bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IL-36α: a novel cytokine involved in the catabolic and inflammatory response in chondrocytes
Authors: Conde Javier , Scotece Morena , Abella Vanessa , Lois Ana , López Verónica , García-Caballero Tomás , Pino Jesús , Gómez-Reino Juan Jesús , Gómez Rodolfo , Lago Francisca , Gualillo Oreste
Published: November 2015

Recent studies confer to IL-36α pro-inflammatory properties. However, little is known about the expression and function of IL-36α in cartilage. This study sought to analyze the expression of IL-36α in healthy and OA cartilage. Next, we determined the effects of recombinant IL-36α on catabolism and inflammation in chondrocytes. For completeness, part of the signaling pathway elicited by IL-36α was also explored. IL-36α expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR. Expression of MMP-13, NOS2 and COX-2 was also determined in OA articular chondrocytes treated with recombinant IL-36α. IκB-α and P-p38 was explored by western blot. We observed a low constitutive expression of IL-36α in healthy human chondrocytes. However, OA chondrocytes likely expressed more IL-36α than healthy chondrocytes. In addition, immune cells infiltrated into the joint and PBMCs express higher levels of IL-36α in comparison to chondrocytes. OA chondrocytes, treated with IL-36α, showed significant increase in the expression of MMP-13, NOS2 and COX-2. Finally, IL-36α stimulated cells showed NFκB and p38 MAPK activated pathways. IL-36α acts as a pro-inflammatory cytokine at cartilage level, by increasing the expression of markers of inflammation and cartilage catabolism. Like other members of IL-1 family, IL-36α acts through the activation of NFκB and p38 MAPK pathway.
Production of Human Albumin in Pigs Through CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Knockin of Human cDNA into Swine Albumin Locus in the Zygotes
Authors: Peng Jin , Wang Yong , Jiang Junyi , Zhou Xiaoyang , Song Lei , Wang Lulu , Ding Chen , Qin Jun , Liu Liping , Wang Weihua , Liu Jianqiao , Huang Xingxu , Wei Hong , Zhang Pumin
Published: November 2015

Precise genome modification in large domesticated animals is desirable under many circumstances. In the past it is only possible through lengthy and burdensome cloning procedures. Here we attempted to achieve that goal through the use of the newest genome-modifying tool CRISPR/Cas9. We set out to knockin human albumin cDNA into pig Alb locus for the production of recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA). HSA is a widely used human blood product and is in high demand. We show that homologous recombination can occur highly efficiently in swine zygotes. All 16 piglets born from the manipulated zygotes carry the expected knockin allele and we demonstrated the presence of human albumin in the blood of these piglets. Furthermore, the knockin allele was successfully transmitted through germline. This success in precision genomic engineering is expected to spur exploration of pigs and other large domesticated animals to be used as bioreactors for the production of biomedical products or creation of livestock strains with more desirable traits.
Prenatal diagnosis of single gene disorders using amniotic fluid as the starting material for PCR
Authors: Huang Huan , Li Shuo , Lu Shuolian , Ge Hongshan , Sun Lizhou
Published: November 2015

A rapid and inexpensive method for fetal genetic diagnosis using amniotic fluid (AF) as the starting material was demonstrated in this study.
The total synthesis and stereochemical assignment of scytonemin A
Authors: Liu Junyang , Wang Lei , Zhang Juefei , Xu Zhengshuang , Ye Tao
Published: November 2015

The total synthesis of scytonemin A and its C-9 epimer, as well as elucidation of the absolute stereochemistry of natural scytonemin A is described.
Exploration of gated ligand binding recognizes an allosteric site for blocking FABP4–protein interaction
Authors: Li Yan , Li Xiang , Dong Zigang
Published: November 2015

The binding process of a drug-like small molecule through a conformational gate is illustrated by extensive molecular dynamics simulations.
Enhancement of the accuracy of determination of transverse relaxation time in solution state NMR spectroscopy by using Uhrig's dynamic decoupling sequences
Authors: Chakraborty Ipsita , Chakrabarti Arnab , Bhattacharyya Rangeet
Published: November 2015

Uhrig's Dynamic Decoupling sequences have been used for the suppression of the field noise to arrive at a better method for the estimation of T2.
Interactions between metal species and nitrogen-functionalized carbon nanotubes
Authors: Xia Wei
Published: November 2015

Surface functionalities and defects strongly influence the interactions between metal species and nitrogen-functionalized carbon nanotubes.
Novel crown-ether–methylenediphosphonotetrathioate hybrids as Zn(ii) chelators
Authors: Meltzer Diana , Gottlieb Hugo E. , Amir Aviran , Shimon Linda J. W. , Fischer Bilha
Published: November 2015

A 13-membered methylenediphosphonotetrathioate–crown ether hybrid is a water-soluble, air-stable, high-affinity Zn(ii)-chelator, exhibiting selectivity to Zn(ii)vs.Mg(ii), Na(i), and Li(i).
Size distribution and sources of humic-like substances in particulate matter at an urban site during winter
Authors: Park Seungshik , Son Se-Chang
Published: November 2015

The highest contribution of HULIS-C to WSOC was observed to be in the particle size bins of 0.55–1.0 μm and 1.8–3.1 μm during non-Asian dust (NAD, 45 ± 6%) and Asian dust (AD, 44 ± 7%) periods, respectively. HULIS exhibited a uni-modal (@0.55 μm) distribution during the NAD and a bimodal distribution (@0.32 and 1.8 μm) during AD, respectively.
Contemplating a role for titanium in organisms
Authors: Zierden Mark R. , Valentine Ann M.
Published: November 2015

The properties of titanium, especially in an oxic aqueous environment, might make a biological role difficult to recognize. New -omic technologies could reveal a specific role for this metal.
Facile fabrication of BiVO4 nanofilms with controlled pore size and their photoelectrochemical performances
Authors: Feng Chenchen , Jiao Zhengbo , Li Shaopeng , Zhang Yan , Bi Yingpu
Published: November 2015

We demonstrated a facile method for the rational fabrication of pore-size controlled nanoporous BiVO4 photoanodes, and confirmed that the optimum pore-size distributions could effectively absorb visible light through light diffraction and confinement functions.
pH-Sensitive self-assembling nanoparticles for tumor near-infrared fluorescence imaging and chemo–photodynamic combination therapy
Authors: Hou Wenxiu , Zhao Xin , Qian Xiaoqing , Pan Fei , Zhang Chunlei , Yang Yuming , de la Fuente Jesús Martínez , Cui Daxiang
Published: November 2015

pH-Sensitive self-assembling anti-tumor prodrug nanoparticles for the diagnosis and chemo-photodynamic combination treatment of tumor.
Nanostructured porous RuO2/MnO2as a highly efficient catalyst for high-rate Li–O2batteries
Authors: Wang Guoqing , Huang Liliang , Huang Wei , Xie Jian , Du Gaohui , Zhang Shichao , Zhu Peiyi , Cao Gaoshao , Zhao Xinbing
Published: November 2015

RuO2/MnO2catalyzed Li–O2batteries show excellent high-rate performance due to the nano-RuO2enabled fast wetting of Li2O2on MnO2nanosheets.
The Maya blue nanostructured material concept applied to colouring geopolymers
Authors: Ouellet-Plamondon Claudiane , Aranda Pilar , Favier Aurélie , Habert Guillaume , van Damme Henri , Ruiz-Hitzky Eduardo
Published: November 2015

Maya blue is an ancient nanostructured pigment. The novelty of our approach is to functionalize geopolymers with a sepiolite-based hybrid organic–inorganic nanocomposite, inspired from Maya blue. The colored cold ceramic is acid- and UV-resistant.
Improvement on optical modulation and stability of the NiO based electrochromic devices by nanocrystalline modified nanocomb hybrid structure
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhang Yongzhe , Zhao Bowen , Lu Shujuan , Wang Hao , Liu Jingbing , Yan Hui
Published: November 2015

Among the explored materials for electrochromic devices (ECDs), nickel oxides thin films have been widely applied as an optical anodic layer due to its ability to adjust the optical properties by ion exchange.
Facile synthesis of silver submicrospheres and their applications
Authors: Tang Bin , Li Jingliang , Fan Linpeng , Wang Xungai
Published: November 2015

Silver submicrospheres fabricated under an ambient condition can catalyze the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and improve significantly the Raman signal of crystal violet as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate.
Tailoring the structure of polyamide thin film composite membrane with zwitterions to achieve high water permeability and antifouling property
Authors: Weng Xiaodan , Ji Yanli , Zhao Fengyang , An Quanfu , Gao Congjie
Published: November 2015

Zwitterionic membranes prepared via interfacial polymerization directly exhibit remarkably high water flux (80.3 L m−2 h−1) and protein adsorption resistance.
Durable superamphiphobic wood surfaces from Cu2O film modified with fluorinated alkyl silane
Authors: Gao Likun , Xiao Shaoliang , Gan Wentao , Zhan Xianxu , Li Jian
Published: November 2015

A simple hydrothermal process with further hydrophobization was developed for fabricating durable superamphiphobic films of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) microspheres on a wood substrate.
Graphene/polyurethane composites: fabrication and evaluation of electrical conductivity, mechanical properties and cell viability
Authors: Kaur Gagan , Adhikari Raju , Cass Peter , Bown Mark , Evans Margaret D. M. , Vashi Aditya V. , Gunatillake Pathiraja
Published: November 2015

Conductive composites of graphene and a siloxane polyurethane (Elast-Eon™) were prepared to explore their potential for use in biomedical applications.
Functional effectiveness and diffusion behavior of sodium lactate loaded chitosan/poly(l-lactic acid) film with antimicrobial activity
Authors: Wang Hualin , Zhang Ru , Cheng Junfeng , Liu Huan , Zhai Linfeng , Jiang Shaotong
Published: November 2015

Functional effectiveness and diffusion behavior of sodium lactate loaded chitosan/poly(l-lactic acid) film prepared by coating method as an active packaging.
A fluorescence chemosensor based on imidazo[1,2-a]quinoline for Al3+ and Zn2+ in respective solutions
Authors: Sun Junhua , Liu Zheng , Wang Ying , Xiao Shihua , Pei Meishan , Zhao Xiuxian , Zhang Guangyou
Published: November 2015

A new and simple chemosensor (L2) Al3+ and Zn2+ was developed, which show distinctly different optical properties in different solvent systems.
Synergistic effects in mechanical properties of PLA/PCL blends with optimized composition, processing, and morphology
Authors: Ostafinska Aleksandra , Fortelny Ivan , Nevoralova Martina , Hodan Jiri , Kredatusova Jana , Slouf Miroslav
Published: November 2015

Blending of poly(lactic acid) with poly(ε-caprolactone) can increase the impact strength above the values of the individual components.
Silicon carbide supported cobalt for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis: probing into the cause of the intrinsic excellent catalytic performance
Authors: Wang Da , Chen Congbiao , Wang Jungang , Jia Litao , Hou Bo , Li Debao
Published: November 2015

The SixOy layer on the surface of SiC plays a great role in the intrinsic excellent catalytic performance of Co/SiC.
Thermoplastic building blocks for the fabrication of microfluidic masters
Authors: Stoller Michael A. , Konda Abhiteja , Kottwitz Matthew A. , Morin Stephen A.
Published: November 2015

This manuscript reports a building-block-based approach for the design and fabrication of masters that enables “ultra-rapid” prototyping of functional microfluidic systems.
Electronic control of DNA-based nanoswitches and nanodevices
Authors: Ranallo Simona , Amodio Alessia , Idili Andrea , Porchetta Alessandro , Ricci Francesco
Published: November 2015

Here we demonstrate that we can rationally and finely control the functionality of different DNA-based nanodevices and nanoswitches using electronic inputs.
One-step in situ hydrothermal fabrication of D/A poly(3-hexylthiophene)/TiO2 hybrid nanowires and its application in photovoltaic devices
Authors: Chiang Chi-Ju , Lee Yi-Huan , Lee Yu-Ping , Lin Guan-Ting , Yang Ming-Hao , Wang Leeyih , Hsieh Chih-Chen , Dai Chi-An
Published: November 2015

In this study, we developed a novel in situ hydrothermal method to fabricate self-assembled P3HT/TiO2 hybrid nanowires for solar cell applications.
Ultrathin mesoporous Co3O4nanosheets with excellent photo-/thermo-catalytic activity
Authors: Zheng Yali , Wang Wenzhong , Jiang Dong , Zhang Ling , Li Xiaoman , Wang Zhong
Published: November 2015

Ultrathin mesoporous Co3O4nanosheets electrodeposited on a stainless steel mesh (SS–Co3O4) exhibit high photothermal performance and possess superior PTC activity.
A new bifunctional electrochemical sensor for hydrogen peroxide and nitrite based on a bimetallic metalloporphyrinic framework
Authors: Shi Li-Mei , Pan Jing-Xiong , Zhou Bo , Jiang Xiaoqing
Published: November 2015

The bimetallic electrocatalytic ability of a new metallic porphyrin, Cu-CoTCPP, toward redox of H2O2 and oxidation of NaNO2.
Conductive surfaces with dynamic switching in response to temperature and salt
Authors: Hackett Alissa J. , Malmström Jenny , Molino Paul J. , Gautrot Julien E. , Zhang Hongrui , Higgins Michael J. , Wallace Gordon G. , Williams David E. , Travas-Sejdic Jadranka
Published: November 2015

Salt- and temperature-responsive P(PEGMMA)-based brushes were grafted from conducting polymer films to produce electroactive surfaces with tailored switching behaviour.
Investigation of the enhanced performance and lifetime of organic solar cells using solution-processed carbon dots as the electron transport layers
Authors: Zhang Haijun , Zhang Qian , Li Miaomiao , Kan Bin , Ni Wang , Wang Yunchuang , Yang Xuan , Du Chenxia , Wan Xiangjian , Chen Yongsheng
Published: November 2015

Solution-processed carbon dots (CDs) as the electron transport layers (ETLs) significantly enhanced device performance (Jscand FF) and lifetime.
Charge trapping behavior visualization of dumbbell-shaped DSFXPY via electrical force microscopy
Authors: Wang Jin , Wang Xiao , Xu Wen-Juan , Lin Zong-Qiong , Hu Bo , Xie Ling-Hai , Yi Ming-Dong , Huang Wei
Published: November 2015

The electrons and holes are injected into the sterically hindered organic semiconductor film (DSFXPY, 1,6-di(spiro[fluorene-9,90-xanthene]-2-yl)pyrene) through applying controllable biases on the conductive atomic force microscopy tip.
How to Collaborate: Five Steps for Success
Authors: Swenson Nora C. , Williams Virginia
Published: November 2015

Collaboration is more than two professionals working in the same classroom; it is changing instruction to provide curriculum-focused interventions in classroom settings. In order to combine expertise and skills of both speech-language pathologists and general education teachers, several pre-requisites must be in place. (1) Both professionals must share an underlying theoretical perspective; (2) both professionals must have goals commonly developed to address requisite skills for grade level standards; (3) roles must be defined; (4) use of strategic instruction that is based on effective practices, and finally (5), reflection and revision provide closure and plans for moving the instruction forward into the next lesson. Co-planning is a common component across these five steps that requires ongoing communication on the part of all professionals for successful collaboration.
Robust Huber M‐estimator based proportionate affine projection algorithm with variable cutoff updating
Authors: Wu Chao , Wang Xiaofei , Guo Yanmeng , Fu Qiang , Yan Yonghong
Published: November 2015

A novel Huber M‐estimator based proportionate affine projection algorithm (APA) is proposed for echo cancellation. The Huber objective function is minimised as the cost function and results in Huber M‐estimator based APA. Moreover, the cutoff value of Huber objective function is updated according to the correlation between the error signal and the far‐end input signal. It is shown that the proposed algorithm can achieve faster convergence and better robustness against double‐talk than conventional robust algorithms.
Enhancement of maximum reach on spectrum‐sliced ASE systems employing self‐seeded reflective‐SOAs transmitters
Authors: Duarte U.R. , Romero M.A.
Published: November 2015

A self‐seeding wavelength division multiplexing passive optical network scheme employing a directly modulated reflective semiconductor optical amplifier at 1.25 Gbit/s is investigated, aiming long‐reach applications. Specifically, power penalty and bit error rate (BER) were measured as a function of the fibre length for downstream path. Optical transmission over 140 km, within the forward error correction limit (BER of 10−4), with a maximum power penalty of 2.7 dB is experimentally demonstrated. In contrast, a pre‐spectrum‐sliced source (PSSL) topology displays a similar penalty but its maximum reach is restricted to 80 km. Thus, the proposal enables an enhancement of 12 dB on power budget when compared with the PSSL topology, as well as eliminates the need for a shared broadband light source.
Reconfigurable CP cavity back with ability to change polarisation diversity
Authors: Karamzadeh S. , Rafii V. , Saygin H. , Kartal M.
Published: November 2015

A novel configuration of a circularly polarised (CP) reconfigurable aperture antenna is presented. In a number of recent studies, some new and promising designs for circularly polarised cavity‐backed antennas with a parasitic patch have been proposed to obtain circular polarisation and unidirectional radiation properties. However, these designs still have the disadvantage of producing single polarisation. To overcome this disadvantage, a reconfigurable antenna using pin diodes is proposed. By combining the reconfigurable aperture antenna with a parasitic patch and a low profile cylindrical cavity and optimising the antenna parameters, a high gain antenna with significantly improved impedance and axial ratio bandwidths can be achieved.
Simplified ferrite core loss separation model for switched mode power converter
Authors: Yan Zhou , Ai‐ming Sun
Published: November 2015

Without depending on numerous material parameters or any special testing equipment, this study proposes a simplified and generalised ferrite core loss separation model for power magnetic components in switched mode power converter. The components of hysteresis loss and eddy current loss are treated as two packages which can be directly calculated from the loss data supplied by manufacturers. The value of resistivity changes with the frequency and the temperature, and the proposed separation method can alleviate the effect of resistivity on calculating the eddy current component. Based on the different isolating layers in ferrite materials, a correction coefficient is proposed to define the effect of cross‐sectional area has on the eddy current loss. The experiments with both sinusoidal excitation and square excitation verify the theoretical results. The proposed method shows a quantitatively theoretical tool for predicting the power loss in ferrite core.
Implementation of a modified perturb and observe maximum power point tracking algorithm for photovoltaic system using an embedded microcontroller
Authors: Elbaset Adel A. , Ali Hamdi , Abd‐El Sattar Montaser , Khaled Mahmoud
Published: November 2015

The conventional algorithm of perturb and observe (P&O) is widely applied due to its simplicity, low cost and easy implementation. However, it suffers from instabilities during rapid changes of weather and/or oscillation around maximum power point (MPP) at steady state. Instabilities occur due to the incorrect decision taken by the conventional P&O algorithm at the first step change in duty cycle during the rapid change in radiation. The reason for the steady‐state oscillation is the continuous perturbation and tradeoff between step sizes and the convergence time. This study presents a modified P&O algorithm to overcome such drawbacks. It uses a constant load technique to help the conventional P&O algorithm for recognising the cause of power change and to enable it in taking the right decision at first step change in duty cycle during rapid change of weather. The proposed algorithm is simulated using a single solar photovoltaic module of 80 W and a DC/DC boost converter. It is validated experimentally and implemented within an embedded microcontroller. The experimental setup presents a proposed model‐based design methodology that uses measurements’ data for MPP tracking systems’ design. It combines hardware‐in‐the‐loop simulation and prototype testing using actual weather measurements. Simulation and experiments show excellent results.
Longitudinal vibration of nanorods embedded in an elastic medium with elastic restraints at both ends
Authors: Yayli Mustafa Özgür , Yanik Fatma , Kandemir Suheyla Yerel
Published: November 2015

Longitudinal vibration of nanorods embedded in an elastic medium with elastic restraints at both ends is studied based on the non‐local elasticity theory. Using Fourier sine series and Stokes’ transformation, a coefficient matrix is obtained. It is very useful for calculating the vibrational frequencies of a nanorod with any type of boundary condition (rigid or restrained). Finally, carrying out some numerical computations, the effects of the elastic medium, non‐local parameters and elastic restraints at both ends on the values of vibrational frequencies have been determined. The numerical results are validated through comparison of calculated values with those in the literature.
Development and testing of a pulsed helium ion source for probing materials and warm dense matter studies
Authors: Ji Q. , Seidl P. A. , Waldron W. L. , Takakuwa J. H. , Friedman A. , Grote D. P. , Persaud A. , Barnard J. J. , Schenkel T.
Published: November 2015

The neutralized drift compression experiment was designed and commissioned as a pulsed, linear induction accelerator to drive thin targets to warm dense matter (WDM) states with peak temperatures of ∼1 eV using intense, short pulses (∼1 ns) of 1.2 MeV lithium ions. At that kinetic energy, heating a thin target foil near the Bragg peak energy using He+ ions leads to more uniform energy deposition of the target material than Li+ ions. Experiments show that a higher current density of helium ions can be delivered from a plasma source compared to Li+ ions from a hot plate type ion source. He+ beam pulses as high as 200 mA at the peak and 4 μs long were measured from a multi-aperture 7-cm-diameter emission area. Within ±5% variation, the uniform beam area is approximately 6 cm across. The accelerated and compressed pulsed ion beams can be used for materials studies and isochoric heating of target materials for high energy density physics experiments and WDM studies.
Dynamical effects in electron spectroscopy
Authors: Zhou Jianqiang Sky , Kas J. J. , Sponza Lorenzo , Reshetnyak Igor , Guzzo Matteo , Giorgetti Christine , Gatti Matteo , Sottile Francesco , Rehr J. J. , Reining Lucia
Published: November 2015

One of the big challenges of theoretical condensed-matter physics is the description, understanding, and prediction of the effects of the Coulomb interaction on materials properties. In electronic spectra, the Coulomb interaction causes a renormalization of energies and change of spectral weight. Most importantly, it can lead to new structures, often called satellites. These can be linked to the coupling of excitations, also termed dynamical effects. State-of-the-art methods in the framework of many-body perturbation theory, in particular, the widely used GW approximation, often fail to describe satellite spectra. Instead, approaches based on a picture of electron-boson coupling such as the cumulant expansion are promising for the description of plasmon satellites. In this work, we give a unified derivation of the GW approximation and the cumulant expansion for the one-body Green’s function. Using the example of bulk sodium, we compare the resulting spectral functions both in the valence and in the core region, and we discuss the dispersion of quasi-particles and satellites. We show that self-consistency is crucial to obtain meaningful results, in particular, at large binding energies. Very good agreement with experiment is obtained when the intrinsic spectral function is corrected for extrinsic and interference effects. Finally, we sketch how one can approach the problem in the case of the two-body Green’s function, and we discuss the cancellation of various dynamical effects that occur in that case.
Rubber elasticity for percolation network consisting of Gaussian chains
Authors: Nishi Kengo , Noguchi Hiroshi , Sakai Takamasa , Shibayama Mitsuhiro
Published: November 2015

A theory describing the elastic modulus for percolation networks of Gaussian chains on general lattices such as square and cubic lattices is proposed and its validity is examined with simulation and mechanical experiments on well-defined polymer networks. The theory was developed by generalizing the effective medium approximation (EMA) for Hookian spring network to Gaussian chain networks. From EMA theory, we found that the ratio of the elastic modulus at p, G to that at p = 1, G0, must be equal to G/G0 = (p − 2/f)/(1 − 2/f) if the position of sites can be determined so as to meet the force balance, where p is the degree of cross-linking reaction. However, the EMA prediction cannot be applicable near its percolation threshold because EMA is a mean field theory. Thus, we combine real-space renormalization and EMA and propose a theory called real-space renormalized EMA, i.e., REMA. The elastic modulus predicted by REMA is in excellent agreement with the results of simulations and experiments of near-ideal diamond lattice gels.
Analysis of the neutron time-of-flight spectra from inertial confinement fusion experiments
Authors: Hatarik R. , Sayre D. B. , Caggiano J. A. , Phillips T. , Eckart M. J. , Bond E. J. , Cerjan C. , Grim G. P. , Hartouni E. P. , Knauer J. P. , Mcnaney J. M. , Munro D. H.
Published: November 2015

Neutron time-of-flight diagnostics have long been used to characterize the neutron spectrum produced by inertial confinement fusion experiments. The primary diagnostic goals are to extract the d + t → n + α (DT) and d + d → n + 3He (DD) neutron yields and peak widths, and the amount DT scattering relative to its unscattered yield, also known as the down-scatter ratio (DSR). These quantities are used to infer yield weighted plasma conditions, such as ion temperature (Tion) and cold fuel areal density. We report on novel methodologies used to determine neutron yield, apparent Tion, and DSR. These methods invoke a single temperature, static fluid model to describe the neutron peaks from DD and DT reactions and a spline description of the DT spectrum to determine the DSR. Both measurements are performed using a forward modeling technique that includes corrections for line-of-sight attenuation and impulse response of the detection system. These methods produce typical uncertainties for DT Tion of 250 eV, 7% for DSR, and 9% for the DT neutron yield. For the DD values, the uncertainties are 290 eV for Tion and 10% for the neutron yield.
Microstructure actuation and gas sensing by the Knudsen thermal force
Authors: Strongrich Andrew , Alexeenko Alina
Published: November 2015

The generation of forces and moments on structures immersed in rarefied non-isothermal gas flows has received limited practical implementation since first being discovered over a century ago. The formation of significant thermal stresses requires both large thermal gradients and characteristic dimensions which are comparable to the gas molecular mean free path. For macroscopic geometries, this necessitates impractically high temperatures and very low pressures. At the microscale, however, these conditions are easily achieved, allowing the effects to be exploited, namely, for gas-property sensing and microstructure actuation. In this letter, we introduce and experimentally evaluate performance of a microelectromechanical in-plane Knudsen radiometric actuator, a self-contained device having Knudsen thermal force generation, sensing, and tuning mechanisms integrated onto the same platform. Sensitivity to ambient pressure, temperature gradient, as well as gas composition is demonstrated. Results are presented in terms of a non-dimensional force coefficient, allowing measurements to be directly compared to the previous experimental and computational data on out-of-plane cantilevered configurations.
Comparison of hydrolytic and non-hydrolytic atomic layer deposition chemistries: Interfacial electronic properties at alumina-silicon interfaces
Authors: Marstell Roderick J. , Strandwitz Nicholas C.
Published: November 2015

We report the differences in the passivation and electronic properties of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) deposited on silicon via traditional hydrolytic atomic layer deposition (ALD) and non-hydrolytic (NH) ALD chemistries. Traditional films were grown using trimethylaluminum (TMA) and water and NHALD films grown using TMA and isopropanol at 300 °C. Hydrolytically grown ALD films contain a smaller amount of fixed charge than NHALD films (oxide fixed charge Qf Traditional = −8.1 × 1011 cm−2 and Qf NHALD = −3.6 × 1012 cm−2), and a larger degree of chemical passivation than NHALD films (density of interface trap states, Dit Traditional = 5.4 × 1011 eV−1 cm−2 and Dit NHALD = 2.9 × 1012 eV−1 cm−2). Oxides grown with both chemistries were found to have a band gap of 7.1 eV. The conduction band offset was 3.21 eV for traditionally grown films and 3.38 eV for NHALD. The increased Dit for NHALD films may stem from carbon impurities in the oxide layer that are at and near the silicon surface, as evidenced by both the larger trap state time constant (τTraditional = 2.2 × 10−9 s and τNHALD = 1.7 × 10−7 s) and the larger carbon concentration. We have shown that the use of alcohol-based oxygen sources in NHALD chemistry can significantly affect the resulting interfacial electronic behavior presenting an additional parameter for understanding and controlling interfacial electronic properties at semiconductor-dielectric interfaces.
Kinetics of self-induced nucleation and optical properties of GaN nanowires grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy on amorphous AlxOy
Authors: Sobanska M. , Korona K. P. , Zytkiewicz Z. R. , Klosek K. , Tchutchulashvili G.
Published: November 2015

Nucleation kinetics of GaN nanowires (NWs) by molecular beam epitaxy on amorphous AlxOy buffers deposited at low temperature by atomic layer deposition is analyzed. We found that the growth processes on a-AlxOy are very similar to those observed on standard Si(111) substrates, although the presence of the buffer significantly enhances nucleation rate of GaN NWs, which we attribute to a microstructure of the buffer. The nucleation rate was studied vs. the growth temperature in the range of 720–790 °C, which allowed determination of nucleation energy of the NWs on a-AlxOy equal to 6 eV. This value is smaller than 10.2 eV we found under the same conditions on nitridized Si(111) substrates. Optical properties of GaN NWs on a-AlxOy are analyzed as a function of the growth temperature and compared with those on Si(111) substrates. A significant increase of photoluminescence intensity and much longer PL decay times, close to those on silicon substrates, are found for NWs grown at the highest temperature proving their high quality. The samples grown at high temperature have very narrow PL lines. This allowed observation that positions of donor-bound exciton PL line in the NWs grown on a-AlxOy are regularly lower than in samples grown directly on silicon suggesting that oxygen, instead of silicon, is the dominant donor. Moreover, PL spectra suggest that total concentration of donors in GaN NWs grown on a-AlxOy is lower than in those grown under similar conditions on bare Si. This shows that the a-AlxOy buffer efficiently acts as a barrier preventing uptake of silicon from the substrate to GaN.
Fermi level pinning at the Ge(001) surface—A case for non-standard explanation
Authors: Wojtaszek Mateusz , Zuzak Rafal , Godlewski Szymon , Kolmer Marek , Lis Jakub , Such Bartosz , Szymonski Marek
Published: November 2015

To explore the origin of the Fermi level pinning in germanium, we investigate the Ge(001) and Ge(001):H surfaces. The absence of relevant surface states in the case of Ge(001):H should unpin the surface Fermi level. This is not observed. For samples with donors as majority dopants, the surface Fermi level appears close to the top of the valence band regardless of the surface structure. Surprisingly, for the passivated surface, it is located below the top of the valence band allowing scanning tunneling microscopy imaging within the band gap. We argue that the well known electronic mechanism behind band bending does not apply and a more complicated scenario involving ionic degrees of freedom is therefore necessary. Experimental techniques involve four point probe electric current measurements, scanning tunneling microscopy, and spectroscopy.
Study of surface-enhanced Raman scattering activity of DNA-directed self-assembled gold nanoparticle dimers
Authors: Yin Hong Jun , Liu Luo , Shi Chun An , Zhang Xin , Lv Ming Yang , Zhao Yong Mei , Xu Hai Jun
Published: November 2015

Quantitative research on the localized surface plasmon resonance of metallic nanostructures has received tremendous interest. However, most current studies have concentrated on theoretical calculation because it is difficult to obtain monodisperse metallic nanostructures with high purity experimentally. In this work, gold nanodimers (GNDs) with high uniformity are fabricated through DNA-directed self-assembly of gold nanoparticles and then used as substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The dependence of the SERS properties of the substrates on the size of the gold particles and the position of Rhodamine B (RB) molecules is systematically studied using the DNA-directed self-assembled GNDs with Raman-active RB molecules immobilized in different positions between pairs of gold nanoparticles as a model system. Theoretical simulations conducted using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method confirm the structure-dependent SERS characteristics of the GNDs, with good agreement between the FDTD simulation data and experimental results.
Carrier and photon dynamics in a topological insulator Bi2Te3/GaN type II staggered heterostructure
Authors: Chaturvedi P. , Chouksey S. , Banerjee D. , Ganguly S. , Saha D.
Published: November 2015

We have demonstrated a type-II band-aligned heterostructure between pulsed laser deposited topological insulator bismuth telluride and metal organic-chemical-vapour deposited GaN on a sapphire substrate. The heterostructure shows a large valence band-offset of 3.27 eV as determined from x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which is close to the bandgap of GaN (3.4 eV). Further investigation using x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive x-ray spectrum reveals the stoichiometric and material properties of bismuth telluride on GaN. Steady state photon emission from GaN is found to be modulated by the charge transfer process due to diffusion across the junction. The time constant involved with the charge transfer process is found to be 0.6 ns by transient absorption spectroscopy. The heterostructure can be used for designing devices with different functionalities and improving the performance of the existing devices on GaN.
Real time capable infrared thermography for ASDEX Upgrade
Authors: Sieglin B. , Faitsch M. , Herrmann A. , Brucker B. , Eich T. , Kammerloher L. , Martinov S.
Published: November 2015

Infrared (IR) thermography is widely used in fusion research to study power exhaust and incident heat load onto the plasma facing components. Due to the short pulse duration of today’s fusion experiments, IR systems have mostly been designed for off-line data analysis. For future long pulse devices (e.g., Wendelstein 7-X, ITER), a real time evaluation of the target temperature and heat flux is mandatory. This paper shows the development of a real time capable IR system for ASDEX Upgrade. A compact IR camera has been designed incorporating the necessary magnetic and electric shielding for the detector, cooler assembly. The camera communication is based on the Camera Link industry standard. The data acquisition hardware is based on National Instruments hardware, consisting of a PXIe chassis inside and a fibre optical connected industry computer outside the torus hall. Image processing and data evaluation are performed using real time LabVIEW.
Note: A monoenergetic proton backlighter for the National Ignition Facility
Authors: Rygg J. R. , Zylstra A. B. , Séguin F. H. , LePape S. , Bachmann B. , Craxton R. S. , Garcia E. M. , Kong Y. Z. , Gatu-Johnson M. , Khan S. F. , Lahmann B. J. , McKenty P. W. , Petrasso R. D. , Rinderknecht H. G. , Rosenberg M. J. , Sayre D. B. , Sio H. W.
Published: November 2015

A monoenergetic, isotropic proton source suitable for proton radiography applications has been demonstrated at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). A deuterium and helium-3 gas-filled glass capsule was imploded with 39 kJ of laser energy from 24 of NIF’s 192 beams. Spectral, spatial, and temporal measurements of the 15-MeV proton product of the 3He(d,p)4He nuclear reaction reveal a bright (1010 protons/sphere), monoenergetic (ΔE/E = 4%) spectrum with a compact size (80 μm) and isotropic emission (∼13% proton fluence variation and <0.4% mean energy variation). Simultaneous measurements of products produced by the D(d,p)T and D(d,n)3He reactions also show 2 × 1010 isotropically distributed 3-MeV protons.
Dual-frequency plasmon lasing modes in active three-layered bimetallic Ag/Au nanoshells
Authors: Wu DaJian , Wu XueWei , Cheng Ying , Jin BiaoBing , Liu XiaoJun
Published: November 2015

The optical properties of three-layered silver–gold–silica (SGS) nanoshells with gain have been investigated theoretically by using Mie theory. Surface plasmon amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (spaser) phenomena can be observed at two plasmon modes of the active SGS nanoshell in the visible region. It is found with the decrease in the radius of the inner Ag core that the critical value of εg″(ωg) for the super-resonance of the low-energy mode increases first and then decreases while that for the high-energy mode decreases. An interesting overlap between the two curves for the critical value of εg″(ωg) can be found at a special core radius. At this point, two super-resonances can be achieved concurrently at the low- and high-energy modes of the active SGS nanoshell with the same gain coefficient. This dual-frequency spaser based on the bimetallic Ag/Au nanoshell may be an efficient candidate for designing the nanolaser.
The temporal evolution of the energy flux across scales in homogeneous turbulence
Authors: Cardesa J. I. , Vela-Martín A. , Dong S. , Jiménez J.
Published: November 2015

A temporal study of energy transfer across length scales is performed in 3D numerical simulations of homogeneous shear flow and isotropic turbulence. The average time taken by perturbations in the energy flux to travel between scales is measured and shown to be additive. Our data suggest that the propagation of disturbances in the energy flux is independent of the forcing and that it defines a “velocity” that determines the energy flux itself. These results support that the cascade is, on average, a scale-local process where energy is continuously transmitted from one scale to the next in order of decreasing size.
Is the association between insulin resistance and diabetogenic haematopoietically expressed homeobox (HHEX) polymorphism (rs1111875) affected by polycystic ovary syndrome status?
Authors: Tehrani F. Ramezani , Zarkesh M. , Tohidi M. , Azizi F. , Zadeh-Vakili A.
Published: November 2015

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is frequently accompanied by insulin resistance (IR). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the genetic association between insulin resistance and two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), namely rs7903146 (C/T) in transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) and rs1111875 (A/G) in haematopoietically expressed homeobox (HHEX), is affected by PCOS status in Iranian women. The study participants consisted of 582 women with PCOS (cases) referred to the Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center and 504 subjects without PCOS (controls), randomly selected from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Cases and controls were further subdivided to two groups according to IR status: those with and without IR. IR was identified on the basis of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) ≥2.63. The SNPs in TCF7L2 and HHEX were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism. There were no significant differences in the distribution of genotypes and alleles between cases and controls (P < 0.05). Among cases, the prevalence of the CC, CT and TT genotypes was 37.8%, 46.3% and 15.9%, respectively, whereas the prevalence of the AA, AG and GG genotypes was 13.5%, 46.1% and 40.4%, respectively. In the control group, the prevalence of the CC, CT and TT genotypes was 32.2%, 53.9% and 13.9%, respectively, whereas the prevalence of the AA, AG and GG genotypes was 11.3%, 48.6% and 40.0%, respectively. After adjustment for age and body mass index, the probability of IR was decreased by 49% among carriers of the A allele in the control group (95% confidence interval 0.33–0.78; P = 0.002). The findings of the present study suggest that the association between IR and diabetogenic polymorphisms may be affected by PCOS status.
Extremely high genetic diversity in a single tumor points to prevalence of non-Darwinian cell evolution
Authors: Ling Shaoping , Hu Zheng , Yang Zuyu , Yang Fang , Li Yawei , Lin Pei , Chen Ke , Dong Lili , Cao Lihua , Tao Yong , Hao Lingtong , Chen Qingjian , Gong Qiang , Wu Dafei , Li Wenjie , Zhao Wenming , Tian Xiuyun , Hao Chunyi , Hungate Eric A. , Catenacci Daniel V. T. , Hudson Richard R. , Li Wen-Hsiung , Lu Xuemei , Wu Chung-I
Published: November 2015

Significance

A tumor comprising many cells can be compared to a natural population with many individuals. The amount of genetic diversity reflects how it has evolved and can influence its future evolution. We evaluated a single tumor by sequencing or genotyping nearly 300 regions from the tumor. When the data were analyzed by modern population genetic theory, we estimated more than 100 million coding region mutations in this unexceptional tumor. The extreme genetic diversity implies evolution under the non-Darwinian mode. In contrast, under the prevailing view of Darwinian selection, the genetic diversity would be orders of magnitude lower. Because genetic diversity accrues rapidly, a high probability of drug resistance should be heeded, even in the treatment of microscopic tumors.
Dendritic cells require NIK for CD40-dependent cross-priming of CD8
+
T cells
Authors: Katakam Anand K. , Brightbill Hans , Franci Christian , Kung Chung , Nunez Victor , Jones Charles , Peng Ivan , Jeet Surinder , Wu Lawren C. , Mellman Ira , Delamarre Lélia , Austin Cary D.
Published: November 2015

Significance

The noncanonical NF-κB signaling pathway via the serine kinase NIK (NF-κB–inducing kinase) is essential for normal immune system development and has been implicated in tumor cell survival and growth. Because NIK is under investigation as a therapeutic target, it is important to understand NIK’s role in the context of a fully developed immune system, particularly in regard to mounting adaptive T-cell responses. We have generated and characterized transgenic mice with conditionally deleted NIK in CD11c
+
dendritic cells and observe impaired antigen cross-priming of a naive CD8 T-cell response. This defect results from defective antigen cross-presentation by CD8
+
dendritic cells and also is associated with their reduced ability to secrete IL-12p40, a cytokine known to promote cross-priming in vivo.
Studying cell biology in the skin
Authors: Morrow Angel , Lechler Terry
Published: November 2015

Advances in cell biology have often been driven by studies in diverse organisms and cell types. Although there are technical reasons for why different cell types are used, there are also important physiological reasons. For example, ultrastructural studies of vesicle transport were aided by the use of professional secretory cell types. The use of tissues/primary cells has the advantage not only of using cells that are adapted to the use of certain cell biological machinery, but also of highlighting the physiological roles of this machinery. Here we discuss advantages of the skin as a model system. We discuss both advances in cell biology that used the skin as a driving force and future prospects for use of the skin to understand basic cell biology. A unique combination of characteristics and tools makes the skin a useful in vivo model system for many cell biologists.
Trawling disturbance on megabenthos and sediment in the Barents Sea: chronic effects on density, diversity, and composition
Authors: Buhl-Mortensen Lene , Ellingsen Kari E. , Buhl-Mortensen Pål , Skaar Kristian L. , Gonzalez-Mirelis Genoveva
Published: November 2015

Bottom-trawl fisheries are expanding into deeper habitats and higher latitudes, but our understanding of their effects in these areas is limited. The ecological importance of habitat-forming megabenthos and their vulnerability to trawling is acknowledged, but studies on effects are few. Our objective was to investigate chronic effects of otter trawl fishery on substratum and megabenthos on the shelf (50–400 m) and slope (400–2000 m) in the southern Barents Sea. The study area represents a wide range in the history of fishing intensity (FI). Physical impact of trawling, density of trawl marks (TMs), was quantified on 250 video transects from shelf and slope, and megabenthos (>2 cm) composition was studied on 149 video transects from the shelf. The number of satellite-recorded vessels within grid cells 5 × 5 km was used as a proxy for FI in the TM analysis and for the megabenthos records within a 2-km radius around the transects. The effects of using different search area sizes were tested. Patterns in the density of TMs and megabenthos composition were compared with FI using linear regression and correspondence analysis. Occurrence of TMs was not directly related to FI but to bottom type, whereas megabenthos density and diversity showed a negative relation. For 79 of the 97 most common taxa, density was negatively correlated with FI. The sponges Craniella zetlandica and Phakellia / Axinella were particularly vulnerable, but also Flabellum macandrewi (Scleractinia), Ditrupa arietina (Polychaeta), Funiculina quadrangularis (Pennatulacea), and Spatangus purpureus (Echinoidea) were negatively correlated with FI, whereas asteroids, lamp shells, and small sponges showed a positive trend. Our results are an important step towards the understanding of chronic effects of bottom trawling and are discussed in relation to the descriptors “Biological diversity” and “Seafloor integrity” in the EU Marine strategic framework directive.
Uniformly Sclerotic Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Orbit
Authors: Jakobiec Frederick A. , Stagner Anna M. , Lefebvre Daniel R.
Published: November 2015

Over a year, a 51-year-old man developed a mass in the anteromedial orbit in the region of the lacrimal sac that caused epiphora. Imaging studies disclosed no bone destruction. On biopsy, a sclerotic lesion was discovered populated by hyperchromatic cells that had been apparently distorted by crush artifact, indicative of fragile cells. The lesion simulated a sclerosing inflammatory process or a desmoplastic metastatic carcinoma. CD20 revealed that the background cells were large neoplastic B-lymphocytes. A systemic workup uncovered widespread skeletal disease. The patient is undergoing R-CHOP chemotherapy with a relatively favorable prognosis due to negative testing for MYC.