bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rational design of mutations that change the aggregation rate of a protein while maintaining its native structure and stability
Authors: Camilloni Carlo , Sala Benedetta Maria , Sormanni Pietro , Porcari Riccardo , Corazza Alessandra , De Rosa Matteo , Zanini Stefano , Barbiroli Alberto , Esposito Gennaro , Bolognesi Martino , Bellotti Vittorio , Vendruscolo Michele , Ricagno Stefano
Published: May 2016

A wide range of human diseases is associated with mutations that, destabilizing proteins native state, promote their aggregation. However, the mechanisms leading from folded to aggregated states are still incompletely understood. To investigate these mechanisms, we used a combination of NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations to compare the native state dynamics of Beta-2 microglobulin (β2m), whose aggregation is associated with dialysis-related amyloidosis, and its aggregation-resistant mutant W60G. Our results indicate that W60G low aggregation propensity can be explained, beyond its higher stability, by an increased average protection of the aggregation-prone residues at its surface. To validate these findings, we designed β2m variants that alter the aggregation-prone exposed surface of wild-type and W60G β2m modifying their aggregation propensity. These results allowed us to pinpoint the role of dynamics in β2m aggregation and to provide a new strategy to tune protein aggregation by modulating the exposure of aggregation-prone residues.
Generation and gene expression profiling of 48 transcription-factor-inducible mouse embryonic stem cell lines
Authors: Yamamizu Kohei , Sharov Alexei A. , Piao Yulan , Amano Misa , Yu Hong , Nishiyama Akira , Dudekula Dawood B. , Schlessinger David , Ko Minoru S. H.
Published: May 2016

Mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can differentiate into a wide range – and possibly all cell types in vitro, and thus provide an ideal platform to study systematically the action of transcription factors (TFs) in cell differentiation. Previously, we have generated and analyzed 137 TF-inducible mouse ESC lines. As an extension of this “NIA Mouse ESC Bank,” we generated and characterized 48 additional mouse ESC lines, in which single TFs in each line could be induced in a doxycycline-controllable manner. Together, with the previous ESC lines, the bank now comprises 185 TF-manipulable ESC lines (>10% of all mouse TFs). Global gene expression (transcriptome) profiling revealed that the induction of individual TFs in mouse ESCs for 48 hours shifts their transcriptomes toward specific differentiation fates (e.g., neural lineages by Myt1 Isl1, and St18; mesodermal lineages by Pitx1, Pitx2, Barhl2, and Lmx1a; white blood cells by Myb, Etv2, and Tbx6, and ovary by Pitx1, Pitx2, and Dmrtc2). These data also provide and lists of inferred target genes of each TF and possible functions of these TFs. The results demonstrate the utility of mouse ESC lines and their transcriptome data for understanding the mechanism of cell differentiation and the function of TFs.
Carbon-rich cyclopentadienyl ruthenium allenylidene complexes
Authors: Spörler Susanne , Strinitz Frank , Rodehutskors Philipp , Müller Lisa , Waterloo Andreas R. , Dürr Maximilian , Hübner Eike , Ivanović-Burmazović Ivana , Tykwinski Rik R. , Burzlaff Nicolai
Published: May 2016

Ruthenium allenylidene complexes based on carbon-rich polyaromatic moieties have been synthesized with interesting intermolecular π-interactions.
Dinuclear cobalt(iii) and mixed valence trinuclear MnIII–MnII–MnIII complexes with a tripodal bridging pyridylaminophenol ligand
Authors: Davila Ruben , Farias Nicolas , Carolina Sañudo E. , Vega Andrés , Escuer Albert , Soler Mónica , Manzur Jorge
Published: May 2016

Two new complexes with the tripodal N-(2-pyridyl-methyl)-N,N-bis-[2′-hydroxy-5′-methyl-benzyl]-amine, one CoIII dimer and a linear mixed valence MnIII–MnII–MnIII have been synthesized and characterized.
Enhanced non-vitreous cryopreservation of immortalized and primary cells by ice-growth inhibiting polymers
Authors: Deller Robert C. , Pessin Jeffrey E. , Vatish Manu , Mitchell Daniel A. , Gibson Matthew I.
Published: May 2016

Ice growth inhibiting polymers are shown to enhance the (non-vitrifying) cryopreservation of several cell lines and also primary hepatocytes.
Functionalizing the glycocalyx of living cells with supramolecular guest ligands for cucurbit[8]uril-mediated assembly
Authors: Cavatorta Emanuela , Verheijden Mark L. , van Roosmalen Wies , Voskuhl Jens , Huskens Jurriaan , Jonkheijm Pascal
Published: May 2016

Metabolically presented naphthol ligands on the glycocalyx to trap cells to non-fouling lipid bilayers by heterocomplexation with cucurbit[8]uril and methylviologen.
Valley polarization and p-/n-type doping of monolayer WTe2 on top of Fe3O4(111)
Authors: Song Yan , Zhang Qian , Mi Wenbo , Wang Xiaocha
Published: May 2016

Valley polarization and p-/n-type doping are realized in WTe2/Fe3O4(111), where stacking patterns and substrate termination play a key role.
Correlation of the depletion layer with the Helmholtz layer in the anatase TiO2–H2O interface via molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Sang Lixia , Zhang Yudong , Wang Jun , Zhao Yangbo , Chen Yi-tung
Published: May 2016

By correlating the Helmholtz layer with the depletion layer, the depletion layer widths of anatase TiO2 surfaces (001), (100), and (101) are calculated.
Electronic state-lifetime interference in resonant Auger spectra: a tool to disentangle overlapping core-excited states
Authors: Goldsztejn Gildas , Marchenko Tatiana , Céolin Denis , Journel Loïc , Guillemin Renaud , Rueff Jean-Pascal , Kushawaha Rajesh K. , Püttner Ralph , Piancastelli Maria Novella , Simon Marc
Published: May 2016

Thanks to a new fit approach, electronic state-lifetime interference terms are extracted and used to disentangle overlapping states.
The interaction of Hg2+and trivalent ions with two new fluorescein bio-inspired dual colorimetric/fluorimetric probes
Authors: Gonçalves A. C. , Pilla V. , Oliveira E. , Santos S. M. , Capelo J. L. , Dos Santos A. A. , Lodeiro C.
Published: May 2016

Two new bio-inspired fluorescein derivatives were successfully synthesized and both the compounds showed a “turn on” fluorescence in the presence of trivalent (Al3+, Fe3+, Ga3+, Cr3+) and Hg2+metal ions, forming mononuclear complexes in acetonitrile.
A possible method for in situ nitrogen removal in landfills by microbial-pumping-iron behavior
Authors: Long Yuyang , Xu Jing , Du Yao , Feng Huan , Fang Yuan , Shen Dongsheng
Published: May 2016

Nitrogen pollution from landfills needs urgent treatment.
Zinc- and copper-porphyrins in aqueous solution – two similar complexes with strongly contrasting hydration
Authors: Moin Syed Tarique , Hofer Thomas S.
Published: May 2016

Structural and dynamical properties of zinc- and copper-porphyrins in water.
A clickable UTP analog for the posttranscriptional chemical labeling and imaging of RNA
Authors: Sawant Anupam A. , Mukherjee Progya P. , Jangid Rahul K. , Galande Sanjeev , Srivatsan Seergazhi G.
Published: May 2016

A multipurpose UTP analog potentially suitable for RNA aptamer selection and two-channel visualization of RNA in cells by using click chemistry and Raman spectroscopy has been developed.
From glycals to aminosugars: a challenging test for new stereoselective aminohydroxylation and related methodologies
Authors: Mirabella S. , Cardona F. , Goti A.
Published: May 2016

The most relevant methods to access 1-, 2-, 3-amino or 1,2-diaminosugars starting from unsaturated carbohydrates are concisely reviewed; the given examples illustrate the great challenges offered to several stereoselective strategies.
Towards theory driven structure elucidation of complex natural products: mandelalides and coibamide A
Authors: Snyder Kevin M. , Sikorska Justyna , Ye Tao , Fang Lijing , Su Wu , Carter Rich G. , McPhail Kerry L. , Cheong Paul H.-Y.
Published: May 2016

The effectiveness of computational tools in determining relative configurations of complex molecules is investigated, using natural products mandelalides A–D and coibamide A, towards a generalized recipe for the scientific community at large.
From solution to in-cell study of the chemical reactivity of acid sensitive functional groups: a rational approach towards improved cleavable linkers for biospecific endosomal release
Authors: Jacques Sylvain A. , Leriche Geoffray , Mosser Michel , Nothisen Marc , Muller Christian D. , Remy Jean-Serge , Wagner Alain
Published: May 2016

pH-Sensitive linkers designed to undergo selective hydrolysis at acidic pH compared to physiological pH can be used for the selective release of therapeutics at their site of action.
A grazing incident XRD study on the structure of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) ultrathin films sandwiched between Si wafers and amorphous polymers
Authors: Dai Xiying , Zhang Jie , Ren Zhongjie , Li Huihui , Sun Xiaoli , Yan Shouke
Published: May 2016

The crystallization behavior and morphology of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) ultrathin films sandwiched between Si wafers and amorphous thin polymer layers were studied by using grazing incident X-ray diffraction (GIXD) technology.
Cost effective nanofiber composite membranes for Cr(vi) adsorption with high durability
Authors: Xu Dandan , Yan Shan , weng Wei , Xiao Ru
Published: May 2016

PANI/EVOH composite nanofiber membranes were prepared though melt-blending extrusion, high-speed flow deposition and in situ chemical oxidative polymerization for the removal of hexavalent chromium [Cr(vi)].
Adsorption and heterogeneous reactions of ClONO2 and N2O5 on/with NaCl aerosol
Authors: Sun Yanhui , Zhang Qingzhu , Wang Wenxing
Published: May 2016

The adsorption and heterogeneous reactions of ClONO2 and N2O5 on the NaCl (100) surface have been investigated by performing density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
MOF-derived NixCo1−x(OH)2 composite microspheres for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: He Shuhua , Li Zhangpeng , Wang Jinqing , Wen Ping , Gao Jiechang , Ma Limin , Yang Zhigang , Yang Shengrong
Published: May 2016

NixCo1−x(OH)2 composite microspheres are successfully synthesized with the assistance of alkali solution by employing a bimetallic Co–Ni–MOF as both the precursor and the self-sacrificing template, demonstrating excellent electrochemical performance.
Synthesis of stable core–shell structured TiO2@Fe3O4 based on carbon derived from yeast with an enhanced photocatalytic ability
Authors: Zhao Xiaoxu , Lu Ziyang , Kan Jinyan , Yi Chengwu , Gao Nailing , Zhu Zhi , Song Minshan , Yan Yongsheng , Wang Yang , Zhang Tong
Published: May 2016

By using yeast as the carbon source, stable core–shell structured TiO2@Fe3O4 based on carbon (TiO2@Fe3O4-carbon) was obtained.
A study on the luminescence properties of gamma-ray-irradiated white light emitting Ca2Al2SiO7:Dy3+phosphors fabricated using a combustion-assisted method
Authors: Tiwari Geetanjali , Brahme Nameeta , Sharma Ravi , Bisen D. P. , Sao Sanjay K. , Dhoble S. J.
Published: May 2016

Ca2Al2SiO7:Dy3+phosphors emitting long-lasting white light were synthesized by a combustion-assisted method.
Efficient hydrogen generation from formic acid using AgPd nanoparticles immobilized on carbon nitride-functionalized SBA-15
Authors: Xu Lixin , Jin Bo , Zhang Jian , Cheng Dang-guo , Chen Fengqiu , An Yue , Cui Ping , Wan Chao
Published: May 2016

Bimetallic AgPd nanoparticles were successfully immobilized on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) functionalized SBA-15 for the first time by a facile co-reduction method.
Application of PDMS pervaporation membranes filled with tree bark biochar for ethanol/water separation
Authors: Lan Yongqiang , Yan Ning , Wang Weihong
Published: May 2016

This study has shown, for the first time, the promise of tree bark biochar as fillers for improving selectivity index and separation flux of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) pervaporation membranes for ethanol/water separation.
A tandem polyol process and ATRP used to design new processable hybrid exchange-biased CoxFe3−xO4@CoO@PMMA nanoparticles
Authors: Ourry L. , Mammeri F. , Toulemon D. , Gaudisson T. , Delamar M. , Ammar S.
Published: May 2016

The relationships between interparticle distance and magnetic properties of CoxFe3−xO4@CoO@PMMA nanoparticles clearly emphasize the role of material processing for the design of tailored flexible polymer based hybrid materials.
A heterometallic (Fe6Na8) cage-like silsesquioxane: synthesis, structure, spin glass behavior and high catalytic activity
Authors: Bilyachenko Alexey N. , Levitsky Mikhail M. , Yalymov Alexey I. , Korlyukov Alexander A. , Vologzhanina Anna V. , Kozlov Yuriy N. , Shul'pina Lidia S. , Nesterov Dmytro S. , Pombeiro Armando J. L. , Lamaty Frédéric , Bantreil Xavier , Fetre Amandine , Liu Diyang , Martinez Jean , Long Jérôme , Larionova Joulia , Guari Yannick , Trigub Alexander L. , Zubavichus Yan V. , Golub Igor E. , Filippov Oleg A. , Shubina Elena S. , Shul'pin Georgiy B.
Published: May 2016

The exotic “Asian Lantern” heterometallic cage silsesquioxane [(PhSiO1.5)20(FeO1.5)6(NaO0.5)8(n-BuOH)9.6(C7H8)] (I) was obtained and characterized by X-ray diffraction, EXAFS, topological analyses and DFT calculation.
Adsorption behavior of magnetic amino-functionalized metal–organic framework for cationic and anionic dyes from aqueous solution
Authors: Liu Haochi , Chen Ligang , Ding Jie
Published: May 2016

The mechanisms of interactions such as electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, and π–π stacking interaction were discussed for the adsorption of cationic and anionic dyes onto magnetic NH2-MIL-101(Al).
Characterization of a conglomerate-forming derivative of (±)-milnacipran and its enantiomeric resolution by preferential crystallization
Authors: Sanfilippo Claudia , Forni Alessandra , Patti Angela
Published: May 2016

The conglomerate nature of crystals of anN-isobutyramide derivative of milnacipran was efficiently exploited for its enantiomeric resolution by preferential crystallization.
Magnetic Co0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4nanoparticle-modified polymeric g-C3N4sheets with enhanced photocatalytic performance for chloromycetin degradation
Authors: Ma Wei , Chen Long , Dai Jiangdong , Li Chunxiang , Yan Yongsheng
Published: May 2016

The visible-light and heterojunctional photocatalyst Co0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4/g-C3N4(CN-CZF) was prepared for the first time in a hydrothermal route by adopting Co0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4and g-C3N4as monomer.
Targeted delivery of vincristine to T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells using an aptamer-modified albumin conjugate
Authors: Taghdisi Seyed Mohammad , Danesh Noor Mohammad , Ramezani Mohammad , Abnous Khalil
Published: May 2016

Clinical application of vincristine in treatment of cancer is restricted because of its poor solubility and neuropathy.
Introduction of O-sulfonated poly(vinylpyrrolidonium) hydrogen sulfate as an efficient, and reusable solid acid catalyst for some solvent-free multicomponent reactions
Authors: Goli-Jolodar Omid , Shirini Farhad , Seddighi Mohadeseh
Published: May 2016

In this work,O-sulfonated poly(vinylpyrrolidonium) hydrogen sulphate has been prepared as a powerful recyclable solid acid catalyst and characterized using a variety of techniques including elemental analysis, FT-IR, TGA, SEM, XRD, pH analysis and Hammett acidity function.
Au–Pd alloy nanoparticles supported on layered double hydroxide for heterogeneously catalyzed aerobic oxidative dehydrogenation of cyclohexanols and cyclohexanones to phenols
Authors: Jin Xiongjie , Taniguchi Kento , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Mizuno Noritaka
Published: May 2016

We developed a novel system for the synthesis of phenols through aerobic oxidative dehydrogenation of cyclohexanols and cyclohexanones by Mg–Al-layered double hydroxide-supported Au–Pd alloy nanoparticles.
Bio-inspired supramolecular materials by orthogonal self-assembly of hydrogelators and phospholipids
Authors: Boekhoven J. , Brizard A. M. , Stuart M. C. A. , Florusse L. , Raffy G. , Del Guerzo A. , van Esch J. H.
Published: May 2016

We report how to identify orthogonal self-assembly and describe guidelines to achieve self-sorting in self-assembled mixed systems.
Iron–polypyrrole electrocatalyst with remarkable activity and stability for ORR in both alkaline and acidic conditions: a comprehensive assessment of catalyst preparation sequence
Authors: Tran Thanh-Nhan , Song Min Young , Singh Kiran Pal , Yang Dae-Soo , Yu Jong-Sung
Published: May 2016

Fe-treated N-doped carbon prepared from polypyrrole in the presence of a ferric source employing a pyrolysis–leaching–stabilization synthesis protocol was found to show remarkable oxygen reduction activity.
A thermosensitive hydroxybutyl chitosan hydrogel as a potential co-delivery matrix for drugs on keloid inhibition
Authors: Bao Zixian , Gao Ping , Xia Guixue , Wang Zhiguo , Kong Ming , Feng Chao , Cheng Xiaojie , Liu Ya , Chen Xiguang
Published: May 2016

A thermosensitive hydroxybutyl chitosan hydrogel could be used as a potential co-delivery matrix for drugs on keloid inhibition.
A self-assembled DNA nanostructure for targeted and pH-triggered drug delivery to combat doxorubicin resistance
Authors: Liu Juan , Ma Xiaowei , Lei Chunni , Xue Xiangdong , Wei Tuo , Zhao Jing , Li Shuyi , Liang Xing-Jie
Published: May 2016

The self-assembled DNA nanostructure was able to specifically target cancer cells and release the drug at pH 5.0.
9.5 mW fully integrated K‐band on–off keying receiver with −47.6 dBm sensitivity and 600 Mbit/s data rate in 90 nm CMOS
Authors: Chiou H.‐K. , Chien K.‐H.
Published: May 2016

A K‐band on–off keying (OOK) receiver implemented in tsmcTM 90 nm CMOS process is proposed. The proposed OOK receiver consists of a two‐stage wideband low‐noise amplifier, a single‐to‐differential envelop detector with RC lowpass filter and a 62.6 dB three‐stage variable gain amplifier and DC offset compensation circuit. The OOK receiver achieved a sensitivity of −47.6 dBm at 600 Mbit/s data rate under a pseudo‐random binary sequence 29–1 pattern. The receiver consumes a low power of 9.5 mW, which minimum average power is only 15.86 nW at the input power of −47.6 dBm. The chip area including test pads is 1 × 0.81 mm2.
Fast OMP algorithm for 3D parameters super‐resolution estimation in bistatic MIMO radar
Authors: Zhang Dong , Zhang Yongshun , Hu Xiaowei , Zheng Guimei , Tang Jun , Feng Cunqian
Published: May 2016

A fast super‐resolution method for joint Doppler frequency, direction of departure and direction of arrival estimation in bistatic MIMO radar is presented. First, the 3D echo signal model of bistatic MIMO radar with uniform linear transmit and uniform linear receive array is established. Then, the Kronecker compressive sensing (KCS) is introduced to improve the 3D parameters estimation performance. Moreover, a novel fast orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) algorithm utilising 3D fast Fourier transformation is also presented to reduce the computation burden of KCS. Finally, the effectiveness of the method is validated by the simulation.
Polarisation‐independent switchable absorber/reflector
Authors: Ghosh S. , Srivastava K.V.
Published: May 2016

A polarisation‐independent switchable absorber/reflector based on active frequency selective surface (AFSS) has been reported. The FSS design consists of diagonally connected circular loops on which semiconductor switches (PIN diodes) have been mounted. By controlling the bias voltage of the PIN diodes, the structure shows perfect reflection in ON state while exhibits single band absorption during OFF state. The proposed design is four‐fold symmetric, thereby realising polarisation‐insensitive behaviour, unlike the earlier reported AFSS designs. Furthermore, a prototype of the proposed structure has been fabricated where the PIN diodes have been biased through a novel biasing technique. The measured result also shows good agreement with simulated response under normal incidence.
Compensation strategy for high‐speed three‐stage switched‐capacitor amplifiers
Authors: Giustolisi G. , Palumbo G.
Published: May 2016

In this Letter a new compensation strategy for a class of three‐stage operational transconductance amplifiers is proposed. The proposed approach reduces the original third‐order transfer function of the loop gain to that of a pure two‐pole amplifier thus allowing the designer to use well‐known and consolidated design rules. The approach, suitable for high‐speed switched‐capacitor circuits, is validated by means of intensive Monte Carlo simulations on a 65‐nm three‐stage CMOS amplifier.
Energy management algorithm for solar‐powered energy harvesting wireless sensor node for Internet of Things
Authors: Shin Minchul , Joe Inwhee
Published: May 2016

The solar powered energy harvesting sensor node is a key technology for Internet of Things (IoT), but currently it offers only a small amount of energy storage and is capable of harvesting only a trivial amount of energy. Therefore, new technology for managing the energy associated with this sensor node is required. In particular, it is important to manage the transmission interval because the level of energy consumption during data transmission is the highest in the sensor node. If the proper transmission interval is calculated, the sensor node can be used semi‐permanently. In this study, the authors propose an energy prediction algorithm that uses the light intensity of fluorescent lamps in an indoor environment. The proposed algorithm can be used to accurately estimate the amount of energy that will be harvested by a solar panel using a weighted average for light intensity. Then, the optimal transmission interval is calculated using the amount of predicted harvested energy and residual energy. The results from the authors’ experimental testbeds show that their algorithm's performance is better than the existing approaches. The energy prediction error of their algorithm is approximately 0.5%.
Efficient technique for rice grain classification using back‐propagation neural network and wavelet decomposition
Authors: Singh Ksh. Robert , Chaudhury Saurabh
Published: May 2016

This study describes the classification of four varieties of bulk rice grain images using back‐propagation neural network (BPNN). Eighteen colour features, 27 texture features using grey‐level co‐occurrence matrix, 24 wavelet features and 45 combined features (combination of colour and texture) were extracted from the colour images of bulk rice grains. Classification was carried out on three different data set of images under different environmental conditions. It is seen that BPNN is able to classify faithfully the four varieties of rice grain even with a poor image quality. It is also found that classification based on reduced wavelet features outperform the classification using all other features (such as colour, texture features taken separately) for two data set of images with minimum resolution. The authors have further compared the proposed BPNN technique with other classifiers such as support vector machine, k‐nearest neighbour and naive Bayes classifier on all the three data sets. It is found that the average classification accuracy of more than 96% was able to achieve using BPNN consistently on all different features for each data set.
Adaptive critic design based cooperative control for pulsed power loads accommodation in shipboard power system
Authors: Tan Liang , Yang Qinmin , Im Wonsang , Liu Wenxin
Published: May 2016

Since a pulsed power load (PPL) consumes a huge amount of energy within very short period of time, its deployment might cause large disturbances even instability to a power system that has limited generation, small inertia, and small ramp rate. To mitigate the strike during PPL deployment, energy storage system (ESS) is usually installed in shipboard power system (SPS) to serve as the sole power supply for PPL. To realise fast charging of the ESS and minimise disturbance during charging, generation control and charging control of SPS should be well coordinated. For this important but not well‐studied problem, this study presents an adaptive critic design based control algorithm for a non‐linear model integrating the basic dynamics of synchronous generator and supercapacitor, which is a popular type of ESS for PPL application. Through interactive learning of two neural networks for cost‐to‐go function approximation and optimal control approximation, respectively, near optimal control can be realised even under disturbance and model impreciseness. The algorithm is tested with both detailed single‐ and multiple‐generator SPS models and tested through both real‐time digital and power hardware‐in‐the‐loop simulations. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed model and control algorithm.
New laboratories in High Voltage Institute of University of Tehran for teaching power engineering courses
Authors: Mohseni Hossein , Samimi Mohammad Hamed , Seifi Sahand , Mohammadhossein Milad , Shayegani Akmal Amir Abbas , Mohseni Salman , Jebeli Javan Morvarid , Ahmadi Joneidi Iman , Jadidian Jouya
Published: May 2016

Nowadays, the engineering concepts can be taught using various software platforms, but the importance of experiments and practical learning should not be discounted. The main aim of this study is to emphasise the vital role of laboratories in the engineering education. For this purpose, different laboratories in the High Voltage Institute of the University of Tehran are explained. The industrial laboratories are described briefly, but the power system model which is used for training the engineering students in different skills needed in the field is explained in details. This model has been constructed in the university with the help of students themselves. Different sections of this model are explained, and some of its applications are mentioned. This study also contains a brief explanation of a self‐constructed laboratory for teaching the electrical machinery. Questionnaires filled by students in four semesters show the positive effects of these laboratories on the student education and their enthusiasms. The introduction of such self‐constructed laboratories can motivate students and universities to build their own laboratory to improve the quality of the engineering education.
Methodology for analysing radiated EMI characteristics using transient time domain measurements
Authors: Middelstaedt Lars , Lindemann Andreas
Published: May 2016

In this study the switching characteristics of semiconductors are investigated as a main source of radiated electromagnetic interference (EMI). Especially, characteristic oscillations after the switching process influence the EMI characteristic of the circuit under investigation in the high frequency range. A method is introduced that analyses the turn‐on and the turn‐off characteristic of a MOSFET within a power factor correction stage separately, which are the critical source of EMI. A modified Hann window function is introduced in order to separate the frequency characteristic of the turn‐on and turn‐off characteristic. A generalised discussion on the mechanisms of radiated emissions in context with the transient behaviour is also given.
Cascaded multilevel inverter using series connection of novel capacitor‐based units with minimum switch count
Authors: Barzegarkhoo Reza , Zamiri Elyas , Vosoughi Naser , Kojabadi Hossein Madadi , Chang Liuchen
Published: May 2016

This paper presents a new family of cascaded multilevel inverters (CMLIs) which can generate a considerable number of output voltage levels with minimum number of required accompanying switching devices. Conceptually, each stage of proposed CMLI is composed of using a novel capacitor‐based unit including two floating capacitors, one embedded dc voltage source and three power switches. In this case, the balanced voltage of integrated capacitors can be precisely provided as self‐voltage balancing without using any auxiliary circuits, close loop systems and intricate modulation techniques. In addition, to reach different number of output voltage levels, four different algorithms pertaining to the symmetrical, binary asymmetrical, trinary asymmetrical and also hybrid patterns for determining the magnitude of isolated dc voltage sources are presented. Hereby, proposed hybrid structure is capable of working under mixed switching frequency without aiming the conventional full H‐Bridge cell. Therefore, a high quality of output waveforms with reduced switching devices as well as power loss dissipation can be alternatively achieved. To confirm the validity of proposed CMLI, a complete comparison with several recently presented topologies besides several simulation and experimental results based on trinary asymmetrical and hybrid evolved structures will be also given.
Amine functionalised hydroxyapatite nanoparticles for anti‐angiogenesis gene therapy of breast cancer
Authors: Xu Hongjie , Wei Dajun , Gai Xiaodong , Jiang Ying
Published: May 2016

A functionalised hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles based drug delivery system (DDS) [anti‐angiogenesis (ANG)/amine functionalised HAP (NHAP) nanoparticles] composed of HAP nanoparticles and therapeutic ANG plasmid was successfully developed for gene therapy of breast cancer. ANG/NHAP nanoparticles displayed nano‐sized diameter of around 50 nm and effective plasmid condensation ability. Cellular assays on MCF‐7 cells further confirmed high transfection and ANG efficacy as well as low cytotoxicity of ANG/NHAP nanoparticles, which suggested that ANG/NHAP nanoparticles might be a safe and effective DDS for potential breast cancer gene therapy.
Equation of State for the Lennard-Jones Fluid
Authors: Thol Monika , Rutkai Gabor , Köster Andreas , Lustig Rolf , Span Roland , Vrabec Jadran
Published: May 2016

An empirical equation of state correlation is proposed for the Lennard-Jones model fluid. The equation in terms of the Helmholtz energy is based on a large molecular simulation data set and thermal virial coefficients. The underlying data set consists of directly simulated residual Helmholtz energy derivatives with respect to temperature and density in the canonical ensemble. Using these data introduces a new methodology for developing equations of state from molecular simulation. The correlation is valid for temperatures 0.5 < T/Tc < 7 and pressures up to p/pc = 500. Extensive comparisons to simulation data from the literature are made. The accuracy and extrapolation behavior are better than for existing equations of state.
On the front shape of an inertial granular flow down a rough incline
Authors: Saingier G. , Deboeuf S. , Lagrée P.-Y.
Published: May 2016

Granular material flowing on complex topographies are ubiquitous in industrial and geophysical situations. In this paper, we study the small-scale experiment of a granular layer flowing on a rough incline. The shape of the granular front is solved analytically by using depth-averaged mass and momentum equations with a fractional expression for the frictional rheology μ(I), which is a generalization of Gray and Ancey [“Segregation, recirculation and deposition of coarse particles near two-dimensional avalanche fronts,” J. Fluid Mech. 629, 387 (2009)]. Unlike previous studies where a “plug flow dynamics” is assumed, a free shape factor α describing the vertical velocity profile is taken into account. The effect of inertia and shear rate on the front profile is evidenced through the introduction of the Froude number and the shape factor α. The analytical predictions are compared to experimental results published by Pouliquen [“On the shape of granular fronts down rough inclined planes,” Phys. Fluids 11, 1956 (1999)] and with our new experimental data obtained at higher Froude numbers. A good agreement between theory and experiments is found for α = 5/4, corresponding to a Bagnold-like velocity profile. However, we observe a systematic deviation near the head of the front where the height vanishes: the theory predicts a continuous precursor layer, while a grain-free region is observed experimentally. This suggests that the vertical velocity profile is not uniform inside the front, but the shape factor α tends to 1 near the head of the front. This raises questions about the vertical velocity profile in granular flows and about the expression of the rheological function μ(I) and its calibration from experimental data.
Peptide folding in the presence of interacting protein crowders
Authors: Bille Anna , Mohanty Sandipan , Irbäck Anders
Published: May 2016

Using Monte Carlo methods, we explore and compare the effects of two protein crowders, BPTI and GB1, on the folding thermodynamics of two peptides, the compact helical trp-cage and the β-hairpin-forming GB1m3. The thermally highly stable crowder proteins are modeled using a fixed backbone and rotatable side-chains, whereas the peptides are free to fold and unfold. In the simulations, the crowder proteins tend to distort the trp-cage fold, while having a stabilizing effect on GB1m3. The extent of the effects on a given peptide depends on the crowder type. Due to a sticky patch on its surface, BPTI causes larger changes than GB1 in the melting properties of the peptides. The observed effects on the peptides stem largely from attractive and specific interactions with the crowder surfaces, and differ from those seen in reference simulations with purely steric crowder particles.
Broad electrical tuning of plasmonic nanoantennas at visible frequencies
Authors: Hoang Thang B. , Mikkelsen Maiken H.
Published: May 2016

We report an experimental demonstration of electrical tuning of plasmon resonances of optical nanopatch antennas over a wide wavelength range. The antennas consist of silver nanocubes separated from a gold film by a thin 8 nm polyelectrolyte spacer layer. By using ionic liquid and indium tin oxide coated glass as a top electrode, we demonstrate dynamic and reversible tuning of the plasmon resonance over 100 nm in the visible wavelength range using low applied voltages between −3.0 V and 2.8 V. The electrical potential is applied across the nanoscale gap causing changes in the gap thickness and dielectric environment which, in turn, modifies the plasmon resonance. The observed tuning range is greater than the full-width-at-half-maximum of the plasmon resonance, resulting in a tuning figure of merit of 1.05 and a tuning contrast greater than 50%. Our results provide an avenue to create active and reconfigurable integrated nanophotonic components for applications in optoelectronics and sensing.
Piezoelectric domains in the AlGaN hexagonal microrods: Effect of crystal orientations
Authors: Sivadasan A. K. , Mangamma G. , Bera Santanu , Kamruddin M. , Dhara Sandip
Published: May 2016

Presently, the piezoelectric materials are finding tremendous applications in the micro-mechanical actuators, sensors, and self-powered devices. In this context, the studies pertaining to piezoelectric properties of materials in the different size ranges are very important for the scientific community. The III-nitrides are exceptionally important, not only for optoelectronic but also for their piezoelectric applications. In the present study, we synthesized AlGaN via self-catalytic vapor-solid mechanism by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition technique on AlN base layer over intrinsic Si(100) substrate. The growth process is substantiated using X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The Raman and photoluminescence studies reveal the formation of AlGaN microrods in the wurtzite phase and ensure the high optical quality of the crystalline material. The single crystalline, direct wide band gap and hexagonally shaped AlGaN microrods are studied for understanding the behavior of the crystallites under the application of constant external electric field using the piezoresponse force microscopy. The present study is mainly focused on understanding the behavior of induced polarization for the determination of piezoelectric coefficient of AlGaN microrod along the c-axis and imaging of piezoelectric domains in the sample originating because of the angular inclination of AlGaN microrods with respect to its AlN base layers.
Controlling slow and fast light and dynamic pulse-splitting with tunable optical gain in a whispering-gallery-mode microcavity
Authors: Asano M. , Özdemir Ş. K. , Chen W. , Ikuta R. , Yang L. , Imoto N. , Yamamoto T.
Published: May 2016

We report controllable manipulation of slow and fast light in a whispering-gallery-mode microtoroid resonator fabricated from Erbium (Er3+) doped silica. We observe continuous transition of the coupling between the fiber-taper waveguide and the microresonator from undercoupling to critical coupling and then to overcoupling regimes by increasing the pump power even though the spatial distance between the resonator and the waveguide was kept fixed. This, in turn, enables switching from fast to slow light and vice versa just by increasing the optical gain. An enhancement of delay of two-fold over the passive silica resonator (no optical gain) was observed in the slow light regime. Moreover, we show dynamic pulse splitting and its control in slow/fast light systems using optical gain.
Dietary choice and grazing behaviour of sheep on spatially arranged pasture systems. 1. Herbage mass, nutritive characteristics and diet selection
Authors: Raeside M. C. , Robertson M. , Nie Z. N. , Partington D. L. , Jacobs J. L. , Behrendt R.
Published: May 2016

Offering livestock dietary choice through access to different pasture species enables livestock to regulate their own feed intake, select for nutrients and minerals, balance rumen health and display natural grazing and foraging behaviours, which could in turn result in increased livestock productivity. An experiment was conducted at Hamilton, Victoria, Australia, to test the hypothesis that offering lambs dietary choice through spatially separated combinations of pasture species would improve lamb performance, relative to lambs with no dietary choice. The experiment tested seven treatments, replicated four times in a randomised complete block design with plot sizes of 1 ± 0.1 ha. The treatments were: 100% perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) (PR), 100% plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) (PL), 100% lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) (LU), 50 : 50 perennial ryegrass/plantain (PR + PL), 50 : 50 perennial ryegrass/lucerne (PR + LU), 50 : 50 plantain/lucerne (PL + LU) and 33 : 33 : 33 perennial ryegrass/plantain/lucerne (PR + PL + LU). In the multiple species swards, the pasture species were separated spatially (by area). Plots were grazed by weaned lambs between March and June 2011. Pre-grazing herbage mass during March and April were highest (P < 0.05) from the lucerne and lowest (P < 0.05) from the plantain, with lucerne producing 4.5–5.5 t DM/ha during this time, whereas the perennial ryegrass and plantain produced 3.5–3.9 t DM/ha and 2.3–3.0 t DM/ha, respectively. Herbage disappearance (calculated estimate of feed intake) was highest (P < 0.05) from the lucerne and lowest (P < 0.05) from the plantain during March and April. Leaf crude protein between the perennial ryegrass and plantain did not differ (P > 0.05) and were lower (P < 0.05) than the lucerne, but the perennial ryegrass and plantain had higher (P < 0.05) leaf on offer (kg DM/ha). Plantain leaf had higher (P < 0.05) Fe, Zn, Co, Ca and S than the perennial ryegrass leaf and higher (P < 0.05) Se, Cu, Mg, Na and Cl than the perennial ryegrass and lucerne leaf and a more negative (P < 0.05) dietary cation : anion difference. The agronomic data presented in this paper provides support for the hypothesis, with lambs showing dietary preferences between pasture species and morphological components, and forms to basis for why these preferences exist. The two subsequent papers show how offering lambs dietary choice affected the performance of male lambs to slaughter and female lambs to first joining.
Methane emissions from lactating and non-lactating dairy cows and growing cattle fed fresh pasture
Authors: Jonker Arjan , Molano German , Koolaard John , Muetzel Stefan
Published: May 2016

Currently, a fixed methane (CH4) emission factor is used for calculating total CH4 emissions from cattle in the national greenhouse gas inventory of New Zealand, independent of diet composition, cattle class (beef, dairy) or physiological state (growing, lactating, non-lactating). The objectives of this study were to determine CH4 emissions from lactating and non-lactating dairy cows (118 dairy cows; 81 lactating and 37 non-lactating, over 10 periods) and growing dairy heifers (12 measured twice) fed 100% fresh pasture forage in respiration chambers, which in combination with the published data of beef cattle (36 measured twice) fed fresh pasture were used to determine the relationship between CH4 emissions and dry matter intake (DMI), feed quality, cattle class (dairy vs beef) and physiological state (lactating, non-lactating and growing). Before regression analysis the dominant variables (DMI, CH4) needed to be transformed using natural logarithms (Ln) to make the variation in CH4 emissions more homogeneous across the range of data (i.e. stabilise the variance). Over all periods, average DMI ranged from 3.1 to 13.9 kg/day, average CH4 production from 64 to 325 g/day and average CH4 yield from 21.4 to 26.5 g/kg DMI. The DMI alone explained 90.8% of the variation in CH4 production (LnCH4 (g/day) = 3.250 + 0.9487 × LnDMI). Regression was improved to a minor extent (<3%, with associated increased prediction error) by including physiological status, cattle class or dietary composition in the model, in addition to LnDMI, on LnCH4 production. In conclusion, DMI alone was the strongest predictor for CH4 emissions from cattle fed fresh pasture with minor but irrelevant improvements in the prediction when considering pasture quality, cattle class or physiological status.
Optimising canola establishment and yield in south-eastern Australia with hybrids and large seed
Authors: Brill R. D. , Jenkins M. L. , Gardner M. J. , Lilley J. M. , Orchard B. A.
Published: May 2016

April sowing of canola is considered optimal for grain yield in many regions of Australia; however, there is often insufficient rainfall in April to sow seed into moisture at the ideal depth of 15–30 mm. We report a series of experiments that investigated the seed characteristics (cultivar type and seed size) that would facilitate successful canola emergence from relatively deep sowing (>30 mm). Ten canola cultivar by sowing depth experiments, each with three hybrid and three open-pollinated cultivars, found hybrid cultivars were able to maintain higher emergence rates and grain yield compared with open-pollinated cultivars from deep sowing. Further investigations in the glasshouse showed that the emergence advantage of the hybrid cultivars was largely due to their inherently large seed size, as increased seed size also improved emergence of open-pollinated canola. Early biomass accumulation also improved with larger seeds. In a field experiment, larger seed size of both hybrid and open-pollinated canola increased early biomass accumulation and final grain yield. Simulation modelling in New South Wales demonstrated the importance of timely sowing of canola, as delayed sowing caused a larger reduction in grain yield than reduced plant population. Although ‘moisture-seeking’ (placing seed into moist soil below a layer of dry soil) reduced the emergence rate of canola, the reduction could be offset by planting large seed (>2 mm diameter). This practice of ‘moisture-seeking’ large-seeded canola should be considered as a strategy to improve the timeliness of establishment and subsequent grain yield of canola when rainfall for crop establishment is marginal yet there is moisture available deeper in the seedbed.
Assessing progress in breeding to improve grain yield, quality and blackleg (Leptosphaeria maculans) resistance in selected Australian canola cultivars (1978–2012)
Authors: Potter Trent , Burton Wayne , Edwards Jan , Wratten Neil , Mailer Rod , Salisbury Phil , Pearce Amanda
Published: May 2016

Canola breeding in Australia began in the early 1970s with the first cultivars being released in the late 1970s. Thirty-four non-herbicide-tolerant canola cultivars, released in Australia between 1978 and 2012, were evaluated for improvements in yield, quality, blackleg resistance and adaptation to Australian environments. The cultivars were sown at three sites in 2008 and one site in 2014. In addition, blackleg susceptibility was assessed in two independent blackleg experiments in 2008. Yield improvement averaged 21.8 kg ha–1 year–1 (1.25% year–1) but ranged from 8 to 39.1 kg ha–1 year–1 at the lowest to the highest yielding sites, respectively. Although the yield gain shown by our study was for conventional canola only, the different herbicide-tolerant types are derived by incorporating the herbicide tolerance genes into Australian germplasm and so the rate of genetic gain would be expected to be similar for all herbicide tolerance types. Oil and protein concentrations have increased by 0.09% year–1 and 0.05% year–1, respectively, whereas glucosinolate concentration was reduced to between 7 and 16 μmoles per gram of meal by the mid-1990s. Cultivars released before 2002 all had low to moderate resistance to the blackleg isolates present in the fields during the experimental period but more recent releases had improved survival under heavy blackleg pressure due to the incorporation of additional or different resistance genes. The data suggests that at least 25% of the yield improvement achieved by the breeding programs over 30 years was associated with improved blackleg resistance and the remainder with gains in other aspects of potential grain yield. The private breeding companies in Australia will need to continue to produce cultivars with high yield potential and deploy blackleg resistance genes wisely in order to maintain the yield improvements required to remain competitive in global markets.
Brown hyaena population explosion: rapid population growth in a small, fenced system
Authors: Welch Rebecca J. , Parker Daniel M.
Published: May 2016

Context In the past 200 years, many carnivores have experienced a widespread decline in numbers and range reductions. Conservation interventions include the use of small, fenced reserves that have potential restoration benefits for conservation. Over the past 25 years, the Eastern Cape province of South Africa has seen the establishment of many small (≤440 km2) game reserves, and the reintroduction of the larger, indigenous wildlife that had been extirpated by the early 20th century, including brown hyaenas (Hyaena brunnea). These game reserves have restored the environment to a more natural state but little information exists concerning the benefits and implications of introducing elusive animals that are seldom seen after reintroduction. Fenced reserves have the potential to provide surplus animals that can be relocated for restoration purposes (where applicable) or serve as a buffer to the extinction of naturally occurring populations, but careful management is required to monitor populations appropriately, so as to avoid the costs of rapid population increase. Aims The reintroduction of brown hyaenas to the Eastern Cape has provided a case study to assess the role of small reserves and their potential to contribute to conservation, by determining the persistence and population growth of brown hyaenas in a small, enclosed reserve. Methods Estimates of brown hyaena density were calculated using a capture–recapture approach from individually identifiable images captured during a 3-month camera trapping survey. Key results After a single decade, the brown hyaena population increased by at least 367%, from six individuals to a minimum of 28 individuals. These results suggest that this brown hyaena population has the highest density ever recorded for the species in southern Africa. Conclusions and Implications Because brown hyaena populations were high relative to natural unfenced populations, high fences may provide two utilities for their conservation. Fenced reserves may provide surplus animals to support reintroductions and provide protected populations to buffer the risk of species extinction.