bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Travelling fronts in cylinders
Authors: Berestycki Henri , Nirenberg Louis
Published: February 2017

This work is concerned with travelling front solutions of semilinear parabolic equations in an infinite cylindrical domain

Σ = \textup{R} × ω

where

ω ⊂ \textup{R}^{n−1}

is a bounded domain. We write for

x

in

Σ

,

x = (x_1, y)

, with

y \in ω

. The problems we consider are of the following type

\begin{cases}
\mathrm{\Delta }u−\left(c + \mathrm{\alpha }\left(y\right)\right)∂_{1}\:u + f\left(u\right) = 0&\text{in }\mathrm{\Sigma } \\
\frac{∂u}{∂\mathrm{\nu }} = 0 &\mathrm{on }∂\sum \\
u\left(−∞,.\right) = 0,\qquad u\left( + ∞,.\right) = 1
\end{cases}

where the unknowns are the parameter

c \in \textup{R}

and the function

u

. The function

\alpha \in C^0\left(\bar\omega \right)

and the nonlinear term

f:[0, 1] → \textup{R}

are given. (More general coefficients than

c + α (y)

,

β (y, c)

are also treated.)

We obtain a fairly general resolution of this problem. The results depend on the type of nonlinearity considered. When

f

is of the bistable type, or of the “ignition temperature” type in combustion, we show the existence and uniqueness of

c

and of the profile

u

. In the case that

f > 0

in

(0, 1)

, we show the existence of

c^*\in \textup{R}

such that a solution exists if and only if

c ≧ c^*

. These results extend to higher dimensions various classical results. In particular they extend the result of Kolmogorov, Petrovsky and Piskounov.

Cet article a pour objet les solutions de type
front progressif
pour des équations paraboliques semi-linéaires dans un domaine cylindrique infini

\mathrm{\Sigma } = \mathrm{R} \times \mathrm{\omega }\:o\mathrm{ù}\:\mathrm{\omega } \subset \mathrm{R}^{n−1}

est un domaine borné. Pour

x

dans

Σ

, nous noterons :

x = (x_1,y)

, avec

y\in ω

. Les problèmes que nous envisageons sont de la forme

\begin{cases}
\mathrm{\Delta }u−\left(c + \mathrm{\alpha }\left(y\right)\right)∂_{1}\:u + f\left(u\right) = 0&\text{in }\mathrm{\Sigma } \\
\frac{∂u}{∂\mathrm{\nu }} = 0 &\mathrm{on }∂\sum \\
u\left(−∞,.\right) = 0,\qquad u\left( + ∞,.\right) = 1
\end{cases}

où l’on cherche à déterminer le paramètre

c\in \textup{R}

et la fonctions

u

. Le coefficient

{\alpha } \in \mathrm{C}^{0}\left(\bar {\omega }\right)

ainsi que le terme non linéaire

f: [0, 1] → \textup{R}

sont donnés. (Des coefficients plus généraux que

c+ α(y)

, du type

β(y, c)

sont également traités.)

Nous obtenons une résolution essentiellement complète de ce problème. Les résultats varient avec le type de nonlinéarité

f

. Lorsque

f

est du type « bistable » ou bien du type avec température d’ignition dans les modèles de combustion, nous montrons l’existence et l’unicité de

c

et du profil

u

. Dans le cas où

f > 0

sur

(0, 1)

, nous montrons lexistence de

c^* \in \textup{R}

tel quune solution existe si et seulement si

c ≧ c^*

. Ces résultats étendent aux dimensions supérieures divers travaux classiques en dimension un. En particulier, ils généralisent le résultat de Kolmogorov, Petrovsky et Piskounov.
A general approach to the existence of minimizers of one-dimensional non-coercive integrals of the calculus of variations
Authors: Botteron Bernard , Marcellini Paolo
Published: February 2017

We present a general approach to get the existence of minimizers for a class of one-dimensional non-parametric integrals of the calculus of variations with non-coercive integrands. Motivated by the concrete applicative relevance of the problems, we extend the notion of solution to a class of locally absolutely continuous functions with generic boundary values. We extend by lower semi-continuity the functionals and we prove for them representation formulae. Assuming some structure conditions on the partial derivatives of the integrand, we obtain some

\mathrm{W}_{\mathrm{loc}}^{1,\:∞}

a priori
estimates that we use as a main tool to get existence. The results are then applied to get existence theorems for the classical Fermat’s problem and for recent optimal foraging models of behavioural ecology.

On présente une approche générale pour obtenir l’existence de minimiseurs pour une classe d’intégrales unidimensionnelles non paramétriques du calcul des variations avec intégrandes non coercitives. En vue des applications concrètes, on étend la notion de solution à une classe de fonctions absolument continues localement ayant des valeurs aux bords génériques. On étend par semi-continuité les fonctionnelles pour lesquelles on prouve des formules de représentation. Supposant quelques conditions de structure sur les dérivées partielles de l’intégrande, on obtient
a priori
des estimations

\mathrm{W}_{\mathrm{loc}}^{1,\:∞}

que l’on utilise pour obtenir l’existence. Les résultats sont ensuite appliqués à des exemples classiques (notamment au problème de Fermât) et à des modèles récents d’approvisionnement optimal en écologie du comportement, pour lesquels on démontre des théorèmes d’existence.
Removable singularities for the Yang-Mills-Higgs equations in two dimensions
Authors: Smith P.D.
Published: February 2017

We prove that under a holonomy decay condition; with

L^1

growth of curvature and integral growth bounds on the Higgs field (depending on the sign of the coupling constant) that isolated point singularities of the Yang–Mills–Higgs equations on a vector bundle over a 2-dimensional manifold are removable by a smooth gauge transformation.

Sujet à la condition d’une holonomie asymptotiquement triviale, avec croissance de courbure dans

L^1

et des bornes sur 1 a croissance du champ de Higgs (qui dépendent du signe de la constante de couplage), données par des intégrales, nous prouvons que les points singuliers isolés des équations de Yang–Mills–Higgs d’un espace fibré vectoriel sur une variété de dimension 2 peuvent être enlevés par une transformation de jauge lisse.
On the non-existence of energy stable minimal cones
Authors: Dierkes Ulrich
Published: February 2017

We show that there are no non-trivial (potential) energy stable minimal cones in

ℝ^n × ℝ^+

with singularity at

0

, if

2 ≦ n ≦ 5

. The sharpness of this result is demonstrated by proving that a certain six dimensional cone in

ℝ^7

is stable. Moreover, we extend all results to the more general

α

-energy functional.

L’on démontre que, si

2 ≦ n ≦ 5

, il n’existe pas dans

ℝ^n × ℝ^+

de cônes minimaux stables en énergie. Ce résultat est optimal, car l’on exhibe dans

ℝ^7

un cône de dimension 6 qui est stable. On étend également ces résultats à des fonctionnelles d’énergie plus générales.
On removable singularities of p-harmonic maps
Authors: Duzaar F. , Fuchs M.
Published: February 2017

For the unit ball

\mathrm B_1

in

ℝ^n

and a Riemannian manifold

\mathrm M

we consider mappings

u: \mathrm B_1 – \{0\} → \mathrm M

of class

\mathrm{C}^{1}\left(\mathrm{B}_{1}−\left\{0\right\},\mathrm{M}\right) \cap \mathrm{H}^{1,p}\left(\mathrm{B}_{1},ℝ^{k}\right)

which are stationary points of the

p

-energy functional

\mathbb E_1(u)=\int_{\mathrm B_1} | Du|^p dx

for some exponent

p ≧ 2

. We shall prove that the point singularity at the origin is removable provided the

p

-energy is sufficiently small. There are no
a priori
assumptions on the image of

u

in

\mathrm M

.

On considère la fonctionnelle d’énergie d’ordre

p

:

\mathbb E_1(u)=\int_{\mathrm B_1} | Du|^p dx

où

\mathrm B_1

est la boule unité de

ℝ^n

,

\mathrm M

est une variété riemannienne, et

u: \mathrm B_1 – \{0\} → \mathrm M

est de classe

\mathrm C^1 ∩ \mathrm H^1

,

p

avec

p ≧ 2

.On montre que si

u

est un point critique de , la singularité à l’origine disparaît dès que est assez petit, sans qu’il soit besoin de faire d’hypothèse sur l’image de

u

dans

\mathrm M

.
Homoclinic orbits for a singular second order Hamiltonian system
Authors: Tanaka Kazunaga
Published: February 2017

We consider the second order Hamiltonian system:

\"q + \mathrm{V}'(q) = 0

where

q = (q_1, …, q_N) \in \mathbf R^N

(

N ≧ 3

) and

\mathrm V:\mathbf R^N\setminus \{e\} → \mathbf R

(

e\in \mathbf R^N

) is a potential with a singularity,
i.e
.,

|\mathrm V(q)| → ∞

as

q →e

. We prove the existence of a homoclinic orbit of (HS) under suitable assumptions. Our main assumptions are the strong force condition of Gordon [8] and the uniqueness of a global maximum of

\mathrm V

.

On considère le système hamiltonien du second ordre

\"q + \mathrm{V}'(q) = 0

où

q = (q_1, …, q_N) \in \mathbf R^N

(

N ≧ 3

) et

\mathrm V:\mathbf R^N\setminus \{e\} → \mathbf R

est un potentiel singulier :

|\mathrm V(q)| → ∞

quand

q →e

. On montre alors l’existence d’une orbite homocline, sous l’hypothèse dite de « strong farce » (Gordon [8]) et à condition que le maximum de

\mathrm V

soit unique.
A characterization of maps in H1(B3, S2) which can be approximated by smooth maps
Authors: Bethuel F.
Published: February 2017

We characterize the maps in

H^1(B^3, S^2)

which can be approximated by smooth ones.

Nous caractérisons les applications de

H^1(B^3, S^2)

qui peuvent être approchées par des applications régulières.
A new approach to initial traces in nonlinear filtration
Authors: Andreucci D. , Di Benedetto E.
Published: February 2017

For weak solutions of equations of the type of nonlinear filtration in

\mathbf R^N × (0, T)

,

0 < T < ∞

, we prove precise sup-estimates and local and global Harnack type inequalities. These estimations permit to identify the initial traces and describe the behavior of such solutions as

|x| → ∞

.

The main point is to introduce a new approach, free of the specific features of the porous medium equation such as homogeneity, scaling, quasi-convexity, etc. This approach on one hand allows generalizations to a large variety of equations and on other yields new results on gradient averages.

On démontre des inégalités de Harnack locales et globales, ainsi des majorations pour des solutions faibles des équations de filtrage non linéaire dans

\mathbf R^N × (0, T)

, pour

T < ∞

. Ces estimations permettent d’identifier les traces initiales et de décrire le comportement des solutions quand

|x| → ∞

.
On a partial differential equation involving the Jacobian determinant
Authors: Dacorogna Bernard , Moser Jürgen
Published: February 2017

Let

Ω ⊂ ℝ^n

a bounded open set and

f > 0

in

\bar{\mathrm{\Omega }}

satisfying

\int _{\mathrm{\Omega }}f(x)\:dx = \text{meas}\:\mathrm{\Omega }

. We study existence and regularity of diffeomorphismsn

u:\bar{\mathrm{\Omega }}\rightarrow \bar{\mathrm{\Omega }}

such that

\begin{cases}
\det \nabla \:u\:\:(x) = f(x),&\:x \in \mathrm{\Omega } \\
u\:(x) = x,&\:x \in ∂\mathrm{\Omega }.
\end{cases}

Soit

Ω ⊂ ℝ^n

un ouvert borné et soit

ƒ > 0

dans

\bar{\mathrm{\Omega }}

satisfaisant

\int _{\mathrm{\Omega }}f(x)\:dx = \text{mes}\:\mathrm{\Omega }

. On étudie l’existence et la régularité de difféomorphismes

u:\bar{\mathrm{\Omega }}\rightarrow \bar{\mathrm{\Omega }}

tels que

\begin{cases}
\det \nabla \:u\:\:(x) = f(x),&\:x \in \mathrm{\Omega } \\
u\:(x) = x,&\:x \in ∂\mathrm{\Omega }.
\end{cases}
Cats, Crocodiles, Cattle, and More: Initial Steps Toward Establishing a Chronology of Ancient Egyptian Animal Mummies
Authors: Richardin Pascale , Porcier Stéphanie , Ikram Salima , Louarn Gaëtan , Berthet Didier
Published: February 2017

The ancient Egyptians mummified animals as part of cultic activity from the Late Period into the Roman era (7th century BC to the 4th century AD). Necropolises have provided millions of animal mummies, reflecting the religious fervor of Egyptians with regard to sacred animal cults during this period. Despite the number of sites containing mummies, and the number of mummies themselves, surprisingly little is known with regard to the nuances in the dating of the cults’ popularity and activities. As part of a multidisciplinary project, we have conducted a series of radiocarbon dates based on a group of animal mummies from the collection of the Musée des Confluences in Lyon, France. Thus, 63 specimens of animal mummies and their wrappings were analyzed to provide a range of dates for this practice. Results show that some correlations can be made between the popularity of particular species and the time period in which they were mummified. Monkeys and goats appear to have been among the first mummified species (from 800 BC), while antelopes appear to be a later addition to the corpus (30 BC to 4th century AD), thereby reflecting changes in thought processes, religious beliefs, and economic imperatives over time.
A Problem-Based Approach to Democratic Theory
Authors: WARREN MARK E.
Published: February 2017

Over the last few decades, democratic theory has grown dramatically in its power and sophistication, fueled by debates among models of democracy. But these debates are increasingly unproductive. Model-based strategies encourage theorists to overgeneralize the place and functions of ideal typical features of democracy, such as deliberation or elections. Here I sketch an alternative strategy based on the question: What kinds of problems does a political system need to solve to count as “democratic”? I suggest three general kinds: it should empower inclusions, form collective agendas and wills, and have capacities to make collective decisions. We can view common practices such as voting and deliberating as means for addressing these problems, and theorize institutional mixes of practices that would maximize a political system's democratic problem-solving capacities. The resulting theories will be both normatively robust and sufficiently fine-grained to frame democratic problems, possibilities, and deficits in complex polities.
Political Cleavages within Industry: Firm-level Lobbying for Trade Liberalization
Authors: KIM IN SONG
Published: February 2017

Existing political economy models explain the politics of trade policy using inter-industry differences. However, this article finds that much of the variation in U.S. applied tariff rates in fact arises within industry. I offer a theory of trade liberalization that explains how product differentiation in economic markets leads to firm-level lobbying in political markets. High levels of product differentiation eliminates the collective action problem faced by exporting firms while import-competing firms need not fear product substitution. To test this argument, I construct a new dataset on lobbying by all publicly traded manufacturing firms from reports filed under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. I find that productive exporting firms are more likely to lobby to reduce tariffs, especially when their products are sufficiently differentiated. I also find that highly differentiated products have lower tariff rates. The results challenge the common focus on industry-level lobbying for protection.
The corporate labour policy of Fine Gael, 1934
Authors: Broderick Eugene
Published: February 2017

Corporatism or vocationalism had many advocates throughout Europe in the 1930s. Corporatists rejected the extremes of laissez-faire capitalism, with its attendant exploitation of workers, and totalitarian communism, with its emphasis on the doctrine of class struggle. They recommended a middle way between two hostile systems and sought to achieve social harmony by means of the establishment of corporations, representative of workers and employers, to regulate the various areas of national economic activity. These corporations were to secure co-operation between capital and labour, thus eliminating social conflict. In Ireland vocationalism had been popularised by the papal encyclical Quadragesimo anno, and it had strong proponents among certain elements in Fine Gael and the Blueshirts while both were under the leadership of General Eoin O’Duffy in 1933 and 1934. The spectacular failure of the Blueshirts and O’Duffy’s incompetence as Fine Gael leader resulted in the corporate-inspired Labour policy of Fine Gael, published in 1934, being ignored by historians. Yet it is worthy of attention, not least because it was the only significant policy formulation by vocationalists within Fine Gael. Furthermore, an examination of the proposals serves to illuminate reasons why corporatism and the Blueshirts were doomed to political failure.
Readiness and Age of School Entry: In Context
Authors: Miller Steve
Published: February 2017

In this paper I put forward the view that a number of forces come to bear in educational policy decisions of the nature of age of school entry, and suggest that pressures exerted by community groups and parental expectations have a more direct influence on those decisions than the positions that researchers may propose. The debate in fact moves away somewhat from considerations of the psychological evidence on the optimal age of entry to achieving administratively workable policies, and to ensuring that educationalsystems create programs which are appropriate for young children.
Anti-leukemic activity and tolerability of anti-human CD47 monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Pietsch E C , Dong J , Cardoso R , Zhang X , Chin D , Hawkins R , Dinh T , Zhou M , Strake B , Feng P-H , Rocca M , Santos C Dos , Shan X , Danet-Desnoyers G , Shi F , Kaiser E , Millar H J , Fenton S , Swanson R , Nemeth J A , Attar R M
Published: February 2017

CD47, a broadly expressed cell surface protein, inhibits cell phagocytosis via interaction with phagocyte-expressed SIRPα. A variety of hematological malignancies demonstrate elevated CD47 expression, suggesting that CD47 may mediate immune escape. We discovered three unique CD47-SIRPα blocking anti-CD47 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with low nano-molar affinity to human and cynomolgus monkey CD47, and no hemagglutination and platelet aggregation activity. To characterize the anti-cancer activity elicited by blocking CD47, the mAbs were cloned into effector function silent and competent Fc backbones. Effector function competent mAbs demonstrated potent activityin vitroandin vivo,while effector function silent mAbs demonstrated minimal activity, indicating that blocking CD47 only leads to a therapeutic effect in the presence of Fc effector function. A non-human primate study revealed that the effector function competent mAb IgG1 C47B222-(CHO) decreased red blood cells (RBC), hematocrit and hemoglobin by >40% at 1 mg/kg, whereas the effector function silent mAb IgG2σ C47B222-(CHO) had minimal impact on RBC indices at 1 and 10 mg/kg. Taken together, our findings suggest that targeting CD47 is an attractive therapeutic anti-cancer approach. However, the anti-cancer activity observed with anti-CD47 mAbs is Fc effector dependent as are the side effects observed on RBC indices.
Spin-dependent quantum interference in photoemission process from spin-orbit coupled states
Authors: Yaji Koichiro , Kuroda Kenta , Toyohisa Sogen , Harasawa Ayumi , Ishida Yukiaki , Watanabe Shuntaro , Chen Chuangtian , Kobayashi Katsuyoshi , Komori Fumio , Shin Shik
Published: February 2017

Spin–orbit interaction entangles the orbitals with the different spins. The spin–orbital-entangled states were discovered in surface states of topological insulators. However, the spin–orbital-entanglement is not specialized in the topological surface states. Here, we show the spin–orbital texture in a surface state of Bi(111) by laser-based spin- and angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (laser-SARPES) and describe three-dimensional spin-rotation effect in photoemission resulting from spin-dependent quantum interference. Our model reveals that, in the spin–orbit-coupled systems, the spins pointing to the mutually opposite directions are independently locked to the orbital symmetries. Furthermore, direct detection of coherent spin phenomena by laser-SARPES enables us to clarify the phase of the dipole transition matrix element responsible for the spin direction in photoexcited states. These results permit the tuning of the spin polarization of optically excited electrons in solids with strong spin–orbit interaction.
IFN-γ is required for cytotoxic T cell-dependent cancer genome immunoediting
Authors: Takeda Kazuyoshi , Nakayama Masafumi , Hayakawa Yoshihiro , Kojima Yuko , Ikeda Hiroaki , Imai Naoko , Ogasawara Kouetsu , Okumura Ko , Thomas David M. , Smyth Mark J.
Published: February 2017

Genetic evolution that occurs during cancer progression enables tumour heterogeneity, thereby fostering tumour adaptation, therapeutic resistance and metastatic potential. Immune responses are known to select (immunoedit) tumour cells displaying immunoevasive properties. Here we address the role of IFN-γ in mediating the immunoediting process. We observe that, in several mouse tumour models such as HA-expressing 4T1 mammary carcinoma cells, OVA-expressing EG7 lymphoma cells and CMS5 MCA-induced fibrosarcoma cells naturally expressing mutated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) antigen, the action of antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell (CTL) in vivo results in the emergence of resistant cancer cell clones only in the presence of IFN-γ within the tumour microenvironment. Moreover, we show that exposure of tumours to IFN-γ-producing antigen-specific CTLs in vivo results in copy-number alterations (CNAs) associated with DNA damage response and modulation of DNA editing/repair gene expression. These results suggest that enhanced genetic instability might be one of the mechanisms by which CTLs and IFN-γ immunoedits tumours, altering their immune resistance as a result of genetic evolution.
MnGa-based fully perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions with ultrathin Co2MnSi interlayers
Authors: Mao Siwei , Lu Jun , Zhao Xupeng , Wang Xiaolei , Wei Dahai , Liu Jian , Xia Jianbai , Zhao Jianhua
Published: February 2017

Because tetragonal structured MnGa alloy has intrinsic (not interface induced) giant perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA), ultra-low damping constant and high spin polarization, it is predicted to be a kind of suitable magnetic electrode candidate in the perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction (p-MTJ) for high density spin transfer torque magnetic random access memory (STT-MRAM) applications. However, p-MTJs with both bottom and top MnGa electrodes have not been achieved yet, since high quality perpendicular magnetic MnGa films can hardly be obtained on the MgO barrier due to large lattice mismatch and surface energy difference between them. Here, a MnGa-based fully p-MTJ with the structure of MnGa/Co2MnSi/MgO/Co2MnSi/MnGa is investigated. As a result, the multilayer is with high crystalline quality, and both the top and bottom MnGa electrodes show well PMA. Meanwhile, a distinct tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) ratio of 65% at 10 K is achieved. Ultrathin Co2MnSi films are used to optimize the interface quality between MnGa and MgO barrier. A strong antiferromagnetic coupling in MnGa/Co2MnSi bilayer is confirmed with the interfacial exchange coupling constant of −5erg/cm2. This work proposes a novel p-MTJ structure for the future STT-MRAM progress.
Genome-wide screening and characterization of long non-coding RNAs involved in flowering development of trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf.)
Authors: Wang Chen-Yang , Liu Sheng-Rui , Zhang Xiao-Yu , Ma Yu-Jiao , Hu Chun-Gen , Zhang Jin-Zhi
Published: February 2017

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to play critical regulatory roles in post-transcriptional and transcriptional regulation in Arabidopsis. However, lncRNAs and their functional roles remain poorly characterized in woody plants, including citrus. To identify lncRNAs and investigate their role in citrus flowering, paired-end strand-specific RNA sequencing was performed for precocious trifoliate orange and its wild-type counterpart. A total of 6,584 potential lncRNAs were identified, 51.6% of which were from intergenic regions. Additionally, 555 lncRNAs were significantly up-regulated and 276 lncRNAs were down-regulated in precocious trifoliate orange, indicating that lncRNAs could be involved in the regulation of trifoliate orange flowering. Comparisons between lncRNAs and coding genes indicated that lncRNAs tend to have shorter transcripts and lower expression levels and that they display significant expression specificity. More importantly, 59 and 7 lncRNAs were identified as putative targets and target mimics of citrus miRNAs, respectively. In addition, the targets of Pt-miR156 and Pt-miR396 were confirmed using the regional amplification reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction method. Furthermore, overexpression of Pt-miR156a1 and Pt-miR156a1 in Arabidopsis resulted in an extended juvenile phase, short siliques, and smaller leaves in transgenic plants compared with control plants. These findings provide important insight regarding citrus lncRNAs, thus enabling in-depth functional analyses.
Transcriptional mechanism of vascular endothelial growth factor-induced expression of protein kinase CβII in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells
Authors: Al-Sanabra Ola , Duckworth Andrew D. , Glenn Mark A. , Brown Benjamin R. B. , Angelillo Piera , Lee Kelvin , Herbert John , Falciani Francesco , Kalakonda Nagesh , Slupsky Joseph R.
Published: February 2017

A key feature of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) cells is overexpressed protein kinase CβII (PKCβII), an S/T kinase important in the pathogenesis of this and other B cell malignancies. The mechanisms contributing to enhanced transcription of the gene coding for PKCβII, PRKCB, in CLL cells remain poorly described, but could be important because of potential insight into how the phenotype of these cells is regulated. Here, we show that SP1 is the major driver of PKCβII expression in CLL cells where enhanced association of this transcription factor with the PRKCB promoter is likely because of the presence of histone marks permissive of gene activation. We also show how vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulates PRKCB promoter function in CLL cells, stimulating PKCβ gene transcription via increased association of SP1 and decreased association of STAT3. Taken together, these results are the first to demonstrate a clear role for SP1 in the up regulation of PKCβII expression in CLL cells, and the first to link SP1 with the pathogenesis of this and potentially other B cell malignancies where PKCβII is overexpressed.
An upper limit of Cr-doping level to Retain Zero-strain Characteristics of Li4Ti5O12 Anode Material for Li-ion Batteries
Authors: Song Hannah , Jeong Tae-Gyung , Yun Su-Won , Lee Eun-Kyung , Park Shin-Ae , Kim Yong-Tae
Published: February 2017

Since Li4Ti5O12 as a promising anode material in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has a poor rate performance due to low electronic conductivity, a doping of Li4Ti5O12 with heterogeneous atoms has been considered to overcome this problem. Herein, we report that there is an upper limit of doping level to maintain the zero strain characteristics of Li4Ti5O12 lattice during charge/discharge process. By using synchrotron studies, it was revealed that the Li+ diffusivity was maximized at a certain doping level for which the conductivity was markedly increased with maintaining the zero strain characteristics. However, with more doses of dopants over the upper limit, the lattice shrank and therefore the Li+ diffusivity decreased, although the electronic conductivity was further increased in comparison with the optimal doping level.
High expression of PDGFR-β in prostate cancer stroma is independently associated with clinical and biochemical prostate cancer recurrence
Authors: Nordby Yngve , Richardsen Elin , Rakaee Mehrdad , Ness Nora , Donnem Tom , Patel Hiten R. H. , Busund Lill-Tove , Bremnes Roy M. , Andersen Sigve
Published: February 2017

Due to a lack of sufficient diagnostic tools to predict aggressive disease, there is a significant overtreatment of patients with prostate cancer. Platelet derived growth factors (PDGFs) and their receptors (PDGFRs) are key regulators of mesenchymal cells in the tumor microenvironment, and has been associated with unfavorable outcome in several other cancers. Herein, we aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of PDGFR-β and its ligands (PDGF-B and PDGF-D) in a multicenter prostatectomy cohort of 535 Norwegian patients. Using tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry, the expression of ligands PDGF-B and PDGF-D and their corresponding receptor, PDGFR-β, was assessed in neoplastic tissue and tumor-associated stroma. PDGFR-β was expressed in benign and tumor associated stroma, but not in epithelium. High stromal expression of PDGFR-β was independently associated with clinical relapse (HR = 2.17, p = 0.010) and biochemical failure (HR = 1.58, p = 0.002). This large study highlights the prognostic importance of PDGFR-β expression, implicating its involvement in prostate cancer progression even in early stage disease. Hence, analyses of PDGFR-β may help distinguish which patients will benefit from radical treatment, and since PDGFR-β is associated with relapse and shorter survival, it mandates a focus as a therapeutic target.
The chaperone-like activity of the hepatitis C virus IRES and CRE elements regulates genome dimerization
Authors: Romero-López Cristina , Barroso-delJesus Alicia , Berzal-Herranz Alfredo
Published: February 2017

The RNA genome of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) establishes a network of long-distance RNA-RNA interactions that direct the progression of the infective cycle. This work shows that the dimerization of the viral genome, which is initiated at the dimer linkage sequence (DLS) within the 3′UTR, is promoted by the CRE region, while the IRES is a negative regulatory partner. Using differential 2′-acylation probing (SHAPE-dif) and molecular interference (HMX) technologies, the CRE activity was found to mainly lie in the critical 5BSL3.2 domain, while the IRES-mediated effect is dependent upon conserved residues within the essential structural elements JIIIabc, JIIIef and PK2. These findings support the idea that, along with the DLS motif, the IRES and CRE are needed to control HCV genome dimerization. They also provide evidences of a novel function for these elements as chaperone-like partners that fine-tune the architecture of distant RNA domains within the HCV genome.
Toxicity of cadmium and its health risks from leafy vegetable consumption
Authors: Huang Yingying , He Chuntao , Shen Chuang , Guo Jingjie , Mubeen Samavia , Yuan Jiangang , Yang Zhongyi
Published: February 2017

Cadmium (Cd) exposure through leafy vegetable consumption displays adverse effects on humans and solutions to reduce the health risk are summarized.
Immunomodulatory effect of protease hydrolysates from ovotransferrin
Authors: Liu Lin , Xu Mingsheng , Tu Yonggang , Du Huaying , Zhou Yulan , Zhu Gaoxiang
Published: February 2017

Proteins and bioactive peptides in avian egg white exert diverse biological activities.
Therapeutic efficacy of novel microwave-sensitized mPEG-PLGA@ZrO2@(DOX + ILS) drug-loaded microspheres in rabbit VX2 liver tumours
Authors: Mao Jingsong , Tang Shunsong , Hong Duo , Zhao Fan , Niu Meng , Han Xiangjun , Qi Ji , Bao Han , Jiang Yutian , Fu Changhui , Long Dan , Meng Xianwei , Su Hongying
Published: February 2017

The use of nanomaterials as drug delivery systems shows good effects in treating tumors.
Facile access to novel 1,2,4-oxadiazinan-5-ones via [3 + 3] cycloaddition of in situ generated azaoxyallyl cations with nitrones
Authors: Zhao Hong-Wu , Zhao Yu-Di , Liu Yue-Yang , Zhao Li-Jiao , Feng Ning-Ning , Pang Hai-Liang , Chen Xiao-Qin , Song Xiu-Qing , Du Juan
Published: February 2017

Construction of novel 1,2,4-oxadiazinan-5-ones via [3 + 3] cycloaddition of in situ generated azaoxyallyl cations with nitrones.
A thermodynamical and structural study on the complexation of trivalent lanthanides with a polycarboxylate based concrete superplasticizer
Authors: Fröhlich Daniel R. , Maiwald Martin M. , Taube Franziska , Plank Johann , Panak Petra J.
Published: February 2017

Thermodynamic data for the complexation of Eu(iii) with a polycarboxylate based concrete superplasticizer are determined by TRLFS. These results are complemented by structural data of the respective Gd(iii) and Tb(iii) complexes which are obtained using EXAFS spectroscopy.
Facile preparation of S-doped magnetite hollow spheres for highly efficient sorption of uranium(vi)
Authors: Song X. M. , Tan L. C. , Ma H. Y. , Guo Y. , Zhu L. , Yi X. Q. , Gao J. Y. , Yang R. J. , Dong Q.
Published: February 2017

S-Doped magnetite hollow spheres (S-doped MHS) were prepared, which exhibit fast and efficient sorption for uranium(vi).
Asymmetric charge separation and recombination in symmetrically functionalized σ–π hybrid oligosilanes
Authors: Zhou Jiawang , Folster Carlton P. , Surampudi Sravan K. , Jimenez Daniel , Klausen Rebekka S. , Bragg Arthur E.
Published: February 2017

The flexibility of σ-conjugated silanes presents new opportunities for controlling charge transfer via changes in molecular conformation.
Some limitations of an approach to the assembly of bryostatins by ring-closing metathesis
Authors: Dumeunier Raphaël , Gregson Thomas , MacCormick Somhairle , Omori Hiroki , Thomas Eric J.
Published: February 2017

Preliminary studies into the use of ring-closing metathesis (RCM) in a convergent approach for the total synthesis of bryostatins are described.
Photocatalytic N-formylation of amines via a reductive quenching cycle in the presence of air
Authors: Ghosh Tamal , Das Amrita , König Burkhard
Published: February 2017

Photochemical N-formylation of amines was achieved without any additional formylating agents in the presence of air. Mechanistic investigations suggest a reaction pathway proceeding via the addition of in situ formed radical cations of enamines with photochemically generated superoxide radical anions.
Science writing heuristics embedded in green chemistry: a tool to nurture environmental literacy among pre-university students
Authors: Shamuganathan Sheila , Karpudewan Mageswary
Published: February 2017

Existing studies report on the importance of instilling environmental literacy among students from an early stage of schooling to enable them to adopt more pro-environmental behaviors in the near future. This quasi-experimental study was designed to compare the level of environmental literacy among two groups of students: the experimental group (N= 120) was taught using science writing heuristics embedded in a green chemistry curriculum (SWH-GC) and the comparison group (N= 90) was taught using a green chemistry curriculum. For the purpose of this study an environmental literacy model that consisted of pro-environmental attitudes, beliefs, knowledge and behavior was employed. ANCOVA with the pre-test as the covariate showed statistically significant differences in all four of the constructs that constitute environmental literacy, with the experimental group taught using SWH-GC exhibiting higher mean values. Interview findings with randomly selected students from both groups further reinforced the quantitative findings. Both quantitative and qualitative findings suggest that after the treatment, the experimental group students were keen to read about the environment, believed their actions would bring changes, were more knowledgeable regarding how to keep streams and lakes clean, and were more engaged in recycling activities. The implications are finally discussed.
Ultra‐low‐power, high PSRR CMOS voltage reference with negative feedback
Authors: Zeng Yanhan , Li Yuao , Zhang Xin , Tan Hong‐Zhou
Published: February 2017

Based on negative feedback technique, a complementary metal–oxide semiconductor (CMOS) voltage reference with ultra‐low‐power, low supply voltage and high‐power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) is proposed and simulated using a 0.18 standard micrometre CMOS technology. The operating supply voltage ranges from 0.85 V to 2.5 V and the temperature ranges from −20°C to 80°C. The voltage reference can achieve a temperature coefficient of 16.3 ppm/°C and line sensitivity as low as 0.086 ppm/V, without the use of resistors or special devices, consuming 202 nA current at 27°C. Besides, the PSRR is only −113 dB at 1 Hz, −64 dB at 1 kHz, respectively.
Generator governing system based on grey prediction and extension control
Authors: Wang Mingdong , Wang Xueke , Su Xiangjing , Li Xiangyang , Yang Yihang
Published: February 2017

To improve the performance of the governing system as well as the stability of the power system, the authors propose grey prediction extension control (GPEC) in the design of generator governing system. Comparing with the conventional control strategy such as conventional proportional–integral–derivative control and simple extension control, GPEC is more suitable for the complex, huge‐dimension and time‐varying modern power systems. Both a simple hydropower system and a typical multi‐machine system are studied, respectively. The simulation results indicate that the proposed GPEC governor controller performs better in reducing overshoot and adjusting time with superiority in leading the system into a stable state.
Single sensor based MPPT for partially shaded solar photovoltaic by using human psychology optimisation algorithm
Authors: Kumar Nishant , Hussain Ikhlaq , Singh Bhim , Panigrahi Bijaya Ketan
Published: February 2017

This study introduces a quick, highly efficient and a single sensor based maximum power point (MPP) tracking (MPPT) for partially shaded solar photovoltaic (PV) system. For this purpose, a novel ‘human psychology optimisation’ (HPO) algorithm is proposed, which is based on psychological and mental states of an ambitious person. The main objective of the HPO algorithm is the maximum extraction of the power from PV panel and efficiently supplying it to the load (battery). In this study, a single (current) sensor based MPPT for battery charging, by using HPO and some recent state‐of‐the‐art MPPT algorithms, is tested on MATLAB simulation and verified on a developed prototype of the partially shaded solar PV system. The efficient battery charging and quickly reaching the MPP by HPO w.r.t. all other algorithms, in steady‐state as well as in dynamic conditions, show the superiority over all the recent state‐of‐the‐art control methods. Moreover, due to the single sensor, the cost of the MPPT system is reduced, as well as due to HPO the computational burden is very less, so it can be easily implemented on the low‐cost microcontroller.
Operation and control of HVDC stations using continuous mixed p‐norm‐based adaptive fuzzy technique
Authors: Muyeen S.M. , Hasanien Hany M.
Published: February 2017

The power system is purely non‐linear and there exist a lot of uncertainties in generation, transmission, and distribution sectors. This study focuses on the operation and control of a voltage source converter (VSC)‐based high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system, which can cope up with system non‐linearity and parameter uncertainties. The HVDC system connects an offshore wind farm to the onshore power grid. A new adaptive fuzzy logic controller is proposed for both onshore and offshore HVDC stations to control the real and reactive power flow in normal and undertrain parameter conditions. The adaptive technique is based on the continuous mixed p‐norm algorithm, which updates the fuzzy inference system automatically at a high convergence speed. The performance of the proposed adaptive controller is tested under different parameter uncertainties and the results are compared with Taguchi optimisation‐based proportional‐integral controllers.
Motor‐generator pair: a novel solution to provide inertia and damping for power system with high penetration of renewable energy
Authors: Wei Siming , Zhou Yingkun , Xu Guorui , Huang Yongzhang
Published: February 2017

Increasing penetration rate of renewable energy sources makes it a trend for power system to be dominated by power electronics, which brings challenges for reliability and stability: first, unlike synchronous generator, converters do not have inherent inertia which is important for frequency response. Second, more complex interaction induced by renewable energies causes problems of power system dynamics, for example damping oscillation. In addition, converters cannot support high fault current, leading to limitation of some existing control schemes during transient events. However, compared with converters, synchronous generator has some advantages to solve aforementioned problems. Therefore, this study proposes a synchronous motor‐generator pair (MGP) system as a possible grid‐connection way for high penetration of renewable energies to improve stability. State equations for analysis of small signal stability are established based on proposed equivalent rotor angle, which is verified by experiment. Results of mode shape analysis and transient simulation show that MGP can effectively enhance frequency response, damp oscillation and isolate and weaken the negative effects brought by wind farm. Effects on damping ratio with different proportions of MGP are also investigated in different penetration rates.
Mobile antenna performance improvement by ground mode tuning using a closed loop
Authors: Yoo Sangmoon , Qu Longyue , Kim Joonchul , Kim Hyeongdong
Published: February 2017

An antenna with a modified ground plane is proposed for modern mobile devices in the wireless communications. The proposed antenna design comprises a planar inverted‐F antenna with a feeding capacitor (CF) at the top side of the ground plane, and an additional closed loop with lumped inductors (L1 and L2) at the end of the ground plane. The closed loop is connected to the small ground plane for ground mode tuning so that the ground mode resonant frequency is equal to the operating frequency. In the simulation, the −10 dB bandwidth is 140 MHz (from 2.39 to 2.53 GHz) without the closed loop, and is 320 MHz (from 2.34 to 2.66 GHz) with the proposed closed loop. The measured efficiency is 61% on average from 2.3 to 2.6 GHz for the proposed antenna, and is 36% for the reference antenna. The ground mode resonance can be easily tuned, and the proposed technique is a versatile approach for antenna performance improvement.
High‐performance unified power quality conditioner using non‐linear sliding mode and new switching dynamics control strategy
Authors: Patjoshi Rajesh Kumar , Mahapatra Kamalakanta
Published: February 2017

In this study, a non‐linear sliding mode control (NLSMC) and new switching dynamics control strategy have been proposed for a unified power quality conditioner (UPQC) to improve the power quality problem in power system distribution network. The proposed non‐linear sliding surface reflects the controlling action of the DC‐link capacitor voltage with a variation of the system's damping ratio and permits the DC‐link voltage to obtain a low overshoot and small settling time. This NLSMC technique combines with a novel synchronous‐reference frame (SRF) control technique for generation of a rapid and stable reference signal for both shunt and series converters. A new switching dynamics control strategy has been designed for the voltage source converters of UPQC and this design helps in the reduction of band violation of the hysteresis band as well as improvement in the tracking behaviour of UPQC during grid perturbations. Consequently, NLSMC‐SRF technique along with new switching strategy in UPQC provides an effective compensator for voltage/current harmonics, sag/swell, voltage unbalance and interruptions. The proposed control strategy of UPQC is validated through MATLAB/SIMULINK, followed by the experimental system using real‐time hardware‐in‐the‐loop. Adequate results are reported after a comparative assessment with the conventional proportional–integral and hysteresis controller.
Solar‐assisted geothermal power generation hybrid system from abandoned oil/gas wells
Authors: Noorollahi Younes , Pourarshad Meysam , Veisi Alireza
Published: February 2017

Renewable energies need high investment and they have lower efficiency rather than fossil fuels. So methods have to be devised to increase efficiency and to decrease investing cost. Here the combination of geothermal with solar has been proposed. The geothermal heat extraction from an abandoned oil well in Ahwaz oil field (DQ) was simulated and also a binary cycle power plant has been designed. Using this well, the cost of drilling and casing is eliminated. The system is assisted by combining of two solar power production systems. The first system is photovoltaic (PV) which works parallel to geothermal binary cycle. The second system that is concentrated solar thermal (CST) system is using parabolic trough collector to generate heat for super heating geothermal binary cycle. Although CST has more problems than photovoltaic (PV) in terms of setups, maintenance and the ease of transfer, due to the possibility of storing thermal energy when there is no sunlight, it has compatibility and ability to increase more efficiency in collaboration with geothermal binary cycle. The collaboration of CST with geothermal results in 23.5% increase in power generation in a year, while this figure equals to 15.7% for PV with geothermal.
BNC‐based projection approximation subspace tracking under impulsive noise
Authors: Luan Shengyang , Qiu Tianshuang , Yu Ling , Zhang Jinfeng , Song Aimin , Zhu Yonhjie
Published: February 2017

Covariance, one of the most widely accepted mathematical tool for similarity measurement relies heavily on the assumption of Gaussian distribution noise model. Along with many other second‐order statistics based methods, its performance deteriorates significantly in the presence of impulsive noise. Therefore, in this study, a generalised covariance function named bounded non‐linear covariance (BNC) is put forward to handle relative problems in the presence of noise with non‐Gaussian and heavy‐tailed distribution. Meanwhile, the projection approximation subspace tracking‐like algorithm based on BNC is proposed as well. Simulations have verified its performances over existing methods, especially the robustness to impulsive noise.
High accuracy unambiguous angle estimation using multi‐scale combination in distributed coherent aperture radar
Authors: Long Teng , Zhang Honggang , Zeng Tao , Liu Quanhua , Chen Xinliang , Zheng Le
Published: February 2017

Distributed coherent aperture radar (DCAR) can realise N3 times signal‐to‐noise ratio promotion, as well as achieve high accuracy angle estimation since it has an equivalent large aperture. However, due to its sparse array, grating lobes are emerged in antenna pattern, which will lead to ambiguous angle estimation. Based on the various degrees of freedom of DCAR, this study proposes a multi‐scale combination method to disambiguate the correct angle from the ambiguous ones. Firstly, it combines the antenna in different scale, so each combination has different equivalent phase centre spacings. Secondly, phase comparison monopulse is employed to measure the angles under each combination with relatively low computational complexity, even in the single snapshot scenario. Thirdly, the high accuracy unambiguous angle can be resolved from the low accuracy unambiguous angle step by step. Moreover, the estimation accuracy and design criterion on correct angle extraction are also analysed, providing an array geometry and combination design approach to guarantee the disambiguity process a success. Finally, DCAR with two radars and eight radars are properly designed, respectively, and simulations and field experiments validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.