bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Re-evaluation of the origin of relaxor ferroelectricity in vinylidene fluoride terpolymers: An approach using switching current measurements
Authors: Tsutsumi Naoto , Okumachi Kyohei , Kinashi Kenji , Sakai Wataru
Published: November 2017

Relaxor-ferroelectric vinylidene fluoride (VDF)-based terpolymers have attracted increased attention for industrial applications because of their large dielectric constants, low voltage operation for nonvolatile memory, and energy storage capabilities. However, the origin of the relaxor ferroelectricity of VDF-based terpolymers is still under investigation. Here, we investigate the ferroelectric behaviour of thin films of terpolymers of VDF, trifluoroethylene (TrFE), and chlorofluoroethylene (CFE) (P(VDF-TrFE-CFE)) and terpolymers of VDF, TrFE, and chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) (P(VDF-TrFE-CTFE)) using switching current – electric field (I-E) loop measurements. I-E loop measurements have substantial advantages because they directly provide information regarding the independent switching behaviour of dipoles. We show that the I-E loops of P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) are the summation of three pairs of Gaussian peak functions. Moreover, we provide definite proof of the presence of double hysteresis loop-like antiferroelectric behaviour and relaxor-ferroelectricity in the nanodomains of the dipoles when applying positive or negative sinusoidal electric fields to the sample films.
Highly expressed genes evolve under strong epistasis from a proteome-wide scan in E. coli
Authors: Dasmeh Pouria , Girard Éric , Serohijos Adrian W. R.
Published: November 2017

Epistasis or the non-additivity of mutational effects is a major force in protein evolution, but it has not been systematically quantified at the level of a proteome. Here, we estimated the extent of epistasis for 2,382 genes in E. coli using several hundreds of orthologs for each gene within the class Gammaproteobacteria. We found that the average epistasis is ~41% across genes in the proteome and that epistasis is stronger among highly expressed genes. This trend is quantitatively explained by the prevailing model of sequence evolution based on minimizing the fitness cost of protein unfolding and aggregation. The genes with the highest epistasis are also functionally involved in the maintenance of proteostasis, translation and central metabolism. In contrast, genes evolving with low epistasis mainly encode for membrane proteins and are involved in transport activity. Our results highlight the coupling between selection and epistasis in the long-term evolution of a proteome.
Efficient Cross-talk Reduction of Nanophotonic Circuits Enabled by Fabrication Friendly Periodic Silicon Strip Arrays
Authors: Bian Yusheng , Ren Qiang , Kang Lei , Qin Yifeng , Werner Pingjuan L. , Werner Douglas H.
Published: November 2017

Reduction of the crosstalk between adjacent photonic components has been regarded as one of the most effective, yet most challenging approaches for increasing the packing density of photonic integrated circuits. Recently, extensive efforts have been devoted to this field, leading to a number of elaborate designs, such as waveguide supperlattice and nanophotonic cloaking, among others. Here we develop a simple and efficient crosstalk reduction approach for silicon-based nanophotonic circuits by introducing a periodic array of silicon strips between adjacent waveguides. Studies indicate that the coupling lengths can be extended by more than two orders of magnitude for a waveguide pair with an edge-to-edge distance of ~λ/3 at the telecommunication wavelength. Further investigations reveal that our method is effective for both strongly and weakly confined silicon photonic modes, and works well over a broad band of operational wavelengths. In addition, the crosstalk reduction technique is shown to be capable of improving the coupling lengths of other elements as well, such as vertical silicon slot waveguides. Our approach offers a promising platform for creating ultra-compact functional components that is fabrication friendly, thereby providing a feasible route toward the realization of photonic integrated circuits with ultra-high packing densities.
The Triglycerides and Glucose Index rather than HOMA-IR is more associated with Hypogonadism in Chinese men
Authors: Zhang Kun , Chen Yi , Liu Lijie , Lu Meng , Cheng Jing , Gao Fengbin , Wang Ningjian , Shen Zhoujun , Lu Yingli
Published: November 2017

Previous studies have reported that insulin resistant and low testosterone are related. The triglyceride and glucose index (TyG) well mirrors insulin sensitivity. No study investigated the application of TyG in male hypogonadism. We aimed to explore whether TyG was associated with hypogonadism, and also evaluate the ability of TyG compared to HOMA-IR as a possible hypogonadism predictor. A total of 4299 male subjects were enrolled from 22 sites in East China. Hypogonadism was defined as total testosterone <11.3 nmol/L. 695 (16.2%) hypogonadal men had significantly higher TyG index. The prevalence of hypogonadism stepwise increased across increasing TyG quartiles (P < 0.01). TyG was negatively associated with sex hormones and hypogonadism after adjustment for age, current smoking status, hypertension and overweight/obesity (all P for trend <0.01). The full-adjusted odds ratio was 6.1 for the highest quartile compared with the lowest quartile of TyG (95% CI 4.51, 8.25, P < 0.001). On ROC curve analysis, a larger area under the curve was found for TyG (0.71, 95% CI 0.69,0.73) than for HOMA-IR (0.68, 95% CI 0.66,0.70). Thus, the TyG was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of hypogonadism in Chinese men. TyG had a better predictive power for hypogonadism than HOMA-IR.
Optogenetic silencing of nociceptive primary afferents reduces evoked and ongoing bladder pain
Authors: Samineni Vijay K. , Mickle Aaron D. , Yoon Jangyeol , Grajales-Reyes Jose G. , Pullen Melanie Y. , Crawford Kaitlyn E. , Noh Kyung Nim , Gereau Graydon B. , Vogt Sherri K. , Lai H. Henry , Rogers John A. , Gereau Robert W.
Published: November 2017

Patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) suffer from chronic pain that severely affects quality of life. Although the underlying pathophysiology is not well understood, inhibition of bladder sensory afferents temporarily relieves pain. Here, we explored the possibility that optogenetic inhibition of nociceptive sensory afferents could be used to modulate bladder pain. The light-activated inhibitory proton pump Archaerhodopsin (Arch) was expressed under control of the sensory neuron-specific sodium channel (sns) gene to selectively silence these neurons. Optically silencing nociceptive sensory afferents significantly blunted the evoked visceromotor response to bladder distension and led to small but significant changes in bladder function. To study of the role of nociceptive sensory afferents in freely behaving mice, we developed a fully implantable, flexible, wirelessly powered optoelectronic system for the long-term manipulation of bladder afferent expressed opsins. We found that optogenetic inhibition of nociceptive sensory afferents reduced both ongoing pain and evoked cutaneous hypersensitivity in the context of cystitis, but had no effect in uninjured, naïve mice. These results suggest that selective optogenetic silencing of nociceptive bladder afferents may represent a potential future therapeutic strategy for the treatment of bladder pain.
Insights into gene expression profiles induced by Socs3 depletion in keratinocytes
Authors: Bajpai Archana , Ishii Takashi , Miyauchi Kosuke , Gupta Vipul , Nishio-Masaike Yuka , Shimizu-Yoshida Yuki , Kubo Masato , Kitano Hiroaki
Published: November 2017

Specific deletion of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (Socs3) in keratinocytes can cause severe skin inflammation with infiltration of immune cells. The molecular mechanisms and key regulatory pathways involved in these processes remain elusive. To investigate the role of Socs3 in keratinocytes, we generated and analyzed global RNA-Seq profiles from Socs3 conditional knockout (cKO) mice of two different ages (2 and 10 weeks). Over 400 genes were significantly regulated at both time points. Samples from 2-week-old mice exhibited down-regulation of genes involved in keratin-related functions and up-regulation of genes involved in lipid metabolism. At week 10, multiple chemokine and cytokine genes were up-regulated. Functional annotation revealed that the genes differentially expressed in the 2-week-old mice play roles in keratinization, keratinocyte differentiation, and epidermal cell differentiation. By contrast, differentially expressed genes in the 10-week-old animals are involved in acute immune-related functions. A group of activator protein-1–related genes were highly up-regulated in Socs3 cKO mice of both ages. This observation was validated using qRT-PCR by SOCS3-depleted human keratinocyte–derived HaCaT cells. Our results suggest that, in addition to participating in immune-mediated pathways, SOCS3 also plays important roles in skin barrier homeostasis.
Convergent evolution of plant and animal embryo defences by hyperstable non-digestible storage proteins
Authors: Pasquevich María Yanina , Dreon Marcos Sebastián , Qiu Jian-Wen , Mu Huawei , Heras Horacio
Published: November 2017

Plants have evolved sophisticated embryo defences by kinetically-stable non-digestible storage proteins that lower the nutritional value of seeds, a strategy that have not been reported in animals. To further understand antinutritive defences in animals, we analysed PmPV1, massively accumulated in the eggs of the gastropod Pomacea maculata, focusing on how its structure and structural stability features affected its capacity to withstand passage through predator guts. The native protein withstands >50 min boiling and resists the denaturing detergent sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), indicating an unusually high structural stability (i.e., kinetic stability). PmPV1 is highly resistant to in vitro proteinase digestion and displays structural stability between pH 2.0–12.0 and 25–85 °C. Furthermore, PmPV1 withstands in vitro and mice digestion and is recovered unchanged in faeces, supporting an antinutritive defensive function. Subunit sequence similarities suggest a common origin and tolerance to mutations. This is the first known animal genus that, like plant seeds, lowers the nutritional value of eggs by kinetically-stable non-digestible storage proteins that survive the gut of predators unaffected. The selective pressure of the harsh gastrointestinal environment would have favoured their appearance, extending by convergent evolution the presence of plant-like hyperstable antinutritive proteins to unattended reproductive stages in animals.
Analysis of the gut microbiome and plasma short-chain fatty acid profiles in a spontaneous mouse model of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Nishitsuji Kazuchika , Xiao Jinzhong , Nagatomo Ryosuke , Umemoto Hitomi , Morimoto Yuki , Akatsu Hiroyasu , Inoue Koichi , Tsuneyama Koichi
Published: November 2017

Male Tsumura Suzuki obese diabetes (TSOD) mice spontaneously develop obesity and obesity-related metabolic syndrome. Gut dysbiosis, an imbalance of gut microbiota, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, but its mechanisms are unknown. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the main fermentation products of gut microbiota and a link between the gut microbiota and the host’s physiology. Here, we investigated a correlation among gut dysbiosis, SCFAs, and metabolic syndrome in TSOD mice. We detected enriched levels of Gram-positive bacteria and corresponding decreases in Gram-negative bacteria in 24-wk-old metabolic syndrome-affected TSOD mice compared with age-matched controls. The abundance of Bacteroidetes species decreased, the abundance of Firmicutes species increased, and nine genera of bacteria were altered in 24-wk-old TSOD mice. The total plasma SCFA level was significantly lower in the TSOD mice than in controls. The major plasma SCFA—acetate—decreased in TSOD mice, whereas propionate and butyrate increased. TSOD mice had no minor SCFAs (valerate and hexanoate) but normal mice did. We thus concluded that gut dysbiosis and consequent disruptions in plasma SCFA profiles occurred in metabolic syndrome-affected TSOD mice. We also propose that the TSOD mouse is a useful model to study gut dysbiosis, SCFAs, and metabolic syndrome.
Influences of lone-pair electrons on directionality of hydrogen bonds formed by hydrophilic amino acid side chains in molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Oroguchi Tomotaka , Nakasako Masayoshi
Published: November 2017

The influence of lone-pair electrons on the directionality of hydrogen bonds that are formed by oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the side chains of nine hydrophilic was investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations were conducted using two types of force fields; one incorporated lone-pair electrons placed at off-atom sites and the other did not. The density distributions of the hydration water molecules around the oxygen and nitrogen atoms were calculated from the simulation trajectories, and were compared with the empirical hydration distribution functions, which were constructed from a large number of hydration water molecules found in the crystal structures of proteins. Only simulations using the force field explicitly incorporating lone-pair electrons reproduced the directionality of hydrogen bonds that is observed in the empirical distribution functions for the deprotonated oxygen and nitrogen atoms in thesp2-hybridization. The amino acids that include such atoms are functionally important glutamate, aspartate, and histidine. Therefore, a set of force field that incorporates lone-pair electrons as off-atom charge sites would be effective for considering hydrogen bond formation by these amino acids in molecular dynamics simulation studies.
Section 1Tunable broadband terahertz absorbers based on multiple layers of graphene ribbons
Authors: Chen Dingbo , Yang Junbo , Zhang Jingjing , Huang Jie , Zhang Zhaojian
Published: November 2017

A novel metamaterial structure consisting of multiple graphene/dielectric layers and metallic substrate is proposed to achieve the broadband absorption response at terahertz (THz) frequencies. Utilizing the phase modulation effect generated by graphene ribbons, the bright-dark field is formed to suppress the reflection based on interference theory in a wide period. By irregularly stacking four graphene ribbons of varying widths on four dielectric layers with unequal thickness in a period, we merge successive absorption peaks into a broadband absorption spectrum successfully. The absorption decreases with fluctuations as the incident angle increases. The position of the absorption spectrum can be dynamically tuned by a small change in the Fermi level of graphene instead of re-optimizing and re-fabricating the device. In addition, the bandwidth of the absorber can be further improved by means of increasing the graphene/dielectric layers. The structure proposed in this paper has potential applications in tunable terahertz photonic devices such as dynamic broadband filters, modulators and sensors.
Computational design of fully overlapping coding schemes for protein pairs and triplets
Authors: Opuu Vaitea , Silvert Martin , Simonson Thomas
Published: November 2017

Gene pairs that overlap in their coding regions are rare except in viruses. They may occur transiently in gene creation and are of biotechnological interest. We have examined the possibility to encode an arbitrary pair of protein domains as a dual gene, with the shorter coding sequence completely embedded in the longer one. For 500 × 500 domain pairs (X, Y), we computationally designed homologous pairs (X′, Y′) coded this way, using an algorithm that provably maximizes the sequence similarity between (X′, Y′) and (X, Y). Three schemes were considered, with X′ and Y′ coded on the same or complementary strands. For 16% of the pairs, an overlapping coding exists where the level of homology of X′, Y′ to the natural proteins represents an E-value of 10−10 or better. Thus, for an arbitrary domain pair, it is surprisingly easy to design homologous sequences that can be encoded as a fully-overlapping gene pair. The algorithm is general and was used to design 200 triple genes, with three proteins encoded by the same DNA segment. The ease of design suggests overlapping genes may have occurred frequently in evolution and could be readily used to compress or constrain artificial genomes.
Transcriptomic profiling of human breast and melanoma cells selected by migration through narrow constraints
Authors: Rudzka Dominika A. , Clark William , Hedley Ann , Kalna Gabriela , Olson Michael F.
Published: November 2017

The metastatic spread of cancer cells is a step-wise process that starts with dissociation from primary tumours and local invasion of adjacent tissues. The ability to invade local tissues is the product of several processes, including degradation of extracellular matrices (ECM) and movement of tumour cells through physically-restricting gaps. To identify properties contributing to tumour cells squeezing through narrow gaps, invasive MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer and MDA-MB-435 human melanoma cells were subjected to three successive rounds of selection using cell culture inserts with highly constraining 3 μm pores. For comparison purposes, flow cytometry was also employed to enrich for small diameter MDA-MB-231 cells. RNA-Sequencing (RNA-seq) using the Illumina NextSeq 500 platform was undertaken to characterize how gene expression differed between parental, invasive pore selected or small diameter cells. Gene expression results obtained by RNA-seq were validated by comparing with RT-qPCR. Transcriptomic data generated could be used to determine how alterations that enable cell passage through narrow spaces contribute to local invasion and metastasis.
Surface Plasmon Resonance for Identifying and Characterising Small Molecule Ligands
Authors: Pollack S. J.
Published: November 2017

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is a powerful technology that allows an information-rich assessment of the interactions of tethered protein molecular targets with their interacting ligands in real time. As such, SPR has proven useful at all stages of drug discovery, from initial hit finding (particularly the screening of fragment libraries) to mechanistic kinetic and thermodynamic profiling during hit validation and lead optimisation phases. Each of these stages of drug discovery involves somewhat different considerations in the optimal design and interpretation of SPR experiments. These factors will be discussed along with other relevant applications of SPR technology for drug discovery, such as in DMPK and toxicology assessments. Finally, the future developments in SPR for drug discovery will be considered.
Mutual effects andin plantaaccumulation of co-existing cerium oxide nanoparticles and cadmium in hydroponically grown soybean (Glycine max(L.) Merr.)
Authors: Rossi Lorenzo , Sharifan Hamidreza , Zhang Weilan , Schwab Arthur P. , Ma Xingmao
Published: November 2017

Plant uptake of cadmium is affected by co-existing cerium oxide nanoparticles andvice versa.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties ofIlex guayusatea preparations: a comparison toCamellia sinensisteas
Authors: Pardau Madelein D. , Pereira Andreia S. P. , Apostolides Zeno , Serem June C. , Bester Megan J.
Published: November 2017

Ilex guayusateas are a good source of dietary phenolic compounds with cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties comparable to green and blackCamellia sinensisteas.
Rat ceruloplasmin: a new labile copper binding site and zinc/copper mosaic
Authors: Samygina V. R. , Sokolov A. V. , Bourenkov G. , Schneider T. R. , Anashkin V. A. , Kozlov S. O. , Kolmakov N. N. , Vasilyev V. B.
Published: November 2017

Ceruloplasmin (Cp) is a copper-containing multifunctional oxidase of plasma. New rat Cp features were discovered by X-ray analysis.
Value ofmir-247in warning of graphene oxide toxicity in nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Xiao Guosheng , Zhi Lingtong , Ding Xuecheng , Rui Qi , Wang Dayong
Published: November 2017

Our results imply the important potential ofmir-247in warning the formation of GO toxicity in the range of μg L−1in nematodes.
Epinephrine inhibits vascular hyperpermeability during platelet-activating factor- or ovalbumin-induced anaphylaxis
Authors: Ma Xiang , Xiaokaiti Yilixiati , Lei Hui , Liu Wei , Xu Jiamin , Sun Yi , Zhao Xin , Pu Xiaoping , Zhai Suodi
Published: November 2017

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) has been shown to play a critical role in mediating vascular hyperpermeability during anaphylaxis.
Theoretical study of the Cl-initiated atmospheric oxidation of methyl isopropenyl ketone
Authors: Zhao Yan , Zou Shengli , Jiang Yuan-Ye , Bi Siwei
Published: November 2017

For the Cl-initiated atmospheric oxidation of methyl isopropenyl ketone, two reaction types (Cl-addition and H-abstraction) and the subsequent reactions for the primary intermediates (IM1, IM2 and IM6) are presented and discussed.
A simple and efficient approach to fabricate graphene/CNT hybrid transparent conductive films
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Chen Zhangfu , Xu Xiaoxue , Liao Wei , Yang Lianqiao
Published: November 2017

In this paper, a novel and scalable method to fabricate graphene/carbon nanotube (CNT) hybrid transparent conductive films on Cu substrates, which combines electroplating and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is proposed and demonstrated.
Hollow polymer particles: a review
Authors: Ramli Ros Azlinawati
Published: November 2017

Herein, the basic principles, such as the definitions, classifications, and properties, of hollow polymer particles (HPPs) are critically investigated.
Effect of Al content on number and location of hydroxyl acid species in zeolites: a DRIFTS quantitative protocol without the need for molar extinction coefficients
Authors: Bräuer Pierre , Ng Pey Ling , Situmorang Olivia , Hitchcock Iain , D'Agostino Carmine
Published: November 2017

Collidine is able to interact only with hydroxyl species on the external surface or at the pore mouth of the zeolite as it is not able to access the internal pore structure.
Crystallization of ultrathin poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) films in blends with small amounts of poly(l-lactic acid): correlation between film thickness and molecular weight of poly(l-lactic acid)
Authors: Khasanah Khasanah , Takahashi Isao , Reddy Kummetha Raghunatha , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: November 2017

The crystallization behavior of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) films in blends with small amounts of poly(l-lactic acids) (PLLAs) was investigated by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXD) and infrared-reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS).
3d transition metal doping-induced electronic structures and magnetism in 1T-HfSe2 monolayers
Authors: Zhao Xu , Yang Congxia , Wang Tianxing , Ma Xu , Wei Shuyi , Xia Congxin
Published: November 2017

By performing first-principles calculations, we explore the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of 3d transition metal (TM) atom-doped 1T-HfSe2 monolayers.
Switchable bumps of a bead-embedded elastomer surface with variable adhesion
Authors: Ohzono T. , Teraoka K.
Published: November 2017

A composite material composed of an elastomer sheet and hard beads embedded at the surface realizing a shape-tunable surface.
Pervasive infiltration and multi-branch chemisorption of N-719 molecules into newly designed spongy TiO2 layers deposited by gig-lox sputtering processes
Authors: Sanzaro Salvatore , Fazio Enza , Neri Fortunato , Smecca Emanuele , Bongiorno Corrado , Mannino Giovanni , Puglisi Rosaria Anna , La Magna Antonino , Alberti Alessandra
Published: November 2017

We illustrate the bimodal porosity of the gig-lox sponge for high/deep dye loading and multi-branch dye anchoring combined with high charge collection capability.
Design and construction of artificial photoresponsive protocells capable of converting day light to chemical energy
Authors: Wang Shengjie , Li Mei , Patil Avinash J. , Sun Shiyong , Tian Liangfei , Zhang Dongxiu , Cao Meiwen , Mann Stephen
Published: November 2017

Design and construction of artificial photoresponsive protocells based on the encapsulation and activation of metallized peptide/porphyrin self-assembled nanofilaments within silica-nanoparticle-stabilized colloidosomes.
Enzyme-instructed self-assembly leads to the activation of optical properties for selective fluorescence detection and photodynamic ablation of cancer cells
Authors: Ji Shenglu , Gao Heqi , Mu Wancen , Ni Xiang , Yi Xiaoyong , Shen Jing , Liu Qian , Bao Pingping , Ding Dan
Published: November 2017

An aggregation-induced emission luminogen (AIEgen)-based probe with both fluorescence and photoactivity activatable characteristics is developed for cancer theranostics.
Fabrication of a high-performance thin film polarizer using lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals using a high-resolution nanoscale template
Authors: Kim Hyuk Jun , Jung Woo-Bin , Jeong Hyeon Su , Jung Hee-Tae
Published: November 2017

Lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals (LCLCs) have attracted attention for their potential applications as thin-film polarizers.
WO3nanobelt doped PEDOT:PSS layers for efficient hole-injection in quantum dot light-emitting diodes
Authors: Zhuo Ming-Peng , Liang Feng , Shi Ying-Li , Hu Yun , Wang Rong-Bin , Chen Wei-Fan , Wang Xue-Dong , Liao Liang-Sheng
Published: November 2017

A conventional red QLED device achieved a satisfactory enhancement in maximum EQE from 5.86% (pristine PEDOT:PSS) to 10.60% after doping WO3nanobelts into PEDOT:PSS as an efficient hole-injecting layer.
SUMO chain formation relies on the amino-terminal region of SUMO-conjugating enzyme and has dedicated substrates in plants
Authors: Tomanov Konstantin , Nehlin Lilian , Ziba Ionida , Bachmair Andreas
Published: November 2017

The small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) conjugation apparatus usually attaches single SUMO moieties to its substrates, but SUMO chains have also been identified. To better define the biochemical requirements and characteristics of SUMO chain formation, mutations in surface-exposed Lys residues of Arabidopsis SUMO-conjugating enzyme (SCE) were tested for in vitro activity. Lys-to-Arg changes in the amino-terminal region of SCE allowed SUMO acceptance from SUMO-activating enzyme and supported substrate mono-sumoylation, but these mutations had significant effects on SUMO chain assembly. We found no indication that SUMO modification of SCE promotes chain formation. A substrate was identified that is modified by SUMO chain addition, showing that SCE can distinguish substrates for either mono-sumoylation or SUMO chain attachment. It is also shown that SCE with active site Cys mutated to Ser can accept SUMO to form an oxyester, but cannot transfer this SUMO moiety onto substrates, explaining a previously known dominant negative effect of this mutation.
Big knowledge from big data in functional genomics
Authors: Ponting Chris P.
Published: November 2017

With so much genomics data being produced, it might be wise to pause and consider what purpose this data can or should serve. Some improve annotations, others predict molecular interactions, but few add directly to existing knowledge. This is because sequence annotations do not always implicate function, and molecular interactions are often irrelevant to a cell's or organism's survival or propagation. Merely correlative relationships found in big data fail to provide answers to the Why questions of human biology. Instead, those answers are expected from methods that causally link DNA changes to downstream effects without being confounded by reverse causation. These approaches require the controlled measurement of the consequences of DNA variants, for example, either those introduced in single cells using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing or that are already present across the human population. Inferred causal relationships between genetic variation and cellular phenotypes or disease show promise to rapidly grow and underpin our knowledge base.
Comparative study of adaptive current‐mode controllers for a hybrid‐type high‐order boost converter
Authors: Jiang Wentao , Chincholkar Satyajit Hemant , Chan Chok You
Published: November 2017

A comparative study of two adaptive current‐mode controllers for a high‐order hybrid‐type dc–dc boost converter is presented. The implementation of the traditional current‐mode controller for this converter requires the knowledge of the nominal value of the load resistance to compute the control signal. As such, it is unable to handle systems with uncertain loads well. To address this, an adaptive law is used to estimate the load conductance in order to generate the reference current input. In this adaptive law, the derivative of the estimator is optimised as well as bounded. Moreover, the converter has two inductor currents which can be used for feedback purposes. Considering this, two adaptive current‐mode controllers using the input and output inductor currents of the converter are separately designed to find the most appropriate inductor current for the implementation of the proposed controller. Finally, some simulation and experimental results comparing the performance of the adaptive controller using the output inductor current with that of the traditional current‐mode controller are also presented.
Combined voltage and frequency control of a multi‐area multisource system incorporating dish‐Stirling solar thermal and HVDC link
Authors: Rajbongshi Rumi , Saikia Lalit Chandra
Published: November 2017

This study highlights the significance of dish‐Stirling solar thermal system (DSTS) and high voltage direct current (HVDC) link in the combined automatic load frequency control (ALFC) and automatic voltage regulator (AVR) model of the multi‐area thermal‐diesel plant. Appropriate generation rate constraints and governor dead band for the thermal plant are considered. A maiden attempt has been made to apply fractional order integral double derivative controller with derivative filter (FOIDDF) as a secondary controller for both ALFC and AVR loops. The performance of the FOIDDF controller is compared with some commonly used classical controllers. The lightning search algorithm is implemented for simultaneous optimisation of the controller parameters. The comparison shows the better performance of FOIDDF than others. The effect of the AVR loop on the ALFC loop is also analysed for the first time in the combined model. The investigation of the effect of DSTS and HVDC links reveals that their inclusion improves the system dynamics. The superiority of the proposed controller has been established for variable insolation of the DSTS. The rigorous sensitivity analysis of the different position and magnitude of disturbance, change in tie‐line synchronising coefficient and different condition of the DSTS reflects the robustness of the proposed controller parameters obtained at the nominal condition.
Modelling and control of doubly fed variable‐speed pumped storage units for grid power regulation
Authors: Guopeng Zhao , Qiang Zhao , Jiyun Ren , Xiaofang Song , Minxiao Han
Published: November 2017

With the expending scale of the power grid and the substantial development of renewable energy generation system, the demand for power quality is becoming more and more significant. The doubly fed pumped storage can be an effective method to control the power of the power grid and restrain the power grid fluctuation caused by renewable energy generation. First, this study introduces the structure of doubly fed pumped storage unit, and analyses the mathematical model of reversible hydraulic pump turbine, doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) and control strategy of the converter. On the basis of the model of reversible hydraulic pump turbine and DFIG, control strategies of the dq decoupling and synchronous rotating coordinate system are studied to output the active and reactive power. Second, the models of generating mode and pumping mode for the doubly fed pumped storage unit are established. Third, for the grid power regulation, active power and speed control strategy in generating mode, pumping mode are put forward. Finally, the model of doubly fed pumped storage unit of 300 MW is established in MATLAB/Simulink. The proposed control strategy is verified by the simulation results.
Uncertain models of renewable energy sources
Authors: Wang Zong‐jie , Guo Zhi‐zhong
Published: November 2017

To quantitatively depict the statistical regularity of uncertain renewable energy power uncertainty, this study not only defines the concept of statistical forecast uncertainty but also proposes a function model system to illustrate the relationship between statistical forecast uncertainty and look‐ahead forecast time. First, functions are employed to describe the uncertainties in the wind and solar power generations. Second, all power grid functions are combined into a sum function with multiple time coefficients. Third, the sum function is then turned into an equivalent function with a single time constant via order reduction. Finally, the equivalent function is finally turned into a profile function by ascertaining the single time coefficient function. The amplitude and time constant are the two numerical characteristics of the function that characterise the statistical regularity of uncertain renewable energy power uncertainty. Two propositions that guarantee the rigorousness of the proposed function model system are further proposed and illustrated.
Suppression method of parallel‐damping controller for DFIG
Authors: Zhao Fan , Wu Linlin , Zhang Jiaan , Gao Xiaodong , Liu Hui , Wang Huajun , Yang Yanjie
Published: November 2017

With large‐scale wind power integrated into the power grid, the doubly‐fed induction generator (DFIG)‐based wind farm may occur the phenomenon of subsynchronous resonance (SSR) induced by subsynchronous controller interaction (SSCI), which is closely related to the series compensation in a transmission line. To study the mechanism of SSCI and the suppression method of SSR, a DFIG plant model is established with reference to the parameters of a North China wind farm. The Prony method is applied in the influence analysis of different factors on the system damping. An additional damping control strategy is proposed based on the rotor torque analysis method, and a parallel‐damping controller is designed. With the simulation of PSCAD, the effectiveness of the proposed strategy is verified and the results show that the parallel‐damping controller in rotor side converter has a better SSR suppress the effect than in grid side converter.
Spider structures: records of fluid venting from methane hydrates on the Congo continental slope
Authors: Casenave Viviane , Gay Aurélien , Imbert Patrice
Published: November 2017

Fluid seepage features on the upper continental slope offshore Congo are investigated using multi-disciplinary datasets acquired during several campaigns at sea carried out over the last 15 years. This datasets includes multibeam bathymetry, seismic data, seafloor videos, seafloor samples and chemical analyses of both carbonate samples and of the water column. Combined use of these datasets allows the identification of two distinctive associations of pockmark-like seabed venting structures, located in water depths of 600–700 m and directly above a buried structural high containing known hydrocarbon reservoirs. These two features are called spiders due to the association of large sub-circular depressions (the body) with smaller elongate depressions (the legs). Seismic reflection data show that these two structures correspond to amplitude anomalies locatedca. 60–100 ms below seabed. The burial of these anomalies is consistent with the base of the methane hydrate stability domain, which leads to interpret them as patches of hydrate-related bottom-simulating reflection (BSR). The morphology and seismic character of the two structures clearly contrasts with those of the regional background (Morphotype A). The spider structures are composed of two seafloor morphotypes: Morphotype B and Morphotype C. Morphotype B makes flat-bottomed depressions associated with the presence of large bacterial mats without evidence of carbonates. Morphotype C is made of elongated depressions associated with the presence of carbonate pavements and a prolific chemosynthetic benthic life. On that basis of these observations combined with geochemical analyses, the spider structures are interpreted to be linked with methane leakage. Methane leakage within the spider structures varies from one morphotype to another, with a higher activity within the seafloor of Morphotype C; and a lower activity in the seafloor of Morphotype B, which is interpreted to correspond to a domain of relict fluid leakage. This change of the seepage activity is due to deeper changes in gas (or methane) migration corresponding to the progressive upslope migration of fluids. This phenomenon is due to the local formation of gas hydrates that form a barrier allowing the trapping of free gas below in the particular context of the wedge of hydrates.
The adaptation to standing long jump distance in parkour is performed by the modulation of specific variables prior and during take-off
Authors: Grosprêtre Sidney , Ufland Pierre , Jecker Daniel
Published: November 2017

The present study aimed at investigating different variables that can be manipulated prior to and during take-off, to execute a specific standing long jump (SLJ) distance, according to jump expertise in parkour practitioners (= traceurs). Fourteen healthy young traceurs were included and separated into two groups: beginners (BEG) and experts (EXP). Firstly, classical vertical jump battery was used to characterize participants arm use and leg efficiency. Secondly, standing long jump (SLJ) performances were analyzed at four distances: 70, 80, 90, and 100% of each participant’s maximal SLJ distance. The force-time curves of the ground reaction forces (GRF) and the center of pressure (CoP) trajectory were measured with a force platform during the jump impulses. Take-off speed, angle and jump trajectory were estimated. For all of the participants, take-off speed and angle, power output, and vertical GRF during jump preparation (counter movement) varied with distance. The EXP group exhibited greater backward CoP excursion, greater arm participation, greater take-off velocity and a greater modulation of take-off angle than BEG group. When comparing jumps of similar distance, EXP exhibited a more curvilinear trajectory with a higher peak than BEG. To conclude, different motor strategies can be adopted based on the jump distance, and these strategies can evolve as parkour experience increases.
Only a Rapid Complete Biochemical Remission After 131I-Therapy is Associated with an Unimpaired Life Expectancy in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Verburg Frederik , Mäder Uwe , Grelle Inge , Giovanella Luca , Reiners Christoph , Hänscheid Heribert
Published: November 2017

The objective of the work was to investigate the relationship between thyroglobulin doubling time (TgDT) as a marker of speed of response to 131I-therapy and the differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) recurrence rate, DTC specific mortality rate, and relative survival rate in a DTC population followed over a long period of time after 131I-therapy. From our database, data of 1354 patients were reviewed. TgDT could be calculated in 174 patients, however, 376 patients did not have sufficient Tg values available for TgDT calculation and 804 patients reached biochemical remission before a sufficient number of Tg measurements for TgDT calculation was acquired. Main outcome measures were recurrence-free, DTC specific, and relative survival rates. In patients<45 years, TgDT in multivariate analysis was identified as the solitary significant determinant of DTC specific and relative survival. In patients≥45 years of age at diagnosis, TgDT is an independent, but not the only determinant of recurrence free, DTC specific, and relative survival. Importantly, in this age group life expectancy is normal in patients reaching rapid biochemical remission (i. e., before TgDT can be calculated); it was reduced in patients with a negative TgDT, which normally is deemed a marker of response to therapy. Only DTC patients with a rapid biochemical remission have a very good prognosis with a normal life expectancy. If no rapid biochemical remission occurs, both biochemically progressive disease and a slower biochemical remission of disease are associated with a reduced prognosis, especially in older DTC patients.
Characterisation of soft magnetic materials by measurement: Evaluation of uncertainties up to 1.8 T and 9 kHz
Authors: Elfgen S. , Franck D. , Hameyer K.
Published: November 2017

Magnetic measurements are indispensable for the characterization of soft magnetic material used e.g. in electrical machines. Characteristic values are used as quality control during production and for the parametrization of material models. Uncertainties and errors in the measurements are reflected directly in the parameters of the material models. This can result in over-dimensioning and inaccuracies in simulations for the design of electrical machines. Therefore, existing influencing factors in the characterization of soft magnetic materials are named and their resulting uncertainties contributions studied. The analysis of the resulting uncertainty contributions can serve the operator as additional selection criteria for different measuring sensors. The investigation is performed for measurements within and outside the currently prescribed standard, using a Single sheet tester and its impact on the identification of iron loss parameter is studied.
Polarization modification of a spatially randomized picosecond-pulse beam during its amplification by a nanosecond pump
Authors: Neuville C. , Glize K. , Masson-Laborde P.-E , Loiseau P. , Hüller S. , Debayle A. , Baccou C. , Casanova M. , Labaune C. , Depierreux S.
Published: November 2017

Modifications of the spatial distribution of polarization in the focal spot of a picosecond-pulse beam after its amplification by a nanosecond pump in a plasma have been observed experimentally. The spatially resolved measurement of beam polarization was achieved thanks to the simultaneous imaging of the focal spot with two cameras, one of which was equipped with a polarizer, permitting to determine the polarization characteristics. The mean modification of the picosecond-pulse beam polarization after crossing the nanosecond beam depends on its mean amplification by crossed-beam energy transfer. A fine analysis of the spatial polarization modification reveals a large dispersion of the speckle polarization modification after their amplification. This dispersive modification originates from the spatial smoothing of the two crossing beams.
Probablistic generation model for optimal allocation of PV DG in distribution system with time-varying load models
Authors: Khan Muhammad Faisal Nadeem , Malik Tahir Nadeem
Published: November 2017

Distributed generation (DG) planning studies are generally conducted while assuming constant generation and load models. However, in this paper, optimal allocation of photovoltaic (PV) based DG is carried out while considering probabilistic generation and time varying voltage dependent load models. First, a novel probabilistic generation model is proposed for solar irradiance uncertainty modeling to compute the hourly output power produced via PV units. Subsequently, the obtained power values are used to determine the optimum PV allocation in the distribution system through particle swarm optimization to minimize the multi-objective function. The proposed algorithm has been validated on 33-bus and 69-bus distribution test systems. The results demonstrate that the proposed model is suitable for solar irradiance modeling and can be employed in power system planning studies.
Graphene surface plasmon bandgap based on two dimensional Si gratings
Authors: Wang Yueke , Lu Mengjia
Published: November 2017

A graphene/Si system, which is composed of a two-dimensional subwavelength silicon gratings and a graphene sheet, is designed to realize the complete band gap in infrared region for graphene surface plasmons (GSPs) theoretically. The complete band gap originates from the strong scatterings, which is caused by the periodical distribution of effective refractive index. The band structure has been calculated using the plane wave expansion method, and full wave numerical simulations are conducted by finite element method. Thanks to the tunable permittivity of graphene, the band structure can be easily tuned, which provides a way to manipulate in-plane GSPs’ propagation.
Microfluidic platform for characterizing TCR–pMHC interactions
Authors: Stockslager Max A. , Bagnall Josephine Shaw , Hecht Vivian C. , Hu Kevin , Aranda-Michel Edgar , Payer Kristofor , Kimmerling Robert J. , Manalis Scott R.
Published: November 2017

The physical characteristics of the T cell receptor (TCR)–peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) interaction are known to play a central role in determining T cell function in the initial stages of the adaptive immune response. State-of-the-art assays can probe the kinetics of this interaction with single-molecular-bond resolution, but this precision typically comes at the cost of low throughput, since the complexity of these measurements largely precludes “scaling up.” Here, we explore the feasibility of detecting specific TCR–pMHC interactions by flowing T cells past immobilized pMHC and measuring the reduction in cell speed due to the mechanical force of the receptor-ligand interaction. To test this new fluidic measurement modality, we fabricated a microfluidic device in which pMHC-coated beads are immobilized in hydrodynamic traps along the length of a serpentine channel. As T cells flow past the immobilized beads, their change in speed is tracked via microscopy. We validated this approach using two model systems: primary CD8+ T cells from an OT-1 TCR transgenic mouse with beads conjugated with H-2Kb:SIINFEKL, and Jurkat T cells with beads conjugated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies.
Perspectives from practice: complexities of personal care workers
Authors: Martyn Julie-Anne , Zanella Sally , Wilkinson Adele
Published: November 2017

Personal care workers (PCWs) make up the bulk of the workforce in residential and community care services. The knowledge and skill set needed for safe and effective practice in care settings is extensive. A diverse range of registered training organisations (RTOs) offering Certificate III and IV in Individual Support (aging, home and community) are tasked with producing job-ready PCWs. However, the curricula of these programs vary. Additionally, a national code of conduct for healthcare workers became effective in October 2015 as a governance framework for PCWs. The language of the code statements is ambiguous making it unclear how this framework should be translated by RTOs and applied in the preservice practice preparation of PCWs. Employers of PCWs need to feel confident that the content of the preservice education of PCWs satisfactorily prepares them for the diverse contexts of their practice. Likewise, the health professionals who supervise PCWs must be assured about the knowledge and skills of the PCW if they are to safely delegate care activities. The perspectives presented in this discussion make it clear that investigation into the nebulous nature of PCW education, regulation and practice is needed to identify the shortcomings and enable improved practice.