for patient sedation, while its enantiomer levomedetomidine has no sedative effects. As CE has been shown to be a powerful technique for enantiomer analysis, the aim of the study was the quality by design‐based development of a CE‐based limit test for the enantiomeric impurity levomedetomidine. The analytical target profile was defined that the method should be able to determine levomedetomidine with acceptable precision and accuracy at the 0.1% level. From initial scouting experiments, sulfated β‐cyclodextrin was selected as chiral selector. The critical process parameters were identified in a fractional factorial resolution V+ design, while a central composite face centered design and Monte Carlo simulations were used for defining the design space of the method. The selected working conditions were a 21.3/31.5 cm, 50 μm id fused‐silica capillary, a 50 mM sodium phosphate buffer, pH 6.5, containing 40 mg/mL sulfated β‐cyclodextrin, a capillary temperature of 17°C and an applied voltage of 10 kV. Validation according to the ICH guideline Q2(R1) demonstrated repeatability and intermediate precision of content and migration time between 9.3 and 4.2% with accuracy in the range of 92.0 and 98.9%.
Improving the Electrochemical Performances of LiVPO4F/C Cathode by Doping AlF3 with Dual Functions for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Wen Zheng , Li Qiyuan , Fan Changling , Luo Ting , Zeng Taotao , Han Shaochang 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe performances of pure phase LiVPO4F/C is poor. AlF3 is selected to dope it, which is synthesized by a novel chemical reduction. Alveolate structure is discovered in undoped sample because of the volatilization of fluoride. The selected area electron diffraction proves that it is composed of Li3V2(PO4)3 and LiVPO4F. However, the alveolate disappears in doped sample with pure parallelogram pattern because AlF3 supplements the loss of fluorine. Doping of Al3+ decreases the lattice parameters and stabilizes the crystallite. Therefore, the performances of LiV1‐xAlxPO4F/C at different temperatures are significantly improved. LiV0.97Al0.03PO4F/C delivers high capacity of 116.6 mAh g−1 and excellent capacity retention of 96.83 % at 5 C after 50 cycles. The 5 C capacities at −10 °C and 55 °C are 90.1 mAh g−1 and 121.4 mAh g−1. Ex‐situ X‐ray diffraction reveals that the lattice of LiV0.97Al0.03PO4F/C can maintain stability after extreme testing conditions. These are ascribed to the improvement in intrinsic conductivity and diffuse coefficient. It implies that AlF3 plays dual functions in the doping process.
Influence of Impurity SO42− on the Thermal Performance of Molten Nitrates Used for Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Sun Ze , Hu Chongjing , Ni Haiou , Lu Guimin , Song Xingfu , Yu Jianguo 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSolar salt system, mainly composed by 60 wt.% NaNO3 and 40 wt.% KNO3, is the most optimized molten nitrates used for thermal energy storage. This paper aims to investigate the influence of the amount of impurity SO42− on thermal performance of solar salt, including thermodynamic parameters like melting point, liquidus temperature, thermal decomposition temperature, thermal stability, and thermophysical properties such as density, viscosity at different temperature. The melting point and thermal decomposition temperature of the mixtures were measured by Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) and Thermo‐gravimetric (TG), respectively. The liquidus temperature was obtained by a cooling curve, and the density was determined with a homemade device based on the Archimedes principle. Additionally, viscosity measurements were obtained using a Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer. It was found that: SO42− makes no negative influence on melting point, liquidus temperature and density. The results of viscosity show that controlling the SO42− level within 0.1 wt.% in nitrates is necessary. For the thermal stability at 565 °C, SO42− increases the mass loss of nitrates a little more than pure nitrates, as well as easily forms insoluble compounds with cations, especially Na+. Meanwhile, the mass loss mechanisms was confirmed in especial by the vaporization of the nitrates, followed by the release of O2. In conclusion, it is critical to maintain SO42− content below 0.01 wt.% for addressing flow problems and reducing instability at high temperature.
Enlargement and evolution of a semi‐alluvial creek in response to urbanization
Authors: Bevan Vernon , MacVicar Bruce , Chapuis Margot , Ghunowa Kimisha , Papangelakis Elli , Parish John , Snodgrass William 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe impact of urbanization on stream channels is of interest due to the growth of cities and the sensitivity of stream morphology and ecology to hydrologic change. Channel enlargement is a commonly observed effect and channel evolution models can help guide management efforts, but the models must be used in the proper geologic and climatic context. Semi‐alluvial channels characterized by a relatively thin alluvial layer over clay till and a convex channel profile in a temperate climate are not represented in currently available models. In this study we: (i) assess channel enlargement; and (ii) propose a channel evolution model for an urban semi‐alluvial creek in Toronto, Canada. The system is 90% developed with an imperviousness of approximately 47%. Channel enlargement is assessed by comparing 50 year old construction surveys, a recent survey of a relic channel, low‐precision surveys of channel change over a 15 year period, and high‐precision surveys over a three year period. The enlargement ratio of the channel since 1958 is 2.6, but could be as high 8.2 in comparison with the pre‐urban channel. When the increase in flow capacity is considered, the enlargement ratio is 1.9 since 1958 and up to 6.0 in comparison with the pre‐urban channel. Channel enlargement continues in the contemporary channel at an estimated rate of 0.23 m2/year. A five stage model is presented to describe channel evolution in the lower reaches. In this model the coarse lag material from glacial sources provides a natural resilience to the bed and incision occurs only after the increased flows from urbanization are combined with higher slopes as a result of channel straightening or avulsions. Further research should be done to assess stream behaviour close to an identified geologic control point. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Model reduction using L1‐norm minimization as an application to nonlinear hyperbolic problems
Authors: Abgrall R. , Crisovan R. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryWe are interested in the model reduction techniques for hyperbolic problems, particularly in fluids. This paper, which is a continuation of an earlier paper of Abgrall et al, proposes a dictionary approach coupled with an L1 minimization approach. We develop the method and analyze it in simplified 1‐dimensional cases. We show in this case that error bounds with the full model can be obtained provided that a suitable minimization approach is chosen. The capability of the algorithm is then shown on nonlinear scalar problems, 1‐dimensional unsteady fluid problems, and 2‐dimensional steady compressible problems. A short discussion on the cost of the method is also included in this paper.
Shelf‐life enhancement of whole rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) treated with Reshgak ice coverage
Authors: Tavakoli Samad , Naseri Mahmood , Abedi Elahe , Imani Ahmad 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe effect of ice coverage comprised of Reshgak extract and Reshgak essential oil on shelf‐life extension of chilled whole rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was evaluated. Chemical (peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acids (TBA), total volatile nitrogen base (TVB‐N), and free fatty acids (FFA)), microbiological (total viable count (TVC) and psychrotrophic viable count (PVC)), and sensory evaluations (texture, color, flavor, and general acceptance) were investigated every 4 days during a 20‐day storage period. Results revealed that the effect of both icing systems led to considerably lower bacterial counts and chemical indices in comparison with the traditional ice coverage without such phytogenic. According to sensory analyses, fish stored in ice containing Reshgak essential oil had a longer shelf‐life (>16 days) and those stored in ice medium included with Reshgak extract possessed a shelf‐life of 16 days, whereas lot stored in traditional ice showed a shorter shelf‐life of 12 days.
Testing cross‐phenotype effects of rare variants in longitudinal studies of complex traits
Authors: Rudra Pratyaydipta , Broadaway K. Alaine , Ware Erin B. , Jhun Min A. , Bielak Lawrence F. , Zhao Wei , Smith Jennifer A. , Peyser Patricia A. , Kardia Sharon L.R. , Epstein Michael P. , Ghosh Debashis 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTMany gene mapping studies of complex traits have identified genes or variants that influence multiple phenotypes. With the advent of next‐generation sequencing technology, there has been substantial interest in identifying rare variants in genes that possess cross‐phenotype effects. In the presence of such effects, modeling both the phenotypes and rare variants collectively using multivariate models can achieve higher statistical power compared to univariate methods that either model each phenotype separately or perform separate tests for each variant. Several studies collect phenotypic data over time and using such longitudinal data can further increase the power to detect genetic associations. Although rare‐variant approaches exist for testing cross‐phenotype effects at a single time point, there is no analogous method for performing such analyses using longitudinal outcomes. In order to fill this important gap, we propose an extension of Gene Association with Multiple Traits (GAMuT) test, a method for cross‐phenotype analysis of rare variants using a framework based on the distance covariance. The approach allows for both binary and continuous phenotypes and can also adjust for covariates. Our simple adjustment to the GAMuT test allows it to handle longitudinal data and to gain power by exploiting temporal correlation. The approach is computationally efficient and applicable on a genome‐wide scale due to the use of a closed‐form test whose significance can be evaluated analytically. We use simulated data to demonstrate that our method has favorable power over competing approaches and also apply our approach to exome chip data from the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy.
MMP7 cleaves remyelination‐impairing fibronectin aggregates and its expression is reduced in chronic multiple sclerosis lesions
Authors: Wang Peng , Gorter Rianne P. , de Jonge Jenny C. , Nazmuddin Muhammad , Zhao Chao , Amor Sandra , Hoekstra Dick , Baron Wia 
Published: March 2018

AbstractUpon demyelination, transient expression of fibronectin precedes successful remyelination. However, in chronic demyelination observed in multiple sclerosis (MS), aggregates of fibronectin persist and contribute to remyelination failure. Accordingly, removing fibronectin (aggregates) would constitute an effective strategy for promoting remyelination. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes known to remodel extracellular matrix components, including fibronectin. Here, we examined the ability of MMPs to degrade fibronectin aggregates. Our findings reveal that MMP7 cleaved fibronectin aggregates resulting into a prominent 13 kDa EIIIA (16 kDa EDA)‐containing fragment. MMP7 was upregulated during lysolecithin‐induced demyelination, indicating its potential for endogenous fibronectin clearance. In contrast, the expression of proMMP7 was substantially decreased in chronic active and inactive MS lesions compared with control white matter and remyelinated MS lesions. Microglia and macrophages were major cellular sources of proMMP7 and IL‐4‐activated, but not IFNγ+LPS‐activated, microglia and macrophages secreted significant levels of proMMP7. Also, conditioned medium of IL‐4‐activated macrophages most efficiently cleaved fibronectin aggregates upon MMP‐activating conditions. Yet, coatings of MMP7‐cleaved fibronectin aggregate fragments inhibited oligodendrocyte maturation, indicating that further degradation and/or clearance by phagocytosis is essential. These findings suggest that MMP7 cleaves fibronectin aggregates, while reduced (pro)MMP7 levels in MS lesions contribute to their persistent presence. Therefore, upregulating MMP7 levels may be key to remove remyelination‐impairing fibronectin aggregates in MS lesions.
Monitoring and control of amygdala neurofeedback involves distributed information processing in the human brain
Authors: Paret Christian , Zähringer Jenny , Ruf Matthias , Gerchen Martin Fungisai , Mall Stephanie , Hendler Talma , Schmahl Christian , Ende Gabriele 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBrain–computer interfaces provide conscious access to neural activity by means of brain‐derived feedback (“neurofeedback”). An individual's abilities to monitor and control feedback are two necessary processes for effective neurofeedback therapy, yet their underlying functional neuroanatomy is still being debated. In this study, healthy subjects received visual feedback from their amygdala response to negative pictures. Activation and functional connectivity were analyzed to disentangle the role of brain regions in different processes. Feedback monitoring was mapped to the thalamus, ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), ventral striatum (VS), and rostral PFC. The VS responded to feedback corresponding to instructions while rPFC activity differentiated between conditions and predicted amygdala regulation. Control involved the lateral PFC, anterior cingulate, and insula. Monitoring and control activity overlapped in the VS and thalamus. Extending current neural models of neurofeedback, this study introduces monitoring and control of feedback as anatomically dissociated processes, and suggests their important role in voluntary neuromodulation.
A more randomly organized grey matter network is associated with deteriorating language and global cognition in individuals with subjective cognitive decline
Authors: Verfaillie Sander C. J. , Slot Rosalinde E. R. , Dicks Ellen , Prins Niels D. , Overbeek Jozefien M. , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Scheltens Philip , Barkhof Frederik , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Tijms Betty M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectivesGrey matter network disruptions in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are associated with worse cognitive impairment cross‐sectionally. Our aim was to investigate whether indications of a more random network organization are associated with longitudinal decline in specific cognitive functions in individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD).Experimental design: We included 231 individuals with SCD who had annually repeated neuropsychological assessment (3 ± 1 years; n = 646 neuropsychological investigations) available from the Amsterdam Dementia Cohort (54% male, age: 63 ± 9, MMSE: 28 ± 2). Single‐subject grey matter networks were extracted from baseline 3D‐T1 MRI scans and we computed basic network (size, degree, connectivity density) and higher‐order (path length, clustering, betweenness centrality, normalized path length [lambda] and normalized clustering [gamma]) parameters at whole brain and/or regional levels. We tested associations of network parameters with baseline and annual cognition (memory, attention, executive functioning, language composite scores, and global cognition [all domains with MMSE]) using linear mixed models, adjusted for age, sex, education, scanner and total gray matter volume.Principal observations: Lower network size was associated with steeper decline in language (β ± SE = 0.12 ± 0.05, p < 0.05FDR). Higher‐order network parameters showed no cross‐sectional associations. Lower gamma and lambda values were associated with steeper decline in global cognition (gamma: β ± SE = 0.06 ± 0.02); lambda: β ± SE = 0.06 ± 0.02), language (gamma: β ± SE = 0.11 ± 0.04; lambda: β ± SE = 0.12 ± 0.05; all p < 0.05FDR). Lower path length values in precuneus and fronto‐temporo‐occipital cortices were associated with a steeper decline in global cognition.ConclusionsA more randomly organized grey matter network was associated with a steeper decline of cognitive functioning, possibly indicating the start of cognitive impairment.