bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and quantification of immunoglobulin G (G1, G2, G3 and G4) in human blood plasma by high-resolution quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry
Authors: Huang Zhu , Pan Xiao-Dong
Published: April 2017

We described a method for quantification of IgG (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4) in a small amount of human blood plasma using high-resolution quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (HR-Q-Orbitrap-MS).
The role of non-stoichiometric spinel for iso-butanol formation from biomass syngas over Zn–Cr based catalysts
Authors: Tian Shaopeng , Ding Siyi , Yang Qianqian , Ren Huaping , Ma Qiang , Zhao Yunzhen , Miao Zongcheng
Published: April 2017

The non-stoichiometric Zn–Cr spinel plays an essential role for the formation of iso-butanol from bio-syngas. Co-precipitation method promotes the formation of non-stoichiometric Zn–Cr spinel and dramatically enhances the catalytic performance.
A pomegranate-structured sulfur cathode material with triple confinement of lithium polysulfides for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Mi Yingying , Liu Wen , Wang Qian , Jiang Jianbing , Brudvig Gary W. , Zhou Henghui , Wang Hailiang
Published: April 2017

A pomegranate-structured sulfur cathode material, with a dendrimer/graphene-oxide composite wrapping sulfur-infiltrated ferrocene-functionalized mesoporous carbon, shows high electrochemical performance.
Nanofiltration membranes with cellulose nanocrystals as an interlayer for unprecedented performance
Authors: Wang Jing-Jing , Yang Hao-Cheng , Wu Ming-Bang , Zhang Xi , Xu Zhi-Kang
Published: April 2017

Nanofiltration membranes are of great interest in brackish water desalination and drinking water purification.
A highly stable polyoxometalate-based metal–organic framework with π–π stacking for enhancing lithium ion battery performance
Authors: Huang Qing , Wei Tao , Zhang Mi , Dong Long-Zhang , Zhang A-Man , Li Shun-Li , Liu Wen-Jing , Liu Jiang , Lan Ya-Qian
Published: April 2017

A novel polyoxometalate-based metal–organic framework was synthesized and employed to demonstrate that the intermolecular π–π stacking are beneficial to promote the LIBs performance.
A cobalt-borate nanosheet array: an efficient and durable non-noble-metal electrocatalyst for water oxidation at near neutral pH
Authors: Yang Libin , Liu Danni , Hao Shuai , Kong Rongmei , Asiri Abdullah M. , Zhang Chengxiao , Sun Xuping
Published: April 2017

As a durable catalyst electrode, a cobalt-borate nanosheet array on a Ti mesh shows high activity for water oxidation in 0.1 M K-Bi (pH: 9.2), achieving a geometrical catalytic current density of 10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 469 mV.
Superhalogen-based lithium superionic conductors
Authors: Fang Hong , Wang Shuo , Liu Junyi , Sun Qiang , Jena Puru
Published: April 2017

Molecular dynamics simulations show Li-ion diffusion in the newly invented antiperovskite Li3OBH4. The blue trajectories show how the Li+ ions run through the lattice of vibrational oxygen (red). The white trajectories show the fast rotational motion of the BH4− superhalogen ions.
Functional porous carbon nanospheres from sustainable precursors for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Tiruye Girum Ayalneh , Muñoz-Torrero David , Berthold Thomas , Palma Jesus , Antonietti Markus , Fechler Nina , Marcilla Rebeca
Published: April 2017

Functional porous carbon nanospheres synthesized from cheap and sustainable precursors exhibited excellent properties as electrodes for supercapacitors.
Analysis of phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors by bottom-up electron-transfer dissociation hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry
Authors: Masson Glenn R. , Maslen Sarah L. , Williams Roger L.
Published: April 2017

Until recently, one of the major limitations of hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) was the peptide-level resolution afforded by proteolytic digestion. This limitation can be selectively overcome through the use of electron-transfer dissociation to fragment peptides in a manner that allows the retention of the deuterium signal to produce hydrogen/deuterium exchange tandem mass spectrometry (HDX-MS/MS). Here, we describe the application of HDX-MS/MS to structurally screen inhibitors of the oncogene phosphoinositide 3-kinase catalytic p110α subunit. HDX-MS/MS analysis is able to discern a conserved mechanism of inhibition common to a range of inhibitors. Owing to the relatively minor amounts of protein required, this technique may be utilised in pharmaceutical development for screening potential therapeutics.
MicroRNA-379 inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of human osteosarcoma cells by targetting EIF4G2
Authors: Xie Xi , Li Yu-Sheng , Xiao Wen-Feng , Deng Zhen-Han , He Hong-Bo , Liu Qing , Luo Wei
Published: April 2017

Osteosarcoma (OS) is an aggressive malignant mesenchymal neoplasm amongst adolescents. The aim of the present study was to explore the various modes of action that miR-379 has on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of human OS cells. miR-379 achieves this by targetting eukaryotic initiation factor 4GII (EIF4G2). Human OS cell lines U2OS and MG-63 were selected and assigned into blank, miR-379 mimics, miR-379 mimic negative control (NC), miR-379 inhibitors, miR-379 inhibitor NC, EIF4G2 shRNA, control shRNA, and miR-379 inhibitor + EIF4G2 shRNA group. The miR-379 expression and EIF4G2 mRNA expression were detected utilising quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and the EIF4G2 protein expression using Western blotting. MTT assay, scratch test, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry were performed to determine the proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell cycle, respectively. In comparison with the miR-379 mimic NC group, the miR-379 mimics group had decreased EIF4G2 expression; the miR-379 inhibitors group indicated an increased EIF4G2 expression. Compared with the control shRNA group, the EIF4G2 expression was lower in the EIF4G2 shRNA group and the miR-379 expression was dropped in the miR-379 inhibitor + EIF4G2 shRNA group. The proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of OS cells were reduced in the miR-379 mimics and EIF4G2 shRNA groups. The percentage of OS cells at the G0/G1 stage was increased, and the percentage at the S-stage was decreased in the miR-379 mimics and EIF4G2 shRNA groups. miR-379 may inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of OS cells through the down-regulation of EIF4G2.
Uncovering wireless blackspots using Twitter data
Authors: Guo W. , Zhang J.
Published: April 2017

Blackspots are areas of poor signal coverage or service delivery that leads to customer complaints and loss in business revenue. Understanding their spatial–temporal patterns at a high resolution is important for interventions. Conventional methods such as customer helplines, drive‐by testing, and network analysis tools often lack the real‐time capability and spatial accuracy required. The potential of utilising geo‐tagged Twitter data to uncover blackspots is investigated. Lexicon and machine‐learning natural language processing techniques are applied to over 1.4 million Tweets in London to uncover blackspots for both pre‐4G (2012) and post‐4G (2016) roll out. It was found that long‐term poor signal complaints make up the majority of complaints (86%) pre‐4G roll out, but short‐term network failure was responsible for most complaints (66%) post‐4G roll out.
Realisation of a widely tuneable sampled grating DBR laser emitting around 970 nm
Authors: Brox O. , Tawfieq M. , Della Casa P. , Ressel P. , Sumpf B. , Erbert G. , Knigge A. , Weyers M. , Wenzel H.
Published: April 2017

Design and fabrication of a monolithic, single aperture widely tuneable diode laser emitting around 970 nm is presented. Overgrown sampled grating Bragg reflectors are applied to setup wavelength selective mirrors. Wavelength tuning is achieved via the Vernier effect with thermal heaters placed on top of the sampled gratings. The 20 nm quasi‐continuous tuning around 970 nm with an optical side mode suppression ratio in excess of 40 dB is demonstrated and an optical output power of more than 30 mW at a pump current of 180 mA is presented.
State‐dependent intermittent control of non‐linear systems
Authors: Wang Qingzhi , He Yong , Tan Guanzheng , Wu Min
Published: April 2017

State‐dependent intermittent control is presented to investigate the exponential stabilisation issue for a class of non‐linear systems. The so‐called state‐dependent intermittent control means that whether control signals are imposed on a plant or not is related to system dynamics. Based on the concept, the mathematical description of a state‐dependent intermittent controller is initially introduced. Then, in the framework of it, the globally exponential stability is analysed in detail for the deduced state‐dependent intermittent control system with the pre‐given state‐dependent regions. It is worth mentioning that parameters in the pre‐given state‐dependent regions are tunable, which makes it flexible to design. Furthermore, a state‐dependent intermittent controller can be designed for the concerned non‐linear system according to the established exponential stabilisation criterion. Here, the designed state‐dependent intermittent controller can not only avoid chattering effectively but also control switching frequency by adjusting values of parameters in the pre‐given state‐dependent regions. Finally, two examples are given to show the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.
Diagnosis of broken rotor bar fault in open‐ and closed‐loop controlled wye‐connected induction motors using zero‐sequence voltage
Authors: Hou Zhaowen , Huang Jin , Liu He , Ye Ming , Liu Zijian , Yang Jiaqiang
Published: April 2017

This study proposes a method to detect and quantify broken rotor bar fault using zero‐sequence voltage in a wye‐connected squirrel‐cage induction motor. The zero‐sequence voltage is analysed and two fault severity factors are defined. The factors are almost independent of motor speed and load torque. Furthermore, it is proved that closed‐loop control has little influence on the diagnosis results. Consequently, the method can detect broken rotor bar fault for induction motors in both open‐ and closed‐loop drives. Moreover, the method can discriminate the broken bar fault from a low‐frequency load oscillation, even when these two phenomena occur simultaneously. In addition, the influence of unbalanced voltage supply on the diagnosis results is negligible. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method have been validated by experimental results.
Modified magnetic‐equivalent‐circuit approach for various faults studying in saturable double‐cage‐induction machines
Authors: Naderi Peyman
Published: April 2017

Modified magnetic‐equivalent circuit for a double‐cage‐induction machine in both healthy and faulty cases is presented in this study while slot skewing, saturation effect and also space harmonics are considered. Moreover, in simulation, pole numbers, rotor bars and slot numbers are chosen arbitrarily and the behaviour of the saturable double‐cage‐induction machine is studied under various kinds of faults. Broken bar in both inner and outer cages and also inter‐turn short circuit of stator windings are modelled and fault detection methods are presented. Differential equations are converted into algebraic equations using trapezoidal technique and are solved together with non‐linear magnetic equations simultaneously. To reach this aim, at first, a single set of the system equations including magnetic and electric equations are generated, and then they are solved by the Newton–Raphson method in each time step. As an advantage of this study, the presented model is capable of modelling the healthy and faulty machine under various kinds of faults by a single model which has profound effect on reducing the complexity of equations and the simulation time. Finally, effectiveness of the proposed method is verified using finite‐element method via Flux software.
Bad area detection and whitening transformation‐based identification in three‐phase distribution state estimation
Authors: Krsman Vladan D. , Sarić Andrija T.
Published: April 2017

This study addresses state estimation in three‐phase distribution systems, and proposes a new method for bad area detection (BAD) and identification of bad data. The proposed BAD utilises key features of the system such as strong correlation among measurements to identify both bad measurement areas and phases, via decoupled Chi‐squares test with newly proposed metrics. The bad data identification detects multiple bad measurements using the whitening (sphering) transformation for re‐parameterisation of the measurement residuals. The proposed methodology is verified on two characteristic test examples: (i) modified IEEE 13‐bus benchmark test system, and (ii) 186‐bus real‐world distribution utility feeder.
Decentralised secondary voltage and frequency control scheme for islanded microgrid based on adaptive state estimator
Authors: Lou Guannan , Gu Wei , Wang Liufang , Xu Bin , Wu Ming , Sheng Wanxing
Published: April 2017

This study proposes a decentralised secondary voltage and frequency control based on the state estimation principle and cooperative strategy in an islanded microgrid. Following the establishment of a large signal model of microgrid, an adaptive sliding mode observer is allocated to each distributed generation unit to estimate the transient responses of the other units based on the coupling of the physical system. In this way, the proposed secondary control is implemented in a fully decentralised structure such that each distributed generation requires its own information only; unlike conventional centralised or distributed control methods, this scheme obviates any requirement for communication network and remote measurements, which leads to improved system reliability, flexibility and scalability. Simulation results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed secondary control for a typical microgrid system.
Studying the photometric and spectroscopic variability of the magnetic hot supergiant ζ Orionis Aa
Authors: Buysschaert B. , Neiner C. , Richardson N. D. , Ramiaramanantsoa T. , David-Uraz A. , Pablo H. , Oksala M. E. , Moffat A. F. J. , Mennickent R. E. , Legeza S. , Aerts C. , Kuschnig R. , Whittaker G. N. , Popowicz A. , Handler G. , Wade G. A. , Weiss W. W.
Published: April 2017

Massive stars play a significant role in the chemical and dynamical evolution of galaxies. However, much of their variability, particularly during their evolved supergiant stage, is poorly understood. To understand the variability of evolved massive stars in more detail, we present a study of the O9.2Ib supergiant ζ Ori  Aa, the only currently confirmed supergiant to host a magnetic field. We have obtained two-color space-based BRIght Target Explorer photometry (BRITE) for ζ Ori  Aa during two observing campaigns, as well as simultaneous ground-based, high-resolution optical CHIRON spectroscopy. We perform a detailed frequency analysis to detect and characterize the star’s periodic variability. We detect two significant, independent frequencies, their higher harmonics, and combination frequencies: the stellar rotation period Prot = 6.82 ± 0.18 d, most likely related to the presence of the stable magnetic poles, and a variation with a period of 10.0 ± 0.3 d attributed to circumstellar environment, also detected in the Hα and several He I lines, yet absent in the purely photospheric lines. We confirm the variability with Prot/4, likely caused by surface inhomogeneities, being the possible photospheric drivers of the discrete absorption components. No stellar pulsations were detected in the data. The level of circumstellar activity clearlydiffers between the two BRITE observing campaigns. We demonstrate that ζ Ori  Aa is a highly variable star with both periodic and non-periodic variations, as well as episodic events. The rotation period we determined agrees well with the spectropolarimetric value from the literature. The changing activity level observed with BRITE could explain why the rotational modulation of the magnetic measurements was not clearly detected at all epochs.
Instantaneous charge state of uranium projectiles in fully ionized plasmas from energy loss experiments
Authors: Morales Roberto , Barriga-Carrasco Manuel D. , Casas David
Published: April 2017

The instantaneous charge state of uranium ions traveling through a fully ionized hydrogen plasma has been theoretically studied and compared with one of the first energy loss experiments in plasmas, carried out at GSI-Darmstadt by Hoffmann et al. in the 1990s. For this purpose, two different methods to estimate the instantaneous charge state of the projectile have been employed: (1) rate equations using ionization and recombination cross sections and (2) equilibrium charge state formulas for plasmas. Also, the equilibrium charge state has been obtained using these ionization and recombination cross sections and compared with the former equilibrium formulas. The equilibrium charge state of projectiles in plasmas is not always reached, and it depends mainly on the projectile velocity and the plasma density. Therefore, a non-equilibrium or an instantaneous description of the projectile charge is necessary. The charge state of projectile ions cannot be measured, except after exiting the target, and experimental data remain very scarce. Thus, the validity of our charge state model is checked by comparing the theoretical predictions with an energy loss experiment, as the energy loss has a generally quadratic dependence on the projectile charge state. The dielectric formalism has been used to calculate the plasma stopping power including the Brandt-Kitagawa (BK) model to describe the charge distribution of the projectile. In this charge distribution, the instantaneous number of bound electrons instead of the equilibrium number has been taken into account. Comparing our theoretical predictions with experiments, it is shown the necessity of including the instantaneous charge state and the BK charge distribution for a correct energy loss estimation. The results also show that the initial charge state has a strong influence in order to estimate the energy loss of the uranium ions.
Influence of neighboring adherent cells on laminar flow induced shear stress in vitro—A systematic study
Authors: Djukelic Mario , Wixforth Achim , Westerhausen Christoph
Published: April 2017

Cells experience forces if subjected to laminar flow. These forces, mostly of shear force character, are strongly dependent not only on the applied flow field itself but also on hydrodynamic effects originating from neighboring cells. This particularly becomes important for the interpretation of data from in vitro experiments in flow chambers without confluent cell layers. By employing numerical Finite Element Method simulations of such assemblies of deformable objects under shear flow, we investigate the occurring stress within elastic adherent cells and the influence of neighboring cells on these quantities. For this, we simulate single and multiple adherent cells of different shapes fixed on a solid substrate under laminar flow parallel to the substrate for different velocities. We determine the local stress within the cells close to the cell-substrate-interface and the overall stress of the cells by surface integration over the cell surface. Comparing each measurand in the case of a multiple cell situation with the corresponding one of single cells under identical conditions, we introduce a dimensionless influence factor. The systematic variation of the distance and angle between cells, where the latter is with respect to the flow direction, flow velocity, Young's modulus, cell shape, and cell number, enables us to describe the actual influence on a cell. Overall, we here demonstrate that the cell density is a crucial parameter for all studies on flow induced experiments on adherent cells in vitro.
Ultraviolet photochemistry of 2-bromothiophene explored using universal ionization detection and multi-mass velocity-map imaging with a PImMS2 sensor
Authors: Ingle R. A. , Hansen C. S. , Elsdon E. , Bain M. , King S. J. , Lee J. W. L. , Brouard M. , Vallance C. , Turchetta R. , Ashfold M. N. R.
Published: April 2017

The ultraviolet photochemistry of 2-bromothiophene (C4H3SBr) has been studied across the wavelength range 265-245 nm using a velocity-map imaging (VMI) apparatus recently modified for multi-mass imaging and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV, 118.2 nm) universal ionization. At all wavelengths, molecular products arising from the loss of atomic bromine were found to exhibit recoil velocities and anisotropies consistent with those reported elsewhere for the Br fragment [J. Chem. Phys. 142, 224303 (2015)]. Comparison between the momentum distributions of the Br and C4H3S fragments suggests that bromine is formed primarily in its ground (2P3/2) spin-orbit state. These distributions match well at high momentum, but relatively fewer slow moving molecular fragments were detected. This is explained by the observation of a second substantial ionic product, C3H3+. Analysis of ion images recorded simultaneously for several ion masses and the results of high-level ab initio calculations suggest that this fragment ion arises from dissociative ionization (by the VUV probe laser) of the most internally excited C4H3S fragments. This study provides an excellent benchmark for the recently modified VMI instrumentation and offers a powerful demonstration of the emerging field of multi-mass VMI using event-triggered, high frame-rate sensors, and universal ionization.
Induced topological pressure and the zero-dimensional extension for BS dimensions
Authors: Xing Zhitao , Chen Ercai
Published: April 2017

In this paper, the relation for two induced topological pressures with a factor map is set up. As an application, we also consider the zero-dimensional extension for BS dimensions.
Front tracking for quantifying advection-reaction-diffusion
Authors: Nevins Thomas D. , Kelley Douglas H.
Published: April 2017

We present an algorithm for measuring the speed and thickness of reaction fronts, and from those quantities, the diffusivity and the reaction rate of the active chemical species. This front-tracking algorithm provides local measurements suitable for statistics and requires only a sequence of concentration fields. Though our eventual goal is front tracking in advection-reaction-diffusion, here we demonstrate the algorithm in reaction-diffusion. We test the algorithm with validation data in which front speed and thickness are prescribed, as well as simulation results in which diffusivity and reaction rate are prescribed. In all tests, measurements closely match true values. We apply the algorithm to laboratory experiments using the Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction, producing speed, diffusivity, and reaction rate measurements that are statistically more robust than in prior studies. Finally, we use thickness measurements to quantify the concentration profile of chemical waves in the reaction.
Ultra-sensitive NEMS magnetoelectric sensor for picotesla DC magnetic field detection
Authors: Li Menghui , Matyushov Alexei , Dong Cunzheng , Chen Huaihao , Lin Hwaider , Nan Tianxiang , Qian Zhenyun , Rinaldi Matteo , Lin Yuanhua , Sun Nian X.
Published: April 2017

We report a highly sensitive NEMS DC/low frequency magnetic field sensor consisting of an AlN/FeGaB resonator, with a ΔE effect-based sensing principle. Unlike previously reported magnetic field detection schemes, such as observing induced magnetoelectric voltage, or monitoring impedance, we designed a system to directly measure the reflected output voltage from the sensor as a function of magnetic field. The AlN/FeGaB resonator shows a resonance frequency shift of 3.19 MHz (1.44%), which leads to a high DC magnetic field sensitivity of 2.8 Hz/nT and a limit of detection of 800pT in an unshielded, room temperature and pressure, lab environment.
Broadband dielectric spectroscopy of Pb-based relaxor ferroelectric (1-x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-xPbTiO3 with intermediate random fields
Authors: Svirskas Šarūnas , Banys Jūras , Kojima Seiji
Published: April 2017

This work is devoted to the investigation of the broad band dielectric spectra of 0.83PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3-0.17PbTiO3 (PMN-17PT) single crystals which have intermediate random fields. The necessity to understand the impact of random fields for the phase transition in heterogeneous perovskite oxides is of central importance. The thorough studies of dielectric properties revealed that the structural phase transition in PMN-17PT has a very complex dynamics. The temperature dependences of dielectric permittivity show that this material has features characteristic of polar nano regions and order-disorder phase transition dynamics. We speculate that this is the fingerprint of the phase transition in such heterogeneous perovskite oxides.
Multi-layered bowtie nano-antennas
Authors: Morshed Monir , Khaleque Abdul , Hattori Haroldo T.
Published: April 2017

This paper analyzes a multi-layered bowtie nano-antenna, consisting of alternate layers of silica (SiO2) and gold (Au). We show that the multi-layered structure can produce six times higher electric field enhancement than a purely gold bowtie antenna. The antennas may find applications in sensing (e.g., Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering) and imaging.
Detection of silicide formation in nanoscale visualization of interface electrostatics
Authors: Nolting Westly , Durcan Chris , LaBella Vincent P.
Published: April 2017

The ability to detect localized silicide formation at a buried metal semiconductor Schottky interface is demonstrated via nanoscale measurements of the electrostatic barrier. This is accomplished by mapping the Schottky barrier height of the Cr/Si(001) interface by ballistic electron emission microscopy (BEEM). Monte-Carlo modeling is employed to simulate the distributions of barrier heights that include scattering of the electrons that traverse the metal layer and a distribution of electrostatic barriers at the interface. The best agreement between the model and the data is achieved when specifying two barrier heights less than 60 meV from one another instead of a singular barrier. This provides strong evidence that localized silicide formation occurs that would be difficult to observe in averaged BEEM spectra or conventional current voltage measurements.
The impact of forming gas annealing on the electrical characteristics of sulfur passivated Al2O3/In0.53Ga0.47As (110) metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors
Authors: Fu Yen-Chun , Peralagu Uthayasankaran , Millar David A. J. , Lin Jun , Povey Ian , Li Xu , Monaghan Scott , Droopad Ravi , Hurley Paul K. , Thayne Iain G.
Published: April 2017

This study reports the impact of forming gas annealing (FGA) on the electrical characteristics of sulfur passivated, atomic layer deposited Al2O3 gate dielectrics deposited on (110) oriented n- and p-doped In0.53Ga0.47 As layers metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors (MOSCAPs). In combination, these approaches enable significant Fermi level movement through the bandgap of both n- and p-doped In0.53Ga0.47 As (110) MOSCAPs. A midgap interface trap density (Dit) value in the range 0.87−1.8×1012 cm−2eV−1 is observed from the samples studied. Close to the conduction band edge, a Dit value of 3.1×1011 cm−2eV−1 is obtained. These data indicate the combination of sulfur pre-treatment and FGA is advantageous in passivating trap states in the upper half of the bandgap of (110) oriented In0.53Ga0.47 As. This is further demonstrated by a reduction in border trap density in the n-type In0.53Ga0.47 As (110) MOSCAPs from 1.8×1012 cm−2 to 5.3×1011 cm−2 as a result of the FGA process. This is in contrast to the observed increase in border trap density after FGA from 7.3×1011 cm−2 to 1.4×1012 cm−2 in p-type In0.53Ga0.47 As (110) MOSCAPs, which suggest FGA is not as effective in passsivating states close to the valence band edge.
Pastoralist adaptation practices under non-governmental development interventions in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Liao Chuan , Fei Ding
Published: April 2017

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been playing important roles in facilitating pastoralist adaptation; however, focussed studies have yet to examine whether and how NGO interventions generate viable opportunities for adaptation and development in pastoral communities. This paper analyses how Boran pastoralists cope with various socio-environmental risks under NGO interventions in southern Ethiopia. We find that pastoralist adaptation practices under NGO development interventions enhanced diversification, communal pooling, storage, and market access, but compromised mobility. Changes in pastoralists’ pursuit of livelihoods facilitated alternative adaptation, but such changes risked exacerbating rangeland degradation, reinforcing dependence on external aid, and weakening indigenous institutions. We thus conclude by arguing for more conscious interventions that can mitigate risks without negatively influencing the wellbeing of human subjects and ecosystems.
Nimodipine fosters remyelination in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis and induces microglia-specific apoptosis
Authors: Schampel Andrea , Volovitch Oleg , Koeniger Tobias , Scholz Claus-Jürgen , Jörg Stefanie , Linker Ralf A. , Wischmeyer Erhard , Wunsch Marie , Hell Johannes W. , Ergün Süleyman , Kuerten Stefanie
Published: April 2017

Significance

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent neurological disease that leads to premature retirement in young adults. Progressive MS currently is not only incurable, but also untreatable. Here we show that the calcium channel antagonist nimodipine significantly attenuated clinical disease and central nervous system degeneration and also fostered remyelination in a mouse model of MS. The effect of nimodipine was microglia specific, inducing apoptosis and decreasing the production of neurotoxic molecules such as nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species both in vitro and in vivo. These results introduce a treatment option for MS and also may have broad therapeutic implications for chronic neuroinflammatory diseases in general.
Neutrophil myeloperoxidase diminishes the toxic effects and mortality induced by lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Reber Laurent L. , Gillis Caitlin M. , Starkl Philipp , Jönsson Friederike , Sibilano Riccardo , Marichal Thomas , Gaudenzio Nicolas , Bérard Marion , Rogalla Stephan , Contag Christopher H. , Bruhns Pierre , Galli Stephen J.
Published: April 2017

Neutrophils have crucial antimicrobial functions but are also thought to contribute to tissue injury upon exposure to bacterial products, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). To study the role of neutrophils in LPS-induced endotoxemia, we developed a new mouse model, PMNDTR mice, in which injection of diphtheria toxin induces selective neutrophil ablation. Using this model, we found, surprisingly, that neutrophils serve to protect the host from LPS-induced lethal inflammation. This protective role was observed in conventional and germ-free animal facilities, indicating that it does not depend on a particular microbiological environment. Blockade or genetic deletion of myeloperoxidase (MPO), a key neutrophil enzyme, significantly increased mortality after LPS challenge, and adoptive transfer experiments confirmed that neutrophil-derived MPO contributes importantly to protection from endotoxemia. Our findings imply that, in addition to their well-established antimicrobial properties, neutrophils can contribute to optimal host protection by limiting the extent of endotoxin-induced inflammation in an MPO-dependent manner.
The endoplasmic reticulum is partitioned asymmetrically during mitosis before cell fate selection in proneuronal cells in the earlyDrosophilaembryo
Authors: Eritano Anthony S. , Altamirano Arturo , Beyeler Sarah , Gaytan Norma , Velasquez Mark , Riggs Blake
Published: April 2017

Asymmetric cell division is the primary mechanism to generate cellular diversity, and it relies on the correct partitioning of cell fate determinants. However, the mechanism by which these determinants are delivered and positioned is poorly understood, and the upstream signal to initiate asymmetric cell division is unknown. Here we report that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is asymmetrically partitioned during mitosis in epithelial cells just before delamination and selection of a proneural cell fate in the early Drosophila embryo. At the start of gastrulation, the ER divides asymmetrically into a population of asynchronously dividing cells at the anterior end of the embryo. We found that this asymmetric division of the ER depends on the highly conserved ER membrane protein Jagunal (Jagn). RNA inhibition of jagn just before the start of gastrulation disrupts this asymmetric division of the ER. In addition, jagn-deficient embryos display defects in apical-basal spindle orientation in delaminated embryonic neuroblasts. Our results describe a model in which an organelle is partitioned asymmetrically in an otherwise symmetrically dividing cell population just upstream of cell fate determination and updates previous models of spindle-based selection of cell fate during mitosis.
GSK-3–mediated phosphorylation couples ER–Golgi transport and nuclear stabilization of the CREB-H transcription factor to mediate apolipoprotein secretion
Authors: Barbosa Sónia , Carreira Suzanne , O’Hare Peter
Published: April 2017

CREB-H, an ER-anchored transcription factor, plays a key role in regulating secretion in metabolic pathways, particularly triglyceride homeostasis. It controls the production both of secretory pathway components and cargoes, including apolipoproteins ApoA-IV and ApoC-II, contributing to VLDL/HDL distribution and lipolysis. The key mechanism controlling CREB-H activity involves its ER retention and forward transport to the Golgi, where it is cleaved by Golgi-resident proteases, releasing the N-terminal product, which traffics to the nucleus to effect transcriptional responses. Here we show that a serine-rich motif termed the P-motif, located in the N-terminus between serines 73 and 90, controls release of the precursor transmembrane form from the ER and its forward transport to the Golgi. This motif is subject to GSK-3 phosphorylation, promoting ER retention, while mutation of target serines and drug inhibition of GSK-3 activity coordinately induce both forward transport of the precursor and cleavage, resulting in nuclear import. We previously showed that for the nuclear product, the P-motif is subject to multiple phosphorylations, which regulate stability by targeting the protein to the SCFFbw1aE3 ubiquitin ligase. Thus phosphorylation at the P-motif provides integrated control of CREB-H function, coupling intercompartmental transport in the cytoplasm with stabilization of the active form in the nucleus.
TIN-X: target importance and novelty explorer
Authors: Cannon Daniel C , Yang Jeremy J , Mathias Stephen L , Ursu Oleg , Mani Subramani , Waller Anna , Schürer Stephan C , Jensen Lars Juhl , Sklar Larry A , Bologa Cristian G , Oprea Tudor I
Published: April 2017

Motivation

The increasing amount of peer-reviewed manuscripts requires the development of specific mining tools to facilitate the visual exploration of evidence linking diseases and proteins.

Results

We developed TIN-X, the Target Importance and Novelty eXplorer, to visualize the association between proteins and diseases, based on text mining data processed from scientific literature. In the current implementation, TIN-X supports exploration of data for G-protein coupled receptors, kinases, ion channels, and nuclear receptors. TIN-X supports browsing and navigating across proteins and diseases based on ontology classes, and displays a scatter plot with two proposed new bibliometric statistics: Importance and Novelty.

Availability and Implementation

http://www.newdrugtargets.org
Environmental screening of dark matter haloes inf(R) gravity
Authors: Shi Difu , Li Baojiu , Han Jiaxin
Published: April 2017

In certain theories of modified gravity, Solar system constraints on deviations from general relativity (GR) are satisfied by virtue of a so-called screening mechanism, which enables the theory to revert to GR in regions where the matter density is high or the gravitational potential is deep. In the case of chameleon theories, the screening has two contributions – self-screening, which is due to the mass of an object itself, and environmental screening, which is caused by the surrounding matter – which are often entangled, with the second contribution being more crucial for less massive objects. A quantitative understanding of the effect of the environment on the screening can prove critical in observational tests of such theories using systems such as the Local Group and dwarf galaxies, for which the environment may be inferred in various ways. We use the high-resolution liminality simulation of Shi et al. to test the fidelity of different definitions of environment. We find that, although the different ways to define environment in practice do not agree with one another perfectly, they can provide useful guidance, and cross checks about how well a dark matter halo is screened. In addition, the screening of subhaloes in dark matter haloes is primarily determined by the environment, with the subhalo mass playing a minor role, which means that lower resolution simulations where subhaloes are not well resolved can still be useful for understanding the modification of gravity inside subhaloes.
Fine-structure transitions as a tool for studying variation of α at high redshifts
Authors: Levshakov S. A. , Kozlov M. G.
Published: April 2017

Star-forming galaxies at high redshifts are the ideal targets to probe the hypothetical variation of the fine-structure (FS) constant α over cosmological time-scales. We propose a modification of the alkali doublets method that allows us to search for variation in α combining far-infrared and submillimetre spectroscopic observations. This variation manifests as velocity offsets between the observed positions of the FS and gross-structure transitions when compared to laboratory wavelengths. Here we describe our method whose sensitivity limit to the fractional changes in α is about 5 × 10−7. We also demonstrate that current spectral observations of hydrogen and [C ii] 158 μm lines provide an upper limit on |Δα/α| ≲ 6 × 10 − 5 at redshifts z = 3.1 and 4.7.
A Subset of Extreme Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Controllers Is Characterized by a Small HIV Blood Reservoir and a Weak T-Cell Activation Level
Authors: Canouï Etienne , Lécuroux Camille , Avettand-Fenoël Véronique , Gousset Marine , Rouzioux Christine , Saez-Cirion Asier , Meyer Laurence , Boufassa Faroudy , Lambotte Olivier , Noël Nicolas ,   and the ANRS CO21 CODEX Study Group
Published: April 2017

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus controllers (HICs) form a heterogeneous group of patients with regard to formal definitions, immunologic characteristics, and changes over time in viral load.

Patients and Methods

The HICs with undetectable viral load ([uHICs] ie, for whom a viral load had never been detected with routine assays; n = 52) were compared with 178 HICs with blips during the follow up (bHICs). Clinical characteristics, ultrasensitive HIV-ribonucleic acid (RNA) and HIV-deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) loads, HIV1-Western blot profiles, and immune parameters were analyzed.

Results

Relative to bHICs, uHICs had significantly lower ultrasensitive plasma HIV-RNA loads (P < .0001) and HIV-DNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (P = .0004), higher CD4+ T-cell count (P = .04) at enrollment, and lower T-cell activation levels. Between diagnosis and inclusion in the cohort, the CD4+ T-cell count had not changed in uHICs but had significantly decreased in bHICs. Twenty-one percent of the uHICs lacked specific anti-HIV immunoglobulin G antibodies, and these individuals also had very low levels of HIV-DNA. Half of the uHICs had a protective human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allele (-B57/58/B27), a weak CD8+ T-cell response, and very small HIV-DNA reservoir.

Conclusions

We suggest that an interesting HIC phenotype combines protective HLA alleles, low level of HIV blood reservoirs, and reduced immune activation. Prospective studies aimed at evaluating the benefit of combined antiretroviral therapy in HICs might take into account the identification of uHICs and bHICs.
Otogenic Meningitis: A Comparison of Diagnostic Performance of Surgery and Radiology
Authors: Bruschini Luca , Fortunato Simona , Tascini Carlo , Ciabotti Annalisa , Leonildi Alessandro , Bini Belinda , Giuliano Simone , Abbruzzese Arturo , Berrettini Stefano , Menichetti Francesco ,   on behalf of GISA (Italian Group for Antimicrobial Stewardship) Meningitis Study Group
Published: April 2017

Development of intracranial complications from middle ear infections might be difficult to diagnose. We compared radiological and surgical findings of 26 patients affected by otogenic meningitis. Results of our analysis showed that surgery is more reliable than imaging in revealing bone defects. Therefore, suggest that surgery be performed for diagnosis and eventual management of all cases of suspected otogenic meningitis.
Febrile Rhinovirus Illness During Pregnancy Is Associated With Low Birth Weight in Nepal
Authors: Philpott Erin K , Englund Janet A , Katz Joanne , Tielsch James , Khatry Subarna , LeClerq Stephen C , Shrestha Laxman , Kuypers Jane , Magaret Amalia S , Steinhoff Mark C , Chu Helen Y
Published: April 2017

Background

Adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight (LBW), defined as <2500 grams, small-for-gestational-age (SGA), and prematurity, contribute to 60%–80% of infant mortality worldwide and may be related to infections during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to assess whether febrile human rhinovirus (HRV) illness is associated with adverse birth outcomes.

Methods

Active household-based weekly surveillance was performed for respiratory illness episodes in pregnant women as part of a community-based, prospective, randomized trial of maternal influenza immunization in rural Nepal. Rhinovirus (HRV) febrile illness episodes were defined as fever plus cough, sore throat, runny nose, and/or myalgia with HRV detected on mid-nasal swab. Multivariate regression analysis evaluated the association between febrile HRV respiratory illness and adverse birth outcomes.

Results

Overall, 96 (3%) of 3693 pregnant women had HRV-positive febrile respiratory illnesses. Infants born to pregnant women with HRV febrile illness had a 1.6-fold increased risk of being LBW compared with those with non-HRV febrile illness (28 of 96 [38%] vs 109 of 458 [24%]; relative risk [RR], 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–2.3). No difference in risk of LBW was observed between infants born to mothers with non-HRV febrile respiratory illness and those without respiratory illness during pregnancy (109 of 458 [24%] vs 552 of 2220 [25%], respectively; RR, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.8–1.2).

Conclusions

Febrile illness due to rhinovirus during pregnancy was associated with increased risk of LBW in a rural South Asian population. Interventions to reduce the burden of febrile respiratory illness due to rhinovirus during pregnancy may have a significant impact on LBW and subsequent infant mortality.
Management as a Practice of Power
Authors: Courpasson David
Published: April 2017

This chapter emphasizes the centrality of power to management and organization. Management is a practice of power, framing management as a form of government whereby the conduct of individuals can be influenced and people can create arrangements permitting the distribution of work and responsibilities. It is also a capacity to construct infrastructures of power within which people can accomplish their tasks. Moreover, it is a practice of debate and deliberation around the means, ends and meanings of the workplace. On this basis, the chapter strives to highlight and illustrate the interrelations between management as power and some historical infrastructures within which power is concretely exercised. More specifically, it addresses the fundamental tension between centres and peripheries, suggesting that managing power is mostly about regulating the balance between the autonomy of local actors and the necessities of respecting central rules of operation.
Evidence-Based Management
Authors: Morrell Kevin , Learmonth Mark
Published: April 2017

This chapter outlines the case for “evidence-based management” then adopts a critical perspective. To do so, it focuses on a recurring feature of evidence-based writings: the management-as-medicine motif (MAMM). Advocates draw on MAMM in two ways. First, they promote the same model of knowledge production as in medicine, e.g. championing ‘systematic reviews’. Second, they rely on comparisons between management and medicine as professional practices. Identified here are consequent problems and a ‘systematic review’ is considered in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. This concerns a management phenomenon: nursing turnover and there are now five versions of the review. Bizarrely, these never actually review any evidence and the different versions are incompatible. This shows how the protocols of ‘systematic’ reviews do not necessarily lead to superior evidence, instead they can disguise inaccuracies and inconsistencies. It also exemplifies problems with MAMM.
Management and Modernity
Authors: Sewell Graham
Published: April 2017

This chapter treats Modernity as a cultural and social project of modernization that involves bringing as many aspects of human existence as possible under the control of rational processes of knowledge and practice. Management is thus at the heart of this project as it is a means to the end of establishing rational order through design, classification, and intervention. The chapter begins by looking at how formal theories of administration have sought to further modernization before going on to how more sociological approaches have dealt with the relationship between management and Modernity. Finally, it proposes an alternative understanding of Weber’s concept of the Iron Cage in order to capture the tension at the heart of Modernity where ever greater rationalization is in conflict with the desire for stability and certainty.
Management Education in Business Schools
Authors: Brown Ken , Rubin Robert S.
Published: April 2017

A variety of forces are creating pressure for change in the management education offerings in business schools, including: financial strain, diversity in students, niche course demand, and new teaching technologies. In this chapter various perspectives on management education are reviewed and these forces are discussed. A select number of formative academic studies on management education are noted along with a more detailed look at two trending topics in the academic literature: online teaching and critiques of business school curricula. For each topic, key studies are reviewed and future research directions are noted.
Management as an Academic Discipline?
Authors: De Cock Christian , Doherty Damian
Published: April 2017

To study something like ‘management’ as an ‘academic discipline’ inevitably leads to the question: What is disciplinary about management? In this chapter various meanings of ‘discipline’ are put forward, as are the effects these produce. An important reference is the work of Michel Foucault who reminds us of the importance of a vigilant and permanent questioning of ‘discipline’. One response is to linger—in a somewhat irreverent fashion—on certain issues that management scholars may have ignored in their corpus of knowledge. In what is a rather peculiar body of literature and practices that makes up ‘business and management studies’, it is shown that discipline is far from disciplined. As a practice it is best characterized as promiscuous and eclectic. Yet the clarion call of discipline remains. In a final twist, this chapter argues it is important to retain this legacy so that its constant re-invention remains a possibility.