bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A stable aggregate system of silyl ether substituted quinacridone and its aggregation-state changes induced by fluoride-ions: inspiration for a dual guaranteed strategy for probe design
Authors: Chen Peng , Liu Guo-Jie , Wang Yuyang , Zhang Sean Xiao-An
Published: March 2016

Based on the two aggregation-state changes of the THF system of 2, a new dual guaranteed strategy for the real-time naked-eye detection of fluoride-ions was developed.
Physically (CO2) activated hydrochars from hickory and peanut hull: preparation, characterization, and sorption of methylene blue, lead, copper, and cadmium
Authors: Fang June , Gao Bin , Zimmerman Andrew R. , Ro Kyoung S. , Chen Jianjun
Published: March 2016

CO2 activation of hydrochar resulted in improved physicochemical properties and greater sorption of various contaminants.
Role of fluorine surface modification in improving electrochemical cyclability of concentration gradient Li[Ni0.73Co0.12Mn0.15]O2 cathode material for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Jingpeng , Du Chunyu , Yan Chunqiu , Xu Xing , He Xiaoshu , Yin Geping , Zuo Pengjian , Cheng Xinqun , Ma Yulin , Gao Yunzhi
Published: March 2016

The fluorine-modified Li[Ni0.73Co0.12Mn0.15]O2−xFx materials exhibit superior cycling stability, which is attributed to the synergistic protection of the surface NiO-like phase and fluoride layer.
Oxidation of benzyl alcohol catalyzed by gold nanoparticles under alkaline conditions: weak vs. strong bases
Authors: Ferraz Camila P. , Garcia Marco Aurélio S. , Teixeira-Neto Érico , Rossi Liane M.
Published: March 2016

A comparative study of the promotion effect of weak and strong bases in the aqueous oxidation of benzyl alcohol by Au/TiO2 showed that better conversion and aldehyde selectivity can be obtained using weak bases.
Incorporation of spirobifluorene regioisomers in electron-donating molecular systems for organic solar cells
Authors: Bulut Ibrahim , Chávez Patricia , Fall Sadiara , Méry Stéphane , Heinrich Benoit , Rault-Berthelot Joëlle , Poriel Cyril , Lévêque Patrick , Leclerc Nicolas
Published: March 2016

We report herein the synthesis and characterizations of new small molecules for organic photovoltaics including diketopyrrolopyrrole and spirobifluorene.
Enhanced corrosion resistance of polybenzoxazine coatings by epoxy incorporation
Authors: Zhou Changlu , Lin Jiaping , Lu Xin , Xin Zhong
Published: March 2016

Polybenzoxazine/epoxy composite coatings with a dual-crosslinking network have been developed for anti-corrosion, and exhibit stable hydrophobicity even after the potentiodynamic measurements.
A renewable resource based carbon dot decorated hydroxyapatite nanohybrid and its fabrication with waterborne hyperbranched polyurethane for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Gogoi Satyabrat , Kumar Manishekhar , Mandal Biman B. , Karak Niranjan
Published: March 2016

Carbon dot decorated hydroxyapatite/water borne hyperbranched polyurethane nanocomposite.
Fe–Fe3C/C microspheres as a lightweight microwave absorbent
Authors: Li Wanxi , Qi Hongxue , Niu Xianjun , Guo Fang , Chen Xiuling , Wang Liancheng , Lv Baoliang
Published: March 2016

Fe–Fe3C/C microspheres were successfully synthesized and can be used as a lightweight and highly efficient microwave absorbent.
Effect of different-sized spherical gold nanoparticles grown layer by layer on the sensitivity of an immunochromatographic assay
Authors: Li Juan , Duan Hong , Xu Peng , Huang Xiaolin , Xiong Yonghua
Published: March 2016

Effect of different-sized spherical gold nanoparticles grown layer by layer on the sensitivity of immunochromatographic assay.
Structural tuning of organoruthenium compounds allows oxidative switch to control ER stress pathways and bypass multidrug resistance
Authors: Chow Mun Juinn , Licona Cynthia , Pastorin Giorgia , Mellitzer Georg , Ang Wee Han , Gaiddon Christian
Published: March 2016

Varying the arene ligand on organoruthenium compounds induced the differential activation of ER stress pathways, leading to non-apoptotic programmed cell death and bypassing drug resistance mechanisms.
Enhancement of dye regeneration kinetics in dichromophoric porphyrin–carbazole triphenylamine dyes influenced by more exposed radical cation orbitals
Authors: Zhao Long , Wagner Pawel , Barnsley Jonathan E. , Clarke Tracey M. , Gordon Keith C. , Mori Shogo , Mozer Attila J.
Published: March 2016

Dye regeneration kinetics is enhanced by five times in a di-chromophoric porphyrin dye by attaching tridimensionally enlarged electron donor moieties.
Actual partial pressure of Se vapor in a closed selenization system: quantitative estimation and impact on solution-processed chalcogenide thin-film solar cells
Authors: Han Jeong Hyeob , Rehan Shanza , Moon Dong Gwon , Cho Ara , Gwak Jihye , Yoon Kyung Hoon , Ahn Seung Kyu , Yun Jae Ho , Eo Young Joo , Ahn SeJin
Published: March 2016

The actual Se partial pressure (PSe) was quantitatively estimated and its impact on the solution-processed CuInSe2 device was investigated.
Formation of ultrasmooth perovskite films toward highly efficient inverted planar heterojunction solar cells by micro-flowing anti-solvent deposition in air
Authors: Xia Bin , Wu Zhaoxin , Dong Hua , Xi Jun , Wu Wen , Lei Ting , Xi Kai , Yuan Fang , Jiao Bo , Xiao Lixin , Gong Qihuang , Hou Xun
Published: March 2016

Ultrasmooth perovskite films were fabricated by micro-flowing anti-solvent deposition in air, contributing to highly efficient inverted planar heterojunction solar cells.
White light-activated antimicrobial surfaces: effect of nanoparticles type on activity
Authors: Hwang Gi Byoung , Noimark Sacha , Page Kristopher , Sehmi Sandeep , Macrobert Alexander J. , Allan Elaine , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: March 2016

Toluidine blue O (TBO) dye together with either silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs), gold (Au) NPs, or a mixture of Ag and Au NPs (Mix Ag–Au NPs) were incorporated into polyurethane to make antimicrobial surfaces using a swell-encapsulation-shrink process.
Redox tunable viologen-based porous organic polymers
Authors: Hua Carol , Chan Bun , Rawal Aditya , Tuna Floriana , Collison David , Hook James M. , D'Alessandro Deanna M.
Published: March 2016

The interplay between the electronic, spectral and host–guest properties of a donor–acceptor polymer in its different redox states is demonstrated.
Structural plasticity and in vivo activity of Cas1 from the type I-F CRISPR–Cas system
Authors: Wilkinson Max E. , Nakatani Yoshio , Staals Raymond H.J. , Kieper Sebastian N. , Opel-Reading Helen K. , McKenzie Rebecca E. , Fineran Peter C. , Krause Kurt L.
Published: March 2016

CRISPR–Cas systems are adaptive immune systems in prokaryotes that provide protection against viruses and other foreign DNA. In the adaptation stage, foreign DNA is integrated into CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat) arrays as new spacers. These spacers are used in the interference stage to guide effector CRISPR associated (Cas) protein(s) to target complementary foreign invading DNA. Cas1 is the integrase enzyme that is central to the catalysis of spacer integration. There are many diverse types of CRISPR–Cas systems, including type I-F systems, which are typified by a unique Cas1–Cas2–3 adaptation complex. In the present study we characterize the Cas1 protein of the potato phytopathogen Pectobacterium atrosepticum, an important model organism for understanding spacer acquisition in type I-F CRISPR–Cas systems. We demonstrate by mutagenesis that Cas1 is essential for adaptation in vivo and requires a conserved aspartic acid residue. By X-ray crystallography, we show that although P. atrosepticum Cas1 adopts a fold conserved among other Cas1 proteins, it possesses remarkable asymmetry as a result of structural plasticity. In particular, we resolve for the first time a flexible, asymmetric loop that may be unique to type I-F Cas1 proteins, and we discuss the implications of these structural features for DNA binding and enzymatic activity.
Human 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3: structural clues of 5α-DHT reverse binding and enzyme down-regulation decreasing MCF7 cell growth
Authors: Zhang Bo , Hu Xiao-Jian , Wang Xiao-Qiang , Thériault Jean-François , Zhu Dao-Wei , Shang Peng , Labrie Fernand , Lin Sheng-Xiang
Published: March 2016

Human 3α-HSD3 (3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3) plays an essential role in the inactivation of the most potent androgen 5α-DHT (5α-dihydrotestosterone). The present study attempts to obtain the important structure of 3α-HSD3 in complex with 5α-DHT and to investigate the role of 3α-HSD3 in breast cancer cells. We report the crystal structure of human 3α-HSD3·NADP+·A-dione (5α-androstane-3,17-dione)/epi-ADT (epiandrosterone) complex, which was obtained by co-crystallization with 5α-DHT in the presence of NADP+. Although 5α-DHT was introduced during the crystallization, oxidoreduction of 5α-DHT occurred. The locations of A-dione and epi-ADT were identified in the steroid-binding sites of two 3α-HSD3 molecules per crystal asymmetric unit. An overlay showed that A-dione and epi-ADT were oriented upside-down and flipped relative to each other, providing structural clues for 5α-DHT reverse binding in the enzyme with the generation of different products. Moreover, we report the crystal structure of the 3α-HSD3·NADP+·4-dione (4-androstene-3,17-dione) complex. When a specific siRNA (100 nM) was used to suppress 3α-HSD3 expression without interfering with 3α-HSD4, which shares a highly homologous active site, the 5α-DHT concentration increased, whereas MCF7 cell growth was suppressed. The present study provides structural clues for 5α-DHT reverse binding within 3α-HSD3, and demonstrates for the first time that down-regulation of 3α-HSD3 decreases MCF7 breast cancer cell growth.
High-fat diet increases O-GlcNAc levels in cerebral arteries: a link to vascular dysfunction associated with hyperlipidaemia/obesity?
Authors: Lima Victor V. , Giachini Fernanda R. , Matsumoto Takayuki , Li Weiguo , Bressan Alecsander F.M. , Chawla Dhruv , Webb R. Clinton , Ergul Adviye , Tostes Rita C.
Published: March 2016

Obesity and high fat intake induce alterations in vascular function and structure. Aberrant O-GlcNAcylation (O-GlcNAc) of vascular proteins has been implicated in vascular dysfunction associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that high-fat diet (HFD)-mediated increases in O-GlcNAc-modified proteins contribute to cerebrovascular dysfunction. O-GlcNAc-protein content was increased in arteries from male Wistar rats treated with a HFD (45% fat) for 12 weeks compared with arteries from rats on control diet (CD). HFD augmented body weight [(g) 550±10 compared with 502±10 CD], increased plasma triacylglycerols [(mg/dl) 160±20 compared with 95±15 CD] and increased contractile responses of basilar arteries to serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] [(pD2) 7.0±0.1 compared with 6.7±0.09 CD] and the thromboxane analogue 9,11-dideoxy-9α,11α-methanoepoxy prostaglandin F2α (U-46619) [(pD2) 7.2±0.1 compared with 6.8±0.09 CD]. Of importance, increased levels of O-GlcNAc [induced by 24 h-incubation of vessels with a potent inhibitor of O-GlcNAcase (OGA), O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranosylidene)amino-N-phenylcarbamate (PugNAc)] increased basilar artery contractions in response to U-46619 [(pD2) 7.4±0.07 compared with 6.8±0.08 CD] and 5-HT [(pD2) 7.5±0.06 compared with 7.1±0.1 CD]. Vessels from rats on the HFD for 12 weeks and vessels treated with PugNAc displayed increased phosphorylation of p38 (Thr180/182) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) (Ser180/221). Increased 5HT-induced contractions in arteries from rats on the HFD or in arteries incubated with PugNAc were abrogated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors. Our data show that HFD augments cerebrovascular O-GlcNAc and this modification contributes to increased contractile responses and to the activation of the MAPK pathway in the rat basilar artery.
Improved deterministic measurement model for consumer‐grade accelerometers
Authors: Barshan B. , Seçer G.
Published: March 2016

Deterministic error modelling, calibration and model parameter estimation of consumer‐grade accelerometers is considered and improvement to the traditionally used measurement model is proposed. Calibration experiments on a flight motion simulator are performed for experimental verification. Model parameters are estimated using the Levenberg‐Marquardt optimisation algorithm. Residual errors are considerably reduced as a result of the improved measurement model.
L0 norm constraint set‐membership affine projection algorithm with coefficient vector reuse
Authors: Zhao Haiquan , Zheng Zongsheng
Published: March 2016

Proposed is an L0 norm constraint set‐membership affine projection algorithm with coefficient vector reuse, which is derived by minimising a differentiable cost function that utilises the L0 norm of the updated weight vector as well as the sum of the squared Euclidean norms of the differences between the updated weight vector and past weight vectors. In addition, a power estimate method is introduced to eliminate the effect of the fluctuation of the output error on the step size. Simulations on sparse system identifications demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves a lower steady‐state misalignment than the existing algorithms in a high background noise environment.
Dual‐band bandpass Wilkinson power divider of controllable bandwidths
Authors: Pang Yi‐Hsin , Li Zhong‐He
Published: March 2016

In this reported work, quarter‐wavelength stepped‐impedance resonators with K inverters have been employed to realise a dual‐band bandpass Wilkinson power divider (WPD). The individual bandwidth of each passband can be controlled with the dualband resonators and K inverters. A systematic design approach of the power divider is provided with the aid of the even–odd mode analysis and verified by circuit simulation. A 2.45/5.8 GHz WPD with a Chebyshev response has also been implemented for validation. The measured fractional bandwidth of 20 dB return loss (1/|S11|) is 7.0%/4.1% which is consistent with the theoretical design. In addition to the 3 dB power division, an insertion loss of 0.8/1.2 dB is obtained. Isolation of 20.1/19 dB at the centre frequency is also achieved. Full‐wave simulated data are also presented and show good agreement with measured results. Compared with other dual‐band bandpass power dividers, the proposed circuit exhibits better impedance matching and bandwidth.
Doubly‐selective channel estimation with unknown interference in OFDM systems
Authors: Zhou Jingrong , Zhao Sai , Tan Yizhi , Qin Jiayin
Published: March 2016

In orthogonal frequency division multiplexing‐based spectrum sharing networks, due to inefficient coordination or imperfect spectrum sensing, the signals from femtocells or secondary users appear as interference in a subset of subcarriers of the primary systems. For pilot‐based doubly‐selective channel estimation, the embedded pilots in pilot subcarriers would inevitably be harmed by the unpredictable interference. This unsolved issue is considered and proposed is a variational expectation maximisation‐based method to iteratively learn the distribution of thermal noise plus interference, and refine doubly‐selective channel estimates. Simulations demonstrated the superiority of the proposed approach over existing algorithms without considering interference mitigation.
184 μW ultrasonic on–off keying/amplitude‐shift keying demodulator for downlink communication in deep implanted medical devices
Authors: Mazzilli F. , Dehollain C.
Published: March 2016

An ultrasonic on–off keying/amplitude‐shift keying demodulator using standard 0.18 μm CMOS technology is proposed, intended for recovering the identification number of an implanted medical device transmitted from an external base station. The CMOS integrated ultrasonic demodulator consists of a low‐noise amplifier, variable‐gain‐amplifiers, an offset cancellation circuit, an envelope detector circuit and a hysteresis comparator. Downlink data transmission of 50 kb/s data signals in the 1 MHz band is successfully demonstrated, the power consumption is about 184 μW from a 1.5 V supply. The architecture is described, and the measurements performed confirm the theoretical result.
Multi‐step incremental ADC with extended binary counting
Authors: Zhang Y. , Chen C.‐H. , He T. , Temes G.C.
Published: March 2016

A multi‐step incremental ADC (IADC) with extended binary counting is proposed. It achieves high accuracy by splitting one conversion cycle into two serial steps. During the first step, the ADC works as a first‐order IADC (IADC1). The second step reuses the single integrator and extends the accuracy to 18 bits by a binary counting technique. For the same accuracy, the conversion cycle is shortened by a factor of more than 28 as compared with the single‐step IADC.
Pedestrian re‐identification via coarse‐to‐fine ranking
Authors: Xiaokai Liu
Published: March 2016

Appearance‐based person re‐identification is particularly difficult due to varying lighting conditions and pose variations across camera views. Taking inspiration from image retrieval, in which windowed searching over locations is proven to be more effective, the authors first perform dense local feature matching using graph cuts to properly deal with the pose variation problem. However, the re‐identification problem suffers from far more overlap between feature distributions. In a re‐identification problem, many samples cropped from surveillance videos are heavily contaminated by external factors or internal mechanical noises, making the images from the same pedestrian totally different. These overly difficult samples would significantly degenerate the training performance. To address this problem, a query‐level loss function for ranking is proposed, benefiting from taking into account the training data every query set to decrease the punishment for those morbid samples. The authors further develop a coarse‐to‐fine iterative algorithm, where the update in each iteration is computed by solving a gradient‐based optimisation and update iteration is to refine the training data by adjusting an ‘Expected rank’ parameter. The authors present experiments to demonstrate the performance gain of the proposed method over existing template matching and ranking models.
Design, characterisation and fabrication of a broadband polarisation‐insensitive multi‐layer circuit analogue absorber
Authors: Ghosh Saptarshi , Bhattacharyya Somak , Srivastava Kumar Vaibhav
Published: March 2016

A broadband polarisation‐independent circuit analogue absorber comprising multi‐layer resistive frequency selective surfaces (FSS) has been presented in this study. The proposed structure consists of a periodic arrangement of square loops loaded with lumped resistors and these square loops are printed on dielectric substrates separated by an air spacer. The simulated result shows the reflectivity below −10 dB in the frequency range from 4.96 to 18.22 GHz (fractional bandwidth of 114.40%) under normal incidence, covering C, X, and Ku bands. An equivalent circuit analysis has been introduced to characterise the proposed absorber, which shows good matching with the full‐wave analysis. The effects of the individual FSS layers and the air spacer have been studied and several parametric variations have been carried out to examine the sensitivity of the design parameters on the absorption bandwidth. Finally, the designed absorber has been fabricated and measured in anechoic chamber, which shows good agreement between the experimental results and the simulated responses, under different angles of incidence as well as for various polarisation angles.
Penta‐band circularly polarised antenna using a lumped capacitor
Authors: Hoang The Viet , Le Tuan Tu , Li Qui Yu , Park Hyun Chang
Published: March 2016

A very simple printed monopole antenna with penta‐band circularly polarised (CP) radiation characteristics for wireless local area network (WLAN), worldwide interoperability for microwave access, and downlink of the X‐band satellite communication applications is proposed for the first time. The antenna comprises a notched rectangular ground plane and a radiating patch consisting of inverted‐U‐shaped, I‐shaped, and inverted‐L‐shaped radiators, and creates four CP modes operating at 2.4/3.5/5.8/7.5 GHz frequency bands. By placing a lumped capacitor of 0.5 pF in the gap between the I‐shaped radiator and the inverted‐L‐shaped radiator, an extra CP mode at 5.2 GHz WLAN band is generated, thus completing the penta‐band CP antenna. The measured −10 dB impedance bandwidth of the demonstrated antenna is 340 MHz (2.37–2.71 GHz) and 4.8 GHz (3.2–8 GHz), and the measured 3 dB axial‐ratio bandwidth is 16.6, 13.5, 2.9, 2.4, and 4% in five distinct bands of 2.1−2.48, 3.1−3.55, 5.1−5.25, 5.76−5.9, and 7.45−7.75 GHz.
Implementation of automatic interleaving and load current sharing techniques using single interleaving bus
Authors: Kudtongngam Jasada , Sangkarak Kittipong , Lopattanakij Pakorn , Liutanakul Pisit , Chunkag Viboon
Published: March 2016

This study demonstrates automatic interleaving and current sharing techniques with an automatic interleaving system of distributed power supply. Unlike the conventional current sharing techniques, this technique proposes replacing and removing one or more converter modules without interfering with the still‐working interleaved converters. Besides, these techniques are expected to perform a masterless control system and to enable automatic current sharing and phase shifting. A single current waveform on the interleaving bus carries information of the number of modules and phase displacements to perform current sharing and interleaving operations. A four‐phase buck converter prototype was designed, implemented and tested. The replacing and removing modules' scenarios for automatic current sharing and interleaving were demonstrated by the experimental results obtained on the prototype.
Students being and becoming scientists: measured success in a novel science education partnership
Authors: Yang Joanna , LaBounty Thomas J , Ekker Stephen C , Pierret Chris
Published: March 2016

The primary and secondary learning years shape development of scientific interest and skills required for science literacy, presenting a critical timeline target for science education intervention. Although many initiatives exist to target this timeframe, the modern classroom belies easy scientific investigation. Numerous initiatives often run simultaneously in a given classroom, creating limited capacity for variable control. Consequently, there is a dearth of high-quality and meaningful data in education sciences that exacerbates the general segregation of education research from practice. Many science reform programmes go unmeasured. The limited number that is researched often report strictly qualitative results or stop short of statistically significant quantitative investigation. Lack of high-resolution data restricts the ability to make informed policy changes and precludes attainment of “evidence-based education”. Here, we demonstrate 5-year efficacy of a novel, inquiry-based primary and secondary science reform programme Integrated Science Education Outreach (InSciEd Out). Five years of data over three cohorts of matched students from US grades 5–8 show maintained gains in science fair and honours biology election, as well as improved performance on Minnesota state standardized science testing. Detailed value-added analyses further reveal InSciEd Out-correlated gains in partnership-focused areas of life sciences, and history and nature of science. These analyses provide evidence that scientifically rigorous evaluation demonstrating relevant programme efficacy is indeed achievable in education science. Our results support the premise that the InSciEd Out programme is a scalable intervention capable of primary and secondary science education reform. The programme substantively builds upon prior efforts in the field. Although InSciEd Out deploys novel approaches and tools, the broad lessons learned from this programme are readily translatable to other contemporary efforts cultivating science literacy for all.
Experimental comparison of a wind-turbine and of an actuator-disc near wake
Authors: Lignarolo L. E. M. , Ragni D. , Ferreira C. J. , van Bussel G. J. W.
Published: March 2016

The actuator disc (AD) model is commonly used to simplify the simulation of horizontal-axis wind-turbine aerodynamics. The limitations of this approach in reproducing the wake losses in wind farm simulations have been proven by a previous research. The present study is aimed at providing an experimental analysis of the near-wake turbulent flow of a wind turbine (WT) and a porous disc, emulating the actuator disc numerical model. The general purpose is to highlight the similarities and to quantify the differences of the two models in the near-wake region, characterised by the largest discrepancies. The velocity fields in the wake of a wind turbine model and a porous disc (emulation of the actuator disc numerical model) have been measured in a wind tunnel using stereo particle image velocimetry. The study has been conducted at low turbulence intensity in order to separate the problems of the flow mixing caused by the external turbulence and the one caused by the turbulence induced directly by the AD or the WT presence. The analysis, as such, showed the intrinsic differences and similarities between the flows in the two wakes, solely due to the wake-induced flow, with no influence of external flow fluctuations. The data analysis provided the time-average three-component velocity and turbulence intensity fields, pressure fields, rotor and disc loading, vorticity fields, stagnation enthalpy distribution, and mean-flow kinetic-energy fluxes in the shear layer at the border of the wake. The properties have been compared in the wakes of the two models. Even in the absence of turbulence, the results show a good match in the thrust and energy coefficient, velocity, pressure, and enthalpy fields between wind turbine and actuator disc. However, the results show a different turbulence intensity and turbulent mixing. The results suggest the possibility to extend the use of the actuator disc model in numerical simulation until the very near wake, provided that the turbulent mixing is correctly represented.
Transport matrix for particles and momentum in collisional drift waves turbulence in linear plasma devices
Authors: Ashourvan Arash , Diamond P. H. , Gürcan Ö. D.
Published: March 2016

The relationship between the physics of turbulent transport of particles and azimuthal momentum in a linear plasma device is investigated using a simple model with a background density gradient and zonal flows driven by turbulent stresses. Pure shear flow driven Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities (k∥=0) relax the flow and drive an outward (down gradient) flux of particles. However, instabilities at finite k∥ with flow enhanced pumping can locally drive an inward particle pinch. The turbulent vorticity flux consists of a turbulent viscosity term, which acts to reduce the global vorticity gradient and the residual vorticity flux term, accelerating the zonal flows from rest. Moreover, we use the positivity of the production of fluctuation potential enstrophy to obtain a constraint relation, which tightly links the vorticity transport to the particle transport. This relation can be useful in explaining the experimentally observed correlation between the presence of E×B flow shear and the measured inward particle flux in various magnetically confined plasma devices.
Optimized design and operation of heat-pipe photovoltaic thermal system with phase change material for thermal storage
Authors: Sweidan A. , Ghaddar N. , Ghali K.
Published: March 2016

This work aims to optimize the design and operation of a heat pipe photovoltaic-thermal (HP-PV/T) panel integrated with a phase change material (PCM) thermal storage water tank to produce electricity and hot water for an office building. A transient mathematical model for the integrated HP-PV/T-PCM system was used to predict its performance for known environmental and solar conditions and PCM melting point. The validated model was applied on a typical office space in the city of Beirut to obtain an optimal design using a derivative free genetic algorithm. The incremental system cost associated with a heat pipe and PCM tank was used in the optimization to obtain a design resulting in minimum annual auxiliary heating cost to meet the hot water demand while providing the electricity needs at a lower number of PV panels due to improved efficiency. An optimal system of 4 kW (20 PV panels each at 1.6 m2) was found to meet the electric power needs all year round. The optimal PCM storage tank size per panel was 37 l at PCM total mass of 22.42 kg with melting temperature of 33 °C.
Electronic structures of MnB soft magnet
Authors: Park Jihoon , Hong Yang-Ki , Kim Hyun-Kyu , Lee Woncheol , Yeo Chang-Dong , Kim Seong-Gon , Jung Myung-Hwa , Choi Chul-Jin , Mryasov Oleg N.
Published: March 2016

We have calculated the electronic structure of MnB using first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory within the local-spin-density approximation. The temperature dependence of saturation magnetization [Ms(T)] was calculated by mean field approximation. The calculated density of states (DOS) shows that the energy region near the Fermi energy (EF) is mostly attributed to the d bands of Mn. The saturation magnetizations (Ms) of MnB were calculated to be 964.5 emu/cm3 (1.21 T) at 0 K and 859.3 emu/cm3 (1.08 T) at 300 K. The calculated Ms at 300 K is in good agreement with experimental Ms of 851.5 emu/cm3.
Synthesis and magnetostrictive properties of Pr1−xDyx(Fe0.8Co0.2)1.93 cubic Laves compounds
Authors: Shi Y. G. , Chen Z. Y. , Wang L. , Hu C. C. , Pan Q. , Shi D. N.
Published: March 2016

The structure, magnetic properties and magnetostriction of high-pressure synthesized Pr1−xDyx(Fe0.8Co0.2)1.93 compounds were investigated. These compounds, which could not be readily synthesized under ambient pressure, exhibit single cubic Laves phase owing to the effects of high-pressure annealing. The Curie temperature increases with increasing x, indicating that 3d-4f coupling becomes stronger with the increase of Dy concentration. The saturation magnetization decreases with increasing x, which can be ascribed to the competition of sublattice magnetization. The easy magnetization direction of the compound lies along <111 > with x ≤ 0.05 while lies along <100 > when x ≥ 0.10. Meanwhile, the low-field magnetostriction λ∥ − λ⊥ of the compound system peaks at x = 0.05 and then decreases with increasing x, which reveals that the composition anisotropy compensation between Pr3+ and Dy3+ might be realized in Pr1−xDyx(Fe0.8Co0.2)1.93 system. Pr0.95Dy0.05(Fe0.8Co0.2)1.93 compound combines a large low-field magnetostriction (648 ppm at 3 kOe) and the merits of low-cost raw materials, which may make it a potential material for magnetostrictive application.
Changes in magnetic domain structure during twin boundary motion in single crystal Ni-Mn-Ga exhibiting magnetic shape memory effect
Authors: Kopecký V. , Fekete L. , Perevertov O. , Heczko O.
Published: March 2016

The complexity of Ni-Mn-Ga single crystal originates from the interplay between ferromagnetic domain structure and ferroelastic twinned microstructure. Magnetic domain structure in the vicinity of single twin boundary was studied using magneto-optical indicator film and magnetic force microscopy technique. The single twin boundary of Type I was formed mechanically and an initial magnetization state in both variants were restored by local application of magnetic field (≈40 kA/m). The differently oriented variants exhibited either stripe or labyrinth magnetic domain pattern in agreement with the uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy of the martensite. The twin boundary was then moved by compressive or tensile stress. The passage of the boundary resulted in the formation of granular or rake domains, respectively. Additionally, the specific magnetic domains pattern projected by twin boundary gradually vanished during twin boundary motion.
Different strategies of acclimation of photosynthesis, electron transport and antioxidative activity in leaves of two cotton species to water deficit
Authors: Yi Xiao-Ping , Zhang Ya-Li , Yao He-Sheng , Luo Hong-Hai , Gou Ling , Chow Wah Soon , Zhang Wang-Feng
Published: March 2016

To better understand the adaptation mechanisms of the photosynthetic apparatus of cotton plants to water deficit conditions, the influence of water deficit on photosynthesis, chlorophyll a fluorescence and the activities of antioxidant systems were determined simultaneously in Gossypium hirsutum L. cv. Xinluzao 45 (upland cotton) and Gossypium barbadense L. cv. Xinhai 21 (pima cotton). Water deficit decreased photosynthesis in both cotton species, but did not decrease chlorophyll content or induce any sustained photoinhibition in either cotton species. Water deficit increased ETR/4 − AG, where ETR/4 estimates the linear photosynthetic electron flux and AG is the gross rate of carbon assimilation. The increase in ETR/4 − AG, which represents an increase in photorespiration and alternative electron fluxes, was particularly pronounced in Xinluzao 45. In Xinluzao 45, water deficit increased the activities of antioxidative enzymes, as well as the contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are related to the Mehler reaction. In contrast, moderate water deficit particularly increased non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) in Xinhai 21. Our results suggest that Xinluzao 45 relied on enhanced electron transport such as photorespiration and the Mehler reaction to dissipate excess light energy under mild and moderate water deficit. Xinhai 21 used enhanced photorespiration for light energy utilisation under mild water deficit but, when subjected to moderate water deficit, possessed a high capacity for dissipating excess light energy via heat dissipation.
Temperature response of CO2 exchange in three tropical tree species
Authors: Slot Martijn , Garcia Milton N. , Winter Klaus
Published: March 2016

Tropical forests play a critical role in the global carbon cycle, but our limited understanding of the physiological sensitivity of tropical forest trees to environmental factors complicates predictions of tropical carbon fluxes in a changing climate. We determined the short-term temperature response of leaf photosynthesis and respiration of seedlings of three tropical tree species from Panama. For one of the species net CO2 exchange was also measured in situ. Dark respiration of all species increased linearly – not exponentially – over a ~30°C temperature range. The early-successional species Ficus insipida Willd. and Ochroma pyramidale (Cav. ex Lam.) Urb. had higher temperature optima for photosynthesis (Topt) and higher photosynthesis rates at Topt than the late-successional species Calophyllum longifolium Willd. The decrease in photosynthesis above Topt could be assigned, in part, to observed temperature-stimulated photorespiration and decreasing stomatal conductance (gS), with unmeasured processes such as respiration in the light, Rubisco deactivation, and changing membrane properties probably playing important additional roles, particularly at very high temperatures. As temperature increased above Topt, gS of laboratory-measured leaves first decreased, followed by an increase at temperatures >40−45°C. In contrast, gS of canopy leaves of F. insipida in the field continued to decrease with increasing temperature, causing complete suppression of photosynthesis at ~45°C, whereas photosynthesis in the laboratory did not reach zero until leaf temperature was ~50°C. Models parameterised with laboratory-derived data should be validated against field observations when they are used to predict tropical forest carbon fluxes.
Testing otolith morphology for measuring marine fish biodiversity
Authors: Tuset V. M. , Farré M. , Otero-Ferrer J. L. , Vilar A. , Morales-Nin B. , Lombarte A.
Published: March 2016

To check the suitability of otoliths for measuring biodiversity, the contour and shape of the sulcus acusticus of sagittal otoliths were described using geometric morphological analysis. Thirteen and fourteen points were used to define these structures respectively. Three current coastal fish assemblages of the north-western Mediterranean were selected for the present study. The results demonstrate that the relative warps generated in the geometric analysis explained both characteristics related to contour and the otolith sulcus. A comparative study with body fish shape using morphospaces and clusters revealed that otolith shape is a better variable for explaining the ecological structure of a fish assemblage. Moreover, three morphological indices (morphological richness (MR), morphological disparity and the morphogeometric index) were estimated from relative warps of otoliths and were compared with ecological, taxonomic, functional and morphological (from body shape) indices. MR increased with functional diversity and average taxonomic distinctness, reflecting the ecological and taxonomic character of otolith morphology. These findings suggest that otoliths could be a useful tool for studying the diversity of present and past fish assemblages.
Using environmental (e)DNA sequencing for aquatic biodiversity surveys: a beginner’s guide
Authors: Shaw Jennifer L. A. , Weyrich Laura , Cooper Alan
Published: March 2016

Biological surveys are needed to monitor and assess the health of ecosystems and the species within them. However, morphology-based biodiversity surveys can be invasive, time consuming and financially expensive. Recently, environmental (e)DNA sequencing has been demonstrated as a potential alternative to morphological-based surveys because it enables the rapid and inexpensive detection of multiple taxa from DNA present in the environment. Numerous studies have shown that eDNA-based biodiversity surveys can provide considerable information about aquatic ecosystem function and health. Therefore, this molecular method has the potential to improve how current aquatic biological surveys are conducted. Currently, most eDNA literature is aimed at an audience with a moderate to advanced knowledge of DNA sequencing, creating a barrier for many ecologists who lack DNA sequencing expertise but wish to apply such methods to their research. The aim of this review is to provide guidance to non-geneticists regarding sequencing eDNA for aquatic biodiversity surveys and to highlight the requirements that need to be considered before the technique can be effectively incorporated into biomonitoring programs. Specifically, we provide details and recommendations on some of the major principles, from sample collection to bioinformatic analyses. For those areas where specific recommendations cannot be given, we have provided references to suitable literature.
Functional and topological diversity of LOV domain photoreceptors
Authors: Glantz Spencer T. , Carpenter Eric J. , Melkonian Michael , Gardner Kevin H. , Boyden Edward S. , Wong Gane Ka-Shu , Chow Brian Y.
Published: March 2016

Significance

Photoreceptor proteins dynamically control many critical physiological processes in response to light across the whole phylogenetic order, including the regulation of circadian rhythms and photosynthesis. We created a comprehensive catalog of the protein architectures and biochemical functions of a ubiquitous class of natural photoreceptors, the light–oxygen–voltage sensitive (LOV) class of flavoproteins, including >4,000 new candidate LOVs, which nearly triples the sequence diversity known to date. Establishing the functional and structural diversity of LOVs will (i) shed light on how organisms adapt to environmental changes, (ii) elucidate the structure–function principles by which common photosensory inputs are transmitted into a multitude of cell signaling events, and (iii) beget novel “optogenetic” tools for light-driven physiological perturbation of cells expressing natural or engineered photoreceptors.
Mean deformation metrics for quantifying 3D cell–matrix interactions without requiring information about matrix material properties
Authors: Stout David A. , Bar-Kochba Eyal , Estrada Jonathan B. , Toyjanova Jennet , Kesari Haneesh , Reichner Jonathan S. , Franck Christian
Published: March 2016

Significance

Investigations in mechanobiology rely on correlation of cellular processes with mechanical signals, such as matrix stiffness and cell tractions. Almost all cell traction and force quantification methodologies require knowledge of the underlying mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix to convert displacement data into corresponding traction data, which restricts the use of these techniques to systems in which the material properties are known. To overcome this hurdle, we present a new approach that does not require any knowledge of the underlying matrix properties but rather makes use of the intrinsically recorded kinematic displacement data. Through rigorous validation and an application to a neutrophil disease model, we show that such an approach produces both accurate and biologically significant information.
Critical role for Epac1 in inflammatory pain controlled by GRK2-mediated phosphorylation of Epac1
Authors: Singhmar Pooja , Huo XiaoJiao , Eijkelkamp Niels , Berciano Susana Rojo , Baameur Faiza , Mei Fang C. , Zhu Yingmin , Cheng Xiaodong , Hawke David , Mayor Federico , Murga Cristina , Heijnen Cobi J. , Kavelaars Annemieke
Published: March 2016

Significance

Chronic pain represents a massive therapeutic challenge that requires understanding of underlying mechanisms to develop novel treatments. We show that genetic deletion of the Rap1 guanine-nucleotide exchange factor Epac1 protects against chronic inflammatory mechanical hyperalgesia. Moreover, an orally active Epac inhibitor reverses existing inflammatory pain without affecting normal pain sensitivity. Epac1-mediated pain is controlled by G protein kinase 2 (GRK2) through inhibition of Epac1-to-Rap1 signaling and inhibition of sensitization of mechanocurrents mediated by Piezo2. Molecularly, GRK2 controls Epac1-to-Rap1 signaling by phosphorylating Epac1 at Ser-108 to inhibit plasma membrane accumulation of Epac1. Our findings provide further insights into the molecular pathways regulating Epac1 activity, demonstrate its key role in chronic pain, and identify Epac1 as a potential target for treatment of chronic pain.
Mitochondrial Hsp90 is a ligand-activated molecular chaperone coupling ATP binding to dimer closure through a coiled-coil intermediate
Authors: Sung Nuri , Lee Jungsoon , Kim Ji-Hyun , Chang Changsoo , Joachimiak Andrzej , Lee Sukyeong , Tsai Francis T. F.
Published: March 2016

Significance

Mitochondrial heat-shock protein of 90 kDa (Hsp90) (TRAP1) promotes cell survival and is essential for neoplastic growth. Exploiting human TRAP1 for drug development requires detailed structural and mechanistic understanding. Whereas TRAP1 adopts different conformations associated with distinct nucleotide states, how the TRAP1 dimer senses the bound nucleotide and signals this information to the neighboring subunit remains unknown. We show that unliganded TRAP1 forms a previously unobserved coiled-coil dimer and is found in an autoinhibited state. ATP binding in
cis
displaces the ATP lid that signals the nucleotide status to the
trans
subunit. Our findings suggest that human TRAP1 is a ligand-activated molecular chaperone, which couples ATP binding to local changes in structure facilitating dimer closure needed for protein folding.
Composite lithium metal anode by melt infusion of lithium into a 3D conducting scaffold with lithiophilic coating
Authors: Liang Zheng , Lin Dingchang , Zhao Jie , Lu Zhenda , Liu Yayuan , Liu Chong , Lu Yingying , Wang Haotian , Yan Kai , Tao Xinyong , Cui Yi
Published: March 2016

Significance

This research paper presents a novel strategy for the fabrication of metal–scaffold composite materials. Particularly, molten lithium metal is infused into a surface-modified three-dimensional matrix with a “lithiophilic” coating. The resulting lithium–scaffold composite was used as battery anodes and exhibited superior performance compared with bare lithium metal anodes. Whereas the emphasis of this study is on lithium anodes, our present work opens up a direction for realization of other metal-anode–based systems. We believe the present work will contribute significantly to the energy-related field and also inspire research in other areas.
Quantifying dispersal from hydrothermal vent fields in the western Pacific Ocean
Authors: Mitarai Satoshi , Watanabe Hiromi , Nakajima Yuichi , Shchepetkin Alexander F. , McWilliams James C.
Published: March 2016

Significance

Submarine hot springs known as hydrothermal vents host unique ecosystems of endemic animals that do not depend on photosynthesis. Quantifying larval dispersal processes is essential to understanding gene flows and diversity distributions of vent endemic species, as well as to protect vent communities from anthropological disturbances (e.g., deep-sea mining). In this study, we assess the potential frequency of larval exchange between vent fields throughout the entire western Pacific via ocean circulation processes, so that population geneticists can make quantitative comparisons. We show that western Pacific vents in distant basins are potentially connected with strong directionality. This article makes a valuable contribution to a difficult and important area of deep ocean processes.
Partial connectivity increases cultural accumulation within groups
Authors: Derex Maxime , Boyd Robert
Published: March 2016

Significance

The remarkable ecological success of the human species has been attributed to our capacity to overcome environmental challenges through the development of complex technologies. Complex technologies are typically beyond the inventive capacities of individuals and result from a population process by which innovations are gradually added to existing cultural traits across many generations. Recent work suggests that a population’s ability to develop technologies is positively affected by its size and connectedness. Here, we present an experiment demonstrating that partially connected groups produce more diverse and complex cultural traits than fully connected groups. This result suggests that changes in patterns of interaction between human groups may have created propitious conditions for the emergence of complex cultural repertoires in our evolutionary past.
Economic irrationality is optimal during noisy decision making
Authors: Tsetsos Konstantinos , Moran Rani , Moreland James , Chater Nick , Usher Marius , Summerfield Christopher
Published: March 2016

Significance

Healthy individuals appear to display inconsistent preferences, preferring
A
over
B
,
B
over
C
, and
C
over
A
. Inconsistent, intransitive preferences of this form are hallmark manifestations of irrational choice behavior and breach the very assumptions of economic theory. Nevertheless, the neurocognitive mechanisms that mediate the formation of intransitive preferences remain elusive. We show that intransitivity arises from a bottleneck mechanism that blocks the processing of momentarily less valuable information. Although this algorithm is by classical definitions suboptimal (permitting the loss of information), we theoretically and empirically demonstrate that it leads to better decisions when accuracy can be compromised by neural noise beyond the sensory stage. Thus, contrary to common belief, choice irrationality is a by-product of purposeful neural computations.
Risk assessment of radioisotope contamination for aquatic living resources in and around Japan
Authors: Okamura Hiroshi , Ikeda Shiro , Morita Takami , Eguchi Shinto
Published: March 2016

Significance

Quantification of contamination risk caused by radioisotopes released from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant is useful for excluding or reducing groundless rumors about food safety. Our new statistical approach made it possible to evaluate the risk for aquatic food and showed that the present contamination levels of radiocesiums are low overall. However, some freshwater species still have relatively high risks. We also suggest the necessity of refining data collection plans to reduce detection limits in the future, because a small number of precise measurements are more valuable than many measurements that are below detection limits.