bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of periodical articles
Authors: HAEMERS JELLE , VERHOEVEN GERRIT , PUTTEVILS JEROEN , JONES PETER
Published: April 2016

One of the key concepts of Max Weber's writings on cities was that in north-western Europe, the landed nobility and urban elites were clearly distinguished. For Weber, this was indeed a main reason to locate the occidental city in the north rather than in the Mediterranean. Christof Rolker tackles this question in his ‘Heraldische Orgien und Sozialer Aufstieg. Oder: Wo ist eigentlich “oben” in der spätmittelalterlichen Stadt?’, Zeitschrift für Historische Forschung, 52 (2015), 191–224. The in-depth analysis of one of the largest and at the same time most widespread armorials in the late medieval Holy Empire, namely that of Konrad Grünenberg (d. 1494), demonstrates that in Konstanz (where Grünenberg lived) guilds (and not the nobility) first insisted on patrilineal descent as a proof of status. Traditionally, Grünenberg is seen as a paradigmatic social climber, as he left his guild to join the society of the local nobility (called ‘Zur Katz’). Yet his sumptuous armorial, containing over 2,000 coat of arms mainly from the south-west of the Empire, does not mention any single member of this noble society. Instead, it praises the tournament societies of which Grünenberg was not a member, and highlights chivalric events in which he never participated. This, Rolker argues, indicates that armorials were not only about status already gained or to be gained, but also a manual for contemporaries to discuss the social order in a more abstract way. In his ‘Wappenbuch’, Grünenberg constantly explains why he could not join the noble societies he praised, while at the same time he ignored the ‘Zur Katz’ association of which he was a member. Therefore, Rolker concludes that it was not only members (or would-be members) of the respective social groups who knew and reproduced social codes. So the boundary between noble and urban elites was more blurred than Weber claimed – though Rolker is of course not the first to criticize Weber on this. Clearly, Grünenberg's armorial was part and parcel of a wider discussion of origins and kinship, namely patrilineal kinship that took place in several social milieux, rather than simply a book which displayed inherited status.
An Unfinished ‘Diplomacy of Encounter’ – Asia and the West 1500–2015
Authors: CHONG ALAN
Published: April 2016

Asian diplomatic practices consistently frustrate western policymakers. This, I argue, is due in large part to cultural factors and the differences in interpreting political modernization. I will identify the features that contribute to a ‘diplomacy of encounter’ by, firstly, performing a historical reading of early indigenous annals that treat diplomacy in Asia, as well as of Jesuit and Portuguese encounters with Asia in the 1500s and 1600s; secondly, by reading a sample of nationalist tracts from Asia between the late 1800s and 1960s; and, thirdly, by reading the practices of ASEAN and wider Asia-Pacific regionalism between the 1990s and 2000s. It is only through discourse analysis of the Foucaultian variety that one can tease out the cultural and modernization-related road bumps in so-called ‘modern Asian diplomacy’. This study hopes to contribute to enhancing appreciation of the ongoing procedural and substantive tensions between Asian states and their western, and mostly developed, dialogue partners.
Noise performance comparison between two different types of time-domain systems for microwave detection
Authors: Zeng Xuezhi , Monteith Albert , Fhager Andreas , Persson Mikael , Zirath Herbert
Published: April 2016

This paper compares the noise performance of two different types of time-domain microwave detection systems: a pulsed system and a pseudo-random noise sequence system. System-level simulations and laboratory-based measurements are carried out in the study. Results show that the effect of timing jitter is more significant on the measurement accuracy of the pseudo-random noise sequence system than that of the pulsed system. Although the signal power density of the pseudo-random sequence system is tens of dBs higher than that of the pulsed system over the frequency band of interest, the signal-to-noise ratio difference between these two systems can be just a few dBs or even smaller depending on the jitter level.
A Hole in Earth's Surface
Authors: Yan Wudan
Published: April 2016

Research shows that a broken lithosphere underneath the island of Hawai'i could explain the island's patterns of seismic activity.
Sn-doped Bi1.1Sb0.9Te2S bulk crystal topological insulator with excellent properties
Authors: Kushwaha S. K. , Pletikosić I. , Liang T. , Gyenis A. , Lapidus S. H. , Tian Yao , Zhao He , Burch K. S. , Lin Jingjing , Wang Wudi , Ji Huiwen , Fedorov A. V. , Yazdani Ali , Ong N. P. , Valla T. , Cava R. J.
Published: April 2016

A long-standing issue in topological insulator research has been to find a bulk single crystal material that provides a high-quality platform for characterizing topological surface states without interference from bulk electronic states. This material would ideally be a bulk insulator, have a surface state Dirac point energy well isolated from the bulk valence and conduction bands, display quantum oscillations from the surface state electrons and be growable as large, high-quality bulk single crystals. Here we show that this material obstacle is overcome by bulk crystals of lightly Sn-doped Bi1.1Sb0.9Te2S grown by the vertical Bridgman method. We characterize Sn-BSTS via angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, scanning tunnelling microscopy, transport studies, X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering. We present this material as a high-quality topological insulator that can be reliably grown as bulk single crystals and thus studied by many researchers interested in topological surface states.
Optical painting and fluorescence activated sorting of single adherent cells labelled with photoswitchable Pdots
Authors: Kuo Chun-Ting , Thompson Alison M. , Gallina Maria Elena , Ye Fangmao , Johnson Eleanor S. , Sun Wei , Zhao Mengxia , Yu Jiangbo , Wu I-Che , Fujimoto Bryant , DuFort Christopher C. , Carlson Markus A. , Hingorani Sunil R. , Paguirigan Amy L. , Radich Jerald P. , Chiu Daniel T.
Published: April 2016

The efficient selection and isolation of individual cells of interest from a mixed population is desired in many biomedical and clinical applications. Here we show the concept of using photoswitchable semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots) as an optical ‘painting’ tool, which enables the selection of certain adherent cells based on their fluorescence, and their spatial and morphological features, under a microscope. We first develop a Pdot that can switch between the bright (ON) and dark (OFF) states reversibly with a 150-fold contrast ratio on irradiation with ultraviolet or red light. With a focused 633-nm laser beam that acts as a ‘paintbrush’ and the photoswitchable Pdots as the ‘paint’, we select and ‘paint’ individual Pdot-labelled adherent cells by turning on their fluorescence, then proceed to sort and recover the optically marked cells (with 90% recovery and near 100% purity), followed by genetic analysis.
Ear-body lift and a novel thrust generating mechanism revealed by the complex wake of brown long-eared bats (Plecotus auritus)
Authors: Johansson L. Christoffer , Håkansson Jonas , Jakobsen Lasse , Hedenström Anders
Published: April 2016

Large ears enhance perception of echolocation and prey generated sounds in bats. However, external ears likely impair aerodynamic performance of bats compared to birds. But large ears may generate lift on their own, mitigating the negative effects. We studied flying brown long-eared bats, using high resolution, time resolved particle image velocimetry, to determine the aerodynamics of flying with large ears. We show that the ears and body generate lift at medium to cruising speeds (3–5 m/s), but at the cost of an interaction with the wing root vortices, likely reducing inner wing performance. We also propose that the bats use a novel wing pitch mechanism at the end of the upstroke generating thrust at low speeds, which should provide effective pitch and yaw control. In addition, the wing tip vortices show a distinct spiraling pattern. The tip vortex of the previous wingbeat remains into the next wingbeat and rotates together with a newly formed tip vortex. Several smaller vortices, related to changes in circulation around the wing also spiral the tip vortex. Our results thus show a new level of complexity in bat wakes and suggest large eared bats are less aerodynamically limited than previous wake studies have suggested.
Development of camelid single chain antibodies against Shiga toxin type 2 (Stx2) with therapeutic potential against Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)
Authors: Mejías Maria P. , Hiriart Yanina , Lauché Constanza , Fernández-Brando Romina J. , Pardo Romina , Bruballa Andrea , Ramos María V. , Goldbaum Fernando A. , Palermo Marina S. , Zylberman Vanesa
Published: April 2016

Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections are implicated in the development of the life-threatening Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). Despite the magnitude of the social and economic problems caused by STEC infections, no licensed vaccine or effective therapy is presently available for human use. Single chain antibodies (VHH) produced by camelids exhibit several advantages in comparison with conventional antibodies, making them promising tools for diagnosis and therapy. In the present work, the properties of a recently developed immunogen, which induces high affinity and protective antibodies against Stx type 2 (Stx2), were exploited to develop VHHs with therapeutic potential against HUS. We identified a family of VHHs against the B subunit of Stx2 (Stx2B) that neutralize Stx2 in vitro at subnanomolar concentrations. One VHH was selected and was engineered into a trivalent molecule (two copies of anti-Stx2B VHH and one anti-seroalbumin VHH). The resulting molecule presented extended in vivo half-life and high therapeutic activity, as demonstrated in three different mouse models of Stx2-toxicity: a single i.v. lethal dose of Stx2, several i.v. incremental doses of Stx2 and intragastrical STEC infection. This simple antitoxin agent should offer new therapeutic options for treating STEC infections to prevent or ameliorate HUS outcome.
Secretory pathway retention of mutant prion protein induces p38-MAPK activation and lethal disease in mice
Authors: Puig Berta , Altmeppen Hermann C. , Ulbrich Sarah , Linsenmeier Luise , Krasemann Susanne , Chakroun Karima , Acevedo-Morantes Claudia Y. , Wille Holger , Tatzelt Jörg , Glatzel Markus
Published: April 2016

Misfolding of proteins in the biosynthetic pathway in neurons may cause disturbed protein homeostasis and neurodegeneration. The prion protein (PrPC) is a GPI-anchored protein that resides at the plasma membrane and may be misfolded to PrPSc leading to prion diseases. We show that a deletion in the C-terminal domain of PrPC (PrPΔ214–229) leads to partial retention in the secretory pathway causing a fatal neurodegenerative disease in mice that is partially rescued by co-expression of PrPC. Transgenic (Tg(PrPΔ214–229)) mice show extensive neuronal loss in hippocampus and cerebellum and activation of p38-MAPK. In cell culture under stress conditions, PrPΔ214–229 accumulates in the Golgi apparatus possibly representing transit to the Rapid ER Stress-induced ExporT (RESET) pathway together with p38-MAPK activation. Here we describe a novel pathway linking retention of a GPI-anchored protein in the early secretory pathway to p38-MAPK activation and a neurodegenerative phenotype in transgenic mice.
Au-Ag-Cu nano-alloys: tailoring of permittivity
Authors: Hashimoto Yoshikazu , Seniutinas Gediminas , Balčytis Armandas , Juodkazis Saulius , Nishijima Yoshiaki
Published: April 2016

Precious metal alloys enables new possibilities to tailor materials for specific optical functions. Here we present a systematic study of the effects of a nanoscale alloying on the permittivity of Au-Ag-Cu metals at 38 different atomic mixing ratios. The permittivity was measured and analyzed numerically by applying the Drude model. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the face centered cubic lattice of the alloys. Both, optical spectra and XRD results point towards an equivalent composition-dependent electron scattering behavior. Correlation between the fundamental structural parameters of alloys and the resulting optical properties is elucidated. Plasmonic properties of the Au-Ag-Cu alloy nanoparticles were investigated by numerical simulations. Guidelines for designing plasmonic response of nano- structures and their patterns are presented from the material science perspective.
Competition between global and local online social networks
Authors: Kleineberg Kaj-Kolja , Boguñá Marián
Published: April 2016

The overwhelming success of online social networks, the key actors in the Web 2.0 cosmos, has reshaped human interactions globally. To help understand the fundamental mechanisms which determine the fate of online social networks at the system level, we describe the digital world as a complex ecosystem of interacting networks. In this paper, we study the impact of heterogeneity in network fitnesses on the competition between an international network, such as Facebook and local services. The higher fitness of international networks is induced by their ability to attract users from all over the world, which can then establish social interactions without the limitations of local networks. In other words, inter-country social ties lead to increased fitness of the international network. To study the competition between an international network and local ones, we construct a 1:1000 scale model of the digital world, consisting of the 80 countries with the most Internet users. Under certain conditions, this leads to the extinction of local networks; whereas under different conditions, local networks can persist and even dominate completely. In particular, our model suggests that, with the parameters that best reproduce the empirical overtake of Facebook, this overtake could have not taken place with a significant probability.
Incommensurate spin correlations in highly oxidized cobaltates La2−xSrxCoO4
Authors: Li Z. W. , Drees Y. , Kuo C. Y. , Guo H. , Ricci A. , Lamago D. , Sobolev O. , Rütt U. , Gutowski O. , Pi T. W. , Piovano A. , Schmidt W. , Mogare K. , Hu Z. , Tjeng L. H. , Komarek A. C.
Published: April 2016

We observe quasi-static incommensurate magnetic peaks in neutron scattering experiments on layered cobalt oxides La2−xSrxCoO4 with high Co oxidation states that have been reported to be paramagnetic. This enables us to measure the magnetic excitations in this highly hole-doped incommensurate regime and compare our results with those found in the low-doped incommensurate regime that exhibit hourglass magnetic spectra. The hourglass shape of magnetic excitations completely disappears given a high Sr doping. Moreover, broad low-energy excitations are found, which are not centered at the incommensurate magnetic peak positions but around the quarter-integer values that are typically exhibited by excitations in the checkerboard charge ordered phase. Our findings suggest that the strong inter-site exchange interactions in the undoped islands are critical for the emergence of hourglass spectra in the incommensurate magnetic phases of La2−xSrxCoO4.
Highly sensitive SnO2 sensor via reactive laser-induced transfer
Authors: Palla Papavlu Alexandra , Mattle Thomas , Temmel Sandra , Lehmann Ulrike , Hintennach Andreas , Grisel Alain , Wokaun Alexander , Lippert Thomas
Published: April 2016

Gas sensors based on tin oxide (SnO2) and palladium doped SnO2 (Pd:SnO2) active materials are fabricated by a laser printing method, i.e. reactive laser-induced forward transfer (rLIFT). Thin films from tin based metal-complex precursors are prepared by spin coating and then laser transferred with high resolution onto sensor structures. The devices fabricated by rLIFT exhibit low ppm sensitivity towards ethanol and methane as well as good stability with respect to air, moisture, and time. Promising results are obtained by applying rLIFT to transfer metal-complex precursors onto uncoated commercial gas sensors. We could show that rLIFT onto commercial sensors is possible if the sensor structures are reinforced prior to printing. The rLIFT fabricated sensors show up to 4 times higher sensitivities then the commercial sensors (with inkjet printed SnO2). In addition, the selectivity towards CH4 of the Pd:SnO2 sensors is significantly enhanced compared to the pure SnO2 sensors. Our results indicate that the reactive laser transfer technique applied here represents an important technical step for the realization of improved gas detection systems with wide-ranging applications in environmental and health monitoring control.
Coding deficits in hidden hearing loss induced by noise: the nature and impacts
Authors: Song Qiang , Shen Pei , Li Xiaowei , Shi Lijuan , Liu Lijie , Wang Jiping , Yu Zhiping , Stephen Kegan , Aiken Steve , Yin Shankai , Wang Jian
Published: April 2016

Hidden hearing refers to the functional deficits in hearing without deterioration in hearing sensitivity. This concept is proposed based upon recent finding of massive noise-induced damage on ribbon synapse between inner hair cells (IHCs) and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in the cochlea without significant permanent threshold shifts (PTS). Presumably, such damage may cause coding deficits in auditory nerve fibers (ANFs). However, such deficits had not been detailed except that a selective loss of ANFs with low spontaneous rate (SR) was reported. In the present study, we investigated the dynamic changes of ribbon synapses and the coding function of ANF single units in one month after a brief noise exposure that caused a massive damage of ribbon synapses but no PTS. The synapse count and functional response measures indicates a large portion of the disrupted synapses were re-connected. This is consistent with the fact that the change of SR distribution due to the initial loss of low SR units is recovered quickly. However, ANF coding deficits were developed later with the re-establishment of the synapses. The deficits were found in both intensity and temporal processing, revealing the nature of synaptopathy in hidden hearing loss.
II. Dissociation free energies in drug–receptor systems via nonequilibrium alchemical simulations: application to the FK506-related immunophilin ligands
Authors: Nerattini Francesca , Chelli Riccardo , Procacci Piero
Published: April 2016

The fast switch double annihilation method (FS-DAM) provides an effective mean to the compute the binding free energies in drug-receptor systems. Here we present an application to the FK506-related ligands of the FKBP12 protein.
Momentum-dependent band spin splitting in semiconducting MnO2: a density functional calculation
Authors: Noda Yusuke , Ohno Kaoru , Nakamura Shinichiro
Published: April 2016

The electronic states of pristine manganese dioxides in different crystal phases have been explored using spin-polarized density functional theory with Hubbard U correction to provide a basis to understand the relationship between the spin-dependent electronic states and the crystallography of manganese oxides.
Diffusive nature of thermal transport in stanene
Authors: Nissimagoudar Arun S. , Manjanath Aaditya , Singh Abhishek K.
Published: April 2016

Using the phonon Boltzmann transport formalism and density functional theory based calculations, we show that stanene has a low thermal conductivity.
Design, synthesis and relaxation studies of triazole linked gadolinium(iii)–DO3A-BT-bistriazaspirodecanone as a potential MRI contrast agent
Authors: Varshney Raunak , Sethi Swarndeep K. , Rangaswamy Sandhya , Tiwari Anjani K. , Milton Marilyn D. , Kumaran Senthil , Mishra Anil K.
Published: April 2016

Novel and facile synthesis of a triazole based bisconjugated triazaspirodecanone as a potential MRI contrast agent.
Controlling carbon nanodot fluorescence for optical biosensing
Authors: Buiculescu Raluca , Stefanakis Dimitrios , Androulidaki Maria , Ghanotakis Demetrios , Chaniotakis Nikos A.
Published: April 2016

In this work we report on the optical properties of specific synthetic carbon nano-dots (CDs) and their suitability for the development of optical biosensors.
Gold(i) catalyzed tandem cyclization of propargylic esters to 4-acyloxy-1,2-dihydroquinolines
Authors: Sun Yuan-Ming , Gu Peng , Gao Yu-Ning , Xu Qin , Shi Min
Published: April 2016

Gold catalyzed tandem [3,3]-rearrangement and intramolecular hydroamination of propargylic esters has been disclosed in this communication, producing a series of 4-acyloxy-1,2-dihydroquinolines in good yields and high enantioselectivities.
A simultaneous one pot synthesis of two fractal structures via swapping two fractal reaction kinetic states
Authors: Ghosh Subrata , Dutta Mrinal , Ray Kanad , Fujita Daisuke , Bandyopadhyay Anirban
Published: April 2016

We introduce a new class of fractal reaction kinetics wherein two or more distinct fractal structures are synthesized as parts of a singular cascade reaction in a single chemical beaker.
CO oxidation by MoS2-supported Au19 nanoparticles: effects of vacancy formation and tensile strain
Authors: Kwon Soonho , Shin Kihyun , Bang Kihoon , Kim Hyun You , Lee Hyuck Mo
Published: April 2016

The mechanism of the catalytic oxidation of CO activated by MoS2-supported Au19 nanoparticles (NPs) was studied using density functional theory calculations.
Energetics of nonpolar and polar compounds in cationic, anionic, and nonionic micelles studied by all-atom molecular dynamics simulation combined with a theory of solutions
Authors: Date Atsushi , Ishizuka Ryosuke , Matubayasi Nobuyuki
Published: April 2016

Free-energy profiles of binding nonpolar and polar solutes in cationic, anionic, and nonionic micelles.
Structural reconstruction and spontaneous formation of Fe polynuclears: a self-assembly of Fe–porphyrin coordination chains on Au(111) revealed by scanning tunneling microscopy
Authors: Wang Yuxu , Zhou Kun , Shi Ziliang , Ma Yu-qiang
Published: April 2016

Structural reconstruction and uniformly sized Fe polynuclears of a self-assembled Fe–porphyrin coordination chain structure are investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy.
Reversible control of the chromium valence in chemically reduced Cr-doped SrTiO3 bulk powders
Authors: Lehuta Keith A. , Kittilstved Kevin R.
Published: April 2016

The defect chemistry of Cr-doped SrTiO3 is modified through a simple chemical reduction route to increase the Cr3+ dopants in the lattice.
Aluminium salabza complexes for fixation of CO2 to organic carbonates
Authors: Cuesta-Aluja L. , Castilla J. , Masdeu-Bultó A. M.
Published: April 2016

A highly stable and easy to synthesize aluminium complex bearing a flexible N2O2-donor salabza ligand (N,N′-bis(salicylene)-2-aminobenzylamine) in combination with tetrabutylammonium bromide forms an active binary catalytic system for the cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides (TOFs 120–3434 h−1) under mild conditions (10 bar, 80 °C) and low catalyst loadings (0.05–0.2 mol%).
Manipulation of birefringence via substitution of Sr2+by Pb2+based on the structure model of LiSr1−xPbxBO3(0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5)
Authors: Mutailipu Miriding , Hou Dianwei , Zhang Min , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: April 2016

A series of LiSr1−xPbxBO3(x= 0.138, 0.285, 0.320, 0.379, 0.417, and 0.5) crystals were obtained and the changes of birefringence when Sr2+was partially substituted with Pb2+were investigated.
Thermal stability of styrene/n-butyl acrylate RAFT-based copolymers
Authors: Chernikova E. V. , Plutalova A. V. , Garina E. S. , Vishnevetsky D. V.
Published: April 2016

Homopolymer of n-butyl acrylate and styrene/n-butyl acrylate copolymers, where n-butyl acrylate units are linked to the trithiocarbonate group, are more thermally stable as compared with homopolymer of styrene and similar copolymers containing styrene units linked to this group.
Multifunctional Fe3O4@nSiO2@mSiO2/Pr-Imi-NH2·Ag core–shell microspheres as highly efficient catalysts in the aqueous reduction of nitroarenes: improved catalytic activity and facile catalyst recovery
Authors: Nasab Mina Jafari , Kiasat Ali Reza
Published: April 2016

Core@shell nanoparticles with a superparamagnetic iron oxide core, a middle nonporous silica shell, and an outer organo functionalized mesoporous silica shell were synthesized and evaluated for immobilizing Ag nanoparticles.
Broad band thermostable polarizing film based on poly (vinyl alcohol), a quinoline derivative and ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Almodarresiyeh Hora Alhosseini , Shahab Siyamak , Filippovich Liudmila , Kumar Rakesh , Lugovsky Anatoliy , Agabekov Vladimir
Published: April 2016

Thermostable polarizing PVA thin films based on dichroic dyes were created, and the photostability could be improved by incorporating ZnO nanoparticles in the polymer matrix.
Graphene oxide/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate layers on silver nanowire working electrodes enhance the power conversion efficiencies of dye-sensitized solar cells in a low temperature process
Authors: Liu Bo-Tau , Wang Zheng-Tang
Published: April 2016

Graphene oxide/PEDOT:PSS hybrid isolates silver nanowires to makes the silver nanowire working electrodes feasible for dye-sensitized solar cells.
Discovery of a novel oxime ether scaffold as potent and orally bioavailable free fatty acid receptor 1 agonists
Authors: Li Zheng , Yang Jianyong , Gu Weijie , Cao Guoshen , Fu Xiaoting , Sun Xuedan , Zhang Yu , Jin Hui , Huang Wenlong , Qian Hai
Published: April 2016

The free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFA1) plays a key role in amplifying glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells.
Benzocyclohexane oxide derivatives and neolignans from Piper betle inhibit efflux-related resistance in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Sun Zhong-Lin , He Jian-Ming , Wang Shuang-Ying , Ma Ru , Khondkar Proma , Kaatz Glenn W. , Gibbons Simon , Mu Qing
Published: April 2016

Six active compounds were isolated fromPiper betleunder the guide of synergistic effects combined with antibiotic norfloxacin. The synergistic mechanism was explored and significant inhibition effects for EtBr efflux in SA1199B were found.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the effect of nano-sized collagen molecules and nicotinamide on mesenchymal stem cell differentiation
Authors: Ma Chin-Tsu , Wu Yi-Jhen , Huang Han Hsiang , Kang Pei-Leun , Hsiao Kuan Yin , Lo Dan Yuan , Kuo Shyh Ming
Published: April 2016

Advances and improvements in mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) and cell replacement therapies have been promising approaches to treat diabetes mellitus (DM) since their potent capacities for differentiation into various functional cells match the demands of tissue repair and regeneration.
Switchable colloids, thin-films and interphases based on metal complexes with non-innocent ligands: the case of valence tautomerism and their applications
Authors: Vázquez-Mera N. A. , Novio F. , Roscini C. , Bellacanzone Ch. , Guardingo M. , Hernando J. , Ruiz-Molina D.
Published: April 2016

Nanostructuration of valence tautomeric systems as colloids, thin-films and interphases, and their applications.
Novel high band gap pendant-borylated carbazole polymers with deep HOMO levels through direct +NB− interaction for organic photovoltaics
Authors: Brandt Rasmus G. , Sveegaard Steffen G. , Xiao Manjun , Yue Wei , Du Zhengkun , Qiu Meng , Angmo Dechan , Andersen Thomas R. , Krebs Frederik C. , Yang Renqiang , Yu Donghong
Published: April 2016

High band gap borylated carbazole polymers of P(3,6-BCBTD) and P(3,6-BCQT) results in high electron affinity and deep HOMO levels, with PCEs of 3.82% and 1.44%.
Unveiling the basis of alkaline stability of an evolved versatile peroxidase
Authors: Sáez-Jiménez Verónica , Acebes Sandra , Garcia-Ruiz Eva , Romero Antonio , Guallar Victor , Alcalde Miguel , Medrano Francisco J. , Martínez Angel T. , Ruiz-Dueñas Francisco J.
Published: April 2016

A variant of high biotechnological interest (called 2-1B) was obtained by directed evolution of the Pleurotus eryngii VP (versatile peroxidase) expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae [García-Ruiz, González-Pérez, Ruiz-Dueñas, Martínez and Alcalde (2012) Biochem. J. 441, 487–498]. 2-1B shows seven mutations in the mature protein that resulted in improved functional expression, activity and thermostability, along with a remarkable stronger alkaline stability (it retains 60% of the initial activity after 120 h of incubation at pH 9 compared with complete inactivation of the native enzyme after only 1 h). The latter is highly demanded for biorefinery applications. In the present study we investigate the structural basis behind the enhanced alkaline stabilization of this evolved enzyme. In order to do this, several VP variants containing one or several of the mutations present in 2-1B were expressed in Escherichia coli, and their alkaline stability and biochemical properties were determined. In addition, the crystal structures of 2-1B and one of the intermediate variants were solved and carefully analysed, and molecular dynamics simulations were carried out. We concluded that the introduction of three basic residues in VP (Lys-37, Arg-39 and Arg-330) led to new connections between haem and helix B (where the distal histidine residue is located), and formation of new electrostatic interactions, that avoided the hexa-co-ordination of the haem iron. These new structural determinants stabilized the haem and its environment, helping to maintain the structural enzyme integrity (with penta-co-ordinated haem iron) under alkaline conditions. Moreover, the reinforcement of the solvent-exposed area around Gln-305 in the proximal side, prompted by the Q202L mutation, further enhanced the stability.
A polybasic motif in ErbB3-binding protein 1 (EBP1) has key functions in nucleolar localization and polyphosphoinositide interaction
Authors: Karlsson Thomas , Altankhuyag Altanchimeg , Dobrovolska Olena , Turcu Diana C. , Lewis Aurélia E.
Published: April 2016

Polyphosphoinositides (PPIns) are present in the nucleus where they participate in crucial nuclear processes, such as chromatin remodelling, transcription and mRNA processing. In a previous interactomics study, aimed to gain further insight into nuclear PPIns functions, we identified ErbB3 binding protein 1 (EBP1) as a potential nuclear PPIn-binding protein in a lipid pull-down screen. EBP1 is a ubiquitous and conserved protein, located in both the cytoplasm and nucleolus, and associated with cell proliferation and survival. In the present study, we show that EBP1 binds directly to several PPIns via two distinct PPIn-binding sites consisting of clusters of lysine residues and positioned at the N- and C-termini of the protein. Using interaction mutants, we show that the C-terminal PPIn-binding motif contributes the most to the localization of EBP1 in the nucleolus. Importantly, a K372N point mutation, located within the C-terminal motif and found in endometrial tumours, is sufficient to alter the nucleolar targeting of EBP1. Our study reveals also the presence of the class I phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) catalytic subunit p110β and its product PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 together with EBP1 in the nucleolus. Using NMR, we further demonstrate an association between EBP1 and PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 via both electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Taken together, these results show that EBP1 interacts directly with PPIns and associate with PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 in the nucleolus. The presence of p110β and PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 in the nucleolus indicates their potential role in regulating nucleolar processes, at least via EBP1.
Modulation of myocardial injury and collagen deposition following ischaemia–reperfusion by linagliptin and liraglutide, and both together
Authors: Wang Xianwei , Ding Zufeng , Yang Fen , Dai Yao , Chen Peng , Theus Sue , Singh Sharda , Budhiraja Madhu , Mehta Jawahar L.
Published: April 2016

Studies have indicated that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists reduce infarct size after myocardial ischaemia. Whether these agents modify cardiac remodelling after ischaemia is unclear. Furthermore, it is not known if combination of the two types of drugs is superior to either agent alone. We investigated the modulatory effect of the DPP-4 inhibitor linagliptin alone, the GLP-1 activator liraglutide alone, or the two agents together on myocardial infarct size, left ventricular contractile function and cardiac remodelling signals after a brief period of left coronary artery (LCA) occlusion. C57BL/6 mice were treated with vehicle, the DPP-4 inhibitor linagliptin, the GLP-1 activator liraglutide, or both agents together for 5 days, and then subjected to LCA occlusion (1 h) and reperfusion (3 h). Ischaemia–reperfusion increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and expression of NADPH oxidase (p47phox, p22phox and gp91phox subtypes), collagens, fibronectin and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin 6, tumour necrosis factor α and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) in the LCA-supplied regions. Pre-treatment with linagliptin or liraglutide reduced infarct size, protected cardiomyocytes from injury and preserved cardiac contractile function in a similar fashion. It is interesting that profibrotic (collagen deposition) signals were expressed soon after ischaemia–reperfusion. Both linagliptin and liraglutide suppressed ROS generation, NADPH oxidase and proinflammatory signals, and reduced collagen deposition. Addition of linagliptin or liraglutide had no significant additive effect above and beyond that of liraglutide and linagliptin given alone. In conclusion, linagliptin and liraglutide can improve cardiac contractile function and indices of cardiac remodelling, which may be related to their role in inhibition of ROS production and proinflammatory cytokines after ischaemia.
Impact of operators’ performance in the reliability of cyber‐physical power distribution systems
Authors: Bessani Michel , Fanucchi Rodrigo Z. , Delbem Alexandre Cláudio C. , Maciel Carlos Dias
Published: April 2016

Cyber‐physical systems result from the integration of information and communication technologies into physical systems. A particular case are cyber‐physical power systems, which use communication technologies to perform real‐time monitoring and operations, impacting on systems' characteristics, such as their reliability. In addition, it is known that failures of the communication network are just as relevant as the electrical network failures in terms of cyber‐physical power distribution systems (CPPDS) reliability. However, some of the operators’ performances, such as response time and decision quality, during CPPDS contingencies have not been investigated yet. In this study, the authors introduce a model to the operator response time, present a sequential Monte Carlo simulation methodology that incorporates the response time in CPPDS reliability indices estimation, and evaluate the impact of such response time in CPPDS reliability indices. The method is tested on a CPPDS using different values for operators' average response time. The results show that the operators' response time affects the reliability indices related to failures duration, indicating that a fast decision directly contributes to the system performance. The authors conclude that the improvement of CPPDS reliability is not only dependent on the electric and communication components, but also dependent on operators' performance.
Towards numerically robust multireference theories: The driven similarity renormalization group truncated to one- and two-body operators
Authors: Li Chenyang , Evangelista Francesco A.
Published: April 2016

The first nonperturbative version of the multireference driven similarity renormalization group (MR-DSRG) theory [C. Li and F. A. Evangelista, J. Chem. Theory Comput. 11, 2097 (2015)] is introduced. The renormalization group structure of the MR-DSRG equations ensures numerical robustness and avoidance of the intruder-state problem, while the connected nature of the amplitude and energy equations guarantees size consistency and extensivity. We approximate the MR-DSRG equations by keeping only one- and two-body operators and using a linearized recursive commutator approximation of the Baker–Campbell–Hausdorff expansion [T. Yanai and G. K.-L. Chan, J. Chem. Phys. 124, 194106 (2006)]. The resulting linearized MR-DSRG scheme with one- and two-body operators [MR-LDSRG(2)] contains only 39 terms and scales as O(N2NP2NH2) where NH, NP, and N correspond to the number of hole, particle, and total orbitals, respectively. Benchmark MR-LDSRG(2) computations on the hydrogen fluoride and molecular nitrogen binding curves and the singlet-triplet splitting of p-benzyne yield results comparable in accuracy to those from multireference configuration interaction, Mukherjee multireference coupled cluster theory, and internally contracted multireference coupled cluster theory.
Symmetry tuning of a near one-dimensional 2-shock platform for code validation at the National Ignition Facility
Authors: Khan S. F. , MacLaren S. A. , Salmonson J. D. , Ma T. , Kyrala G. A. , Pino J. E. , Rygg J. R. , Field J. E. , Tommasini R. , Ralph J. E. , Turnbull D. P. , Mackinnon A. J. , Baker K. L. , Benedetti L. R. , Bradley D. K. , Celliers P. M. , Dewald E. L. , Dittrich T. R. , Berzak Hopkins L. , Izumi N. , Kervin M. L. , Kline J. L. , Nagel S. R. , Pak A. , Tipton R. E.
Published: April 2016

We introduce a new quasi 1-D implosion experimental platform at the National Ignition Facility designed to validate physics models as well as to study various Inertial Confinement Fusion aspects such as implosion symmetry, convergence, hydrodynamic instabilities, and shock timing. The platform has been developed to maintain shell sphericity throughout the compression phase and produce a round hot core at stagnation. This platform utilizes a 2-shock 1 MJ pulse with 340 TW peak power in a near-vacuum Au Hohlraum and a CH ablator capsule uniformly doped with 1% Si. We have performed several inflight radiography, symmetry capsule, and shock timing experiments in order to tune the symmetry of the capsule to near round throughout several epochs of the implosion. Adjusting the relative powers of the inner and outer cones of beams has allowed us to control the drive at the poles and equator of the capsule, thus providing the mechanism to achieve a spherical capsule convergence. Details and results of the tuning experiments are described.
Correlation between piezoresponse nonlinearity and hysteresis in ferroelectric crystals at the nanoscale
Authors: Li Linglong , Yang Yaodong , Liu Zhengchun , Jesse Stephen , Kalinin Sergei V. , Vasudevan Rama K.
Published: April 2016

The nonlinear response of a ferroic to external fields has been studied for decades, garnering interest for both understanding fundamental physics, as well as technological applications such as memory devices. Yet, the behavior of ferroelectrics at mesoscopic regimes remains poorly understood, and the scale limits of theories developed for macroscopic regimes are not well tested experimentally. Here, we test the link between piezo-nonlinearity and local piezoelectric strain hysteresis, via AC-field dependent measurements in conjunction with hysteresis measurements with varying voltage windows on (K,Na)NbO3 crystals with band-excitation piezoelectric force microscopy. The correlation coefficient between nonlinearity amplitude and the amplitude during hysteresis loop acquisition shows a clear decrease with increasing AC bias. Further, correlation of polynomial fitting terms from the nonlinear measurements with the hysteresis loop area reveals that the largest correlations are reserved for the quadratic terms, which is expected for irreversible domain wall motion contributions that impact both piezoelectric behavior as well as minor loop formation. This study suggests applicability at local length scales of fundamental principles of Rayleigh behavior, with associated implications for future nanoscale ferroic devices.
Proton acceleration by single-cycle laser pulses offers a novel monoenergetic and stable operating regime
Authors: Zhou M. L. , Yan X. Q. , Mourou G. , Wheeler J. A. , Bin J. H. , Schreiber J. , Tajima T.
Published: April 2016

Prompted by the possibility to produce high energy, single-cycle laser pulses with tens of Petawatt (PW) power, we have investigated laser-matter interactions in the few optical cycle and ultra relativistic intensity regimes. A particularly interesting instability-free regime for ion production was revealed leading to the efficient coherent generation of short (femtosecond; 10−15s) monoenergetic ion bunches with a peak energy greater than GeV. Of paramount importance, the interaction is absent of the Rayleigh Taylor Instabilities and hole boring that plague techniques such as target normal sheath acceleration and radiation pressure acceleration.
Experimental and theoretical double differential cross sections for electron impact ionization of methane
Authors: Yavuz Murat , Ozer Zehra Nur , Ulu Melike , Champion Christophe , Dogan Mevlut
Published: April 2016

Experimental and theoretical double differential cross sections (DDCSs) for electron-induced ionization of methane (CH4) are here reported for primary energies ranging from 50 eV to 350 eV and ejection angles between 25° and 130°. Experimental DDCSs are compared with theoretical predictions performed within the first Born approximation Coulomb wave. In this model, the initial molecular state is described by using single center wave functions, the incident (scattered) electron being described by a plane wave, while a Coulomb wave function is used for modeling the secondary ejected electron. A fairly good agreement may be observed between theory and experiment with nevertheless an expected systematic overestimation of the theory at low-ejection energies (<50 eV).
Multiferroicity in half-Cr-doped YMnO3 epitaxial films with compressive strain
Authors: Hao L. , Cai H. B. , Xie X. N. , Wang H. R. , Lin G. K. , Wang X. P. , Zhu H.
Published: April 2016

We report on the growth and characterization of epitaxial (010)- and (100)-YMn0.5Cr0.5O3 films on the corresponding YAlO3 substrates. It is found that the magnetic transition temperature increases from 75 K for the bulk sample to 120 K for the compressive-strained films. Along the c- and a-axes, ferroelectric polarization develops below 120 K with the saturation values of 0.17 and 0.05 μC/cm2, respectively, while it remains zero along the b-axis. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the ferroelectric polarization can be modulated by magnetic field. The displayed ferroelectricity is explainable by considering coexistence of the predominant bc-cycloidal and minor E-type antiferromagnetic orders.
Measurement of in-plane thermal conductivity in polymer films
Authors: Wei Qingshuo , Uehara Chinatsu , Mukaida Masakazu , Kirihara Kazuhiro , Ishida Takao
Published: April 2016

Measuring the in-plane thermal conductivity of organic thermoelectric materials is challenging but is critically important. Here, a method to study the in-plane thermal conductivity of free-standing films (via the use of commercial equipment) based on temperature wave analysis is explored in depth. This subject method required a free-standing thin film with a thickness larger than 10 μm and an area larger than 1 cm2, which are not difficult to obtain for most solution-processable organic thermoelectric materials. We evaluated thermal conductivities and anisotropic ratios for various types of samples including insulating polymers, undoped semiconducting polymers, doped conducting polymers, and one-dimensional carbon fiber bulky papers. This approach facilitated a rapid screening of in-plane thermal conductivities for various organic thermoelectric materials.
Three dimensional simulation of the arc inside an insulator-arrester with a multichamber system
Authors: Guo Zhiwei , Long Xinping , Qian Zhongdong , Qiu Ning
Published: April 2016

Based on the thermo-physical properties of plasma air, the temperature and flow fields of an insulator–arrester with a multi-chamber system are investigated using three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics. The plasma flow is assumed to be steady incompressible laminar flow and in local thermodynamic equilibrium. The results obtained show that the arc inside the chamber bends downwards, indicating that the Lorentz force induced is directed away from the exit and pushes plasma air down. The outlet also provides passage for plasma flow both in and out of the chamber.
Enhanced flashover strength in polyethylene nanodielectrics by secondary electron emission modification
Authors: Wang Weiwang , Li Shengtao , Min Daomin
Published: April 2016

This work studies the correlation between secondary electron emission (SEE) characteristics and impulse surface flashover in polyethylene nanodielectrics both theoretically and experimentally, and illustrates the enhancement of flashover voltage in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) through incorporating Al2O3 nanoparticles. SEE characteristics play key roles in surface charging and gas desorption during surface flashover. This work demonstrates that the presence of Al2O3 nanoparticles decreases the SEE coefficient of LDPE and enhances the impact energy at the equilibrium state of surface charging. These changes can be explained by the increase of surface roughness and of surface ionization energy, and the strong interaction between nanoparticles and the polymer dielectric matrix. The surface charge and flashover voltage are calculated according to the secondary electron emission avalanche (SEEA) model, which reveals that the positive surface charges are reduced near the cathode triple point, while the presence of more nanoparticles in high loading samples enhances the gas desorption. Consequently, the surface flashover performance of LDPE/Al2O3 nanodielectrics is improved.
Comparing clinical and demographic characteristics of people with mental illness in hospital- and community-based residential rehabilitation units in Queensland
Authors: Meehan Tom , Stedman Terry , Parker Stephen , Curtis Bretine , Jones Donna
Published: April 2016

Objective
The aim of the present study was to examine care pathways and characteristics of mental health consumers participating in both hospital- and community-based residential rehabilitation programs.

Methods
An audit of consumers (n = 240) in all publicly funded residential rehabilitation units in Queensland was performed on the same day in 2013. Data collection focused on demographic characteristics, clinical information and measures of consumer functioning.

Results
Significant differences emerged for consumers in community- and hospital-based services with regard to age, length of stay, functioning, Mental Health Act status, guardianship status, family contact and risk of violence. Consumers in hospital-based programs have more severe and complex problems.

Conclusions
Consumers in residential rehabilitation units have high levels of disability, poor physical health and high levels of vulnerability. Nonetheless, it is likely that a sizeable proportion of consumers occupying rehabilitation beds in Queensland could be discharged if more ‘step-down’ options to move patients on were available.

What is known about the topic?
A small subgroup of people with severe and complex mental health problems is likely to require time in a residential rehabilitation program. This group is characterised by failure to respond to treatment, severe negative symptoms and some degree of cognitive impairment.

What does this paper add?
Patients currently occupying residential rehabilitation beds in Queensland have high levels of disability, poor physical health and high levels of vulnerability. Patients in hospital-based programs are more severely disabled than those in community-based programs.

What are the implications for practitioners?
It is likely that a sizeable proportion of patients occupying rehabilitation beds in Queensland could be discharged if more ‘step-down’ options were available. Future planning initiatives need to focus on developing a greater array of community support options to facilitate the discharge of people from residential services.