bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deposition of polyacrylic acid films on PDMS substrate in dielectric barrier corona discharge at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Bashir M. , Bashir S. , Khan H. U. 
Published: July 2018

This paper reports on deposition of acrylic acid films polymerized by an efficient and cost‐effective technique of dielectric barrier corona discharge at atmospheric pressure. The liquid acrylic acid was vaporized and carried by argon gas into plasma to deposit polyacrylic acid films on polydimethylsiloxane substrate. A nonthermal corona discharge was generated in a pyrex flask using a steel tube‐to‐plate asymmetric electrode configuration. The plasma was excited using an in‐house developed power supply operating with continuous wave signals of 10‐kHz frequency. The emission spectra of plasma species were recorded to know their contribution during deposition process. The deposited surfaces were characterized using contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and film thickness measurements. A maximum film growth rate of 363 nm/min was achieved under optimal condition of discharge. The results suggest that this plasma technique is capable of depositing organic coatings with a high concentration of carboxylic functional groups that could be potentially used for biomedical and microfluidic applications.
Recent Advances toward the Rational Design of Efficient Bifunctional Air Electrodes for Rechargeable Zn–Air Batteries
Authors: Meng Fan‐Lu , Liu Kai‐Hua , Zhang Yan , Shi Miao‐Miao , Zhang Xin‐Bo , Yan Jun‐Min , Jiang Qing 
Published: July 2018

AbstractLarge‐scale application of renewable energy and rapid development of electric vehicles have brought unprecedented demand for advanced energy‐storage/conversion technologies and equipment. Rechargeable zinc (Zn)–air batteries represent one of the most promising candidates because of their high energy density, safety, environmental friendliness, and low cost. The air electrode plays a key role in managing the many complex physical and chemical processes occurring on it to achieve high performance of Zn–air batteries. Herein, recent advances of air electrodes from bifunctional catalysts to architectures are summarized, and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed to underline the importance of progress in the evolution of bifunctional air electrodes. Finally, some challenges and the direction of future research are provided for the optimized design of bifunctional air electrodes to achieve high performance of rechargeable Zn–air batteries.
Reproducible Enhancement of Fluorescence by Bimetal Mediated Surface Plasmon Coupled Emission for Highly Sensitive Quantitative Diagnosis of Double‐Stranded DNA
Authors: Tran Nhu Hoa Thi , Trinh Kieu The Loan , Lee Jun‐Ho , Yoon Won Jung , Ju Heongkyu 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPlasmonic enhancement of fluorescence from SYBR Green I conjugated with a double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) amplicon is demonstrated on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. Theoretical computation leads to use of the bimetallic (Au 2 nm–Ag 50 nm) surface plasmons due to larger local fields (higher quality factors) than monometallic (Ag or Au) ones at both dye excitation and emission wavelengths simultaneously, optimizing fluorescence enhancement with surface plasmon coupled emission (SPCE). Two kinds of reverse Kretschmann configurations are used, which favor, in signal‐to‐noise ratio, a fluorescence assay that uses optically dense buffer such as blood plasma. The fluorescence enhancement (12.9 fold at maximum) with remarkably high reproducibility (coefficient of variation (CV) < 1%) is experimentally demonstrated. This facilitates credible quantitation of enhanced fluorescence, however unlikely to obtain by localized surface plasmons. The plasmon‐induced optical gain of 46 dB due to SPCE‐active dye molecules is also estimated. The fluorescence enhancement technologies with PCR enables LOD of the dsDNA template concentration of ≈400 fg µL−1 (CV < 1%), the lowest ever reported in DNA fluorescence assay to date. SPCE also reduces photobleaching significantly. These technologies can be extended for a highly reproducible and sufficiently sensitive fluorescence assay with small volumes of analytes in multiplexed diagnostics.
Continuous, Spontaneous, and Directional Water Transport in the Trilayered Fibrous Membranes for Functional Moisture Wicking Textiles
Authors: Miao Dongyang , Huang Zhan , Wang Xianfeng , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDirectional water transport is a predominant part of functional textiles used for continuous sweat release in daily life. However, it has remained a great challenge to design such textiles which ensure continuous directional water transport and superior prevention of water penetration in the reverse direction. Here, a scalable strategy is reported to create trilayered fibrous membranes with progressive wettability by introducing a transfer layer, which can guide the directional water transport continuously and spontaneously, thus preventing the skin from being rewetted. The resulting trilayered fibrous membranes exhibit a high one‐way transport index R (1021%) and a desired breakthrough pressure (16.1 cm H2O) in the reverse direction, indicating an ultrahigh directional water transport capacity. Moreover, on the basis of water transport behavior, a plausible mechanism is proposed to provide insight into the integrative and cooperative driving forces at the interfaces of trilayered hydrophobic/transfer/superhydrophilic fibrous membranes. The successful synthesis of such fascinating materials would be valuable for the design of functional textiles with directional water transport properties for personal drying applications.
Sulfur‐Deficient Bismuth Sulfide/Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanofibers as Advanced Free‐Standing Electrode for Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Zong Wei , Lai Feili , He Guanjie , Feng Jianrui , Wang Wei , Lian Ruqian , Miao Yue‐E , Wang Gui‐Chang , Parkin Ivan P. , Liu Tianxi 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe use of free‐standing carbon‐based hybrids plays a crucial role to help fulfil ever‐increasing energy storage demands, but is greatly hindered by the limited number of active sites for fast charge adsorption/desorption processes. Herein, an efficient strategy is demonstrated for making defect‐rich bismuth sulfides in combination with surface nitrogen‐doped carbon nanofibers (dr‐Bi2S3/S‐NCNF) as flexible free‐standing electrodes for asymmetric supercapacitors. The dr‐Bi2S3/S‐NCNF composite exhibits superior electrochemical performances with an enhanced specific capacitance of 466 F g−1 at a discharge current density of 1 A g−1. The high performance of dr‐Bi2S3/S‐NCNF electrodes originates from its hierarchical structure of nitrogen‐doped carbon nanofibers with well‐anchored defect‐rich bismuth sulfides nanostructures. As modeled by density functional theory calculation, the dr‐Bi2S3/S‐NCNF electrodes exhibit a reduced OH− adsorption energy of ‐3.15 eV, compared with that (–3.06 eV) of defect‐free bismuth sulfides/surface nitrogen‐doped carbon nanofiber (df‐Bi2S3/S‐NCNF). An asymmetric supercapacitor is further fabricated by utilizing dr‐Bi2S3/S‐NCNF hybrid as the negative electrode and S‐NCNF as the positive electrode. This composite exhibits a high energy density of 22.2 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 677.3 W kg−1. This work demonstrates a feasible strategy to construct advanced metal sulfide‐based free‐standing electrodes by incorporating defect‐rich structures using surface engineering principles.
Repurposing the Cord Blood Bank for Haplobanking of HLA-Homozygous iPSCs and Their Usefulness to Multiple Populations
Authors: Lee Suji , Huh Ji Young , Turner David M. , Lee Soohyeon , Robinson James , Stein Jeremy E. , Shim Sung Han , Hong Chang Pyo , Kang Myung Seo , Nakagawa Masato , Kaneko Shin , Nakanishi Mahito , Rao Mahendra S. , Kurtz Andreas , Stacey Glyn N. , Marsh Steven G.E. , Turner Marc L. , Song Jihwan 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Although autologous induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can potentially be useful for treating patients without immune rejection, in reality it will be extremely expensive and labor-intensive to make iPSCs to realize personalized medicine. An alternative approach is to make use of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotype homozygous donors to provide HLA matched iPSC products to significant numbers of patients. To establish a haplobank of iPSCs, we repurposed the cord blood bank by screening ∼4,200 high resolution HLA typed cord blood samples, and selected those homozygous for the 10 most frequent HLA-A,-B,-DRB1 haplotypes in the Korean population. Following the generation of 10 iPSC lines, we conducted a comprehensive characterization, including morphology, expression of pluripotent markers and cell surface antigens, three-germ layer formation, vector clearance, mycoplasma/microbiological/viral contamination, endotoxin, and short tandem repeat (STR) assays. Various genomic analyses using microarray and comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH)-based single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and copy number variation (CNV) were also conducted. These 10 HLA-homozygous iPSC lines match 41.07% of the Korean population. Comparative analysis of HLA population data shows that they are also of use in other Asian populations, such as Japan, with some limited utility in ethnically diverse populations, such as the UK. Taken together, the generation of the 10 most frequent Korean HLA-homozygous iPSC lines serves as a useful pointer for the development of optimal methods for iPSC generation and quality control and indicates the benefits and limitations of collaborative HLA driven selection of donors for future stocking of worldwide iPSC haplobanks.
The Adaptive Remodeling of Stem Cell Niche in Stimulated Bone Marrow Counteracts the Leukemic Niche
Authors: Jeong Seon-Yeong , Kim Jin-A , Oh Il-Hoan 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Accumulating studies have shown the cellular nature of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche in bone marrow (BM) and their degenerative changes under leukemic conditions. However, the dynamic adaptation of niche cells to changes in physiological stimulatory signals remains largely uncharacterized. Here, we have established a niche stimulation model induced by 5-fluorouracil. This model reveals a rapid and reversible conversion of mesenchymal cells into niche-like stromal cells, which exhibit a platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha+/leptin receptor+ (PL) phenotype. These cells selectively induce the niche signaling molecule, Jagged-1, but not CXCL12, to initiate a stimulation-induced regeneration of HSCs in a Jagged-1 dependent manner. Conversion of mesenchymal cells into niche-like cells occurred independently of mitotic activation. The conversion was accompanied by the acquisition of primitive mesenchymal cell characteristics, including the rapid induction of stage specific embryonic antigen-3 and the acquisition of clonogenic potential. The stimulation-induced remodeling of the BM niche resulted in a positive stimulatory effect on the regeneration of normal HSC, but exerted inhibitory effects on leukemic cells, leading to a competitive advantage for normal HSCs in the BM niche and prolonged survival of mice engrafted with leukemic cells. Thus, the reactive conversion of mesenchymal stroma into niche-like cells reveals the adaptive changes of the BM microenvironment to stimuli, and provides insight on the remodeling of niche toward pronormal/antileukemic microenvironment, which can counteract the progressive proleukemic changes driven by the leukemic niche. Our study raises the potential for antileukemic niche targeting therapy.
Fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3-Ligand Contributes to the Development and Function of the Subpopulation of CD8α+ Plasmacytoid Precursor Dendritic Cells in CD8+/TCR− Facilitating Cells
Authors: Huang Yiming , Xu Hong , Miller Thomas , Wen Yujie , Ildstad Suzanne T. 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Facilitating cells (FC) are a CD8+TCR− bone marrow subpopulation that enhance engraftment of purified hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and induce antigen-specific CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cell (Treg) in vivo. The major subpopulation in FC resembles plasmacytoid precursor dendritic cells (p-preDC) both phenotypically and functionally. Here, we report that the number of FC was significantly reduced in Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3-ligand-knockout (Flt3-L-KO) mice. Specifically, there was a selective decrease in the B220+CD11c+CD11b− p-preDC FC subpopulation. The p-preDC FC subpopulation in FC total is restored after Flt3-L administration to Flt3-L-KO mice. FC from Flt3-L-KO donors exhibit impaired facilitation of allogeneic HSC engraftment in ablatively conditioned mice (B6 → NOD) as well as in mice conditioned with reduced intensity conditioning (B6 → BALB/c). In addition, the number of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg from Flt3-L-KO mice is significantly decreased. This was associated with the expression of chemokine receptor CXCR3+ or CCR5+ on Treg. Treg from the spleen of Flt3-L-KO mice showed impaired facilitation of engraftment of allogeneic HSC compared to wild-type Treg. Flt3-L treatment significantly expanded Treg, and restored their facilitating function. These results suggest that Flt3-L is an important growth factor in the development and homeostasis of p-preDC FC and in the role of FC inducing generation of Treg. Flt3-L provides potent immunoregulatory properties that may be clinically useful to improve tolerance induction and enhance the function of allogeneic cell therapies.
JAK2V617F Megakaryocytes Promote Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cell Expansion in Mice Through Thrombopoietin/MPL Signaling
Authors: Zhang Yu , Lin Chi Hua Sarah , Kaushansky Kenneth , Zhan Huichun 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
The myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are stem cell disorders characterized by hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) expansion and overproduction of mature blood cells. The acquired kinase mutation JAK2V617F plays a central role in these disorders. The mechanisms responsible for HSPC expansion in MPNs are not fully understood, limiting the effectiveness of current treatments. One hallmark feature of the marrow in patients with MPNs is megakaryocyte (MK) hyperplasia. Previously, we reported that JAK2V617F-bearing MKs cause a murine myeloproliferative syndrome with HSPC expansion. Here we show that JAK2V617F MKs promote MPN stem cell function by inducing HSPC quiescence with increased repopulating capacity. In addition, we demonstrate that thrombopoietin and its receptor MPL are critical for the JAK2V617F-bearing MK-induced myeloproliferation, both by directly affecting the quantity and quality of MKs and by altering the MK–endothelial interaction and vascular niche function. Therefore, targeting HSPC niche-forming MKs and/or their interactions within the vascular niche could provide novel, more effective therapeutic strategies in patients with MPNs.
A lattice‐shaped friction device and its performance in weak‐story prevention
Authors: Zhu Li‐Hua , Li Gang , Li Hong‐Nan 
Published: July 2018

SummaryDisplacement‐dependent dampers with relatively low post‐yielding stiffness exhibits abrupt stiffness loss and can even induce notable damage concentrations under strong vibrations. A lattice‐shaped friction unit (LSFU) composed of steel strips and friction discs is proposed and it can dissipate most input energy through translational friction and rotational friction and provide post‐yielding stiffness through the axial strength of vertical strips. Measurements of the friction coefficient and torque coefficient ratio and quasi‐static analysis of the LSFU are conducted, the results indicate that the ratio rises first and then drops to a constant value. Under cyclic loading, the two friction mechanisms could work together effectively and the contribution of each component contained in the restoring force could be controlled by adjusting design parameters of the LSFU; the assembly accuracy of the components affect the resistance of vertical strips. The experiment results of two specimens are compared with those obtained from the developed formulas and numerical simulations. A design procedure and applicable style are proposed. Nonlinear seismic response analysis results show that these devices can reduce the displacement response effectively under small and moderate earthquakes and can also prevent concentrated damage and weak‐story occurrence in the structure relative to friction‐damped brace frame in strong earthquakes.
Spatial distribution ofVachellia karrooin Zimbabwean savannas (southern Africa) under a changing climate
Authors: Shekede Munyaradzi Davis , Murwira Amon , Masocha Mhosisi , Gwitira Isaiah 
Published: July 2018

AbstractClimate change projections in southern Africa show a drier and a warmer future climate. It is not yet clear how these changes are going to affect the suitable habitat of bush encroacher woody species in southern African savannas. Maximum Entropy niche modelling technique was used to test the extent to which climate change is likely to affect the suitable habitat ofVachellia karrooin Zimbabwe based on six Global Climate Models (GCMs) from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) and two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) for the 2070s. An overlay analysis was then performed in a Geographic Information System based on the current and future bioclimatically suitable areas for the respective GCMs and RCPs. This was done to determine the potential effect of climate change on the focal species. Results show that temperature related variables are more important in explaining the spatial distribution ofV. karroothan precipitation related variables. In addition, results indicate an overall increase in the modelled suitable habitat forV.karrooby the 2070s across the GCMs and RCPs considered in this study. Specifically, the suitable habitat ofV.Karroois projected to increase by a maximum of 57,594 km2signifying a 69% increase from the current suitable habitat (83,674 km2). The suitable areas are projected to increase in eastern, western and south eastern parts of Zimbabwe. These results imply that improved understanding of the response of woody species to a changing climate is important for managing bush encroachment in savanna ecosystems.
Future physician-scientists: could we catch them young? Factors influencing intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for research among first-year medical students
Authors: Ommering Belinda W. C. , Van Blankenstein Floris M. , Waaijer Cathelijn J. F. , Dekker Friedo W. 
Published: July 2018

Introduction The medical field is currently facing a physician-scientist shortage. One possible solution is to direct medical students towards a research oriented career. To do so, knowledge is needed on how to motivate medical students to do research. Therefore, this study examines motivation for research and identifies factors influencing intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for research among first-year medical students. Methods First-year medical students were surveyed at the beginning of their bachelor’s program in 2016. On a 7-point Likert scale, students reported their motivation for research, self-efficacy, perceptions of research, curiosity, and need for challenge. Regression analyses were used to examine the influence of these factors on students’ motivation for research. Results Out of 316 approached students, 315 participated (99.7%). On average, students scored 5.49 on intrinsic, and 5.66 on extrinsic motivation for research. All factors measured influenced intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for research significantly and positively, also after adjusting for gender and age. Cumulative regression showed that these factors explained 39.6% of the variance in intrinsic, and 14% in extrinsic motivation for research. Discussion All factors play an important role in intrinsic and, to a lesser extent, extrinsic motivation for research. First-year medical students’ motivation for research could be enhanced by stimulating positive self-efficacy beliefs, positive perceptions of research, and curiosity. Also, it is important to fulfil students’ needs for challenge by stimulating them to actively conduct research. Thus, to catch students young and cultivate physician-scientists, students should be stimulated to engage in research from the beginning of medical training.
THE “RALLY ’ROUND THE FLAG” EFFECT IN TERRITORIAL DISPUTES: EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE FROM JAPAN–CHINA RELATIONS
Authors: Kobayashi Tetsuro , Katagiri Azusa 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis study examines the impact of China's growing territorial ambitions on Japanese public opinion. By experimentally manipulating perceived territorial threats from China, we tested two potential mechanisms of increased support for a conservative incumbent leader in Japan. The first is the “rally ’round the flag” model, in which threats universally boost support for the leader through emotion. The second is the “reactive liberal” model, in which support from conservatives remains constant, but threatened liberals move toward supporting the conservative leader. Two survey experiments provided no support for the emotion-based “rally ’round the flag” model, but they lent support for the reactive liberal model in explaining the impact on Japanese public opinion. However, the second experiment indicated that priming with an image of the prime minister that highlights his role as the supreme commander of the national defense forces completely eliminated the gain in approval rates among liberals.
Blooms of aberrant planktic foraminifera across the K/Pg boundary in the Western Tethys: causes and evolutionary implications
Authors: Arenillas Ignacio , Arz José A. , Gilabert Vicente 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe report a detailed study of the different categories and types of abnormal morphologies in planktic foraminifera recognizable in the lowermost Danian, mainly from the El Kef and Aïn Settara sections, Tunisia. Various types of abnormalities in the test morphology were identified, including protuberances near the proloculus, abnormal chambers, double or twinned ultimate chambers, multiple ultimate chambers, abnormal apertures, distortion in test coiling, morphologically abnormal tests, attached twins or double tests, and general monstrosities. Detailed biostratigraphic and quantitative studies of the Tunisian sections documented a major proliferation of aberrant planktic foraminifera (between approximately 5% and 18% in relative abundance) during the first 200 Kyr of the Danian, starting immediately after the Cretaceous/Paleogene (K/Pg) boundary mass extinction (spanning from theGuembelitria cretaceaZone to the lower part of theP. pseudobulloidesZone). This contrasts with the proportionately low frequency of aberrant tests (generally <2%) identified within the uppermost Maastrichtian, suggesting more stable environmental conditions during the last ~50–100 Kyr of the Cretaceous. Two main pulses with abundant aberrant tests were recognized in the earliest Danian, the one recorded in the well-known K/Pg boundary clay being the more intense of those (maxima of >18%). These main pulses of aberrants coincide approximately with relevant quantitative and evolutionary turnovers in the planktic foraminiferal assemblages. In this paper, we explore the relation of these high values of the foraminiferal abnormality index with the environmental changes induced by the meteorite impact of Chicxulub in Yucatan, Mexico, and the massive eruptions of the Deccan Traps, India.