bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ciliary neurotrophic factor has intrinsic and extrinsic roles in regulating B cell differentiation and bone structure
Authors: Askmyr Maria , White Kirby E. , Jovic Tanja , King Hannah A. , Quach Julie M. , Maluenda Ana C. , Baker Emma K. , Smeets Monique F. , Walkley Carl R. , Purton Louise E.
Published: October 2015

The gp130 receptor and its binding partners play a central role in cytokine signalling. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is one of the cytokines that signals through the gp130 receptor complex. CNTF has previously been shown to be a negative regulator of trabecular bone remodelling and important for motor neuron development. Since haematopoietic cell maintenance and differentiation is dependent on the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, where cells of the osteoblastic lineage are important regulators, we hypothesised that CNTF may also have important roles in regulating haematopoiesis. Analysis of haematopoietic parameters in male and female Cntf−/− mice at 12 and 24 weeks of age revealed altered B lymphopoiesis. Strikingly, the B lymphocyte phenotype differed based on sex, age and also the BM microenvironment in which the B cells develop. When BM cells from wildtype mice were transplanted into Cntf−/− mice, there were minimal effects on B lymphopoiesis or bone parameters. However, when Cntf−/− BM cells were transplanted into a wildtype BM microenvironment, there were changes in both haematopoiesis and bone parameters. Our data reveal that haematopoietic cell-derived CNTF has roles in regulating BM B cell lymphopoiesis and both trabecular and cortical bone, the latter in a sex-dependent manner.
Rapid diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children with pneumonia by an immuno-chromatographic antigen assay
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Yujie , Zhao Yun , Tao Ran , Li Yonggang , Shang Shiqiang
Published: October 2015

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a particularly important pathogen that causes community acquired pneumonia in children. In this study, a rapid test was developed to diagnose M. pneumoniae by using a colloidal gold-based immuno-chromatographic assay which targets a region of the P1 gene. 302 specimens were analyzed by the colloidal gold assay in parallel with real-time PCR. Interestingly, the colloidal gold assay allowed M. pneumoniae identification, with a detection limit of 1 × 103 copies/ml. 76 samples were found to be positive in both real-time PCR and the colloidal gold assay; two specimens positive in real-time PCR were negative in the rapid colloidal gold assay. The specificity and sensitivity of the colloidal gold assay were 100% and 97.4%, respectively. These findings indicate that the newly developed immuno-chromatographic antigen assay is a rapid, sensitive and specific method for identifying M. pneumoniae, with potential clinical application in the early diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
A single design strategy for dual sensitive pH probe with a suitable range to map pH in living cells
Authors: Yu Kang-Kang , Hou Ji-Ting , Li Kun , Yao Qian , Yang Jin , Wu Ming-Yu , Xie Yong-Mei , Yu Xiao-Qi
Published: October 2015

Due to the lack of a proper imaging approach, a veracious pH map of normal and abnormal cell is still rare. In this work, we presented a rhodamine-salicylaldehyde combination (Rh-SA2) as a novel pH probe, which has dual sensitive units for both acidic and basic environment. This dual sensitive probe acts like a chameleon in living cells and offers the doubling guarantees for endocellular pH mapping. Moreover, a quantitative measurement of cellular pH changes was allowed and the endocellular pH values under drug-associated stimuli were also investigated.
A simple, inexpensive and convenient procedure for determination of inorganic Sb species in milk and beverage samples in PET containers by flame atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: Altunay Nail , Gürkan Ramazan
Published: October 2015

Experimental steps of the CPE procedure for the detection of Sb(iii), Sb(v) and total Sb in real samples.
Development of an electrochemical method for the determination of bicalutamide at the SWCNT/CPE in pharmaceutical preparations and human biological fluids
Authors: Pandit Umar J. , Khan Imran , Wankar Sneha , Raj K. K. , Limaye S. N.
Published: October 2015

Voltammetric behavior of an anticancer drug Bicalutamide at fabricated Single Walled Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) Carbon Paste Electrode (CPE).
Chiral resolution with frozen aqueous amino acids
Authors: Takahashi Satsuki , Harada Makoto , Okada Tetsuo
Published: October 2015

Frozen aqueous amino acids are screened to determine their chiral resolution using ice chromatography.
Targeted delivery of gold nanoparticle contrast agents for reporting gene detection by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Vistain Luke F. , Rotz Matthew W. , Rathore Richa , Preslar Adam T. , Meade Thomas J.
Published: October 2015

Incorporating Gd(iii) into AuDNA nanoparticles enables MRI detection of the HaloTag reporter protein expressed on the surface of the cell.
The increased CO2 adsorption performance of chitosan-derived activated carbons with nitrogen-doping
Authors: Fujiki J. , Yogo K.
Published: October 2015

Highly porous nitrogen-doped activated carbons (NACs) were prepared by the chemical activation of chitosan using alkali carbonates.
Triazole–gold promoted intermolecular propargyl alcohol addition to alkyne: the reaction cascade toward substituted allenes
Authors: Hosseyni Seyedmorteza , Ding Shengtao , Su Yijin , Akhmedov Novruz G. , Shi Xiaodong
Published: October 2015

Gold-catalyzed intermolecular propargyl alcohol addition to alkyne was achieved.
Expanding the scope of alkyne-mediated bioconjugations utilizing unnatural amino acids
Authors: Maza Johnathan C. , Nimmo Zachary M. , Young Douglas D.
Published: October 2015

The importance of bioconjugates within the field of chemistry drives the need for novel methodologies for their preparation.
Shape-controlled synthesis of cobalt particles by a surfactant-free solvothermal method and their catalytic application to the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate
Authors: Yan Dong , Zhao Haiyan , Liu Yue , Wu Xin , Pei Jiayun
Published: October 2015

Submicro-Co particles with different morphologies were successfully synthesized by a simple solvothermal and surfactant-free approach.
Exposed facet and crystal phase tuning of hierarchical tungsten oxide nanostructures and their enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance
Authors: Li Yesheng , Tang Zilong , Zhang Junying , Zhang Zhongtai
Published: October 2015

Tungsten oxide hierarchical nanostructures controllably assembled with one dimensional nanostructures which exhibit different exposed facets and crystal phases were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal reaction assisted by urea.
Band alignment and charge transfer in rutile-TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3−xClx interfaces
Authors: Nemnes G. A. , Goehry C. , Mitran T. L. , Nicolaev Adela , Ion L. , Antohe S. , Plugaru N. , Manolescu A.
Published: October 2015

Rutile-TiO2/hybrid halide perovskite CH3NH3PbI3−xClx interfaces are investigated by ab initio density functional theory calculations.
Can HNNH, FNNH, or HNCHOH bridge the σ-hole and the lone pair at P in binary complexes with H2XP, for X = F, Cl, NC, OH, CN, CCH, CH3, and H?
Authors: Del Bene Janet E. , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José
Published: October 2015

HNNH and FNNH form either pnicogen-bonded or hydrogen-bonded complexes with H2XP, but only HNCHOH forms both bonds, thereby bridging the σ-hole and the lone pair at P.
Correction: Synthesis, characterisation, and catalytic evaluation of hierarchical faujasite zeolites: milestones, challenges, and future directions
Authors: Verboekend D. , Nuttens N. , Locus R. , Van Aelst J. , Verolme P. , Groen J. C. , Pérez-Ramírez J. , Sels B. F.
Published: October 2015

Correction for ‘Synthesis, characterisation, and catalytic evaluation of hierarchical faujasite zeolites: milestones, challenges, and future directions’ by D. Verboekend et al., Chem. Soc. Rev., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c5cs00520e.
Organoselenium-catalyzed selectivity-switchable oxidation of β-ionone
Authors: Yu Lei , Bai Zengbing , Zhang Xu , Zhang Xiaohong , Ding Yuanhua , Xu Qing
Published: October 2015

The selectivities of the oxidations of β-ionone1were switched by the organoselenium catalyst used. [3,5-(CF3)2C6H3Se]2led to (E)-5,6-epoxy-β-ionone (2, 72% yield), while (PhCH2Se)2gave the major Baeyer–Villiger oxidation product3in excellent yield (91%).
Ag-loaded zeolites Y and USY as catalysts for selective ammonia oxidation
Authors: Góra-Marek Kinga , Tarach Karolina A. , Piwowarska Zofia , Łaniecki Marek , Chmielarz Lucjan
Published: October 2015

IR spectroscopic studies of NH3 and CO adsorption were applied to establish the status of Ag0 and Ag+ in silver loaded zeolites Y and USY.
The specific functionalization of cyclotriphosphazene for the synthesis of smart dendrimers
Authors: Caminade Anne-Marie , Hameau Aurélien , Majoral Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2015

The precise functionalization of N3P3Cl6for the synthesis of smart dendrimers, and their uses.
Tin(ii) ketoacidoximates: synthesis, X-ray structures and processing to tin(ii) oxide
Authors: Khanderi Jayaprakash , Davaasuren Bambar , Alshankiti Buthainah Ameen , Rothenberger Alexander
Published: October 2015

The synthesis and crystal structure of novel tin(ii) ketoacidoximates and their utility in forming SnO particles and thin films with a high level of oxidation control under ambient conditions are described.
Supramolecular photochemistry applied to artificial photosynthesis and molecular logic devices
Authors: Gust Devens
Published: October 2015

Supramolecular photochemical systems consist of photochemically active components such as chromophores, electron donors or electron acceptors that are associated via non-covalent or covalent interactions and that interact in some functional way. Examples of interactions are singlet–singlet energy transfer, triplet–triplet energy transfer, photoinduced electron transfer, quantum coherence and spin–spin magnetic interactions. Supramolecular photochemical “devices” may have applications in areas such as solar energy conversion, molecular logic, computation and data storage, biomedicine, sensing, imaging, and displays. This short review illustrates supramolecular photochemistry with examples drawn from artificial photosynthesis, molecular logic, analog photochemical devices and models for avian magnetic orientation.
The decrease in the IgG-binding capacity of intensively dry heated whey proteins is associated with intense Maillard reaction, structural changes of the proteins and formation of RAGE-ligands
Authors: Liu Fahui , Teodorowicz Małgorzata , van Boekel Martinus A. J. S. , Wichers Harry J. , Hettinga Kasper A.
Published: October 2015

Heat treatment is the most common way of milk processing, inducing structural changes as well as chemical modifications in milk proteins.
The role of plant cell wall encapsulation and porosity in regulating lipolysis during the digestion of almond seeds
Authors: Grundy Myriam M. L. , Carrière Frédéric , Mackie Alan R. , Gray David A. , Butterworth Peter J. , Ellis Peter R.
Published: October 2015

Intact cell walls of almond prevent lipase penetration thus hindering lipid digestion.
Spectroscopic investigation of substrates contaminated by chemical warfare agents
Authors: Landström Lars , Örebrand Lillemor , Svensson Kristoffer , Andersson Per Ola
Published: October 2015

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy have been evaluated for the purpose of analyzing contaminated and decontaminated substrates, such as Si wafers and different Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC) paint systems.
Separation of cancer cells from white blood cells by pinched flow fractionation
Authors: Pødenphant Marie , Ashley Neil , Koprowska Kamila , Mir Kalim U. , Zalkovskij Maksim , Bilenberg Brian , Bodmer Walter , Kristensen Anders , Marie Rodolphe
Published: October 2015

A pinched flow fractionation (PFF) device is used to separate cancer cells (red) from white blood cells (blue) at efficiencies above 90% for both cell types.
Self-assembly via microfluidics
Authors: Wang Lei , Sánchez Samuel
Published: October 2015

Microfluidic techniques provide an intriguing method to control kinetic aspects of the self-assembly of molecular amphiphiles by the facile adjustment of the hydrodynamics of the fluids.
New ionic cobalt(iii) complexes based on the N,N-bis(2-pyrazinecarboxamide)-1,2-benzene ligand: application to the formation of organic carbonates from epoxides and CO2
Authors: Adolph Michael , Zevaco Thomas A. , Altesleben Christiane , Staudt Simone , Walter Olaf , Dinjus Eckhard
Published: October 2015

New cobalt(iii) complexes based onN,N-bis(2-pyrazine-carboxamide)-1,2-benzene were tested as catalysts for the coupling of propylene- and cyclohexene oxide with CO2.
Effects of crystallographic facet-specific peptide adsorption along single ZnO nanorods on the characteristic fluorescence intensification on nanorod ends (FINE) phenomenon
Authors: Singh Manpreet , Zhuo Xiaolu , Choi Daniel S. , Gonzalez Lorelis E. , Wang Jianfang , Hahm Jong-in
Published: October 2015

We evaluate experimentally and via computer simulations the fluorescence emission profiles of preferentially bound peptide cases on the basal versus prismic planes of ZnO nanorods.
Processing and adjusting the hydrophilicity of poly(oxymethylene) (co)polymers: nanoparticle preparation and film formation
Authors: Bannwarth Markus B. , Klein Rebecca , Kurch Sven , Frey Holger , Landfester Katharina , Wurm Frederik R.
Published: October 2015

Handling the insoluble POM: the preparation of organic and aqueous nanoparticle dispersions based on poly(oxymethylene) copolymers and their film formation is described.
Photoluminescence and wettability control of NiFe/ZnO heterostructure bilayer films
Authors: Chi P. W. , Wei D. H. , Wu S. H. , Chen Y. Y. , Yao Y. D.
Published: October 2015

This work demonstrates the controllability of the physical characteristics of NiFe/ZnO heterostructures which provide valuable multifunctional behaviors for potential novel magnetoelectric applications.
Synthesis of highly diversified 1,2,3-triazole derivatives via domino [3 + 2] azide cycloaddition and denitration reaction sequence
Authors: Bakthadoss Manickam , Sivakumar Nagappan , Devaraj Anthonisamy , Kumar Polu Vijay
Published: October 2015

Synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles via domino azide cycloaddition and denitration reaction sequence under catalyst free conditions is described. Sodium azide treatment of Baylis–Hillman adducts and their cyclic derivatives from nitro olefins gave the triazoles in excellent yield.
A surfactant-assisted high energy ball milling technique to produce colloidal nanoparticles and nanocrystalline flakes in Mn–Al alloys
Authors: Saravanan P. , Deepika D. , Hsu Jen-Hwa , Vinod V. T. P. , Černík Miroslav , Kamat S. V.
Published: October 2015

A surfactant assisted-high energy ball milling technique was employed to process Mn54Al46 alloy in the form of colloidal nanoparticles with non-magnetic nature and high-aspect ratio nanocrystalline flakes with interesting hard magnetic properties.
Green synthesis of a Cu/reduced graphene oxide/Fe3O4 nanocomposite using Euphorbia wallichii leaf extract and its application as a recyclable and heterogeneous catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and rhodamine B
Authors: Atarod Monireh , Nasrollahzadeh Mahmoud , Sajadi S. Mohammad
Published: October 2015

Herein, we describe a green and eco-friendly synthesis method for preparing a Cu/RGO/Fe3O4 nanocomposite through biological reduction of graphene oxide and Cu2+, Fe3+ ions using Euphorbia wallichii leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent.
Ligand-free reusable nano copper oxide-catalyzed synthesis of 3-amino-1,4-diynes
Authors: Mishra Subhajit , Santra Sougata , Hajra Alakananda
Published: October 2015

The synthesis of 3-amino-1,4-diynes has been developed by the two-component coupling of N,N-dimethyl formamide dimethyl acetal with terminal alkynes using CuO nanoparticles as an efficient catalyst under mild reaction conditions.
Graphene oxide aided structural tailoring of 3-D N-doped amorphous carbon network for enhanced energy storage
Authors: Shruthi T. K. , Kumar M. Saravana , Arjunan Muneeswaran , Pratap Aswin , Chandrasekaran Naveen
Published: October 2015

Organic aerogels are a class of material most suited for their transformation into electrically conducting porous carbon networks.
A new fabrication of AgX (X = Br, I)–TiO2 nanoparticles immobilized on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers with high photocatalytic activity and renewable property
Authors: Yu Dandan , Bai Jie , Liang Haiou , Wang Junzhong , Li Chunping
Published: October 2015

AgX–TiO2/PAN (X = Br, I) photocatalyst was synthesized by the electrospinning technique, solvothermal synthesis, physical adsorption and gas/solid reaction.
Effect of precursor on the performance of phosphate-modified γ-Al2O3 catalysts for the dehydration of methanol
Authors: Xu Longkun , He Dan , Liu Laishuan , Pei Tianjie , Ren Jun
Published: October 2015

Phosphates with high basicity can improve the proportion of weak and medium acid sites on PO43−/γ-Al2O3 catalysts. Weak and medium acid sites are related to the reaction for dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether.
Correction: Nanomechanical analysis of the adsorption and desorption of water vapor on porous surfaces
Authors: Lee Dongkyu , Yim Changyong , Jeon Sangmin
Published: October 2015

Correction for ‘Nanomechanical analysis of the adsorption and desorption of water vapor on porous surfaces’ by Dongkyu Lee et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 80925–80928.
A hierarchical porous ionic organic polymer as a new platform for heterogeneous phase transfer catalysis
Authors: Sun Qi , Ma Shengqian , Dai Zhifeng , Meng Xiangju , Xiao Feng-Shou
Published: October 2015

A hierarchical porous ionic polymer with excellent amphiphilicity has been successfully constructed and demonstrates extraordinary performances as a heterogeneous phase transfer catalyst.
Correction: Thermoelectric properties of Te-doped ternary CuAgSe compounds
Authors: Qiu P. F. , Wang X. B. , Zhang T. S. , Shi X. , Chen L. D.
Published: October 2015

Correction for ‘Thermoelectric properties of Te-doped ternary CuAgSe compounds’ by P. F. Qiu et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c5ta06780d.
Zinc-induced oligomerization of zinc α2 glycoprotein reveals multiple fatty acid-binding sites
Authors: Zahid Henna , Miah Layeque , Lau Andy M. , Brochard Lea , Hati Debolina , Bui Tam T.T. , Drake Alex F. , Gor Jayesh , Perkins Stephen J. , McDermott Lindsay C.
Published: October 2015

Zinc α2 glycoprotein (ZAG) is an adipokine with a class I MHC protein fold and is associated with obesity and diabetes. Although its intrinsic ligand remains unknown, ZAG binds the dansylated C11 fatty acid 11-(dansylamino)undecanoic acid (DAUDA) in the groove between the α1 and α2 domains. The surface of ZAG has approximately 15 weak zinc-binding sites deemed responsible for precipitation from human plasma. In the present study the functional significance of these metal sites was investigated. Analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) and CD showed that zinc, but not other divalent metals, causes ZAG to oligomerize in solution. Thus ZAG dimers and trimers were observed in the presence of 1 and 2 mM zinc. Molecular modelling of X-ray scattering curves and sedimentation coefficients indicated a progressive stacking of ZAG monomers, suggesting that the ZAG groove may be occluded in these. Using fluorescence-detected sedimentation velocity, these ZAG–zinc oligomers were again observed in the presence of the fluorescent boron dipyrromethene fatty acid C16-BODIPY (4,4-difluoro-5,7-dimethyl-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene-3-hexadecanoic acid). Fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed that ZAG binds C16-BODIPY. ZAG binding to C16-BODIPY, but not to DAUDA, was reduced by increased zinc concentrations. We conclude that the lipid-binding groove in ZAG contains at least two distinct fatty acid-binding sites for DAUDA and C16-BODIPY, similar to the multiple lipid binding seen in the structurally related immune protein CD1c. In addition, because high concentrations of zinc occur in the pancreas, the perturbation of these multiple lipid-binding sites by zinc may be significant in Type 2 diabetes where dysregulation of ZAG and zinc homoeostasis occurs.
Metastasis-associated S100A4 is a specific amine donor and an activity-independent binding partner of transglutaminase-2
Authors: Biri Beáta , Kiss Bence , Király Róbert , Schlosser Gitta , Láng Orsolya , Kőhidai László , Fésüs László , Nyitray László
Published: October 2015

Transglutaminase-2 (TG2) is best known as a Ca2+-dependent cross-linking enzyme; however, some of its extracellular matrix-related functions are independent of its catalytic activity and include matrix remodelling, adhesion and migration. S100A4 belongs to the Ca2+-binding EF-hand S100 protein family and acts both intra- and extra-cellularly through binding to various partners. It regulates cell migration and its overexpression is strongly associated with metastasis and poor survival in various cancers. It has recently been suggested that TG2 mediates S100A4-dependent tumour cell migration. In the present study we provide evidence that S100A4 is an interacting partner and also a specific amine donor of TG2. TG2 incorporates a glutamine donor peptide to Lys100 in the C-terminal random coil region of S100A4. Importantly, the enzyme activity is not necessary for the interaction: S100A4 also binds to TG2 in the presence of a specific inhibitor that keeps the enzyme in an open conformation, or to an enzymatically inactive mutant. We also found that S100A4 considerably enhances TG2-mediated adhesion of A431 epithelial carcinoma cells to the extracellular matrix. This role is independent of enzyme activity and requires the open conformation of TG2. We propose that S100A4 stabilizes the open conformation of TG2, which binds to its cell-surface receptor in this state and increases cell adhesion.
The Development of English as a Second Language With and Without Specific Language Impairment: Clinical Implications
Authors: Paradis Johanne
Published: October 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this research forum article is to provide an overview of typical and atypical development of English as a second language (L2) and to present strategies for clinical assessment with English language learners (ELLs).

Method

A review of studies examining the lexical, morphological, narrative, and verbal memory abilities of ELLs is organized around 3 topics: timeframe and characteristics of typical English L2 development, comparison of the English L2 development of children with and without specific language impairment (SLI), and strategies for more effective assessment with ELLs.

Results

ELLs take longer than 3 years to converge on monolingual norms and approach monolingual norms asynchronously across linguistic subdomains. Individual variation is predicted by age, first language, language learning aptitude, length of exposure to English in school, maternal education, and richness of the English environment outside school. ELLs with SLI acquire English more slowly than ELLs with typical development; their morphological and nonword repetition abilities differentiate them the most. Use of strategies such as parent questionnaires on first language development and ELL norm referencing can result in accurate discrimination of ELLs with SLI.

Conclusions

Variability in the language abilities of ELLs presents challenges for clinical practice. Increased knowledge of English language learning development with and without SLI together with evidence-based alternative assessment strategies can assist in overcoming these challenges.
Improved unity‐STF sturdy MASH ΣΔ modulator for low‐power wideband applications
Authors: Taghizadeh M. , Sadughi S.
Published: October 2015

A novel sturdy multi‐stage noise‐shaping sigma–delta modulator that cancels the first‐stage quantisation error at the output of the modulator is presented. Since any stage of the modulator has unity signal transfer function, the modulator would be very robust to circuit non‐idealities such as finite op‐amp gain. Furthermore, the signal processing timing issue in the critical paths of the proposed topology has been relaxed due to shifting the delay of the last integrator to the feedback path of the modulator. Moreover, this topology can be implemented in the circuit level by a fewer active blocks. Therefore, it practically would be suitable for low‐voltage and low‐oversampling applications. Simulation results show the usefulness of the proposed modulator.
Broadband and compact LTCC power divider
Authors: Zhou Bo
Published: October 2015

A broadband and compact low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic Wilkinson power divider is proposed with a fractional bandwidth of 180% using stacked multi‐section structure. The size of the proposed multilayered power divider is only 4 mm × 4 mm × 1.33 mm with a significant size reduction of 84.6% compared with an equivalent planar one. Measured S11, S21, S22 and S23 of the proposed power divider are better than −15, −4.3, −16 and −17 dB from 2 to 38 GHz, respectively. Furthermore, performance comparison with an equivalent planar one is also discussed.
Grey extra‐deleting theory‐based governor control for hydro‐generator unit
Authors: Wang Ming‐dong , Su Wen‐xia , Liu Xian‐lin
Published: October 2015

The control effect by using the conventional method is not satisfied because of the grey character caused from time‐variant parameters of hydro‐generator units and its governor. The grey extra‐deleting control theory is applied to the governor design of hydro‐generator units in this paper. After the mathematic model of hydro‐generator and its governor are founded, the grey extra‐deleting controller is designed and its effect is studied compared with the conventional proportional–integral–derivative governor. The simulation results indicate that the grey extra‐deleting controller can improve dynamic characteristic of hydro‐generator units.
Hidden dynamics and multi‐stability in an improved third‐order Chua's circuit
Authors: Chen Mo , Yu Jingjing , Bao Bo‐Cheng
Published: October 2015

By utilising an active diode pair to substitute the classical Chua's diode, an improved third‐order Chua's circuit is proposed in this study. This circuit has an unstable zero saddle point and two stable non‐zero saddle‐foci in a local parameter region, from which hidden dynamics and multi‐stability are discovered. The parameter region of hidden dynamics is figured out and hidden attractors are captured numerically and experimentally. Furthermore, multi‐stability in the proposed circuit are also exhibited by numerical and circuit simulations.
Optical waveguides in lithium niobate: Recent developments and applications
Authors: Bazzan Marco , Sada Cinzia
Published: October 2015

The state of the art of optical waveguide fabrication in lithium niobate is reviewed, with particular emphasis on new technologies and recent applications. The attention is mainly devoted to recently developed fabrication methods, such as femtosecond laser writing, ion implantation, and smart cut waveguides as well as to the realization of waveguides with tailored functionalities, such as photorefractive or domain engineered structures. More exotic systems, such as reconfigurable and photorefractive soliton waveguides, are also considered. Classical techniques, such as Ti in-diffusion and proton exchange, are cited and briefly reviewed as a reference standpoint to highlight the recent developments. In all cases, the application-oriented point of view is preferred, in order to provide the reader with an up-to date panorama of the vast possibilities offered by lithium niobate to integrated photonics.
Nutritional strategies to alleviate heat stress in pigs
Authors: Cottrell J. J. , Liu F. , Hung A. T. , DiGiacomo K. , Chauhan S. S. , Leury B. J. , Furness J. B. , Celi P. , Dunshea F. R.
Published: October 2015

Pigs are comparatively less heat tolerant than other species of production animals, which poses challenges for stock productivity and management during seasonal heat waves that occur in summer. The issues surrounding heat and pig production are predicted to increase, based on the actions of climate change increasing the intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves. Furthermore, future growth areas of pig production are going to be in tropical regions such as South-east Asia and Latin America. Efforts by the pig to dissipate excess body heat come at a cost to health and divert energy away from growth, compromising efficient pig production. Management of heat stress requires multiple strategies, and recent research is improving the understanding of the application of nutritional strategies to ameliorate the effects of heat stress. In particular the use of feed additives is an important, flexible and economical method to alleviate heat stress and the intensive nature of pig production lends itself to the use of additives. Some specific examples include antioxidants, betaine and chromium, which have been proved effective or being tested in mitigating some certain impacts of heat stress in pigs. The aim of this review is to summarise recent advances in the nutritional management of heat stress in pigs.
Image-enhanced burnt otoliths, bomb radiocarbon and the growth dynamics of redfish (Sebastes mentella and S. fasciatus) off the eastern coast of Canada
Authors: Campana Steven E. , Valentin Alexandra E. , MacLellan Shayne E. , Groot Joanne B.
Published: October 2015

Many past attempts to age deep-water redfish (Sebastes mentella) and Acadian redfish (S. fasciatus) in the north-west Atlantic have been stymied by inappropriate ageing methods, the absence of age validation and the failure to differentiate among species. Herein we report substantial improvements in methods for ageing Sebastes spp. by linking the established ‘crack and burn’ method to modern sectioning and image-enhancement protocols. Bomb radiocarbon assays of the otolith core and monitoring of year-class progression confirmed the accuracy of the resulting age determinations to an age of 46 years. The use of microsatellite DNA to confirm species identity eliminated past confusion caused by species mixtures. Age determinations of 1252 redfish from the eastern coast of Canada demonstrated the presence of significant differences in growth rate and longevity both between the two redfish species and among populations and stocks, with a maximum observed longevity of 70 years. Even within species and stocks, an individual fish with a fork length of 38cm could be anywhere between 15 and 50 years of age, highlighting a near cessation of somatic growth after sexual maturation. In keeping with other deep-water species, sustainable management will require more attention to the low productivity expected of redfish stocks, rather than the high initial biomass that can support short-term but high catch rates.
Emergent technologies and analytical approaches for understanding the effects of multiple stressors in aquatic environments
Authors: Chariton A. A. , Sun M. , Gibson J. , Webb J. A. , Leung K. M. Y. , Hickey C. W. , Hose G. C.
Published: October 2015

In order to assess how emerging science and new tools can be applied to study multiple stressors on a large (ecosystem) scale and to facilitate greater integration of approaches among different scientific disciplines, a workshop was held on 10–12 September 2014 at the Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences, Sydney, Australia. This workshop aimed to explore the potential offered by new approaches to characterise stressor regimes, to explore stressor-response relationships among biota, to design better early-warning systems and to develop smart tools to support sustainable management of human activities, through more efficient regulation. In this paper we highlight the key issues regarding biological coverage, the complexity of multiply stressed environments, and our inability to predict the biological effects under such scenarios. To address these challenges, we provide an extension of the current Environmental Risk Assessment framework. Underpinning this extension is the harnessing of environmental-genomic data, which has the capacity to provide a broader view of diversity, and to express the ramifications of multiple stressors across multiple levels of biological organisation. We continue to consider how these and other emerging data sources may be combined and analysed using new statistical approaches for disentangling the effects of multiple stressors.
Knockout of Lmod2 results in shorter thin filaments followed by dilated cardiomyopathy and juvenile lethality
Authors: Pappas Christopher T. , Mayfield Rachel M. , Henderson Christine , Jamilpour Nima , Cover Cathleen , Hernandez Zachary , Hutchinson Kirk R. , Chu Miensheng , Nam Ki-Hwan , Valdez Jose M. , Wong Pak Kin , Granzier Henk L. , Gregorio Carol C.
Published: October 2015

Significance

Modulation of actin filament architecture underlies a plethora of cellular processes including cell shape, division, adhesion, and motility. In heart muscle cells actin-containing thin filaments form highly organized structures with precisely regulated lengths. This precision is required for efficient interaction with myosin-containing filaments and provides the basis for contraction. The mechanism whereby heart muscle cells regulate thin filament assembly and its consequences for cardiac physiology are largely unknown. We discovered that Leiomodin 2 (Lmod2) elongates thin filaments to a proper length. Mice lacking Lmod2 have abnormally short thin filaments, experience severe contractile dysfunction and ventricular chamber enlargement consistent with dilated cardiomyopathy, and die at age ∼3 wk. Therefore, Lmod2 and proper thin filament lengths are essential for heart function.
From residue coevolution to protein conformational ensembles and functional dynamics
Authors: Sutto Ludovico , Marsili Simone , Valencia Alfonso , Gervasio Francesco Luigi
Published: October 2015

Significance

Evolutionary-related protein sequences have been selected to preserve a common function and fold. Residues in contact in this conserved structure are coupled by evolution and show correlated mutational patterns. The exponential growth of sequenced genomes makes it possible to detect these coevolutionary coupled pairs and to infer three-dimensional folds from predicted contacts. But how far can we push the prediction of native folds? Can we predict the conformational heterogeneity of a protein directly from sequences? We address these questions developing an accurate contact prediction algorithm and a protein coarse-grained model, and exploring conformational landscapes congruent with coevolution. We find that both structural and dynamical properties can be already recovered using evolutionary information only.
Regulation of DLK1 by the maternally expressed miR-379/miR-544 cluster may underlie callipyge polar overdominance inheritance
Authors: Gao Yun-Qian , Chen Xin , Wang Pei , Lu Lei , Zhao Wei , Chen Chen , Chen Cai-Ping , Tao Tao , Sun Jie , Zheng Yan-Yan , Du Jie , Li Chao-Jun , Gan Zhen-Ji , Gao Xiang , Chen Hua-Qun , Zhu Min-Sheng
Published: October 2015

Significance

The polar overdominance inheritance of callipyge sheep is an unusual mode of non-Mendelian inheritance. We established a mouse line with deletion of the microRNA (miR) 379/miR-544 cluster and assessed the role of this cluster in the inheritance. Our results showed that the maternally expressed miR-379/miR-544 cluster might regulate skeletal muscle growth through the imprinted Delta-like 1 homolog (
Dlk1
) gene. This report revealed a molecular mechanism of the polar overdominance inheritance.
SRC-2 orchestrates polygenic inputs for fine-tuning glucose homeostasis
Authors: Fleet Tiffany , Zhang Bin , Lin Fumin , Zhu Bokai , Dasgupta Subhamoy , Stashi Erin , Tackett Bryan , Thevananther Sundararajah , Rajapakshe Kimal I. , Gonzales Naomi , Dean Adam , Mao Jianqiang , Timchenko Nikolai , Malovannaya Anna , Qin Jun , Coarfa Cristian , DeMayo Francesco , Dacso Clifford C. , Foulds Charles E. , O’Malley Bert W. , York Brian
Published: October 2015

Significance

Maintenance of glucose concentrations within a homeostatic range is essential for preserving the function of glucose-sensitive tissues. Perturbations in the mechanisms that control this homeostasis give rise to a continuum of glucopathologies associated with aberrant carbohydrate metabolism. Here we show Steroid Receptor Coactivator 2 (SRC-2) to be an integral coregulator that couples gene output with energetic demand by stabilizing and amplifying transcriptional complexes. This study highlights the collective importance of transcriptional coregulators for coordination of gene expression events and may provide insight for understanding components of polygenic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Agonist antibody that induces human malignant cells to kill one another
Authors: Yea Kyungmoo , Zhang Hongkai , Xie Jia , Jones Teresa M. , Lin Chih-Wei , Francesconi Walter , Berton Fulvia , Fallahi Mohammad , Sauer Karsten , Lerner Richard A.
Published: October 2015

Significance

A major goal in cancer research is to discover agents that transform malignant cells into benign cells. Here, we report on an agonist antibody that converts leukemic cells into killer cells. This induction has an added benefit: In addition to transforming the cancer cells into other, presumably less aggressive, cells, the newly induced cells have a killer phenotype and kill other as yet unconverted members of the malignant clone.
A Reappraisal of Reproduction in Anadromous Alewives: Determinate versus Indeterminate Fecundity, Batch Size, and Batch Number
Authors: Ganias Konstantinos , Divino Jeffrey N. , Gherard Katie E. , Davis Justin P. , Mouchlianitis Foivos , Schultz Eric T.
Published: October 2015

Innovative methods for analysis of reproduction may provide more information that can be used to conserve species of concern. We present data on oocyte development, batch size, and batch number of anadromous Alewives Alosa pseudoharengus in a lake‐spawning population located in Connecticut. We sampled female Alewives as they arrived at the spawning habitat (uprunners) and females as they were leaving (downrunners). We estimated batch size by weighing all oocytes and performed image analysis on oocytes in subsamples of some ovaries, thereby estimating oocyte size‐frequency distribution to define the number of batches. We performed both whole‐mount and histological analysis on other ovaries to compare gravimetric and stereological estimates of batch size and to precisely characterize oocyte developmental stages. Uprunners had advanced oocytes at the ultimate stage of vitellogenesis and usually three additional less‐developed batches. Postovulatory follicles and oocytes that were being resorbed were prevalent in downrunners but were absent in uprunners. Females spawned at least three batches in a season; however, downrunners had nearly as many batches as uprunners in their ovaries, indicating there was continuing recruitment and maturation of fresh batches. A numerical model of oocyte growth indicated that there is sufficient time for batches recruited at the beginning of the spawning season to develop and be spawned in the same season, indicating that fecundity is indeterminate. Accurate assessments of individual reproductive performance will require detailed consideration of within‐season oocyte dynamics as opposed to relying on enumerating oocytes in prespawners.

Received November 25, 2014; accepted July 13, 2015
EXTENDED BASELINE PHOTOMETRY OF RAPIDLY CHANGING WEATHER PATTERNS ON THE BROWN DWARF BINARY LUHMAN-16
Authors: Street R. A. , Fulton B. J. , Scholz A. , Horne Keith , Helling C. , Juncher D. , Lee E. K. H. , Valenti S.
Published: October 2015

Luhman-16 (WISE J1049-5319) was recently discovered to be a nearby (∼2 pc) brown dwarf binary that exhibits a high degree of photometric variability (Δm ∼ 0.1 mag). This is thought to be due to the evolution of “cloud” features on the photosphere, but Luhman-16 has been found to show unusually rapid changes, possibly resulting from fast-evolving “weather.” This target is of particular interest because it consists of a co-evolutionary pair of brown dwarfs spanning the transition between L and T spectral types (L7.5 and T0.5), which are expected to be associated with changes in cloud surface coverage. Being comparatively bright (I ∼ 15.5 mag), the target is well suited for observation with the new Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network (LCOGT) of 1 m telescopes. We present long-time baseline photometric observations from two of LCOGT's southern hemisphere sites, which were used in tandem to monitor Luhman-16 for up to 13.25 hr at a time (more than twice the rotation period), for a total of 41.2 days in the SDSS-i′ and Pan-STARRS-Z filters. We use this data set to characterize the changing rotational modulation, which may be explained by the evolution of cloud features at varying latitudes on the surfaces of the two brown dwarfs.
EURAMET.L-K3.2009.1: bilateral comparison on angle
Authors: Salgado José , Alfiyati Nurul
Published: October 2015

The results of the bilateral comparison on line-scale between French (LNE) and Indonesian (KIM-LIPI) NMI for length, is presented. 5 angle blocks (5'', 5', 30', 5°, 30°) were measured by both participants. LNE acted as the coordinator and pilot laboratory. The results showed a disagreement between both participants mainly for the 5' angle block due to geometrical defects.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCL, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Positive definite matrices and the S-divergence
Authors: Sra Suvrit
Published: October 2015

Hermitian positive definite (hpd) matrices form a self-dual convex cone whose interior is a Riemannian manifold of nonpositive curvature. The manifold view comes with a natural distance function but the conic view does not. Thus, drawing motivation from convex optimization we introduce the S-divergence, a distance-like function on the cone of hpd matrices. We study basic properties of the S-divergence and explore its connections to the Riemannian distance. In particular, we show that (i) its square-root is a distance, and (ii) it exhibits numerous nonpositive-curvature-like properties.
Matching densities for Galois representations
Authors: Walji Nahid
Published: October 2015

Given a pair of

n
n

-dimensional complex Galois representations over

Q

\mathbb {Q}

, we define their matching density to be the density, if it exists, of the set of places at which the traces of Frobenius of the two Galois representations are equal. We will show that the set of matching densities of such pairs of irreducible Galois representations (for all

n
n

) is dense in the interval

[
0
,
1
]

[0,1]

. We then discuss the automorphic analogue of this problem.
Existence, uniqueness and the strong Markov property of solutions to Kimura diffusions with singular drift
Authors: Pop Camelia
Published: October 2015

Motivated by applications to proving regularity of solutions to degenerate parabolic equations arising in population genetics, we study existence, uniqueness, and the strong Markov property of weak solutions to a class of degenerate stochastic differential equations. The stochastic differential equations considered in our article admit solutions supported in the set

[
0
,
∞

)
n

×

R

m

[0,\infty )^n\times \mathbb {R}^m

, and they are degenerate in the sense that the diffusion matrix is not strictly elliptic, as the smallest eigenvalue converges to zero at a rate proportional to the distance to the boundary of the domain, and the drift coefficients are allowed to have power-type singularities in a neighborhood of the boundary of the domain. Under suitable regularity assumptions on the coefficients, we establish existence of solutions that satisfy the strong Markov property, and uniqueness in law in the class of Markov processes.
Fire affects microhabitat selection, movement patterns, and body condition of an Australian rodent (
Rattus fuscipes
)
Authors: Fordyce Amber , Hradsky Bronwyn A. , Ritchie Euan G. , Di Stefano Julian
Published: October 2015

Resource selection by animals influences individual fitness, the abundance of local populations, and the distribution of species. Further, the degree to which individuals select particular resources can be altered by numerous factors including competition, predation, and both natural- and human-induced environmental change. Understanding the influence of such factors on the way animals use resources can guide species conservation and management in changing environments. In this study, we investigated the effects of a prescribed fire on small-scale (microhabitat) resource selection, abundance, body condition, and movement pathways of a native Australian rodent, the bush rat ( Rattus fuscipes ). Using a before-after, control-impact design, we gathered data from 60 individuals fitted with spool and line tracking devices. In unburnt forest, selection of resources by bush rats was positively related to rushes, logs and complex habitat, and negatively related to ferns and litter. Fire caused selection for spreading grass, rushes, and complex habitat to increase relative to an unburnt control location. At the burnt location after the fire, rats selected patches of unburnt vegetation, and no rats were caught at a trapping site where most of the understory had been burnt. The fire also reduced bush rat abundance and body condition and caused movement pathways to become more convoluted. After the fire, some individuals moved through burnt areas but the majority of movements occurred within unburnt patches. The effects of fire on bush rat resource selection, movement, body condition, and abundance were likely driven by several linked factors including limited access to shelter and food due to the loss of understory vegetation and heightened levels of perceived predation risk. Our findings suggest the influence of prescribed fire on small mammals will depend on the resulting mosaic of burnt and unburnt patches and how well this corresponds to the resource requirements of particular species.
Detecting stars at the galactic centre via synchrotron emission
Authors: Ginsburg Idan , Wang Xiawei , Loeb Abraham , Cohen Ofer
Published: October 2015

Stars orbiting within 1 arcsec of the supermassive black hole in the Galactic Centre, Sgr A*, are notoriously difficult to detect due to obscuration by gas and dust. We show that some stars orbiting this region may be detectable via synchrotron emission. In such instances, a bow shock forms around the star and accelerates the electrons. We calculate that around the 10 GHz band (radio) and at 1014 Hz (infrared) the luminosity of a star orbiting the black hole is comparable to the luminosity of Sgr A*. The strength of the synchrotron emission depends on a number of factors including the star's orbital velocity. Thus, the ideal time to observe the synchrotron flux is when the star is at pericentre. The star S2 will be ∼0.015 arcsec from Sgr A* in 2018, and is an excellent target to test our predictions.