bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct epitaxial CVD synthesis of tungsten disulfide on epitaxial and CVD graphene
Authors: Bianco G. V. , Losurdo M. , Giangregorio M. M. , Sacchetti A. , Prete P. , Lovergine N. , Capezzuto P. , Bruno G.
Published: November 2015

Direct epitaxial growth of WS2 isolated crystals and WS2 continuous films onto epitaxial- and CVD-graphene providing a homogeneous and narrow PL peak.
BiOI solar cells
Authors: Sfaelou S. , Raptis D. , Dracopoulos V. , Lianos P.
Published: November 2015

An inorganic solar cell was constructed using a thin compact supporting layer of titania with BiOI nanoflakes as a functional material, a Pt/FTO cathode and a I3−/I− redox electrolyte.
Phase composition, crystal structure, complex chemical bond theory and microwave dielectric properties of high-Q materials in a (Nd1−xYx)NbO4 system
Authors: Zhao Yonggui , Zhang Ping
Published: November 2015

Phase composition, crystal structure and complex chemical bond theory are investigated for the first time in a (Nd1−xYx)NbO4 system.
Preparation of reduced carbon-wrapped carbon–sulfur composite as cathode material of lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Yang Xuebing , Zhu Wen , Cao Guobao , Zhao Xudong
Published: November 2015

Sulfur is a promising cathode material for lithium–sulfur batteries as it possesses high theoretical specific capacity and low cost.
Oxidation behaviour of copper nanofractals produced by soft-landing of size-selected nanoclusters
Authors: Mondal Shyamal , Bhattacharyya S. R.
Published: November 2015

We report the oxidation dynamics of a copper nanocluster assembled film, containing fractal islands, fabricated by the soft-landing of size-selected copper nanoclusters with an average diameter of 3 nm.
Organically templated linear metal sulfites
Authors: Tiwari Ranjay K. , Kumar Jitendra , Behera J. N.
Published: November 2015

Six novel organically-templated linear metal sulfite coordination polymers based on Zn(ii) and Mn(ii) ions are synthesized using different amines and the role of H-bonding to provide structures with increased dimensionalities are discussed.
Direct calculation of anisotropic surface stresses during deformation of a particle-covered drop
Authors: Gu Chuan , Botto Lorenzo
Published: November 2015

We have calculated for the first time anisotropic surface stresses from a discrete particle simulation of a pendant drop.
An in situ polymerization approach for functionalized MoS2/nylon-6 nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties and thermal stability
Authors: Wang Xin , Kalali Ehsan Naderi , Wang De-Yi
Published: November 2015

The enhancement in the thermal and mechanical properties of polymer/inorganic nanosheet composites depends strongly on their interfacial interaction.
TiO2 as an active or supplemental material for lithium batteries
Authors: Song Taeseup , Paik Ungyu
Published: November 2015

This article overviews the recent progress in TiO2 (i) as an anode material for Li ion batteries and (ii) as a supplemental material in lithium batteries.
Partially unzipped carbon nanotubes for high-rate and stable lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Jeong Y. C. , Lee K. , Kim T. , Kim J. H. , Park J. , Cho Y. S. , Yang S. J. , Park C. R.
Published: November 2015

Partially unzipped MWCNTs provide increased surface area and accessible inner pores with oxygen groups leading to high performance sulfur batteries.
High thermoelectric performance of higher manganese silicides prepared by ultra-fast thermal explosion
Authors: She Xiaoyu , Su Xianli , Du Huizhen , Liang Tao , Zheng Gang , Yan Yonggao , Akram Rizwan , Uher Ctirad , Tang Xinfeng
Published: November 2015

High performance Ge doped HMS compounds are synthesized by thermal explosion—a new method which paves the way for the mass production of HMS compounds and their large-scale industrial applications.
Direct-liquid-evaporation chemical vapor deposition of smooth, highly conformal cobalt and cobalt nitride thin films
Authors: Yang Jing , Li Kecheng , Feng Jun , Gordon Roy G.
Published: November 2015

By a direct-liquid-evaporation chemical vapor deposition (DLE-CVD) method, we deposited smooth low-resistance cobalt (Co) and cobalt nitride (CoxN) thin films with excellent conformality at low temperatures down to 200 °C.
Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract protects against perfluorooctanoic acid-induced hepatotoxicity by attenuating inflammatory response, oxidative stress and apoptosis in mice
Authors: Liu Wenwen , Xu Changshui , Sun Xi , Kuang Haibin , Kuang Xiaodong , Zou Weiying , Yang Bei , Wu Lei , Liu Fangming , Zou Ting , Zhang Dalei
Published: November 2015

Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) is a rich source of proanthocyanidins with multiple biological activities and potential health benefits. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of GSPE against liver injury caused by perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in mice and its possible mechanisms of action. Simultaneous treatment with GSPE for 14 consecutive days attenuated the functional and morphological changes in the liver of PFOA-exposed mice. Furthermore, simultaneous supplementation of GSPE reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, increased the expression of Nrf2 and its target antioxidant genes superoxide dismutase and catalase, and decreased the production of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide in the liver of mice exposed to PFOA. Moreover, GSPE supplementation up-regulated the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and down-regulated the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins p53 and Bax, with a decreased activity of caspase-3 in the liver of PFOA-treated mice. These findings suggest that GSPE ameliorates PFOA-induced inflammatory response, oxidative stress and apoptosis in the liver of mice.
Characterization of α-taxilin as a novel factor controlling the release of hepatitis C virus
Authors: Elgner Fabian , Donnerhak Christian , Ren Huimei , Medvedev Regina , Schreiber André , Weber Lorenz , Heilmann Markus , Ploen Daniela , Himmelsbach Kiyoshi , Finkernagel Malin , Klingel Karin , Hildt Eberhard
Published: November 2015

Although it is well established that the release of HCV (hepatitis C virus) occurs through the secretory pathway, many aspects concerning the control of this process are not yet fully understood. α-Taxilin was identified as a novel binding partner of syntaxin-4 and of other members of the syntaxin family, which are part of SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein-attachment protein receptor) complexes and so are involved in intracellular vesicle traffic. Since α-taxilin prevents t-SNARE (target SNARE) formation by binding exclusively to free syntaxin-4, it exerts an inhibitory effect on the vesicular transport. HCV-replicating Huh7.5 cells and HCV-infected primary human hepatocytes and liver samples of patients suffering from chronic HCV contain significantly less α-taxilin compared with the controls. HCV impairs the expression of α-taxilin via NS5A-dependent interruption of the Raf/MEK [MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)/ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) kinase] signal transduction cascade. Moreover, the half-life of α-taxilin is significantly reduced in HCV-replicating cells. Whereas modulation of α-taxilin expression does not significantly affect genome replication, the overexpression of α-taxilin prevents the release of HCV. In contrast with this, silencing of α-taxilin expression leads to increased release of infectious viral particles. This is due to the negative effect of α-taxilin on t-SNARE formation that leads to impaired vesicular trafficking. Accordingly, overexpression of the t-SNARE component syntaxin-4 increases release of HCV, whereas silencing leads to an impaired release. These data identify α-taxilin as a novel factor that controls the release of HCV and reveal the mechanism by which HCV controls the activity of α-taxilin.
The intrinsically disordered tails of PTEN and PTEN-L have distinct roles in regulating substrate specificity and membrane activity
Authors: Masson Glenn R. , Perisic Olga , Burke John E. , Williams Roger L.
Published: November 2015

Phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) is a lipid and protein phosphatase, and both activities are necessary for its role as a tumour suppressor. PTEN activity is controlled by phosphorylation of its intrinsically disordered C-terminal tail. A recently discovered variant of PTEN, PTEN-long (PTEN-L), has a 173-residue N-terminal extension that causes PTEN-L to exhibit unique behaviour, such as movement from one cell to another. Using hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX–MS) and biophysical assays, we show that both the N-terminal extension of PTEN-L and C-terminal tail of PTEN affect the phosphatase activity using unique mechanisms. Phosphorylation of six residues in the C-terminal tail of PTEN results in auto-inhibitory interactions with the phosphatase and C2 domains, effectively blocking both the active site and the membrane-binding interface of PTEN. Partially dephosphorylating PTEN on pThr366/pSer370 results in sufficient exposure of the active site to allow a selective activation for soluble substrates. Using HDX–MS, we identified a membrane-binding element in the N-terminal extension of PTEN-L, termed the membrane-binding helix (MBH). The MBH radically alters the membrane binding mechanism of PTEN-L compared with PTEN, switching PTEN-L to a ‘scooting’ mode of catalysis from the ‘hopping’ mode that is characteristic of PTEN.
Dynamic surface control for a class of stochastic non‐linear systems with input saturation
Authors: Yan Xiaohui , Chen Mou , Wu Qingxian , Shao Shuyi
Published: November 2015

In this study, the problem of adaptive dynamic surface control (DSC) design is investigated for a class of stochastic non‐linear systems with input saturation. The saturation non‐linearity is modelled via the existing dead zone‐based model of saturation. Furthermore, the packaged unknown functions are tackled using the neural networks. On the basis of the DSC technique, an adaptive controller is designed for stochastic non‐linear systems with input saturation. The proposed control scheme can guarantee the closed‐loop system stability, which shows that all closed‐loop system signals are semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded in the sense of probability and the tracking error converges to a small neighbourhood of the origin. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed approach.
Evaluation of novel self‐triggering method for optimisation of communication and control
Authors: Memon Azhar M. , Mahmoud Magdi S.
Published: November 2015

Some of the critical issues in networked control systems are optimisation of control, communication, and computational costs, time‐delays, and coupling of control and triggering‐condition. To address the optimisation of communication and control, an approach has been recently reported by Gommans et al. (2014), based on self‐triggered (ST) linear quadratic (LQ) control. However, the optimisation of computational cost, coupling, and time‐delays were not considered. With this motivation, a novel ST LQ methodology is proposed in this study. The features, merits, and demerits of this approach are compared against Gommans et al. (2014) and simulation results are presented for three case studies.
Framework for vulnerability assessment of communication systems for electric power grids
Authors: Wang Qi , Pipattanasomporn Manisa , Kuzlu Murat , Tang Yi , Li Yang , Rahman Saifur
Published: November 2015

Communication systems serve as the key element in the smart grid as it supports observability and controllability of electric power systems. However, communication failures can lead to an electric power grid operating in an abnormal state causing cascading failures. It is therefore crucial to study adverse effects of communication system failures on power system operation. In this study, a vulnerability assessment framework is proposed to evaluate the role of communication networks on wide‐area power system operation, in which the reliability is evaluated probabilistically considering both latency and communication interruptions; and impact of communication service interruption is evaluated using a multi‐level analytic hierarchy process method. A case study of integrated power and communication systems is used to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed framework. The proposed method can be used to evaluate the vulnerability of communication systems for electric power grids in both static and dynamic states.
Neural network technique for image compression
Authors: Alshehri Saleh Ali
Published: November 2015

Neural networks (NNs) have been used for image compression for their good performance. However, the image compression convergence time is not efficient. This is due to the fact that the NN is used in image compression and decompression stages in almost all NN methods. The authors propose a method where appropriate NNs are used only at the image decompression stage. The image is decomposed into eight matrices each of which corresponds to values in a bit position. The matrices are saved in reduced form to constitute the compressed image. The NNs are constructed to predict the removed values from the reduced matrices to produce the image in the origin size. This method produces an acceptable and comparable image quality. A compression ratio of up to 81% was achieved while the convergence time can be considered negligible.
Super‐resolution Doppler beam sharpening imaging via sparse representation
Authors: Chen Hongmeng , Li Ming , Wang Zeyu , Lu Yunlong , Wang Shuai , Zuo Lei , Zhang Peng , Wu Yan
Published: November 2015

In Doppler beam sharpening (DBS) imaging, the imaging scene is characterised corresponding to the Doppler band, and the Doppler band occupies only a small part compared with the whole frequency domain. Accordingly, the DBS image is sparse in the frequency domain. Motivated by the sparsity, the authors propose a novel framework of DBS formation via sparse representation to perform super‐resolution. In the framework, by exploiting the fact that the ground scene is sparse in frequency domain, they perform the super‐resolution formation by incorporating the sparsity constraint with respect to a redundant time–frequency dictionary. The recovered sparse coefficients are utilised to form the final DBS image in frequency domain. Since the dictionary is redundant with more columns than rows, a thinner Doppler frequency resolution and a higher sharpening ratio can be achieved. Experimental results on real measured data verify the effectiveness of the new super‐resolution algorithm.
Parametric texture estimation and prediction using measured sea clutter data
Authors: Ing Keith , Morelande Mark R. , Suvorova Sofia , Moran Bill
Published: November 2015

In this study, the authors present a deterministic parametric sea clutter texture model for high‐resolution radar backscatter at low‐grazing angles in the open ocean. The clutter texture forms a component of the compound‐Gaussian sea clutter model and they exploit the spatiotemporal relationships in the clutter by relating it to its physical source: sea swell. They present an efficient algorithm for the estimation of the spectral components for the parametric texture model through the estimation of two‐dimensional (2D) ‘tones’ across contiguous range bins instead of a series of 1D estimates as is used elsewhere. Validation is performed by comparing the predictive fit for their estimator with a series of temporal estimators and a non‐parametric estimator using measured sea clutter data from the Atlantic Ocean recorded by the Intelligent PIXel (IPIX) radar of McMaster University in Canada. Implementation of the spatiotemporal estimator results in a more parsimonious estimate with improved reliability due to the increased separation of the tones in 2D space. Their results are shown to agree with an established physical model for the sea swell.
Lower Eyelid Malposition following Orbital Fracture Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis Based on 198 Surgeries
Authors: Kesselring Alexandra G. , Promes Paul , Strabbing Elske M. , van der Wal Karel G. H. , Koudstaal Maarten J.
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study is to analyze the development of lower eyelid malposition following reconstruction of orbital fractures, in relation to the incisions used for access. A total of 198 surgical orbital floor reconstructions were performed in 175 patients between 2001 and 2011. Preoperative and postoperative presence of lower eyelid malposition of patients was reported. The types of incision used for access were as follows: approach via laceration (4.5%), via preexisting scar (16.2%), infraorbital (40.9%), subciliar (23.7%), transconjunctival (13.1%), and transconjunctival with lateral canthotomy (1.5%). The incidence of ectropion development following surgery was 3.0% and the incidence of entropion development following surgery was 1.0%. The highest rate of ectropion (11.1%) was seen using an approach via a laceration, followed by approach via a scar (6.3%). Our conclusion is that the transconjunctival incision without a lateral canthotomy has a low complication rate, provides adequate exposure, and leaves no visible scar.
3.3.3 Oxidation Using Alcohol Oxidases
Authors: Ewing T. , Fraaije M. W. , van Berkel W. J.H.
Published: November 2015

The oxidation of alcohols to carbonyl compounds is one of the most important reactions in organic chemistry. Biocatalysis provides an attractive alternative to traditional methods of alcohol oxidation. Enzyme-catalyzed oxidations are often highly regioselective, enabling the oxidation of polyols without the need for complex protection schemes. Many oxidative enzymes also display exquisite enantioselectivity and thus can be utilized for the preparation of enantiopure secondary alcohols by kinetic resolution or deracemization methods. The use of biocatalysts also has advantages from the point of view of sustainability. This is particularly true for oxidases, which catalyze the oxidation of their substrates using molecular oxygen as the final electron acceptor. This section provides an overview of the known alcohol oxidases, the reactions they catalyze, and, where available, examples of their use for synthetic purposes.
3.6 Halogenases
Authors: Grüschow S. , Smith D. R. M. , Gkotsi D. S. , Goss R.
Published: November 2015

Many halogenated compounds can be found in nature and, of these, a number must have arisen through regio- or stereoselective enzymatic halogenation (e.g., halomon and pyrrolnitrin). In this chapter, the current understanding of halogenating enzymes and their applications is presented. Electrophilic, nucleophilic, and radical halogenation are covered and the mechanism and substrate scope of these enzymatic processes are discussed.
3.7.2 Biocatalytic Key Steps in Semisynthesis and Total Synthesis
Authors: Patel R.
Published: November 2015

Enzyme-catalyzed reactions are highly selective and can be carried out under ambient conditions, thus avoiding the extreme conditions used in chemical reactions which could cause various problems. Enzymes can be cloned and overexpressed and this feature, along with directed evolution of enzymes under desired process conditions, has led to the production of novel and highly efficient biocatalysts for the development of economical processes for pharmaceutical development. This article describes a number of key biocatalytic steps in synthesis and total synthesis.
3.9 Scale-Up and Development of Enzyme-Based Processes for Large-Scale Synthesis Applications
Authors: Woodley J.
Published: November 2015

This chapter describes the basis for the scale-up and implementation of new biocatalytic processes in industry. Particular emphasis is placed upon the requirements for a commercial process, and the implications for design and choice of the biocatalyst, reactor, and subsequent downstream processing.
Producing multicharged fullerene ion beam extracted from the second stage of tandem-type ECRIS
Authors: Nagaya Tomoki , Nishiokada Takuya , Hagino Shogo , Uchida Takashi , Muramatsu Masayuki , Otsuka Takuro , Sato Fuminobu , Kitagawa Atsushi , Kato Yushi , Yoshida Yoshikazu
Published: November 2015

We have been constructing the tandem-type electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS). Two ion sources of the tandem-type ECRIS are possible to generate plasma individually, and they also confined individual ion species by each different plasma parameter. Hence, it is considered to be suitable for new materials production. As the first step, we try to produce and extract multicharged C60 ions by supplying pure C60 vapor in the second stage plasma because our main target is producing the endohedral fullerenes. We developed a new evaporator to supply fullerene vapor, and we succeeded in observation about multicharged C60 ion beam in tandem-type ECRIS for the first time.
Development of a pepper-pot emittance meter for diagnostics of low-energy multiply charged heavy ion beams extracted from an ECR ion source
Authors: Nagatomo T. , Tzoganis V. , Kase M. , Kamigaito O. , Nakagawa T.
Published: November 2015

Several fluorescent materials were tested for use in the imaging screen of a pepper-pot emittance meter that is suitable for investigating the beam dynamics of multiply charged heavy ions extracted from an ECR ion source. SiO2 (quartz), KBr, Eu-doped CaF2, and Tl-doped CsI crystals were first irradiated with 6.52-keV protons to determine the effects of radiation damage on their fluorescence emission properties. For such a low-energy proton beam, only the quartz was found to be a suitable fluorescent material, since the other materials suffered a decay in fluorescence intensity with irradiation time. Subsequently, quartz was irradiated with heavy 12C4+, 16O4+, and 40Ar11+ ions, but it was found that the fluorescence intensity decreased too rapidly to measure the emittance of these heavy-ion beams. These results suggest that a different energy loss mechanism occurs for heavier ions and for protons.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis for the chemical impact of solvent addition rate on electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of HCl-doped polyaniline nanopowders
Authors: Tantawy Hesham Ramzy , Kengne Blaise-Alexis F. , McIlroy David N. , Nguyen Tai , Heo Deukhyoun , Qiang You , Aston D. Eric
Published: November 2015

An in-depth analysis of the chemical functionality in HCl-doped polyaniline (PANI) nanopowders is discussed through interpretations of x-ray photoelectron spectra. The distinctions between three PANI sample types, produced under varied synthesis conditions, are compared on the basis correlations between newly collected electron spectra for chemical analysis (or also x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) and electromagnetic (EM) shielding effectiveness (SE) within two frequency bands (100–1500 MHz and ∼2–14 GHz). The findings are discussed with reference to previous data analysis of electrical conductivities and Raman and UV-vis spectra analyzed from replicates of the same PANI nanopowders, where only the 8–12 GHz range for SE was tested. They further corroborate previous results for limited-solvent conditions that enhance EM shielding. The three nanopowder types show distinctive differences in polaron, bipolaron, and polar lattice contributions. The collective findings describe the chemical connections between controlling and, most importantly, limiting the available solvent for polymerization with simultaneously doping and how it is that the newly developed solvent-limited approach for HCl-PANI nanopowders provides better shielding than traditionally solvent-rich methods by having more extended and perhaps even faster polaron delocalization than other PANI-based products. The maximum oxidation (50%) and doping (49%) levels obtained in the solvent-free nanopowders also produced the highest SE values of 37.3 ± 3.7 dB (MHz band) and 68.6 ± 4.6 dB (GHz band).
Black silicon as a platform for bacterial detection
Authors: Hartley Jennifer S. , Hlaing M. Myintzu , Seniutinas Gediminas , Juodkazis Saulius , Stoddart Paul R.
Published: November 2015

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) shows promise for identifying single bacteria, but the short range nature of the effect makes it most sensitive to the cell membrane, which provides limited information for species-level identification. Here, we show that a substrate based on black silicon can be used to impale bacteria on nanoscale SERS-active spikes, thereby producing spectra that convey information about the internal composition of the bacterial capsule. This approach holds great potential for the development of microfluidic devices for the removal and identification of single bacteria in important clinical diagnostics and environmental monitoring applications.
Transportation of a radioactive ion beam for precise laser-trapping experiments
Authors: Kawamura Hirokazu , Ando S. , Aoki T. , Arikawa H. , Harada K. , Hayamizu T. , Inoue T. , Ishikawa T. , Itoh M. , Kato K. , Köhler L. , Sakamoto K. , Uchiyama A. , Sakemi Y.
Published: November 2015

Francium is the heaviest species among the alkali elements. Due to its properties, francium is said to be of advantage in measurements of tiny observations, such as atomic parity violation and electric dipole moment. Before executing experiments with francium, it must be produced artificially because it is one of the most unstable elements. We produced francium with the nuclear fusion reaction of an oxygen beam and gold target, ionized the produced francium through a thermal ionization process, and extracted the ion with electrostatic fields. However, the thermal ionization process is known to ionize not only an objective atom but also other atomic species. Therefore, a Wien filter was installed to analyze the composition of the ion beam and purify the beam. This allowed us to improve the beam purity from ∼10−6 to ∼10−3.
Designing bioinspired superoleophobic surfaces
Authors: Brown Philip S. , Bhushan Bharat
Published: November 2015

Nature provides a range of functional surfaces, for example, water-repellent or superhydrophobic surfaces, most common among them the lotus leaf. While water-repellency is widespread in nature, oil-repellency is typically limited to surfaces submerged in water, such as fish scales. To achieve oleophobicity in air, inspiration must be taken from natural structures and chemistries that are not readily available in nature need to be introduced. Researchers usually turn to fluorinated materials to provide the low surface energy that, when combined with bioinspired surface topography, is the key to unlocking oil-repellency. This review presents the state-of-the-art in the fabrication of superoleophobic surfaces.
Interfacial assignment of branched-alkyl benzene sulfonates: A molecular simulation
Authors: Liu Zi-Yu , Wei Ning , Wang Ce , Zhou He , Zhang Lei , Liao Qi , Zhang Lu
Published: November 2015

A molecular dynamics simulation was conducted to analyze orientations of sodium branched-alkyl benzene sulfonates molecules at nonane/water interface, which is helpful to design optimal surfactant structures to achieve ultralow interfacial tension (IFT). Through the two dimensional density profiles, monolayer collapses are found when surfactant concentration continues to increase. Thus the precise scope of monolayer is certain and orientation can be analyzed. Based on the simulated results, we verdict the interfacial assignment of branched-alkyl benzene sulfonates at the oil-water interface, and discuss the effect of hydrophobic tail structure on surfactant assignment. Bigger hydrophobic size can slow the change rate of surfactant occupied area as steric hindrance, and surfactant meta hydrophobic tails have a stronger tendency to stretch to the oil phase below the collapsed concentration. Furthermore, an interfacial model with reference to collapse, increasing steric hindrance and charge repulsive force between interfacial surfactant molecules, responsible for effecting of surfactant concentration and structure has been supposed.
Efficient photo-dissociation of CH4 and H2CO molecules with optimized ultra-short laser pulses
Authors: Rasti S. , Irani E. , Sadighi-Bonabi R.
Published: November 2015

The fragmentation dynamics of CH4 and H2CO molecules have been studied with ultra-short pulses at laser intensityof up to 1015Wcm−2. Three dimensional molecular dynamics calculations for finding the optimized laser pulses are presented based on time-dependent density functional theory and quantum optimal control theory. A comparison of the results for orientation dependence in the ionization process shows that the electron distribution for CH4 is more isotropic than H2CO molecule. Total conversion yields of up to 70% at an orientation angle of 30o for CH4 and 65% at 900 for H2CO are achieved which lead to enhancement of dissociation probability.
Investigation of Functional Group Effects on Palladium Catalysed Asymmetric P–H Addition
Authors: Li Xi-Rui , Chew Renta Jonathan , Li Yongxin , Leung Pak-Hing
Published: November 2015

The pincer catalysed asymmetric P–H addition of diphenylphosphine to 3-benzylidene-2,4-pentadione is herein reported. Albeit successful in catalysing a series of similar substrates, unexpected chelation of the dione substrate to a CP and CN palladacycle catalyst resulted in inactivation of the catalyst with adjacent coordination sites. Protected phosphine adducts were isolated and characterised, providing critical insights to the choice of catalyst for structurally distinct functional groups borne by the substrate.
Native hemiparasite and light effects on photoprotection and photodamage in a native host
Authors: Cirocco Robert M. , Waterman Melinda J. , Robinson Sharon A. , Facelli José M. , Watling Jennifer R.
Published: November 2015

Plants infected with hemiparasites often have lowered rates of photosynthesis, which could make them more susceptible to photodamage. However, it is also possible that infected plants increase their photoprotective capacity by changing their pigment content and/or engagement of the xanthophyll cycle. There are no published studies investigating infection effects on host pigment dynamics and how this relates to host susceptibility to photodamage whether in high (HL) or low light (LL). A glasshouse experiment was conducted where Leptospermum myrsinoides Schltdl. either uninfected or infected with Cassytha pubescens R.Br. was grown in HL or LL and pigment content of both host and parasite were assessed. Infection with C. pubescens significantly decreased all foliar pigment concentrations (except chlorophyll b) in L. myrsinoides in both HL and LL. Xanthophyll cycle (violaxanthin, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin; VAZ) and chlorophyll (Chl) pigments decreased in parallel in response to infection, hence, VAZ/Chl of the host was unaffected by C. pubescens in either HL or LL. Pre-dawn and midday de-epoxidation state [(A + Z)/(V + A + Z)] of L. myrsinoides was also unaffected by infection in both HL and LL. Thus, L. myrsinoides infected with C. pubescens maintained similar photoprotective capacity per unit chlorophyll and engagement of the xanthophyll cycle as uninfected plants. Even though midday quantum yield (ΦPSII) of HL plants was affected by infection, pre-dawn maximum quantum yields (Fv/Fm) of hosts were the same as uninfected plants whether in HL or LL. This ability of L. myrsinoides to maintain photoprotective capacity/engagement when infected by C. pubescens thereby preventing photodamage could explain this host’s tolerance to hemiparasite infection.
Can tributary in-flows improve the recovery of the dissolved organic carbon regime in a snowmelt river regulated by a large reservoir?
Authors: Rohlfs Ann-Marie , Mitrovic Simon M. , Williams Simon , Coleman Daniel
Published: November 2015

Although tributary inputs can accelerate the recovery of many physical and chemical gradients below large reservoirs, their contribution to the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) regime in regulated rivers remains poorly studied. In some regulated tributaries, flow volumes can be manipulated, potentially influencing DOC supply to the main stem. The present study examines how tributary water diversion affects DOC supply to a snowmelt river regulated by large reservoirs. DOC concentration was measured at tributary and main stem sites, and tributary DOC export was estimated under different tributary flow-diversion scenarios. Significant, positive correlations between DOC concentration and discharge were absent directly below the dam, but were present in the unregulated tributary, and re-emerged below the tributary confluence. Irrespective of water-diversion practices, tributary in-flows reconnected the regulated main stem to a more variable DOC regime driven by catchment flushing processes. However, tributary water diversion dampened the tributary signal by reducing DOC pulse frequency and total DOC export to the regulated river. These aspects of the DOC regime may influence basal resource availability and ecosystem functioning in the regulated main stem. The present study illustrates how an ecologically valuable tributary function can be addressed and quantified to guide the management and rehabilitation of a regulated river system.
Trophic positions and predator–prey mass ratio of the pelagic food web in the East China Sea and Sea of Japan
Authors: Ohshimo Seiji , Tanaka Hiroshige , Nishiuchi Koh , Yasuda Tohya
Published: November 2015

Size-based food webs analysis is essential for understanding food web structure and evaluating the effects of human exploitation on food webs. We estimated the predator–prey mass ratio (PPMR) of the pelagic food web in the East China Sea and Sea of Japan by using the relationships between body mass and trophic position. Trophic position was calculated by additive and scaled models based on nitrogen stable isotope ratios (δ15N). The PPMRs based on additive and scaled models were 5032 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2066–15506) and 3430 (95% CI 1463–10083) respectively. The comparatively high PPMRs could reflect low ecosystem transfer efficiency and high metabolic rate.
Nest-site selection of the long-nosed bandicoot (Perameles nasuta) in a postfire environment
Authors: MacGregor Christopher I. , Cunningham Ross B. , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: November 2015

Access to nest sites is critical to species survival and habitat suitability for most faunal species worldwide. We report on nest-site selection and use by the long-nosed bandicoot (Perameles nasuta) following a wildfire in late 2003. Thirty-eight bandicoots were tracked to 213 nests. The number of nests, frequency of nest use, nest range, nest size and nest site microhabitat in burnt and unburnt habitat were analysed. The mean number of nests used in burnt areas was 5.9, not significantly different from the number used in non-burnt areas (5.3). However, there were significant fire effects on nest location and frequency of use. Six months after the wildfire, 60% of nests in burnt forest and woodland habitat were in patches of unburnt microhabitat. These nests were significantly larger and were used more frequently than nests located in burnt microhabitat. After fire, P. nasuta typically uses nests under dense grasses and midstorey in unburnt microhabitat in burnt areas. However, the species will also nest in open areas and respond to fire-affected areas by constructing smaller nests. When conducting prescribed fires, the practice of ‘burning out’ should be minimised and patchiness at a microhabitat level be a desired outcome for bandicoot management.
Stochastic electrotransport selectively enhances the transport of highly electromobile molecules
Authors: Kim Sung-Yon , Cho Jae Hun , Murray Evan , Bakh Naveed , Choi Heejin , Ohn Kimberly , Ruelas Luzdary , Hubbert Austin , McCue Meg , Vassallo Sara L. , Keller Philipp J. , Chung Kwanghun
Published: November 2015

Significance

Many chemical and biomedical techniques rely on slow diffusive transport because existing pressure-based methods or electrokinetic methods can incidentally damage the sample. This study introduces a novel transport concept termed stochastic electrotransport that can selectively and nondestructively expedite transport of electromobile molecules into a porous sample, such as fixed biological tissues. We use the method to rapidly transport several classes of molecules into whole mouse brains and other organs and achieve rapid clearing and staining of the entire tissue in record time without damaging the sample. Our new method may facilitate the application of various molecular techniques to large and dense tissues.
Teleportation of entanglement over 143 km
Authors: Herbst Thomas , Scheidl Thomas , Fink Matthias , Handsteiner Johannes , Wittmann Bernhard , Ursin Rupert , Zeilinger Anton
Published: November 2015

Significance

Teleportation of an entangled state, also known as entanglement swapping, plays a vital role in the vision of a global quantum internet, providing unconditionally secure communication, blind cloud computing, and an exponential speedup in distributed quantum computation. In contrast to the teleportation of a single quantum state from one qubit to another, entanglement swapping generates entanglement between two independent qubits that have never interacted in the past. Therefore this protocol represents a key resource for numerous quantum-information applications that has been implemented in many different systems to date. We experimentally demonstrated entanglement swapping over 143 km between the Canary Islands of La Palma and Tenerife, proving the feasibility of this protocol to be implemented in a future global scenario.
Hormone-regulated defense and stress response networks contribute to heterosis inArabidopsisF1 hybrids
Authors: Groszmann Michael , Gonzalez-Bayon Rebeca , Lyons Rebecca L. , Greaves Ian K. , Kazan Kemal , Peacock W. James , Dennis Elizabeth S.
Published: November 2015

Significance

Hybrids are extensively used in agriculture to deliver increases in crop yields, yet the molecular basis of their superior performance (heterosis) is not well understood. We report that someArabidopsisF1 hybrids show changes to salicylic acid- and auxin-regulated defense and stress response gene expression. These changes could be important for generating the greater growth of some hybrids given the antagonistic relationship between plant growth and defense responses. Hybrids showing different levels of heterosis have changes in the salicylic acid- and auxin-regulated pathways that correlate with differences in the enhanced leaf growth. The larger leaves, and thus greater capacity for energy production, support the increased growth vigor and seed yields of the hybrids.
Development of a Bioenergetics Model for the Threespine Stickleback
Authors: Hovel Rachel A. , Beauchamp David A. , Hansen Adam G. , Sorel Mark H.
Published: November 2015

The Threespine SticklebackGasterosteus aculeatusis widely distributed across northern hemisphere ecosystems, has ecological influence as an abundant planktivore, and is commonly used as a model organism, but the species lacks a comprehensive model to describe bioenergetic performance in response to varying environmental or ecological conditions. This study parameterized a bioenergetics model for the Threespine Stickleback using laboratory measurements to determine mass‐ and temperature‐dependent functions for maximum consumption and routine respiration costs. Maximum consumption experiments were conducted across a range of temperatures from 7.5°C to 23.0°C and a range of fish weights from 0.5 to 4.5 g. Respiration experiments were conducted across a range of temperatures from 8°C to 28°C. Model sensitivity was consistent with other comparable models in that the mass‐dependent parameters for maximum consumption were the most sensitive. Growth estimates based on the Threespine Stickleback bioenergetics model suggested that 22°C is the optimal temperature for growth when food is not limiting. The bioenergetics model performed well when used to predict independent, paired measures of consumption and growth observed from a separate wild population of Threespine Sticklebacks. Predicted values for consumption and growth (expressed as percent body weight per day) only deviated from observed values by 2.0%. Our model should provide insight into the physiological performance of this species across a range of environmental conditions and be useful for quantifying the trophic impact of this species in food webs containing other ecologically or economically important species.
Effects of environmental intervention on sedentary time, musculoskeletal comfort and work ability in office workers
Authors: Gao Ying , Nevala Nina , Cronin Neil J. , Finni Taija
Published: November 2015

Sit–stand workstations offer a potential strategy to reduce prolonged occupational sitting. This controlled intervention study examined the effects of an environmental intervention on occupational sedentary time, musculoskeletal comfort and work ability, and the usability of sit–stand workstations in office work via a self‐reported questionnaire. The intervention group (n = 24) used sit–stand workstations during the 6‐month intervention period, and the control group (n = 21) used traditional sitting workstations. The results showed that working at sit–stand workstations can reduce sitting time significantly compared to control workstations (−6.7% vs. 5.0%, p = .019), which is reallocated mostly to standing (r = −0.719, p < .001). Sit–stand workstations improved perceived musculoskeletal comfort in the neck and shoulders (p = .028), as well as work ability (p = .022). The majority of intervention subjects rated sit–stand workstation adjustability as good (83.3%), and 75.0% were satisfied with the workstation. About 41.7% of the intervention participants, who were exclusively female, used the sit–stand function on a daily basis. While the environmental change alone was effective, it is likely that promoting the daily use of sit–stand workstations with counselling would lead to even more substantial positive effects.
TRIP13PCH-2 promotes Mad2 localization to unattached kinetochores in the spindle checkpoint response
Authors: Nelson Christian R. , Hwang Tom , Chen Pin-Hsi , Bhalla Needhi
Published: November 2015

The spindle checkpoint acts during cell division to prevent aneuploidy, a hallmark of cancer. During checkpoint activation, Mad1 recruits Mad2 to kinetochores to generate a signal that delays anaphase onset. Yet, whether additional factors contribute to Mad2’s kinetochore localization remains unclear. Here, we report that the conserved AAA+ ATPase TRIP13PCH-2 localizes to unattached kinetochores and is required for spindle checkpoint activation in Caenorhabditis elegans. pch-2 mutants effectively localized Mad1 to unattached kinetochores, but Mad2 recruitment was significantly reduced. Furthermore, we show that the C. elegans orthologue of the Mad2 inhibitor p31(comet)CMT-1 interacts with TRIP13PCH-2 and is required for its localization to unattached kinetochores. These factors also genetically interact, as loss of p31(comet)CMT-1 partially suppressed the requirement for TRIP13PCH-2 in Mad2 localization and spindle checkpoint signaling. These data support a model in which the ability of TRIP13PCH-2 to disassemble a p31(comet)/Mad2 complex, which has been well characterized in the context of checkpoint silencing, is also critical for spindle checkpoint activation.
GRHL2 coordinates regeneration of a polarized mucociliary epithelium from basal stem cells
Authors: Gao Xia , Bali Aman S. , Randell Scott H. , Hogan Brigid L.M.
Published: November 2015

Pseudostratified airway epithelium of the lung is composed of polarized ciliated and secretory cells maintained by basal stem/progenitor cells. An important question is how lineage choice and differentiation are coordinated with apical–basal polarity and epithelial morphogenesis. Our previous studies indicated a key integrative role for the transcription factor Grainyhead-like 2 (Grhl2). In this study, we present further evidence for this model using conditional gene deletion during the regeneration of airway epithelium and clonal organoid culture. We also use CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in primary human basal cells differentiating into organoids and mucociliary epithelium in vitro. Loss of Grhl2 inhibits organoid morphogenesis and the differentiation of ciliated cells and reduces the expression of both notch and ciliogenesis genes (Mcidas, Rfx2, and Myb) with distinct Grhl2 regulatory sites. The genome editing of other putative target genes reveals roles for zinc finger transcription factor Znf750 and small membrane adhesion glycoprotein in promoting ciliogenesis and barrier function as part of a network of genes coordinately regulated by Grhl2.
Cish actively silences TCR signaling in CD8+ T cells to maintain tumor tolerance
Authors: Palmer Douglas C. , Guittard Geoffrey C. , Franco Zulmarie , Crompton Joseph G. , Eil Robert L. , Patel Shashank J. , Ji Yun , Van Panhuys Nicholas , Klebanoff Christopher A. , Sukumar Madhusudhanan , Clever David , Chichura Anna , Roychoudhuri Rahul , Varma Rajat , Wang Ena , Gattinoni Luca , Marincola Francesco M. , Balagopalan Lakshmi , Samelson Lawrence E. , Restifo Nicholas P.
Published: November 2015

Improving the functional avidity of effector T cells is critical in overcoming inhibitory factors within the tumor microenvironment and eliciting tumor regression. We have found that Cish, a member of the suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) family, is induced by TCR stimulation in CD8+ T cells and inhibits their functional avidity against tumors. Genetic deletion of Cish in CD8+ T cells enhances their expansion, functional avidity, and cytokine polyfunctionality, resulting in pronounced and durable regression of established tumors. Although Cish is commonly thought to block STAT5 activation, we found that the primary molecular basis of Cish suppression is through inhibition of TCR signaling. Cish physically interacts with the TCR intermediate PLC-γ1, targeting it for proteasomal degradation after TCR stimulation. These findings establish a novel targetable interaction that regulates the functional avidity of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells and can be manipulated to improve adoptive cancer immunotherapy.