bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional roles of sialylation in breast cancer progression through miR-26a/26b targeting ST8SIA4
Authors: Ma Xiaolu , Dong Weijie , Su Zhen , Zhao Lifen , Miao Yuan , Li Nana , Zhou Huimin , Jia Li
Published: December 2016

Sialylation is one of the altered glycosylation patterns associated with cancer progression. In this study, we investigated the N-glycan profiles of breast cancer patients and cell lines to reveal sialylation associated with breast cancer progression, and provided new evidences of miRNA-mediated sialylation. MALDI-TOF MS analysis revealed that N-glycans found in breast cancer tissues and breast cancer cell MDA-MB-231 featured increased levels of sialylation compared with adjacent tissues and normal breast epithelial cell MCF-10A. The expressional profiles of 20 sialyltransferase genes were then analyzed and found significantly different comparing breast cancer samples with adjacent tissues, and two breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 with different metastatic potential and MCF-10A cells. Tumor tissues and highly metastatic breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 exhibited higher levels of ST8SIA4. Knocking down ST8SIA4 in breast cancer cell lines significantly inhibited their malignant behaviors including cell proliferation and invasion in a sialyltransferase-dependent manner. By applying bioinformatic approaches for the prediction of miRNA targeting 3′-UTR of ST8SIA4, we identified ST8SIA4 as one of the miR-26a/26b-targeted genes. Further data analysis revealed the inversely related expression of ST8SIA4 and miR-26a/26b in breast cancer cells, tumor tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues. The ability of miR-26a/26b to interact specifically with and regulate the 3′-UTR of ST8SIA4 was demonstrated via a luciferase reporter assay. The forced expression of miR-26a/26b was able to induce a decrease of ST8SIA4 level and also to affect breast cancer cells progression, while altered expression of ST8SIA4 in breast cancer cells modulated progression upon transfection with miR-26a/26b mimics or inhibiter. Taken together, these results indicate that changes in the glycosylation patterns and sialylation levels may be useful markers of the progression of breast cancer, as well as miR-26a/26b may be widely involved in the regulation of sialylation machinery by targeting ST8SIA4.
Determination of N-acyl homoserine lactones in soil using accelerated solvent extraction combined with solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Sheng Hongjie , Song Yang , Bian Yongrong , Wu Wei , Xiang Leilei , Liu Guangxia , Jiang Xin , Wang Fang
Published: December 2016

A robust and sensitive method is established for the simultaneous quantification of seven AHLs in soil samples.
Graphene boosted Cu2GeS3 for advanced lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Fu Lin , Zhang Chuanjian , Chen Bingbing , Zhang Zhonghua , Wang Xiaogang , Zhao Jingwen , He Jianjiang , Du Huiping , Cui Guanglei
Published: December 2016

Ternary Cu2GeS3 (CGS) serves as lithium ion battery anode materials for the first time, whose electrochemical performance is significantly improved by the introduction of reduced graphene oxide.
Tuning of graphene oxide composition by multiple oxidations for carbon dioxide storage and capture of toxic metals
Authors: Nováček Michal , Jankovský Ondřej , Luxa Jan , Sedmidubský David , Pumera Martin , Fila Vlastimil , Lhotka Miloslav , Klímová Kateřina , Matějková Stanislava , Sofer Zdeněk
Published: December 2016

The chemical composition and properties of graphene oxide can be controlled by multiple oxidations.
Influence of alkyl chains on photovoltaic properties of 3D rylene propeller electron acceptors
Authors: Fu Huiting , Meng Dong , Meng Xiangyi , Sun Xiaobo , Huo Lijun , Fan Yuzun , Li Yan , Ma Wei , Sun Yanming , Wang Zhaohui
Published: December 2016

We demonstrate that fine-tuning alkyl substituents can effectively enhance photovoltaic properties of 3D rylene propeller-based non-fullerene electron acceptors.
Mesoporous nitrogen, sulfur co-doped carbon dots/CoS hybrid as an efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution
Authors: Wang Liping , Wu Xiuqin , Guo Sijie , Han Mumei , Zhou Yunjie , Sun Yue , Huang Hui , Liu Yang , Kang Zhenhui
Published: December 2016

Mesoporous NSCDs/CoS hybrid exhibits desired electrocatalytic activity for electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction.
CrN thin films prepared by reactive DC magnetron sputtering for symmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Wei Binbin , Liang Hanfeng , Zhang Dongfang , Wu Zhengtao , Qi Zhengbing , Wang Zhoucheng
Published: December 2016

CrN thin films deposited on Si substrates show promising applications as electrode materials for high performance supercapacitors.
High sulfur content microporous carbon coated sulfur composites synthesized via in situ oxidation of metal sulfide for high-performance Li/S batteries
Authors: Wang Qian , Wang Zhen-Bo , Li Chao , Gu Da-Ming
Published: December 2016

Microporous carbon coated sulfur composites with a double-hollow-sphere structure are prepared through anin situoxidation process.
Facile synthesis of Fe3+/Fe2+ self-doped nanoporous FeVO4 photoanodes for efficient solar water splitting
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Yajun , Wang Lei , Bi Yingpu
Published: December 2016

We demonstrated a facile and effective method to fabricate nanoporous FeVO4 photoanodes for efficient solar water splitting. More importantly, the rationally self-doped Fe2+ or Fe3+ on the FeVO4 photoanode could further improve the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance.
Denatured protein stabilized drug nanoparticles: tunable drug state and penetration across the intestinal barrier
Authors: He Wei , Wang Yiao , Lv Yaqi , Xiao Qingqing , Ye Ling , Cai Bo , Qin Chao , Han Xiaopeng , Cai Ting , Yin Lifang
Published: December 2016

A novel denatured protein-coated nanosuspension the drug state of which was tunable and could penetrate across the intestinal barrier was reported.
Dual aptamer modified dendrigraft poly-l-lysine nanoparticles for overcoming multi-drug resistance through mitochondrial targeting
Authors: Chen Huachao , Tian Jiangwei , Liu Danyang , He Weijiang , Guo Zijian
Published: December 2016

Dox/Mito-DGL could selectively unload the encapsulated Dox/duplex and induce dissociation of the DNA duplex upon the high levels of ATP in mitochondria, which thereby causes a rapid release of Dox. The strategy could significantly enhance the anticancer efficacy of the drug.
Optical transformation of a CdTe quantum dot-based paper sensor for a visual fluorescence immunoassay induced by dissolved silver ions
Authors: Lin Zhenzhen , Lv Shuzhen , Zhang Kangyao , Tang Dianping
Published: December 2016

This work designs a visual fluorescence immunoassay for carcinoembryonic antigen based on structural and optical transformation of CdTe quantum dots immobilized on paper by cation-exchange reaction.
Benzoindolic squaraine dyes with a large two-photon absorption cross-section
Authors: Sun Chun-Lin , Lv Shao-Kai , Liu Yan-Ping , Liao Qing , Zhang Hao-Li , Fu Hongbing , Yao Jiannian
Published: December 2016

Assisted by a new strategy of non-conjugated modifications, we designed a benzoindolic squaraine dye with δ > 12 000 GM and high near-infrared emission, which is ideal for in vitro bioimaging applications.
Using SALT: Considerations for the Analysis of Language Transcripts of Children Who Use SGDs
Authors: Savaldi-Harussi Gat , Soto Gloria
Published: December 2016

This paper exemplifies the process we used to customize the Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts (SALT) software to monitor a wide range of language measures for children who use high-tech speech-generating devices (SGDs) when taking into consideration two main characteristics of aided communication: multimodality and co-constructed interaction structure. General considerations relevant to Language Sampling and Analysis (LSA) and examples of their applications are described in conversations between young aided speakers (child) and natural speakers (adult) and include the following stages: (a) eliciting and videotaping a representative sample of the child's language; (b) transcribing verbatim the language sample according to SALT conventions and modifications; and (c) analyzing the language sample with the common SALT commands and new variables (codes) measures. Our findings suggest that SALT software can be easily adapted and used as a tool for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) evidence-based practice.
Vocabulary Selection in AAC: Application of Core Vocabulary in Atypical Populations
Authors: van Tilborg Arjan , Deckers Stijn R. J. M.
Published: December 2016

On the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Community for Special Interest Group 12, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), a community member introduced a discussion related to the selection and use of core vocabulary with students with severe intellectual or multiple disabilities. It was questioned whether or not core vocabulary determined in typically developing children was applicable to AAC intervention in these students. The present article reviewed a vast amount of language sample studies related to core vocabulary in both typical and atypical populations. It was concluded that core vocabulary is comparable for both populations in various contexts, with various communication partners, over various topics, and in various modalities of language use. Core vocabulary is thus of high importance for all AAC users, regardless of physical or intellectual disabilities.
Note: Position/torque control of antagonistic robot joint with high-compliant twisted string actuators (TSAs)
Authors: Park Jihyuk , Kim Ji-Chul , Kim Kyung-Soo , Kim Soohyun
Published: December 2016

A tendon-driven robot joint that has a low inertia compared with a conventional drive system is proposed. The robot joint displaces the drive system toward the robot base, and it is driven by twisted string actuators (TSAs), which are a substitute for the conventional heavy drive system. The design of the proposed robot joint is based on an antagonistic scheme that is actuated by two motors. The torques from the motors are transmitted to the robot joint through the TSAs. Based on the geometric analysis of TSAs, strategies for position and torque control are proposed for an antagonistic robot joint driven by TSAs. To verify the proposed control strategies, several control experiments are conducted using a developed prototype of a robot joint.
Coherent dynamics of V-type systems driven by time-dependent incoherent radiation
Authors: Dodin Amro , Tscherbul Timur V. , Brumer Paul
Published: December 2016

Light-induced processes in nature occur by irradiation with slowly turned-on incoherent light. The general case of time-dependent incoherent excitation is solved here analytically for V-type systems using a newly developed master equation method. Clear evidence emerges for the disappearance of radiatively induced coherence as turn-on times of the radiation exceed characteristic system times. The latter is the case, in nature, for all relevant dynamical time scales for other than nearly degenerate energy levels. We estimate that, in the absence of non-radiative relaxation and decoherence, turn-on times slower than 1 ms (still short by natural standards) only induce Fano coherences between energy eigenstates that are separated by less than 0.9 cm−1.
Frequency analysis of the laser driven nonlinear dynamics of HCN
Authors: Lopez-Pina A. , Losada J. C. , Benito R. M. , Borondo F.
Published: December 2016

We study the vibrational dynamics of a model for the HCN molecule in the presence of a monochromatic laser field. The variation of the structural behavior of the system as a function of the laser frequency is analyzed in detail using the smaller alignment index, frequency maps, and diffusion coefficients. It is observed that the ergodicity of the system depends on the frequency of the excitation field, especially in its transitions from and into chaos. This provides a roadmap for the possibility of bond excitation and dissociation in this molecule.
MRI surface-coil pair with strong inductive coupling
Authors: Mett Richard R. , Sidabras Jason W. , Hyde James S.
Published: December 2016

A novel inductively coupled coil pair was used to obtain magnetic resonance phantom images. Rationale for using such a structure is described in R. R. Mett et al. [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 87, 084703 (2016)]. The original rationale was to increase the Q-value of a small diameter surface coil in order to achieve dominant loading by the sample. A significant improvement in the vector reception field (VRF) is also seen. The coil assembly consists of a 3-turn 10 mm tall meta-metallic self-resonant spiral (SRS) of inner diameter 10.4 mm and outer diameter 15.1 mm and a single-loop equalization coil of 25 mm diameter and 2 mm tall. The low-frequency parallel mode was used in which the rf currents on each coil produce magnetic fields that add constructively. The SRS coil assembly was fabricated and data were collected using a tissue-equivalent 30% polyacrylamide phantom. The large inductive coupling of the coils produces phase-coherency of the rf currents and magnetic fields. Finite-element simulations indicate that the VRF of the coil pair is about 4.4 times larger than for a single-loop coil of 15 mm diameter. The mutual coupling between coils influences the current ratio between the coils, which in turn influences the VRF and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Data on a tissue-equivalent phantom at 9.4 T show a total SNR increase of 8.8 over the 15 mm loop averaged over a 25 mm depth and diameter. The experimental results are shown to be consistent with the magnetic resonance theory of the emf induced by spins in a coil, the theory of inductively coupled resonant circuits, and the superposition principle. The methods are general for magnetic resonance and other types of signal detection and can be used over a wide range of operating frequencies.
Spinodal instabilities in polydisperse lyotropic nematics
Authors: Ferreiro-Córdova C. , Wensink H. H.
Published: December 2016

Many lyotropic liquid crystals are composed of mesogens that display a considerable spread in size or shape affecting their material properties and thermodynamics via various demixing and multi-phase coexistence scenarios. Starting from a generalized Onsager theory, we formulate a generic framework that enables locating spinodal polydispersities as well as identifying the nature of incipient size fractionation for arbitrary model potentials and size distributions. We apply our theory to nematic phases of both hard rods and disks whose main particle dimension is described by a unimodal log-normal distribution. We find that both rod-based and discotic nematics become unstable at a critical polydispersity of about 20%. We also investigate the effect of doping nematic assemblies with a small fraction of large species and highlight their effect on the stability of the uniform nematic fluid. Our main finding is that while rod-based are only weakly affected by the presence of large species, doping discotic nematics with very large platelets leads to a remarkable suppression of the spinodal instabilities. This could open up routes towards controlling the mechanical properties of nematic materials by manipulating the local stability of nematic fluid and its tendency to undergo fractionation-driven microphase separation.
Shock formation in Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe on deuterium gas puff implosions
Authors: Narkis J. , Rahman H. U. , Ney P. , Desjarlais M. P. , Wessel F. J. , Conti F. , Valenzuela J. C. , Beg F. N.
Published: December 2016

1- and 2-D simulations of 1-cm radius, gas-puff liners of Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe imploding onto a deuterium target are conducted using the discharge parameters for the Zebra (1 MA, 130 ns) driver using the resistive MHD code MACH2. This is an implementation of the Staged Z-pinch concept, in which the target is driven to high-energy-density first by shock compression launched by a diffused azimuthal magnetic field (J×B force), and then by the adiabatic compression as the liner converges on axis. During the run-in phase, the initial shock heating preheats the deuterium plasma, with a subsequent stable, adiabatic compression heating the target to high energy density. Shock compression of the target coincides with the development of a J×B force at the target/liner interface. Stronger B-field transport and earlier shock compression increases with higher-Z liners, which results in an earlier shock arrival on axis. Delayed shock formation in lower-Z liners yields a relative increase in shock heating, however, the 2-D simulations show an increased target isolation from magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor instability penetration, suggesting that an optimal balance between these two effects is reached in an Ar or Kr liner, rather than with Xe.
Collisionless, phase-mixed, dispersive, Gaussian Alfven pulse in transversely inhomogeneous plasma
Authors: Tsiklauri D.
Published: December 2016

In the previous works harmonic, phase-mixed, Alfven wave dynamics was considered both in the kinetic and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) regimes. Up till today, only the magnetohydrodynamic, phase-mixed, Gaussian Alfven pulses were investigated. In the present work, we extend this into the kinetic regime. Here phase-mixed, Gaussian Alfven pulses are studied, which are more appropriate for solar flares, than harmonic waves, as the flares are impulsive in nature. Collisionless, phase-mixed, dispersive, Gaussian Alfven pulse in transversely inhomogeneous plasma is investigated by particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations and by an analytical model. The pulse is in inertial regime with the plasma beta less than electron-to-ion mass ratio and has a spatial width of 12 ion inertial length. The linear analytical model predicts that the pulse amplitude decrease is described by the linear Korteweg de Vries (KdV) equation. The numerical and the analytical solution of the linear KdV equation produces the pulse amplitude decrease in time as t–1. The latter scaling law is corroborated by full PIC simulations. It is shown that the pulse amplitude decrease is due to dispersive effects, while the electron acceleration is due to Landau damping of the phase-mixed waves. The established amplitude decrease in time as t–1 is different from the MHD scaling of t−3∕2. This can be attributed to the dispersive effects resulting in the different scaling compared to MHD, where the resistive effects cause the damping, in turn, enhanced by the inhomogeneity. Reducing the background plasma temperature and increase in ion mass yields more efficient particle acceleration.
Mechanical characterization of nanoporous Au modified with self-assembled monolayers
Authors: Miyazawa Naoki , Ishimoto Junya , Hakamada Masataka , Mabuchi Mamoru
Published: December 2016

The surface of nanoporous Au was modified with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of 6-mercapto-1-hexanol and the hardness tests were performed on the SAM-modified and non-modified nanoporous Au to investigate the effects of SAM modification on the mechanical properties of nanoporous Au. In addition, the origin of the chemomechanical effects was investigated by first principles shear test simulations on an Au–S alloy. The SAM-modified nanoporous Au showed lower hardness than the non-modified nanoporous Au. The loading rate dependence tests showed that the activation volume was low for both, indicating that events of a short range play an important role in deformation of nanoporous Au, regardless of whether the nanoporous Au was modified with SAMs. It was suggested from the simulations that the lower hardness for the SAM-modified nanoporous Au is because movement of dislocation endpoints at the surface is facilitated by chemical effects of Au–S bonding.
Metal compound semiconductors functionalized by polymers and their photosensitive properties
Authors: Yang Shengxue , Jiang Chengbao , Wei Su-Huai
Published: December 2016

Design and preparation of photosensitive materials is important for a wide range of applications in solar cells, photocatalysts, photodetectors, and other optoelectronics devices. In recent decades, many photosensitive devices based on the polymer-functionalized metal compound semiconductors have attracted extensive attention and research. These devices combine the advantages of both polymers and metal compounds, and they show tremendously enhanced photosensitive performance compared with the individual components, even exhibiting some optoelectronic properties that are absent for the constituents. In this paper, we review recent developments including mechanisms of photosensitivity, various approaches to obtaining the polymer-functionalized metal compound semiconductors, the properties that are created or enhanced through the functionalization, and some of their applications.
Exact solutions of Friedmann equation
Authors: Kurianovich E. A.
Published: December 2016

The cosmological Friedmann equation for the universe filled with a scalar field is reduced to a system of two equations of the first order, one of which is an equation with separable variables. For the second equation, the exact solutions are given in closed form for the potentials as constants and exponents. For the same equation, the exact solutions for a quadratic potential are written in the form of a series in the attractor and spiral areas (inflation stage and the late-time acceleration of the universe, respectively). Also the exact solutions for every arbitrary potential are given in the neighborhood of endpoint and infinity. The existence of all these classical solutions is proven.
Communication: Pseudoisomorphs in liquids with intramolecular degrees of freedom
Authors: Olsen Andreas Elmerdahl , Dyre Jeppe C. , Schrøder Thomas B.
Published: December 2016

Computer simulations show that liquids of molecules with harmonic intramolecular bonds may have “pseudoisomorphic” lines of approximately invariant dynamics in the thermodynamic phase diagram. We demonstrate that these lines can be identified by requiring scale invariance of the inherent-structure reduced-unit low-frequency vibrational spectrum evaluated for a single equilibrium configuration. This rationalizes why generalized excess-entropy scaling, density scaling, and isochronal superposition apply for many liquids with internal degrees of freedom.
Hollow target for efficient generation of fast ions by ultrashort laser pulses
Authors: Psikal J. , Grym J. , Stolcova L. , Proska J.
Published: December 2016

The efficiency of ion acceleration driven by high-power femtosecond laser pulses strongly depends on the target thickness and on the absorption of laser pulse energy into the ionized solid target. Enhanced absorption has been demonstrated for targets with submicrometer structures deposited on their front surface. However, increasing the overall thickness of the target by adding the layer with structures is undesirable. Here, microstructured hollow targets are proposed to enhance the absorption of the laser pulse energy while keeping the target thickness to minimum. It is demonstrated by full 3D particle-in-cell simulations that the efficiency of proton acceleration from hollow targets substantially exceeds the efficiency of the acceleration from flat foils of the same thickness. The fabrication of an ultrathin hollow target (prototype) by focused ion beam milling is also described.
Development of a core snubber for the neutral beam injector on EAST
Authors: Jiang Cai-Chao , Hu Chun-Dong , Xie Ya-Hong , Liu Sheng , Chen Shi-Yong , Liu Zhi-Min , Xu Yong-Jian , Liang Li-Zhen , Xie Yuan-Lai
Published: December 2016

A 4-MW ion source was developed for the neutral beam injector (NBI) on Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). Breakdown nevertheless can happen during ion source conditioning and routine operations and is deleterious to the high-power ion source. To protect this ion source, a core snubber was designed to absorb the breakdown energy of the EAST-NBI ion source. A prototype core snubber was developed and tested using the ion-source test bed. The results show that with a core snubber, short-circuit currents at different high-power voltages were about one-tenth of the current without the snubber. The residual energy of the distributed capacitors had been absorbed successfully and the core snubber does protect the source from damage during breakdown. The results verified the successful development of a core snubber for the EAST-NBI.
Optimization and performance analysis of process parameters during anaerobic digestion of food waste using hybrid GRA-PCA technique
Authors: Senthilkumar N. , Deepanraj B. , Vasantharaj K. , Sivasubramanian V.
Published: December 2016

In this study, biogas production through anaerobic digestion of food waste was investigated by applying four factor-four level Taguchi design under experimental conditions such as solid concentration (5%–12.5% TS), pH (6–9), temperature (30–60 °C), and co-digestion of poultry waste (10%–40%). Multi-objective techniques such as grey relational analysis (GRA) and multi-variate principal component analysis (PCA) were used to determine the optimal level of process parameters. The interactive effect of process conditions on the biogas yield was studied with multi-response performance index. The obtained results were analyzed by analysis of variance and the percentage contributions of each parameter were determined. Optimum conditions for maximizing the biogas yield and volatile solid removal efficiency were determined using hybrid GRA-PCA technique and it was found to be solid concentration of 7.5% TS, pH of 7, temperature of 50 °C, and co-digestion of 30%. Supremacy of the chosen hybrid technique is confirmed from the confirmation experimental output.
Numerical research on effect of transition on aerodynamic performance of wind turbine blade with vortex generators
Authors: Zhao Zhenzhou , Zeng Guanyu , Wang Tongguang , Xu Bofeng , Zheng Yuan
Published: December 2016

In the inner part of a large wind turbine blade, a thick airfoil is commonly used to guarantee structural integrity and assists the blade to run more easily at high angles of attack in variable winds; its local Reynolds number is less than 3.0 × 106. Under these conditions, flow separation and transitions easily occur and exert great impact on blade performance. Vortex generators (VGs) are effective devices used to control flow separation and alter stalling conditions, and hence have been employed in the inner part of the blade in some wind turbines. To clearly understand the aerodynamic performance of a blade with VGs, a blade section employing the thick DU91-W2-250 airfoil and five pairs of VGs is modeled using the transition model. The results for both the coefficient of lift and drag–lift ratio predicted by the transition model are compared with those obtained from the k-ω shear stress transport model and experiment. The comparison demonstrates that the transition model has much higher accuracy. The effects of transition on the distributions of flow stream, shear stress, and vortices from the VGs are investigated and more useful rules are obtained through a comparison between the results of the transition model and the turbulence model at four angles of attack: 5°, 12°, 16°, and 20°.
Four-body correlation embedded in antisymmetrized geminal power wave function
Authors: Kawasaki Airi , Sugino Osamu
Published: December 2016

We extend the Coleman’s antisymmetrized geminal power (AGP) to develop a wave function theory that can incorporate up to four-body correlation in a region of strong correlation. To facilitate the variational determination of the wave function, the total energy is rewritten in terms of the traces of geminals. This novel trace formula is applied to a simple model system consisting of one dimensional Hubbard ring with a site of strong correlation. Our scheme significantly improves the result obtained by the AGP-configuration interaction scheme of Uemura et al. and also achieves more efficient compression of the degrees of freedom of the wave function. We regard the result as a step toward a first-principles wave function theory for a strongly correlated point defect or adsorbate embedded in an AGP-based mean-field medium.
Anisotropy in geometrically rough structure of ice prismatic plane interface during growth: Development of a modified six-site model of H2O and a molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Nada Hiroki
Published: December 2016

This paper presents a modified version of the six-site model of H2O [H. Nada and J. P. J. M. van der Eerden, J. Chem. Phys. 118, 7401 (2003)]. Although the original six-site model was optimized by assuming the cut-off of the Coulomb interaction at an intermolecular distance of 10 Å, the modified model is optimized by using the Ewald method for estimating the Coulomb interaction. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of an ice–water interface suggest that the melting point of ice at 1 atm in the modified model is approximately 274.5 K, in good agreement with the real melting point of 273.15 K. MD simulations of bulk ice and water suggest that the modified model reproduces not only the structures and density curves of ice and water, but also the diffusion coefficient of water molecules in water near the melting point at 1 atm. Using the modified model, a large-scale MD simulation of the growth at an ice–water interface of the prismatic plane is performed to elucidate the anisotropy in the interface structure during growth. Simulation results indicate that the geometrical roughness of the ice growth front at the interface is greater in the c-axis direction than in the direction normal to the c-axis when it is analyzed along the axes parallel to the prismatic plane. In addition, during the growth at the interface, the transient appearance of specific crystallographic planes, such as a {202¯1} pyramidal plane, occurs preferentially at the ice growth front. The effect of different ensembles with different simulation systems on the anisotropy in the interface structure is also investigated.
Robust optical properties of sandwiched lateral composition modulation GaInP structure grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Park Kwangwook , Kang Seokjin , Ravindran Sooraj , Min Jung-Wook , Hwang Hyeong-Yong , Jho Young-Dahl , Lee Yong Tak
Published: December 2016

Double-hetero structure lateral composition modulated (LCM) GaInP and sandwiched LCM GaInP having the same active layer thickness were grown and their optical properties were compared. Sandwiched LCM GaInP showed robust optical properties due to periodic potential nature of the LCM structure, and the periodicity was undistorted even for thickness far beyond the critical layer thickness. A thick LCM GaInP structure with undistorted potential that could preserve the properties of native LCM structure was possible by stacking thin LCM GaInP structures interspaced with strain compensating GaInP layers. The sandwiched structure could be beneficial in realizing the LCM structure embedded high efficiency solar cells.
Plasmonic patterned wide-field gap mode mechanism for surface enhanced Raman imaging
Authors: Chen Houkai , Du Luping , Wu Xiaojing , Zhu Siwei , Yang Yong , Fang Hui , Yuan Xiaocong
Published: December 2016

The gap mode enhancement of metal nanoparticles is introduced into wide-field Raman microscopic imaging, where it produces a more efficient Raman scattering map compared with the scanning mechanism based on a single nanoparticle. Patterned surface plasmon illumination technique is employed to extend spatial resolution of the wide-field Raman imaging to 133 nm achieved by a modified total internal reflection microscope. The images by different Raman shifts are extracted by using narrow band pass dielectric filters. The technique can serve as a robust tool for wide-field surface enhanced Raman imaging.
Scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging of 180° ferroelectric domains and application to Ca0.28Ba0.72Nb2O6 single crystals
Authors: He Xiaoqing , Gu Lin , Rockett Angus
Published: December 2016

Understanding the configuration of ferroelectric domains and domain walls is critical for the fabrication and engineering of ferroelectric devices. Here, we demonstrate that scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) can be used to resolve a high density of 180° ferroelectric domains in Ca0.28Ba0.72Nb2O6 single crystals, previously studied by conventional transmission electron microscopy. We demonstrate the advantages of STEM for imaging in a specific set of diffraction conditions and deflection settings in conjunction with an angular dark-field detector. We specifically investigated the structure of a 180° domain wall at atomic resolution by aberration-corrected STEM under annular bright field and high angle annular dark field conditions. Our results suggest, based on observed cation displacements, that the 180° domain wall is a combination of Ising and/or Bloch-Néel types rather than pure Ising type, consistent with recent theoretical predictions.
Quantum transport through a quantum dot structure side coupled with many quantum-dot and Majorana-bound-state pairs
Authors: Jiang Z. T. , Li S.
Published: December 2016

We theoretically investigate the electron transport properties of a wheel-like quantum dot (QD) structure with a central QD side coupled with many pairs of QD and Majorana bound states (MBSs) by using the nonequilibrium Green’s function method. For clarity, we concentrate our researches on the parameter regime where interdot couplings is much smaller than the inter-MBS and MBS-QD couplings, which ensures the conductance peaks induced by them distinguishable. In the absence of the interdot couplings among the side QDs, the increase of the MBS-QD pair number is equivalent to the increase of the interdot coupling in the QD structure including one central QD and one MBS-QD pair. It is shown that as a response the interval between two side symmetrical peaks will be enlarged, and the MBS-QD couplings will bring into being a zero-bias conductance peak which can be split into two symmetrical sub-peaks by the nonzero inter-MBS couplings. In the presence of the interdot couplings among the side QDs, they make serious influences on the conductance peaks determined by the QD energy levels, and still comes into being the zero-bias conductance peak due to the MBS-QD couplings, yet which is split into two asymmetrical sub-peaks under the influences of the nonzero inter-MBS couplings. Moreover, we conduct a detailed investigation into how the couplings among side QDs affect the transport properties, clearly exposing the underneath mechanics responsible for producing these phenomena. Finally, a generalization is made so as to discuss the geometry universality and the parameter universality of the conclusion drawn in the present work. It should be emphasized that this research will be helpful for a comprehensive understanding the quantum transport through the QD systems coupled with MBSs.
Measurement of rotational magnetic properties of nanocrystalline alloys by a modified B-H sensor
Authors: Chen Long , Wang Youhua , Zhao Zhenghan , Zhao Hanyu , Liu Chengcheng
Published: December 2016

Nanocrystalline alloys are now widely used in high frequency electromagnetic applications such as high frequency transformers and chokes, while it’s two-dimensional properties are seldom investigated. The nanocrystalline sample can be extremely brittle after annealed and crystallized which is very difficult to measure the properties by traditional method in 2D cases. The magnetic properties of nanocrystalline alloys under rotating field are measured and discussed in this paper. By combining the needle probe technique and the H-coil method, the magnetic flux density B and the magnetic field strength H in the sample can be measured. Finally, the modified B-H sensor is calibrated by the Helmholtz coils and the sensitivity of measuring B and H can achieve 4.3 mV/T and 30 μV/A/m respectively.
Speedy A–Cdk2 binding mediates initial telomere–nuclear envelope attachment during meiotic prophase I independent of Cdk2 activation
Authors: Tu Zhaowei , Bayazit Mustafa Bilal , Liu Hongbin , Zhang Jingjing , Busayavalasa Kiran , Risal Sanjiv , Shao Jingchen , Satyanarayana Ande , Coppola Vincenzo , Tessarollo Lino , Singh Meenakshi , Zheng Chunwei , Han Chunsheng , Chen Zijiang , Kaldis Philipp , Gustafsson Jan-Åke , Liu Kui
Published: December 2016

Significance

In meiotic prophase I, telomere attachment to the nuclear envelope is a prerequisite for subsequent prophase events, such as homologous pairing and recombination. In this study, we show that Speedy A, a noncanonical activator of cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks), is essential for telomere attachment to the nuclear envelope in mice. We have identified a telomere localization domain in Speedy A, which covers the protein’s distal N-terminus and Cdk2-binding Ringo domain but excludes its Cdk-activation domain. Furthermore, we found that the binding of Cdk2 to Speedy A is essential for Cdk2’s localization to telomeres. Our results suggest that Speedy A–Cdk2 binding might mediate the initial assembly of the meiotic telomere complex, a process that is independent of Cdk2 activation.
Of microtubules and memory: implications for microtubule dynamics in dendrites and spines
Authors: Dent Erik W.
Published: December 2016

Microtubules (MTs) are cytoskeletal polymers composed of repeating subunits of tubulin that are ubiquitously expressed in eukaryotic cells. They undergo a stochastic process of polymerization and depolymerization from their plus ends termed dynamic instability. MT dynamics is an ongoing process in all cell types and has been the target for the development of several useful anticancer drugs, which compromise rapidly dividing cells. Recent studies also suggest that MT dynamics may be particularly important in neurons, which develop a highly polarized morphology, consisting of a single axon and multiple dendrites that persist throughout adulthood. MTs are especially dynamic in dendrites and have recently been shown to polymerize directly into dendritic spines, the postsynaptic compartment of excitatory neurons in the CNS. These transient polymerization events into dendritic spines have been demonstrated to play important roles in synaptic plasticity in cultured neurons. Recent studies also suggest that MT dynamics in the adult brain function in the essential process of learning and memory and may be compromised in degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. This raises the possibility of targeting MT dynamics in the design of new therapeutic agents.
Modelling larval dispersal of Pecten maximus in the English Channel: a tool for the spatial management of the stocks
Authors: Nicolle Amandine , Moitié Roderic , Ogor Julien , Dumas Franck , Foveau Aurélie , Foucher Eric , Thiébaut Eric
Published: December 2016

The great scallop Pecten maximus supports one of the most important and valuable commercial fisheries around the British Isles and in the northwest of France, but the resource is mainly managed at the scale of each local fishing ground through a combination of European, national and local measures. To analyse the larval dispersal pathways and connectivity patterns among fishing grounds of the great scallop in the Celtic Sea and the English Channel, a particle tracking model was developed. The model combined a 3D physical circulation model that simulated currents and temperature fields and a scallop larval submodel that took into account a temperature-dependent planktonic larval duration and an active vertical swimming behaviour. Due to the lack of stock assessment at the regional scale, the location of the main fishing grounds was established by combining different sources (e.g. grey literature, unpublished scientific surveys, vessel monitoring data, fishermen) while the spawning biomass of each stock was estimated from landings data. Results indicated that each local stock could not be considered as a single independent management unit and that all stocks except that of the Bay of Brest were connected to neighbouring stocks, suggesting that the management should be defined in a metapopulation context. Three major groups of strongly interconnected stocks including two or three stocks exhibiting high retention and self-recruitment rates and some peripheral stocks with a low self-recruitment rate were defined: the North Brittany and Channel Islands, the eastern English Channel, and the SW of England. Our results were discussed in terms of the definition of management units in comparison with genetic and phenotypic data, and in terms of resource management in a transnational context.
Discriminating Oat and Groat Kernels from Other Grains Using Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Armstrong Paul R. , Dell'Endice Francesco , Maghirang Elizabeth B. , Rupenyan Alisa
Published: December 2016

Oats and groats can be discriminated from other grains such as barley, wheat, rye, and triticale (nonoats) with near‐infrared spectroscopy. The two instruments tested herein were the manual version of the United States Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Research Service single‐kernel near‐infrared (SKNIR) instrument and the automated QualySense QSorter Explorer high‐speed sorter, both used in similar near‐infrared spectral ranges. Three linear discriminate self‐prediction models were developed: 1) oats versus groats + nonoats, 2) oats + groats versus nonoats, and 3) groats versus nonoats. For all three models, the SKNIR instrument showed high correct classification of oats or groats (94.5–100%), which was similar to results of the QSorter Explorer at 95.0–99.4%. The amount of nonoats that were misclassified as oats or groats was low for both instruments at 0–0.2% for the SKNIR instrument and 0.8–3.7% for the QSorter Explorer. Linear discriminate models from independent prediction and validation sets yielded classification accuracies of 91.6–99.3% (SKNIR) and 90.5–97.8% (QSorter Explorer). Small differences in classification accuracy were attributed to processing speeds between the two instruments: 3 kernels/s for the SKNIR instrument and 35 kernels/s for the QSorter Explorer. This indicated that both instruments are useful for quantifying grain sample compositions of oat and groat samples and that both could be useful tools for meeting consumer demand for gluten‐free or low‐gluten products. Discrimination between grains will help producers and manufacturers meet various regulatory requirements. Examples include requirements such as those from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Commission of European Communities, in which gluten‐free oats or other products can only be labeled as nongluten if they contain gluten at less than 20 ppm, the established safe consumption limit for people with celiac disease. The QSorter Explorer is currently being used to meet these requirements.
Falling Number Sampling Variation Within Trucks at First Point of Sale
Authors: Delwiche Stephen R. , Vinyard Bryan T.
Published: December 2016

Falling number (FN) is a test widely performed on raw samples of wheat and barley as a means to indicate the level of enzyme activity (α‐amylase) associated with seed germination. In most circumstances of wheat, high activity levels are associated with decreased quality of the end products and, because of this, grain lots with low FN are discounted at points of sale, including the first point of delivery when wheat is brought in from the field. Confidence in the validity of an FN assessed on a grain lot is dependent on knowledge of the precision of the analytical method as well as the sampling protocol. The current study examined the latter component; that is, the variation caused by sampling. Soft red and white commercial wheats from two seasons and two regions (states of Washington and Ohio) were sampled upon arrival at country elevators and a flour mill. By catch‐stream sampling or probe sampling, catches and probings were run in quadruplicate according to standard methodology for FN. Among‐catches and among‐probings variance estimates, inclusive of sampling error and method error, were typically less than 100 s2, corresponding to a coefficient of variation of 3% or less. Estimated variances from the sampling alone, as determined by a mixed‐effects analysis of variance, were typically less than 50 s2. Based on the among‐probings variance estimates and a simple model that assumes normality of FN and linearity in mathematically combining individual probe readings into the equivalent composite reading for a truck, retesting a truck in borderline FN conditions (i.e., FN ≤ 294 s) at the same facility will not yield a new FN value of 300 s or greater more than 95% of the time.
Fermentation of Colored Quinoa Seeds with Neurospora intermedia to Obtain Oncom‐Type Products of Favorable Nutritional and Bioactive Characteristics
Authors: Starzyńska‐Janiszewska Anna , Stodolak Bożena , Duliński Robert , Mickowska Barbara , Sabat Renata
Published: December 2016

In this research, colored quinoa seeds were subjected to a modified oncom‐type processing (precooking followed by solid‐state fermentation with Neurospora intermedia) to obtain convenient food products of improved parameters. Compared with the raw material, the products contained a higher level of protein (on average by 44%, with an advantageous essential amino acid profile) and fiber (by 71%) but a lower amount of inositol phosphates (by 50%, with an increased share of InsP3 fraction in the profile). Fermented quinoa was enriched in carotenoids (6.5‐fold) and riboflavin (fivefold). The antioxidant potential of oncom was also improved in respect to antiradical activity (on average by 39%) and reducing power. Of the red and black quinoa, the former substrate was processed into a product of better quality, containing a higher level of protein (214 g/kg dry matter [DM]), fiber (234 g/kg DM), carotenoids (81 mg/kg DM), and riboflavin (8 mg/kg DM), as well as antiradical activity (IC50 in ABTS⋅+ and DPPH⋅ assay of 0.4 and 3 mg DM, respectively). This was associated with a 50% higher level of fungal glucosamine in this oncom. Therefore, the activity of N. intermedia can be considered beneficial for biotreatment of quinoa seeds.
Tubulopapillary Cystic Adenoma With Apocrine Differentiation: A Unifying Concept for Syringocystadenoma Papilliferum, Apocrine Gland Cyst, and Tubular Papillary Adenoma
Authors: Ansai Shin-ichi , Anan Takashi , Fukumoto Takaya , Saeki Hidehisa
Published: December 2016

Syringocystadenoma papilliferum (SCAP), apocrine gland cyst (AGC, also called apocrine hidrocystoma or apocrine cystadenoma), and tubular papillary adenoma (TPA) with apocrine differentiation are defined as proliferations of apocrine epithelium with myoepithelial cells. At Sapporo Dermatopathology Institute, we retrieved 308 benign neoplastic lesions diagnosed as SCAP, AGC, or TPA and combinations of these entities. Among the 308 lesions, 202 (66%) exhibited features of only one type, of which 144 (47%) were AGC, 39 (13%) were TPA, and 19 (6%) were SCAP. The other 106 lesions (34%) had features of 2 or more types, including 56 lesions that were AGC + TPA (18%), 2 that were AGC + SCAP (1%), 34 that were TPA + SCAP (11%), and 14 that were AGC + TPA + SCAP (5%). The most frequent site of these lesions was the face (56%), followed by the scalp (13%). Lesions with the features of AGC were more frequently found on the face, especially the periocular region, than at other sites. TPA lesions were more frequent on the face and scalp than at other sites, whereas SCAP lesions were preferentially found on the face, scalp, and trunk. We also retrieved clinicopathological data and other information. We propose a unifying concept for AGC, TPA, and SCAP. Approximately one-third of these lesions are composite entities with the features of 2 or 3 different tumors, and we propose calling such tumors tubulopapillary cystic adenoma with apocrine differentiation.