bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introduction
Authors: van der Laan H.
Published: March 2016

In the summer of 1977 the IAU General Secretary requested proposals for Joint Discussions at the XVIIth General Assembly more than two years later. As President of Commission 40 I wrote to other Commission Presidents proposing a J.D. on Extragalactic High Energy Astrophysics. The motivation was as follows, and I quote from my July 22, 1977 letter:

“With the current advances in radio and optical techniques and the tremendous progress to be expected from the satellites HEAO-A and HEAO-B, to be launched respectively in the summer of 1977 and 1978, there should be a good deal of new material on high energy astrophysical phenomena in the extragalactic domain by the time of the 1979 General Assembly. Some of this will be of great cosmological significance and all of it will be astrophysically interesting. It is clear that the X-ray satellite results will get a lot of optical and radio follow-up and it therefore seems appropriate that a Joint Discussion of that topic be arranged at that time.”
X-Ray Variability in Active Galaxy Nuclei and Quasars in less than One Day
Authors: Elvis M. , Feigelson E. , Griffiths R. E. , Henry J. P. , Tananbaum H.
Published: March 2016

Active galaxy-X-ray sources are well known to be variable on timescales of days to years (Ricketts, et al. 1977, Mushotzky, et al. 1979, Lawrence 1979). Here we present some new data from the Einstein Observatory which shows that these sources also vary in less than one day, on timescales of hours. Large luminosity changes in such short times promise to allow the investigation of the physics of such sources in several new ways. We shall give some examples of how this can be begun. This is only a preliminary report of this work. A full account will be given elsewhere.

The Einstein Observatory (Giacconi, et al. 1979) is capable of exploring this regime of variability because its imaging capability gives it two unique advantages. Firstly, the background rate in one beam area is negligible so that intensity determinations are limited only by Poisson counting statistics. Secondly, the background counts in the remainder of the field can be integrated to give a simultaneous monitor with the same instrument of cosmic ray and background X-ray events. Thus, any peculiarities in detector behaviour, telemetry or software can be traced and separated from real source variations. This is a significant advantage and gives us a great deal more confidence in our results. Many sources do not show variability. For example, in our data, Cen A is constant to ˜ 2% over 1 day.
The Concept of Old Stellar Populations
Authors: Lyngå Gösta
Published: March 2016

Almost 25 years ago Walter Baade told the Vatican conference about the meaning of stellar populations:

“We also understand now why the two stellar populations, either singly or combined, are such conspicuous features in most galaxies. They are age groups which represent two significant phases of the star formation in galaxies.”

There appeared a straight-forward picture with an old, metal-poor halo containing stars in elongated galactic orbits and a younger disk population, where the stars have near solar abundances and near circular orbits. The central bulge of the galaxy was considered part of the older system.

New observations have made the picture more complex and also more controversial, indicating that it still might not be fully understood. Stars in the bulge of our spiral galaxy have been shown to have rather high contents of heavy elements. The gas and perhaps also the stars of the disk show a metal content that is decreasing outwards in the disk. The abundances in globular clusters differ widely between individual clusters and even between individual stars of the same cluster. It has become clear that one must discuss separately the different heavy elements; that some abundances may be considered primordial and thus characteristic of the evolution of the stellar population, whereas other abundance differences may be caused by mixing into the stellar envelopes.
Women-Astronomers of Former Ussr
Authors: Rykhlova L.V.
Published: March 2016

Astronomy is a very popular science in Russia, but officially it is considered rather a man’s speciality because of night observations, laborious measurements, developments of new facilities, etc.

At present there are about 35% women among specialists with higher astronomical education. The indicator of professional level is for women often higher then for men at this stage of career. Unfortunately this level remains the limit for most women-astronomers, because the possibility of farther promotion and higher position depends on family-status, home-life, having children, etc. That is why only 30% women have the first scientific degree, about 5%, the second scientific degree, and only a few individuals, the title of Professor.

As a consequence the most difficult part of this exciting science falls on women-astronomers: monotonous observations and calculations for astrometrical catalogues, processing of spectral information reduction of data, data bank management, and others. This is the most labour - intensive and ungrateful part of astronomical research that can not produce results ready for publication at relatively short times.
Opacities in Strong Magnetic Helds
Authors: Wickramasinghe Dayal T.
Published: March 2016

White dwarfs are one of the most readily studied end products of stellarevolution. Their observed properties have provided and continue to provide important constraints for the theory of stellar evolution. Likewise, a study of magnetism in white dwarfs provides unique insights into the origin and evolution of magnetic fields in stars.

Spectacular progress has been made on the specific problem of the structure of the hydrogen atom in strong fields. Energy levels and transition probabilities are now known for all low lying states of hydrogen for the entire range of field strengths appropriate to white dwarfs and neutron stars (104-1013G) (Rosner et al 1984, Forster et al 1984 and Henry and O’Connell 1984). These calculations resulted in the identification of spectral features in the magnetic white dwarf Grw+70°8247 which had remained unidentified for over 50 years (Minkowski 1938), with Zeeman shifted hydrogen lines in a magnetic field of 100 -320 MG ((eg Wickamasinghe and Ferrano 1989). Several other strong field magnetic white dwarfs have since been discovered through hydrogen Zeeman spectroscopy. The data presently at hand show that most hydrogen rich magnetic white dwarfs have complex non-dipolar field structures with strong evidence for higher order multipole components.
Analysis of the Secular Variations of Longitudes of the Sun, Mercury and Venus from Optical Observations
Authors: Kolesnik Y.B.
Published: March 2016

About 240 000 optical observations of the Sun, Mercury and Venus, accumulated during the era of classical astrometry from Bradley up to our days, are incorporated to analyse the secular variation of the longitudes of innermost planets. A significant discrepancy between modern ephemerides and optical observations is discovered. The possible sources of discrepancy are discussed. The tidal acceleration of the Moon has been revised to conform the lunar theory with the ephemerides of the planets. The offset and residual rotation of Hipparcos-based system with respect to the dynamical equinox is determined. Interpretation of this rotation is given.
Radio Observations of High Energy Solar Flares
Authors: Kundu Mukul R.
Published: March 2016

In this paper we discuss some recent observations of radio emission produced by high energy electrons resulting from solar flares. We discuss the spatial structure of simple weak spiky burst emissions observed simultaneously, at 17 and 34 GHz with the Nobeyama Radio Heliograph (NoRH). Using simultaneous imaging observations obtained by Yohkoh/HXT and SXT along with NoRH17 & 34 GHz observations, we attempt to model a relatively stronger and longer flare using gyrosynchrotron mechanism for the flaring radio emission.
The Magnetic Field of the Milky Way
Authors: Reid Mark J.
Published: March 2016

Models of the magnetic field configuration of the Milky Way are reviewed. Current analyses of rotation measure data suggest that the Milky Way possesses a bisymmetric-like spiral magnetic field, that field reversals among spiral arms exist, and that the magnetic spiral may not closely match the mass spiral structure. Zeeman measurements of OH masers may provide alternative magnetic field information.
Diagnosis of Faraday Rotation with Video Vector Magnetograph at Huairou
Authors: Su Jiangtao , Zhang Hongqi
Published: March 2016

Over the wavelength interval of 150 mÅ redward of line center of the FeI λ5324.19 Å to 150 mÅ to the blue, in steps of 10 mÅ, observations of a simple sunspot were obtained with the Video Vector Magnetograph at Huairou Solar Observing Station (HSOS) of National Astronomical Observatories. In this paper, we present results of the inversion of stokes polarization profiles of this sunspot to recover the vector magnetic field parameters of the spectral line forming region using the FeI λ5324.19 Å using a nonlinear least-squares fitting. At the same time, curves of the observed variation of azimuth with wavelength were compared with model calculations for the azimuth at each wavelength as derived the inverse Zeeman effect modified by Faraday rotation. Hagyard, et al. (2000, Solar Phys. 191, 309) find it is difficult to separate two effects of Faraday rotation and π —σ rotation. However, π —σ rotation relates to the Landé factor of a spectral line. For the spectral line FeI λ5324.19 Å, its Landé factor g = 1.5. In the solar magnetic field atmosphere, its Zeeman split is less than that of line FeI 5250.22 Å which has larger Landé factor g = 3. The correlations in Figure 1 show that the azimuth rotation increases as the field strength increases and inclination angle decreases. The results show that rotation of the azimuth is less significant in observation taken near the center of the FeI λ5324.19 A than that of FeI λ5252.22 Â line.
Formation and Evolution of Massive Black Holes in Star Clusters
Authors: Baumgardt Holger , Makino Junichiro , Zwart Simon Portegies
Published: March 2016

We present results of N-body simulations on the formation of massive black holes by run-away merging in young star clusters and the later dynamical evolution of star clusters containing massive black holes. We determine the initial conditions necessary for run-away merging to form a massive black hole and study the equilibrium profile that is established in the cluster center as a result of the interaction of stars with the central black hole. Our results show that star clusters which contain black holes have projected luminosity profiles that can be fitted by standard King models. The presence of massive black holes in (post-)core collapse clusters is therefore ruled out by our simulations.
Solar Composition of Icy Planetesimals: A New Source For Comet Nuclei?
Authors: Owen Tobias
Published: March 2016

The enrichment of heavy elements on Jupiter appears to require the existence of a new class of icy planetesimal that exhibits solar relative abundances.

Prior to the Galileo probe mission, observations of methane in Jupiter’s atmosphere had revealed that C/H was approximately three times the solar ratio. This enrichment was thought to be the result of the delivery of heavy elements by icy planetesimals, which were assumed to be essentially identical to comets. However, comets are notoriously deficient in nitrogen (e.g., Geiss 1987; Krankowsky 1991) and recent upper limits on argon in three comets (Weaver et al. 2002) indicate that this element is also sub-solar relative to O. Hence it was assumed that Jupiter would exhibit the same deficiency in argon and nitrogen relative to carbon (Pollack and Bodenheimer 1989; Owen & Bar-Nun 1995). Yet the mass spectrometer on the Galileo Probe clearly showed that Ar, Kr, Xe, N, C, and S are all enriched in Jupiter’s atmosphere by the same factor of 3 ± 1 (Niemann et al. 1998; Owen et al. 1999).
Engaging Gifted Science Students through Astronomy
Authors: Hollow Robert
Published: March 2016

Astronomy is a subject that poses many deep questions that intrigue students. It can effectively engage gifted and talented science students in their school years. Numerous international and Australian schemes utilize astronomy as a means of challenging and extending such students. Using Gagné’s definition, gifted students have potential distinctly above average in one or more of the domains; intellectual, creative, social and physical. Talented students exhibit skills that are distinctly above average in an area of human performance. Such students may comprise about 10-15% of age peers in that field. Theymay be identified through a variety of means; by teacher, parent or self, sometimes via diagnostic tests, at others through participation in hobbies or other interests.
Physics of Solar-Like Oscillations
Authors: Christensen-Dalsgaard Jørgen
Published: March 2016

The physics of solar and stellar oscillations determine their observable characteristics. I provide a brief overview of the properties of solar-like oscillations, excited by stochastic processes, in other stars. In addition, I consider the current state of investigations of such oscillations, as well as the prospects for an improved understanding of their physics and the properties of the pulsating stars.
Renal cell carcinoma escapes death by p53 depletion through transglutaminase 2-chaperoned autophagy
Authors: Kang J H , Lee J-S , Hong D , Lee S-H , Kim N , Lee W-K , Sung T-W , Gong Y-D , Kim S-Y
Published: March 2016

In renal cell carcinoma, transglutaminase 2 (TGase 2) crosslinks p53 in autophagosomes, resulting in p53 depletion and the tumor’s evasion of apoptosis. Inhibition of TGase 2 stabilizes p53 and induces tumor cells to enter apoptosis. This study explored the mechanism of TGase 2-dependent p53 degradation. We found that TGase 2 competes with human double minute 2 homolog (HDM2) for binding to p53; promotes autophagy-dependent p53 degradation in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines under starvation; and binds to p53 and p62 simultaneously without ubiquitin-dependent recognition of p62. The bound complex does not have crosslinking activity. A binding assay using a series of deletion mutants of p62, p53 and TGase 2 revealed that the PB1 (Phox and Bem1p-1) domain of p62 (residues 85–110) directly interacts with the β-barrel domains of TGase 2 (residues 592–687), whereas the HDM2-binding domain (transactivation domain, residues 15–26) of p53 interacts with the N terminus of TGase 2 (residues 1–139). In addition to the increase in p53 stability due to TGase 2 inhibition, the administration of a DNA-damaging anti-cancer drug such as doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in RCC cell lines and synergistically reduced tumor volume in a xenograft model. Combination therapy with a TGase 2 inhibitor and a DNA-damaging agent may represent an effective therapeutic approach for treating RCC.
Zyxin-Siah2–Lats2 axis mediates cooperation between Hippo and TGF-β signalling pathways
Authors: Ma Biao , Cheng Hongcheng , Gao Ruize , Mu Chenglong , Chen Ling , Wu Shian , Chen Quan , Zhu Yushan
Published: March 2016

The evolutionarily conserved Hippo pathway is a regulator that controls organ size, cell growth and tissue homeostasis. Upstream signals of the Hippo pathway have been widely studied, but how microenvironmental factors coordinately regulate this pathway remains unclear. In this study, we identify LIM domain protein Zyxin, as a scaffold protein, that in response to hypoxia and TGF-β stimuli, forms a ternary complex with Lats2 and Siah2 and stabilizes their interaction. This interaction facilitates Lats2 ubiquitination and degradation, Yap dephosphorylation and subsequently activation. We show that Zyxin is required for TGF-β and hypoxia-induced Lats2 downregulation and deactivation of Hippo signalling in MDA-MB-231 cells. Depletion of Zyxin impairs the capability of cell migration, proliferation and tumourigenesis in a xenograft model. Zyxin is upregulated in human breast cancer and positively correlates with histological stages and metastasis. Our study demonstrates that Zyxin-Lats2–Siah2 axis may serve as a potential therapeutic target in cancer treatment.
Early ERK1/2 activation promotes DRP1-dependent mitochondrial fission necessary for cell reprogramming
Authors: Prieto Javier , León Marian , Ponsoda Xavier , Sendra Ramón , Bort Roque , Ferrer-Lorente Raquel , Raya Angel , López-García Carlos , Torres Josema
Published: March 2016

During the process of reprogramming to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, somatic cells switch from oxidative to glycolytic metabolism, a transition associated with profound mitochondrial reorganization. Neither the importance of mitochondrial remodelling for cell reprogramming, nor the molecular mechanisms controlling this process are well understood. Here, we show that an early wave of mitochondrial fragmentation occurs upon expression of reprogramming factors. Reprogramming-induced mitochondrial fission is associated with a minor decrease in mitochondrial mass but not with mitophagy. The pro-fission factor Drp1 is phosphorylated early in reprogramming, and its knockdown and inhibition impairs both mitochondrial fragmentation and generation of iPS cell colonies. Drp1 phosphorylation depends on Erk activation in early reprogramming, which occurs, at least in part, due to downregulation of the MAP kinase phosphatase Dusp6. Taken together, our data indicate that mitochondrial fission controlled by an Erk-Drp1 axis constitutes an early and necessary step in the reprogramming process to pluripotency.
Quantitative non-invasive cell characterisation and discrimination based on multispectral autofluorescence features
Authors: Gosnell Martin E. , Anwer Ayad G. , Mahbub Saabah B. , Menon Perinchery Sandeep , Inglis David W. , Adhikary Partho P. , Jazayeri Jalal A. , Cahill Michael A. , Saad Sonia , Pollock Carol A. , Sutton-McDowall Melanie L. , Thompson Jeremy G. , Goldys Ewa M.
Published: March 2016

Automated and unbiased methods of non-invasive cell monitoring able to deal with complex biological heterogeneity are fundamentally important for biology and medicine. Label-free cell imaging provides information about endogenous autofluorescent metabolites, enzymes and cofactors in cells. However extracting high content information from autofluorescence imaging has been hitherto impossible. Here, we quantitatively characterise cell populations in different tissue types, live or fixed, by using novel image processing and a simple multispectral upgrade of a wide-field fluorescence microscope. Our optimal discrimination approach enables statistical hypothesis testing and intuitive visualisations where previously undetectable differences become clearly apparent. Label-free classifications are validated by the analysis of Classification Determinant (CD) antigen expression. The versatility of our method is illustrated by detecting genetic mutations in cancer, non-invasive monitoring of CD90 expression, label-free tracking of stem cell differentiation, identifying stem cell subpopulations with varying functional characteristics, tissue diagnostics in diabetes and assessing the condition of preimplantation embryos.
Landscape of genomic diversity and trait discovery in soybean
Authors: Valliyodan Babu , Dan Qiu  , Patil Gunvant , Zeng Peng , Huang Jiaying , Dai Lu , Chen Chengxuan , Li Yanjun , Joshi Trupti , Song Li , Vuong Tri D. , Musket Theresa A. , Xu Dong , Shannon J. Grover , Shifeng Cheng , Liu Xin , Nguyen Henry T.
Published: March 2016

Cultivated soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is a primary source of vegetable oil and protein. We report a landscape analysis of genome-wide genetic variation and an association study of major domestication and agronomic traits in soybean. A total of 106 soybean genomes representing wild, landraces and elite lines were re-sequenced at an average of 17x depth with a 97.5% coverage. Over 10 million high-quality SNPs were discovered and 35.34% of these have not been previously reported. Additionally, 159 putative domestication sweeps were identified, which includes 54.34 Mbp (4.9%) and 4,414 genes; 146 regions were involved in artificial selection during domestication. A genome-wide association study of major traits including oil and protein content, salinity and domestication traits resulted in the discovery of novel alleles. Genomic information from this study provides a valuable resource for understanding soybean genome structure and evolution and can also facilitate trait dissection leading to sequencing-based molecular breeding.
Long range recognition and selection in IDPs: the interactions of the C-terminus of p53
Authors: Kannan Srinivasaraghavan , Lane David P. , Verma Chandra S.
Published: March 2016

The C-terminal domain of p53 is an extensively studied IDP, interacting with different partners through multiple distinct conformations. To explore the interplay between preformed structural elements and intrinsic fluctuations in its folding and binding we combine extensive atomistic equilibrium and non-equilibrium simulations. We find that the free peptide segment rapidly interconverts between ordered and disordered states with significant populations of the conformations that are seen in the complexed states. The underlying global folding-binding landscape points to a synergistic mechanism in which recognition is dictated via long range electrostatic recognition which results in the formation of reactive structures as far away as 10 Å and binding proceeds with the steering of selected conformations followed by induced folding at the target surface or within a close range.
Zebrafish biosensor for toxicant induced muscle hyperactivity
Authors: Shahid Maryam , Takamiya Masanari , Stegmaier Johannes , Middel Volker , Gradl Marion , Klüver Nils , Mikut Ralf , Dickmeis Thomas , Scholz Stefan , Rastegar Sepand , Yang Lixin , Strähle Uwe
Published: March 2016

Robust and sensitive detection systems are a crucial asset for risk management of chemicals, which are produced in increasing number and diversity. To establish an in vivo biosensor system with quantitative readout for potential toxicant effects on motor function, we generated a transgenic zebrafish line TgBAC(hspb11:GFP) which expresses a GFP reporter under the control of regulatory elements of the small heat shock protein hspb11. Spatiotemporal hspb11 transgene expression in the musculature and the notochord matched closely that of endogenous hspb11 expression. Exposure to substances that interfere with motor function induced a dose-dependent increase of GFP intensity beginning at sub-micromolar concentrations, while washout of the chemicals reduced the level of hspb11 transgene expression. Simultaneously, these toxicants induced muscle hyperactivity with increased calcium spike height and frequency. The hspb11 transgene up-regulation induced by either chemicals or heat shock was eliminated after co-application of the anaesthetic MS-222. TgBAC(hspb11:GFP) zebrafish embryos provide a quantitative measure of muscle hyperactivity and represent a robust whole organism system for detecting chemicals that affect motor function.
Decoherence spectroscopy with individual two-level tunneling defects
Authors: Lisenfeld Jürgen , Bilmes Alexander , Matityahu Shlomi , Zanker Sebastian , Marthaler Michael , Schechter Moshe , Schön Gerd , Shnirman Alexander , Weiss Georg , Ustinov Alexey V.
Published: March 2016

Recent progress with microfabricated quantum devices has revealed that an ubiquitous source of noise originates in tunneling material defects that give rise to a sparse bath of parasitic two-level systems (TLSs). For superconducting qubits, TLSs residing on electrode surfaces and in tunnel junctions account for a major part of decoherence and thus pose a serious roadblock to the realization of solid-state quantum processors. Here, we utilize a superconducting qubit to explore the quantum state evolution of coherently operated TLSs in order to shed new light on their individual properties and environmental interactions. We identify a frequency-dependence of TLS energy relaxation rates that can be explained by a coupling to phononic modes rather than by anticipated mutual TLS interactions. Most investigated TLSs are found to be free of pure dephasing at their energy degeneracy points, around which their Ramsey and spin-echo dephasing rates scale linearly and quadratically with asymmetry energy, respectively. We provide an explanation based on the standard tunneling model, and identify interaction with incoherent low-frequency (thermal) TLSs as the major mechanism of the pure dephasing in coherent high-frequency TLS.
Design, synthesis, crystallization and biological evaluation of new symmetrical biscationic compounds as selective inhibitors of human Choline Kinase α1 (ChoKα1)
Authors: Schiaffino-Ortega Santiago , Baglioni Eleonora , Mariotto Elena , Bortolozzi Roberta , Serrán-Aguilera Lucía , Ríos-Marco Pablo , Carrasco-Jimenez M. Paz , Gallo Miguel A. , Hurtado-Guerrero Ramon , Marco Carmen , Basso Giuseppe , Viola Giampietro , Entrena Antonio , López-Cara Luisa Carlota
Published: March 2016

A novel family of compounds derivative of 1,1′-(((ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))bis(4,1-phenylene))bis(methylene))-bispyridinium or –bisquinolinium bromide (10a-l) containing a pair of oxygen atoms in the spacer of the linker between the biscationic moieties, were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of choline kinase against a panel of cancer-cell lines. The most promising compounds in this series were 1,1′-(((ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))bis(4,1-phenylene))bis(methylene))bis(4-(dimethylamino)pyridinium) bromide (10a) and 1,1′-(((ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))bis(4,1-phenylene))bis(methylene))-bis(7-chloro-4-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)quinolinium) bromide (10l), which inhibit human choline kinase (ChoKα1) with IC50 of 1.0 and 0.92 μM, respectively, in a range similar to that of the previously reported biscationic compounds MN58b and RSM932A. Our compounds show greater antiproliferative activities than do the reference compounds, with unprecedented values of GI50 in the nanomolar range for several of the cancer-cell lines assayed, and more importantly they present low toxicity in non-tumoral cell lines, suggesting a cancer-cell-selective antiproliferative activity. Docking studies predict that the compounds interact with the choline-binding site in agreement with the binding mode of most previously reported biscationic compounds. Moreover, the crystal structure of ChoKα1 with compound 10a reveals that this compound binds to the choline-binding site and mimics HC-3 binding mode as never before.
Autophagy Negatively Regulates Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus Replication
Authors: Guo Longjun , Yu Haidong , Gu Weihong , Luo Xiaolei , Li Ren , Zhang Jian , Xu Yunfei , Yang Lijun , Shen Nan , Feng Li , Wang Yue
Published: March 2016

Autophagy is an evolutionarily ancient pathway that has been shown to be important in the innate immune defense against several viruses. However, little is known about the regulatory role of autophagy in transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) replication. In this study, we found that TGEV infection increased the number of autophagosome-like double- and single-membrane vesicles in the cytoplasm of host cells, a phenomenon that is known to be related to autophagy. In addition, virus replication was required for the increased amount of the autophagosome marker protein LC3-II. Autophagic flux occurred in TGEV-infected cells, suggesting that TGEV infection triggered a complete autophagic response. When autophagy was pharmacologically inhibited by wortmannin or LY294002, TGEV replication increased. The increase in virus yield via autophagy inhibition was further confirmed by the use of siRNA duplexes, through which three proteins required for autophagy were depleted. Furthermore, TGEV replication was inhibited when autophagy was activated by rapamycin. The antiviral response of autophagy was confirmed by using siRNA to reduce the expression of gene p300, which otherwise inhibits autophagy. Together, the results indicate that TGEV infection activates autophagy and that autophagy then inhibits further TGEV replication.
Two-photon excited photoconversion of cyanine-based dyes
Authors: Kwok Sheldon J. J. , Choi Myunghwan , Bhayana Brijesh , Zhang Xueli , Ran Chongzhao , Yun Seok-Hyun
Published: March 2016

The advent of phototransformable fluorescent proteins has led to significant advances in optical imaging, including the unambiguous tracking of cells over large spatiotemporal scales. However, these proteins typically require activating light in the UV-blue spectrum, which limits theirin vivoapplicability due to poor light penetration and associated phototoxicity on cells and tissue. We report that cyanine-based, organic dyes can be efficiently photoconverted by nonlinear excitation at the near infrared (NIR) window. Photoconversion likely involves singlet-oxygen mediated photochemical cleavage, yielding blue-shifted fluorescent products. Using SYTO62, a biocompatible and cell-permeable dye, we demonstrate photoconversion in a variety of cell lines, including depth-resolved labeling of cells in 3D culture. Two-photon photoconversion of cyanine-based dyes offer several advantages over existing photoconvertible proteins, including use of minimally toxic NIR light, labeling without need for genetic intervention, rapid kinetics, remote subsurface targeting and long persistence of photoconverted signal. These findings are expected to be useful for applications involving rapid labeling of cells deep in tissue.
Straightforward regioselective construction of 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-thiazine by rhodium catalysed [3 + 3] cycloaddition of thiirane with 1-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazole: a pronounced acid additive effect
Authors: Lu Xiao-Long , Liu Ya-Ting , Wang Qing-Xia , Shen Mei-Hua , Xu Hua-Dong
Published: March 2016

A rhodium catalyzed regioselective coupling of thiirane with 1-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazole has been realized to give a formal [3 + 3] cycloaddition product 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-thiazineviathe 1,3-insertion model of azavinyl carbene.
A new strategy to tailor the structure of sustainable 3D hierarchical porous N-self-doped carbons from renewable biomass for high-performance supercapacitors and CO2 capture
Authors: Tong Xing , Zhuo Hao , Wang Sha , Zhong Linxin , Hu Yijie , Peng Xinwen , Zhou Weijia , Sun Runcang
Published: March 2016

A new method was employed to obtain 3D hierarchical porous N-self-doped carbons with different porous structures from chitosan for high-performance supercapacitors and CO2 capture without using porogens, catalysts or activators.
A fluorescent, self-healing and pH sensitive hydrogel rapidly fabricated from HPAMAM and oxidized alginate with injectability
Authors: Yang Wen , Wu Xiaotian , Liu Fangbing , Dou Yan , Hu Zhenhu , Hao Wentao
Published: March 2016

Multifunctional hydrogels were fabricated from HPAMAM and oxidized Alginate via electrostatic force, hydrogen bonds and acylhydrazone bonds. They are injectable, fluorescent, pH sensitive, biodegradable, and also able to release drug and self-heal.
Enhanced anode performance of manganese oxides with petal-like microsphere structures by optimizing the sintering conditions
Authors: Yu Wei , Jiang Xiaojian , Meng Fanhui , Zhang Zhonghua , Ma Houyi , Liu Xizheng
Published: March 2016

Herein, the rational design and synthesis of manganese oxides (MnO2 and MnO) have been achieved and both of them show petal-like microsphere structures.
Synthesis of amphipathic superparamagnetic Fe3O4 Janus nanoparticles via a moderate strategy and their controllable self-assembly
Authors: Li Wenliao , Cai Xiaojun , Ma Shaohua , Zhan Xiaohui , Lan Fang , Wu Yao , Gu Zhongwei
Published: March 2016

We report a novel strategy that combines the Pickering emulsion approach and the ARGET-ATRP method to synthesize amphipathic Janus Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The prepared Janus Fe3O4 nanoparticles exhibited highly controllable self-assembly behaviors in different solvents.
Effective Peer-Mediated Strategies for Improving the Conversational Skills of Adolescents With Autism
Authors: Bambara Linda M. , Chovanes Jacquelyn , Thomas Amanda , Cole Christine L.
Published: March 2016

Deficits in social-communication skills can leave high school students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) socially marginalized where conversation is the primary medium for social interaction. Interventions are needed to improve conversational skills and facilitate interactions with peers while students with ASD are still in school, yet few research-based strategies exist for high school settings. In this article, we describe three peer-mediated conversational strategies documented to be effective through our research: strategies to (a) support overall conversational engagement, (b) increase initiations to start conversations, and (c) increase follow-up questions to sustain conversations. The peer-mediated strategies are combined with teaching students with ASD to use visual supports to strengthen intervention effectiveness. We highlight methods for peer training, outcomes of our research, and implications for speech-language pathologists (SLPs).
Computer-Based Treatments for Aphasia: Advancing Clinical Practice and Research
Authors: Lee Jaime B. , Cherney Leora R.
Published: March 2016

A growing body of literature has investigated the efficacy of computer-based treatments for people with aphasia. In this narrative review, we describe a representative sample of 12 studies that were selected from a survey of the literature including a search of PubMed and PsychInfo online databases, using the key words “computer” and “aphasia” in the title and abstract fields. The sample illustrates a range of research designs, experimental interventions targeting various language modalities and International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domains, and outcomes. We discuss the clinical and research advantages and limitations of computer-based treatment, as well as the benefits to persons with aphasia. We also highlight the role of the clinician in critically evaluating computerized treatments, identifying the active ingredients of the intervention, and ensuring that tasks are appropriate for their clients with aphasia.
Virtual co‐phase traction power supply system adopting the cascaded H‐bridge multilevel converter
Authors: Xiong Cheng‐Lin , Ma Jun‐Peng , Wu Xia‐Jie , Wang Shun‐Liang , Feng Xiao‐Yun
Published: March 2016

In order to eliminate the voltage/current shock and speed loss existing in an electric locomotive when it operates in the neutral section, a virtual co‐phase traction power supply system adopting the cascaded H‐bridge multilevel converter is presented. In this new system, the power of an electric locomotive can be shared in the neutral section as well. In addition, a smooth transition between two adjacent power supply arms with disruptions is obtained in terms of voltage phase/amplitude when the locomotive operates in the neutral section as verified by the simulation results.
Low‐complexity symbol‐level combining for hybrid automatic repeat request in multiple‐input multiple‐output systems with linear detection
Authors: Whang Younghoon , Park Sangjoon , Liu Huaping
Published: March 2016

In this study, the authors propose a low‐complexity symbol‐level combining (SLC) scheme for Chase combining‐based hybrid automatic repeat request in multiple‐input multiple‐output systems with a linear receiver. In the proposed scheme, a subset of all row vectors in the channel matrix is selected and used for combining and detection of retransmitted symbols, where the Sherman–Morrison–Woodbury lemma is applied for the utilisation of each selected row vector. Therefore, compared with the existing SLC schemes using the entire channel matrix, the proposed scheme can have an advantage in computational complexity. Furthermore, they develop a row vector selection criterion for the proposed SLC scheme to calculate the amount of the signal‐to‐interference‐noise ratio improvement based on the squared norm of each row vector with a significantly low complexity. Simulation results verify that compared with the existing SLC schemes, the proposed SLC scheme achieves similar or better error performance, while its computational complexity is lower or in the worst‐case similar.
Lunar surface crater topology generation using adaptive edge detection algorithm
Authors: Saheba Suketu M. , Upadhyaya Trushit K. , Sharma Ritesh Kumar
Published: March 2016

The probability of precise soft landing on the lunar surface could be significantly increased by using craters as a navigational landmark. This article aims at the edge information of crater for lander navigation. First, histogram of an image is calculated and adaptive Gaussian filter is applied. Then adaptive canny algorithm is applied to detect edges of craters at different illumination. The craters are extracted by the mechanism of paring the selected valid edges followed by pattern fitting. These detected craters are used as navigational landmarks and for velocity estimation of the lander. Experimental results show the adaptive ability of algorithms for crater detection at different illuminations and different terrains. Craters at high illuminations are also efficiently detected. These detected craters are matched with the reference crater database by use of pattern matching algorithm for horizontal velocity calculations.
Grid connected three‐phase multiple‐pole multilevel unity power factor rectifier with reduce components count
Authors: Heo Peng Ooi Gabriel , Maswood Ali I. , Lim Ziyou
Published: March 2016

This study presents a simple design and cost‐effective rectifier topology based on five‐level multiple‐pole structure. Better efficiency and low grid current total harmonic distortion is achieved with the constant low switching frequency operation. The proposed rectifier topology consists two set of VIENNA rectifiers to form a five‐level input characteristic which is known as five‐level/multiple‐pole multilevel unity power rectifier (5L‐M2UPFR). Observer techniques are designed for the proposed in‐phase quantities carrier‐based average current control scheme for the rectifier. Hence, unity power and input current shaping is achieved with the reduced sensor measurements. In addition to that, a proportional+resonance controller is implemented in the grid voltage observer to achieve dynamic response and better tracking under unbalanced grid condition.
Wind speed and solar irradiance forecasting techniques for enhanced renewable energy integration with the grid: a review
Authors: Ssekulima Edward Baleke , Anwar Muhammad Bashar , Al Hinai Amer , El Moursi Mohamed Shawky
Published: March 2016

Power generation from renewable energy resources is on the increase in most countries, and this trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. In an effort to enhance the integration of renewable power generation from solar and wind into the traditional power network, there is need to address the vulnerabilities posed to the grid as a result of the intermittent nature of these resources. Variability and ramp events in power output are the key challenges to the system operators due to their impact on system balancing, reserves management, scheduling and commitment of generating units. This has drawn the interest of utilities and researchers towards developing state of the art forecasting techniques for forecasting wind speeds and solar irradiance over a wide range of temporal and spatial horizons. The main forecasting approaches employ physical, statistical, artificial intelligence and hybrid methodologies. This study provides the rationale for forecasting in power systems, a succinct review of forecasting techniques as well as an assessment of their performance as applied in the literature. Also, techniques for improving the accuracy of forecasts have been presented together with key forecasting issues and developing trends.
Performance of photovoltaic cells in photovoltaic thermal (PVT) modules
Authors: Al Tarabsheh Anas , Etier Issa , Fath Hassan , Ghazal Abduallah , Morci Yousef , Asad Mohamed , El Haj Amgad
Published: March 2016

Integrating cooling systems with photovoltaic (PV) modules represents a very important aspect of keeping modules within acceptable operating temperatures. The objective of this study is to analyse the performance of each series‐connected PV cell in photovoltaic thermal (PVT) modules. The importance of this analysis is due to the consideration of the variable operating temperature values of the PV cells, resulting in a different performance of each PV cell. The PVT modules are cooled with water serving as both a heat sink and a solar heat collector. This enhances the electrical efficiency value of the PVT modules by preventing them from elevated temperature values, while the recovered thermal energy can be utilised to increase the overall PV effectiveness. The new consideration in this study over the existing ones is the temperature distribution of each PV cell is applied for the calculation of the current voltage characteristics of the PV modules, which makes the analysis more accurate. The variance in the temperature values is a result of the temperature gradient of the fluid flowing through the pipes where the heat exchange differs in the flow direction. The potential of this study becomes more important for countries of high ambient temperatures and high solar intensity.
Vibration of piezoelectric nanofilm‐based electromechanical sensors via higher‐order non‐local strain gradient theory
Authors: Farajpour Mohammad Reza , Rastgoo Abbas , Farajpour Ali , Mohammadi Moslem
Published: March 2016

A higher‐order non‐local strain gradient plate model developed for the vibration of piezoelectric nanofilms (PNFs) as nanoelectromechanical mass sensors is presented. The PNF carrying multiple nanoparticles at any locations is subjected to thermo‐electro‐mechanical loads. Size effects are taken into consideration by introducing three different scale parameters. Using higher‐order non‐local elasticity, strain gradient theory and Hamilton's principle, the differential equations of motion are derived. Closed‐form solutions are obtained for the natural frequencies and frequency shifts of the PNF‐based sensor. It is found that the frequency shifts of PNFs can increase or decrease depending on the values of small‐scale parameters. The present results would be helpful for designing micro/nano sensors using PNFs.
Literature review: Present state and future trends of air-powered vehicles
Authors: Shi Yan , Li Fengyun , Cai Maolin , Yu Qihui
Published: March 2016

Due to the climate and energy crisis, many countries and vehicle manufacturers have accelerated research progress on new energy vehicles, which is significant to reduce the use of fossil fuels and decrease the pollution caused by exhaust emissions. Compressed air, as a source of energy and a non-polluting fuel in air-powered devices, is considered to be an opportunity worth trying in the new energy automotive industry. The air powered vehicle is abbreviated as APV, which mainly consists of an air tank, compressed air engine, and control system. In this paper, the current state of new energy vehicles is summarized. The compressed air system and compressed air engine, as the main technologies in air-powered vehicles, are introduced. Based on compressed air energy theory, main evaluation parameters, energy density, and energy conversion efficiency of compressed air are analyzed. The practical methods and the corresponding researches to improve the efficiency of APVs are also presented and discussed, including multistage expansion and energy recovery system. In general, the air-powered vehicle is technologically feasible and practically significant. If the energy loss of the air compression and decompression process is reduced and the utilization rate of compressed air energy is improved, the energy conversion efficiency and driving mileage of APVs will be competitive with traditional vehicles and other new energy vehicles, and its green nature will make it an important place in the future automotive market.
Is Western Australia’s rural surgical workforce going to sustain the future? A quantitative and qualitative analysis
Authors: Shanmugakumar Sharanyaa , Playford Denese , Burkitt Tessa , Tennant Marc , Bowles Tom
Published: March 2016

Objective Despite public interest in the rural workforce, there are few published data on the geographical distribution of Australia’s rural surgeons, their practice skill set, career stage or work-life balance (on-call burden). Similarly, there has not been a peer-reviewed skills audit of rural training opportunities for surgical trainees. The present study undertook this baseline assessment for Western Australia (WA), which has some of the most remote practice areas in Australia. Methods Hospital staff from all WA Country Health Service hospitals with surgical service (20 of 89 rural health services) were contacted by telephone. A total of 18 of 20 provided complete data. The study questionnaire explored hospital and practice locations of practicing rural surgeons, on-call rosters, career stage, practice skill set and the availability of surgical training positions. Data were tabulated in excel and geographic information system geocoded. Descriptive statistics were calculated in Excel. Results Of the seven health regions for rural Western Australia, two (28.6%) were served by resident surgeons at a ratio consistent with Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) guidelines. General surgery was offered in 16 (89%) hospitals. In total, 16 (89%) hospitals were served by fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) surgical services. Two hospitals with resident surgeons did not use FIFO services, but all hospitals without resident surgeons were served by FIFO surgical specialists. The majority of resident surgeons (62.5%) and FIFO surgeons (43.2%) were perceived to be mid-career by hospital staff members. Three hospitals (16.7%) offered all eight of the identified surgical skill sets, but 16 (89%) offered general surgery. Conclusions Relatively few resident rural surgeons are servicing large areas of WA, assisted by the widespread provision of FIFO surgical services. The present audit demonstrates strength in general surgical skills throughout regional WA, and augers well for the training of general surgeons. What is known about the topic? A paper published in 1998 suggested that Australia’s rural surgeons were soon to reach retirement age. However, there have been no published peer-reviewed papers on Australia’s surgical workforce since then. More recent workforce statistics released from the RACS suggest that the rural workforce is in crisis. What does this paper add? This paper provides up-to-date whole-of-state information for WA, showing where surgical services are being provided and by whom, giving a precise geographical spread of the workforce. It shows the skill set and on-call rosters of these practitioners. What are the implications for practitioners? The present study provides geographical workforce data, which is important to health planners, the general public and surgeons considering where to practice. In particular, these data are relevant to trainees considering their rural training options.