bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Weak Measurements to Detect Angular Deviations
Authors: Araújo Manoel P. , De Leo Stefano , Maia Gabriel G. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe analyze and compare the angular deviations for an optical beam reflected by and transmitted through a dielectric triangular prism. The analytic expressions derived for the angular deviations hold for arbitrary incidence angles. For incidence approaching the internal and external Brewster angles, the angular deviations transverse magnetic waves present the same behavior leading to the well‐known giant Goos‐Hänchen angular shift. For incidence near the critical angle a new region of large shift is seen both for transverse magnetic and transverse electric waves. While a direct measuring procedure is better in the vicinity of the Brewster region, a weak measurement breaks off the giant Goos‐Hänchen effect, preserving the amplification in the critical region. We discuss under which conditions it is possible to optimize the amplification and we also determine when a weak measurement is preferred to a direct measuring procedure.
Graphene Quantum Dots Probed by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
Authors: Morgenstern Markus , Freitag Nils , Nent Alexander , Nemes‐Incze Peter , Liebmann Marcus 
Published: July 2017

AbstractScanning tunneling spectroscopy results probing the electronic properties of graphene quantum dots are reviewed. After a short summary of the study of squared wave functions of graphene quantum dots on metal substrates, we firstly present data where the Landau level gaps caused by a perpendicular magnetic field are used to electrostatically confine electrons in monolayer graphene, which are probed by the Coulomb staircase revealing the consecutive charging of a quantum dot. It turns out that these quantum dots exhibit much more regular charging sequences than lithographically confined ones. Namely, the consistent grouping of charging peaks into quadruplets, both, in the electron and hole branch, portrays a regular orbital splitting of about 10meV. At low hole occupation numbers, the charging peaks are, partly, additionally grouped into doublets. The spatially varying energy separation of the doublets indicates a modulation of the valley splitting by the underlying BN substrate. We outline that this property might be used to eventually tune the valley splitting coherently. Afterwards, we describe graphene quantum dots with multiple contacts produced without lithographic resist, namely by local anodic oxidation. Such quantum dots target the goal to probe magnetotransport properties during the imaging of the corresponding wave functions by scanning tunneling spectroscopy.
Properties of Water Confined in Periodic Mesoporous Organosilicas: Nanoimprinting the Local Structure
Authors: Mietner J. Benedikt , Brieler Felix J. , Lee Young Joo , Fröba Michael 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe properties of materials confined in porous media are important in scientific and technological aspects. Topology, size, and surface polarity of the pores play a critical role in the confinement effects, however, knowledge regarding the guest–pore interface structure is still lacking. Herein, we show that the molecular mobility of water confined in periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMOs) is influenced by the polarity of the organic moiety. Multidimensional solid‐state NMR spectroscopy directly probes the spatial arrangement of water inside the pores, showing that water interacts either with only the silicate layer or with both silicate and organic layers depending on the alternating surface polarity. A modulated and a uniform pore filling mode are proposed for different types of PMOs.
Investigation on the pH‐independent photoluminescence emission from carbon dots impregnated on polymer matrix
Authors: Saheeda Pichan , Sabira Kaviladath , Dhaneesha Mohandas , Jayaleksmi Sankaran 
Published: July 2017

AbstractHighly luminescent, polymer nanocomposite films based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and monodispersed carbon dots (C‐dots) derived from multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), as coatings on substrates as well as free standing ones are obtained via solution‐based techniques. The synthesized films exhibit pH‐independent photoluminescence (PL) emission, which is an advantageous property compared with the pH‐dependent photoluminescence intensity variations, generally observed for the C‐dots dispersed in aqueous solution. The synthesized C‐dots and the nanocomposite films are characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra‐red spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet (UV) − visible spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) techniques. The TEM image provides clear evidence for the formation of C‐dots of almost uniform shape and average size of about 8 nm, homogeneously dispersed in aqueous medium. The strong anchoring of C‐dots within the polymer matrix can be confirmed from the XRD results. The FTIR spectral studies conclusively establish the presence of oxygen functional groups on the surfaces of the C‐dots. The photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra of the nanocomposite films are broad, covering most part of the visible region. The PL spectra do not show any luminescence intensity variations, when the pH of the medium is changed from 1 to 11. The pH‐independent luminescence, shown by these films offers ample scope for using them as coatings for designing diagnostic and imaging tools in bio medical applications. The non‐toxic nature of these nanocomposite films has been established on the basis of cytotoxicity studies.
A pilot study on the effects of probiotic supplementation on neuropsychological performance and microRNA‐29a‐c levels in antiretroviral‐treated HIV‐1‐infected patients
Authors: Ceccarelli Giancarlo , Fratino Mariangela , Selvaggi Carla , Giustini Noemi , Serafino Sara , Schietroma Ivan , Corano Scheri Giuseppe , Pavone Paolo , Passavanti Giulia , Alunni Fegatelli Danilo , Mezzaroma Ivano , Antonelli Guido , Vullo Vincenzo , Scagnolari Carolina , d'Ettorre Gabriella 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe gut microbiota is involved in the regulation of cognition, mood, anxiety, and pain, and can impact cognitive functions by producing neuroactive substances or releasing bacterial by‐products and metabolites. No information is available on the effects of a probiotic supplementation on brain function of HIV+ subjects. In light of the above considerations, we performed a pilot study in cART‐treated HIV‐1‐positive patients with long‐term virologic suppression. The aims were to analyze the effect of high‐concentration multistrain probiotic supplementation (Vivomixx®; Visbiome®) on several neurocognitive abilities and to evaluate the safety of this supplementation.MethodsTo address those issues, neurocognitive performances were explored by administering neuropsychological tests; moreover, miRNA‐29a‐c levels were measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to confirm the persistent undetectable levels of HIV‐RNA in the central nervous system after probiotic supplementation.ResultsOur results show that the Rey auditory verbal learning test (RAVLT) (immediate and delayed recall), Rey‐Osterrieth complex figure test (ROCF) (copy immediate and delayed recall), phonological verbal fluency (PVF) test, Toronto alexithymia scale‐20 (Tas‐20), State‐trait anxiety inventory Y‐2 (STAY Y‐2), and time and weight estimation test (STEP) scores improved significantly during the study. Moreover, we found unchanged levels, associated to high degree of individual variability, in miRNA‐29 levels in CSF collected before and after probiotic supplementation.ConclusionsIn conclusion, we observed that HIV patients treated with 6 months of this probiotic supplementation appear to have an improvement in some neurocognitive functions; moreover, this approach is safe and did not modify significantly the levels of miRNA in CSF. Further studies are needed to better understand the contribution of the probiotics in modulating gut–brain‐axis in HIV patients.
Fear of crime and community concerns: Mediating effect of risk and pragmatic fear
Authors: Chadee Derek , Ali Stacia , Burke Ariel , Young Jason 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis study investigates the relationship between community concerns (i.e., perceived crime, incivilities, and infrastructure) and fear of crime (FOC) while examining the mediating role of risk of victimisation and pragmatic fear. Gender and ethnic differences were also explored. Data were collected using a proportionate multistage random sample of 3,003 participants from a southern Caribbean island in 2015. The following self‐reported measures were used: risk of victimisation and FOC scales, a general (noncrime) fear scale measuring pragmatic fear, and a community concern scale. Data were analysed using path analysis, Sobel tests, and multiple group analysis. Findings revealed that perceived crime and incivilities significantly predicted FOC, whereas infrastructure was insignificant as a direct predictor. Females had higher FOC, and among ethnic groups, Indo‐Trinidadians had the highest FOC than Afro‐Trinidadians and Mixed participants. Risk of victimisation and pragmatic fear had significant mediating effects on community concerns and FOC. Findings are discussed in the context of the social psychology of social disorganisation and previous research.
Irreversible Protein Labeling by Paal–Knorr Conjugation
Authors: Dasari Ramesh , La Clair James J. , Kornienko Alexander 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe application of new chemical reactions in a biological context has advanced bioconjugation methods for both fundamental research and commercial arenas. Recent adaptations of reactions such as Huisgen 1,3‐dipolar or Diels–Alder cycloadditions have enabled the labeling of specific residues in biomolecules by the attachment of molecules carrying azides, alkynes, or strained alkenes. Although these are fundamental tools, there is a need for the discovery of reactions that can label native proteins. We report herein the adaptation of the Paal–Knorr reaction to label lysine residues in proteins via pyrrole linkages.
How We Make DNA Origami
Authors: Wagenbauer Klaus F. , Engelhardt Floris A. S. , Stahl Evi , Hechtl Vera K. , Stömmer Pierre , Seebacher Fabian , Meregalli Letizia , Ketterer Philip , Gerling Thomas , Dietz Hendrik 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDNA origami has attracted substantial attention since its invention ten years ago, due to the seemingly infinite possibilities that it affords for creating customized nanoscale objects. Although the basic concept of DNA origami is easy to understand, using custom DNA origami in practical applications requires detailed know‐how for designing and producing the particles with sufficient quality and for preparing them at appropriate concentrations with the necessary degree of purity in custom environments. Such know‐how is not readily available for newcomers to the field, thus slowing down the rate at which new applications outside the field of DNA nanotechnology may emerge. To foster faster progress, we share in this article the experience in making and preparing DNA origami that we have accumulated over recent years. We discuss design solutions for creating advanced structural motifs including corners and various types of hinges that expand the design space for the more rigid multilayer DNA origami and provide guidelines for preventing undesired aggregation and on how to induce specific oligomerization of multiple DNA origami building blocks. In addition, we provide detailed protocols and discuss the expected results for five key methods that allow efficient and damage‐free preparation of DNA origami. These methods are agarose‐gel purification, filtration through molecular cut‐off membranes, PEG precipitation, size‐exclusion chromatography, and ultracentrifugation‐based sedimentation. The guide for creating advanced design motifs and the detailed protocols with their experimental characterization that we describe here should lower the barrier for researchers to accomplish the full DNA origami production workflow.
Intertwined Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes for High‐Rate and Long‐Life Sodium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Ding Kang , Gao Biao , Fu Jijiang , An Weili , Song Hao , Li Xingxing , Yuan Qiuyun , Zhang Xuming , Huo Kaifu , Chu Paul K. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIntertwined nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes (N‐CNTs) are prepared by using a hard‐template method with V2O5 nanowires as the hard template and dopamine as the carbon and nitrogen source, and the N‐CNTs are characterized in details. As anodes in sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), the N‐CNTs deliver a capacity of 179.1 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1, and a capacity of 91.7 mAh g−1 is maintained even at 10 A g−1. After cycling for 1000 cycles at 1 and 5 A g−1, the capacity of the N‐CNTs is retained at 125.5 and 104.2 mAh g−1, respectively. The excellent electrochemical performance in terms of rate capability and lifespan of the N‐CNTs can be attributed to the synergistic effects of the intertwined one‐dimensional hollow structure with hierarchical pores, extrinsic nitrogen content, and large interlayer distance of the graphene sheets.
Accelerating Apache Spark with FPGAs
Authors: Ghasemi Ehsan , Chow Paul 
Published: July 2017

SummaryApache Spark has become one of the most popular engines for big data processing. Spark provides a platform‐independent, high‐abstraction programming paradigm for large‐scale data processing by leveraging the Java framework. Though it provides software portability across various machines, Java also limits the performance of distributed environments, such as Spark. While it may be unrealistic to rewrite platforms like Spark in a faster language, a more viable approach to mitigate its poor performance is to accelerate the computations while still working within the Java‐based framework. This paper demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating Field‐Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) acceleration into Spark and presents the performance benefits and bottlenecks of our FPGA‐accelerated Spark environment using a MapReduce implementation of the k‐means clustering algorithm, to show that acceleration is possible even when using a hardware platform that is not well optimized for performance. An important feature of our approach is that the use of FPGAs is completely transparent to the user through the use of library functions, which is a common way by which users access functions provided by Spark. Power users can further develop other computations using high‐level synthesis.
Proposal for heart failure progression based on the ‘chloride theory’: worsening heart failure with increased vs. non‐increased serum chloride concentration
Authors: Kataoka Hajime 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimsChloride (Cl) is an established key electrolyte for the activation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. Recent studies have shown the serum Cl as a key electrolyte for the regulation of body fluid distribution in heart failure (HF) patients. The clinical differences of worsening HF status according to the changes in serum Cl concentration are unclear.Methods and resultsData from 47 chronic HF patients were analysed. Upon worsening HF, each patient exhibited at least two HF‐related signs. Blood tests included haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Ht), mean red blood cell volume (MCV), albumin, serum solutes, and b‐type natriuretic peptide. The relative change in the plasma volume (%PV) from stable to worsening HF was estimated as follows: 100 × {Hb (stable) × [1 − Ht (worse)]}/{Hb (worse) × [1 − Ht (stable)]} − 100. When patients were divided into two groups based on changes in serum Cl concentration from stable to worsening HF, the pathophysiologic features of the patients with increased Cl (range 1–23 mEq/L; n = 31) included a greater increase in serum sodium (2.94 ± 4.15 vs. −0.69 ± 3.75 mEq/L, P = 0.005), higher vascular expansion (12 ± 11.1 vs. 4.81 ± 7.94%, P = 0.026), a tendency towards a greater MCV (1.23 ± 2.36 vs. −0.06 ± 1.88 fL, P = 0.065), and preserved renal function defined by the absence of an increase of serum creatinine (−0.24 ± 0.39 vs. −0.05 ± 0.12 mg/dL, P = 0.057) compared to patients with non‐increased Cl (range −9 to 0 mEq/L; n = 16). Clinically, the increased Cl group had fewer HF signs (2.65 ± 0.71 vs. 3.31 ± 0.79, P = 0.005) although the change in symptoms did not differ between groups (48% vs. 63%, P = 0.54).ConclusionsThe present study suggests a new clinical entity of worsening HF status, that is, HF with increased vs. non‐increased serum Cl concentration from clinical stability to worsening HF.
Sleep‐disordered breathing in heart failure: facts and numbers
Authors: Pietrock Charlotte , von Haehling Stephan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSleep‐disordered breathing has a high prevalence in the general population, but is especially prominent in patients with heart failure (HF). HF and sleep‐disordered breathing share a bidirectional relationship, with sleep‐disordered breathing being both cause and effect of poor cardiac functioning. The high inter‐individual variability of symptom presentation can impede the clinical diagnostic process. Polysomnography is the gold‐standard method of diagnosing sleep‐disordered breathing. Therapy of sleep‐disordered breathing should always consist of optimizing the treatment of the underlying disorder of HF. Additional therapeutic measures include continuous positive airway pressure ventilation therapy. New therapeutic options using neurostimulation are yielding promising results; however, long‐term benefits still need to be confirmed.
New polyether diols as flame retardants for polyurethane: Derivatives of epoxy‐functionalized phosphonates and phosphates
Authors: Byard Benjamin , Wang Kui , Morgan Alexander , Benin Vladimir 
Published: July 2017

SummaryPhosphorus‐containing epoxides were used to generate several oligomeric polyether diols, which were in turn utilized in the preparation of model polyurethane (PU) samples, either as comonomers in the polymerization (Prepsamples) or solvent blended into a priori prepared PU (Blendsamples). The resultant samples were evaluated for heat release reduction potential using microcombustion calorimetry. Several variables were investigated in the oligomerization of the original epoxides, such as presence of initiator, epoxide comonomer, and solvent. The oligomer mixtures were thoroughly characterized, using NMR, mass spectrometry (MS), elemental analysis, and viscosity measurements. The final PUPrepsamples were carefully analyzed to demonstrate and evaluate the degree of chemical incorporation of the polyether diols into the PU main chain. Results from the heat release studies demonstrated that incorporation of the phosphorus‐containing diol did lower flammability, but the structure of the original epoxide, as well as the oligoimerization conditions, had an effect on heat release reduction. The results are complex and require further study, but the phosphonate‐based materials showed greater heat release reduction potential, both in the form ofPrepandBlendsamples, especially in one case of aBlendsample, where a notable amount of intumescent char was formed.
Viscoelastic properties of sweet potato complementary porridges as influenced by endogenous amylases
Authors: Nabubuya Agnes , Namutebi Agnes , Byaruhanga Yusuf , Schuller Reidar B. , Narvhus Judith , Wicklund Trude 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) roots contain amylolytic enzymes, which hydrolyze starch thus having the potential to affect the viscosity of sweet potato porridges provided the appropriate working conditions for the enzymes are attained. In this study, the effect of sweet potato variety, postharvest handling conditions, freshly harvested and room/ambient stored roots (3 weeks), and slurry solids content on the viscoelastic properties of complementary porridges prepared using amylase enzyme activation technique were investigated. Five temperatures (55°C, 65°C, 70°C, 75°C, and 80°C) were used to activate sweet potato amylases and the optimum temperature was found to be 75°C. Stored sweet potato roots had higher soluble solids (⁰Brix) content in the pastes compared to fresh roots. In all samples, activation of amylases at 75°C caused changes in the viscoelastic parameters: phase angle (tan δ) and complex viscosity (η*). Postharvest handling conditions and slurry solids content significantly affected the viscoelastic properties of the porridges with flours from stored roots yielding viscous (liquid‐like) porridges and fresh roots producing elastic (solid‐like) porridges. Increase in slurry solids content caused reduction in the phase angle values and increase in the viscosity of the sweet potato porridges. The viscosity of the porridges decreased with storage of sweet potato roots. These results provide a possibility for exploiting sweet potato endogenous amylases in the preparation of complementary porridges with both drinkable viscosities and appropriate energy and nutrient densities for children with varying energy needs.
Neural correlates of heart rate variability in PTSD during sub‐ and supraliminal processing of trauma‐related cues
Authors: Rabellino Daniela , D'Andrea Wendy , Siegle Greg , Frewen Paul A. , Minshew Reese , Densmore Maria , Neufeld Richard W. , Théberge Jean , McKinnon Margaret C. , Lanius Ruth A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by dysregulated arousal and altered cardiac autonomic response as evidenced by decreased high‐frequency heart rate variability (HF‐HRV), an indirect measure of parasympathetic modulation of the heart. Indeed, subtle threatening cues can cause autonomic dysregulation, even without explicit awareness of the triggering stimulus. Accordingly, examining the neural underpinnings associated with HF‐HRV during both sub‐ and supraliminal exposure to trauma‐related cues is critical to an enhanced understanding of autonomic nervous system dysfunction in PTSD.MethodsWe compared neural activity in brain regions associated with HF‐HRV in PTSD (n = 18) and healthy controls (n = 18) during exposure to sub‐ and supraliminal processing of personalized trauma‐related words.ResultsAs compared to controls, PTSD exhibited decreased HF‐HRV reactivity in response to sub‐ and supraliminal cues. Notably, during subliminal processing of trauma‐related versus neutral words, as compared to controls, PTSD showed decreased neural response associated with HF‐HRV within the left dorsal anterior insula. By contrast, during supraliminal processing of trauma‐related versus neutral words, decreased neural activity associated with HF‐HRV within the posterior insula/superior temporal cortex, and increased neural activity associated with HF‐HRV within the left centromedial amygdala was observed in PTSD as compared to controls.ConclusionsImpaired parasympathetic modulation of autonomic arousal in PTSD appears related to altered activation of cortical and subcortical regions involved in the central autonomic network. Interestingly, both sub‐ and supraliminal trauma‐related cues appear to elicit dysregulated arousal and may contribute to the maintenance of hyperarousal in PTSD. Hum Brain Mapp 38:4898–4907, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.