bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attosecond streaking measurement of extreme ultraviolet pulses using a long-wavelength electric field
Authors: Saito Nariyuki , Ishii Nobuhisa , Kanai Teruto , Watanabe Shuntaro , Itatani Jiro
Published: October 2016

Long-wavelength lasers have great potential to become a new-generation drive laser for tabletop coherent light sources in the soft X-ray region. Because of the significantly low conversion efficiency from a long-wavelength light field to high-order harmonics, their pulse characterization has been carried out by measuring the carrier-envelope phase and/or spatial dependences of high harmonic spectra. However, these photon detection schemes, in general, have difficulty in obtaining information on the spectral phases, which is crucial to determine the temporal structures of high-order harmonics. Here, we report the first attosecond streaking measurement of high harmonics generated by few-cycle optical pulses at 1.7 μm from a BiB3O6–based optical parametric chirped-pulse amplifier. This is also the first demonstration of time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy using high harmonics from a long-wavelength drive laser other than Ti:sapphire lasers, which paves the way towards ultrafast soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Identification of reliable reference genes for qRT-PCR studies of the developing mouse mammary gland
Authors: van de Moosdijk Anoeska Agatha Alida , van Amerongen Renée
Published: October 2016

Cell growth and differentiation are often driven by subtle changes in gene expression. Many challenges still exist in detecting these changes, particularly in the context of a complex, developing tissue. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) allows relatively high-throughput evaluation of multiple genes and developmental time points. Proper quantification of gene expression levels by qRT-PCR requires normalization to one or more reference genes. Traditionally, these genes have been selected based on their presumed “housekeeping” function, with the implicit assumption that they are stably expressed over the entire experimental set. However, this is rarely tested empirically. Here we describe the identification of novel reference genes for the mouse mammary gland based on their stable expression in published microarray datasets. We compared eight novel candidate reference genes (Arpc3, Clock, Ctbp1, Phf7, Prdx1, Sugp2, Taf11 and Usp7) to eight traditional ones (18S, Actb, Gapdh, Hmbs, Hprt, Rpl13a, Sdha and Tbp) and analysed all genes for stable expression in the mouse mammary gland from pre-puberty to adulthood using four different algorithms (GeNorm, DeltaCt, BestKeeper and NormFinder). Prdx1, Phf7 and Ctbp1 were validated as novel and reliable, tissue-specific reference genes that outperform traditional reference genes in qRT-PCR studies of postnatal mammary gland development.
LPS-TLR4 Pathway Mediates Ductular Cell Expansion in Alcoholic Hepatitis
Authors: Odena Gemma , Chen Jiegen , Lozano Juan Jose , Altamirano Jose , Rodrigo-Torres Daniel , Affo Silvia , Morales-Ibanez Oriol , Matsushita Hiroshi , Zou Jian , Dumitru Raluca , Caballeria Juan , Gines Pere , Arroyo Vicente , You Min , Rautou Pierre-Emmanuel , Valla Dominique , Crews Fulton , Seki Ekihiro , Sancho-Bru Pau , Bataller Ramon
Published: October 2016

Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is the most severe form of alcoholic liver disease for which there are no effective therapies. Patients with AH show impaired hepatocyte proliferation, expansion of inefficient ductular cells and high lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels. It is unknown whether LPS mediates ductular cell expansion. We performed transcriptome studies and identified keratin 23 (KRT23) as a new ductular cell marker. KRT23 expression correlated with mortality and LPS serum levels. LPS-TLR4 pathway role in ductular cell expansion was assessed in human and mouse progenitor cells, liver slices and liver injured TLR4 KO mice. In AH patients, ductular cell expansion correlated with portal hypertension and collagen expression. Functional studies in ductular cells showed that KRT23 regulates collagen expression. These results support a role for LPS-TLR4 pathway in promoting ductular reaction in AH. Maneuvers aimed at decreasing LPS serum levels in AH patients could have beneficial effects by preventing ductular reaction development.
Folylpolyglutamate synthase is a major determinant of intracellular methotrexate polyglutamates in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Yamamoto Tatsuhiro , Shikano Kotaro , Nanki Toshihiro , Kawai Shinichi
Published: October 2016

We investigated major determinants of the intracellular concentrations of methotrexate polyglutamates (MTXPGs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In 271 RA patients on stable oral low dose weekly pulse MTX therapy, the concentrations of MTXPGs in red blood cells (RBCs) were measured by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was performed to determine the genotypes of solute carrier family 19 member 1 (SLC19A1), folylpolyglutamate synthase (FPGS), and gamma-glutamyl hydrolase (GGH). The mean total MTXPG concentration and the concentrations of individual MTXPGs increased dose-dependently, but reached a plateau at MTX doses >10 mg weekly. The MTXPG3-5/1-2 ratio was lower in patients with adverse events related to MTX than in patients without adverse events. Three polymorphisms of FPGS significantly influenced the MTXPG3-5/1-2 ratio in RBCs, while polymorphisms of SLC19A1 and GGH had no impact. The minor allele frequencies of 2 FPGS genotypes were significantly increased in our patients compared with a Caucasian population. FPGS may have a major role in regulating intracellular polyglutamation of MTX in RA patients receiving low-dose weekly MTX therapy.
αTAT1 controls longitudinal spreading of acetylation marks from open microtubules extremities
Authors: Ly Nathalie , Elkhatib Nadia , Bresteau Enzo , Piétrement Olivier , Khaled Mehdi , Magiera Maria M. , Janke Carsten , Le Cam Eric , Rutenberg Andrew D. , Montagnac Guillaume
Published: October 2016

Acetylation of the lysine 40 of α-tubulin (K40) is a post-translational modification occurring in the lumen of microtubules (MTs) and is controlled by the α-tubulin acetyl-transferase αTAT1. How αTAT1 accesses the lumen and acetylates α-tubulin there has been an open question. Here, we report that acetylation starts at open ends of MTs and progressively spreads longitudinally from there. We observed acetylation marks at the open ends of in vivo MTs re-growing after a Nocodazole block, and acetylated segments growing in length with time. Bias for MTs extremities was even more pronounced when using non-dynamic MTs extracted from HeLa cells. In contrast, K40 acetylation was mostly uniform along the length of MTs reconstituted from purified tubulin in vitro. Quantitative modelling of luminal diffusion of αTAT1 suggested that the uniform acetylation pattern observed in vitro is consistent with defects in the MT lattice providing lateral access to the lumen. Indeed, we observed that in vitro MTs are permeable to macromolecules along their shaft while cellular MTs are not. Our results demonstrate αTAT1 enters the lumen from open extremities and spreads K40 acetylation marks longitudinally along cellular MTs. This mode of tip-directed microtubule acetylation may allow for selective acetylation of subsets of microtubules.
Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells with Substantial Reduction of Lead Content
Authors: Liu Chong , Fan Jiandong , Li Hongliang , Zhang Cuiling , Mai Yaohua
Published: October 2016

Despite organometal halide perovskite solar cells have recently exhibited a significant leap in efficiency, the Sn-based perovskite solar cells still suffer from low efficiency. Here, a series homogeneous CH3NH3Pb(1−x)SnxI3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) perovskite thin films with full coverage were obtained via solvent engineering. In particular, the intermediate complexes of PbI2/(SnI2)∙(DMSO)x were proved to retard the crystallization of CH3NH3SnI3, thus allowing the realization of high quality Sn-introduced perovskite thin films. The external quantum efficiency (EQE) of as-prepared solar cells were demonstrated to extend a broad absorption minimum over 50% in the wavelength range from 350 to 950 nm accompanied by a noteworthy absorption onset up to 1050 nm. The CH3NH3Pb0.75Sn0.25I3 perovskite solar cells with inverted structure were consequently realized with maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.12%.
Chelation Therapy For Heavy Metals
Authors: Nielsen Peter
Published: October 2016

Heavy metals comprise a loosely defined group of naturally occurring elements that form positive ions in solution and have a density five times greater than that of water. Some heavy metals have essential functions (e.g., iron, zinc, copper, manganese) and are toxic only in cases of overload, whereas others have no physiological function and may be toxic even at low-level exposure. The term toxic heavy metals describes a subgroup of metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium, all of which appear in the World Health Organisation's list of 10 chemicals of major concern to health. In this chapter, the most relevant heavy metal intoxications will be described in detail. Each metal has its own uptake mechanism, distribution and metabolism and its own toxicology in which it interferes with the biochemical homeostasis of cells. With most acute, and also some chronic, metal poisoning treatment with chelators is recommended and can be life saving. With other metals, especially after chronic accumulation, the removal from the body remains difficult and less well established.
Following the stability of amphiphilic nanoaggregates by using intermolecular energy transfer
Authors: Harris M. , De Keersmaecker H. , Vander Elst L. , Debroye E. , Fujita Y. , Mizuno H. , Parac-Vogt T. N.
Published: October 2016

An intermolecular energy transfer system is developed for studying the stability of nanoaggregate(s) (NAs) in complex solution and cell culture by one- and two-photon fluorescence microscopy and optical imaging.
Designing high performance metal–mMoS2 interfaces by two-dimensional insertions with suitable thickness
Authors: Su Jie , Feng Liping , Zeng Wei , Liu Zhengtang
Published: October 2016

The contact properties of metal–MoS2 interfaces are improved by 2D insertions, but they deteriorate with the increasing thickness of insertions.
Investigation of helium at a Y2Ti2O7 nanocluster embedded in a BCC Fe matrix
Authors: Danielson Thomas , Tea Eric , Hin Celine
Published: October 2016

Spatially expansive potential energy wells at oxide nanoclusters promote helium trapping in nanostructured ferritic alloys.
The singular behavior of a β-type semi-synthetic two branched polypeptide: three-dimensional structure and mode of action
Authors: Manzo Giorgia , Serra Ilaria , Pira Alessandro , Pintus Manuela , Ceccarelli Matteo , Casu Mariano , Rinaldi Andrea C. , Scorciapino Mariano Andrea
Published: October 2016

The 3D structure and the structure–function relationship of the smallest prototypical membrane active dendrimeric peptide are shown.
First-principle study of CO adsorption influence on the properties of ferroelectric tunnel junctions
Authors: Li H. F. , Chen W. J. , Zheng Yue
Published: October 2016

For nanoscale Pt–BTO–Pt ferroelectric tunnel junction with CO molecules adsorbed on the top electrode surface, we found that the electrode does not completely shield the adsorption effects, and a series of interesting changes in the properties of the tunnel junction have arisen.
Giant spin–orbit effects on 1H and 13C NMR shifts for uranium(vi) complexes revisited: role of the exchange–correlation response kernel, bonding analyses, and new predictions
Authors: Greif Anja H. , Hrobárik Peter , Autschbach Jochen , Kaupp Martin
Published: October 2016

Visiting the previously predicted giant spin–orbit-induced 1H and 13C shifts in U(vi) complexes with improved methodology retains the reported unusual shift ranges, provides better understanding of the observations and gives improved confidence in the predictions.
A computational study of radical initiated protein backbone homolytic dissociation on all natural amino acids
Authors: Uranga Jon , Lakuntza Oier , Ramos-Cordoba Eloy , Matxain Jon M. , Mujika Jon I.
Published: October 2016

Hydroxyl radical (˙OH) is known to be one of the most reactive species. The attack of this radical onto the backbone of all natural amino acids is investigated.
Accurate and fast numerical algorithms for tracking particle size distributions during nanoparticle aggregation and dissolution
Authors: Dale Amy L. , Lowry Gregory V. , Casman Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2016

We compare four numerical modeling frameworks that track particle size distributions during simultaneous size-dependent nanoparticle aggregation and dissolution in water.
A mechanistic understanding of the degradation of trace organic contaminants by UV/hydrogen peroxide, UV/persulfate and UV/free chlorine for water reuse
Authors: Li Wei , Jain Tushar , Ishida Kenneth , Liu Haizhou
Published: October 2016

Climate change and population growth pose increasing challenges to the availability of freshwater resources.
Size dependent stability of cobalt nanoparticles on silica under high conversion Fischer–Tropsch environment
Authors: Wolf Moritz , Kotzé Hendrik , Fischer Nico , Claeys Michael
Published: October 2016

Highly monodisperse cobalt crystallites, supported on Stöber silica spheres, as model catalysts for the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis were exposed to simulated high conversion environments in the presence and absence of CO utilising an in house developedin situmagnetometer. The catalyst comprising the smallest crystallites in the metallic state (average diameter of 3.2 nm) experienced pronounced oxidation whilst the ratio of H2O to H2was increased stepwise to simulate CO conversions from 26% up to complete conversion. Direct exposure of this freshly reduced catalyst to a high conversion Fischer–Tropsch environment resulted in almost spontaneous oxidation of 40% of the metallic cobalt. In contrast, a model catalyst with cobalt crystallites of 5.3 nm only oxidised to a small extent even when exposed to a simulated conversion of over 99%. The largest cobalt crystallites were rather stable and only experienced measurable oxidation when subjected to H2O in the absence of H2. This size dependency of the stability is in qualitative accordance with reported thermodynamic calculations. However, the cobalt crystallites showed an unexpected low susceptibility to oxidation,i.e.only relatively high ratios of H2O to H2partial pressure caused oxidation. Similar experiments in the presence of CO revealed the significance of the actual Fischer–Tropsch synthesis on the metallic surface as the dissociation of CO, an elementary step in the Fischer–Tropsch mechanism, was shown to be a prerequisite for oxidation. Direct oxidation of cobalt to CoO by H2O seems to be kinetically hindered. Thus, H2O may only be capable of indirect oxidation,i.e.high concentrations prevent the removal of adsorbed oxygen species on the cobalt surface leading to oxidation. However, a spontaneous direct oxidation of cobalt at the interface between the support and the crystallites by H2O forming presumably cobalt silicate type species was observed in the presence and absence of CO. The formation of these metal–support compounds is in accordance with conducted thermodynamic predictions. None of the extreme Fischer–Tropsch conditions initiated hydrothermal sintering. Seemingly, the formation of metal–support compounds stabilised the metallic crystallites and/or higher partial pressures of CO are required to increase the concentration of mobile, cobalt oxide-type species on the metallic surface.
Precise measurement of Cr isotope ratios using a highly sensitive Nb2O5emitter by thermal ionization mass spectrometry and an improved procedure for separating Cr from geological materials
Authors: Li Chao-Feng , Feng Lian-Jun , Wang Xuan-Ce , Chu Zhu-Yin , Guo Jing-Hui , Wilde Simon A.
Published: October 2016

Chromium isotopes have important applications in cosmochemistry, environmental science, geochemistry, and paleoceanography studies.
Acoustofluidic coating of particles and cells
Authors: Ayan Bugra , Ozcelik Adem , Bachman Hunter , Tang Shi-Yang , Xie Yuliang , Wu Mengxi , Li Peng , Huang Tony Jun
Published: October 2016

Herein, we have demonstrated coating of particles and cells utilizing the taSSAW approach.
DROPLAY: laser writing of functional patterns within biological microdroplet displays
Authors: Chan Chi Long , Bolognesi Guido , Bhandarkar Archis , Friddin Mark S. , Brooks Nicholas J. , Seddon John M. , Law Robert V. , Barter Laura M. C. , Ces Oscar
Published: October 2016

In this study, we introduce an optofluidic method for the rapid construction of large-area cell-sized droplet assemblies with user-defined re-writable two-dimensional patterns of functional droplets.
Dual-responsive self-assembly of a bola-type supra-amphiphile constructed from a new pillar[6]arene-based recognition motif in water and its application in controlled release
Authors: Xia Danyu , Shangguan Liqing , Xue Min , Shi Bingbing
Published: October 2016

A new host–guest system based on a water-soluble pillar[6]arene (WP6) was designed and its application in the construction of dual-responsive self-assembly of a bola-type supra-amphiphile and application in controlled release was achieved.
Synthesis of quinazolines from 2-aminobenzylamines with benzylamines and N-substituted benzylamines under transition metal-free conditions
Authors: Tiwari Abhishek R. , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: October 2016

This work reports the synthesis of quinazolines from 2-aminobenzylamines with N-substituted benzylamines in the presence of molecular iodine. The developed methodology works smoothly under transition-metal free, additive free and solvent free conditions and the use of O2 as a green oxidant makes it a greatly economical.
TiO2–WO3 nanostructured systems for photoelectrochemical applications
Authors: Palmas Simonetta , Castresana Pablo Ampudia , Mais Laura , Vacca Annalisa , Mascia Michele , Ricci Pier Carlo
Published: October 2016

The success of TiO2/WO3 as photoanode is assessed; the charge transfer mechanism is explained.
HCl removal performance of Mg-stabilized carbide slag from carbonation/calcination cycles for CO2 capture
Authors: Chi Changyun , Li Yingjie , Sun Rongyue , Ma Xiaotong , Duan Lunbo , Wang Zeyan
Published: October 2016

Synthetic MgO/CaO sorbent prepared by industrial waste (carbide slag) experiencing various CO2 capture cycles can effectively capture HCl.
A novel MOF/BiFeO3 composite as a catalyst for efficient and selective oxidation of alcohols
Authors: Ramezanalizadeh H. , Manteghi F.
Published: October 2016

In this work, a novel metal–organic framework based composite with BiFeO3 noted as MOF/BiFeO3 has been synthesized and successfully employed as a highly efficient heterogeneous and recoverable catalyst for oxidation of alcohols under mild conditions.
Improved understanding on the reinforcement of low-temperature hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber composites by in situ polymerization of unsaturated metal methacrylate: influences of salt cation
Authors: Zhang Jihua , Zhang Hui , Pang Jincheng , Li Li , Wang Shutao , Liu Mingjie
Published: October 2016

The morphology and chemical structure of poly(UMM) and the solubility of UMM induced by its cations have a remarkable impact on reinforcement of rubber matrices.
The remarkable adsorption capacity of zinc/nickel/copper-based metal–organic frameworks for thiophenic sulfurs
Authors: Wang Tingting , Fang Yaoyao , Dai Wei , Hu Lifeng , Ma Na , Yu Le
Published: October 2016

A Zn/Ni/Cu-BTC MOF containing three central metals and 1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylic acid was synthesized and its adsorption performance for thiophene, benzothiophene and dibenzothiophene (DBT) from three model oils was systematically studied.
Phase transformation, morphology control, and luminescence evolution of cesium lead halide nanocrystals in the anion exchange process
Authors: Li Meng , Zhang Xiao , Lu Simin , Yang Ping
Published: October 2016

CsPbX3 NCs with different photoluminescence properties were synthesized by anion exchange. A mechanism was supposed by exploring luminescence evolution.
Sodium-deficient O3–Na0.9Mn0.4Fe0.5Ti0.1O2 as a cathode material for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Jiang Xiaolei , Hu Fangdong , Zhang Junshu
Published: October 2016

A novel sodium-deficient material O3-type Na0.9Mn0.4Fe0.5Ti0.1O2 has been successfully synthesized for the first time by molten salt method.
Cyclic β-(1→3) (1→6) glucan/carrageenan hydrogels for wound healing applications
Authors: Nair Anju V. , Raman Maya , Doble Mukesh
Published: October 2016

In the present study, cyclic β-(1→3) (1→6)glucan/carrageenan hydrogels (CBG/Car) were prepared and theirin vivowound healing potential in rats and their ability to encapsulate a hydrophobic drug, ciprofloxacin, were studied.
Mechanistic insight into the displacement of CH4 by CO2 in calcite slit nanopores: the effect of competitive adsorption
Authors: Sun Haoyang , Zhao Hui , Qi Na , Qi Xiaoqing , Zhang Kai , Sun Wenchao , Li Ying
Published: October 2016

Displacement of residual CH4 by CO2 in calcite slit nanopores owing to the competitive adsorption of CO2 over CH4.
Correction: Simple biphenyl or carbazole derivatives with four di(anisyl)amino substituents as efficient hole-transporting materials for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Shao Jiang-Yang , Li Dongmei , Tang Kun , Zhong Yu-Wu , Meng Qingbo
Published: October 2016

Correction for ‘Simple biphenyl or carbazole derivatives with four di(anisyl)amino substituents as efficient hole-transporting materials for perovskite solar cells’ by Jiang-Yang Shao et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 92213–92217.
Correction: Tin-based nanomaterials for electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Zhao Mingming , Zhao Qunxing , Qiu Jiaqing , Xue Huaiguo , Pang Huan
Published: October 2016

Correction for ‘Tin-based nanomaterials for electrochemical energy storage’ by Mingming Zhao et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 95449–95468.
Structural origin of the superionic Na conduction in Na2B10H10closo-borates and enhanced conductivity by Na deficiency for high performance solid electrolytes
Authors: Lu Ziheng , Ciucci Francesco
Published: October 2016

Na superionic conduction in Na2B10H10closo-borate originates from the Oh-connected diffusion network, which is highly correlated with the anion disorder.
Diaminomaleonitrile-based Schiff bases: aggregation-enhanced emission, red fluorescence, mechanochromism and bioimaging applications
Authors: Han Ting , Gu Xinggui , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Leung Anakin C. S. , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Han Tianyu , Tong Bin , Shi Jianbing , Dong Yuping , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: October 2016

Red-emissive diaminomaleonitrile-based Schiff bases with aggregation-enhanced emission, mechanochromism, and application in bioimaging were designed and readily synthesized.
Automatic restoration system for power distribution networks based on multi‐agent systems
Authors: Sampaio Raimundo F. , Melo Lucas Silveira , Leão Ruth P.S. , Barroso Giovanni Cordeiro , Bezerra José Roberto
Published: October 2016

The advance on smart grid calls for the development and application of distributed intelligent control strategies based on open platforms that provides interoperability. The distributed control must be able to ensure reliable and secure operation of the power systems and enhance supply quality to consumers. The development of a multi‐agent system for automatic restoration system (MARS) applied to a real power distribution network is presented. The agents of the MARS are embedded in external hardware to the intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) and communicate with each other via standard Foundation for Intelligent Physical Agents open protocols. To evaluate the MARS performance, a computer simulator was developed in Java to represent the distribution system. Experimental tests were performed in laboratory with the simulator integrated to the MARS via TCP/IP. The tests results have shown that the MARS was able to locate and isolate branches under permanent fault condition and restore healthy branches efficiently through a given switching sequence taking into account the system operational constraints. The proposed MARS has proved the effectiveness of distributed control scheme based on multi‐agent system that runs independently of the current technologies of the IEDs of control and protection.
Research and application of computer control system for aluminium single‐stand 4‐high cold rolling mill
Authors: Zhang Fei , Wang Xiang , Zong Shengyue , Xiang Xiaofei
Published: October 2016

This study introduces the technical specifications and the technological process of the aluminium single‐stand 4‐high cold rolling mill, and analyses the mathematical model of the rolling process. The automation system adopts 3‐level computer control, which actuators and sensors (Level 0), basic automation level (Level 1) and process automation level (Level 2), to realise the network data tracking, dynamic adaptive rolling procedure setting, self‐learning model and automatic control of the whole rolling process. The computer control system described has been in full commercial operation after a large number of functional and performance tests. The effectiveness of 3‐level control concept was verified to ensure the quality of the product, and to meet the expected goal of designing.
The Complex GNAS Imprinted Locus and Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Differentiation
Authors: Elli F. M. , Boldrin V. , Pirelli A. , Spada A. , Mantovani G.
Published: October 2016

All tissues and organs derive from stem cells, which are undifferentiated cells
able to differentiate into specialized cells and self-renewal. In mammals, there
are embryonic stem cells that generate germ layers, and adult stem cells, which
act as a repair system for the body and maintain the normal turnover of
regenerative organs. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are nonhematopoietic adult
multipotent cells, which reside in virtually all postnatal organs and tissues,
and, under appropriate in vitro conditions, are capable to differentiate into
osteogenic, adipogenic, chondrogenic, myogenic, and neurogenic lineages. Their
commitment and differentiation depend on several interacting signaling pathways
and transcription factors. Most GNAS-based disorders have the common feature of
episodic de novo formation of islands of extraskeletal, qualitatively normal,
bone in skin and subcutaneous fat. The tissue distribution of these lesions
suggests that pathogenesis involves abnormal differentiation of MSCs and/or more
committed precursor cells that are present in subcutaneous tissues. Data coming
from transgenic mice support the concept that GNAS is a key factor in the
regulation of lineage switching between osteoblast and adipocyte fates, and that
its role may be to prevent bone formation in tissues where bone should not form.
Despite the growing knowledge about the process of heterotopic ossification in
rare genetic disorders, the pathophysiological mechanisms by which alterations
of cAMP signaling lead to ectopic bone formation in the context of mesenchymal
tissues is not fully understood.
Puddle jumping: Spontaneous ejection of large liquid droplets from hydrophobic surfaces during drop tower tests
Authors: Attari B. , Weislogel M. , Wollman A. , Chen Y. , Snyder T.
Published: October 2016

Large droplets and puddles jump spontaneously from sufficiently hydrophobic surfaces during routine drop tower tests. The simple low-cost passive mechanism can in turn be used as an experimental device to investigate dynamic droplet phenomena for drops up to 104 times larger than their normal terrestrial counterparts. We provide and/or confirm quick and qualitative design guides for such “drop shooters” as employed in drop tower tests including relationships to predict droplet ejection durations and velocities as functions of drop volume, surface texture, surface contour, wettability pattern, and fluid properties including contact angle. The latter is determined via profile image comparisons with numerical equilibrium interface computations. Water drop volumes of 0.04–400 ml at ejection speeds of −0.007–0.12 m/s are demonstrated herein. A sample application of the drop jump method is made to the classic problem of low-gravity phase change heat transfer for large impinging drops. Many other candidate problems might be identified by the reader.
Stable state of Mode A for flow past a circular cylinder
Authors: Jiang Hongyi , Cheng Liang , Tong Feifei , Draper Scott , An Hongwei
Published: October 2016

A stable three-dimensional (3D) wake structure for flow past a circular cylinder has been discovered through 3D direct numerical simulations (DNS). The stable 3D wake structure occurs over a small range of Reynolds number (Re) below the critical Re for Mode A∗ (i.e., Mode A with large-scale vortex dislocations, where Mode A is the first 3D instability mode which will evolve into Mode A∗) instability. It is believed that the stable 3D wake structure discovered in this study is the stable state of Mode A wake structure inferred by Williamson [“Three-dimensional wake transition,” J. Fluid Mech. 328, 345–407 (1996)]. This confirms the wake transition sequence of 2D → A → A∗ → B suggested by Williamson. Compared with conventional Mode A structure, the stable state of Mode A structure has much weaker amplitude and does not evolve into large-scale vortex dislocations. The stable state of Mode A structure is triggered by small-scale spanwise disturbance introduced upstream of the cylinder, due to energy amplification through convective instability of the flow. The stable state of Mode A is transient and is damped out eventually under a transient initial disturbance condition, but is sustained throughout under a persistent disturbance condition. The emergence of the stable state of Mode A structure is correlated with both Re and the disturbance level. With the decrease of Re, the stable state of Mode A structure gradually becomes less well-defined and eventually disappears. With the decrease of the disturbance level, the stable state of Mode A structure emerges at a higher Re.
High performance charge-state resolving ion energy analyzer optimized for intense laser studies on low-density cluster targets
Authors: Komar D. , Meiwes-Broer K.-H. , Tiggesbäumker J.
Published: October 2016

We report on a versatile ion analyzer which is capable to resolve ion charge states and energies with a resolution of E/ΔE = 100 at 75 keV/nucleon. Charge states are identified by their characteristic deflection in a magnetic field, whereas the ion energies are independently determined by a time-of-flight measurement. To monitor the signals a delay-line detector is used which records ion impact positions and times in each laser shot. Compared to conventional Thomson parabola spectrometers our instrument provides a low background measurement, hence a superior dynamic range. Further features are an improved energy resolution and a significantly increased transmission. We demonstrate the performance by showing charge-state resolved ion energy spectra from the Coulomb explosion of a low-density target, i.e., silver clusters exposed to intense femtosecond laser pulses.
Infrared spectral identification of the Criegee intermediate (CH3)2COO
Authors: Wang Yi-Ying , Chung Chao-Yu , Lee Yuan-Pern
Published: October 2016

Criegee intermediates are carbonyl oxides that play critical roles in the ozonolysis of alkenes in the atmosphere. So far, the infrared spectra of only the simplest Criegee intermediates CH2OO and CH3CHOO are reported. We report the transient infrared spectrum of the next member (CH3)2COO, produced from ultraviolet irradiation of a mixture of (CH3)2CI2 + O2 in a flow reactor and detected with a step-scan Fourier-transform spectrometer. The four observed bands near 1424, 1368, 1040, and 887.4 cm−1 provide definitive identification of (CH3)2COO. The observed vibrational wavenumbers and rotational contours agree with those predicted with quantum-chemical calculations; contributions of the hot bands from excited states of the low-lying torsional modes are significant. The rapid decay yields an estimate of the rate coefficient ∼1.6 × 10−10 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 for the self-reaction of (CH3)2COO. The direct IR detection of (CH3)2COO should prove useful for field measurements and laboratory investigations of related Criegee mechanism.
Review of literature on local scour under plane turbulent wall jets
Authors: Aamir Mohammad , Ahmad Zulfequar
Published: October 2016

Stability of hydraulic structures is threatened by persistent scour downstream of the apron, which renders their foundations exposed. Jets issuing under the sluice gate are turbulent enough to cause significant scour. Extensive study of the jets is, therefore, necessary in order to understand the underlying hydraulics and provide remedial measures. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the investigations on local scour caused by wall jets is presented, including both the classical as well as the prevalent approach. Various aspects of the scour under wall jets have been explained, including the process of scouring, different parameters affecting the maximum scour depth, analysis of flow characteristics within the scour hole and on the apron, time variation of scour depth, rate of sediment removal, and scour depth estimation formulae.
Comparison of dust transport modelling codes in a tokamak plasma
Authors: Uccello Andrea , Gervasini Gabriele , Ghezzi Francesco , Lazzaro Enzo , Bacharis Minas , Flanagan Joanne , Matthews Guy , Järvinen Aaro , Sertoli Marco ,   JET Contributors
Published: October 2016

Since the installation on the Joint European Torus of the ITER-like Wall (ILW), intense radiation spikes have been observed, especially in the discharges following a disruption, and have been associated with possible sudden injection of tungsten (W) impurities consequent to full ablation of W dust particles. The problem of dust production, mobilization, and interaction both with the plasma and the vessel tiles is therefore of great concern and requires the setting up of dedicated and validated numerical modeling tools. Among these, a useful role is played by the dust trajectory calculators, which can present in a relatively clear way the qualitative and quantitative description of the mobilization and fate of selected bunches of dust grains.
Spatial-temporal and modal analysis of propeller induced ground vortices by particle image velocimetry
Authors: Yang Y. , Sciacchitano A. , Veldhuis L. L. M. , Eitelberg G.
Published: October 2016

During the ground operation of aircraft, there is potentially a system of vortices generated from the ground toward the propulsor, commonly denoted as ground vortices. Although extensive research has been conducted on ground vortices induced by turbofans which were simplified by suction tubes, these studies cannot well capture the properties of ground vortices induced by propellers, e.g., the flow phenomena due to intermittent characteristics of blade passing and the presence of slipstream of the propeller. Therefore, the investigation of ground vortices induced by a propeller is performed to improve understanding of these phenomena. The distributions of velocities in two different planes containing the vortices were measured by high frequency Particle Image Velocimetry. These planes are a wall-parallel plane in close proximity to the ground and a wall-normal plane upstream of the propeller. The instantaneous flow fields feature highly unsteady flow in both of these two planes. The spectral analysis is conducted in these two flow fields and the energetic frequencies are quantified. The flow fields are further evaluated by applying the Proper Orthogonal Decomposition analysis to capture the coherent flow structures. Consistent flow structures with strong contributions to the turbulent kinetic energy are noticed in the two planes.
Quasiparticle band structure and optical properties of hexagonal-YMnO3
Authors: Biswas Tathagata , Jain Manish
Published: October 2016

We use the first principles methods to study the electronic structure and optical properties of G-type anti-ferromagnetic hexagonal-YMnO3. Ground state properties of this material were calculated within density functional theory (DFT) using the DFT + U formalism. We calculated the quasiparticle band structure of this material using many body perturbation theory within the GW approximation. In order to understand the optical response of this material, we solved the Bethe–Salpeter equation and calculated the absorption spectrum. Our calculated optical band gap of 1.45 eV agrees well with the experimental value of 1.55 eV. We find an exciton binding energy of 0.21 eV for this material.
Comment on “A doubly curved elliptical crystal spectrometer for the study of localized x-ray absorption in hot plasmas” [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 85, 103114 (2014)]
Authors: Cahill A. D. , Hammer D. A. , Pikuz S. A. , Shelkovenko T. A.
Published: October 2016

The elliptical spectrometer described by Cahill et al. [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 85, 103114 (2014)] is designed to enable absorption X-ray spectroscopy under circumstances in which the object plasma is, itself, a relatively bright X-ray emitter. An implementation of this design was developed using a doubly curved mica crystal for X-ray dispersion. The geometry of the spectrometer was verified by ray tracing calculations assuming Bragg reflection from mica in the second order. Control of X-ray reflections from other orders was an anticipated challenge and has been attempted by means of filtering and control of the source spectrum. These efforts have been found to be insufficient to allow the spectrometer to operate as designed because of the strong fifth order reflection of source radiation by the mica crystal. Potential solutions are presented that may enable a successful implementation of this novel crystal spectrometer design.
Miming the cancer-immune system competition by kinetic Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Bianca Carlo , Lemarchand Annie
Published: October 2016

In order to mimic the interactions between cancer and the immune system at cell scale, we propose a minimal model of cell interactions that is similar to a chemical mechanism including autocatalytic steps. The cells are supposed to bear a quantity called activity that may increase during the interactions. The fluctuations of cell activity are controlled by a so-called thermostat. We develop a kinetic Monte Carlo algorithm to simulate the cell interactions and thermalization of cell activity. The model is able to reproduce the well-known behavior of tumors treated by immunotherapy: the first apparent elimination of the tumor by the immune system is followed by a long equilibrium period and the final escape of cancer from immunosurveillance.
Improved evolutionary algorithm for the global optimization of clusters with competing attractive and repulsive interactions
Authors: Cruz S. M. A. , Marques J. M. C. , Pereira F. B.
Published: October 2016

We propose improvements to our evolutionary algorithm (EA) [J. M. C. Marques and F. B. Pereira, J. Mol. Liq. 210, 51 (2015)] in order to avoid dissociative solutions in the global optimization of clusters with competing attractive and repulsive interactions. The improved EA outperforms the original version of the method for charged colloidal clusters in the size range 3 ≤ N ≤ 25, which is a very stringent test for global optimization algorithms. While the Bernal spiral is the global minimum for clusters in the interval 13 ≤ N ≤ 18, the lowest-energy structure is a peculiar, so-called beaded-necklace, motif for 19 ≤ N ≤ 25. We have also applied the method for larger sizes and unusual quasi-linear and branched clusters arise as low-energy structures.
Vibrational and elastic properties of As4O6 and As4O6·2He at high pressures: Study of dynamical and mechanical stability
Authors: Cuenca-Gotor V. P. , Gomis O. , Sans J. A. , Manjón F. J. , Rodríguez-Hernández P. , Muñoz A.
Published: October 2016

The formation of a new compound with stoichiometry As4O6·2He at relatively low pressure (3 GPa) has been recently reported when arsenolite (As4O6) powder is compressed with helium as a pressure-transmitting medium. In this work, we study the lattice dynamics of As4O6 and As4O6·2He at high pressures from an experimental and theoretical perspective by means of Raman scattering measurements and ab initio calculations and report the theoretical elastic properties of both compounds at high pressure. Raman scattering measurements show a completely different behaviour of As4O6 and As4O6·2He at high pressures. Furthermore, the theoretical calculation of phonon dispersion curves and elastic stiffness coefficients at high pressure in both compounds allow us to discuss their dynamical and mechanical stability under hydrostatic compression. Both compounds are dynamically stable even above 35 GPa, but As4O6 becomes mechanically unstable at pressures beyond 19.7 GPa. These results allow explaining the pressure-induced amorphization of As4O6 found experimentally above 15–20 GPa and the lack of observation of any instability in As4O6·2He up to the highest studied pressure (30 GPa).
Study of trapping effect on ion-acoustic solitary waves based on a fully kinetic simulation approach
Authors: Hosseini Jenab S. M. , Spanier F.
Published: October 2016

A fully kinetic simulation approach, treating each plasma component based on the Vlasov equation, is adopted to study the disintegration of an initial density perturbation into a number of ion-acoustic solitary waves (IASWs) in the presence of the trapping effect of electrons. The nonlinear fluid theory developed by Schamel [Plasma Phys. 13, 491 (1971); J. Plasma Phys. 7, 1 (1972); Plasma Phys. 14, 905 (1972); J. Plasma Phys. 9, 377 (1973); Phys. Scr. 20, 306 (1979)] has identified three separate regimes of ion-acoustic solitary waves based on the trapping parameter. Here, the disintegration process and the resulting self-consistent IASWs are studied in a wide range of trapping parameters covering all the three regimes continuously. The dependency of features such as the time of disintegration, the number, speed, and size of IASWs on the trapping parameter are focused upon. It is shown that an increase in this parameter slows down the propagation of IASWs while decreases their sizes in the phase space. These features of IASWs tend to saturate for large values of trapping parameters. The disintegration time shows a more complicated behavior than what was predicted by the theoretical approach. Also for the case of trapping parameters bigger than one, propagation of IASWs is observed in contrast with the theoretical predictions. The kinetic simulation results unveil a smooth and well-defined dependency of solitary waves' features on the trapping parameter, showing the possibility of bridging all the three regimes. Finally, it is shown that for β around zero, the electron phase space structure of the accompanying vortex stays symmetric. The effect of the electron-to-ion temperature ratio on the disintegration and the propagation of IASWs are considered as a benchmarking test of the simulation code (in the nonlinear regime).
Broadband microwave measurement of electron temperature of a large coaxial gridded hollow cathode helium plasma
Authors: Gao Ruilin , Yuan Chengxun , Jia Jieshu , Zhou Zhong-Xiang , Wang Ying , Wang Xiaoou , Li Hui , Wu Jian
Published: October 2016

This paper reports a new kind of large coaxial gridded hollow cathode discharge at low pressure in a helium atmosphere. A method is presented to determine the electron temperature by measuring the broadband microwave properties; typically, the frequency band extends from 2 to 12 GHz. The method involves positioning the discharge device between the two antenna ports to measure the scattering parameter using a network analyzer. For a weak ionized plasma, this method is stable over the entire frequency range. A microwave signal loss of 0.27–37.83 dB was measured within the frequency range. Based on the measured attenuation of the microwaves, the electron temperature was estimated to range from 1.6–4.6 eV under different conditions, which showed good agreements with the results of Langmuir Probe measurements.
Spin-phonon coupling in R2CoMnO6 (R = Pr, Nd, Sm) thin films under biaxial compressive strain
Authors: Xie Changzheng , Shi Lei , Zhao Jiyin , Zhou Shiming , Li Yang , Yuan Xueyou
Published: October 2016

The R2CoMnO6 (R = Pr, Nd, Sm) thin films on (001) LaAlO3 substrates were fabricated successfully by a simple polymer assisted deposition method, confirming by atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. The study on the magnetic properties indicates that all the films are B-site ordering and show a single ferromagnetic transition at Curie temperature (Tc) with decreasing temperature. Meanwhile, an anomalous phonon softening related to the spin-phonon coupling is observed at around Tc in all the temperature-dependent Raman spectra. With the decreases of R-site ionic radius (rR) and/or the in-plane biaxial compressive strain, both the turning point TR of the temperature-dependent Δω(T) and Curie temperature Tc decrease, revealing the existence of spin-phonon coupling and its intensity in the decreasing order of Pr2CoMnO6 > Nd2CoMnO6 > Sm2CoMnO6 accompanied with the Co-O-Mn bond angle decreasing and the Co(Mn)-O bond length elongating. It is suggested that the existence of the biaxial compressive strain may be helpful to form the B-site ordered phase and suppress the formation of the disordered phase by decreasing the oxygen vacancies. Both the chemical strain and the biaxial compressive strain are cooperating on the magnetic interaction and spin-phonon coupling in the system, which are of special interest for application.
Coupled domain wall motion, lattice strain and phase transformation in morphotropic phase boundary composition of PbTiO3-BiScO3 piezoelectric ceramic
Authors: Khatua Dipak Kumar , K. V. Lalitha , Fancher Chris M. , Jones Jacob L. , Ranjan Rajeev
Published: October 2016

High energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction, in situ with electric field, was carried out on the morphotropic phase boundary composition of the piezoelectric alloy PbTiO3-BiScO3. We demonstrate a strong correlation between ferroelectric-ferroelastic domain reorientation, lattice strain and phase transformation. We also show the occurrence of the three phenomena and persistence of their correlation in the weak field regime.
MPACVD growth of single crystalline diamond substrates with PCD rimless and expanding surfaces
Authors: Nad Shreya , Charris Amanda , Asmussen Jes
Published: October 2016

Single crystal diamond (SCD) growth was performed in optimized pocket substrate holders at a high pressure (240 Torr) and a high power density (∼1000 W/cm3). In an effort to overcome the challenges of growing large area SCD substrates without a corresponding polycrystalline diamond (PCD) rim, a growth recipe using these pocket holders was developed. This growth recipe controls the substrate temperature (Ts) and the incident microwave power (Pinc) in a prescribed function of growth time. Through this process, the feasibility to enlarge the SCD substrate in situ, i.e., during the growth itself is shown. By allowing the temperature to increase from ∼980 °C to 1040 °C, then reducing the temperature, and then allowing it to drift up again, the deposition process alternates between the fast growth of the different crystal directions (i.e., 〈110〉, 〈111〉, and 〈100〉) and a slow growth to smoothen the top surface. This leads to an increased lateral SCD growth. The slow growth of the crystal faces in turn leads to a smooth and enlarged top surface. Certain strategies such as the termination of the growth process at the appropriate time are critical in obtaining flat and smooth SCD surfaces without the formation of any PCD rim. The SCD substrates grown via this method have been analyzed by optical and scanning electron microscopies. The lateral SCD surface area increased between 1.7 and 2 times greater than the initial seed surface area during one continuous run. The deposited SCDs have high growth rates of ∼30 μm/h resulting in smooth, flat and rimless substrates, hence indicating the improvement in the quality and morphology of the deposited substrates.