bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the receptivity of aerofoil tonal noise: an adjoint analysis
Authors: Fosas de Pando Miguel , Schmid Peter J. , Sipp Denis
Published: January 2017

For moderate-to-high Reynolds numbers, aerofoils are known to produce substantial levels of acoustic radiation, known as tonal noise, which arises from a complex interplay between laminar boundary-layer instabilities, trailing-edge acoustic scattering and upstream receptivity of the boundary layers on both aerofoil surfaces. The resulting acoustic spectrum is commonly characterised by distinct equally spaced peaks encompassing the frequency range of convectively amplified instability waves in the pressure-surface boundary layer. In this work, we assess the receptivity and sensitivity of the flow by means of global stability theory and adjoint methods which are discussed in light of the spatial structure of the adjoint global modes, as well as the wavemaker region. It is found that for the frequency range corresponding to acoustic tones the direct global modes capture the growth of instability waves on the suction surface and the near wake together with acoustic radiation into the far field. Conversely, it is shown that the corresponding adjoint global modes, which capture the most receptive region in the flow to external perturbations, have compact spatial support in the pressure surface boundary layer, upstream of the separated flow region. Furthermore, we find that the relative spatial amplitude of the adjoint modes is higher for those modes whose real frequencies correspond to the acoustic peaks. Finally, analysis of the wavemaker region points at the pressure surface near 30 % of the chord as the preferred zone for the placement of actuators for flow control of tonal noise.
Two- and three-dimensional instabilities in the wake of a circular cylinder near a moving wall
Authors: Jiang Hongyi , Cheng Liang , Draper Scott , An Hongwei
Published: January 2017

Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) instabilities in the wake of a circular cylinder placed near to a moving wall are investigated using direct numerical simulation (DNS). The study covers a parameter space spanning a non-dimensional gap ratio ($G^{\ast }$) between 0.1 to 19.5 and Reynolds number ($Re$) up to 300. Variations in the flow characteristics with $Re$ and $G^{\ast }$ are studied, and their correlations with the hydrodynamic forces on the cylinder are investigated. It is also found that the monotonic increase of the critical $Re$ for 2D instability ($Re_{cr2D}$) with decreasing $G^{\ast }$ is influenced by variations in the mean flow rate around the cylinder, the confinement of the near-wake flow by the plane wall and the characteristics of the shear layer formed above the moving wall directly below the cylinder. The first factor destabilizes the wake flow at a moderate $G^{\ast }$ while the latter two factors stabilize the wake flow with decreasing $G^{\ast }$. In terms of 3D instability, the flow transition sequence of ‘2D steady $\rightarrow$ 3D steady $\rightarrow$ 3D unsteady’ for small gap ratios is analysed at $G^{\ast }=0.2$. It is found that the 3D steady and 3D unsteady flows are triggered by Mode C instability due to wall proximity. However, the Mode C structure is not sustained indefinitely, since interference with the shear layer leads to other 3D steady and unsteady flow structures.
Vortex dynamics for flow over a circular cylinder in proximity to a wall
Authors: He Guo-Sheng , Wang Jin-Jun , Pan Chong , Feng Li-Hao , Gao Qi , Rinoshika Akira
Published: January 2017

The dynamics of vortical structures in flow over a circular cylinder in the vicinity of a flat plate is investigated using particle image velocimetry (PIV). The cylinder is placed above the flat plate with its axis parallel to the wall and normal to the flow direction. The Reynolds number $Re_{D}$ based on the cylinder diameter $D$ is 1072 and the gap $G$ between the cylinder and the flat plate is varied from gap-to-diameter ratio $G/D=0$ to $G/D=3.0$. The flow statistics and vortex dynamics are strongly dependent on the gap ratio $G/D$. Statistics show that as the cylinder comes close to the wall ($G/D\leqslant 2.0$), the cylinder wake becomes more and more asymmetric and a boundary layer separation is induced on the flat plate downstream of the cylinder. The wake vortex shedding frequency increases with decreasing $G/D$ until a critical gap ratio (about $G/D=0.25$) below which the vortex shedding is irregular. The deflection of the gap flow away from the wall and its following interaction with the upper shear layer may be the cause of the higher shedding frequency. The vortex dynamics is investigated based on the phase-averaged flow field and virtual dye visualization in the instantaneous PIV velocity field. It is revealed that when the cylinder is close to the wall ($G/D=2.0$), the cylinder wake vortices can periodically induce secondary spanwise vortices near the wall. As the cylinder approaches the wall ($G/D=1.0$) the secondary vortex can directly interact with the lower wake vortex, and a further approaching of the cylinder ($G/D=0.5$) can result in more complex interactions among the secondary vortex, the lower wake vortex and the upper wake vortex. The breakdown of vortices into filamentary debris during vortex interactions is clearly revealed by the coloured virtual dye visualizations. For $G/D<0.25$, the lower shear layer is strongly inhibited and only the upper shear layer can shed vortices. Investigation of the vortex formation, evolution and interaction in the flow promotes the understanding of the flow physics for different gap ratios.
On dispersion of directional surface gravity waves
Authors: Taklo Tore Magnus A. , Trulsen Karsten , Krogstad Harald E. , Nieto Borge José Carlos
Published: January 2017

Using a nonlinear evolution equation we examine the dependence of the dispersion of directional surface gravity waves on the Benjamin–Feir index (BFI) and crest length. A parameter for describing the deviation between the dispersion of simulated waves and the theoretical linear dispersion relation is proposed. We find that for short crests the magnitude of the deviation parameter is low while for long crests the magnitude is high and depends on the BFI. In the present paper we also consider laboratory data of directional waves from the Marine Research Institute of the Netherlands (MARIN). The MARIN data confirm the simulations for three cases of BFI and crest length.
The characteristics of billows generated by internal solitary waves
Authors: Carr Magda , Franklin James , King Stuart E. , Davies Peter A. , Grue John , Dritschel David G.
Published: January 2017

The spatial and temporal development of shear-induced overturning billows associated with breaking internal solitary waves is studied by means of a combined laboratory and numerical investigation. The waves are generated in the laboratory by a lock exchange mechanism and they are simulated numerically via a contour-advective semi-Lagrangian method. The properties of individual billows (maximum height attained, time of collapse, growth rate, speed, wavelength, Thorpe scale) are determined in each case, and the billow interaction processes are studied and classified. For broad flat waves, similar characteristics are seen to those in parallel shear flow, but, for waves not at the conjugate flow limit, billow characteristics are affected by the spatially varying wave-induced shear flow. Wave steepness and wave amplitude are shown to have a crucial influence on determining the type of interaction that occurs between billows and whether billow overturning can be arrested. Examples are given in which billows (i) evolve independently of one another, (ii) pair with one another, (iii) engulf/entrain one another and (iv) fail to completely overturn. It is shown that the vertical extent a billow can attain (and the associated Thorpe scale of the billow) is dependent on wave amplitude but that its value saturates once a given amplitude is reached. It is interesting to note that this amplitude is less than the conjugate flow limit amplitude. The number of billows that form on a wave is shown to be dependent on wavelength; shorter waves support fewer but larger billows than their long-wave counterparts for a given stratification.
Elastic deformations driven by non-uniform lubrication flows
Authors: Rubin Shimon , Tulchinsky Arie , Gat Amir D. , Bercovici Moran
Published: January 2017

The ability to create dynamic deformations of micron-sized structures is relevant to a wide variety of applications such as adaptable optics, soft robotics and reconfigurable microfluidic devices. In this work, we examine non-uniform lubrication flow as a mechanism to create complex deformation fields in an elastic plate. We consider a Kirchhoff–Love elasticity model for the plate and Hele-Shaw flow in a narrow gap between the plate and a parallel rigid surface. Based on linearization of the Reynolds equation, we obtain a governing equation which relates elastic deformations to gradients in non-homogeneous physical properties of the fluid (e.g. body forces, viscosity and slip velocity). We then focus on a specific case of non-uniform Helmholtz–Smoluchowski electro-osmotic slip velocity, and provide a method for determining the zeta-potential distribution necessary to generate arbitrary static and quasi-static deformations of the elastic plate. Extending the problem to time-dependent solutions, we analyse transient effects on asymptotically static solutions, and finally provide a closed form solution for a Green’s function for time periodic actuations.
Mean flow structure in horizontal convection
Authors: Shishkina Olga
Published: January 2017

We analyse the global flow structures in horizontal convection systems, where the heat supply and removal takes place through separated parts of a lower horizontal surface of a fluid layer. The results are based on direct numerical simulations for the length-to-height aspect ratio of the convection cell $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}=10$, Rayleigh number $\mathit{Ra}$ from $3\times 10^{8}$ to $3\times 10^{11}$ and Prandtl number $\mathit{Pr}$ from 0.05 to 50. The structure of the mean flows in horizontal convection is described in terms of time-averaged spatial distributions of the temperature, velocity, kinetic energy, thermal and kinetic dissipation rates. A possible scenario of transition to turbulent horizontal convection in the whole convection cell of a large aspect ratio is discussed.
AMS 14C Dating of Materials Recovered from the Tunnel under the Temple of the Feathered Serpent in Teotihuacan, Mexico
Authors: Gómez-Chávez S , Solís C , Gazzola J , Chávez-Lomelí E R , Mondragón M A , Rodríguez-Ceja M , Martínez-Carrillo M A
Published: January 2017

In 2003, flooding occurred in the Ciudadela (Citadel) of Teotihuacan and saltpeter began to damage the Temple of the Feathered Serpent. Work done to solve this problem led to one of the most important archaeological discoveries made in this site in recent years: an intact tunnel sealed for more than a thousand years. The project created to study the tunnel was named Tlalocan or Path to the Underworld. More than 60,000 objects have been recovered after years of exploration and removing huge amounts of soil and stones. This paper presents the first results of accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon dating performed on some of those materials recovered from the tunnel. With these findings, in combination with the archaeological data, based on stratigraphy and ceramic typology, a chronology of several events is proposed concerning the construction phases and ceremonial use, as well as partial and definitive closures of the tunnel. Every closure was accompanied by a deliberate and structured deposition of offerings and ritual refuse along the tunnel. The range of ages that covers the Bayesian calibration of samples collected along the tunnel is around 115 yr, from AD 125 to 240. Material collected at the surface of the chamber located at the end of the tunnel and under the pyramid gave ages in the interval between AD 400 and 534. All samples analyzed fall within the interval of time that covers the period of occupation of Teotihuacan.
ON THE CONVERGENCE RATE OF THE KRASNOSEL’SKIĬ–MANN ITERATION
Authors: MATSUSHITA SHIN-YA
Published: January 2017

The Krasnosel’skiĭ–Mann (KM) iteration is a widely used method to solve fixed point problems. This paper investigates the convergence rate for the KM iteration. We first establish a new convergence rate for the KM iteration which improves the known big-$O$ rate to little-$o$ without any other restrictions. The proof relies on the connection between the KM iteration and a useful technique on the convergence rate of summable sequences. Then we apply the result to give new results on convergence rates for the proximal point algorithm and the Douglas–Rachford method.
A DDVV INEQUALITY FOR SUBMANIFOLDS OF WARPED PRODUCTS
Authors: ROTH JULIEN
Published: January 2017

We prove a DDVV inequality for submanifolds of warped products of the form $I\times _{a}\mathbb{M}^{n}(c)$, where $I$ is an interval and $\mathbb{M}^{n}(c)$ is a real space form of curvature $c$. As an application, we give a rigidity result for submanifolds of $\mathbb{R}\times _{e^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}t}}\mathbb{H}^{n}(c)$.
On Teter rings
Authors: Elias Juan , Takatuji Marcela Silva
Published: January 2017

We give a new characterization, in the equicharacteristic case, of Teter rings by using Macaulay inverse systems. We extend the previous characterizations due to Teter, to Huneke and Vraciu and to Ananthnarayan et al., to any characteristic of the ground field and remove the hypothesis on the socle ideal. We construct and describe the variety parametrizing Teter covers and we show how to check if an Artin ring is Teter. If this is the case, we show how to compute a Teter cover.
Louis J. Lanzerotti Receives 2016 William Kaula Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: January 2017

Louis J. Lanzerotti received the 2016 William Kaula Award at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 14 December 2016 in San Francisco, Calif. The award honors an individual for "unselfish service to the scientific community through extraordinary dedication to, and exceptional efforts on behalf of, the Union's publications program."
West Antarctic Ice Shelf Breaking Up from the Inside Out
Authors: Lipuma Lauren
Published: January 2017

Researchers trace the origin of a 2015 iceberg to a crack that formed deep beneath the ice.
AIF-independent parthanatos in the pathogenesis of dry age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Jang Ki-Hong , Do Yun-Ju , Son Dongwon , Son Eunji , Choi Jun-Sub , Kim Eunhee
Published: January 2017

Cell death of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is characterized as an essential late-stage phenomenon of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying RPE cell death after exposure to oxidative stress, which occurs often because of the anatomical location of RPE cells. ARPE-19, an established RPE cell line, exhibited necrotic features involving poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) activation in response to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). ARPE-19 cells were resistant to H2O2 when PARP-1 was depleted using siRNA or inhibited by a pharmacological inhibitor of PARP-1, olaparib. Our data suggest a causal relationship between PARP-1 activation and ARPE-19 cell death in response to H2O2. Next, we investigated downstream molecular events in PARP-1 activation. Increased mitochondrial depolarization, mitochondrial fission and alterations of the cellular energy dynamics with reduced NAD+ and ATP were observed in H2O2-treated ARPE-19 cells. H2O2-triggered mitochondrial dysfunction was inhibited by olaparib. Nevertheless, translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), a biochemical signature for PARP-1-dependent cell death (parthanatos), was not observed in our study. Moreover, the depletion of AIF did not affect the amplitude of cell death, demonstrating the lack of a role for AIF in the death of ARPE-19 cells in response to H2O2. This feature distinguishes the type of death observed in this study from canonical parthanatos. Next, we examined the in vivo role of PARP-1 in a dry AMD animal model system. Histological analysis of the outer nuclear layer in the mouse retina revealed protection against sodium iodate (SI) following treatment with olaparib. Moreover, retina fundus and electroretinograms also confirmed such a protective effect in the SI-treated rabbit. Collectively, we report that AIF-independent PARP-1-dependent necrosis constitutes a major mechanism of RPE cell death leading to retinal degeneration in dry AMD.
MicroRNA-494 inhibits breast cancer progression by directly targeting PAK1
Authors: Zhan Meng-Na , Yu Xiao-Ting , Tang Jun , Zhou Ci-Xiang , Wang Chen-Long , Yin Qian-Qian , Gong Xiu-Feng , He Ming , He Jian-Rong , Chen Guo-Qiang , Zhao Qian
Published: January 2017

MicroRNA (miRNA) is involved in the progression and metastasis of diverse human cancers, including breast cancer, as strong evidence has been found that miRNAs can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Here, we show that miR-494 is decreased in human breast cancer specimens and breast cancer cell lines. Ectopic expression of miR-494 in basal-like breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231-LUC-D2H3LN and BT-549 inhibits clonogenic ability and metastasis-relevant traits in vitro. Moreover, ectopic expression of miR-494 suppresses neoplasm initiation as well as pulmonary metastasis in vivo. Further studies have identified PAK1, as a direct target gene of miR-494, contributes to the functions of miR-494. Remarkably, the expression of PAK1 is inversely correlated with the level of miR-494 in human breast cancer samples. Furthermore, re-expression of PAK1 partially reverses miR-494-mediated proliferative and clonogenic inhibition as well as migration and invasion suppression in breast cancer cells. Taken together, these findings highlight an important role for miR-494 in the regulation of progression and metastatic potential of breast cancer and suggest a potential application of miR-494 in breast cancer treatment.
Inhibition of Stat3 signaling pathway by nifuroxazide improves antitumor immunity and impairs colorectal carcinoma metastasis
Authors: Ye Ting-Hong , Yang Fang-Fang , Zhu Yong-Xia , Li Ya-Li , Lei Qian , Song Xue-Jiao , Xia Yong , Xiong Ying , Zhang Li-Dan , Wang Ning-Yu , Zhao Li-Feng , Gou Hong-Feng , Xie Yong-Mei , Yang Sheng-Yong , Yu Luo-Ting , Yang Li , Wei Yu-Quan
Published: January 2017

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the one of the most common cancers with considerable metastatic potential, explaining the need for new drug candidates that inhibit tumor metastasis. The signal transducers and activators of the transcription 3 (Stat3) signaling pathway has an important role in CRC and has been validated as a promising anticancer target for CRC therapy. In the present study, we report our findings on nifuroxazide, an antidiarrheal agent identified as an inhibitor of Stat3. Our studies showed that nifuroxazide decreased the viability of three CRC cell lines and induced apoptosis of cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, western blot analysis demonstrated that the occurrence of its apoptosis was correlated with the activation of Bax and cleaved caspase-3, and decreased the expression of Bcl-2. In addition, nifuroxazide markedly impaired CRC cell migration and invasion by downregulating phosphorylated-Stat3Tyr705, and also impaired the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9). Furthermore, our studies showed that nifuroxazide also significantly inhibited the tumor metastasis in lung and abdomen metastasis models of colon cancer. Meanwhile, nifuroxazide functionally reduced the proliferation index, induced tumor apoptosis and impaired metastasis. Notably, nifuroxazide reduced the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the blood, spleens and tumors, accompanied by the increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells in the tumors. Importantly, a marked decrease in the number of M2-type macrophages in tumor in the abdomen metastasis model was also observed. Taken together, our results indicated that nifuroxazide could effectively inhibit tumor metastasis by mediating Stat3 pathway and it might have a therapeutic potential for the treatment of CRC.
c-Src phosphorylation and activation of hexokinase promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis
Authors: Zhang Jia , Wang Suili , Jiang Bin , Huang Lihong , Ji Zhiliang , Li Xiaotong , Zhou Huamin , Han Aidong , Chen Ai , Wu Yanan , Ma Huanhuan , Zhao Wentao , Zhao Qingwen , Xie Changchuan , Sun Xiaoyan , Zhou Yanming , Huang Huiying , Suleman Muhammad , Lin Furong , Zhou Lin , Tian Fang , Jin Meijun , Cai Yana , Zhang Nan , Li Qinxi
Published: January 2017

It is well known that c-Src has important roles in tumorigenesis. However, it remains unclear whether c-Src contributes to metabolic reprogramming. Here we find that c-Src can interact with and phosphorylate hexokinases HK1 and HK2, the rate-limiting enzymes in glycolysis. Tyrosine phosphorylation dramatically increases their catalytic activity and thus enhances glycolysis. Mechanistically, c-Src phosphorylation of HK1 at Tyr732 robustly decreases its Km and increases its Vmax by disrupting its dimer formation. Mutation in c-Src phosphorylation site of either HK1 or HK2 remarkably abrogates the stimulating effects of c-Src on glycolysis, cell proliferation, migration, invasion, tumorigenesis and metastasis. Due to its lower Km for glucose, HK1 rather than HK2 is required for tumour cell survival when glucose is scarce. Importantly, HK1-Y732 phosphorylation level remarkably correlates with the incidence and metastasis of various clinical cancers and may serve as a marker to predict metastasis risk of primary cancers.
Layer-specificity in the effects of attention and working memory on activity in primary visual cortex
Authors: van Kerkoerle Timo , Self Matthew W. , Roelfsema Pieter R.
Published: January 2017

Neuronal activity in early visual cortex depends on attention shifts but the contribution to working memory has remained unclear. Here, we examine neuronal activity in the different layers of the primary visual cortex (V1) in an attention-demanding and a working memory task. A current-source density analysis reveales top-down inputs in the superficial layers and layer 5, and an increase in neuronal firing rates most pronounced in the superficial and deep layers and weaker in input layer 4. This increased activity is strongest in the attention task but it is also highly reliable during working memory delays. A visual mask erases the V1 memory activity, but it reappeares at a later point in time. These results provide new insights in the laminar circuits involved in the top-down modulation of activity in early visual cortex in the presence and absence of visual stimuli.
A global distributed basin morphometric dataset
Authors: Shen Xinyi , Anagnostou Emmanouil N. , Mei Yiwen , Hong Yang
Published: January 2017

Basin morphometry is vital information for relating storms to hydrologic hazards, such as landslides and floods. In this paper we present the first comprehensive global dataset of distributed basin morphometry at 30 arc seconds resolution. The dataset includes nine prime morphometric variables; in addition we present formulas for generating twenty-one additional morphometric variables based on combination of the prime variables. The dataset can aid different applications including studies of land-atmosphere interaction, and modelling of floods and droughts for sustainable water management. The validity of the dataset has been consolidated by successfully repeating the Hack’s law.
Common Variable Immunodeficiency patients with a phenotypic profile of immunosenescence present with thrombocytopenia
Authors: Stuchlý Jan , Kanderová Veronika , Vlková Marcela , Heřmanová Ivana , Slámová Lucie , Pelák Ondřej , Taraldsrud Eli , Jílek Dalibor , Králíčková Pavlína , Fevang Børre , Trková Marie , Hrušák Ondřej , Froňková Eva , Šedivá Anna , Litzman Jiří , Kalina Tomáš
Published: January 2017

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a heterogeneous group of diseases. Our aim was to define sub-groups of CVID patients with similar phenotypes and clinical characteristics. Using eight-color flow cytometry, we analyzed both B- and T-cell phenotypes in a cohort of 88 CVID patients and 48 healthy donors. A hierarchical clustering of probability binning “bins” yielded a separate cluster of 22 CVID patients with an abnormal phenotype. We showed coordinated proportional changes in naïve CD4+ T-cells (decreased), intermediate CD27− CD28+ CD4+ T-cells (increased) and CD21low B-cells (increased) that were stable for over three years. Moreover, the lymphocytes’ immunophenotype in this patient cluster exhibited features of profound immunosenescence and chronic activation. Thrombocytopenia was only found in this cluster (36% of cases, manifested as Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) or Evans syndrome). Clinical complications more frequently found in these patients include lung fibrosis (in 59% of cases) and bronchiectasis (55%). The degree of severity of these symptoms corresponded to more deviation from normal levels with respect to CD21low B-cells, naïve CD4+ and CD27− CD28+ CD4+ T-cells. Next-generation sequencing did not reveal any common genetic background. We delineate a subgroup of CVID patients with activated and immunosenescent immunophenotype of lymphocytes and distinct set of clinical complications without common genetic background.
Rapid Recall Ability of Memory T cells is Encoded in their Epigenome
Authors: Barski Artem , Cuddapah Suresh , Kartashov Andrey V. , Liu Chong , Imamichi Hiromi , Yang Wenjing , Peng Weiqun , Lane H. Clifford , Zhao Keji
Published: January 2017

Even though T-cell receptor (TCR) stimulation together with co-stimulation is sufficient for the activation of both naïve and memory T cells, the memory cells are capable of producing lineage specific cytokines much more rapidly than the naïve cells. The mechanisms behind this rapid recall response of the memory cells are still not completely understood. Here, we performed epigenetic profiling of human resting naïve, central and effector memory T cells using ChIP-Seq and found that unlike the naïve cells, the regulatory elements of the cytokine genes in the memory T cells are marked by activating histone modifications even in the resting state. Therefore, the ability to induce expression of rapid recall genes upon activation is associated with the deposition of positive histone modifications during memory T cell differentiation. We propose a model of T cell memory, in which immunological memory state is encoded epigenetically, through poising and transcriptional memory.
Metal-free supercapacitor with aqueous electrolyte and low-cost carbon materials
Authors: Blomquist Nicklas , Wells Thomas , Andres Britta , Bäckström Joakim , Forsberg Sven , Olin Håkan
Published: January 2017

Electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) or supercapacitors (SCs) are fast energy storage devices with high pulse efficiency and superior cyclability, which makes them useful in various applications including electronics, vehicles and grids. Aqueous SCs are considered to be more environmentally friendly than those based on organic electrolytes. Because of the corrosive nature of the aqueous environment, however, expensive electrochemically stable materials are needed for the current collectors and electrodes in aqueous SCs. This results in high costs for a given energy-storage capacity. To address this, we developed a novel low-cost aqueous SC using graphite foil as the current collector and a mix of graphene, nanographite, simple water-purification carbons and nanocellulose as electrodes. The electrodes were coated directly onto the graphite foil by using casting frames and the SCs were assembled in a pouch cell design. With this approach, we achieved a material cost reduction of greater than 90% while maintaining approximately one-half of the specific capacitance of a commercial unit, thus demonstrating that the proposed SC can be an environmentally friendly, low-cost alternative to conventional SCs.
JNK activation is essential for activation of MEK/ERK signaling in IL-1β-induced COX-2 expression in synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Kitanaka Taku , Nakano Rei , Kitanaka Nanako , Kimura Taro , Okabayashi Ken , Narita Takanori , Sugiya Hiroshi
Published: January 2017

The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 1β (IL-1β) induces prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production via upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in synovial fibroblasts. This effect of IL-1β is involved in osteoarthritis. We investigated MAPK signaling pathways in IL-1β-induced COX-2 expression in feline synovial fibroblasts. In the presence of MAPK inhibitors, IL-1β-induced COX-2 expression and PGE2 release were both attenuated. IL-1β induced the phosphorylation of p38, JNK, MEK, and ERK1/2. A JNK inhibitor prevented not only JNK phosphorylation but also MEK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in IL-1β-stimulated cells, but MEK and ERK1/2 inhibitors had no effect on JNK phosphorylation. A p38 inhibitor prevented p38 phosphorylation, but had no effect on MEK, ERK1/2, and JNK phosphorylation. MEK, ERK1/2, and JNK inhibitors had no effect on p38 phosphorylation. We also observed that in IL-1β-treated cells, phosphorylated MEK, ERK1/2, and JNK were co-precipitated with anti-phospho-MEK, ERK1/2, and JNK antibodies. The silencing of JNK1 in siRNA-transfected fibroblasts prevented IL-1β to induce phosphorylation of MEK and ERK1/2 and COX-2 mRNA expression. These observations suggest that JNK1 phosphorylation is necessary for the activation of the MEK/ERK1/2 pathway and the subsequent COX-2 expression for PGE2 release, and p38 independently contributes to the IL-1β effect in synovial fibroblasts.
Large scale generation of micro-droplet array by vapor condensation on mesh screen piece
Authors: Xie Jian , Xu Jinliang , He Xiaotian , Liu Qi
Published: January 2017

We developed a novel micro-droplet array system, which is based on the distinct three dimensional mesh screen structure and sintering and oxidation induced thermal-fluid performance. Mesh screen was sintered on a copper substrate by bonding the two components. Non-uniform residue stress is generated along weft wires, with larger stress on weft wire top location than elsewhere. Oxidation of the sintered package forms micro pits with few nanograsses on weft wire top location, due to the stress corrosion mechanism. Nanograsses grow elsewhere to show hydrophobic behavior. Thus, surface-energy-gradient weft wires are formed. Cooling the structure in a wet air environment nucleates water droplets on weft wire top location, which is more “hydrophilic” than elsewhere. Droplet size is well controlled by substrate temperature, air humidity and cooling time. Because warp wires do not contact copper substrate and there is a larger conductive thermal resistance between warp wire and weft wire, warp wires contribute less to condensation but function as supporting structure. The surface energy analysis of drops along weft wires explains why droplet array can be generated on the mesh screen piece. Because the commercial material is used, the droplet system is cost effective and can be used for large scale utilization.
Rainbow trapping of ultrasonic guided waves in chirped phononic crystal plates
Authors: Tian Zhenhua , Yu Lingyu
Published: January 2017

The rainbow trapping effect has been demonstrated in electromagnetic and acoustic waves. In this study, rainbow trapping of ultrasonic guided waves is achieved in chirped phononic crystal plates that spatially modulate the dispersion, group velocity, and stopband. The rainbow trapping is related to the progressively slowing group velocity, and the extremely low group velocity near the lower boundary of a stopband that gradually varies in chirped phononic crystal plates. As guided waves propagate along the phononic crystal plate, waves gradually slow down and finally stop forward propagating. The energy of guided waves is concentrated at the low velocity region near the stopband. Moreover, the guided wave energy of different frequencies is concentrated at different locations, which manifests as rainbow guided waves. We believe implementing the rainbow trapping will open new paradigms for guiding and focusing of guided waves. Moreover, the rainbow guided waves with energy concentration and spatial separation of frequencies may have potential applications in nondestructive evaluation, spatial wave filtering, energy harvesting, and acoustofluidics.
CO2-induced pH reduction increases physiological toxicity of nano-TiO2 in the mussel Mytilus coruscus
Authors: Hu Menghong , Lin Daohui , Shang Yueyong , Hu Yi , Lu Weiqun , Huang Xizhi , Ning Ke , Chen Yimin , Wang Youji
Published: January 2017

The increasing usage of nanoparticles has caused their considerable release into the aquatic environment. Meanwhile, anthropogenic CO2 emissions have caused a reduction of seawater pH. However, their combined effects on marine species have not been experimentally evaluated. This study estimated the physiological toxicity of nano-TiO2 in the mussel Mytilus coruscus under high pCO2 (2500–2600 μatm). We found that respiration rate (RR), food absorption efficiency (AE), clearance rate (CR), scope for growth (SFG) and O:N ratio were significantly reduced by nano-TiO2, whereas faecal organic weight rate and ammonia excretion rate (ER) were increased under nano-TiO2 conditions. High pCO2 exerted lower effects on CR, RR, ER and O:N ratio than nano-TiO2. Despite this, significant interactions of CO2-induced pH change and nano-TiO2 were found in RR, ER and O:N ratio. PCA showed close relationships among most test parameters, i.e., RR, CR, AE, SFG and O:N ratio. The normal physiological responses were strongly correlated to a positive SFG with normal pH and no/low nano-TiO2 conditions. Our results indicate that physiological functions of M. coruscus are more severely impaired by the combination of nano-TiO2 and high pCO2.
Estimating Risks of Inapparent Avian Exposure for Human Infection: Avian Influenza Virus A (H7N9) in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Ge Erjia , Zhang Renjie , Li Dengkui , Wei Xiaolin , Wang Xiaomeng , Lai Poh-Chin
Published: January 2017

Inapparent avian exposure was suspected for the sporadic infection of avian influenza A(H7N9) occurring in China. This type of exposure is usually unnoticed and difficult to model and measure. Infected poultry with avian influenza H7N9 virus typically remains asymptomatic, which may facilitate infection through inapparent poultry/bird exposure, especially in a country with widespread practice of backyard poultry. The present study proposed a novel approach that integrated ecological and case-control methods to quantify the risk of inapparent avian exposure on human H7N9 infection. Significant associations of the infection with chicken and goose densities, but not with duck density, were identified after adjusting for spatial clustering effects of the H7N9 cases across multiple geographic scales of neighborhood, community, district and city levels. These exposure risks varied geographically in association with proximity to rivers and lakes that were also proxies for inapparent exposure to avian-related environment. Males, elderly people, and farmers were high-risk subgroups for the virus infection. These findings enable health officials to target educational programs and awareness training in specific locations to reduce the risks of inapparent exposure.
Evaluation of left pulmonary artery sling, associated cardiovascular anomalies, and surgical outcomes using cardiovascular computed tomography angiography
Authors: Xie Jiajun , Juan Yu-Hsiang , Wang Qiushi , Chen Jimei , Zhuang Jian , Xie Zhaofeng , Liang Changhong , Zhu Yulei , Yu Zhuliang , Li Jinglei , Saboo Sachin S. , Liu Hui
Published: January 2017

We evaluated the prevalence, image appearance, associated cardiovascular anomalies, and surgical outcomes of left pulmonary artery sling (LPAS) using cardiovascular computed tomography angiography (CCTA). A retrospective search of patients from our database between October 2007 and December 2014 identified 52,200 patients with congenital heart diseases (CHD) referred for CCTA, echocardiography, or magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical information, CCTA findings, associated cardiovascular anomalies, and surgical outcomes were analyzed. We showed a hospital-based prevalence of 71 patients with LPAS (0.14%, 71/52,200) among CHD patients. Of these, 47 patients with CCTA examinations were assessed further. Most patients (40/47, 85%) had associated cardiovascular anomalies, of which ventricular septal defects (22/47, 47%), atrial septal defects (20/47, 43%), patent ductus arteriosus (16/47, 34%), persistent left superior vena cava (14/47, 30%), and abnormal branching of the right pulmonary artery (ABRPA) (14/47, 30%) were most commonly identified. In total, 28 patients underwent LPA reanastomosis and/or tracheoplasty in our center, and 5 died. LPAS had a hospital-based prevalence of 0.14% among CHD patients. ABRPA is not uncommon and must be recognized. CCTA is a feasible method for demonstrating LPAS and its associated cardiovascular anomalies for an optimal pre-operative assessment of LPAS.
The development of support intuitions and object causality in juvenile Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius)
Authors: Davidson Gabrielle , Miller Rachael , Loissel Elsa , Cheke Lucy G. , Clayton Nicola S.
Published: January 2017

Knowledge about the causal relationship between objects has been studied extensively in human infants, and more recently in adult animals using differential looking time experiments. How knowledge about object support develops in non-human animals has yet to be explored. Here, we studied the ontogeny of support relations in Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius), a bird species known for its sophisticated cognitive abilities. Using an expectancy violation paradigm, we measured looking time responses to possible and impossible video and image stimuli. We also controlled for experience with different support types to determine whether the emergence of support intuitions is dependent upon specific interactions with objects, or if reasoning develops independently. At age 9 months, birds looked more at a tool moving a piece of cheese that was not in contact than one that was in direct contact. By the age of 6 months, birds that had not experienced string as a support to hold up objects looked more at impossible images with string hanging from below (unsupported), rather than above (supported). The development of support intuitions may be independent of direct experience with specific support, or knowledge gained from interactions with other objects may be generalised across contexts.
Laser-guided energetic discharges over large air gaps by electric-field enhanced plasma filaments
Authors: Théberge Francis , Daigle Jean-François , Kieffer Jean-Claude , Vidal François , Châteauneuf Marc
Published: January 2017

Recent works on plasma channels produced during the propagation of ultrashort and intense laser pulses in air demonstrated the guiding of electric discharges along the laser path. However, the short plasma lifetime limits the length of the laser-guided discharge. In this paper, the conductivity and lifetime of long plasma channels produced by ultrashort laser pulses is enhanced efficiently over many orders of magnitude by the electric field of a hybrid AC-DC high-voltage source. The AC electric pulse from a Tesla coil allowed to stimulate and maintain the highly conductive channel during few milliseconds in order to guide a subsequent 500 times more energetic discharge from a 30-kV DC source. This DC discharge was laser-guided over an air gap length of two metres, which is more than two orders of magnitude longer than the expected natural discharge length. Long plasma channel induced by laser pulses and stimulated by an external high-voltage source opens the way for wireless and efficient transportation of energetic current pulses over long air gaps and potentially for guiding lightning.
Natural ageing responses of duplex structured Mg-Li based alloys
Authors: Li C. Q. , Xu D. K. , Wang B. J. , Sheng L. Y. , Qiao Y. X. , Han E. H.
Published: January 2017

Natural ageing responses of duplex structured Mg-6%Li and Mg-6%Li-6%Zn-1.2%Y alloys have been investigated. Microstructural analyses revealed that the precipitation and coarsening process of α-Mg particles could occur in β-Li phases of both two alloys during ageing process. Since a certain amount of Mg atoms in β-Li phases were consumed for the precipitation of abundant tiny MgLiZn particles, the size of α-Mg precipitates in Mg-6%Li-6%Zn-1.2%Y alloy was relatively smaller than that in Mg-6%Li alloy. Micro hardness measurements demonstrated that with the ageing time increasing, the α-Mg phases in Mg-6%Li alloy could have a constant hardness value of 41 HV, but the contained β-Li phases exhibited a slight age-softening response. Compared with the Mg-6%Li alloy, the age-softening response of β-Li phases in Mg-6%Li-6%Zn-1.2%Y alloy was much more profound. Meanwhile, a normal age-hardening response of α-Mg phases was maintained. Tensile results indicated that obvious ageing-softening phenomenon in terms of macro tensile strength occurred in both two alloys. Failure analysis demonstrated that for the Mg-6%Li alloy, cracks were preferentially initiated at α-Mg/β-Li interfaces. For the Mg-6%Li-6%Zn-1.2%Y alloy, cracks occurred at both α-Mg/β-Li interfaces and slip bands in α-Mg and β-Li phases.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Jawbone microenvironment promotes periodontium regeneration by regulating the function of periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Zhu Bin , Liu Wenjia , Liu Yihan , Zhao Xicong , Zhang Hao , Luo Zhuojing , Jin Yan
Published: January 2017

During tooth development, the jawbone interacts with dental germ and provides the development microenvironment. Jawbone-derived mesenchymal stem cells (JBMSCs) maintain this microenvironment for root and periodontium development. However, the effect of the jawbone microenvironment on periodontium tissue regeneration is largely elusive. Our previous study showed that cell aggregates (CAs) of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells promoted periodontium regeneration on the treated dentin scaffold. Here, we found that JBMSCs enhanced not only the osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) but also their adhesion to titanium (Ti) material surface. Importantly, the compound CAs of PDLSCs and JBMSCs regenerated periodontal ligament-like fibers and mineralized matrix on the Ti scaffold surface, both in nude mice ectopic and minipig orthotopic transplantations. Our data revealed that an effective regenerative microenvironment, reconstructed by JBMSCs, promoted periodontium regeneration by regulating PDLSCs function on the Ti material.
A sensitive three monoclonal antibodies based automatic latex particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay for Golgi protein 73 detection
Authors: Xia Yanyan , Shen Han , Zhu Yefei , Xu Hongpan , Li Zhiyang , Si Jin
Published: January 2017

Golgi protein 73 (GP73) is a novel and potential marker for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that has been found to be abnormally elevated in liver disease. A latex particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay (LTIA) was recently introduced and licensed for application in a variety of automated clinical chemistry analyzers. However, no studies have reported sufficient data on analytical performance of this method when using 3 monoclonal antibodies for GP73 measurement. The experimental conditions were firstly optimized and range of linearity, diagnostic potential, clinical relevance were compared with the LTIA based on polyclonal antibodies and ELISA. Dilution tests for the LTIA using 3 monoclonal antibodies produced a calibration curve from 10 to 350 ng/mL while the polyclonal antibodies produced the curve from 20 to 320 ng/mL. The detection limit was achieved at 1.82 ng/mL concentration. Within-run CV was obtained in the range of 1.5–2.9% and ROC curves indicated sensitivity and specificity of the LTIA based on 3 monoclonal antibodies were 96.7% and 93.3%, respectively, higher than for the polyclonal antibodies (94.6% and 72.4%) and ELISA (70.0% and 83.3%). Therefore, the LTIA assay based on 3 monoclonal antibodies is thus applicable in quantification of GP73 concentration in automated biochemistry analyzers.
Disaggregation of Amylin Aggregate by Novel Conformationally Restricted Aminobenzoic Acid containing α/β and α/γ Hybrid Peptidomimetics
Authors: Paul Ashim , Kalita Sourav , Kalita Sujan , Sukumar Piruthivi , Mandal Bhubaneswar
Published: January 2017

Diabetes has emerged as a threat to the current world. More than ninety five per cent of all the diabetic population has type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Aggregates of Amylin hormone, which is co-secreted with insulin from the pancreatic β-cells, inhibit the activities of insulin and glucagon and cause T2DM. Importance of the conformationally restricted peptides for drug design against T2DM has been invigorated by recent FDA approval of Symlin, which is a large conformationally restricted peptide. However, Symlin still has some issues including solubility, oral bioavailability and cost of preparation. Herein, we introduced a novel strategy for conformationally restricted peptide design adopting a minimalistic approach for cost reduction. We have demonstrated efficient inhibition of amyloid formation of Amylin and its disruption by a novel class of conformationally restricted β-sheet breaker hybrid peptidomimetics (BSBHps). We have inserted β, γ and δ -aminobenzoic acid separately into an amyloidogenic peptide sequence, synthesized α/β, α/γ and α/δ hybrid peptidomimetics, respectively. Interestingly, we observed the aggregation inhibitory efficacy of α/β and α/γ BSBHps, but not of α/δ analogues. They also disrupt existing amyloids into non-toxic forms. Results may be useful for newer drug design against T2DM as well as other amyloidoses and understanding amyloidogenesis.
OsBT1 encodes an ADP-glucose transporter involved in starch synthesis and compound granule formation in rice endosperm
Authors: Li Sanfeng , Wei Xiangjin , Ren Yulong , Qiu Jiehua , Jiao Guiai , Guo Xiuping , Tang Shaoqing , Wan Jianmin , Hu Peisong
Published: January 2017

Starch is the main storage carbohydrate in higher plants. Although several enzymes and regulators for starch biosynthesis have been characterized, a complete regulatory network for starch synthesis in cereal seeds remains elusive. Here, we report the identification and characterization of the rice Brittle1 (OsBT1) gene, which is expressed specifically in the developing endosperm. The osbt1 mutant showed a white-core endosperm and a significantly lower grain weight than the wild-type. The formation and development of compound starch granules in osbt1 was obviously defective: the amyloplast was disintegrated at early developmental stages and the starch granules were disperse and not compound in the endosperm cells in the centre region of osbt1 seeds. The total starch content and amylose content was decreased and the physicochemical properties of starch were altered. Moreover, the degree of polymerization (DP) of amylopectin in osbt1 was remarkably different from that of wild-type. Map-based cloning of OsBT1 indicated that it encodes a putatively ADP-glucose transporter. OsBT1 coded protein localizes in the amyloplast envelope membrane. Furthermore, the expression of starch synthesis related genes was also altered in the osbt1 mutant. These findings indicate that OsBT1 plays an important role in starch synthesis and the formation of compound starch granules.