bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Results of Clinical Application of Autologous Whole Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation for Critical Limb Ischemia with Buerger’s Disease
Authors: Heo Seon-Hee , Park Yoong-Seok , Kang Eun-Suk , Park Kwang-Bo , Do Young-Soo , Kang Kyung-Sun , Kim Dong-Ik
Published: January 2016

Our goal was to evaluate early results of the clinical application of autologous whole bone marrow stem cell transplantation (AWBMSCT) for critical limb ischemia (CLI) in patients with Buerger’s disease. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 58 limbs of 37 patients (mean age, 43.0 years; range, 28–63 years; male, 91.9%) with Buerger’s disease with CLI who were treated with AWBMSCT from March 2013 to December 2014. We analyzed Rutherford category, pain score, pain-free walking time (PFWT), total walking time (TWT), ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) and toe brachial pressure index (TBPI) and investigated wound healing and occurrence of unplanned amputations. The mean follow-up duration was 11.9 ± 7.2 months (range, 0.9–23.9 months) and 100%, 72.4% and 74.1% of patients were available to follow-up 1, 3 and 6 months after AWBMST, respectively. At 6 months, patients demonstrated significant improvements in Rutherford category (P < 0.0001), pain score (P < 0.0001), PFWT (P < 0.0001) and TBPI (P < 0.0001). ABPI was increased compared to baseline, but the difference was not significant. A total of 76.5% ischemic wounds achieved complete or improved healing. AWBMSCT is a safe and effective alternative or adjunctive treatment modality to achieve clinical improvement in patients with CLI.
Acupuncture promotes mTOR-independent autophagic clearance of aggregation-prone proteins in mouse brain
Authors: Tian Tian , Sun Yanhong , Wu Huangan , Pei Jian , Zhang Jing , Zhang Yi , Wang Lu , Li Bin , Wang Lihua , Shi Jiye , Hu Jun , Fan Chunhai
Published: January 2016

Acupuncture has historically been practiced to treat medical disorders by mechanically stimulating specific acupoints with fine needles. Despite its well-documented efficacy, its biological basis remains largely elusive. In this study, we found that mechanical stimulation at the acupoint of Yanglingquan (GB34) promoted the autophagic clearance of α-synuclein (α-syn), a well known aggregation-prone protein closely related to Parkinson’s disease (PD), in the substantia nigra par compacta (SNpc) of the brain in a PD mouse model. We found the protein clearance arose from the activation of the autophagy-lysosome pathway (ALP) in a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-independent approach. Further, we observed the recovery in the activity of dopaminergic neurons in SNpc and improvement in the motor function at the behavior level of PD mice. Whereas acupuncture and rapamycin, a chemical mTOR inhibitor, show comparable α-syn clearance and therapeutic effects in the PD mouse model, the latter adopts a distinctly different, mTOR-dependent, autophagy induction process. Due to this fundamental difference, acupuncture may circumvent adverse effects of the rapamycin treatment. The newly discovered connection between acupuncture and autophagy not only provides a new route to understanding the molecular mechanism of acupuncture but also sheds new light on cost-effective and safe therapy of neurodegenerative diseases.
A Nonsynonymous FCER1B SNP is Associated with Risk of Developing Allergic Rhinitis and with IgE Levels
Authors: Amo Gemma , García-Menaya Jesús , Campo Paloma , Cordobés Concepción , Serón M Carmen Plaza , Ayuso Pedro , Esguevillas Gara , Blanca Miguel , Agúndez Jose A.G. , García-Martín Elena
Published: January 2016

Allergic rhinitis is associated with elevated serum IgE levels. IgE response is mediated by the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI), which is polymorphic. Studies analyzing the association between allergic rhinitis and FcεRI variants have been conducted with controversial results. The objective of this study is to analyze, in 1,041 individuals, the putative clinical association of allergic rhinitis with common polymorphisms in FcεRI subunits genes. These SNPs included FECR1A rs2494262, rs2427837 and rs2251746; FECR1B rs1441586, rs569108 and rs512555; FCER1G rs11587213, rs2070901 and rs11421. Statistically significant differences were observed for the FCER1B rs569108 and rs512555 polymorphisms frequencies when comparing patients with allergic rhinitis without asthma and controls. The OR (95% CI) value for the 237Gly allele (rs569108) is equal to 0.26 (0.08–0.86, P = 0.017) and for the G allele (rs512555) it is equal to 0.27 (0.08–0.88, P = 0.020). These two SNPs are linked (D’ = 1.0, LOD = 56.05). Also observed was a statistically significant trend towards lower IgE values among allergic rhinitis patients with variant alleles for both SNPs. In conclusion, in patients with allergic rhinitis without asthma, the FCER1B rs569108 and rs512555 polymorphisms are associated with increased risk of developing allergic rhinitis and with lower IgE levels.
Forest gaps slow the sequestration of soil organic matter: a humification experiment with six foliar litters in an alpine forest
Authors: Ni Xiangyin , Yang Wanqin , Tan Bo , Li Han , He Jie , Xu Liya , Wu Fuzhong
Published: January 2016

Humification of plant litter containing carbon and other nutrients greatly contributes to the buildup of soil organic matter, but this process can be altered by forest gap-induced environmental variations during the winter and growing seasons. We conducted a field litterbag experiment in an alpine forest on the eastern Tibetan Plateau from November 2012 to October 2014. Six dominant types of foliar litter were placed on the forest floor in various forest gap positions, including gap centre, canopy gap, expanded gap and closed canopy. Over two years of incubation, all foliar litters were substantially humified especially during the first winter, although the newly accumulated humic substances were young and could be decomposed further. The forest gaps exhibited significant effects on early litter humification, but the effects were regulated by sampling seasons and litter types. Compared with the litter under the closed canopy, humification was suppressed in the gap centre after two years of field incubation. The results presented here suggest that gap formation delays the accumulation of soil organic matter and reduces soil carbon sequestration in these alpine forests.
Charge carrier thermalization in organic diodes
Authors: van der Kaap N. J. , Koster L. J. A.
Published: January 2016

Charge carrier mobilities of organic semiconductors are often characterized using steady-state measurements of space charge limited diodes. These measurements assume that charge carriers are in a steady-state equilibrium. In reality, however, energetically hot carriers are introduces by photo-excitation and injection into highly energetic sites from the electrodes. These carriers perturb the equilibrium density of occupied states and therefore change the overall charge transport properties. In this paper, we look into the effect of energetically hot carriers on the charge transport in organic semiconductors using steady state kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. For injected hot carriers in a typical organic semiconductor, rapid energetic relaxation occurs in the order of tens of nanoseconds, which is much faster than the typical transit time of a charge carrier throught the device. Furthermore, we investigate the impact of photo-generated carriers on the steady-state mobility. For a typical organic voltaic material, an increase in mobility of a factor of 1.1 is found. Therefore, we conclude that the impact of energetically hot carriers on normal device operation is limited.
SERS study of bacteria using biosynthesized silver nanoparticles as the SERS substrate
Authors: Ankamwar Balaprasad , Sur Ujjal Kumar , Das Pulak
Published: January 2016

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy has great advantages as a spectroscopic analytical tool due to the large enhancement of the weak Raman signal and thereby facilitates suitable identification of chemical and biological systems.
Molecular level insight on the adsorption of carboxylic acids to oxide nanoparticles in aqueous solution by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Olivieri Giorgia , Goel Alok , Brown Matthew A.
Published: January 2016

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) from a liquid microjet is used to follow a chemical reaction at the aqueous-nanoparticle interface.
Effect of orientational restriction on monolayers of hard ellipsoids
Authors: Varga Szabolcs , Martínez-Ratón Yuri , Velasco Enrique , Bautista-Carbajal Gustavo , Odriozola Gerardo
Published: January 2016

The effect of out-of plane orientational freedom on the orientational ordering of monolayers of prolate (left) and oblate (right) hard ellipsoids is studied using the Parsons–Lee approach and replica exchange MC simulations.
Transmetallation from CCC-NHC pincer Zr complexes in the synthesis of air-stable CCC-NHC pincer Co(iii) complexes and initial hydroboration trials
Authors: Reilly Sean W. , Webster Charles Edwin , Hollis T. Keith , Valle Henry U.
Published: January 2016

Transmetallation from an isolated CCC-NHC Zr complex efficiently produces the Co complex, which catalyzes hydroboration.
Sustainable power sources based on high efficiency thermopower wave devices
Authors: Mahajan Sayalee G. , Liu Albert Tianxiang , Cottrill Anton L. , Kunai Yuichiro , Bender David , Castillo Javier , Gibbs Stephen L. , Strano Michael S.
Published: January 2016

Thermopower wave devices are shown to achieve over 1% chemical-to-electrical conversion efficiency, producing energy densities on par with Li-ion batteries.
Amino acid modified copper electrodes for the enhanced selective electroreduction of carbon dioxide towards hydrocarbons
Authors: Xie Ming Shi , Xia Bao Yu , Li Yawei , Yan Ya , Yang Yanhui , Sun Qiang , Chan Siew Hwa , Fisher Adrian , Wang Xin
Published: January 2016

Amino acid functionalized Cu nanowire (NW) film electrode exhibits remarkably enhanced selectivity of hydrocarbons during CO2electroreduction, by stabilizing the key intermediate CHO.
Nanoparticle-enhanced synergistic HIFU ablation and transarterial chemoembolization for efficient cancer therapy
Authors: You Yufeng , Wang Zhigang , Ran Haitao , Zheng Yuanyi , Wang Dong , Xu Jinshun , Wang Zhibiao , Chen Yu , Li Pan
Published: January 2016

We have developed a nanoparticle-based HIFU synergistic cancer surgery enhanced by transarterial chemoembolization for high-efficient HCC treatment based on Fe3O4-PFH/PLGA nanocapsules.
A mechanistic study of carbonyl activation under solvent-free conditions: evidence drawn from the synthesis of imidazoles
Authors: Pradhan Kiran , Tiwary Bipransh Kumar , Hossain Mossaraf , Chakraborty Ranadhir , Nanda Ashis Kumar
Published: January 2016

An assembly of carbonyls held together by weak-bond interactions (Constitutional Dynamic Chemistry) results in bulk polarisation. Molecules participate in reactions in a cycle rather than as individual moieties leading to higher reaction rates.
Influence of a urea–formaldehyde resin adhesive on pyrolysis characteristics and volatiles emission of poplar particleboard
Authors: Zhang Y. , He Z. B. , Xue L. , Chu D. M. , Mu J.
Published: January 2016

To investigate the influence of urea–formaldehyde resin (UF resin) adhesive on the thermal utilization of wood waste, the pyrolysis of particleboard and its main components (poplar and UF resin) are studied in this paper.
The mitochondria-targeted and IR780-regulated theranosomes for imaging and enhanced photodynamic/photothermal therapy
Authors: Guo Fang , Yu Meng , Wang Jinping , Tan Fengping , Li Nan
Published: January 2016

(a) A schematic of the system TPP-IR780/Ce6-TNS. (b) Illustration of the system TPP-IR780/Ce6-TNS to the tumor microenvironment.
One-step electrochemical preparation and characterization of nanostructured hydrohausmannite as electrode material for supercapacitors
Authors: Aghazadeh M. , Ghannadi Maragheh M. , Ganjali M. R. , Norouzi P.
Published: January 2016

A novel, simple one-pot electrochemical procedure is proposed for the preparation of hydrohausmannite.
Synthesis and characterization of graphene from waste dry cell battery for electronic applications
Authors: Roy Indranil , Sarkar Gunjan , Mondal Soumya , Rana Dipak , Bhattacharyya Amartya , Saha Nayan Ranjan , Adhikari Arpita , Khastgir Dipak , Chattopadhyay Sanatan , Chattopadhyay Dipankar
Published: January 2016

Electronic applications of graphene synthesized from graphite electrode of waste dry cell battery.
Hierarchically porous NiO–Al2O3 nanocomposite with enhanced Congo red adsorption in water
Authors: Lei Chunsheng , Zhu Xiaofeng , Le Yao , Zhu Bicheng , Yu Jiaguo , Ho Wingkei
Published: January 2016

Hierarchical porous NiO–Al2O3 nanocomposite samples with enhanced adsorption affinity toward Congo red in water were prepared.
Synthesis of porous MnCo2O4 microspheres with yolk–shell structure induced by concentration gradient and the effect on their performance in electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Huang Guoyong , Xu Shengming , Yang Yue , Sun Hongyu , Xu Zhenghe
Published: January 2016

In this study, novel spherical yolk–shell MnCo2O4 powders with concentration gradient have been synthesized.
Water soluble EDTA-linked chitosan as a zwitterionic flocculant for pH sensitive removal of Cu(ii) ion
Authors: Fujita Sayaka , Sakairi Nobuo
Published: January 2016

Water soluble EDTA-linked chitosan was synthesized and applied to remove Cu(ii) utilizing its property of chelation and pH sensitive precipitation.
Preponderant adsorption for chlorpyrifos over atrazine by wheat straw-derived biochar: experimental and theoretical studies
Authors: Wang Peifang , Yin Yayun , Guo Yong , Wang Chao
Published: January 2016

In competitive sorption, WS750 prefers to adsorb chlorpyrifos over atrazine since that chlorpyrifos has stronger pi–pi interaction with WS750 (23.68 kcal mol−1) and larger lipophilicity (log P= 4.7) than that (22.70 kcal mol−1, log P= 2.7) of atrazine.
Effect of aminopropylisobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane functionalized graphene on the thermal conductivity and electrical insulation properties of epoxy composites
Authors: Zong Peisong , Fu Jifang , Chen Liya , Yin Jintao , Dong Xing , Yuan Shuai , Shi Liyi , Deng Wei
Published: January 2016

To obtain homogeneous dispersion and strong interfacial interaction in epoxy nanocomposites, an effective approach is proposed to prepare ApPOSS-graphene enhancement epoxy hybrids with high thermal conductivity and electrical insulating property.
Re-engineering of PIP3-antagonist triazole PITENIN's chemical scaffold: development of novel antifungal leads
Authors: Pulya Sravani , Kommagalla Yadagiri , Sant Duhita G. , Jorwekar Shweta U. , Tupe Santosh G. , Deshpande Mukund V. , Ramana Chepuri V.
Published: January 2016

A novel 4-(1-phenyl-1-hydroxyethyl)-1-(o-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole was designed by integrating the structural features of triazole PITENIN anticancer agents and the azole class of antifungal drugs.
Structure and electrical properties of lead-free Sr1−x(K,Ce)x/2(Na0.5Bi0.5)Bi4Ti5O18 piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Yao Zhongran , Chu Ruiqing , Xu Zhijun , Hao Jigong , Du Juan , Li Guorong
Published: January 2016

Bismuth layer-structured ferroelectrics with a formula of Sr1−x(K,Ce)x/2(Na0.5Bi0.5)Bi4Ti5O18, were prepared by a conventional solid-state reaction method.
Photoluminescence and afterglow of deep red emitting SrSc2O4:Eu2+
Authors: Müller Matthias , Volhard Max-Fabian , Jüstel Thomas
Published: January 2016

This work deals with the photoluminescence as well as the persistent luminescence of SrSc2O4:Eu2+and SrSc2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+. Therefore, photoluminescence spectra were recorded and fluorescence lifetime measurements were performed.
The evaluation of cellular uptake efficiency and tumor-targeting ability of MPEG–PDLLA micelles: effect of particle size
Authors: Hao Ying , Huang YiXing , He YunQi , Peng JinRong , Chen LiJuan , Hu Xun , Qian ZhiYong
Published: January 2016

The study reported herein describes the cellular uptake efficiency and tumor-targeting ability of MPEG–PDLLA micelles with two different particle sizes.
Adsorption of malathion on mesoporous monetite obtained by mechanochemical treatment of brushite
Authors: Mirković M. M. , Pašti T. D. Lazarević , Došen A. M. , Čebela M. Ž. , Rosić A. A. , Matović B. Z. , Babić B. M.
Published: January 2016

Synthesis of mesoporous monetite by mechanochemical treatment brushite.
Particle diffusion in active fluids is non-monotonic in size
Authors: Patteson Alison E. , Gopinath Arvind , Purohit Prashant K. , Arratia Paulo E.
Published: January 2016

In living fluids, such as suspensions of swimming bacteria, large particles can surprisingly diffuse faster than smaller particles.
Correction: Dye adsorption mechanisms in TiO2 films, and their effects on the photodynamic and photovoltaic properties in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Hwang Kyung-Jun , Shim Wang-Geun , Kim Dajung , An Jongdeok , Im Chan , Kim Youngjin , Kim Gunwoo , Choi Chulmin , Kang Sang Ook , Cho Dae Won
Published: January 2016

Correction for ‘Dye adsorption mechanisms in TiO2 films, and their effects on the photodynamic and photovoltaic properties in dye-sensitized solar cells’ by Kyung-Jun Hwang et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015, 17, 21974–21981.
Synthesis of the visible-light-driven Ag3VO4/Ag3PO4/Ag photocatalysts with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Akbarzadeh Elham , Setayesh Shahrbanoo Rahman , Gholami Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2016

A novel Ag3VO4/Ag3PO4/Ag photocatalyst is reported with enhanced photocatalytic activity.
Abca7 deletion does not affect adult neurogenesis in the mouse
Authors: Li Hongyun , Karl Tim , Garner Brett
Published: January 2016

ATP-binding cassette transporter A7 (ABCA7) is highly expressed in the brain. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified ABCA7 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that increase Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk, however, the mechanisms by which ABCA7 may control AD risk remain to be fully elucidated. Based on previous research suggesting that certain ABC transporters may play a role in the regulation of neurogenesis, we conducted a study of cell proliferation and neurogenic potential using cellular bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and doublecortin (DCX) immunostaining in adult Abca7 deficient mice and wild-type-like (WT) littermates. In the present study counting of BrdU-positive and DCX-positive cells in an established adult neurogenesis site in the dentate gyrus (DG) indicated there were no significant differences when WT and Abca7 deficient mice were compared. We also measured the area occupied by immunohistochemical staining for BrdU and DCX in the DG and the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the same mice and this confirmed that ABCA7 does not play a significant role in the regulation of cell proliferation or neurogenesis in the adult mouse.
Two‐stage optimal demand response with battery energy storage systems
Authors: Wang Zhaoyu , He Yanyi
Published: January 2016

This study proposes a two‐stage co‐optimisation framework for the planning and energy management of a customer with battery energy storage systems (BESSs) and demand response (DR) programs. The proposed method can assist a customer to make the most beneficial plans to join DR programs and install BESS in the planning stage, and optimally schedule the loads, DG outputs and BESS according to the planning decisions made in the first stage. The novel method considers multiple DR programs, various customer types and demand scenarios, and the integration of BESS. Case studies on a small commercial building and a large commercial/industrial campus demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and the impacts of BESS and DGs on customer behaviours. The proposed method can provide guidance to a customer to make the most beneficial decisions in an electricity market with multiple DR programs.
Solution of security constrained optimal power flow for large‐scale power systems by convex transformation techniques and Taylor series
Authors: Attarha Ahmad , Amjady Nima
Published: January 2016

Security constrained optimal power flow (SCOPF) is a key operation function for today's power systems, extensively used, for example, in the dispatching centres. However, SCOPF is a complex optimisation problem for large practical power systems, mostly due to its highly non‐convex nature. This study aims at changing highly non‐convex SCOPF problem to a convex one. In this way, SCOPF can be solved with much less computation burden and more optimal solutions can be obtained for it by means of commercial solvers. For this purpose, the non‐convex terms of SCOPF model (for instance, the terms associated with the valve loading effects of units and AC network modelling) are first reformulated using Signomial functions based on Taylor series. Then, the Signomial SCOPF formulation becomes convex by means of power transformation techniques. The constructed convex SCOPF formulation can be easily solved to obtain its optimal solution. The proposed solution approach is tested on well‐known IEEE 30‐bus, 118‐bus, 300‐bus and the polish 2746‐bus test systems and its obtained results are compared with the results of several other SCOPF solution methods and published literature figures.
Molecular dynamics study of bio‐manipulation in aqueous media
Authors: Kheirodin Mohsen , Pishkenari Hossein Nejat , Hanif Mahboobi Seyed
Published: January 2016

Nano‐manipulation is one of the most important aspects of nano‐robotics and nano‐assembly. The positioning process is considered by many researches to be one of the most important parts of nano‐assembly, but has been poorly investigated, particularly for biologic samples. This Letter is devoted to modelling the process of positioning a biomolecule with atomic force microscopy (AFM) in an aqueous media using molecular dynamics simulations. Carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphite sheet are selected as AFM tip and substrate, respectively. To consider the effects of the medium on the manipulation, several models for decreasing the calculations including implicit, coarse grained, and all‐atom methods have been investigated. They examined several parameters which may affect the quality of the manipulation process such as the CNT initial position with respect to the sample and substrate, its diameter and positioning strategies (pushing or pulling). The results demonstrate that despite of the implicit solvent methods, coarse‐grained model can simulate the aqueous media accurately with lower computational cost. Furthermore, pulling method with a CNT which has a larger diameter and a smaller gap with respect to the substrate is the most appropriate setting for manipulation.
Method for surface coating of octahdro‐1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocine with submicron 1,3,5‐triamino‐2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene
Authors: Tan Xuerong , Duan Xiaohui , Li Hongzhen , Pei Chonghua
Published: January 2016

To improve the safety of octahdro‐1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocine (HMX), a submicron energetic material, 1,3,5‐triamino‐2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene (TATB), was introduced to coat HMX by a novel method. This novel method contained the reaction crystallisation and the solvent–non‐solvent method. X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and optical microscopy analyses showed that a homogeneous layer of TATB particles with submicron scale had been successfully coated on the surface of HMX particle. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry indicated that the coated HMX only had an exothermic peak at 279.4 °C, and the phase transition temperature reached 213.5 °C and increased by 20.2 °C compared with the pure HMX. The content of the coating TATB was determined to be 6.2 wt.% through high‐performance liquid chromatograph. Relative to the mechanically mixed HMX/TATB, the drop height (H50) was increased from 23.0 to 74.1 cm, and the friction probability was reduced from 4 to 0% for the coated HMX.
Ce3+‐doped neodymium phosphate nanostructures: controllable synthesis, influencing factors, and photoluminescence properties
Authors: Wu Kong‐Lin , Chen Yang , Ming Jiang , Yao Xin‐Yu , Ling Min , Liu Kun , Wei Xian‐Wen
Published: January 2016

Wire‐like and flower‐like cerium ion (Ce3+)‐doped neodymium phosphate nanostructures (NdPO4:Ce3+NSs) were synthesised via a direct precipitation process at room temperature. The different reaction conditions such as the phosphate anion source, solvent, and surfactant were carried out to discuss the influence for the morphologies and photoluminescence (PL) properties. Experimental results showed that the surfactants of dodecyl benzene sulphonic acid sodium and dodecyl sulphonic acid sodium play an important role in controlling the flower‐like NdPO4:Ce3+NSs. The flower‐like NdPO4:Ce3+NSs exhibited higher PL property than that of wire‐like NdPO4:Ce3+NSs.
Mechanical and electrical properties of low temperature phase MnBi
Authors: Jiang Xiujuan , Roosendaal Timothy , Lu Xiaochuan , Palasyuk Olena , Dennis Kevin W. , Dahl Michael , Choi Jung-Pyung , Polikarpov Evgueni , Marinescu Melania , Cui Jun
Published: January 2016

Low temperature phase (LTP) manganese bismuth (MnBi) is a promising rare-earth-free permanent magnet material due to its high intrinsic coercivity and large positive temperature coefficient. While scientists are making progress on fabricating bulk MnBi magnets, engineers have begun considering MnBi magnets for motor applications. Physical properties other than magnetic ones could significantly affect motor design. Here, we report results of our investigation on the mechanical and electrical properties of bulk LTP MnBi and their temperature dependence. A MnBi ingot was prepared using an arc melting technique and subsequently underwent grinding, sieving, heat treatment, and cryomilling. The resultant powders with a particle size of ∼5 μm were magnetically aligned, cold pressed, and sintered at a predefined temperature. Micro-hardness testing was performed on a part of original ingot and we found that the hardness of MnBi was 109 ± 15 HV. The sintered magnets were subjected to compressive testing at different temperatures and it was observed that a sintered MnBi magnet fractured when the compressive stress exceeded 193 MPa at room temperature. Impedance spectra were obtained using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy at various temperatures and we found that the electrical resistance of MnBi at room temperature was about 6.85 μΩ m.
Mapping strain fields induced in Zr-based bulk metallic glasses during in-situ nanoindentation by X-ray nanodiffraction
Authors: Gamcová J. , Mohanty G. , Michalik Š. , Wehrs J. , Bednarčík J. , Krywka C. , Breguet J. M. , Michler J. , Franz H.
Published: January 2016

A pioneer in-situ synchrotron X-ray nanodiffraction approach for characterization and visualization of strain fields induced by nanoindentation in amorphous materials is introduced. In-situ nanoindentation experiments were performed in transmission mode using a monochromatic and highly focused sub-micron X-ray beam on 40 μm thick Zr-based bulk metallic glass under two loading conditions. Spatially resolved X-ray diffraction scans in the deformed volume of Zr-based bulk metallic glass covering an area of 40 × 40 μm2 beneath the pyramidal indenter revealed two-dimensional map of elastic strains. The largest value of compressive elastic strain calculated from diffraction data at 1 N load was −0.65%. The region of high elastic compressive strains (<−0.3%) is located beneath the indenter tip and has radius of 7 μm.
Transient terahertz photoconductivity measurements of minority-carrier lifetime in tin sulfide thin films: Advanced metrology for an early stage photovoltaic material
Authors: Jaramillo R. , Sher Meng-Ju , Ofori-Okai Benjamin K. , Steinmann V. , Yang Chuanxi , Hartman Katy , Nelson Keith A. , Lindenberg Aaron M. , Gordon Roy G. , Buonassisi T.
Published: January 2016

Materials research with a focus on enhancing the minority-carrier lifetime of the light-absorbing semiconductor is key to advancing solar energy technology for both early stage and mature material platforms alike. Tin sulfide (SnS) is an absorber material with several clear advantages for manufacturing and deployment, but the record power conversion efficiency remains below 5%. We report measurements of bulk and interface minority-carrier recombination rates in SnS thin films using optical-pump, terahertz-probe transient photoconductivity (TPC) measurements. Post-growth thermal annealing in H2S gas increases the minority-carrier lifetime, and oxidation of the surface reduces the surface recombination velocity. However, the minority-carrier lifetime remains below 100 ps for all tested combinations of growth technique and post-growth processing. Significant improvement in SnS solar cell performance will hinge on finding and mitigating as-yet-unknown recombination-active defects. We describe in detail our methodology for TPC experiments, and we share our data analysis routines in the form freely available software.
Efficient telecom to visible wavelength conversion in doubly resonant gallium phosphide microdisks
Authors: Lake David P. , Mitchell Matthew , Jayakumar Harishankar , dos Santos Laís Fujii , Curic Davor , Barclay Paul E.
Published: January 2016

Resonant second harmonic generation between 1550 nm and 775 nm with normalized outside efficiency >3.8×10−4 mW−1 is demonstrated in a gallium phosphide microdisk supporting high-Q modes at visible (Q∼104) and infrared (Q∼105) wavelengths. The double resonance condition is satisfied for a specific pump power through intracavity photothermal temperature tuning using ∼360 μW of 1550 nm light input to a fiber taper and coupled to a microdisk resonance. Power dependent efficiency consistent with a simple model for thermal tuning of the double resonance condition is observed.
Research and application of a hybrid forecasting model based on simulated annealing algorithm: A case study of wind speed forecasting
Authors: Jiang Ping , Ge Yingjie , Wang Chen
Published: January 2016

As a promising renewable energy source, wind energy has increasingly gained worldwide attention. Providing high accuracy wind energy forecasting allows us to improve the economic and social benefits of wind power management, which reduces the generation costs and improves the security of the wind power system. In this paper, a novel hybrid forecasting model called E-SA-BP, which combines ensemble empirical mode decomposition, a simulated annealing (SA) algorithm, and a back-propagation neural network (BPNN), is developed to perform wind speed forecasting. First, ensemble empirical mode decomposition is used to decompose the original wind speed data series aiming to de-noise and then reconstruct the data series. Next, BPNN is applied to perform short-term wind speed forecasting, because BPNN can implement any complex nonlinear mapping function (as proven by mathematical theory) and approximate an arbitrary nonlinear function with satisfactory accuracy. However, due to the instability of the structure of the BPNN, SA is utilized to optimize the weight and threshold values of the BPNN through simulating the annealing process of metal objects after heating. Last, the data of six wind speed observation sites in Jiaodong Peninsula of China are chosen to test the performance of the forecasting models. The results show an effective decrease in the forecasting errors of E-SA-BP when it is compared with the Moving Average(1), Exponential Smoothing (ES)(1), ES(2), Autoregressive Moving Average Model, Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average, BP, SA-BP, and E-BP models.
Abnormalities in Hyperpolarized 129Xe Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy in two Patients with Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Authors: Dahhan Talal , Kaushik Shiv S. , He Mu , Mammarappallil Joseph G. , Tapson Victor F. , McAdams Holman P. , Sporn Thomas A. , Driehuys Bastiaan , Rajagopal Sudarshan
Published: January 2016

The diagnosis of pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) is usually based on hemodynamic and/or clinical criteria. Noninvasive imaging of the heart and proximal vasculature can also provide useful information. An alternate approach to such criteria in the diagnosis of PVD is to image the vascular abnormalities in the lungs themselves. Hyperpolarized (HP) 129Xe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a novel technique for assessing abnormalities in ventilation and gas exchange in the lungs. We applied this technique to two patients for whom there was clinical suspicion of PVD. Two patients who had significant hypoxemia and dyspnea with no significant abnormalities on computed tomography imaging or ventilation‐perfusion scan and only mild or borderline pulmonary arterial hypertension at catheterization were evaluated. They underwent HP 129Xe imaging and subsequently had tissue diagnosis obtained from lung pathology. In both patients, HP 129Xe imaging demonstrated normal ventilation but markedly decreased gas transfer to red blood cells with focal defects on imaging, a pattern distinct from those previously described for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or obstructive lung disease. Pathology on both patients later demonstrated severe PVD. These findings suggest that HP 129Xe MRI may be useful in the diagnosis of PVD and monitoring response to therapy. Further studies are required to determine its sensitivity and specificity in these settings.
Kif26b controls endothelial cell polarity through the Dishevelled/Daam1-dependent planar cell polarity–signaling pathway
Authors: Guillabert-Gourgues Aude , Jaspard-Vinassa Beatrice , Bats Marie-Lise , Sewduth Raj N. , Franzl Nathalie , Peghaire Claire , Jeanningros Sylvie , Moreau Catherine , Roux Etienne , Larrieu-Lahargue Frederic , Dufourcq Pascale , Couffinhal Thierry , Duplàa Cecile
Published: January 2016

Angiogenesis involves the coordinated growth and migration of endothelial cells (ECs) toward a proangiogenic signal. The Wnt planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway, through the recruitment of Dishevelled (Dvl) and Dvl-associated activator of morphogenesis (Daam1), has been proposed to regulate cell actin cytoskeleton and microtubule (MT) reorganization for oriented cell migration. Here we report that Kif26b—a kinesin—and Daam1 cooperatively regulate initiation of EC sprouting and directional migration via MT reorganization. First, we find that Kif26b is recruited within the Dvl3/Daam1 complex. Using a three-dimensional in vitro angiogenesis assay, we show that Kif26b and Daam1 depletion impairs tip cell polarization and destabilizes extended vascular processes. Kif26b depletion specifically alters EC directional migration and mislocalized MT organizing center (MTOC)/Golgi and myosin IIB cell rear enrichment. Therefore the cell fails to establish a proper front–rear polarity. Of interest, Kif26b ectopic expression rescues the siDaam1 polarization defect phenotype. Finally, we show that Kif26b functions in MT stabilization, which is indispensable for asymmetrical cell structure reorganization. These data demonstrate that Kif26b, together with Dvl3/Daam1, initiates cell polarity through the control of PCP signaling pathway–dependent activation.
Heparan sulfate regulates the number and centrosome positioning ofDrosophilamale germline stem cells
Authors: Levings Daniel C. , Arashiro Takeshi , Nakato Hiroshi
Published: January 2016

Stem cell division is tightly controlled via secreted signaling factors and cell adhesion molecules provided from local niche structures. Molecular mechanisms by which each niche component regulates stem cell behaviors remain to be elucidated. Here we show that heparan sulfate (HS), a class of glycosaminoglycan chains, regulates the number and asymmetric division of germline stem cells (GSCs) in the Drosophila testis. We found that GSC number is sensitive to the levels of 6- O sulfate groups on HS. Loss of 6- O sulfation also disrupted normal positioning of centrosomes, a process required for asymmetric division of GSCs. Blocking HS sulfation specifically in the niche, termed the hub, led to increased GSC numbers and mispositioning of centrosomes. The same treatment also perturbed the enrichment of Apc2, a component of the centrosome-anchoring machinery, at the hub–GSC interface. This perturbation of the centrosome-anchoring process ultimately led to an increase in the rate of spindle misorientation and symmetric GSC division. This study shows that specific HS modifications provide a novel regulatory mechanism for stem cell asymmetric division. The results also suggest that HS-mediated niche signaling acts upstream of GSC division orientation control.
Greek Hymnic Spaces
Authors: Thomas Oliver
Published: January 2016

This chapter surveys how space is presented in a range of ancient Greek hymns, both literary and cultic. It proposes as a framework for analysis a distinction between the space of the god addressed, that of the human performers and audience, and that of any inset narratives in the hymn. Alignments between these three frames are often used to create empathy between worshipper and god, while disjunctions between them acknowledge the awesome strangeness of a divine worldview. The presentation of space is therefore a crucial strategy in constructing the worshipper–deity relationship. The chapter also shows how hymnic depictions of Delos help to make sense of Herodotus’ presuppositions when he describes the island.
Inferring and predicting global temperature trends
Authors: Ansley Craig , de Jong Piet
Published: January 2016

A number of recent papers have proposed and used a method based on the Butterworth filter for smoothing the climatic time series. This chapter shows that the proposed method has undesirable properties, in that the smoothed values have high standard errors and may have considerable bias. Standard time series models can be used to avoid these problems. A state space model that fits the data well is estimated by maximum likelihood, and used to answer the questions of firstly whether there has been recent (in the last ten to twenty years) global warming, and secondly whether warming has been accelerating. The first question is answered in the affirmative while the second in the negative. The conclusions are robust to parameter uncertainties. Hundred year temperature forecasts are displayed as well as associated error bounds.
Inference for models with asymmetric α -stable noise processes
Authors: Lemke Tatjana , Godsill Simon J.
Published: January 2016

This chapter begins with a simple general framework for inference in the presence of α-stable processes, where the stable processes are represented as conditionally Gaussian distributions, relying on (exact) series representations of the stable laws and the corresponding stochastic integrations in terms of infinite summations of random Poisson process arrival times. Inference can therefore be carried out using techniques including auxiliary variables, Rao-Blackwellized particle filtering, and Markov chain Monte Carlo. The Poisson series representation is further enhanced by introducing an approximation of the series residual terms based on exact moment calculations. Extensions to the discrete-time asymmetric stable case and to continuous-time are
Generalized linear spectral models
Authors: Proietti Tommaso , Luati Alessandra
Published: January 2016

This chapter considers a class of parametric spectrum estimators based on a generalized linear model for exponential random variables with power link. The power transformation of the spectrum of a stationary process can be expanded in a Fourier series, with the coefficients representing generalized autocovariances. Direct Whittle estimation of the coefficients is generally unfeasible, as they are subject to constraints. The problem can be overcome using an ARMA representation for the power transformation of the spectrum. Estimation is carried out by maximizing the Whittle likelihood, whereas spectral model selection, as a function of the power transformation parameter and the ARMA orders, can be by information criteria. The proposed methods are applied to the estimation of the inverse autocorrelation function and the related problem of selecting the optimal interpolator, and for the identification of spectral peaks. More generally, they can be applied to spectral estimation with possibly misspecified models.
The Fermi-LAT view of the colliding wind binaries
Authors: Pshirkov M. S.
Published: January 2016

Colliding wind binaries (CWBs) have been considered as a possible high-energy γ-ray sources for some time, however no system other than η Car has been detected. In the Letter, a sample of seven CWBs (WR 11, WR 70, WR 137, WR 140, WR 146, WR 147) which, by means of theoretic modelling, were deemed most promising candidates, was analysed using almost 7 yr of the Fermi-Large Area Telescope (LAT) data. WR 11 (γ2 Vel) was detected at 6.1σ confidence level with a photon flux in 0.1–100 GeV range (1.8 ± 0.6) × 10−9 ph cm−2 s−1 and an energy flux (2.7 ± 0.5) × 10−12  erg cm−2 s−1. At the adopted distance d = 340 pc this corresponds to a luminosity L = (3.7 ± 0.7) × 1031 erg s−1. This luminosity amounts to ∼6 × 10−6 fraction of the total wind kinetic power and ∼1.6 × 10−4 fraction of the power injected into the wind–wind interaction region of this system. Upper limits were set on the high energy flux from the WR 70 and WR 140 systems.
Progress in the Study of Nonstationary Political Time Series: A Comment
Authors: Freeman John R.
Published: January 2016

Cointegration was introduced to our discipline by Renée Smith and Charles Ostrom Jr. and by Robert Durr more than two decades ago at political methodology meetings in Washington University�St. Louis and Florida State University. Their articles, along with comments by Neal Beck and John T. Williams, were published in a symposium like this one in the fourth volume ofPolitical Analysis. Keele, Lin, and Webb (2016; hereafter KLW) and Grant and Lebo (2016; hereafter GL) show how, in the years that followed, cointegration was further evaluated by political scientists, and the related idea of error correction subsequently was applied.

Have the last twenty-plus years witnessed significant progress in modeling nonstationary political time series? In some respects, the answer is yes. The present symposium represents progress in understanding equation balance, analyzing bounded variables, and decomposing short- and longterm causal effects. In these respects KLW's and GL's articles deserve wide dissemination. But KLW and GL leave important methodological issues unresolved. They do not address some critical methodological challenges. From a historical perspective, the present symposium shows that we have made relatively little progress in modeling nonstationary political time series.
Treating Time with All Due Seriousness
Authors: Keele Luke , Linn Suzanna , Webb Clayton McLaughlin
Published: January 2016

In this article, we highlight three points. First, we counter Grant and Lebo's claim that the error correction model (ECM) cannot be applied to stationary data. We maintain that when data are properly stationary, the ECM is an entirely appropriate model. We clarify that for a model to be properly stationary, it must be balanced. Second, we contend that while fractional integration techniques can be useful, they also have important weaknesses, especially when applied to many time series typical in political science. We also highlight two related but often ignored complications in time series: low power and overfitting. We argue that the statistical tests used in time-series analyses have little power to detect differences in many of the sample sizes typical in political science. Moreover, given the small sample sizes, many analysts overfit their time-series models. Overfitting occurs when a statical model describes random error or noise instead of the underlying relationship. We argue that the results in the Grant and Lebo replications could easily be a function of overfitting.
Equation Balance and Dynamic Political Modeling
Authors: Lebo Matthew J. , Grant Taylor
Published: January 2016

The papers in this symposium agree on several points. In this article, we sort through some remaining areas of disagreement and discuss some of the practical issues of time series modeling we think deserve further explanation. In particular, we have five points: (1) clarifying our stance on the general error correction model in light of the comments in this issue; (2) clarifying equation balance and discussing how bounded series affects our thinking about stationarity, balance, and modeling choices; (3) answering lingering questions about our Monte Carlo simulations and exploring potential problems in the inferences drawn from long-run multipliers; (4) reviewing and defending fractional integration methods in light of the questions raised in this symposium and elsewhere; and (5) providing a short practical guide to estimating a multivariate autoregressive fractionally integrated moving average model with or without an error correction term.
Crystal structure of microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 4 catalytic domain in complex with a pyrazolopyrimidine inhibitor
Authors: Sack John S. , Gao Mian , Kiefer Susan E. , Myers Joseph E. , Newitt John A. , Wu Sophie , Yan Chunhong
Published: January 2016

Microtubule-associated protein/microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 4 (MARK4) is a serine/threonine kinase involved in the phosphorylation of MAP proteins that regulate microtubule dynamics. Abnormal activity of MARK4 has been proposed to contribute to neurofibrillary tangle formation in Alzheimer's disease. The crystal structure of the catalytic and ubiquitin-associated domains of MARK4 with a potent pyrazolopyrimidine inhibitor has been determined to 2.8 Å resolution with anRworkof 22.8%. The overall structure of MARK4 is similar to those of the other known MARK isoforms. The inhibitor is located in the ATP-binding site, with the pyrazolopyrimidine group interacting with the inter-lobe hinge region while the aminocyclohexane moiety interacts with the catalytic loop and the DFG motif, forcing the activation loop out of the ATP-binding pocket.
Crystal structure of (Na0.70)(Na0.70,Mn0.30)(Fe3+,Fe2+)2Fe2+(VO4)3, a sodium-, iron- and manganese-based vanadate with the alluaudite-type structure
Authors: Benhsina Elhassan , Assani Abderrazzak , Saadi Mohamed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: January 2016

The title compound, sodium (sodium,manganese) triiron(II,III) tris[vanadate(V)], (Na0.70)(Na0.70,Mn0.30)(Fe3+,Fe2+)2Fe2+(VO4)3, was prepared by solid-state reactions. It crystallizes in an alluaudite-like structure, characterized by a partial cationic disorder. In the structure, four of the 12 sites in the asymmetric unit are located on special positions, three on a twofold rotation axis (Wyckoff position 4e) and one on an inversion centre (4b). Two sites on the twofold rotation axis are entirely filled by Fe2+and V5+, whereas the third site has a partial occupancy of 70% by Na+. The site on the inversion centre is occupied by Na+and Mn2+cations in a 0.7:0.3 ratio. The remaining Fe2+and Fe3+atoms are statistically distributed on a general position. The three-dimensional framework of this structure is made up of kinked chains of edge-sharing [FeO6] octahedra stacked parallel to [10-1]. These chains are held together by VO4tetrahedral groups, forming polyhedral sheets perpendicular to [010]. Within this framework, two types of channels extending along [001] are present. One is occupied by (Na+/Mn2+) while the second is partially occupied by Na+. The mixed site containing (Na+/Mn2+) has an octahedral coordination sphere, while the Na+cations in the second channel are coordinated by eight O atoms.