bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
T cell factor-4 functions as a co-activator to promote NF-κB-dependent MMP-15 expression in lung carcinoma cells
Authors: Liu Yuliang , Xu Yu , Guo Shuliang , Chen Hong
Published: April 2016

Both TCF-4 and MMP-15 are closely linked to the development of lung cancer, while the regulatory role of TCF-4 in MMP-15 expression is still obscure. Here we found that expression of TCF-4 and MMP-15 was increased in lung cancer cells or tissues versus the normal ones. With gain-or loss-of -function studies, we demonstrated that TCF-4 positively regulated MMP-15 expression in mRNA and protein levels. With reporter gene assay, we found that TCF-4 regulated MMP-15 expression via a potential NF-κB binding element locating at -2833/-2824 in the mouse MMP-15 promoter. With ChIP and immunoblotting assays, we identified that TCF-4 functioned as a co-activator to potentiate the binding between p65 and MMP-15 promoter. Functionally, TCF-4 silence attenuated the migration activity of LLC cells, while additional overexpression of MMP-15 rescued this effect in cell scratch test and transwell migration assay. In xenograft model, TCF-4 silence-improved tumor lesions in lungs and survival time of LLC-tumor bearing mice were abolished by MMP-15 overexpression. In conclusion, we are the first to identify TCF-4 as a co-activator of NF-κB p65 to promote MMP-15 transcription and potentiate the migration activity of the lung cancer cells. Our findings shed light on the therapeutic strategies of this malignancy.
A four-dimensional snapshot hyperspectral video-endoscope for bio-imaging applications
Authors: Lim Hoong-Ta , Murukeshan Vadakke Matham
Published: April 2016

Hyperspectral imaging has proven significance in bio-imaging applications and it has the ability to capture up to several hundred images of different wavelengths offering relevant spectral signatures. To use hyperspectral imaging for in vivo monitoring and diagnosis of the internal body cavities, a snapshot hyperspectral video-endoscope is required. However, such reported systems provide only about 50 wavelengths. We have developed a four-dimensional snapshot hyperspectral video-endoscope with a spectral range of 400–1000 nm, which can detect 756 wavelengths for imaging, significantly more than such systems. Capturing the three-dimensional datacube sequentially gives the fourth dimension. All these are achieved through a flexible two-dimensional to one-dimensional fiber bundle. The potential of this custom designed and fabricated compact biomedical probe is demonstrated by imaging phantom tissue samples in reflectance and fluorescence imaging modalities. It is envisaged that this novel concept and developed probe will contribute significantly towards diagnostic in vivo biomedical imaging in the near future.
Breeding Young as a Survival Strategy during Earth’s Greatest Mass Extinction
Authors: Botha-Brink Jennifer , Codron Daryl , Huttenlocker Adam K. , Angielczyk Kenneth D. , Ruta Marcello
Published: April 2016

Studies of the effects of mass extinctions on ancient ecosystems have focused on changes in taxic diversity, morphological disparity, abundance, behaviour and resource availability as key determinants of group survival. Crucially, the contribution of life history traits to survival during terrestrial mass extinctions has not been investigated, despite the critical role of such traits for population viability. We use bone microstructure and body size data to investigate the palaeoecological implications of changes in life history strategies in the therapsid forerunners of mammals before and after the Permo-Triassic Mass Extinction (PTME), the most catastrophic crisis in Phanerozoic history. Our results are consistent with truncated development, shortened life expectancies, elevated mortality rates and higher extinction risks amongst post-extinction species. Various simulations of ecological dynamics indicate that an earlier onset of reproduction leading to shortened generation times could explain the persistence of therapsids in the unpredictable, resource-limited Early Triassic environments and help explain observed body size distributions of some disaster taxa (e.g., Lystrosaurus). Our study accounts for differential survival in mammal ancestors after the PTME and provides a methodological framework for quantifying survival strategies in other vertebrates during major biotic crises.
Large-scale Growth and Simultaneous Doping of Molybdenum Disulfide Nanosheets
Authors: Kim Seong Jun , Kang Min-A , Kim Sung Ho , Lee Youngbum , Song Wooseok , Myung Sung , Lee Sun Sook , Lim Jongsun , An Ki-Seok
Published: April 2016

A facile method that uses chemical vapor deposition (CVD) for the simultaneous growth and doping of large-scale molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets was developed. We employed metalloporphyrin as a seeding promoter layer for the uniform growth of MoS2 nanosheets. Here, a hybrid deposition system that combines thermal evaporation and atomic layer deposition (ALD) was utilized to prepare the promoter. The doping effect of the promoter was verified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. In addition, the carrier density of the MoS2 nanosheets was manipulated by adjusting the thickness of the metalloporphyrin promoter layers, which allowed the electrical conductivity in MoS2 to be manipulated.
Adolescent behavioral and neural reward sensitivity: a test of the differential susceptibility theory
Authors: Richards J S , Arias Vásquez A , von Rhein D , van der Meer D , Franke B , Hoekstra P J , Heslenfeld D J , Oosterlaan J , Faraone S V , Buitelaar J K , Hartman C A
Published: April 2016

Little is known about the causes of individual differences in reward sensitivity. We investigated gene–environment interactions (GxE) on behavioral and neural measures of reward sensitivity, in light of the differential susceptibility theory. This theory states that individuals carrying plasticity gene variants will be more disadvantaged in negative, but more advantaged in positive environments. Reward responses were assessed during a monetary incentive delay task in 178 participants with and 265 without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), fromN=261 families. We examined interactions between variants in candidate plasticity genes (DAT1,5-HTTandDRD4) and social environments (maternal expressed emotion and peer affiliation).HTTLPRshort allele carriers showed the least reward speeding when exposed to high positive peer affiliation, but the most when faced with low positive peer affiliation or low maternal warmth.DAT110-repeat homozygotes displayed similar GxE patterns toward maternal warmth on general task performance. At the neural level,DRD47-repeat carriers showed the least striatal activation during reward anticipation when exposed to high maternal warmth, but the most when exposed to low warmth. Findings were independent of ADHD severity. Our results partially confirm the differential susceptibility theory and indicate the importance of positive social environments in reward sensitivity and general task performance for persons with specific genotypes.
An investigation on the selective hydrodealkylation of C9+ aromatics over alkali-treated Pt/H-ZSM-5 zeolites
Authors: Kim Taewoo , Kim Gil-Pyo , Jang Jaeyong , Shim Sang Eun , Ahn Wha-Seung , Baeck Sung-Hyeon
Published: April 2016

This study demonstrates the excellent catalytic activities of alkali-treated Pt/H-ZSM-5 on selective hydrodealkylation of C9+ aromatics even at low temperature.
Tribology of surface-grafted polymer brushes
Authors: Mocny Piotr , Klok Harm-Anton
Published: April 2016

The tribological properties, lubrication mechanism, characterization methods and potential applications of surface-attached polymer-based boundary lubricants are reviewed.
Synthesis, characterization and aggregation induced emission properties of anthracene based conjugated molecules
Authors: Balasaravanan Rajendiran , Siva Ayyanar
Published: April 2016

A series of long alkyl chain substituted linear and branched conjugated anthracene derivatives have aggregation-induced emission properties and also show PFC behavior, which can be useful for optoelectronic applications.
Nacre-mimetic epoxy matrix composites reinforced by two-dimensional glass reinforcements
Authors: Guner S. N. Gurbuz , Dericioglu A. F.
Published: April 2016

Inspired by the micro-scale architecture of nacre, epoxy matrix bulk composites reinforced by aligned 2D glass reinforcements were fabricated using a novel, one-step and time/man-power efficient process called hot-press assisted slip casting (HASC).
Mechanisms of cellular uptake with hyaluronic acid—octadecylamine micelles as drug delivery nanocarriers
Authors: Qiu Lipeng , Zhu Mengqin , Huang Yan , Gong Kai , Chen Jinghua
Published: April 2016

DOX/HM23, based on appropriate DS and proper particle size, presented enhanced anticancer activity and efficient internalization to achieve the highest intracellular drug concentration.
Promotional effects of Cr and Fe on Rh/SiO2 catalyst for the preparation of ethanol from CO hydrogenation
Authors: Xue Fei , Chen Weimiao , Song Xiangen , Cheng Xianbo , Ding Yunjie
Published: April 2016

The mode of contact between Rh and Cr is different to that between Rh and Fe.
Tellurium platinate nanowires for photothermal therapy of cancer cells
Authors: Pandey Sunil , Talib Abou , Mukeshchand Thakur M. , Shahnawaz Khan M. , Bhaisare Mukesh Lavkush , Gedda Gangaraju , Wu Hui-Fen
Published: April 2016

Among the most celebrated modes of cancer treatment, photothermal therapy has been the most promising tool over the past few years.
Photocontrolled reversible morphology conversion of protein nanowires mediated by an azobenzene-cored dendrimer
Authors: Sun Hongcheng , Zhao Linlu , Wang Tingting , An Guo , Fu Shuang , Li Xiumei , Deng Xiaoli , Liu Junqiu
Published: April 2016

Photocontrolled protein nanowires with reversible morphology were constructed through photoisomerizable azobenzene-cored dendrimer evoked protein self-assembly.
Phase diagram and physical properties of iridium tetraboride from first principles
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Wang Haiyan , Lv Jian , Liu Zhongli
Published: April 2016

Using both the swarm-intelligence-based CALYPSO method and the multi-algorithm-collaborative (MAC) algorithm for crystal structure prediction, three unexpected new phases (P63/mmc, C2/m and Cmca) of IrB4 are predicted.
Deuteron quadrupole coupling constants and reorientational correlation times in protic ionic liquids
Authors: Strauch Matthias , Bonsa Anne-Marie , Golub Benjamin , Overbeck Viviane , Michalik Dirk , Paschek Dietmar , Ludwig Ralf
Published: April 2016

We describe a method for the accurate determination of deuteron quadrupole coupling constants and reorientational correlation times in protic ionic liquids by means of NMR relaxations time experiments, DFT-calculations and molecular dynamics simulations.
Chiral phosphorus nanotubes: structure, bonding, and electronic properties
Authors: Fernández-Escamilla H. N. , Quijano-Briones J. J. , Tlahuice-Flores A.
Published: April 2016

A systematic study of bonding and bands structures of armchair, zigzag and chiral black phosphorus nanotubes is reported.
Enhanced catalytic oxidation ability of ternary layered double hydroxides for organic pollutants degradation
Authors: Fahel Jean , Kim Sanghoon , Durand Pierrick , André Erwan , Carteret Cédric
Published: April 2016

Layered double hydroxides substituted with Co2+ and Cu2+ are promising candidates in catalytic degradation of organic pollutants.
Coordination of Zn2+ and Cu2+ to the membrane disrupting fragment of amylin
Authors: Rowińska-Żyrek M.
Published: April 2016

Amylin, a small peptide co-secreted from pancreatic β-cells together with insulin, is one of the hallmarks of type II diabetes.
Teaching old compounds new tricks: efficient N2 fixation by simple Fe(N2)(diphosphine)2 complexes
Authors: Doyle Laurence R. , Hill Peter J. , Wildgoose Gregory G. , Ashley Andrew E.
Published: April 2016

The Fe(0) species Fe(N2)(dmpe)2 exists in equilibrium with the previously unreported dimer, [Fe(dmpe2)2(μ-N2)]. For the first time these complexes, alongside Fe(N2)(depe)2, are shown unambiguously to produce N2H4 and/or NH3 upon addition of triflic acid; for Fe(N2)(depe)2 this represents one of the highest electron conversion efficiencies for Fe complexes to date.
Nanoparticle assembly: from fundamentals to applications: concluding remarks
Authors: Gang Oleg
Published: April 2016

Nanoparticles, due to their broadly tunable functions, are major building blocks for generating new materials. However, building such materials for practical applications by self-assembly is quite challenging. Following the Faraday Discussion on “Nanoparticle Assembly: from Fundamentals to Applications” we discuss here the current trends in the field of self-assembly, including: understanding the unique interplay of molecular and nanoscale effects, a development of novel approaches for the creation of targeted nanoparticle architectures, advances in controlling dynamic behavior of systems and enabling new functions through specifically formed structures.
Single atom dispersed Rh-biphephos&PPh3@porous organic copolymers: highly efficient catalysts for continuous fixed-bed hydroformylation of propene
Authors: Li Cunyao , Yan Li , Lu Lanlu , Xiong Kai , Wang Wenlong , Jiang Miao , Liu Jia , Song Xiangen , Zhan Zhuangping , Jiang Zheng , Ding Yunjie
Published: April 2016

The hydroformylation of propene to linear-butaldehyde can be performed efficiently in a continuous fixed-bed reactor employing the copolymer self-supported heterogeneous Rh/CPOL-bp&P catalysts.
Molecular insight into the differential anti-androgenic activity of resveratrol and its natural analogs: in silico approach to understand biological actions
Authors: Chakraborty Sandipan , Kumar Avinash , Butt Nasir A. , Zhang Liangfen , Williams Raquema , Rimando Agnes M. , Biswas Pradip K. , Levenson Anait S.
Published: April 2016

Our integrated experimental andin silicoapproach revealed pterostilbene as the most potent anti-androgenic compound among natural stilbenes.
Design, synthesis and properties of near-infrared molecular switches containing a fluorene ring
Authors: Chen Peng , Wang Hai-Ming , Liu Guo-Jie , Zhang Sean Xiao-An
Published: April 2016

Three near-infrared molecular switches containing an amino group substituted fluorene ring were synthesised and they showed obvious solvatochromic, hydrochromic and acidichromic behaviour.
Self-assembly of amphiphilic macrocycles containing polymeric liquid crystal grafts in solution
Authors: Zhou Feng , Zhang Zhengbiao , Jiang Ganquan , Lu Jinjie , Chen Xiaofang , Li Yiwen , Zhou Nianchen , Zhu Xiulin
Published: April 2016

Amphiphilic macrocycles containing polymeric liquid crystal side-chains are synthesized facilely, and the topological effects on their solution self-assembly behaviors are investigated, compared with their linear analogues.
Enhanced piezoelectric properties and constricted hysteresis behaviour in PZT ceramics induced by Li+–Al3+ ionic pairs
Authors: Feng Y. , Li W. L. , Xu D. , Cao W. P. , Yu Y. , Fei W. D.
Published: April 2016

Co-doping (Li+–Al3+) is a preferable approach for the piezoelectric property enhancement of ABO3-type perovskite ferroelectric ceramics.
Design and characterization of gadolinium infused theranostic liposomes
Authors: Pitchaimani Arunkumar , Thanh Nguyen Tuyen Duong , Wang Hongwang , Bossmann Stefan H. , Aryal Santosh
Published: April 2016

Multifunctional theranostic gadolinium infused liposomes containing the chemotherapeutic drug, doxorubicin (DOX), in its core are designed as potential candidates for diagnosis and therapy of various cancers.
Magnesium whitlockite hollow microspheres: a comparison of microwave-hydrothermal and conventional hydrothermal syntheses using fructose 1,6-bisphosphate, and application in protein adsorption
Authors: Qi Chao , Chen Feng , Wu Jin , Zhu Ying-Jie , Hao Chang-Ning , Duan Jun-Li
Published: April 2016

Magnesium whitlockite hollow microspheres with high biocompatibility and protein adsorption capacity are synthesized by a rapid microwave-hydrothermal method using fructose 1,6-bisphosphate.
Carbon quantum dot decorated hollow In2S3 microspheres with efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic activities
Authors: Huang Changyou , Hong Yuanzhi , Yan Xu , Xiao Lisong , Huang Kai , Gu Wei , Liu Kuili , Shi Weidong
Published: April 2016

Carbon quantum dot (CQDs) decorated hollow In2S3 microspheres were firstly synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method.
Synergistic effect between Pd and Re on Pd–Re/SBA-15 catalysts and their catalytic behavior in glycerol hydrogenolysis
Authors: Li Yuming , Liu Huimin , Ma Lan , He Dehua
Published: April 2016

Pd–Re/SBA-15 catalysts were prepared by the impregnation method. The influence of the interaction between Pd and Re in the Pd–Re catalysts on glycerol hydrogenolysis was investigated.
Hybrid mesoporous Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS)–TiO2 photocatalyst for efficient photocatalytic conversion of CO2 into CH4 under solar irradiation
Authors: Kim Kidon , Razzaq Abdul , Sorcar Saurav , Park Yiseul , Grimes Craig A. , In Su-Il
Published: April 2016

A novel design strategy is developed which demonstrates the synthesis of mesoporous p-type Cu2ZnSnS4(CZTS)/n-type TiO2 heterojunction photocatalyst, with enhanced performance for its application in CO2 photoreduction to hydrocarbon fuel, CH4.
Facile synthesis of thermo-responsive episulfide group-containing diblock copolymers as robust protecting ligands of gold nanoparticles for catalytic applications
Authors: Wang Dongmei , Liu Bingxin , Lü Jianhua , Lü Changli
Published: April 2016

Well-defined novel thermo-responsive diblock copolymers containing episulfide ligand stabilized Au NPs show interesting assembly morphologies, excellent colloidal stability and high catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.
Exploring the ion exchange and separation capabilities of thermally stable acrylamide zirconium(iv) sulphosalicylate (AaZrSs) composite material
Authors: Ahad Sozia , Bashir Arshid , Manzoor Taniya , Pandith Altaf Hussain
Published: April 2016

In this work, a hybrid composite material, acrylamide zirconium(iv) sulphosalicylate (AaZrSs) has been synthesized by intercalating acrylamide into zirconium(iv) sulphosalicylate.
Delivery of siRNA targeting HIF-1α loaded chitosan modifiedd-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate-b-poly(ε-caprolactone-ran-glycolide) nanoparticles into nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell to improve the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin
Authors: Lian Daizheng , Chen Yuhan , Xu Gang , Zeng Xiaowei , Li Zhuangling , Li Zihuang , Zhou Yayan , Mei Lin , Li Xianming
Published: April 2016

Nanoformulation of siRNA targeting HIF-1α loaded chitosan modified TPGS-b-(PCL-ran-PGA) NPs could increase the therapeutic potential of cisplatin for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Two hydrazone copper(ii) complexes: synthesis, crystal structure, cytotoxicity, and action mechanism
Authors: Hu Kun , Zhou Guimei , Zhang Zhong , Li Feiyan , Li Jingui , Liang Fupei
Published: April 2016

Two hydrazone copper(ii) complexes1and2exhibited significantly cytotoxicity. MGC80-3 cells are more sensitive to complexesversusnormal liver cells. And the mechanism of cell cytotoxicity against the MGC80-3 cancer cell was studied.
The generation mechanism of negative permittivity in multi-walled carbon nanotubes/polyaniline composites
Authors: Yao Xiuchao , Kou Xuechen , Qiu Jun , Moloney Mark
Published: April 2016

Conductive polymers filled with carbon nanotubes have been proved to have negative permittivity but the mechanism of its strange properties has not been intensively studied.
Copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidative decarboxylative amination of arylacetic acids: a facile access to 2-arylquinazolines
Authors: Yan Yizhe , Shi Miaomiao , Niu Bin , Meng Xiangping , Zhu Changrui , Liu Gengyao , Chen Ting , Liu Yanqi
Published: April 2016

An efficient copper-catalyzed oxidative decarboxylative amination of arylacetic acids with 2-aminobenzoketones and ammonium acetate under an oxygen atmosphere was first developed.
Label-free polymerization amplified potentiometric sensing platform for radical reactions using polyion sensitive membrane electrodes as transducers
Authors: Li Long , Shang Guoliang , Qin Wei
Published: April 2016

Based on the cascade amplification abilities of radical polymerization reactions, an amplified potentiometric sensing platform for radical reactions was developed.
The influence of hygrothermal ageing on the mechanical properties and thermal degradation kinetics of long glass fibre reinforced polyamide 6 composites filled with sepiolite
Authors: He Weidi , Liu Nian , Chen Xiaolang , Guo Jianbing , Wei Tao
Published: April 2016

In this article, the influence of relatively long hygrothermal ageing on long glass fibre reinforced polyamide 6 (LGF/PA6) composites filled with sepiolite (Sep) are analyzed.
Synthesis, characterization and gas separation properties of novel copolyimide membranes based on flexible etheric–aliphatic moieties
Authors: Khoshkam Milad , Sadeghi Morteza , Chenar Mahdi Pourafshari , Naghsh Mahdi , Namazi fard Mohammad J. , Shafiei Mohammadreza
Published: April 2016

The structural properties and gas permeation of a group of copolyimide membranes were investigated.
Facile synthesis of hybrid Cu2O/Pd–Fe3O4 nanocatalysts for C–H arylation of 4-nitroimidazoles
Authors: Woo Hyunje , Park Junha , Park Ji Chan , Park Sungkyun , Lee Jae Myung , Park Kang Hyun
Published: April 2016

A facile synthetic strategy for a hybrid Cu2O/Pd–Fe3O4 nanocomposite via controlled thermal decomposition of Fe(CO)5 and reduction of Pd(OAc)2 and Cu(acac)2 was developed.
Prediction of ionic liquid's heat capacity by means of their in silico principal properties
Authors: Paternò Alessio , Fiorenza Roberto , Marullo Salvatore , Musumarra Giuseppe , Scirè Salvatore
Published: April 2016

VolSurf+ in silico principal properties of ionic liquids were used to develop a QSPR model providing affordable heat capacity predictions which were experimentally validated.
Enhanced microwave absorption capacity of hierarchical structural MnO2@NiMoO4 composites
Authors: Wang Xiaoxia , Zhang Baoqin , Yu Mingxun , Liu Jingquan
Published: April 2016

MnO2@NiMoO4 exhibits enhanced microwave absorption capacity, which originates from the hierarchical hybrid nanostructures, multi-effective components, good impedance matching, and interfacial polarization between MnO2 and NiMoO4.
Carbon nanotube springs with high tensile strength and energy density
Authors: Wu Tong , Wang Jian Nong
Published: April 2016

We report the continuous preparation of long CNT fibers and continuous twisting of the fibers to springs.
Anhydride-based chemistry on graphene for advanced polymeric materials
Authors: Quiles-Díaz Susana , Martínez Gerardo , Gómez-Fatou Marián A. , Ellis Gary J. , Salavagione Horacio J.
Published: April 2016

Functionalization of graphene based on the coupling of acylium ions under conditions similar to Friedel–Crafts acylation is reported.
Multifunctional copper dimer: structure, band gap energy, catalysis, magnetism, oxygen reduction reaction and proton conductivity
Authors: Sarkar Debraj , Chandra Rao Purna , Aiyappa Harshitha Barike , Kurungot Sreekumar , Mandal Sudip , Ramanujam Kothandaraman , Mandal Sukhendu
Published: April 2016

A new copper dimeric complex has been synthesized, characterized and used as a multifunctional material.
Synthesis of energy transfer cassettes via click and Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling reactions
Authors: Goel Richa , Luxami Vijay , Paul Kamaldeep
Published: April 2016

Novel cassettes capable of energy transfer involving simple synthetic methodsviz., click reaction at C-8 position and palladium catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling at C-6 position of imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine, have been represented.
One-step reduction and PEIylation of PEGylated nanographene oxide for highly efficient chemo-photothermal therapy
Authors: Li Tan , Liu Hongyu , Xi Gaina , Pang Yilin , Wu Liping , Wang Xiaoping , Chen Tongsheng
Published: April 2016

Graphene oxide (GO) has great potential in biomedical applications due to its excellent photothermal effect and drug loading.
“In shape and mind transformed”? Televised teaching and learning Shakespeare
Authors: Olive Sarah
Published: April 2016

Reality television offers the BBC the opportunity to fulfil its dual imperatives of education and entertainment, frequently constructed as anathematic. This article considers three recent examples of televised teaching and learning Shakespeare:When Romeo Met Juliet, Macbeth, the movie star and me, andOff By Heart: Shakespeare. It demonstrates the programmes’ fit with the reality genre through their common ingredients of authenticity, contained locations, hybridity, experts, fallible and flawed participants, articulation and reconciliation of social difference. Moreover, all three share an emphasis on a reality television staple: transformation, in terms of the participants’ knowledge, skills and personal growth, but also in relation to television audiences and the British education system. The programmes might thus usefully be understood as part of a reality television subgenre, evolving in Britain since the late 1970s, of Shmake-over. This article is published as part of a collection to commemorate the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death.
Instability of isolated hollow vortices with zero circulation
Authors: Hiejima Toshihiko
Published: April 2016

Inviscid linear stability analysis and numerical simulations are used to investigate how temporal disturbances evolve in double-annular hollow vortices with an opposite-signed vorticity (the total circulation is zero). Two extrema exist in the vorticity profile and constitute a factor of instability. The dispersion relation is expressed as a simple cubic equation. The results show that the instabilities of vortices are strongly enhanced by the hollow effect of the annular vorticity. In addition, the growth rate of the dominant modes significantly increases with decreasing negative-vorticity thickness. During the initial stage, the dominant unstable modes obtained from simulations are consistent with those obtained from the linear analysis. In nonlinear developments, the flow field stretches out in one direction depending on the motion of the plural vortex pair formed by rolling up the positive and negative vorticities. Once such structures in the vortex are generated, the vortex immediately breaks down and does not become metastable.
Numerical investigation of shock induced bubble collapse in water
Authors: Apazidis N.
Published: April 2016

A semi-conservative, stable, interphase-capturing numerical scheme for shock propagation in heterogeneous systems is applied to the problem of shock propagation in liquid-gas systems. The scheme is based on the volume-fraction formulation of the equations of motion for liquid and gas phases with separate equations of state. The semi-conservative formulation of the governing equations ensures the absence of spurious pressure oscillations at the material interphases between liquid and gas. Interaction of a planar shock in water with a single spherical bubble as well as twin adjacent bubbles is investigated. Several stages of the interaction process are considered, including focusing of the transmitted shock within the deformed bubble, creation of a water-hammer shock as well as generation of high-speed liquid jet in the later stages of the process.
Nonreciprocal behavior of the spin pumping in ultra-thin film of CoFeB
Authors: Jamali Mahdi , Smith Angeline Klemm , Wang Jian-Ping
Published: April 2016

The processional magnetization induced spin current at the interface between CoFeB and Ta has been studied experimentally using spin pumping and inverse spin Hall effect for different thicknesses of CoFeB film down to 1.6 nm. It is found that upon decreasing the thickness of the CoFeB, the frequency of the peak position of the spin pumping signal reduces and dispersion relation of the ferromagnetic resonance changes from a quadratic to a linear behavior indicating the presence of an interfacial perpendicular anisotropy. Furthermore, a nonreciprocal behavior between the spin pumping signal amplitude at positive and negative fields is observed which could be as large as 100%. Our experimental results suggest reduction of the effective demagnetization field and possibly the spin waves nonreciprocal behavior mediated by the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction at the Ta/CoFeB interface are responsible for the large nonreciprocity of the spin pumping signal.
Simple insertible high performance variable temperature regulator for measurement of physical properties at low temperature
Authors: Nagendran R. , Satya A. T. , Chinnasamy N. , Baskaran R. , Janawadkar M. P.
Published: April 2016

An impedance capillary based Variable Temperature Regulator (VTR) for regulation of temperature in the range of 4.2 K-300 K, which can be detached and inserted into any experimental setup with a 50 mm diameter top access, has been designed, fabricated, and tested. The VTR may be used as a highly compact probe, which can be readily inserted in any liquid helium dewar or cryostat to realize uniform rates of cooling/heating and to achieve excellent temperature stability of ±1 mK at any temperature between 4.2 K and 300 K. VTR has been subjected to extensive experimental testing to arrive at optimum values of control parameters that are expected to influence its performance. The VTR may be integrated into any experimental setup for measurement of physical properties at low temperatures.
Nanostructured silicon nitride from wheat and rice husks
Authors: Qadri S. B. , Rath B. B. , Gorzkowski E. P. , Wollmershauser J. A. , Feng C. R.
Published: April 2016

Nanoparticles, submicron-diameter tubes, and rods of Si3N4 were synthesized from the thermal treatment of wheat and rice husks at temperatures at and above 1300 °C in a nitrogen atmosphere. The whole pattern Rietveld analysis of the observed diffraction data from treatments at 1300 °C showed the formation of only hexagonal α-phase of Si3N4 with an R-factor of 1%, whereas samples treated at 1400 °C and above showed both α- and β-phases with an R-factor of 2%. Transmission electron microscopy showed the presence of tubes, rods, and nanoparticles of Si3N4. In a two-step process, where pure SiC was produced first from rice or wheat husk in an argon atmosphere and subsequently treated in a nitrogen atmosphere at 1450 °C, a nanostructured composite material having α- and β-phases of Si3N4 combined with cubic phase of SiC was formed. The thermodynamics of the formation of silicon nitride is discussed in terms of the solid state reaction between organic matter (silica content), which is inherently present in the wheat and rice husks, with the nitrogen from the furnace atmosphere. Nanostructures of silicon nitride formed by a single direct reaction or their composites with SiC formed in a two-step process of agricultural byproducts provide an uncomplicated sustainable synthesis route for silicon nitride used in mechanical, biotechnology, and electro-optic nanotechnology applications.
Experimental investigation on emission and stability of dual feed biogas swirl combustor
Authors: Živković Marija , Milivojević Aleksandar , Adžić Miroljub
Published: April 2016

Biomass is a renewable energy source with the highest potential to contribute in meeting energy needs and providing a secure and sustainable energy supply. For combustion of biogas (low calorific gas), an efficient technology is needed. It should provide stable combustion with low emission of pollutants such as CO and NOx over a wide operating range. This paper presents the experimental investigation on emission and stability of a premixed dual feed biogas swirl combustor with a pilot burner. For the experimental investigation, swirlers with swirl numbers 1.13 for the main burner and 1.98 for the pilot burner were used. The tests were performed at atmospheric conditions. The effects of carbon dioxide content, nominal thermal power, and equivalence ratio were analyzed and briefly discussed.
Is microrheometry affected by channel deformation?
Authors: Del Giudice Francesco , Greco Francesco , Netti Paolo Antonio , Maffettone Pier Luca
Published: April 2016

Microrheometry is very important for exploring rheological behaviours of several systems when conventional techniques fail. Microrheometrical measurements are usually carried out in microfluidic devices made of Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). Although PDMS is a very cheap material, it is also very easy to deform. In particular, a liquid flowing in a PDMS device, in some circumstances, can effectively deform the microchannel, thus altering the flow conditions. The measure of the fluid relaxation time might be performed through viscoelasticity induced particle migration in microfluidics devices. If the channel walls are deformed by the flow, the resulting measured value of the relaxation time could be not reliable. In this work, we study the effect of channel deformation on particle migration in square-shaped microchannel. Experiments are carried out in several PolyEthylene Oxyde solutions flowing in two devices made of PDMS and Poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA). The relevance of wall rigidity on particle migration is investigated, and the corresponding importance of wall rigidity on the determination of the relaxation time of the suspending liquid is examined.
Size-dependent structure and magnetocaloric properties of Fe-based glass-forming alloy powders
Authors: Luo Qiang , Ye Fengxia , Huang Changjun , Jiao Jin , Rahman Anisur , Yu Peng , Li Jie , Shen Jun
Published: April 2016

We investigated the influence of particle size on the microstructure and magnetocaloric effect of Fe-based alloy powders (11 μm to 100 μm in diameter). The degree of structure order varies with the powder size. The 11 μm to 18 μm powders show the largest peak magnetic entropy change (MEC). Increasing the degree of structure order tends to decrease the maximum MEC. Nevertheless, enhancement of refrigerant capacity and MEC (above 70 K) is achieved when the crystalline phase content is ∼50% (above 75 μm) in the 75 μm to 100 μm powders. Exponent n of the field dependence of MEC increases with the decrease in powder size above 22.5 K. The size dependence of the structure and properties is associated with the fact that a larger particle has a slower cooling rate and takes a longer time to form medium-to-long range ordered structures.
Self-assembly of multiferroic core-shell particulate nanocomposites through DNA-DNA hybridization and magnetic field directed assembly of superstructures
Authors: Sreenivasulu Gollapudi , Lochbiler Thomas A. , Panda Manashi , Srinivasan Gopalan , Chavez Ferman A.
Published: April 2016

Multiferroic composites of ferromagnetic and ferroelectric phases are of importance for studies on mechanical strain mediated coupling between the magnetic and electric subsystems. This work is on DNA-assisted self-assembly of superstructures of such composites with nanometer periodicity. The synthesis involved oligomeric DNA-functionalized ferroelectric and ferromagnetic nanoparticles, 600 nm BaTiO3 (BTO) and 200 nm NiFe2O4 (NFO), respectively. Mixing BTO and NFO particles, possessing complementary DNA sequences, resulted in the formation of ordered core-shell heteronanocomposites held together by DNA hybridization. The composites were imaged by scanning electron microscopy and scanning microwave microscopy. The presence of heteroassemblies along with core-shell architecture is clearly observed. The reversible nature of the DNA hybridization allows for restructuring the composites into mm-long linear chains and 2D-arrays in the presence of a static magnetic field and ring-like structures in a rotating-magnetic field. Strong magneto-electric (ME) coupling in as-assembled composites is evident from static magnetic field H induced polarization and low-frequency magnetoelectric voltage coefficient measurements. Upon annealing the nanocomposites at high temperatures, evidence for the formation of bulk composites with excellent cross-coupling between the electric and magnetic subsystems is obtained by H-induced polarization and low-frequency ME voltage coefficient. The ME coupling strength in the self-assembled composites is measured to be much stronger than in bulk composites with randomly distributed NFO and BTO prepared by direct mixing and sintering.
Characteristics of convective heat transfer in the MHD peristalsis of Carreau fluid with Joule heating
Authors: Hayat T. , Farooq S. , Ahmad B. , Alsaedi A.
Published: April 2016

This article addresses the characteristics of convective heat transfer and radially imposed magnetic field on peristaltic flow of an incompressible Carreau fluid in a curved channel. Joule heating is also present. Mathematical analysis has been carried out under long wavelength and low Reynolds number considerations. Solutions of the resulting non-linear system for small values of Weissenberg number are constructed. The salient features of flow quantities are pointed out with particular focus to pumping, velocity, temperature and trapping. It is observed pressure gradient enhances for larger values of power law index parameter. The velocity and temperature are decreasing functions of radial magnetic field parameter. Further the impact of Weissenberg and Biot numbers on the temperature are opposite.
Comparative responses to water deficit stress and subsequent recovery in the cultivated beet Beta vulgaris and its wild relative B. macrocarpa
Authors: Slama Inès , Jdey Asma , Rouached Aida , Talbi Ons , Debez Ahmed , Ghnaya Tahar , Limami Mohamed Anis , Abdelly Chedly
Published: April 2016

The effects of water deficit stress and recovery on growth, photosynthesis, physiological and biochemical parameters were investigated in the cultivated Beta vulgaris and in two Tunisian provenances (Soliman and Enfidha) of its wild relative B. macrocarpa. Seedlings were cultivated for 4 weeks under optimal or limiting water supply (respectively, 100% and 25% of field capacity, FC). After 2 weeks of treatment, a lot of stressed plants were rehydrated to 100% FC. In the Control, B. vulgaris was more productive than B. macrocarpa, whereas Enfidha provenance showed the highest biomass production (1.6- and 3-fold compared with B. vulgaris and Soliman, respectively), under water deficit stress. A partial re-establishment of growth occurred in both species upon recovery at 100% FC. The sensitivity of B. vulgaris and Soliman provenance to drought was associated with the disturbance of leaf water status and the sharp decrease in net CO2 assimilation (–66% and –82% as compared with the Control, respectively). On the contrary, the better behaviour of Enfidha provenance was related to its better photosynthetic capacity and leaf relative water content, along with a higher accumulation of amino acids (proline, glycine, and glutamine) implied in the osmotic adjustment. Leaf hexose concentration increased significantly under drought stress in both species whereas leaf sucrose concentration declined only in drought-stressed B. vulgaris and Soliman provenance. Leaf glutamate dehydrogenase activity increased under water deficit in both species despite to a higher extent in B. vulgaris. As glutamate dehydrogenase is implied in catabolism of glutamate to oxoglutarate, it might contribute to provide stressed plants with carbon skeletons.
Enfidha provenance of the spontaneous species B. macrocarpa could be used in the marginal arid ecosystems in order to limit the deficit in fodder and to improve the pastoral value of these regions. In addition, this species could serve as a source of genes for genetic improvement to water deficit stress.
Short- and long-term outcomes of the absence of protein during bovine blastocyst formation in vitro
Authors: Murillo-Ríos A. , Maillo V. , Muñoz M. , Gutiérrez-Adán A. , Carrocera S. , Martín-González D. , Fernandez-Buznego A. , Gómez E.
Published: April 2016

In cattle, individual in vitro embryo culture after Day 6 benefits development, allowing non-invasive analysis of culture medium. However, undefined supplements in culture reduce analytical reliability. In this study we assayed the short- and long-term performance of embryos after bovine serum albumin removal over a 24-h period in individual culture. The absence of protein decreased embryo development and cell counts in the inner cell mass without affecting blastocyst sex ratio. However, the absence of protein produced embryos with an improved tendency to survive vitrification after 24 h in culture (P = 0.07). After transfer to recipients, birth rates of embryos that had been cultured with protein tended to decrease (P < 0.06) mostly as a result of a higher number of miscarriages (P < 0.013), reflecting lower viability. Birthweight, gestation length, height and thorax circumference did not differ between embryos cultured with or without protein. In fresh blastocysts cultured without protein, gene expression analysis showed higher abundance (P < 0.05) of insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R; imprinting) and activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and DNA-damage-inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3; endoplasmic reticulum stress) transcripts, with DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A; imprinting) tending to increase (P = 0.062). However, in hatched blastocysts that survived cryopreservation, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) was overexpressed in embryos cultured without protein (P < 0.01). The absence of protein results in fewer blastocysts but improved long-term viability after cryopreservation.
Targeting forest management through fire and erosion modelling
Authors: Elliot William J. , Miller Mary Ellen , Enstice Nic
Published: April 2016

Forests deliver a number of important ecosystem services, including clean water. When forests are disturbed by wildfire, the timing, quantity and quality of runoff are altered. A modelling study was conducted in a forested watershed in California, USA, to determine the risk of wildfire, and the potential post-fire sediment delivery from ~4-ha hillslope polygons within a 1500-km2 basin following a wildfire event. Wildfire intensity was estimated with fire spread models. The estimation of soil burn severity was based on predicted flame length. Sediment delivery was estimated from each hillslope polygon using a Geographic Information System erosion model. Polygons that generated the greatest amount of sediment, affected other values at risk in the basin, or were critical for reducing fire spread were ‘treated’ by reducing the amount and type of fuel available for a wildfire. The fire and erosion models were run a second time for treated conditions to see whether the treatment resulted in a reduced fire intensity and probability, and hence a reduced erosion rate. The estimated erosion rates the first year after the fire dropped from 46 Mg ha–1 before treatment to 26 Mg ha–1 for polygons that had received fuel treatments.
A neural link between affective understanding and interpersonal attraction
Authors: Anders Silke , de Jong Roos , Beck Christian , Haynes John-Dylan , Ethofer Thomas
Published: April 2016

Significance

Humans interacting with other humans must be able to understand their interaction partner’s affect and motivations, often without words. We examined whether people are attracted to others whose affective behavior they can easily understand. For this, we asked participants to watch different persons experiencing different emotions. We found the better a participant thought they could understand another person’s emotion the more they felt attracted toward that person. Importantly, these individual changes in interpersonal attraction were predicted by activity in the participant’s reward circuit, which in turn signaled how well the participant’s “neural vocabulary” was suited to decode the other’s behavior. This research elucidates neurobiological processes that might play an important role in the formation and success of human social relations.
Interallelic interaction and gene regulation in budding yeast
Authors: Zhang Daoyong , Bai Lu
Published: April 2016

Significance

Homologous pairing occurs in budding yeast during vegetative growth, but its function in gene regulation is unknown. In this work, we revealed that a
GAL1
reporter gene can interact with its homologous allele and influence its activity. These results are significant because (
i
) it shows that the 3D organization of yeast chromosomes can contribute to gene regulation, (
ii
) it goes against the dogma that gene regulation in budding yeast only occurs over short distance via
cis
regulatory elements, and (
iii
) it contributes to the mechanistic understanding of long-distance gene regulation in yeast, as well as related phenomena in higher eukaryotes.
Tradeoffs between fisheries harvest and the resilience of coral reefs
Authors: Bozec Yves-Marie , O'Farrell Shay , Bruggemann J. Henrich , Luckhurst Brian E. , Mumby Peter J.
Published: April 2016

Significance

Fisheries management must avoid adverse impacts on the ecosystem. Doing so can be challenging in highly complex systems, particularly if the target species serves an important ecosystem function. Caribbean coral reefs provide a classic example in which herbivorous parrotfish are both an important fishery and key driver of ecosystem resilience. We developed and tested a multispecies fisheries model of parrotfish and linked it to a coral reef ecosystem experiencing climate change. We found that corals can remain resilient if less than 10% of the fishable parrotfish biomass is harvested and a minimum size of 30 cm is implemented. To our knowledge, this work is the first attempt to identify harvest levels that have little adverse effect on corals.
Assessing the Accuracy of Published Natural Mortality Estimators Using Rates Determined from Five Unexploited Freshwater Fish Populations
Authors: Maceina Michael J. , Sammons Steven M.
Published: April 2016

Natural mortality is a vital demographic variable that is necessary for describing population dynamics and conducting fishery assessments. The instantaneous natural mortality rate (M) can be estimated through a variety of empirical methods, but they typically require extensive data collection (e.g., aging, tagging, and estimates of exploitation). Alternatively, M has been estimated using theoretically and empirically derived equations, some of which require minimal data, making their use attractive for application to information-limited fisheries. Most such equations were derived from marine stock assessments and have not been validated for freshwater fishes. We used age-frequency analyses to estimate M for unexploited populations of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides, Smallmouth Bass M. dolomieu, Brown Bullheads Ameiurus nebulosus, Yellow Perch Perca flavescens, and Pumpkinseeds Lepomis gibbosus in the upper Hudson River, New York. We then compared our field-based estimates to M values predicted from nine published estimators. Using catch-curve regressions and the Robson and Chapman (1961) method, we estimated M for these populations with a sample of over 12,000 fish—nearly 2,000 of which were aged with otoliths. Variables used in the nine published estimators included maximum age, length, and weight; coefficients of the von Bertalanffy (VB) equation; the sample size used for aging; and average annual water temperature. The published estimators predicted M values that were fairly similar to our empirically derived values, although some estimators performed better than others. The mean of M values from the estimators was within ±0.12 units of the average derived from our age-frequency analyses. For the five estimators that utilized the VB growth relation, the M values were sensitive to changes in VB coefficients. For Largemouth Bass and Brown Bullheads, the unmodified VB growth functions did not conform to our observed length-at-age data, so we present modified VB equations for those species; coefficients derived from the modified equations appeared to provide more accurate predictions of M. Although the published estimators of M were primarily developed for marine fishes, they provided fairly accurate initial estimates of M (when bounded by uncertainty) for the five freshwater species we examined.

Received July 10, 2015; accepted November 30, 2015 Published online April 5, 2016