bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell-free methods to produce structurally intact mammalian membrane proteins
Authors: Shinoda Takehiro , Shinya Naoko , Ito Kaori , Ishizuka-Katsura Yoshiko , Ohsawa Noboru , Terada Takaho , Hirata Kunio , Kawano Yoshiaki , Yamamoto Masaki , Tomita Taisuke , Ishibashi Yohei , Hirabayashi Yoshio , Kimura-Someya Tomomi , Shirouzu Mikako , Yokoyama Shigeyuki
Published: July 2016

The crystal structures of four membrane proteins, from bacteria or a unicellular alga, have been solved with samples produced by cell-free protein synthesis. In this study, for mammalian membrane protein production, we established the precipitating and soluble membrane fragment methods: membrane proteins are synthesized with the Escherichia coli cell-free system in the presence of large and small membrane fragments, respectively and are simultaneously integrated into the lipid environments. We applied the precipitating membrane fragment method to produce various mammalian membrane proteins, including human claudins, glucosylceramide synthase and the γ-secretase subunits. These proteins were produced at levels of about 0.1–1.0 mg per ml cell-free reaction under the initial conditions and were obtained as precipitates by ultracentrifugation. Larger amounts of membrane proteins were produced by the soluble membrane fragment method, collected in the ultracentrifugation supernatants and purified directly by column chromatography. For several proteins, the conditions of the membrane fragment methods were further optimized, such as by the addition of specific lipids/detergents. The functional and structural integrities of the purified proteins were confirmed by analyses of their ligand binding activities, size-exclusion chromatography profiles, and/or thermal stabilities. We successfully obtained high-quality crystals of the complex of human claudin-4 with an enterotoxin.
In situ decoration of graphene sheets with gold nanoparticles synthetized by pulsed laser ablation in liquids
Authors: Torres-Mendieta Rafael , Ventura-Espinosa David , Sabater Sara , Lancis Jesus , Mínguez-Vega Gladys , Mata Jose A.
Published: July 2016

The demand for nanocomposites of graphene and carbonaceous materials decorated with metallic nanoparticles is increasing on account of their applications in science and technology. Traditionally, the production of graphene-metal assemblies is achieved by the non-environmentally friendly reduction of metallic salts in carbonaceous suspensions. However, precursor residues during nanoparticle growth may reduce their surface activity and promote cross-chemical undesired effects. In this work we present a laser-based alternative to synthesize ligand-free gold nanoparticles that are anchored onto the graphene surface in a single reaction step. Laser radiation is used to generate highly pure nanoparticles from a gold disk surrounded by a graphene oxide suspension. The produced gold nanoparticles are directly immobilized onto the graphene surface. Moreover, the presence of graphene oxide influences the size of the nanoparticles and its interaction with the laser, causes only a slight reduction of the material. This work constitutes a green alternative synthesis of graphene-metal assemblies and a practical methodology that may inspire future developments.
Cognitive differences between orang-utan species: a test of the cultural intelligence hypothesis
Authors: Forss Sofia I. F. , Willems Erik , Call Josep , van Schaik Carel P.
Published: July 2016

Cultural species can - or even prefer to - learn their skills from conspecifics. According to the cultural intelligence hypothesis, selection on underlying mechanisms not only improves this social learning ability but also the asocial (individual) learning ability. Thus, species with systematically richer opportunities to socially acquire knowledge and skills should over time evolve to become more intelligent. We experimentally compared the problem-solving ability of Sumatran orang-utans (Pongo abelii), which are sociable in the wild, with that of the closely related, but more solitary Bornean orang-utans (P. pygmaeus), under the homogeneous environmental conditions provided by zoos. Our results revealed that Sumatrans showed superior innate problem-solving skills to Borneans and also showed greater inhibition and a more cautious and less rough exploration style. This pattern is consistent with the cultural intelligence hypothesis, which predicts that the more sociable of two sister species experienced stronger selection on cognitive mechanisms underlying learning.
Bendable Electro-chemical Lactate Sensor Printed with Silver Nano-particles
Authors: Abrar Md Abu , Dong Yue , Lee Paul Kyuheon , Kim Woo Soo
Published: July 2016

Here we report a flexible amperometric lactate biosensor using silver nanoparticle based conductive electrode. Mechanically bendable cross-serpentine-shaped silver electrode is generated on flexible substrate for the mechanical durability such as bending. The biosensor is designed and fabricated by modifying silver electrode with lactate oxidase immobilized by bovine serum albumin. The in-sensor pseudo Ag/AgCl reference electrode is fabricated by chloridization of silver electrode, which evinced its long-term potential stability against a standard commercial Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The amperometric response of the sensor shows linear dependence with lactate concentration of 1~25 mM/L. Anionic selectivity is achieved by using drop-casted Nafion coated on silver electrode against anionic interferences such as ascorbate. This non-invasive electrochemical lactate sensor also demonstrates excellent resiliency against mechanical deformation and temperature fluctuation which leads the possibility of using it on human epidermis for continuous measurement of lactate from sweat. Near field communication based wireless data transmission is demonstrated to reflect a practical approach of the sensor to measure lactate concentration portably using human perspiration.
Determination of ferroelectric contributions to electromechanical response by frequency dependent piezoresponse force microscopy
Authors: Seol Daehee , Park Seongjae , Varenyk Olexandr V. , Lee Shinbuhm , Lee Ho Nyung , Morozovska Anna N. , Kim Yunseok
Published: July 2016

Hysteresis loop analysis via piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) is typically performed to probe the existence of ferroelectricity at the nanoscale. However, such an approach is rather complex in accurately determining the pure contribution of ferroelectricity to the PFM. Here, we suggest a facile method to discriminate the ferroelectric effect from the electromechanical (EM) response through the use of frequency dependent ac amplitude sweep with combination of hysteresis loops in PFM. Our combined study through experimental and theoretical approaches verifies that this method can be used as a new tool to differentiate the ferroelectric effect from the other factors that contribute to the EM response.
A Heterojunction Design of Single Layer Hole Tunneling ZnO Passivation Wrapping around TiO2Nanowires for Superior Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Ghobadi Amir , Ulusoy T. Gamze , Garifullin Ruslan , Guler Mustafa O. , Okyay Ali K.
Published: July 2016

Nanostructured hybrid heterojunctions have been studied widely for photocatalytic applications due to their superior optical and structural properties. In this work, the impact of angstrom thick atomic layer deposited (ALD) ZnO shell layer on photocatalytic activity (PCA) of hydrothermal grown single crystalline TiO2 nanowires (NWs) is systematically explored. We showed that a single cycle of ALD ZnO layer wrapped around TiO2 NWs, considerably boosts the PCA of the heterostructure. Subsequent cycles, however, gradually hinder the photocatalytic activity (PCA) of the TiO2 NWs. Various structural, optical and transient characterizations are employed to scrutinize this unprecedented change. We show that a single atomic layer of ZnO shell not only increases light harvesting capability of the heterostructure via extension of the absorption toward visible wavelengths, but also mitigates recombination probability of carriers through reduction of surface defects density and introduction of proper charge separation along the core-shell interface. Furthermore, the ultrathin ZnO shell layer allows a strong contribution of the core (TiO2) valence band holes through tunneling across the ultrathin interface. All mechanisms responsible for this enhanced PCA of heterostructure are elucidated and corresponding models are proposed.
Engineering Salmonella as intracellular factory for effective killing of tumour cells
Authors: Camacho Eva María , Mesa-Pereira Beatriz , Medina Carlos , Flores Amando , Santero Eduardo
Published: July 2016

Salmonella have many desirable properties as antitumour-agent due to its ability to proliferate inside tumours and induce tumour regression. Additionally, this bacterium can be genetically engineered to deliver therapeutic proteins intratumourally. The main limitation of this approach is the efficient release of therapeutic molecules from intratumoural bacteria. Here we have developed an inducible autolysis system based in the lysis operon of the lambda phage that, in response to anhydrotetracycline, lysates Salmonella thus releasing its content. The system was combined with a salicylate cascade system that allows efficient production of therapeutic molecules in response to aspirin and with a sifA mutation that liberates bacteria from the vacuoles to a cytosolic location. The combination of these three elements makes this strain a putative powerful instrument in cancer treatment. We have used this engineered strain for the intracellular production and delivery of Cp53 peptide. The engineered strain is able to sequentially produce and release the cytotoxic peptide while proliferating inside tumour cells, thus inducing host cell death. Our results show that temporal separation of protein production from protein release is essential to efficiently kill tumour cells. The combined system is a further step in the engineering of more efficient bacteria for cancer therapy.
Electromagnetic field tapering using all-dielectric gradient index materials
Authors: Yi Jianjia , Piau Gérard-Pascal , de Lustrac André , Burokur Shah Nawaz
Published: July 2016

The concept of transformation optics (TO) is applied to control the flow of electromagnetic fields between two sections of different dimensions through a tapering device. The broadband performance of the field taper is numerically and experimentally validated. The taper device presents a graded permittivity profile and is fabricated through three-dimensional (3D) polyjet printing technology using low-cost all-dielectric materials. Calculated and measured near-field mappings are presented in order to validate the proposed taper. A good qualitative agreement is obtained between full-wave simulations and experimental tests. Such all-dielectric taper paves the way to novel types of microwave devices that can be easily fabricated through low-cost additive manufacturing processes.
Experimental demonstration of multi-dimensional resources integration for service provisioning in cloud radio over fiber network
Authors: Yang Hui , Zhang Jie , Ji Yuefeng , He Yongqi , Lee Young
Published: July 2016

Cloud radio access network (C-RAN) becomes a promising scenario to accommodate high-performance services with ubiquitous user coverage and real-time cloud computing in 5G area. However, the radio network, optical network and processing unit cloud have been decoupled from each other, so that their resources are controlled independently. Traditional architecture cannot implement the resource optimization and scheduling for the high-level service guarantee due to the communication obstacle among them with the growing number of mobile internet users. In this paper, we report a study on multi-dimensional resources integration (MDRI) for service provisioning in cloud radio over fiber network (C-RoFN). A resources integrated provisioning (RIP) scheme using an auxiliary graph is introduced based on the proposed architecture. The MDRI can enhance the responsiveness to dynamic end-to-end user demands and globally optimize radio frequency, optical network and processing resources effectively to maximize radio coverage. The feasibility of the proposed architecture is experimentally verified on OpenFlow-based enhanced SDN testbed. The performance of RIP scheme under heavy traffic load scenario is also quantitatively evaluated to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposal based on MDRI architecture in terms of resource utilization, path blocking probability, network cost and path provisioning latency, compared with other provisioning schemes.
Duality quantum algorithm efficiently simulates open quantum systems
Authors: Wei Shi-Jie , Ruan Dong , Long Gui-Lu
Published: July 2016

Because of inevitable coupling with the environment, nearly all practical quantum systems are open system, where the evolution is not necessarily unitary. In this paper, we propose a duality quantum algorithm for simulating Hamiltonian evolution of an open quantum system. In contrast to unitary evolution in a usual quantum computer, the evolution operator in a duality quantum computer is a linear combination of unitary operators. In this duality quantum algorithm, the time evolution of the open quantum system is realized by using Kraus operators which is naturally implemented in duality quantum computer. This duality quantum algorithm has two distinct advantages compared to existing quantum simulation algorithms with unitary evolution operations. Firstly, the query complexity of the algorithm is O(d3) in contrast to O(d4) in existing unitary simulation algorithm, where d is the dimension of the open quantum system. Secondly, By using a truncated Taylor series of the evolution operators, this duality quantum algorithm provides an exponential improvement in precision compared with previous unitary simulation algorithm.
Short-term moderate diet restriction in adulthood can reverse oxidative, cardiovascular and metabolic alterations induced by postnatal overfeeding in mice
Authors: Li Na , Guenancia Charles , Rigal Eve , Hachet Olivier , Chollet Pauline , Desmoulins Lucie , Leloup Corinne , Rochette Luc , Vergely Catherine
Published: July 2016

We aimed to determine whether moderate diet restriction could restore cardiac, oxidative and metabolic alterations induced by postnatal overfeeding (PNOF). Litters of C57BL/6 male mice were either maintained at 9 (normal litter, NL), or reduced to 3 (small litter, SL) in order to induce PNOF. At 6 months, half of the NL and SL mice were subjected to 20% calorie-restriction (CR: NLCR, SLCR) for one month, while the other half continued to eat ad libitum (AL: NLAL, SLAL). Six-month old SL mice presented overweight, fat accumulation, hyperleptinemia, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, increased cardiac ROS production and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). After CR, SL mice body weight was normalized; however, their fat mass and leptinemia were not decreased, glucose metabolism was improved and LVEF was increased. In SL mice, CR increased the cardiac mitochondrial respiratory rate and decreased cardiac ROS production. Hearts from SLCR mice showed better recovery and smaller postischemic infarct size. Intriguingly, no difference was observed between NLAL and NLCR mice for most of the parameters investigated. Short-term moderate CR not only normalized body weight in SL mice but also improved metabolic programming and reversed oxidative and cardiac dysfunction induced by PNOF.
A quantum dot-based dual fluorescent probe for recognition of mercuric ions and N-acetylcysteine: “On–Off–On” approach
Authors: Pawar Samadhan P. , Walekar Laxman S. , Kondekar Uttam R. , Gunjal Dattatray B. , Gore Anil H. , Anbhule Prashant V. , Patil Shivajirao R. , Kolekar Govind B.
Published: July 2016

A cadmium sulfide quantum dot based dual fluorescent "On-Off-On" probe was designed and applied for monitoring of mercuric ions and N-acetylcysteine in aqueous solution.
Electrochemical sensor based on a carbon paste electrode modified by graphene nanosheets and molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles for determination of a chlordiazepoxide drug
Authors: Motaharian Ali , Milani Hosseini Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2016

Procedure for fabrication of electrochemical sensor based on carbon paste electrode modified with molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles and graphene nanosheets for selective and sensitive determination of chlordiazepoxide (CDP) drug.
EPR-correlated dipolar spectroscopy by Q-band chirp SIFTER
Authors: Doll Andrin , Jeschke Gunnar
Published: July 2016

Frequency-swept chirp pulses uniformly excite the nitroxide spectrum at Q-band frequencies, which allows for acquisition of two-dimensional spectra correlating the dipolar spectrum to the EPR spectrum.
Electronic relaxation dynamics of PCDA-PDA studied by transient absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Joung Joonyoung F. , Baek Junwoo , Kim Youngseo , Lee Songyi , Kim Myung Hwa , Yoon Juyoung , Park Sungnam
Published: July 2016

Spectroscopic signature of thermochromic properties of PCDA-PDA is revealed by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy.
Formation energies and electronic structure of intrinsic vacancy defects and oxygen vacancy clustering in BaZrO3
Authors: Muhammad Alay-e-Abbas Syed , Nazir Safdar , Shaukat Ali
Published: July 2016

Thermodynamically stable oxygen vacancy clustering in the ZrO2layer of BaZrO3gives rise to n-type behaviour which originates from the charge delocalization of the in-plane unbound Zr1-4d electrons.
Spin-glass behavior and pyroelectric anomalies in a new lithium-based oxide, Li3FeRuO5
Authors: Upadhyay Sanjay Kumar , Paulose P. L. , Iyer Kartik K. , Sampathkumaran E. V.
Published: July 2016

The results of dc and ac magnetization, heat capacity, 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, dielectric, pyroelectric current and isothermal magneto-capacitance measurements of a recently reported lithium-rich layered oxide, Li3FeRuO5, related to LiCoO2-type (rhombohedral, space group R3̄m), are presented.
Calculations of the IR spectra of bend fundamentals of (H2O)n=3,4,5 using the WHBB_2 potential and dipole moment surfaces
Authors: Wang Yimin , Bowman Joel M.
Published: July 2016

Stimulated by new experiments from the Havenith group, we report IR spectra of the bend fundamentals of (H2O)n=3,4,5, using anharmonic, coupled-mode VSCF/VCI calculations, done in a subspace of modes consisting of all the monomer bends plus the hydrogen-bonded OH stretches.
Enhancing photoluminescence properties of SiC/SiO2 coaxial nanocables by making oxygen vacancies
Authors: Liu Wenna , Chen Junhong , Yang Tao , Chou Kuo-Chih , Hou Xinmei
Published: July 2016

Enhanced photoluminescence properties of SiC/SiO2 coaxial nanocables by making oxygen vacancies.
Photoactive platinum(ii) β-diketonates as dual action anticancer agents
Authors: Raza Md Kausar , Mitra Koushambi , Shettar Abhijith , Basu Uttara , Kondaiah Paturu , Chakravarty Akhil R.
Published: July 2016

Cyclometallated platinum(ii) β-diketonates show significant photocytotoxicity in skin-keratinocyte HaCaT cells [IC50: ∼10 μM (visible light, 400–700 nm), ≥60 μM (dark)].
Catalytic asymmetric bromochlorination of aromatic allylic alcohols promoted by multifunctional Schiff base ligands
Authors: Huang Wei-Sheng , Chen Li , Zheng Zhan-Jiang , Yang Ke-Fang , Xu Zheng , Cui Yu-Ming , Xu Li-Wen
Published: July 2016

The aromatic bromochloroalcohols with two bromide/chloride-linked carbon-stereogenic centers were obtained in moderate to excellent regio- and enantioselectivities as well as good yields and chemoselectivities in the catalytic asymmetric bromochlorination of allylic alcohols.
Highly active and stable Au@CuxO core–shell nanoparticles supported on alumina for carbon monoxide oxidation at low temperature
Authors: Zhang Weining , Zhao Qingguo , Wang Xiaohong , Yan Xiaoxia , Han Sheng , Zeng Zhigang
Published: July 2016

Au@CuxO core–shell nanoparticles and Au@CuxO/Al2O3used for CO oxidation at low temperature are prepared. CO conversion on Au@CuxO/Al2O3can reach to 38% at room temperature and the catalytic activity remains unchanged after 108 hours reaction.
High-performance flexible electron field emitters fabricated from doped crystalline Si pillar films on polymer substrates
Authors: Hsieh Ping-Yen , Nguyen Duc-Dung , Lee Chi-Young , Tai Nyan-Hwa
Published: July 2016

A high-performance flexible Si film-based field emission prototype device using H2 plasma treated B-doped crystalline Si pillar nanostructure as cathode on polymer substrate is proposed.
Direct ultrasonic modification of a current collector with enhanced pseudocapacity
Authors: Shi Zijun , Zhou Qingwen , Liu Yang , Gao Yanfang , Liu Jinrong
Published: July 2016

In this study, we used a direct ultrasonic modified nickel foam in sulfuric acid, which achieved a simple and rapid binder-free electrode, improving the electronic transmission in the electrolyte.
Comparison of the properties of graphene- and graphene oxide-based polyethylene nanocomposites prepared by an in situ polymerization method
Authors: Zhang He-Xin , Park Jae-Hyeong , Ko Eun-Bin , Moon Young-Kwon , Lee Dong-ho , Hu Yan-Ming , Zhang Xue-Quan , Yoon Keun-Byoung
Published: July 2016

A facile coagglomeration method for preparing a G(O)/MgCl2-supported Ziegler–Natta catalyst was reported. The effect of G and GO on the physical properties of polyethylene were comparably investigated.
Fabrication and gas permeation of CMS/C composite membranes based on polyimide and phenolic resin
Authors: Wu Yonghong , Zhou Jialing , Zhang Bing , Zhao Dandan , Li Lin , Lu Yunhua , Wang Tonghua
Published: July 2016

Supported carbon molecular sieving membranes were prepared by a novel precursor 6FAPB-CBDA type polyimide on the surface of carbon sheets, which have a most promising potential for gas separation applications.
Room-temperature spin transport in InAs nanowire lateral spin valve
Authors: Wang Zhicheng , Pan Dong , Wang Le , Wang Tingwen , Zhao Bing , Wu Yong , Yang Ming , Xu Xiaoguang , Miao Jun , Zhao Jianhua , Jiang Yong
Published: July 2016

We report room temperature spin transport in an InAs nanowire device. A large spin signal of 35 kΩ and long spin diffusion length of 1.9 μm are achieved. We believe that these results open a practical way to design InAs NW based spintronic devices.
Synthesis of Ge/C composites as anodes using glucose as a reductant and carbon source for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Choe Hui-Seon , Kim Si-Jin , Kim Min-Chul , Kim Da-Mi , Lee Gyu-Ho , Han Sand-Beom , Kwak Da-Hee , Park Kyung-Won
Published: July 2016

We synthesized Ge/C composites as anodes for use in high performance LIBs via heating a mixture of GeO2 powder and glucose as both a reductant and carbon source at 900 °C under a nitrogen atmosphere.
Two-dimensional iron–tetracyanoquinodimethane (Fe–TCNQ) monolayer: an efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Wang Nan , Feng Liyan , Shang Yongchen , Zhao Jingxiang , Cai Qinghai , Jin Peng
Published: July 2016

The Fe–TCNQ monolayer exhibit superior catalytic performance for oxygen reduction and can serve as a promising alternative to Pt-based catalysts.
An all-solid-state imprinted polymer-based potentiometric sensor for determination of bisphenol S
Authors: Wang Tiantian , Liang Rongning , Yin Tanji , Yao Ruiqing , Qin Wei
Published: July 2016

An all-solid-state polymeric membrane potentiometric sensor for sensitive and selective determination of bisphenol S is developed for the first time.
Robust superhydrophobic and oleophilic silk fibers for selective removal of oil from water surfaces
Authors: Patowary Manoj , Pathak Khanindra , Ananthakrishnan Rajakumar
Published: July 2016

Superhydrophobic silk fibers have been developed from silk cocoons as a potential sorbent for selective oil removal from a water surface.
Optical scattering from graphene foam for oil imaging/sensing
Authors: Deng Sunan , Kidambi Piran R. , Butt Haider , Sabouri Aydin , Sohail Manzar , Khan Safyan A. , Jiang Kyle
Published: July 2016

This work studied a new way of sensing oil leaks using graphene foam through an optical imaging and light scattering method.
Ag-Doped g-C3N4 film electrode: fabrication, characterization and photoelectrocatalysis property
Authors: Qi Fanjing , Li Yibing , Wang Yanbin , Wang Yan , Liu Shanshan , Zhao Xu
Published: July 2016

Ag-Doped graphitic carbon nitride films with high photoelectrocatalytic activities and a proposed mechanism of the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of MB with the Ag/g-C3N4 (1 : 10) photoanode.
Ab initio modelling of oxygen vacancies and protonic defects in La1−xSrxFeO3−δ perovskite solid solutions
Authors: Gryaznov D. , Merkle R. , Kotomin E. A. , Maier J.
Published: July 2016

Proton incorporation into La1−xSrxFeO3−δ ⇒ cathode materials for protonic ceramic fuel cells.
Sulfhydrylated graphene-encapsulated iron nanoparticles directly aminated with polyethylenimine: a novel magnetic nanoplatform for bioconjugation of gamma globulins and polyclonal antibodies
Authors: Kasprzak Artur , Poplawska Magdalena , Bystrzejewski Michal , Grudzinski Ireneusz P.
Published: July 2016

A graphene layer was directly aminated with polyethylenimine and a novel magnetic nanoplatform for bioconjugation of biologically active compounds was obtained.
Synthesis of silicon quantum dots using cyclohexasilane (Si6H12)
Authors: Guruvenket Srinivasan , Hoey Justin M. , Anderson Kenneth J. , Frohlich Matthew T. , Krishnan Retheesh , Sivaguru Jayaraman , Sibi Mukund P. , Boudjouk Philip
Published: July 2016

A novel ambient pressure process for the continuous gas-phase, synthesis of Si-QDs by pyrolysis of cyclohexasilane (Si6H12), a liquid hydrosilane.
Alkali metal–alkaline earth metal borate crystal LiBa3(OH)(B9O16)[B(OH)4] as a new deep-UV nonlinear optical material
Authors: Wu Chao , Song Junling , Li Longhua , Humphrey Mark G. , Zhang Chi
Published: July 2016

A new deep-UV nonlinear optical borate, with the formula LiBa3(OH)(B9O16)[B(OH)4] is synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method.
Unravelling the mechanisms regulating muscle mitochondrial biogenesis
Authors: Hood David A. , Tryon Liam D. , Carter Heather N. , Kim Yuho , Chen Chris C.W.
Published: July 2016

Skeletal muscle is a tissue with a low mitochondrial content under basal conditions, but it is responsive to acute increases in contractile activity patterns (i.e. exercise) which initiate the signalling of a compensatory response, leading to the biogenesis of mitochondria and improved organelle function. Exercise also promotes the degradation of poorly functioning mitochondria (i.e. mitophagy), thereby accelerating mitochondrial turnover, and preserving a pool of healthy organelles. In contrast, muscle disuse, as well as the aging process, are associated with reduced mitochondrial quality and quantity in muscle. This has strong negative implications for whole-body metabolic health and the preservation of muscle mass. A number of traditional, as well as novel regulatory pathways exist in muscle that control both biogenesis and mitophagy. Interestingly, although the ablation of single regulatory transcription factors within these pathways often leads to a reduction in the basal mitochondrial content of muscle, this can invariably be overcome with exercise, signifying that exercise activates a multitude of pathways which can respond to restore mitochondrial health. This knowledge, along with growing realization that pharmacological agents can also promote mitochondrial health independently of exercise, leads to an optimistic outlook in which the maintenance of mitochondrial and whole-body metabolic health can be achieved by taking advantage of the broad benefits of exercise, along with the potential specificity of drug action.
Biosynthesis of polyamines and polyamine-containing molecules
Authors: Michael Anthony J.
Published: July 2016

Polyamines are evolutionarily ancient polycations derived from amino acids and are pervasive in all domains of life. They are essential for cell growth and proliferation in eukaryotes and are essential, important or dispensable for growth in bacteria. Polyamines present a useful scaffold to attach other moieties to, and are often incorporated into specialized metabolism. Life has evolved multiple pathways to synthesize polyamines, and structural variants of polyamines have evolved in bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes. Among the complex biosynthetic diversity, patterns of evolutionary reiteration can be distinguished, revealing evolutionary recycling of particular protein folds and enzyme chassis. The same enzyme activities have evolved from multiple protein folds, suggesting an inevitability of evolution of polyamine biosynthesis. This review discusses the different biosynthetic strategies used in life to produce diamines, triamines, tetra-amines and branched and long-chain polyamines. It also discusses the enzymes that incorporate polyamines into specialized metabolites and attempts to place polyamine biosynthesis in an evolutionary context.
Optimal non‐outage probability maximising the outage rate in Rayleigh channel
Authors: Savaux V. , Siaud I. , Legouable R.
Published: July 2016

An analytic closed form of the optimal non‐outage probability value which maximises the outage rate in a Rayleigh channel is derived. Furthermore, asymptotic approximations of both the optimal non‐outage probability and the maximum outage rate can be deduced from the proposed analysis.
Dielectric relaxation in glassy Se90Cd6In4
Authors: Shukla N. , Mehta N. , Dwivedi D.K.
Published: July 2016

In the present Letter frequency (5 × 102 Hz–1 × 105 Hz) and temperature (308–333 K) dependence of dielectric parameter of Se90Cd6In4 glassy alloy has been examined. Conventional melt quench technique has been applied to prepare Se90Cd6In4 glassy alloy. It is observed that dielectric constant (ε′) and dielectric loss factor (ε″) change with frequency and temperature. The dielectric loss data has been utilised to determine the barrier height Wm, which is in accordance with the Elliott's theory of hoping of charge carriers over potential barrier between charge defect states in case of chalcogenide glasses.
Modal pattern stability factor as a figure of merit for characteristic modes
Authors: Antonino‐Daviu E. , Mohamed Mohamed‐Hicho N. , Cabedo‐Fabrés M. , Ferrando‐Bataller M.
Published: July 2016

This Letter proposes the use of a modal pattern stability factor (MPSF) parameter to quantify the pattern stability associated to characteristic modes (CM). The proposed parameter can be used as a figure of merit for CM associated to arbitrary‐shaped structures, aiding the antenna design process. This parameter can be used (together with other modal parameters) to optimise the geometry of a radiating element in order to improve the radiation pattern stability in a desired range of frequencies. Two examples are presented for analysis. First, MPSF for the CM of three ring antennas with different width are analysed, showing how pattern stability of CM depend on this geometrical parameter. Secondly, three metallic plates with different shapes are analysed in terms of MPSF, in order to assess the stability of the CM for each geometry.
Low Ron and high robustness ESD protection design for low‐voltage power clamp application
Authors: Song BoBae , Koo YongSeo
Published: July 2016

An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit with novel structure based on a silicon‐controlled rectifier (SCR) is proposed for 5 V ESD protection of integrated circuits. The proposed ESD protection circuit has large current driving capacity due to its low on‐resistance and high ESD robustness in comparison with the conventional SCR‐based ESD protection circuit. The conventional SCR‐based ESD protection circuit and the proposed ESD protection circuit were fabricated using a 0.18 µm bipolar CMOS‐double diffused metal‐oxide semiconductor transistor (DMOS) process, and their electrical characteristics and ESD robustness were comparatively analysed using transmission line pulse measurements.
Feasibility study and spatial–temporal characteristics analysis for 28 GHz outdoor wireless channel modelling
Authors: Ko Junghoon , Lee Kyoungtae , Cho Yeon‐Jea , Oh Sangmin , Hur Sooyoung , Kang Noh‐Gyoung , Park Jeongho , Park Dong‐Jo , Cho Dong‐Ho
Published: July 2016

This study presents analyses of the feasibility for the 28 GHz band with a comprehensive overview of important channel parameters. A channel measurement system with a time synchronisation scheme is also introduced which is a sliding correlator channel sounder using 250 Mcps (Mega‐chips‐per‐second) pseudo‐random noise sequences. The system enables the observation of the behaviour of 28 GHz wave propagation not only to use of forming narrow beams in certain directions (classical narrow beam beamforming) but also omni‐likely. This novel synchronised system makes it possible to analyse the wideband channel characteristics. The outdoor channel measurements are conducted considering various features such as foliage effects, signal outage, path loss and outdoor‐to‐indoor conditions. Furthermore, the spatial channel modelling for omni‐like observations with temporal characteristics is firstly interpreted through analysing the essential channel modelling parameters, including the number of clusters, excess delay, root‐mean‐square (RMS) delay spread, power delay spectrum, and angular spread. In the authors’ measurements, the average number of clusters was 2.41 with standard deviation of 1.44. The average RMS delay spread was 36.06 ns with standard deviation of 46.73 ns. Furthermore, the mean values of the RMS azimuth spreads of the angle of departure and arrival were 6.65° and 24.04°, respectively.
Cooperative sensing based on permutation entropy with adaptive thresholding technique for cognitive radio networks
Authors: Srinu Sesham , Mishra Amit Kumar
Published: July 2016

Spectrum sensing in the low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) environment is vital task for the evolution of cognitive radio technology. The numerous signal processing algorithms have since been proposed to improve the spectrum sensing performance. In the recent past, entropy based sensing methods are shown to be robust in a low SNR environment with small data sets. However, these methods only focus on information content and ignore temporal order of the signal. Hence, selection of appropriate entropy technique that considers both information content and temporal order is important. In addition, many works consider that the distribution of noise follows Gaussian under assumption that the sample size is infinity. The detection threshold designed using this assumption yield unreliable decisions. On the contrary, the captured data is limited in real‐time and it should be minimum to reduce the computational complexity. To address these two issues, empirical permutation entropy with adaptive thresholding detection technique is proposed. Then, the work is extended to weighted gain cooperative sensing that uses Higuchi fractal dimension method to generate weight for each node. Simulation results reveal that the proposed method is robust, less sensitive to sample size, and improves the single node as well as multinode sensing performance.
Does bilirubin act as a free radical quencher of clinical significance in neonates and children?
Authors: Breimer Lars H.
Published: July 2016

Pediatricians are generally wary of hyperbilirubinemia because elevated circulating bilirubin is seen both as a sign of disease and a cause of pathology. Normal aerobic metabolism is associated with the chance occurrence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage cellular macromolecules. Bilirubin as a molecule at the crossroads of the natural protection of the body against ROS has been the subject of experiments in vitro and in animals, as well as observational and epidemiological studies during the past two decades. This review assesses the evidence as to whether bilirubin is a free radical quencher of clinical significance in the newborn and children, and thus may have a beneficial role. The overall conclusion is that pediatricians should remain cautious about bilirubin and follow current guidelines.
Optothermal nonlinearity of silica aerogel
Authors: Braidotti Maria Chiara , Gentilini Silvia , Fleming Adam , Samuels Michiel C. , Di Falco Andrea , Conti Claudio
Published: July 2016

We report on the characterization of silica aerogel thermal optical nonlinearity, obtained by z-scan technique. The results show that typical silica aerogels have nonlinear optical coefficient similar to that of glass (≃10−12 m2/W), with negligible optical nonlinear absorption. The nonlinear coefficient can be increased to values in the range of 10−10 m2/W by embedding an absorbing dye in the aerogel. This value is one order of magnitude higher than that observed in the pure dye and in typical highly nonlinear materials like liquid crystals.
Fuzzy adaptive strong tracking scaled unscented Kalman filter for initial alignment of large misalignment angles
Authors: Li Jing , Song Ningfang , Yang Gongliu , Jiang Rui
Published: July 2016

In the initial alignment process of strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS), large misalignment angles always bring nonlinear problem, which can usually be processed using the scaled unscented Kalman filter (SUKF). In this paper, the problem of large misalignment angles in SINS alignment is further investigated, and the strong tracking scaled unscented Kalman filter (STSUKF) is proposed with fixed parameters to improve convergence speed, while these parameters are artificially constructed and uncertain in real application. To further improve the alignment stability and reduce the parameters selection, this paper proposes a fuzzy adaptive strategy combined with STSUKF (FUZZY-STSUKF). As a result, initial alignment scheme of large misalignment angles based on FUZZY-STSUKF is designed and verified by simulations and turntable experiment. The results show that the scheme improves the accuracy and convergence speed of SINS initial alignment compared with those based on SUKF and STSUKF.
Improved blowup theorems for the Euler-Poisson equations with attractive forces
Authors: Li Rui , Lin Xing , Ma Zongwei
Published: July 2016

Our discussion here mainly focuses on the formation of singularities for solutions to the N-dimensional Euler-Poisson equations with attractive forces, in radial symmetry. Motivated by the integration method of Yuen, we prove two blow-up results under the conditions that the solutions have compact radius R(t) or have no compact support restriction, which generalize the ones Yuen obtained in 2011 [M. W. Yuen, “Blowup for the C1 solution of the Euler-Poisson equations of gaseous stars in RN,” J. Math. Anal. Appl. 383, 627-633 (2011)].
Thin-film profile around long bubbles in square microchannels measured by chromatic interference method
Authors: Chen Haosheng , Li Zhongnan , Li Jiang
Published: July 2016

To study the thin lubrication film around long bubbles with length-to-radius aspect ratio more than 10 in square capillaries, a chromatic interference method was developed. Three-dimensional profile of the lubrication film was acquired from moving long bubbles with the length-to-radius aspect ratio up to 500. The dynamics and profiles of the film were found to be dependent of the dimensionless downstream distance x of the long bubble. For 1 ≪ x ≪ Ca−1, the film has a thickness of order Ca2/3 at the center and order Ca1 at the sides, while for x ∼ Ca−1, the film at the sides thins to order Ca4/3, which matches well with the existing theoretical results.
Effect of intermixing at CdS/CdTe interface on defect properties
Authors: Park Ji-Sang , Yang Ji-Hui , Barnes Teresa , Wei Su-Huai
Published: July 2016

We investigated the stability and electronic properties of defects in CdTe1−xSx that can be formed at the CdS/CdTe interface. As the anions mix at the interface, the defect properties are significantly affected, especially those defects centered at cation sites like Cd vacancy, VCd, and Te on Cd antisite, TeCd, because the environment surrounding the defect sites can have different configurations. We show that at a given composition, the transition energy levels of VCd and TeCd become close to the valence band maximum when the defect has more S atoms in their local environment, thus improving the device performance. Such beneficial role is also found at the grain boundaries when the Te atom is replaced by S in the Te-Te wrong bonds, reducing the energy of the grain boundary level. On the other hand, the transition levels with respect to the valence band edge of CdTe1−xSx increases with the S concentration as the valence band edge decreases with the S concentration, resulting in the reduced p-type doping efficiency.
Maximizing cubic phase gallium nitride surface coverage on nano-patterned silicon (100)
Authors: Liu R. , Bayram C.
Published: July 2016

Here we investigate the hexagonal-to-cubic phase transition in metalorganic-chemical-vapor-deposition-grown gallium nitride enabled via silicon (100) nano-patterning. Electron backscatter diffraction and depth-resolved cathodoluminescence experiments show complete cubic phase GaN surface coverage when GaN deposition thickness (hc), etch depth (td), and opening width (p) obey hc≈1.06p−0.75td; in line with a geometrical model based on crystallography. Cubic GaN uniformity is studied via electron backscatter diffraction and cathodoluminescence measurements. Atomic force microscopy reveals a smooth cubic GaN surface. Phase-transition cubic GaN shows promising optical and structural quality for integrated photonic devices.
Individual electron and hole localization in submonolayer InN quantum sheets embedded in GaN
Authors: Feix F. , Flissikowski T. , Chèze C. , Calarco R. , Grahn H. T. , Brandt O.
Published: July 2016

We investigate sub-monolayer InN quantum sheets embedded in GaN(0001) by temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectroscopy under both continuous-wave and pulsed excitation. Both the peak energy and the linewidth of the emission band associated with the quantum sheets exhibit an anomalous dependence on temperature indicative of carrier localization. Photoluminescence transients reveal a power law decay at low temperatures reflecting that the recombining electrons and holes occupy spatially separate, individual potential minima reminiscent of conventional (In,Ga)N(0001) quantum wells exhibiting the characteristic disorder of a random alloy. At elevated temperatures, carrier delocalization sets in and is accompanied by a thermally activated quenching of the emission. We ascribe the strong nonradiative recombination to extended states in the GaN barriers and confirm our assumption by a simple rate-equation model.
Analysis and detection of a wind system failure in a micro-grid
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Mehdi , Rajaei Salmasi Farzad
Published: July 2016

This paper presents the performance of a wind power system under failures in the lubricant system, and a procedure is proposed to detect the failure. According to the fact that the friction torque caused by the lubricant system, failure makes the maximum power point (MPP) of the wind system to be smaller than that of normal operation; for MPP tracking operations, the difference between actual and simulated (estimated) output power of the wind system is an indicator for the lubricant system failure. However, for non-MPP tracking operations, in which the demanded power is small enough to be satisfied by the failed wind system, the above indicator cannot be used to detect the lubricant system failure. In this case, the predetermined angular shaft speed ratio is used to detect the lubricant system failure. Moreover, the converter failure is considered in this paper, and a model-based fault detection filter is designed to detect the DC/DC converter failure in a wind system. The proposed detection filter consists of an observer combined with a residual signal generator, where the driving torque is assumed as an unknown bounded input in the proposed failure detection scheme. Numerical simulation results support the proposed detection procedures.
Optimised Syntheses of the Half-Sandwich Complexes FeCl(dppe)Cp*, FeCl(dppe)Cp, RuCl(dppe)Cp*, and RuCl(dppe)Cp
Authors: Gluyas Josef B. G. , Brown Neil J. , Farmer Julian D. , Low Paul J.
Published: July 2016

Thanks to their synthetic versatility, the half-sandwich metal chlorides MCl(dppe)(η5-C5R5) [M = Fe, Ru; dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, R = H (cyclopentadiene, Cp), CH3 (pentamethylcyclopentadiene, Cp*)] are staple starting materials in many organometallic laboratories. Here we present an overview of the synthetic methods currently available for FeCl(dppe)Cp*, FeCl(dppe)Cp, RuCl(dppe)Cp*, and RuCl(dppe)Cp, and describe in detail updated and optimised multigram syntheses of all four compounds.
Depression and diabetes in the remote Torres Strait Islands
Authors: Taylor Sean , McDermott Robyn , Thompson Fintan , Usher Kim
Published: July 2016

Issue addressed

Diabetes is associated with significant depression, which can result in poorer clinical outcomes, including increased mortality. Little is known about the prevalence of depression among Torres Strait Islander adults with diabetes.

Methods

Self‐reported depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)‐9 translated into Torres Strait Creole, and associations with socioeconomic, behavioural and clinical indicators in Torres Strait Islander adults with diabetes in five remote Torres Strait Islands were examined.

Results

Seventy‐three men and 115 women completed interviews. The median PHQ‐9 score was 5.5 (IQR 0–7); 42% of respondents scored 0–4 (none‐minimal), 46% scored 5–9 (mild) and 12% scored 10+ (moderate‐severe). Mean HbA1c was 8.3% (67.4 mmol). HbA1c was not related to PHQ‐9 scores (b = 0.20, P = 0.323), however exercise in hours (b = −0.34, P < 0.001) and screen time in hours (b = 0.11, P < 0.001) were significant predictors of depression after adjusting for other study variables.

Conclusions

This sample of remote living Torres Strait Islanders reported relatively low rates of depression compared with national samples, and depression was not related to glycaemic control. Exercise and screen time were the strongest predictors of depression based on PHQ‐9 scores. This represents an opportunity for health promotion.

So what?

These findings provide an indication of the health impact of physical activity in rural and remote communities. Local health and education services, councils and sporting bodies should work collaboratively to promote sustainable physical activity programs.
Expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in bovine oviducts is higher in the postovulatory phase than during the oestrus and luteal phase
Authors: Nahar Asrafun , Kadokawa Hiroya
Published: July 2016

Whether macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the bovine oviduct is important for early embryogenesis has not been well substantiated. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that bovine oviduct expresses higher levels of MIF during the post-ovulation phase. Both ampullary and isthmic samples were collected from Japanese black heifers during oestrus (Day 0; n = 5), postovulation (Day 3; n = 6) and luteal phase (Days 9–12; n = 5). MIF mRNA and protein were extracted from the ampullary and isthmic samples and their levels measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis respectively. Fluorescent immunohistochemistry was performed on frozen ampullary and isthmic sections using antibodies against MIF. MIF mRNA and protein expression was higher in the postovulatory phase than during oestrus and the luteal phase (P < 0.05). Fluorescent immunohistochemistry confirmed that in all phases of the oestrous cycle evaluated, the primary site of MIF expression in the ampulla and isthmus was the tunica mucosa. In conclusion, the bovine ampulla and isthmus have higher MIF expression during the postovulatory phase. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of MIF in bovine oviducts.