bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ionic liquid‐based organic–inorganic hybrid electrolytes: Impact of in situ obtained and dispersed silica
Authors: Khurana Shilpa , Chandra Amita 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTOrganic–inorganic hybrid electrolytes based on PEO‐NaTFSI‐ionic liquid (HMIMTFSI)‐silica (in situ production via sol gel process) are being reported in this article. The variation in conductivity with ionic liquid (IL) addition has been explained on the basis of number of free TFSI anions evaluated using ATR‐IR data. The deconvolution of the IR spectra of these hybrid electrolytes has given evidence of ion‐pair formation which has been compared vis‐á‐vis the conductivity variation. The hybrid electrolyte with maximum conductivity comprises the highest number of free imide ions and has lowest glass transition temperature. FESEM has displayed a porous and layered surface morphology with dispersed silica nanoparticles. In addition, the optimized hybrid electrolyte has been compared with 5 wt% (limit of mechanical stability) ex situ silica added composite where the temperature cycling of conductivity has shown that the ex situ dispersed hybrid electrolytes do not retrace their conductivity path contrary to the in situ prepared hybrid electrolytes. This behavior has been explained to be due to the hindrance offered by the ex situ added silica in the recrystallization kinetics of PEO. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 207–218
Improving waterproof/breathable performance of electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) fibrous membranes by thermo‐pressing
Authors: Li Xiang , Lin Jinyou , Bian Fenggang , Zeng Yongchun 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTFacing the ever‐increasing demand for waterproof/breathable materials, a rapid and efficient fabrication method of these functional materials with excellent performance as well as robust mechanical properties remains challenging. Herein, a simple and scalable strategy referred to as thermo‐pressing is introduced to improve the waterproof/breathable performance and mechanical properties of electrospun PVDF fibrous membranes. The synergistic effect of temperature and pressure acted on the electrospun PVDF membranes on the fiber morphology and crystal structure was investigated, which can be able to effectively enhance waterproof performance and mechanical properties, endowing the as‐prepared membranes with a modest breathability. The membranes thermo‐pressed at 150 °C with a pressure of 8.27 MPa exhibit robust tensile strength of 40.65 MPa, which is superior to those of the previous reports (below 32.8 MPa). Notably, the optimized membranes enable to show a high hydrostatic pressure of 102 kPa, good WVTR of 10.87 kg m−2 d−1 and excellent abrasion resistance, which implies that the thermo‐pressing is an efficient and facile way to steer the fiber morphology and crystal structure of electrospun membranes to improve their application performance. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 36–45
Initial lamellar thickness dependency of recrystallization behavior of poly(4‐methyl‐1‐pentene)
Authors: Chen Ran , Lu Ying , Jiang Zhiyong , Men Yongfeng 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTThe isothermal crystallization and subsequent melting process in semicrystalline poly(4‐methyl‐1‐pentene) were investigated via temperature‐dependent small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering and Flash DSC techniques. In a phase diagram of inversed crystalline lamellar thickness and temperature, the crystallization and melting lines can be described by two linear dependencies of different slopes and different limiting temperatures at infinite lamellar thickness. Upon subsequent heating, recrystallization lines with different slopes were observed for samples with different lamellar thickness, indicating changes in surface free energy difference between stabilized crystallites and mesomorphic phase. The surface free energy of native crystallites with extended‐chain conformation decreased with increasing lamellar thickness due to a more ordered surface region and less chain ends which changes cooperatively with mesomorphic phase. The surface free energy of stabilized crystallites remained unchanged for all lamellar thickness. Therefore, the recrystallization lines with different slopes are consequences of changes in surface free energy of mesomorphic phase. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 219–224
Computational study of the phosphoryl donor activity of dihydroxyacetone kinase from ATP to inorganic polyphosphate
Authors: Bordes Isabel , García‐Junceda Eduardo , Sánchez‐Moreno Israel , Castillo Raquel , Moliner Vicent 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAdenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the main biological phosphoryl donor required in many enzymes including dihydroxyacetone kinases (DHAKs) that convert dihydroxyacetone (Dha) into dihydroxyacetone phosphate (Dha‐P), a key species with potential applications in synthesis. Herein, we present a theoretical study of the molecular mechanism for the phosphoryl transfer reaction from an inorganic polyphosphate to Dha catalyzed by DHAK from C. freundii. This is part of a project devoted to modify the phosphoryl donor specificity of this enzyme avoiding the use of the problematic direct addition of ATP. Based on the use of hybrid QM/MM potentials, with the QM region described by semiempirical and DFT methods, the reaction mechanism of the wild‐type enzyme and the most active experimentally measured mutant (Glu526Lys) with poly‐P as phosphoryl donor has been explored to elucidate the origin of the activity of this mutant. The similar energy barriers obtained in both systems confirm our previous studies on the binding step (Sánchez‐Moreno et al., Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2015, 16, 27835) suggesting that this mutation favors a more adequate position of the poly‐P in the active site for the following step, the chemical reaction, to take place.
What does three‐dimensional teaching and learning look like?: Examining the potential for crosscutting concepts to support the development of science knowledge
Authors: Fick Sarah J. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractScience education reforms focus on the integration of three dimensions: disciplinary core ideas (DCIs), scientific and engineering practices (SEPs), and crosscutting concepts (CCCs). While research has examined the role of DCIs and SEPs in teaching and learning, little research has explored how the CCCs might be integrated. This research proposes an approach for integrating the CCCs into instruction to support students to understand the utility of the CCCs before applying them to make connections across science ideas. Using lessons co‐developed with the teacher who enacted them, this design experiment describes a teacher's use of the three dimensions to support student learning. The findings use students’ conceptual models and classroom dialogue as evidence to illustrate the roles that the CCC played in opportunities to learn. The CCCs appear to play three roles: (1) they implicitly served as a frame for the classroom activities and dialogue, (2) they explicitly framed a discussion to develop students’ understanding about their use as a lens to examine the phenomenon, and (3) the components of the CCC appeared in students’ conceptual models highlighting aspects of their understanding. This research has implications for how learning environments can be developed to support students’ learning of three‐dimensional science knowledge.
Using Q methodology to investigate undergraduate students’ attitudes toward the geosciences
Authors: Young Julia M. , Shepardson Daniel P. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractUndergraduate students have different attitudes toward the geosciences, but few studies have investigated these attitudes using Q methodology. Q methodology allows the researcher to identify more detailed reasons for students’ attitudes toward geology than Likert methodology. Thus this study used Q methodology to investigate the attitudes that 15 undergraduate students had toward the geosciences. Three different groups of undergraduates were sampled: geoscience majors, science majors, and nonscience majors. Three distinct perspectives emerged from the analysis: (1) knowledge‐based outlook, (2) class isolated knowledge, and (3) specific geoscientific interests. Even though all students see value and importance in learning geoscience concepts, several students suggested that a better connection of the geosciences to their everyday lives would improve their attitude toward geology.
Nonlinear wave equation with damping: Periodic forcing and non‐resonant solutions to the Kuznetsov equation
Authors: Celik Aday , Kyed Mads 
Published: October 2017

AbstractExistence of non‐resonant solutions of time‐periodic type is established for the Kuznetsov equation with a periodic forcing term. The equation is considered in a three‐dimensional whole‐space, half‐space and bounded domain, and with both non‐homogeneous Dirichlet and Neumann boundary values. A method based on estimates for the corresponding linearization, namely the wave equation with Kelvin‐Voigt damping, is employed.
An Observational View of Relationships Between Moisture Aggregation, Cloud, and Radiative Heating Profiles
Authors: Lebsock Matthew D. , L’Ecuyer Tristan S. , Pincus Robert 
Published: October 2017

AbstractData from several coincident satellite sensors are analyzed to determine the dependence of cloud and precipitation characteristics of tropical regions on the variance in the water vapor field. Increased vapor variance is associated with decreased high cloud fraction and an enhancement of low-level radiative cooling in dry regions of the domain. The result is found across a range of sea surface temperatures and rain rates. This suggests the possibility of an enhanced low-level circulation feeding the moist convecting areas when vapor variance is large. These findings are consistent with idealized models of self-aggregation, in which the aggregation of convection is maintained by a combination of low-level radiative cooling in dry regions and mid-to-upper-level radiative warming in cloudy regions.
Returns to work after retirement: a prospective study of unretirement in the United Kingdom
Authors: PLATTS LORETTA G. , CORNA LAURIE M. , WORTS DIANA , MCDONOUGH PEGGY , PRICE DEBORA , GLASER KAREN 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTDespite the complexity of the retirement process, most research treats it as an abrupt and one-way transition. Our study takes a different approach by examining retirement reversals (unretirement) and their predictors. Using the British Household Panel Survey (1991–2008), and following participants into Understanding Society (2010–2015), we undertake a survival analysis to investigate retirement reversals among Britons aged 50–69 years who were born in 1920–1959 (N = 2,046). Unretirement was defined as: (a) reporting being retired and subsequently recommencing paid employment, or (b) beginning full-time work following partial retirement (the latter defined here as reporting being retired and working fewer than 30 hours per week). A cumulative proportion of around 25 per cent of participants experienced a retirement reversal after reporting being retired; about half of these reversals occurred within the first five years of retirement. Unretirement was more common for participants who were male, more educated, in better health, owned a house with a mortgage (compared to owning it outright) and whose partner was in paid work. However, unretirement rates were not higher for participants in greater financial need, whether measured as subjective assessment of finances or household income quintiles. These results suggest that unretirement is a strategy more often used by those who are already advantaged and that it has the potential to exacerbate income inequalities in later life.
Degradation of hydrogen peroxide at the ocean’s surface: the influence of the microbial community on the realized thermal niche of Prochlorococcus
Authors: Ma Lanying , Calfee Benjamin C , Morris J Jeffrey , Johnson Zackary I , Zinser Erik R 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Prochlorococcus, the smallest and most abundant phytoplankter in the ocean, is highly sensitive to hydrogen peroxide (HOOH), and co-occurring heterotrophs such as Alteromonas facilitate the growth of Prochlorococcus by scavenging HOOH. Temperature is also a major influence on Prochlorococcus abundance and distribution in the ocean, and studies in other photosynthetic organisms have shown that HOOH and temperature extremes can act together as synergistic stressors. To address potential synergistic effects of temperature and HOOH on Prochlorococcus growth, high- and low-temperature-adapted representative strains were cultured at ecologically relevant concentrations under a range of HOOH concentrations and temperatures. Higher concentrations of HOOH severely diminished the permissive temperature range for growth of both Prochlorococcus strains. At the permissive temperatures, the growth rates of both Prochlorococcus strains decreased as a function of HOOH, and cold temperature increased susceptibility of photosystem II to HOOH-mediated damage. Serving as a proxy for the natural community, co-cultured heterotrophic bacteria increased the Prochlorococcus growth rate under these temperatures, and expanded the permissive range of temperature for growth. These studies indicate that in the ocean, the cross-protective function of the microbial community may confer a fitness increase for Prochlorococcus at its temperature extremes, especially near the ocean surface where oxidative stress is highest. This interaction may play a substantial role in defining the realized thermal niche and habitat range of Prochlorococcus with respect to latitude.
Buildup of a highly twisted magnetic flux rope during a solar eruption
Authors: Wang Wensi , Liu Rui , Wang Yuming , Hu Qiang , Shen Chenglong , Jiang Chaowei , Zhu Chunming 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe magnetic flux rope is among the most fundamental magnetic configurations in plasma. Although its presence after solar eruptions has been verified by spacecraft measurements near Earth, its formation on the Sun remains elusive, yet is critical to understanding a broad spectrum of phenomena. Here we study the dynamic formation of a magnetic flux rope during a classic two-ribbon flare. Its feet are identified unambiguously with conjugate coronal dimmings completely enclosed by irregular bright rings, which originate and expand outward from the far ends of flare ribbons. The expansion is associated with the rapid ribbon separation during the flare main phase. Counting magnetic flux through the feet and the ribbon-swept area reveals that the rope’s core is more twisted than its average of four turns. It propagates to the Earth as a typical magnetic cloud possessing a similar twist profile obtained by the Grad-Shafranov reconstruction of its three dimensional structure.
Shifts in pore connectivity from precipitation versus groundwater rewetting increases soil carbon loss after drought
Authors: Smith A. Peyton , Bond-Lamberty Ben , Benscoter Brian W. , Tfaily Malak M. , Hinkle C. Ross , Liu Chongxuan , Bailey Vanessa L. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractDroughts and other extreme precipitation events are predicted to increase in intensity, duration, and extent, with uncertain implications for terrestrial carbon (C) sequestration. Soil wetting from above (precipitation) results in a characteristically different pattern of pore-filling than wetting from below (groundwater), with larger, well-connected pores filling before finer pore spaces, unlike groundwater rise in which capillary forces saturate the finest pores first. Here we demonstrate that pore-scale wetting patterns interact with antecedent soil moisture conditions to alter pore-scale, core-scale, and field-scale C dynamics. Drought legacy and wetting direction are perhaps more important determinants of short-term C mineralization than current soil moisture content in these soils. Our results highlight that microbial access to C is not solely limited by physical protection, but also by drought or wetting-induced shifts in hydrologic connectivity. We argue that models should treat soil moisture within a three-dimensional framework emphasizing hydrologic conduits for C and resource diffusion.
VSIG4 inhibits proinflammatory macrophage activation by reprogramming mitochondrial pyruvate metabolism
Authors: Li Jialin , Diao Bo , Guo Sheng , Huang Xiaoyong , Yang Chengying , Feng Zeqing , Yan Weiming , Ning Qin , Zheng Lixin , Chen Yongwen , Wu Yuzhang 
Published: October 2017

AbstractExacerbation of macrophage-mediated inflammation contributes to pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases, but the immunometabolic programs underlying regulation of macrophage activation are unclear. Here we show that V-set immunoglobulin-domain-containing 4 (VSIG4), a B7 family-related protein that is expressed by resting macrophages, inhibits macrophage activation in response to lipopolysaccharide. Vsig4
−/−
mice are susceptible to high-fat diet-caused obesity and murine hepatitis virus strain-3 (MHV-3)-induced fulminant hepatitis due to excessive macrophage-dependent inflammation. VSIG4 activates the PI3K/Akt–STAT3 pathway, leading to pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-2 (PDK2) upregulation and subsequent phosphorylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase, which results in reduction in pyruvate/acetyl-CoA conversion, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species secretion, and macrophage inhibition. Conversely, interruption of Vsig4 or Pdk2 promotes inflammation. Forced expression of Vsig4 in mice ameliorates MHV-3-induced viral fulminant hepatitis. These data show that VSIG4 negatively regulates macrophage activation by reprogramming mitochondrial pyruvate metabolism.
Field enhancement of electronic conductance at ferroelectric domain walls
Authors: Vasudevan Rama K. , Cao Ye , Laanait Nouamane , Ievlev Anton , Li Linglong , Yang Jan-Chi , Chu Ying-Hao , Chen Long-Qing , Kalinin Sergei V. , Maksymovych Petro 
Published: October 2017

AbstractFerroelectric domain walls have continued to attract widespread attention due to both the novelty of the phenomena observed and the ability to reliably pattern them in nanoscale dimensions. However, the conductivity mechanisms remain in debate, particularly around nominally uncharged walls. Here, we posit a conduction mechanism relying on field-modification effect from polarization re-orientation and the structure of the reverse-domain nucleus. Through conductive atomic force microscopy measurements on an ultra-thin (001) BiFeO3 thin film, in combination with phase-field simulations, we show that the field-induced twisted domain nucleus formed at domain walls results in local-field enhancement around the region of the atomic force microscope tip. In conjunction with slight barrier lowering, these two effects are sufficient to explain the observed emission current distribution. These results suggest that different electronic properties at domain walls are not necessary to observe localized enhancement in domain wall currents.
Holocene sea ice variability driven by wind and polynya efficiency in the Ross Sea
Authors: Mezgec K. , Stenni B. , Crosta X. , Masson-Delmotte V. , Baroni C. , Braida M. , Ciardini V. , Colizza E. , Melis R. , Salvatore M. C. , Severi M. , Scarchilli C. , Traversi R. , Udisti R. , Frezzotti M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe causes of the recent increase in Antarctic sea ice extent, characterised by large regional contrasts and decadal variations, remain unclear. In the Ross Sea, where such a sea ice increase is reported, 50% of the sea ice is produced within wind-sustained latent-heat polynyas. Combining information from marine diatom records and sea salt sodium and water isotope ice core records, we here document contrasting patterns in sea ice variations between coastal and open sea areas in Western Ross Sea over the current interglacial period. Since about 3600 years before present, an increase in the efficiency of regional latent-heat polynyas resulted in more coastal sea ice, while sea ice extent decreased overall. These past changes coincide with remarkable optima or minima in the abundances of penguins, silverfish and seal remains, confirming the high sensitivity of marine ecosystems to environmental and especially coastal sea ice conditions.
Critical functions for STAT5 tetramers in the maturation and survival of natural killer cells
Authors: Lin Jian-Xin , Du Ning , Li Peng , Kazemian Majid , Gebregiorgis Tesfay , Spolski Rosanne , Leonard Warren J. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is essential for the development and maintenance of natural killer (NK) cells. IL-15 activates STAT5 proteins, which can form dimers or tetramers. We previously found that NK cell numbers are decreased in Stat5a−Stat5b tetramer-deficient double knockin (DKI) mice, but the mechanism was not investigated. Here we show that STAT5 dimers are sufficient for NK cell development, whereas STAT5 tetramers mediate NK cell maturation and the expression of maturation-associated genes. Unlike the defective proliferation of Stat5 DKI CD8+ T cells, Stat5 DKI NK cells have normal proliferation to IL-15 but are susceptible to death upon cytokine withdrawal, with lower Bcl2 and increased active caspases. These findings underscore the importance of STAT5 tetramers in maintaining NK cell homoeostasis. Moreover, defective STAT5 tetramer formation could represent a cause of NK cell immunodeficiency, and interrupting STAT5 tetramer formation might serve to control NK leukaemia.
Targeting Androgen Receptor in Treating HER2 Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: He Licai , Du Zhuanyun , Xiong Xusheng , Ma Hua , Zhu Zhenfeng , Gao Hongwei , Cao Jiawei , Li Tong , Li Hongzhi , Yang Kaiyan , Chen Guorong , Richer Jennifer K. , Gu Haihua 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAndrogen receptor (AR) is widely expressed in different subtypes of breast cancer (BC). However, it is unclear how AR functions in HER2 positive (+) BC. Knockdown of AR with shRNAs and a new generation anti-androgen drug, Enzalutamide, were used to explore the involvement of AR on the growth of HER2 + BC cells (HCC1954 and SKBR3). AR shRNA or Enzalutamide inhibited the growth of SKBR3 cells at a similar extend compared to trastuzumab, an approved HER2 targeted drug. Combining Enzalutamide with trastuzumab further decreased the growth of HCC1954 and SKBR3 cells compared with single agent alone in vitro. Biochemical analysis revealed that inhibiting AR resulted in decreased HER2 phosphorylation and activation of Erk and Akt, without affecting the HER2 and HER3 expression. The in vivo efficacy of Enzalutamide was further tested using the HCC1954 xenograft model. Enzalutamide impaired the growth of HCC1954 tumor at a level comparable to that by trastuzumab. Enzalutamide decreased Ki67 staining and increased activated caspase3 staining compared with vehicle control in HCC1954 tumors. Our results indicate AR plays an important role in promoting the growth of HER2 + BC by cross-talking with the HER2 signaling. AR drug may be used as an alternative second line therapy for treating HER2 + BC.