bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of microsatellite markers and estimation of inbreeding frequency in the parasitoid wasp Melittobia
Authors: Abe Jun , Pannebakker Bart A.
Published: January 2017

The parasitoid waspMelittobiais an important insect for basic and applied biology. Specifically, their extremely female-biased sex ratios, which contrast to the prediction of pre-existing theories, are needed to be explained from the aspect of evolutionary biology. In this study, using next-generation sequencing, 20 microsatellite loci were developed and characterized forM. australica. The developed loci were used to analyze two populations, one from a mainland Japan and one from the Okinawa island region. Both populations showed a smaller observed heterozygosity than expected, and a high inbreeding coefficient. Deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were recorded for the majority of the 20 loci, suggesting that both the populations are subdivided due to inbreeding as is expected by the reproductive biology inMelittobia. The sib-mating frequency in the two populations was calculated as 0.873 and 0.996, which is higher than the values estimated by the number of females observed in a host cocoon or cell, implying that closely related females lay eggs on a host. The microsatellite loci developed in this study can be used for more comprehensive analyses to identify genetic structure in natural populations for understanding their sex allocation behavior and for more generally evolutionary and population genetic studies.
Sex- and age-dependent patterns of survival and breeding success in a long-lived endangered avian scavenger
Authors: Sanz-Aguilar Ana , Cortés-Avizanda Ainara , Serrano David , Blanco Guillermo , Ceballos Olga , Grande Juan M. , Tella José L. , Donázar José A.
Published: January 2017

In long-lived species, the age-, stage- and/or sex-dependent patterns of survival and reproduction determine the evolution of life history strategies, the shape of the reproductive value, and ultimately population dynamics. We evaluate the combined effects of age and sex in recruitment, breeder survival and breeding success of the globally endangered Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), using 31-years of exhaustive data on marked individuals in Spain. Mean age of first reproduction was 7-yrs for both sexes, but females showed an earlier median and a larger variance than males. We found an age-related improvement in breeding success at the population level responding to the selective appearance and disappearance of phenotypes of different quality but unrelated to within-individual aging effects. Old males (≥8 yrs) showed a higher survival than both young males (≤7 yrs) and females, these later in turn not showing aging effects. Evolutionary trade-offs between age of recruitment and fitness (probably related to costs of territory acquisition and defense) as well as human-related mortality may explain these findings. Sex- and age-related differences in foraging strategies and susceptibility to toxics could be behind the relatively low survival of females and young males, adding a new concern for the conservation of this endangered species.
Deubiquitylation of hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) by ubiquitin-specific peptidase 15 (USP15) increases HBx stability and its transactivation activity
Authors: Su Zhi-Jun , Cao Jia-Shou , Wu Yan-Fang , Chen Wan-Nan , Lin Xinjian , Wu Yun-Li , Lin Xu
Published: January 2017

Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) plays important roles in viral replication and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. HBx is a rapid turnover protein and ubiquitin-proteasome pathway has been suggested to influence HBx stability as treatment with proteasome inhibitors increases the levels of HBx protein and causes accumulation of the polyubiquitinated forms of HBx. Deubiquitinases (DUBs) are known to act by removing ubiquitin moieties from proteins and thereby reverse their stability and/or activity. However, no information is available regarding the involvement of DUBs in regulation of ubiquitylation-dependent proteasomal degradation of HBx protein. This study identified the deubiquitylating enzyme USP15 as a critical regulator of HBx protein level. USP15 was found to directly interact with HBx via binding to the HBx region between amino acid residues 51 and 80. USP15 increased HBx protein levels in a dose-dependent manner and siRNA-mediated knockdown of endogenous USP15 reduced HBx protein levels. Increased HBx stability and steady-state level by USP15 were attributable to reduced HBx ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Importantly, the transcriptional transactivation function of HBx is enhanced by overexpression of USP15. These results suggest that USP15 plays an essential role in stabilizing HBx and subsequently affects the biological function of HBx.
Actin-Interacting Protein 1 Contributes to Intranuclear Rod Assembly in Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Ishikawa-Ankerhold Hellen C. , Daszkiewicz Wioleta , Schleicher Michael , Müller-Taubenberger Annette
Published: January 2017

Intranuclear rods are aggregates consisting of actin and cofilin that are formed in the nucleus in consequence of chemical or mechanical stress conditions. The formation of rods is implicated in a variety of pathological conditions, such as certain myopathies and some neurological disorders. It is still not well understood what exactly triggers the formation of intranuclear rods, whether other proteins are involved, and what the underlying mechanisms of rod assembly or disassembly are. In this study, Dictyostelium discoideum was used to examine appearance, stages of assembly, composition, stability, and dismantling of rods. Our data show that intranuclear rods, in addition to actin and cofilin, are composed of a distinct set of other proteins comprising actin-interacting protein 1 (Aip1), coronin (CorA), filactin (Fia), and the 34 kDa actin-bundling protein B (AbpB). A finely tuned spatio-temporal pattern of protein recruitment was found during formation of rods. Aip1 is important for the final state of rod compaction indicating that Aip1 plays a major role in shaping the intranuclear rods. In the absence of both Aip1 and CorA, rods are not formed in the nucleus, suggesting that a sufficient supply of monomeric actin is a prerequisite for rod formation.
Antiproliferative Effects of 1α-OH-vitD3 in Malignant Melanoma: Potential Therapeutic implications
Authors: Spath Lucia , Ulivieri Alessandra , Lavra Luca , Fidanza Laura , Carlesimo Marta , Giubettini Maria , Narcisi Alessandra , Luciani Emidio , Bucci Barbara , Pisani Daniela , Sciacchitano Salvatore , Bartolazzi Armando
Published: January 2017

Early detection and surgery represent the mainstay of treatment for superficial melanoma, but for high risk lesions (Breslow’s thickness >0.75 mm) an effective adjuvant therapy is lacking. Vitamin D insufficiency plays a relevant role in cancer biology. The biological effects of 1α hydroxycholecalciferol on experimental melanoma models were investigated. 105 melanoma patients were checked for 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (circulating vitamin D) serum levels. Human derived melanoma cell lines and in vivo xenografts were used for studying 1α-hydroxycholecalciferol-mediated biological effects on cell proliferation and tumor growth. 99 out of 105 (94%) melanoma patients had insufficient 25-hydroxycholecalciferol serum levels. Interestingly among the six with vitamin D in the normal range, five had a diagnosis of in situ/microinvasive melanoma. Treatment with 1α-hydroxycholecalciferol induced antiproliferative effects on melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo, modulating the expression of cell cycle key regulatory molecules. Cell cycle arrest in G1 or G2 phase was invariably observed in vitamin D treated melanoma cells. The antiproliferative activity induced by 1α-hydroxycholecalciferol in experimental melanoma models, together with the discovery of insufficient 25-hydroxycholecalciferol serum levels in melanoma patients, provide the rationale for using vitamin D in melanoma adjuvant therapy, alone or in association with other therapeutic options.
Microwave-synthesized freestanding iron-carbon nanotubes on polyester composites of woven Kevlar fibre and silver nanoparticle-decorated graphene
Authors: Hazarika Ankita , Deka Biplab K. , Kim DoYoung , Kong Kyungil , Park Young-Bin , Park Hyung Wook
Published: January 2017

We synthesized Ag nanoparticle-decorated multilayered graphene nanosheets (Ag-graphene) from graphite nanoplatelets and silver nitrate through 90–100 s of microwave exposure, without the use of any mineral acids or harsh reducing agents. Fe nanoparticle-decorated carbon nanotubes (Fe-CNTs) were grown on polypyrrole (PPy) deposited on woven Kevlar fibre (WKF), using ferrocene as a catalyst, under microwave irradiation. Fe-CNTs grown on WKF and Ag-graphene dispersed in polyester resin (PES) were combined to fabricate Ag-graphene/Fe-CNT/PPy-coated WKF/PES composites by vacuum-assisted resin transfer moulding. The combined effect of Fe-CNTs and Ag-graphene in the resulting composites resulted in a remarkable enhancement of tensile properties (a 192.56% increase in strength and 100.64% increase in modulus) as well as impact resistance (a 116.33% increase). The electrical conductivity significantly increased for Ag-graphene/Fe-CNT/PPy-coated WKF/PES composites. The effectiveness of electromagnetic interference shielding, which relies strongly on the Ag-graphene content in the composites, was 25 times higher in Ag-graphene/Fe-CNT/PPy-coated WKF/PES than in neat WKF/PES composites. The current work offers a novel route for fabricating highly promising, cost effective WKF/PES composites through microwave-assisted synthesis of Fe-CNTs and Ag-graphene.
Scale-up of nature’s tissue weaving algorithms to engineer advanced functional materials
Authors: Ng Joanna L. , Knothe Lillian E. , Whan Renee M. , Knothe Ulf , Tate Melissa L. Knothe
Published: January 2017

We are literally the stuff from which our tissue fabrics and their fibers are woven and spun. The arrangement of collagen, elastin and other structural proteins in space and time embodies our tissues and organs with amazing resilience and multifunctional smart properties. For example, the periosteum, a soft tissue sleeve that envelops all nonarticular bony surfaces of the body, comprises an inherently “smart” material that gives hard bones added strength under high impact loads. Yet a paucity of scalable bottom-up approaches stymies the harnessing of smart tissues’ biological, mechanical and organizational detail to create advanced functional materials. Here, a novel approach is established to scale up the multidimensional fiber patterns of natural soft tissue weaves for rapid prototyping of advanced functional materials. First second harmonic generation and two-photon excitation microscopy is used to map the microscopic three-dimensional (3D) alignment, composition and distribution of the collagen and elastin fibers of periosteum, the soft tissue sheath bounding all nonarticular bone surfaces in our bodies. Then, using engineering rendering software to scale up this natural tissue fabric, as well as multidimensional weaving algorithms, macroscopic tissue prototypes are created using a computer-controlled jacquard loom. The capacity to prototype scaled up architectures of natural fabrics provides a new avenue to create advanced functional materials.
Enhancing the Detection of Dysmorphic Red Blood Cells and Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells with a Modified Urinalysis Protocol
Authors: Chu-Su Yu , Shukuya Kenichi , Yokoyama Takashi , Lin Wei-Chou , Chiang Chih-Kang , Lin Chii-Wann
Published: January 2017

Urinary sediment is used to evaluate patients with possible urinary tract diseases. Currently, numerous protocols are applied to detect dysmorphic red blood cells (RBCs) and renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) in urinary sediment. However, distinct protocols are used by nephrologists and medical technologists for specimen concentration and observation, which leads to major discrepancies in the differential counts of formed elements such as dysmorphic RBCs and RTECs and might interfere with an accurate clinical diagnosis. To resolve these problems, we first tested a modified urinalysis protocol with an increased relative centrifuge force and concentration factor in 20 biopsy-confirmed glomerulonephritis patients with haematuria. We successfully improved the recovery ratio of dysmorphic RBCs in clinical specimens from 34.7% to 42.0% (P < 0.001). Furthermore, we confirmed the correlation between counts by the modified urinary protocol and Sysmex UF-1000i urinary flow cytometer (r ≥ 0.898, P < 0.001). A total of 28 types of isomorphic and dysmorphic RBCs were detected using a bright field microscope, with results comparable to those using a standard phase contrast microscope. Finally, we applied Sternheimer stain to enhance the contrast of RTECs in the urinary sediments. We concluded that this modified urinalysis protocol significantly enhanced the quality of urinalysis.
MicroRNA-155 is upregulated in ascites in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Authors: Lutz Philipp , M´haimid Mohamed , Pohlmann Alessandra , Lehmann Jennifer , Jansen Christian , Schierwagen Robert , Klein Sabine , Strassburg Christian P. , Spengler Ulrich , Trebicka Jonel
Published: January 2017

MircoRNA’s (miR) have been recognised as important modulators of gene expression and potential biomarkers. However, they have been rarely investigated in bio fluids apart from blood. We investigated the association of miR-125b and miR-155 with complications of cirrhosis. Ascites was prospectively collected from patients with cirrhosis undergoing paracentesis at our department. miR’s were determined in the supernatant using qPCR and normalized by SV-40. Clinical parameters were assessed at paracentesis and during follow-up. 76 specimens from 72 patients were analysed. MiR’s were not associated to age, sex or aetiology of cirrhosis. MiR-125b levels differed between patients with low and high MELD score, and miR-125b levels showed an inverse correlation to serum creatinine (r2 = −0.23; p = 0.05). MiR-155 was elevated in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) (n = 10; p = 0.04). MiR-155 levels differed between patients with and without 30-day survival (p = 0.02). No association of ascites levels of investigated miR’s to size of varices, episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding or hepatorenal syndrome was observed. While miR-125b levels in ascites seem to be associated with liver and renal dysfunction, miR-155 might be implicated in local immune response in SBP.
Prognostic factors in neuroendocrine carcinoma: biological markers are more useful than histomorphological markers
Authors: Freis Patricia , Graillot Emmanuelle , Rousset Pascal , Hervieu Valérie , Chardon Laurence , Lombard-Bohas Catherine , Walter Thomas
Published: January 2017

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (GEP-NEC) are a very aggressive type of cancer, for which prognostic factors are lacking. We analysed clinical and histomorphological prognostic markers of overall survival (OS), completed with a record of biological and haematological data of patients diagnosed between December 2002 and December 2015. The median OS was 16 months (95% CI 13.9–18.1). After univariate analysis, performance status (PS) ≥ 2 and stage IV were associated with a worse outcome (9 months and 14 months, respectively), as well as patients with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels ≥ 2 ULN (9 months and 8 months, respectively). After multivariate analysis, LDH and AST levels were the only factors that remained significantly associated with better survival: HR 0.36 (p = 0.04) and 0.31 (p = 0.03), respectively. When patients had elevated LDH and AST levels, OS was 20 months, when they had high LDH or AST levels, 13 months and 8 months in the group with low LDH and AST levels (p < 0.001). Therefore, biological data appeared to be more relevant prognostic factors than usual factors described in other studies (PS, stage, and Ki-67). Considering LDH and AST levels at diagnosis could help physicians to predict survival and to stratify patients for clinical trials.
An unusual porous cationic metal–organic framework based on a tetranuclear hydroxyl-copper(ii) cluster for fast and highly efficient dichromate trapping through a single-crystal to single-crystal process
Authors: Lv Xiu-Xiu , Shi Lu-Lu , Li Ke , Li Bao-Long , Li Hai-Yan
Published: January 2017

An unusual porous cationic metal–organic framework based on a tetranuclear hydroxy-copper(ii) cluster displays fast and highly efficient dichromate trapping through a SC–SC transformation.
Insights into the interplay between electric fields and microstructures of AEL films under ionothermal conditions
Authors: Yu Tongwen , Liu Yi , Chu Wenling , Liu Yanchun , Cai Rui , Yang Weishen
Published: January 2017

Herein we reported facilein situfabrication of AEL molecular sieve films with preferredc-orientation through elaborate programming electric fields under ionothermal conditions.
Insights into the mechanism of electrochemical ozone production via water splitting on the Ni and Sb doped SnO2 catalyst
Authors: Gibson Gregory , Wang Ziyun , Hardacre Christopher , Lin Wen-Feng
Published: January 2017

The water-splitting mechanism for forming O3 was studied using density functional theory.
Differentiation of the C–O and C–C bond scission mechanisms of 1-hexadecanol on Pt(111) and Ru(0001): a first principles analysis
Authors: Li Meng-Ru , Wang Gui-Chang
Published: January 2017

The major product on Pt(111) is hexadecane, whereas it is pentadecane on Ru(0001).
Decomposition behavior of platinum clusters supported on ceria and γ-alumina in the presence of carbon monoxide
Authors: Koleva Iskra Z. , Aleksandrov Hristiyan A. , Vayssilov Georgi N.
Published: January 2017

Carbon monoxide facilitates decomposition of platinum clusters supported on ceria, while carbonylated platinum clusters are stable on gamma alumina.
Construction of noninterpenetrating and interpenetrating Co(ii) networks with halogenated carboxylate modulated by auxiliary N-donor co-ligands: structural diversity, electrochemical and photocatalytic properties
Authors: Hao Shao Yun , Hou Suo Xia , Van Hecke Kristof , Cui Guang Hua
Published: January 2017

Six Co(ii) complexes with 2,5-dichloroterephthalate and bis(benzimidazole) were synthesized and characterized, which manifest photocatalytic activities.
Development of polyparameter linear free energy relationship models for octanol–air partition coefficients of diverse chemicals
Authors: Jin Xiaochen , Fu Zhiqiang , Li Xuehua , Chen Jingwen
Published: January 2017

This study develops pp-LFER models to predict octanol–air partition coefficients at different temperatures for diverse chemicals.
Environmental Science: Nano – news, progress and impact
Authors: Grassian Vicki H.
Published: January 2017

News from Vicki Grassian, Editor-in-Chief.
Gastrointestinal interactions, absorption, splanchnic metabolism and pharmacokinetics of orally ingested phenolic compounds
Authors: Domínguez-Avila J. Abraham , Wall-Medrano Abraham , Velderrain-Rodríguez Gustavo R. , Chen C.-Y. Oliver , Salazar-López Norma Julieta , Robles-Sánchez Maribel , González-Aguilar Gustavo A.
Published: January 2017

Phenolic compounds interact with nutrients and host molecules in the gastrointestinal tract, which modulates digestion and alters their pharmacokinetic parameters.
A metagenomics approach for new biocatalyst discovery: application to transaminases and the synthesis of allylic amines
Authors: Baud Damien , Jeffries Jack W. E. , Moody Thomas S. , Ward John M. , Hailes Helen C.
Published: January 2017

A metagenomics mining strategy was used to identify new transaminases that were utilised in the synthesis of allylic amines.
Superior spatial resolution in confocal X-ray techniques using collimating channel array optics: elemental mapping and speciation in archaeological human bone
Authors: Choudhury S. , Agyeman-Budu D. N. , Woll A. R. , Swanston T. , Varney T. L. , Cooper D. M. L. , Hallin E. , George G. N. , Pickering I. J. , Coulthard I.
Published: January 2017

A novel X-ray collimating optic enables improved spatial resolution in confocal X-ray fluorescence imaging and X-ray absorption spectroscopy.
A microfluidic circulatory system integrated with capillary-assisted pressure sensors
Authors: Chen Yangfan , Chan Ho Nam , Michael Sean A. , Shen Yusheng , Chen Yin , Tian Qian , Huang Lu , Wu Hongkai
Published: January 2017

We present a microfluidic circulatory system integrated with capillary-assisted pressure sensors to closely mimic human systemic circulation in vitro.
Insights into the structure and thermal stability of uranyl aluminate nanoparticles
Authors: Chave Tony , Le Goff Xavier , Scheinost Andreas C. , Nikitenko Sergey I.
Published: January 2017

Synthesis and characterization by HRTEM, XAFS and HTXRD of uranyl aluminate nanocrystals prepared with various uranium loadings and at different calcination temperatures.
Synthesis and structural characterization of mixed halide–N,N-diethylcarbamates of group 4 metals, including a case of unusual tetrahydrofuran activation
Authors: Bortoluzzi Marco , Bresciani Giulio , Marchetti Fabio , Pampaloni Guido , Zacchini Stefano
Published: January 2017

A straightforward synthesis of dichloride-dicarbamates of group 4 metals consists of the metathesis reaction of the respective tetrahalides with tetracarbamates.
A target oriented expeditious approach towards synthesis of certain bacterial rare sugar derivatives
Authors: Chaudhury Aritra , Ghosh Rina
Published: January 2017

A 3-step sequential one-pot protection profile manipulation on suitable d-glucosamine/d-mannose derivatives led to the diversity oriented synthesis of rare sugar derivatives.
Synthesis of narrow sized silver nanoparticles in the absence of capping ligands in helical microreactors
Authors: Wu Ke-Jun , De Varine Bohan Geoffroy Michet , Torrente-Murciano Laura
Published: January 2017

Microtubular helical reactors generate secondary flows promoting the synthesis of mono-sized silver nanoparticles in the absence of capping ligands.
Light-driven generation of chlorine and hydrogen from brine using highly selective Ru/Ti oxide redox catalysts
Authors: McCafferty L. , O'Rourke C. , Mills A. , Kafizas A. , Parkin I. P. , Darr J. A.
Published: January 2017

Ultrafine ruthenium–titanium oxide catalysts were directly produced using a continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis process and assessed as chloride oxidation catalysts.
A comparative study on the thermal- and microwave-assisted Stille coupling polymerization of a benzodithiophene-based donor–acceptor polymer (PTB7)
Authors: Raj Michael Ruby , Kim Minjun , Kim Hong Il , Lee Gang-Young , Park Cheol Woong , Park Taiho
Published: January 2017

We report a comparative study on the thermal- and microwave-assisted Stille-coupling polymerization of a benzodithiophene-based donor–acceptor polymer (PTB7).
Potential for high thermoelectric performance in n-type Zintl compounds: a case study of Ba doped KAlSb4
Authors: Ortiz Brenden R. , Gorai Prashun , Krishna Lakshmi , Mow Rachel , Lopez Armando , McKinney Robert , Stevanović Vladan , Toberer Eric S.
Published: January 2017

High-throughput computational assessment of Zintl compounds reveals that n-type materials potentially outnumber and outperform p-type counterparts; n-type KAlSb4 reinforces the calculated results.
Pyrolysis of conjugated nanoporous polycarbazoles to mesoporous N-doped carbon nanotubes as efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Zhu Xiang , Zhu Yihua , Tian Chengcheng , Jin Tian , Yang Xuejing , Jin Xianbo , Li Chunzhong , Wang Hualin , Liu Honglai , Dai Sheng
Published: January 2017

A novel non-CVD methodology that exploits a conjugated-nanoporous-polymer-driven, self-templated route toward a new family of N-CNTs was developed.
Performance enhancement of perovskite solar cells using a La-doped BaSnO3 electron transport layer
Authors: Zhu Liangzheng , Ye Jiajiu , Zhang Xuhui , Zheng Haiying , Liu Guozhen , Pan Xu , Dai Songyuan
Published: January 2017

The promising candidate La-BaSnO3 provides a novel perspective on the application and investigation of doped materials in PSCs.
Intercalated Co(OH)2-derived flower-like hybrids composed of cobalt sulfide nanoparticles partially embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets with superior lithium storage
Authors: Wang Jun , Bai Fan , Chen Xu , Lu Yanluo , Yang Wensheng
Published: January 2017

Flower-like hybrids composed of smallcobalt sulfide nanoparticles partially embedded within the nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets are synthesized by sulfidation of a metanilic anion intercalated Co(OH)2 precursor.
Regulating Li deposition at artificial solid electrolyte interphases
Authors: Fan Lei , Zhuang Houlong L. , Gao Lina , Lu Yingying , Archer Lynden A.
Published: January 2017

An artificial solid electrolyte interphases (SEI) layer was established on the lithium metal anode via magnetron sputtering deposition for promoting uniform lithium electrodeposition.
Controllable sulfuration engineered NiO nanosheets with enhanced capacitance for high rate supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Shude , Lee Su Chan , Patil Umakant M. , Ray Chaiti , Sankar K. Vijaya , Zhang Kan , Kundu Aniruddha , kang Shinill , Park Jong Hyeok , Chan Jun Seong
Published: January 2017

NiO has been intensively studied as a promising electrode material for supercapacitors because of its high theoretical specific capacitance, well-defined redox behavior, and good chemical compatibility with nickel foam.
BODIPY-Mn nanoassemblies for accurate MRI and phototherapy of hypoxic cancer
Authors: Lu Wen-Long , Lan Ya-Quan , Xiao Ke-Jing , Xu Qin-Mei , Qu Ling-Ling , Chen Qiu-Yun , Huang Tao , Gao Jing , Zhao Yao
Published: January 2017

Hypoxia promotes not only the metastasis of tumors but also therapeutic resistance.
Electrospinning design of functional nanostructures for biosensor applications
Authors: Zhang Mingfa , Zhao Xinne , Zhang Guanghua , Wei Gang , Su Zhiqiang
Published: January 2017

We summarize the recent advances in the electrospinning fabrication of hybrid polymer nanofibers decorated with functionalized nanoscale building blocks (NBBs) to obtain biosensors with better performances.
Controllable negative thermal expansion, ferroelectric and semiconducting properties in PbTiO3–Bi(Co2/3Nb1/3)O3 solid solutions
Authors: Liu Hui , Chen Jun , Jiang Xingxing , Pan Zhao , Zhang Linxing , Rong Yangchun , Lin Zheshuai , Xing Xianran
Published: January 2017

Semiconductor functional materials have been widely applied in electronic devices.
Organobase-catalyzed [1,2]-Brook rearrangement of silyl glyoxylates
Authors: Han Man-Yi , Yang Fei-Yan , Zhou Di , Xu Zhigang
Published: January 2017

A highly efficient [1,2]-Brook rearrangement of silyl glyoxylates has been developed using DBU as the organo-base catalyst.
Single‐stage AC–DC voltage regulator for 15 W wireless charging
Authors: Bai X. , Kong Z. , Siek L.
Published: January 2017

A single‐stage AC–DC voltage regulator is proposed to enhance the power efficiency while at the same time reducing the design complicity of the entire system. Unlike the traditional two‐stage AC–DC regulator, a pulse‐width modulation control algorithm is integrated to switch the working mode of an active rectifier between a charging mode and a zero mode to maintain the output voltage at 5 V. This in turn efficiently eliminates the need for a DC–DC converter following the rectifier. Besides, a coupled full‐bridge active rectifier with high speed comparator dramatically reduces the power loss of the circuit. Experiment results using a 0.35 µm technology and a PCB circuit demonstrate the advantages of the proposed design.
Link to system interfacing for multiple input and multiple output wireless system using maximum likelihood receiver
Authors: Khan Asif , Ullah Irfan , Khattak Shahid
Published: January 2017

In this study an accurate method of link to system (L2S) interfacing for multiple input and multiple output system with a maximum likelihood (ML) receiver is proposed. L2S interfacing is used in system level simulation in order to predict the receiver link level performance using lookup tables. L2S interfacing normally uses signal to noise ratio (SNR) values at each received symbol for calculating the quality of the received code‐words. While SNR values for linear and iterative receiver are easily calculated, its evaluation for ML receiver is not straight forward. In this study the SNR values at the output of a ML receiver are related to that of single input multiple output receiver and a linear multiple input multiple output receiver. Both of which are easy to calculate. Through different compression schemes a single scalar parameter is evaluated which is a very good measure of the quality of received signal. The results for different compression techniques show a marked improvement in the mean square error between the predicted and the actual frame error rates.
Ride‐through strategy of quasi‐Z‐source wind power generation system under the asymmetrical grid voltage fault
Authors: Zhang Yang , Huang Shoudao , Hu Sijia
Published: January 2017

Asymmetrical grid voltage will introduce negative‐sequence current components on the grid side and cause large voltage ripple of quasi‐Z‐source capacitors. It will lead to the torque ripple of generator. This study proposes a novel control method based on super‐capacitor (SC) to improve the capability of asymmetric fault ride through in quasi‐Z‐source wind power generation system (WPGS). The stream of system power, in the condition of unbalanced grid voltage, is discussed in detail in this study. To limit the voltage rise and suppress the 2‐order voltage ripple of quasi‐Z‐source capacitors, the throughput power of SC is controlled by proportional–resonant controller to track the output power subtraction between generator and quasi‐Z‐source inverter. Meanwhile, the negative‐sequence component of the grid‐connected current is decreased significantly. Finally, simulation and experimental results are given to verify the theoretical analysis.
Two‐phase high‐performance control of a reliable stand‐alone induction generator
Authors: Brando Gianluca , Del Pizzo Andrea , Di Noia Luigi Pio , Lauria Davide , Spina Ivan
Published: January 2017

The study presents a significant development of an advanced control strategy for stand‐alone three‐phase induction generators. The system under study consists of a squirrel‐cage induction generator driven mechanically by an internal combustion engine and electrically by a fault‐tolerant converter coupled with a LC filter. As a novelty, in this study three low‐cost electrical contactors are introduced in order to re‐arrange the converter topology after a fault occurrence and a proper re‐starting procedure is developed, allowing the converter to operate with only two legs. The control architecture is mainly described with respect to this last operating condition, evidencing its intrinsic robustness. The study focuses on the composite control of the converter and the prime mover in order to improve the dynamic assessment of the whole system. The converter control is designed around the sliding mode technique, due to its attractive performance, especially as far as parameter uncertainties are concerned. In order to validate the theoretical framework, this study presents the first ever made experimental tests of this system with reference to a generation unit of about 10 kVA. The results confirm the high capability of the proposed system in regulating voltage and frequency with very good dynamic features.
Payment minimisation auction with security constraints
Authors: Nouri Alireza , Hosseini Seyed Hamid
Published: January 2017

Among the different options available for market clearing mechanisms, offer cost minimisation mechanism is being used in most electric power markets. The payments are then calculated based on locational marginal prices (LMPs). The payments can be significantly higher due to the inconsistency of the clearing and pricing mechanisms. Payment cost minimisation (PCM) mechanism which directly minimises the total payment has been recently proposed to solve this issue. In this study, an auction mechanism is proposed for payment to suppliers minimisation (PSM) based on the LMPs instead of consumers payment minimisation (CPM). Using a proper formulation for the supply side reserve LMPs, the complete reserve problem is included in the proposed joint energy and multi‐type reserve PSM auction. The formulation is linearised and solved using a standard branch and cut solver. Since the justifiable reserve marginal prices cannot be found at demand side, as will be discussed, and due to the many advantages of PSM mechanism over CPM mechanism, the objective function is fully calculated at the supply side. This causes some difficulties in the linearisation of the formulation which are solved using proper linearisation techniques. Different case studies are conducted and the results of different mechanisms are compared.
Image colourisation using linear neighbourhood propagation and weighted smoothing
Authors: Chen Ying , Zong Gaigai , Cao Guangcheng , Dong Jiawei
Published: January 2017

Image colourisation is the process used to add colour to a grey‐level image using computers and is based on the local artificial colours of the image. This study proposes a colourisation method based on linear neighbourhood propagation and weighted smoothing. The method avoids the colour‐crossing problem associated with existing methods and enables the achievement of natural and smooth colours. The image is initially coloured by hands, and this is followed by the development of a linear neighbourhood matrix model. The process is completed by global colourisation using the priority method. The final colourised image emerges through a filter‐based smoothing treatment from the boundary to the smooth area. Compared to currently popular colourisation methods, the proposed method simplifies the requirements for the initial colourisation and also produces clearer, natural, and higher‐quality images.
3D OMP algorithm for 3D parameters estimation in bistatic MIMO radar
Authors: Zhang Dong , Zhang Yongshun , Feng Cunqian
Published: January 2017

A three‐dimensional (3D) signal sparse representation (SR) model that can be used for joint Doppler frequency, direction of departure and direction of arrival estimation in bistatic multiple‐input–multiple‐output radar is built. Then, a fast 3D orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) algorithm is put forward to estimate the 3D parameters. First, the problem of targets 3D parameters joint estimation is decomposed into three estimation problems whose computation burden is decreased. Then, the high‐resolution 3D parameters of all targets are got by solving a very small‐scale SR problem. Numerical simulations verify that the proposed algorithm can get similar estimation accuracy and decrease the computational burden compared with the traditional 1D OMP algorithm.
Analytical study of growth estimates, control of fluctuations, and conservative structures in a two-field model of the scrape-off layer
Authors: Vilela Mendes R. , Bizarro João P. S.
Published: January 2017

Anomalous transport, turbulence, and generation of large-scale, collective structures (so-called blobs) in the scrape-off layer (SOL) of tokamaks are some of the main issues that control the machine performance and the life expectancy of plasma-facing components, and here one tries to achieve some understanding of these questions through a theoretical, analytical study of a reduced two-dimensional two-field (density plus vorticity) model of the SOL. The model is built around a conservative system describing transport perpendicular to the magnetic field in a slab geometry, to which terms are added to account for diffusion and parallel losses (both for particles and current) and to mimic plasma flow from the core (in the form of a source). Nonlinear estimates for the growth rates are derived, which show the growth in the density gradient to be bounded above by the vorticity gradient, and vice-versa, therefore suggesting a nonlinear instability in the model. The possibility of controlling fluctuations by means of a biasing potential is confirmed (negative polarisations being shown to be more effective in doing so, thus providing an explanation for what is seen in experiments), as well as the advantage in reducing the inhomegeneity of the magnetic field in the SOL to decrease the plasma turbulence there. In addition, focusing on the conservative part of the equations, exact solutions in the form of travelling waves are obtained which might be the conservative ancestors of the blobs that are observed in experiments and in numerical simulations.
Signal replication in a DNA nanostructure
Authors: Mendoza Oscar , Houmadi Said , Aimé Jean-Pierre , Elezgaray Juan
Published: January 2017

Logic circuits based on DNA strand displacement reaction are the basic building blocks of future nanorobotic systems. The circuits tethered to DNA origami platforms present several advantages over solution-phase versions where couplings are always diffusion-limited. Here we consider a possible implementation of one of the basic operations needed in the design of these circuits, namely, signal replication. We show that with an appropriate preparation of the initial state, signal replication performs in a reproducible way. We also show the existence of side effects concomitant to the high effective concentrations in tethered circuits, such as slow leaky reactions and cross-activation.
Optically active sum-frequency generation as an advanced tool for chiral metallopolymer material
Authors: Taupier Grégory , Torres-Werlé Maria , Boeglin Alex , Maisse-François Aline , Achard Thierry , Bellemin-Laponnaz Stéphane , Dorkenoo Kokou Dodzi (Honorat)
Published: January 2017

Metallopolymers incorporating metal ions and polytopic ligands offer the advantage to be easily obtained through a self-assembly process in solution but offer great prospects in the development of multifunctional, smart, even self-healing, materials. We have found that chiral enantiopure ligands containing bis(oxazoline) units in combination with Ni(II) salts generate well-defined thin films either by drop casting or by spin-coating and we demonstrate that the condensation process of these chiral metallosupramolecular assemblies can be characterized through optically active sum-frequency generation.
Collective excitations in liquid dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO): FIR spectrum, low frequency vibrational density of states, and ultrafast dipolar solvation dynamics
Authors: Hazra Milan K. , Bagchi Biman
Published: January 2017

Valuable dynamical and structural information about neat liquid DMSO at ambient conditions can be obtained through a study of low frequency vibrations in the far infrared (FIR), that is, terahertz regime. For DMSO, collective excitations as well as single molecule stretches and bends have been measured by different kinds of experiments such as OHD-RIKES and terahertz spectroscopy. In the present work, we investigate the intermolecular vibrational spectrum of DMSO through three different computational techniques namely (i) the far-infrared spectrum obtained through the Fourier transform of total dipole moment auto-time correlation function, (ii) from the Fourier transform of the translational and angular velocity time autocorrelation functions, and (iii) a quenched normal mode analysis of the parent liquid at 300 K. The three spectra, although exhibit differences among each other, reveal similar features which are in good, semi-quantitative, agreement with experimental results. The study of participation ratio of the density of states obtained from the normal mode analysis shows that the broad spectrum around 100 cm−1 involves collective oscillations of 300-400 molecules. Dipolar solvation dynamics exhibit ultrafast energy relaxation with an initial time constant around 157 fs which can be attributed to the coupling to the collective excitations. We compare the properties of DMSO with those of water vis-a-vis the existence of the low frequency collective modes. Last, we find that the collective excitation spectrum exhibits strong temperature dependence.
NMR measurement system including two synchronized ring buffers, with 128 rf coils for in situ water monitoring in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell
Authors: Ogawa Kuniyasu , Haishi Tomoyuki , Aoki Masaru , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Morisaka Shinichi , Hashimoto Seitaro
Published: January 2017

A small radio-frequency (rf) coil inserted into a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) can be used to acquire nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals from the water in a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) or in oxygen gas channels in the PEFC. Measuring the spatial distribution of the water in a large PEFC requires using many rf probes, so an NMR measurement system which acquires NMR signals from 128 rf probes at intervals of 0.5 s was manufactured. The system has eight rf transceiver units with a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) for modulation of the excitation pulse and quadrature phase detection of the NMR signal, and one control unit with two ring buffers for data control. The sequence data required for the NMR measurement were written into one ring buffer. The acquired NMR signal data were then written temporarily into the other ring buffer and then were transmitted to a personal computer (PC). A total of 98 rf probes were inserted into the PEFC that had an electrical generation area of 16 cm × 14 cm, and the water generated in the PEFC was measured when the PEFC operated at 100 A. As a result, time-dependent changes in the spatial distribution of the water content in the MEA and the water in the oxygen gas channels were obtained.
Design and development of an optical encoder with sub-micron accuracy using a multiple-tracks analyser grating
Authors: Ye Guoyong , Liu Hongzhong , Jiang Weitao , Li Xuan , Jiang Wei , Yu Haoyu , Shi Yongsheng , Yin Lei , Lu Bingheng
Published: January 2017

In this paper, an optimized optical encoder based on generalized grating imaging is presented. A multiple-tracks analyser grating is proposed to eliminate the second and third harmonic signals, and a photodiodes array with optimized cell width is used to suppress the fifth harmonic signal. The photodiodes array also guarantees the consistency and stability of the encoder signals benefiting from single-field photoelectric scanning. High-quality encoder signals are expected to be obtained from the above optimization, thereby ensuring high encoder accuracy. In the experiment, measured encoder signals with the approximately ideal Lissajous figure are obtained. FFT analysis of the encoder signals shows that the second, third, and fifth harmonic distortions are smaller than 0.3%, 0.5%, and 0.1%, respectively. The calibration results of the optical encoder show that the positioning error within one signal period is ±0.12 μm, and the positioning error over 150 mm measuring range is within ±0.2 μm.
Weyl calculus in QED I. The unitary group
Authors: Amour L. , Lascar R. , Nourrigat J.
Published: January 2017

In this work, we consider fixed 1/2 spin particles interacting with the quantized radiation field in the context of quantum electrodynamics. We investigate the time evolution operator in studying the reduced propagator (interaction picture). We first prove that this propagator belongs to the class of infinite dimensional Weyl pseudodifferential operators recently introduced in Amour et al. [J. Funct. Anal. 269(9), 2747–2812 (2015)] on Wiener spaces. We give a semiclassical expansion of the symbol of the reduced propagator up to any order with estimates on the remainder terms. Next, taking into account analyticity properties for the Weyl symbol of the reduced propagator, we derive estimates concerning transition probabilities between coherent states.
Optimal orientation of an asymmetric top molecule with terahertz pulses
Authors: Coudert L. H.
Published: January 2017

Terahertz pulses effects are investigated in an asymmetric top C2v molecule using numerical simulations. The average value of the direction cosine ΦZx is computed solving the time dependent Schrödinger equation for several types of pulses. The H2S molecule taken as a test case is first subject to two short terahertz pulses with a duration smaller than 5 ps, an identical maximum value of the electric field of 2 MV/cm, but a different shape. The thermal average ⟨⟨ΦZx⟩⟩ is calculated for several temperatures, and non-periodic time variations are found even for the lowest temperature. For a given temperature, the maximum orientation achieved is shown to be dependent on the overlap between the absorption spectrum of the molecule and the Fourier transform of the pulse. The maximum orientation is also shown to be closely related to the molecular energy increase. In a second step, the optimal control theory is used to build a 14 ps long few-cycle pulse with the same maximum value of the electric field allowing us to reach a large maximum value of ⟨ΦZx⟩ equal to 0.93. A fairly good understanding of the wavefunction describing the molecule after the pulse was achieved.
Complete energy balance relation in relativistic magnetic reconnection and its application for guide-field reconnection
Authors: Yang Shu-Di
Published: January 2017

Energy balance equation for steady state Sweet-Parker reconnection in a relativistic regime is reanalyzed, employing a complete electromagnetic energy equation. A correction related to Vin is added with electric energy taken into account. The validity and meaning of the correction are demonstrated with the energy-momentum tensor. Predictions of the new scaling are compared with the previous ones. Energy calculation is also used in the cases with guide field, with a view to the role of the guide field for energy balance. And the relativistic tearing mode growth rate with guide field is discussed using the fluid model.
Enhancing ferroelectricity in dopant-free hafnium oxide
Authors: Pal Ashish , Narasimhan Vijay Kris , Weeks Stephen , Littau Karl , Pramanik Dipankar , Chiang Tony
Published: January 2017

In this study, we control the oxidant dose to promote ferroelectricity in dopant-free ALD hafnium oxide films. By lowering the oxidant dose during growth, we show that we can achieve near total suppression of the monoclinic phase in sub-10 nm hafnium oxide films with no major impurity doping. Using metal-insulator-metal structures, we demonstrate that lowering the oxidant dose can give rise to a six-fold improvement in remanent polarization. Using this technique, we observe a remanent polarization of 13.5 μC/cm2 in a 6.9 nm-thick hafnium oxide film and show that some ferroelectricity can persist in pure hafnium oxide films as thick as 13.9 nm. Using a trap-assisted tunneling model, we show the relationship between the oxidant dose and oxygen vacancy concentration in the films, suggesting a possible mechanism for the suppression of the monoclinic phase.
Giant elastocaloric effect and its irreversibility in [001]-oriented Ni45Mn36.5In13.5Co5 meta-magnetic shape memory alloys
Authors: Zhao Dewei , Liu Jian , Feng Yan , Sun Wen , Yan Aru
Published: January 2017

In this letter, we investigate the elastocaloric reversibility in Ni-Mn-In-Co meta-magnetic shape memory alloys. A highly [001] textured Ni45Mn36.5In13.5Co5 polycrystalline alloy was grown by using the liquid-metal-cooling directional solidification technique. We have observed a giant adiabatic temperature change (ΔT) of +8.6 K caused by the stress-driven complete martensitic transformation. The asymmetry of the maximum ΔT between loading and unloading strongly depends on the magnitude of superelastic strain. Such an irreversible behavior is ascribed to the friction energy dissipation as well as the variation of the elastocaloric entropy change by shifting initial temperatures.