bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specific immunotherapy in combination with Clostridium butyricum inhibits allergic inflammation in the mouse intestine
Authors: Shi Yanhong , Xu Ling-Zhi , Peng Kangsheng , Wu Wei , Wu Ruijin , Liu Zhi-Qiang , Yang Gui , Geng Xiao-Rui , Liu Jun , Liu Zhi-Gang , Liu Zhanju , Yang Ping-Chang
Published: December 2015

The current therapy on allergic inflammation is unsatisfactory. Probiotics improve the immunity in the body. This study aims to test a hypothesis that administration with Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) enforces the effect of specific immunotherapy (SIT) on intestinal allergic inflammation. In this study, an ovalbumin (OVA) specific allergic inflammation mouse model was created. The mice were treated with SIT or/and C. butyricum. The results showed that the intestinal allergic inflammation was only moderately alleviated by SIT, which was significantly enforced by a combination with C. butyricum; treating with C. butyricum alone did not show much inhibitory efficacy. The increase in the frequency of the interleukin (IL)-10-producing OVA-specific B cell (OVAsBC) was observed in mice in parallel to the inhibitory effect on the intestinal allergic inflammation. The in vitro treatment of the OVAsBCs with OVA increased the histone deacetylase-1 (HDAC1) phosphorylation, modulated the transcription of the Bcl6 gene and triggered the OVAsBCs to differentiate to the IgE-producing plasma cells. Exposure to both OVA and butyrate sodium in the culture increased the expression of IL-10 in OVAsBCs. In conclusion, administration with C. butyricum enforces the inhibitory effect of SIT on allergic inflammation in the mouse intestine.
Rearfoot posture of Australopithecus sediba and the evolution of the hominin longitudinal arch
Authors: Prang Thomas C.
Published: December 2015

The longitudinal arch is one of the hallmarks of the human foot but its evolutionary history remains controversial due to the fragmentary nature of the fossil record. In modern humans, the presence of a longitudinal arch is reflected in the angular relationships among the major surfaces of the human talus and calcaneus complex, which is also known as the rearfoot. A complete talus and calcaneus ofAustralopithecus sedibaprovide the opportunity to evaluate rearfoot posture in an early hominin for the first time. Here I show thatA. sedibais indistinguishable from extant African apes in the angular configuration of its rearfoot, which strongly suggests that it lacked a longitudinal arch. Inferences made from isolated fossils support the hypothesis thatAustralopithecus afarensispossessed an arched foot. However, tali attributed to temporally younger taxa likeAustralopithecus africanusandHomo floresiensisare more similar to those ofA. sediba. The inferred absence of a longitudinal arch inA. sedibawould be biomechanically consistent with prior suggestions of increased midtarsal mobility in this taxon. The morphological patterns in talus and calcaneus angular relationships among fossil hominins suggest that there was diversity in traits associated with the longitudinal arch in the Plio-Pleistocene.
Sexually antagonistic selection during parental care is not generated by a testosterone-related intralocus sexual conflict–insights from full-sib comparisons
Authors: Iserbyt Arne , Eens Marcel , Müller Wendt
Published: December 2015

The evolution of shared male and female traits can be hampered if selection favours sex-specific optima. However, such genomic conflicts can be resolved when independent male and female mechanisms evolve. The existence, extent and consequences of conflict and/or conflict resolution are currently debated. Endocrinological traits like plasma testosterone (T) are suitable test cases, given their important role in mediating correlated traits, plus their opposing sex-specific fitness effects. We compared full-sibling (brother/sister) captive canaries to test for (1) sexually antagonistic selection characterized by contrasting fitness patterns within pairs of relatives, (2) intersexual genetic correlation of plasma T (h² = 0.41  ±  0.31) and (3) intralocus sexual conflict over T levels featured by distinct sex-specific fitness optima. We found potential for sexually antagonistic selection, since high fledgling mass was reached by either brothers or sisters, but not by both. We report a positive intersexual correlation for T, as a requirement for intralocus sexual conflict. However, high levels of T were associated with increased female and decreased male fitness (fledgling mass), which contrasts our expectations and challenges the hypothesis of intralocus sexual conflict driven by T. We hypothesize that behavioural and physiological trade-offs differ between sexes when raising offspring, driving T levels towards a state of monomorphism.
Flexion bonding transfer of multilayered graphene as a top electrode in transparent organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Tae Lim Jong , Lee Hyunkoo , Cho Hyunsu , Kwon Byoung-Hwa , Sung Cho Nam , Kuk Lee Bong , Park Jonghyurk , Kim Jaesu , Han Jun-Han , Yang Jong-Heon , Yu Byoung-Gon , Hwang Chi-Sun , Chu Lim Seong , Lee Jeong-Ik
Published: December 2015

Graphene has attracted considerable attention as a next-generation transparent conducting electrode, because of its high electrical conductivity and optical transparency. Various optoelectronic devices comprising graphene as a bottom electrode, such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic photovoltaics, quantum-dot LEDs and light-emitting electrochemical cells, have recently been reported. However, performance of optoelectronic devices using graphene as top electrodes is limited, because the lamination process through which graphene is positioned as the top layer of these conventional OLEDs is a lack of control in the surface roughness, the gapless contact and the flexion bonding between graphene and organic layer of the device. Here, a multilayered graphene (MLG) as a top electrode is successfully implanted, via dry bonding, onto the top organic layer of transparent OLED (TOLED) with flexion patterns. The performance of the TOLED with MLG electrode is comparable to that of a conventional TOLED with a semi-transparent thin-Ag top electrode, because the MLG electrode makes a contact with the TOLED with no residue. In addition, we successfully fabricate a large-size transparent segment panel using the developed MLG electrode. Therefore, we believe that the flexion bonding technology presented in this work is applicable to various optoelectronic devices.
Drug Signature-based Finding of Additional Clinical Use of LC28-0126 for Neutrophilic Bronchial Asthma
Authors: Shin Eunji , Lee Yong Chul , Kim So Ri , Kim Soon Ha , Park Joonghoon
Published: December 2015

In recent decades, global pharmaceutical companies have suffered from an R&D innovation gap between the increased cost of a new drug’s development and the decreased number of approvals. Drug repositioning offers another opportunity to fill the gap because the approved drugs have a known safety profile for human use, allowing for a reduction of the overall cost of drug development by eliminating rigorous safety assessment. In this study, we compared the transcriptional profile of LC28-0126, an investigational drug for acute myocardial infarction (MI) at clinical trial, obtained from healthy male subjects with molecular activity profiles in the Connectivity Map. We identified dyphilline, an FDA-approved drug for bronchial asthma, as a top ranked connection with LC28-0126. Subsequently, we demonstrated that LC28-0126 effectively ameliorates the pathophysiology of neutrophilic bronchial asthma in OVALPS-OVA mice accompanied with a reduction of inflammatory cell counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), inhibition of the release of proinflammatory cytokines, relief of airway hyperactivity and improvement of histopathological changes in the lung. Taken together, we suggest that LC28-0126 could be a potential therapeutic for bronchial asthma. In addition, this study demonstrated the potential general utility of computational drug repositioning using clinical profiles of the investigational drug.
A tool for the selective sequestration of ATP and PPi to aid in-solution phosphopeptide detection assays
Authors: Duodu Eugenia , Kraskouskaya Dziyana , Gómez-Biagi Rodolfo F. , Gunning Patrick T.
Published: December 2015

The metal-based chemoreceptor can be used to selectively sequester ATP and PPi in phosphopeptide samples.
1-Phenylethynylpyrene (PEPy) as a novel blue-emitting dye for qPCR assay
Authors: Aparin Ilya O. , Farzan Valentina M. , Veselova Olga A. , Chistov Alexey A. , Podkolzin Alexander T. , Ustinov Alexey V. , Shipulin German A. , Formanovsky Andrey A. , Korshun Vladimir A. , Zatsepin Timofei S.
Published: December 2015

We demonstrated that 1-phenylethynylpyrene (PEPy) is a superior substitute for AMCA and Alexa-350 as a short wavelength fluorescent dye for end-point PCR and quantitative PCR. This study broadens the panel of fluorescent dyes suitable for the use in Taqman probes.
Correction: Biophysical separation of Staphylococcus epidermidis strains based on antibiotic resistance
Authors: Jones Paul V. , Huey Hilton Shannon , Davis Paige E. , Yanashima Ryan , McLemore Ryan , McLaren Alex , Hayes Mark A.
Published: December 2015

Correction for ‘Biophysical separation of Staphylococcus epidermidis strains based on antibiotic resistance’ by Paul V. Jones et al., Analyst, 2015, 140, 5152–5161.
Highly sensitive fluorescence detection of trypsin based on gold nanoparticle probes
Authors: Zhao Xin-rui , Chen Yong-lei , Wang Lang , Wang Wei-feng , Chen Xing-guo
Published: December 2015

A novel fluorescent beacon composed of Au NPs and FITC functionalized peptide was applied for the detection of trypsin.
Preparation of a new restricted access molecularly imprinted hybrid adsorbent for the extraction of folic acid from milk powder samples
Authors: Oliveira F. M. , Segatelli M. G. , Tarley C. R. T.
Published: December 2015

A new hybrid molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) combined with restricted access (RAM) has been synthesized based on random free-radical polymerization and a sol–gel process.
Coomassie Brilliant Blue-binding: a simple and effective method for the determination of water-insoluble protein surface hydrophobicity
Authors: Cao Yungang , Zhao Jing , Xiong Youling L.
Published: December 2015

A novel Coomassie Brilliant Blue-binding method, which correlated well with the widely accepted ANS fluorescence method (R= 0.95), was developed to determine the surface hydrophobicity of water-insoluble proteins.
A label-free and signal-on electrochemical aptasensor for ultrasensitive kanamycin detection based on exonuclease recycling cleavage
Authors: Xu Yuanyuan , Sun Linghao , Huang Xiaocui , Sun Yangyang , Lu Chenhe
Published: December 2015

A label-free and signal-on electrochemical aptasensor for kanamycin detection has been proposed based on aptamer triggered Exo III recycling cleavage.
3D printing of microfluidic devices for paper-assisted direct spray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Duarte Lucas Costa , Colletes de Carvalho Thays , Lobo-Júnior Eulício Oliveira , Abdelnur Patrícia V. , Vaz Boniek G. , Coltro Wendell K. T.
Published: December 2015

We describe the use of a RepRap 3D printer to fabricate microfluidic devices for direct spray ionization mass spectrometry assisted by paper tips.
Developing strongly luminescent platinum(iv) complexes: facile synthesis of bis-cyclometalated neutral emitters
Authors: Juliá Fabio , Bautista Delia , González-Herrero Pablo
Published: December 2015

A one-pot method provides facile access to strongly luminescent Pt(iv) complexes with quantum yields up to 81%, the highest found for Pt(iv) emitters.
Alkali subhalides: high-pressure stability and interplay between metallic and ionic bonds
Authors: Saleh G. , Oganov A. R.
Published: December 2015

The high pressure stability of alkali subhalides is rationalized by means of a thorough chemical bonding analysis.
Cytotoxicity and preliminary mode of action studies of novel 2-aryl-4-thiopyrone-based organometallics
Authors: Schmidlehner Melanie , Flocke Lea S. , Roller Alexander , Hejl Michaela , Jakupec Michael A. , Kandioller Wolfgang , Keppler Bernhard K.
Published: December 2015

Organometallic 2-aryl-4-thiopyrone-based Ru(ii) and Rh(iii) complexes have been established and their potential as anticancer metallodrugs was investigated.
Ionophore silica-coated magnetite nanoparticles as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for one-pot green synthesis of 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles
Authors: Naeimi Hossein , Aghaseyedkarimi Dorsa
Published: December 2015

Novel multi-SO3H functionalized strong Brønsted acidic ionic liquid coated magnetite nanoparticles has been prepared and applied as catalyst for the synthesis of 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles.
An unusual highly emissive water-soluble iridium lissamine-alanine complex and its use in a molecular logic gate
Authors: Oliveira Elisabete , Santos Sérgio M. , Núñez Cristina , Capelo José Luis , Lodeiro Carlos
Published: December 2015

A green highly fluorescent iridium lissamine alanine-based complex (1) for selectively sensing Hg2+and cysteine in an aqueous solution.
NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations of a self-assembled arene ruthenium rectangle obtained from a combination of coordination and hydrogen bonds
Authors: Appavoo Divambal , Raja Nandhagopal , Deschenaux Robert , Therrien Bruno , Carnevale Diego
Published: December 2015

Hydrogen-bonded ruthenium metalla-rectangle investigated by means of solution-phase NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations.
Blending materials composed of boron, nitrogen and carbon to transform approaches to liquid hydrogen stores
Authors: Whittemore Sean M. , Bowden Mark , Karkamkar Abhijeet , Parab Kshitij , Neiner Doinita , Autrey Tom , Ishibashi Jacob S. A. , Chen Gang , Liu Shih-Yuan , Dixon David A.
Published: December 2015

Mixtures of hydrogen storage materials are examined to find a ‘fuel blend’ that remains a liquid phase throughout hydrogen release, maximizes hydrogen storage density, minimizes impurities and is thermally stable.
Future sustainable desalination using waste heat: kudos to thermodynamic synergy
Authors: Shahzad Muhammad Wakil , Ng Kim Choon , Thu Kyaw
Published: December 2015

There has been a plethora of published literature on thermally-driven adsorption desalination (AD) cycles for seawater desalination, due to their favorable attributes in hybridizing with existing proven thermal desalination methods.
Amelioration of apoptotic events in the skeletal muscle of intra-nigrally rotenone-infused Parkinsonian rats by Morinda citrifolia – up-regulation of Bcl-2 and blockage of cytochrome c release
Authors: S. Narasimhan Kishore Kumar , Paul Liya , Sathyamoorthy Yogesh Kanna , Srinivasan Ashokkumar , Chakrapani Lakshmi Narasimhan , Singh Abhilasha , Ravi Divya Bhavani , Krishnan Thulasi Raman , Velusamy Prema , Kaliappan Kathiravan , Radhakrishnan Rameshkumar , Periandavan Kalaiselvi
Published: December 2015

Morinda citrifoliaameliorates apoptosis in the skeletal muscle of rotenone infused PD rats.
Averrhoa carambola L. peel extract suppresses adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells
Authors: Mohamed Rashid Asyifah , Lu Kaihui , Yip Yew Mun , Zhang Dawei
Published: December 2015

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of many chronic diseases.
Maghemite decorated with ultra-small palladium nanoparticles (γ-Fe2O3–Pd): applications in the Heck–Mizoroki olefination, Suzuki reaction and allylic oxidation of alkenes
Authors: Rathi Anuj K. , Gawande Manoj B. , Pechousek Jiri , Tucek Jiri , Aparicio Claudia , Petr Martin , Tomanec Ondrej , Krikavova Radka , Travnicek Zdenek , Varma Rajender S. , Zboril Radek
Published: December 2015

γ-Fe2O3–Pd NPs for Heck, Suzuki and allylic oxidation reaction under milder conditions.
Identification and localization of xylose-binding proteins as potential biomarkers for liver fibrosis/cirrhosis
Authors: Zhong Yaogang , Sun Xiu-Xuan , Zhang Peixin , Qin Xinmin , Chen Wentian , Guo Yonghong , Jia Zhansheng , Bian Huijie , Li Zheng
Published: December 2015

In our recent study, we found that the expression levels of total xylose-binding proteins (XBPs) were up-regulated significantly in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs); however, the denomination, distribution, and function of the XBPs were uncharted.
Achieving stable and efficient water oxidation by incorporating NiFe layered double hydroxide nanoparticles into aligned carbon nanotubes
Authors: Chen Rong , Sun Gengzhi , Yang Cangjie , Zhang Liping , Miao Jianwei , Tao Huabing , Yang Hongbin , Chen Jiazang , Chen Peng , Liu Bin
Published: December 2015

Binder-free hybrid microfiber electrodes with excellent oxygen evolution reaction activity were fabricated by scrolling stable dispersed NiFe-LDH nanoparticles into well-aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes.
Recent advances in iron complexes as potential anticancer agents
Authors: Wani Waseem A. , Baig Umair , Shreaz Sheikh , Shiekh Rayees Ahmad , Iqbal Prince Firdous , Jameel Ehtesham , Ahmad Akil , Mohd-Setapar Siti Hamidah , Mushtaque Md. , Ting Hun Lee
Published: December 2015

The iron complexes discussed in this review highlight their promising future as anticancer agents.
High pressure used for producing a new solvate of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane hydroiodide
Authors: Olejniczak A. , Podsiadło M. , Katrusiak A.
Published: December 2015

Above 3.1 GPa, the solvate with water and methanol is formed, which cannot be obtained at normal pressure.
Construction of structural diversity and fine-tuned porosity in acylamide MOFs by a synthetic approach
Authors: Yao Wan-Ting , Luo Ming-Biao , Feng Xue-Feng , Meng Pan-Pan , Gong Le-Le , Luo Feng
Published: December 2015

In this study, we explored the effects of position isomers of acylamide-pyridyl ligands on the structure and porosity of the prepared MOFs, as well as the effects of solvent amounts on their structure and porosity.
Halogenation of epitaxial graphene grown on the Si-face of the SiC(0001) substrate and its further reaction with Grignard reagent
Authors: Hossain Md. Zakir , Razak Maisarah B. A.
Published: December 2015

F-, Cl-, and Br-terminated epitaxial graphene (EG) on SiC were achieved but only chlorinated EG undergoes reaction with Grignard reagent.
Synthesis of subnanometer-diameter vertically aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes with copper-anchored cobalt catalysts
Authors: Cui Kehang , Kumamoto Akihito , Xiang Rong , An Hua , Wang Benjamin , Inoue Taiki , Chiashi Shohei , Ikuhara Yuichi , Maruyama Shigeo
Published: December 2015

We synthesized randomly percolated and vertically aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with tunable subnanometer diameters (0.7–0.9 nm) on quartz substrates by Cu-anchored Co catalysts.
Are vacuum-filtrated reduced graphene oxide membranes symmetric?
Authors: Tang Bo , Zhang Lianbin , Li Renyuan , Wu Jinbo , Hedhili Mohamed Neijib , Wang Peng
Published: December 2015

Asymmetry of the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) membranes prepared by the commonly used vacuum filtration process is disclosed. When the filter membrane surface pores have similar dimension to GO sheets, the entry of GO sheets into its surface pore space during vacuum filtration can take place, leading to the asymmetry of the rGO membrane.
Synthesis of the copper chelator TGTA and evaluation of its ability to protect biomolecules from copper induced degradation during copper catalyzed azide–alkyne bioconjugation reactions
Authors: Ekholm F. S. , Pynnönen H. , Vilkman A. , Koponen J. , Helin J. , Satomaa T.
Published: December 2015

The water soluble copper chelator TGTA was found to be a suitable protective agent against copper induced degradation of biomolecules.
Micelles from self-assembled double-hydrophilic PHEMA-glycopolymer-diblock copolymers as multivalent scaffolds for lectin binding
Authors: Park H. , Walta S. , Rosencrantz R. R. , Körner A. , Schulte C. , Elling L. , Richtering W. , Böker A.
Published: December 2015

We introduce a novel double-hydrophilic hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) based diblock glycopolymer which self-assembles into homogeneous spherical micellar structures in water.
New highly brominated Mn-porphyrin: a good catalyst for activation of inert C–H bonds
Authors: Santos da Silva Vinicius , Nakagaki Shirley , Ucoski Geani Maria , Idemori Ynara Marina , DeFreitas-Silva Gilson
Published: December 2015

Polybrominated Mn-porphyrin can act as a good catalyst for C–H activation. The oxidation of cyclohexane takes place with excellent selectivity and formation of 2-adamantanol is increased in adamantine oxidation.
Dual-responsive star-shaped polypeptides for drug delivery
Authors: Wang Wenlong , Zhang Liang , Liu Mengtao , Le Yuan , Lv Shanshan , Wang Jiexin , Chen Jian-Feng
Published: December 2015

Core cross-linked star-shaped polypeptides based on poly(l-glutamic acid)-poly(l-phenylalanine-co-l-cystine) copolymer have been successfully synthesized and thoroughly characterized.
High and selective CO2 uptake in a nitrogen-rich pillar-layered metal organic framework
Authors: Chen Chao , Jia Minfeng , Wang Gang , Li Xiaoli , Li Shimin
Published: December 2015

A pillar-layered cobalt(ii) MOF exhibits high CO2 uptake and CO2/N2 selectivity, fast adsorption kinetics, easy regeneration and excellent stability.
Insight into the formation of a continuous sheath structure for the PS phase in tri-continuous PVDF/PS/HDPE blends
Authors: Dou Rui , Li Shuanglin , Shao Yan , Yin Bo , Yang Mingbo
Published: December 2015

A hierarchical tri-continuous structure is formed and controlled in PVDF/PS/HDPE ternary blends. A very high level of PS continuity, about 80%, is achieved only with a PS volume composition as low as 11 vol%.
Cognitive apprenticeship as a vehicle for enhancing the understanding and functionalization of organic chemistry knowledge
Authors: Putica Katarina , Trivic Dragica D.
Published: December 2015

This paper presents a pedagogical experiment with parallel groups through which the effectiveness of the cognitive apprenticeship model of dealing with the teaching topicCarboxylic acids and their derivativeswas compared with the traditional approach to the elaboration of this topic. This experiment featured the participation of 241 students aged 17, attending their third year of grammar school, natural sciences stream. The experimental group consisted of 118 students, whereas the control group was made up of 123 students. Within the framework of the experiment, a pre-test consisting of items that resembled regular textbook items was used as an instrument for checking how balanced the previously acquired knowledge concerning the teaching topicCarboxylic acids and their derivativesof the students in the two groups was. A post-test was used as an instrument for comparing the effectiveness of the two approaches, and it mostly consisted of items that required the application of the knowledge concerning the teaching topicCarboxylic acids and their derivativesin solving real-life problems. In the pre-test, no statistically significant difference in the overall percentage of correct answers given by the two groups of students was established. In the post-test, the students from the experimental group scored a statistically significant higher percentage of correct answers compared to the students from the control group. On the basis of this, it can be concluded that the applied cognitive apprenticeship approach has the potential to improve the level of students’ understanding of the concepts from the topicCarboxylic acids and their derivatives, as well as the students’ ability to apply the knowledge on the examples from real life.
Shape-mediated margination and demargination in flowing multicomponent suspensions of deformable capsules
Authors: Sinha Kushal , Graham Michael D.
Published: December 2015

We show that flowing multicomponent suspensions of deformable capsules display segregation based on shape. Theory shows excellent agreement with simulations.
Microstructural tunability of co-continuous bijel-derived electrodes to provide high energy and power densities
Authors: Witt J. A. , Mumm D. R. , Mohraz A.
Published: December 2015

Bijel processing provides a unique route to energy materials with co-continuous microstructure and tunable electrochemical properties for simultaneous delivery of large power and energy densities.
Poly(ionic liquid) hydrogels exhibiting superior mechanical and electrochemical properties as flexible electrolytes
Authors: Zhou Tao , Gao Xinpei , Dong Bin , Sun Na , Zheng Liqiang
Published: December 2015

Flexible poly(ionic liquid) hydrogels with polymerized anions and cations exhibit superior electrochemical properties, which can remain stable under different deformations.
Initial hydrogen-bonding dynamics of photoexcited coumarin in solution with femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Han Fangyuan , Liu Weimin , Zhu Liangdong , Wang Yanli , Fang Chong
Published: December 2015

The ultrafast hydrogen bond breaking and reformation dynamics at the carbonyl site of a coumarin 102 dye molecule in ethanol is captured by femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy (FSRS) on the femtosecond and picosecond timescales.
Hybrid full‐bridge and LLC converter with wide ZVS range and less output inductance
Authors: Lin Bor‐Ren , Chu Chung‐Wei
Published: December 2015

This study presents a new hybrid full‐bridge and LLC converter with the features of low circulating current loss, wide zero voltage switching range and less output inductance for industry power units. The proposed hybrid circuit has two full‐bridge converters and one LLC converter with shared lagging‐leg switches. Two full‐bridge converters, shared the same lagging‐leg switches, are operated at phase‐shift pulse‐width modulation to regulate the output voltage and share the load power. Half‐bridge LLC converter is added at the lagging‐leg switches to extend the zero voltage switching range of lagging‐leg switches from zero to full load. The output voltage of LLC converter is connected to the secondary sides of two full‐bridge converters during the freewheeling interval to eliminate the circulating current loss. The rectified voltage of full‐bridge converter during the freewheeling stage is positive instead of zero so that the output filter inductance can be reduced. Finally, experiments with a 1440 W prototype circuit converting 380 V input to an output voltage 24 V/60 A are provided to verify the theoretical analysis and effectiveness of the proposed converter.
Gallium arsenide semiconductor parameters extracted from pin diode measurements and simulations
Authors: Bhojani Riteshkumar , Kowalsky Jens , Simon Tom , Lutz Josef
Published: December 2015

To understand the functioning of the gallium arsenide (GaAs) pin diode and to allow predictive simulations it is essential to have knowledge of the underlying physics. The GaAs pin diode is described with the help of experimental and simulation results. The static characteristics of 15 A – 600 V GaAs pin diodes were measured at ambient and elevated temperature. A quasi‐one‐dimensional simulation model was designed and compared with experimentally measured results. The surge current behaviour was investigated for GaAs pin diodes at two different temperatures. A thermal simulation was performed to give an overview over temperature distribution inside the GaAs pin diode. Several important physical device models and various parametric data were incorporated for theoretical investigation of these diodes. Good agreement between experimental and simulated results of GaAs pin diodes was found at all temperatures.
Burst C2 Fractures Combined with Traumatic Spondylolisthesis: Can Atlantoaxial Motion be Preserved? Including Some Technical Tips for Reduction and Fixation
Authors: Assaghir Yasser
Published: December 2015

Study Design

Retrospective comparative clinical case series.

Objective

Burst C2 fractures are very rare. Treatment options include conservative treatment or fusion (anterior, posterior, or anterior and posterior). Anterior fusion addresses mainly hangman component. The bursting body usually needs posterior or combined anterior-posterior fusion, but both permanently sacrifice atlantoaxial motion. Can anterior-“first” approach preserve C1–C2 motion and restore function?

Methods

We report nine cases of burst C2 combined with C2–C3 spondylolisthesis and an odontoid fracture. The surgical group included six patients treated initially with an anterior approach, moving to a posterior one when necessary. All were treated with anterior diskectomy fusion using one session and one incision. The halo group included three patients treated conservatively using halo traction followed by rigid collar. Assessments included self-reported, physiologic, and functional measures. Reduction was assessed using Roy-Camille's criteria and improvement of canal compression ratio. Clinical outcome was graded excellent, very good, good, or poor according to pain, range of motion, and work status.

Results

Mean follow-up was 44.5 ± 8.3 (range 36.0 to 62.0) weeks. Results in the surgical group were judged to be excellent in four and good in two. One patient developed atlantoaxial osteoarthritis. Results were good in one patient and poor in two patients in the halo group. Two patients developed atlantoaxial osteoarthritis. All three cases had work limitations.

Conclusion

A single anterior approach achieved union and preserved C1–C2 motion and function in some cases. Conservative treatment achieved union but failed to achieve good reduction or good clinical outcome in grossly instable fractures. However, we believe that the ideal management is yet to evolve.
Core-core and core-valence correlation energy atomic and molecular benchmarks for Li through Ar
Authors: Ranasinghe Duminda S. , Frisch Michael J. , Petersson George A.
Published: December 2015

We have established benchmark core-core, core-valence, and valence-valence absolute coupled-cluster single double (triple) correlation energies (±0.1%) for 210 species covering the first- and second-rows of the periodic table. These species provide 194 energy differences (±0.03 mEh) including ionization potentials, electron affinities, and total atomization energies. These results can be used for calibration of less expensive methodologies for practical routine determination of core-core and core-valence correlation energies.
Kinetic simulation of filament growth dynamics in memristive electrochemical metallization devices
Authors: Dirkmann Sven , Ziegler Martin , Hansen Mirko , Kohlstedt Hermann , Trieschmann Jan , Mussenbrock Thomas
Published: December 2015

In this work, we report on kinetic Monte-Carlo calculations of resistive switching and the underlying growth dynamics of filaments in an electrochemical metallization device consisting of an Ag/TiO2/Pt sandwich-like thin film system. The developed model is not limited to (i) fast time scale dynamics and (ii) only one growth and dissolution cycle of metallic filaments. In particular, we present results from the simulation of consecutive cycles. We find that the numerical results are in excellent agreement with experimentally obtained data. Additionally we observe an unexpected filament growth mode that is in contradiction to the widely acknowledged picture of filament growth but consistent with recent experimental findings.
Reflection measurement of waveguide-injected high-power microwave antennas
Authors: Yuan Chengwei , Peng Shengren , Shu Ting , Zhang Qiang , Zhao Xuelong
Published: December 2015

A method for reflection measurements of High-power Microwave (HPM) antennas excited with overmoded waveguides is proposed and studied systemically. In theory, principle of the method is proposed and the data processing formulas are developed. In simulations, a horn antenna excited by a TE11 mode exciter is examined and its reflection is calculated by CST Microwave Studio and by the method proposed in this article, respectively. In experiments, reflection measurements of two HPM antennas are conducted, and the measured results are well consistent with the theoretical expectations.
A modified evaluation method to reduce finite pulse time effects in flash diffusivity measurement
Authors: Tao Ye , Yang Liping , Zhong Qiu , Xu Zijun , Luo Caiyun
Published: December 2015

A modified evaluation method for laser flash is proposed. In this method, the moment of laser-heating cutoff time is considered as zero point. The penetration depth and formula equation of the sample temperature distribution are obtained with the approximate analytical solution before time zero (during laser heating) for the physical model of a continuously heated half-infinite, well-distributed sample. The weighted-average and approximate-equation methods are then used to quantitatively determine the laser effect depth, which leads to the formulation of a modified evaluation method in flash thermal diffusivity measurement. Results of the simulation calculations and experiments confirm the correctness of the modified method, which remarkably increases flash method applications. The modified method is applicable only to cases in which δ(x) does not exceed the sample thickness (12ατ0≤L) during laser heating.
The effect of magnetization anisotropy and paramagnetic susceptibility on the magnetization process
Authors: Bolyachkin A. S. , Neznakhin D. S. , Bartashevich M. I.
Published: December 2015

The Sucksmith-Thompson method is a widespread technique for the accurate evaluation of magnetocrystalline anisotropy constants K1 and K2 of a single crystal with easy magnetization axis or basal plane type magnetic anisotropy. In this work, a generalized form of the method is represented. It takes into account several magnetization process features: spontaneous magnetization anisotropy, high-field differential susceptibility (paramagnetic process), and stray fields in terms of the demagnetizing factor. Corrected anisotropy field expressions for both magnetic anisotropy types are also established herein. The modified approach was verified by magnetization measurements of single crystalline LaCo5 and YFe3.
Fast crystallization of amorphous Gd2Zr2O7 induced by thermally activated electron-beam irradiation
Authors: Huang Zhangyi , Qi Jianqi , Zhou Li , Feng Zhao , Yu Xiaohe , Gong Yichao , Yang Mao , Shi Qiwu , Wei Nian , Lu Tiecheng
Published: December 2015

We investigate the ionization and displacement effects of an electron-beam (e-beam) on amorphous Gd2Zr2O7 synthesized by the co-precipitation and calcination methods. The as-received amorphous specimens were irradiated under electron beams at different energies (80 keV, 120 keV, and 2 MeV) and then characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. A metastable fluorite phase was observed in nanocrystalline Gd2Zr2O7 and is proposed to arise from the relatively lower surface and interface energy compared with the pyrochlore phase. Fast crystallization could be induced by 120 keV e-beam irradiation (beam current = 0.47 mA/cm2). The crystallization occurred on the nanoscale upon ionization irradiation at 400 °C after a dose of less than 1017 electrons/cm2. Under e-beam irradiation, the activation energy for the grain growth process was approximately 10 kJ/mol, but the activation energy was 135 kJ/mol by calcination in a furnace. The thermally activated ionization process was considered the fast crystallization mechanism.
Effect of increased crystallinity of single-walled carbon nanotubes used as field emitters on their electrical properties
Authors: Shimoi Norihiro
Published: December 2015

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) synthesized by arc discharge are expected to exhibit good field emission (FE) properties at a low driving voltage. We used a coating containing homogeneously dispersed highly crystalline SWCNTs produced by a high-temperature annealing process to fabricate an FE device by a wet-coating process at a low cost. Using the coating, we succeeded in reducing the power consumption of field emitters for planar lighting devices. SWCNTs synthesized by arc discharge have crystal defects in the carbon network, which are considered to induce inelastic electron tunneling that deteriorates the electrical conductivity of the SWCNTs. In this study, the blocking of the transport of electrons in SWCNTs with crystal defects is simulated using an inelastic electron tunneling model. We succeeded in clarifying the mechanism underlying the electrical conductivity of SWCNTs by controlling their crystallinity. In addition, it was confirmed that field emitters using highly crystalline SWCNTs can lead to new applications operating with low power consumption and new devices that may change our daily lives in the future.
Enhanced multiferroic properties of Aurivillius Bi6Fe1.4Co0.6Ti3O18 thin films by magnetic field annealing
Authors: Zuo X. Z. , Yang J. , Yuan B. , Song D. P. , Tang X. W. , Zhang K. J. , Zhu X. B. , Song W. H. , Dai J. M. , Sun Y. P.
Published: December 2015

We investigate the effect of high magnetic-field annealing on the microstructural, ferroelectric, and magnetic properties of Bi6Fe1.4Co0.6Ti3O18 thin films. The magnetic field can lower the energy barrier for nucleation and improve the grain connectivity. The application of magnetic field of 6T parallel to the film plane can substantially enhance the remnant polarization Pr from 18.1 to 29 μC/cm2 as a result of the variation in grain size and growth orientation caused by magnetic field annealing. Moreover, the remnant magnetization Mr is substantially improved from 2.48 to 4.56 emu/cm3 arising from the enhanced exchange coupling due to the better grain connectivity. These results demonstrate that high magnetic-field annealing is an effective way to optimize multiferroic properties of the Aurivillius compounds.
Surface texture and optical properties of crystalline silicon substrates
Authors: Fashina A. A. , Adama K. K. , Oyewole O. K. , Anye V. C. , Asare J. , Zebaze Kana M. G. , Soboyejo W. O.
Published: December 2015

This paper presents the results of an experimental study of the effects of surface texture on the optical and light trapping properties of silicon wafers. Surface texture is controlled by anisotropic etching with potassium hydroxide (KOH) and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solutions. The anisotropic etching of (001) crystalline silicon wafers is shown to result in the formation of {111} pyramidal facets on the surfaces of the wafers. A combination of profilometry, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy is used to study the effects of KOH/IPA etching on the morphology and roughness of the textured surfaces. The results show that IPA concentration has the strongest effect on the surface roughness of (001)-single crystal crystals at temperatures up to 80 °C. Above this value, evidence of temperature-induced cracking was revealed on the silicon substrate. The best volume concentration ratio of KOH:IPA is also found to be 2:4. The implications of the study are discussed for the design of light trapping in silicon solar cells.
The K
+
channel K
IR
2.1 functions in tandem with proton influx to mediate sour taste transduction
Authors: Ye Wenlei , Chang Rui B. , Bushman Jeremy D. , Tu Yu-Hsiang , Mulhall Eric M. , Wilson Courtney E. , Cooper Alexander J. , Chick Wallace S. , Hill-Eubanks David C. , Nelson Mark T. , Kinnamon Sue C. , Liman Emily R.
Published: December 2015

Significance

Among the five basic tastes, sour is one of the least understood. Notably, the sour receptor remains to be identified, and molecular mechanisms by which sour stimuli are detected are largely not known. Previous work has shown that H
+
ions can directly enter sour taste cells, eliciting a change in membrane potential and acidification of the cell cytosol. In the present work, we identify a second element of sensory transduction, a K
+
channel, K
IR
2.1, which is inhibited by intracellular acidification. The presence of an acid-sensitive K
+
channel in sour taste cells allows for amplification of the sensory response and may explain why weak acids that produce intracellular acidification, such as acetic acid, taste more sour than strong acids.
Designer and natural peptide toxin blockers of the KcsA potassium channel identified by phage display
Authors: Zhao Ruiming , Dai Hui , Mendelman Netanel , Cuello Luis G. , Chill Jordan H. , Goldstein Steve A. N.
Published: December 2015

Significance

Peptide neurotoxins that inhibit specific ion channels are valuable for research and clinical care but unknown for most targets. Here we consider KcsA, an orphan potassium channel with no known toxin. We build a phage-display library expressing natural toxins related to the sea anemone toxin ShK and 1.5 million novel combinatorial variants. Peptides that bind tightly to KcsA are isolated and two are described: Hui1 is novel and specific for KcsA, and HmK is natural and promiscuous. The 3D structure and action of Hui1 validate our strategy and reveal an unexpected basis for channel inhibition wherein an arginine side chain, too large to enter the conduction pathway, interacts with potassium ions traversing the pore from the other side of the membrane.
Active imagination and the dead
Authors: Stephens Stephani
Published: December 2015

The dead who appeared in Jung's death dreams and visions profoundly influenced Jung's experience and understanding of the unconscious.11 Jung's model of the psyche emerged as a result of his confrontation with the unconscious. During this intense time he had numerous encounters with figures of the unconscious; significant among these were the persistent appearances of those he called ‘the dead’. In his own words, ‘The conversations with the dead formed a kind of prelude to what I had to communicate to the world about the unconscious’ (Jung, 1961, p. 217). Since the publication ofThe Red Booka significant amount of material on the dead has come to light and points to the possibility that when Jung referred to ‘the dead’ in his personal material he was, in fact, referring to the literal dead as a separate category of experience. Such consideration has a bearing on concepts such as active imagination and the transcendent function.
Understanding roles of E  ×  B flow and magnetic shear on the formation of internal and edge transport barriers using two-field bifurcation concept
Authors: Chatthong B. , Onjun T.
Published: December 2015

A set of heat and particle transport equations with the inclusion of E  ×  B flow and magnetic shear is used to understand the formation and behaviors of edge transport barriers (ETBs) and internal transport barriers (ITBs) in tokamak plasmas based on two-field bifurcation concept. A simple model that can describe the E  ×  B flow shear and magnetic shear effect in tokamak plasma is used for anomalous transport suppression with the effect of bootstrap current included. Consequently, conditions and formations of ETB and ITB can be visualized and studied. It can be seen that the ETB formation depends sensitively on the E  ×  B flow shear suppression with small dependence on the magnetic shear suppression. However, the ITB formation depends sensitively on the magnetic shear suppression with a small dependence on the E  ×  B flow shear suppression. Once the H-mode is achieved, the s-curve bifurcation diagram is modified due to an increase of bootstrap current at the plasma edge, resulting in reductions of both L-H and H-L transition thresholds with stronger hysteresis effects. It is also found that both ITB and ETB widths appear to be governed by heat or particle sources and the location of the current peaking. In addition, at a marginal flux just below the L-H threshold, a small perturbation in terms of heat or density fluctuation can result in a transition, which can remain after the perturbation is removed due to the hysteresis effect.
Dual roles of shear flow in nonlinear multi-scale interactions
Authors: Hu Z.Q. , Wang Z.X. , Wei L. , Li J.Q. , Kishimoto Y.
Published: December 2015

Effect of shear flow on the multi-scale nonlinear interaction in plasmas is numerically investigated by using a self-consistent Landau-fluid model. Dual roles of shear flow in the process are discovered, significantly suppressing micro-scale fluctuations and dramatically promoting macro-scale fluctuations. Furthermore, its similar dual roles in turbulent transport are also demonstrated. The novel underlying mechanism for the nonlinear promotion is identified as the formation of a large vortex flow inside magnetic island, which as a common phenomenon have been often observed in space and magnetic fusion plasmas. The theoretical prediction on the threshold of shear flow based on an analytical modeling is verified via numerical simulations.
Representation and inference of cellular architecture for metabolic reconstruction and modeling
Authors: Paley Suzanne , Krummenacker Markus , Karp Peter D.
Published: December 2015

Motivation: Metabolic modeling depends on accurately representing the cellular locations of enzyme-catalyzed and transport reactions. We sought to develop a representation of cellular compartmentation that would accurately capture cellular location information. We further sought a representation that would support automated inference of the cellular compartments present in newly sequenced organisms to speed model development, and that would enable representing the cellular compartments present in multiple cell types within a multicellular organism.

Results: We define the cellular architecture of a unicellular organism, or of a cell type from a multicellular organism, as the collection of cellular components it contains plus the topological relationships among those components. We developed a tool for inferring cellular architectures across many domains of life and extended our Cell Component Ontology to enable representation of the inferred architectures. We provide software for visualizing cellular architectures to verify their correctness and software for editing cellular architectures to modify or correct them. We also developed a representation that records the cellular compartment assignments of reactions with minimal duplication of information.

Availability and implementation: The Cell Component Ontology is freely available. The Pathway Tools software is freely available for academic research and is available for a fee for commercial use.

Contact:  pkarp@ai.sri.com

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A new fifth parameter for transverse isotropy
Authors: Kawakatsu Hitoshi
Published: December 2015

Properties of a new parameter, ηκ, that is recently introduced by Kawakatsu et al. for transverse isotropy are examined. It is illustrated that the parameter nicely characterizes the incidence angle dependence of bodywave phase velocities for vertical transverse isotropy models that share the same P- and S-wave anisotropy. When existing models of upper-mantle radial anisotropy are compared in terms of this new parameter, PREM shows a distinct property. Within the anisotropic layer of PREM (a depth range of 24.4–220 km), ηκ < 1 in the upper half and ηκ > 1 in the lower half. If ηκ > 1, anisotropy cannot be attributed to a layering of homogeneous isotropic layers, and thus requires the presence of intrinsic anisotropy.
Sport and Crime
Authors: Armstrong Gary , Hodges-Ramon Luke
Published: December 2015

Sport and crime possess the power to stir emotion and arouse debate; most people have opinions on both. Many believe a relationship exists between the two but as Francis and Braggins contend, the relationship between sport and crime is complex. For some, sport is a bastion of physical prowess and moral virtue; abiding by the rules and playing fair is considered a vehicle to encourage the wayward to veer from potential deviance or to rehabilitate offenders. A surfeit of programs designed to use sport as a method of crime control currently exist. However, sport itself contains many paradoxes and in some cases has become a realm for criminal behavior: corruption, bribery, doping, discrimination, violence, hooliganism, and a host of other undesirable behaviors are all evidenced in the delivery and practice of sport. Thus, the Hydra-headed character of sport makes the correlate between sport and crime a sometimes controversial milieu.