bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluid–structure interaction computations for geometrically resolved rotor simulations using CFD
Authors: Heinz Joachim C. , Sørensen Niels N. , Zahle Frederik
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a newly developed high‐fidelity fluid–structure interaction simulation tool for geometrically resolved rotor simulations of wind turbines. The tool consists of a partitioned coupling between the structural part of the aero‐elastic solver HAWC2 and the finite volume computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver EllipSys3D. The paper shows that the implemented loose coupling scheme, despite a non‐conservative force transfer, maintains a sufficient numerical stability and a second‐order time accuracy. The use of a strong coupling is found to be redundant. In a first test case, the newly developed coupling between HAWC2 and EllipSys3D (HAWC2CFD) is utilized to compute the aero‐elastic response of the NREL 5‐MW reference wind turbine (RWT) under normal operational conditions. A comparison with the low‐fidelity but state‐of‐the‐art aero‐elastic solver HAWC2 reveals a very good agreement between the two approaches. In a second test case, the response of the NREL 5‐MW RWT is computed during a yawed and thus asymmetric inflow. The continuous good agreement confirms the qualities of HAWC2CFD but also illustrates the strengths of a computationally cheaper blade element momentum theory (BEM) based solver, as long as the solver is applied within the boundaries of the employed engineering models. Two further test cases encompass flow situations, which are expected to exceed the limits of the BEM model. However, the simulation of the NREL 5‐MW RWT during an emergency shut down situation still shows good agreements in the predicted structural responses of HAWC2 and HAWC2CFD since the differences in the computed force signals only persist for an insignificantly short time span. The considerable new capabilities of HAWC2CFD are finally demonstrated by simulating vortex‐induced vibrations on the DTU 10‐MW wind turbine blade in standstill. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stakeholder attitudes and beliefs toward wild pigs in Georgia and Illinois
Authors: Harper Erin E. , Miller Craig A. , Vaske Jerry J. , Mengak Michael T. , Bruno Susan
Published: April 2016

A variety of problems are associated with wild pigs (Sus scrofa; e.g., crop damage, habitat destruction, transfer of infectious diseases to livestock). We contrasted stakeholder attitudes and beliefs toward wild pigs in 2 U.S. states: 1 with a long‐established, widespread population of wild pigs (GA) and 1 with a recently established limited population (IL). We conducted mail surveys of farmers in the Southwest Cooperative Extension Service District in Georgia during January–February 2012 (n = 471, response rate = 39%) and Illinois farmers (n = 3,035, response rate = 58%) during July–September 2013. The surveys included 4 positive items (e.g., I enjoy seeing feral hogs around my property) and 3 negative statements (e.g., Feral hogs should be eliminated where ever possible). Survey participants in both states generally agreed with the negative statements about wild pigs and disagreed with positive aspects regarding wild pigs. In general, the level of consensus for these statements was similar for both states. These findings suggest farmers in a state with low populations of wild pigs (IL) shared beliefs and attitudes with farmers in a state with a long‐standing wild pig populations (GA). © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Narrative, Acculturation and Ritual: Themes from a Socio-ecological Study of Australian Defence Force Families Experiencing Parental Deployment
Authors: Baber Marg
Published: April 2016

Military deployment is typically considered a stressful period for families, generally lasting between 3 to 6 months for Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel. To date, insufficient research has been conducted concerning children and families who experience deployment within an Australian context. This study seeks to provide valuable insight into families with young children and explore their experiences of military deployment in an Australian context. Using a socio-constructivist approach, where truth is socially constructed both individually and culturally, ADF parents’ perceptions of their experiences are examined. Using Narrative Research, multiple methods of data collection are combined to gather various insights into families’ experiences. Data analysis was conducted using thematic verification identifying two main themes. Embracing an interpretivist epistemology, the researcher aims to create a shared knowledge around families’ understanding and experiences of deployment. Such knowledge will be helpful for effective support of parents, educators and professionals in their role with these children in the community.
Culture, Citizenship Norms, and Political Participation: Empirical Evidence from Taiwan
Authors: CHANG WEN-CHUN
Published: April 2016

This study investigates the role of religion in shaping the norms of citizenship from a cultural perspective for an East Asian country that exhibits fundamental differences in social contexts from Western advanced democracies. Using data drawn from the Taiwan Social Change Survey, we find that the Eastern religions of Buddhism, Taoism, and Folk Religions are important for explaining the formation of the concept of being a good citizen. This study further examines the relationships between citizenship norms and various conventional and unconventional types of political participation. The empirical results herein suggest that duty-based citizenship and engaged citizenship have significant differences in their effects on political participation.
Making Policy with Bureaucrats and Experts: The Dilemma of Citizen Members in the Participatory Pension Reforms in Japan
Authors: KIM SUNIL
Published: April 2016

Documenting how the Japanese state responded to increasing social discontent during initiation of unpopular welfare reforms, this study examines the factors that hindered the political empowerment of civil society despite the timely introduction of participatory policymaking institutions. The Japanese government opted in the early 2000s to introduce a participatory method to initiate the unpopular pension reform. Deliberation councils were established to encourage open discussions among government policymakers and committee members, including citizen representatives. The final outcomes of the deliberations, however, were mostly about parametric adjustments and did not adequately consider the urgent demand of the general public. The participatory measure did not significantly improve the public's trust in the pension programs, but it did justify the government's reform initiatives. The welfare bureaucracy that set the goal, defined the scope of the agenda, and steered the discussions toward technical issues structurally restricted the voices of the citizen members in the deliberation councils. The lack of citizen advocacy groups, which could otherwise have effectively supported the citizen members on the committee, contributed to the limited roles and influences of the citizens. It is argued that the traditional conservative corporatism of Japan was reinforced during this time period, despite the introduction of the idea of participatory governance.
How can we be sure fracking will not pollute aquifers? Lessons from a major longwall coal mining analogue (Selby, Yorkshire, UK)
Authors: Younger Paul L.
Published: April 2016

Development of shale gas by hydraulic fracturing (‘fracking’) is opposed by campaigners who propose (inter alia) that freshwater aquifers could be polluted by upward migration of fractures and any fluids they contain. Prima facie hydrogeological analysis of this proposition has been undertaken. For it to occur, two conditions must be satisfied:

(i)

sufficient hydraulic interconnection (i.e., a continuous permeable pathway); and

(ii)

a sustained driving head, oriented upwards.

With regard to (i), shale gas developers have a major vested interest in avoiding creating such hydraulic connection, as it would result in uneconomically excessive amounts of water needing to be pumped from their wells to achieve gas production. In relation to (ii), nominal upward hydraulic gradients will typically only be developed during fracking for periods of a few hours, which is far too brief to achieve solute transport over vertical intervals of one or more kilometres; thereafter, depressurisation of wells to allow gas to flow will result in downward hydraulic gradients being maintained for many years. The proposition is therefore found to be unsupportable. Albeit for contrasting motivations, developers and environmental guardians turn out to have a strong common interest in avoiding inter-connection to aquifers.

A powerful illustration of the potential long-term effects of fracking is provided by the hydrogeological history of underground coal mining in the UK. Where large-scale mining proceeded from the surface downwards, major hydraulic inter-connection of shallow and deep zones resulted in widespread water pollution. However, where new mines were developed at depth without connections to shallow old workings (as in the Selby Coalfield, Yorkshire), complete hydraulic isolation from the near-surface hydrogeological environment was successfully maintained. This was despite far greater stratal disruption and induced seismicity than shale gas fracking could ever produce. The lesson is clear: without hydrogeological connectivity to shallow aquifers, shale gas fracking per se cannot contaminate shallow ground water.
Was ist die optimale Ernährung für den Menschen?
Authors: Böni Roland
Published: April 2016

Zusammenfassung. Wir sind in der Praxis täglich mit der Frage nach der optimalen Ernährung konfrontiert. Dennoch nimmt die Ernährungslehre nur einen sehr kleinen Teil unserer Ausbildung ein. Ein Rückblick in die Entstehungsgeschichte des Menschen zeigt, dass unser Körper während Millionen von Jahren auf eine vorwiegend pflanzliche Ernährung eingestellt war. Die westliche Ernährung, die mit der Einführung der Massentierhaltung und industriellen Nahrungsmittelverarbeitung seit einigen hundert Jahren zu einem grossen Teil aus tierischen Produkten besteht, führt zu einer Reihe chronischer Erkrankungen, wie Hypertonie, Hypercholesterinämie, koronare Herzkrankheit, vaskuläre Demenz, Diabetes und zu einer Zunahme von Krebserkrankungen. Viele dieser Erkrankungen sind vermeidbar, einige sogar reversibel, wenn man auf eine rein pflanzliche, nicht industriell verarbeitete Ernährung zurückgreift. Diese Übersichtsarbeit soll dem Praktiker die wissenschaftlichen Fakten vermitteln.
NMDA receptors are selectively partitioned into complexes and supercomplexes during synapse maturation
Authors: Frank René A. W. , Komiyama Noboru H. , Ryan Tomás J. , Zhu Fei , O’Dell Thomas J. , Grant Seth G. N.
Published: April 2016

How neuronal proteomes self-organize is poorly understood because of their inherent molecular and cellular complexity. Here, focusing on mammalian synapses we use blue-native PAGE and ‘gene-tagging’ of GluN1 to report the first biochemical purification of endogenous NMDA receptors (NMDARs) directly from adult mouse brain. We show that NMDARs partition between two discrete populations of receptor complexes and ∼1.5 MDa supercomplexes. We tested the assembly mechanism with six mouse mutants, which indicates a tripartite requirement of GluN2B, PSD93 and PSD95 gate the incorporation of receptors into ∼1.5 MDa supercomplexes, independent of either canonical PDZ-ligands or GluN2A. Supporting the essential role of GluN2B, quantitative gene-tagging revealed a fourfold molar excess of GluN2B over GluN2A in adult forebrain. NMDAR supercomplexes are assembled late in postnatal development and triggered by synapse maturation involving epigenetic and activity-dependent mechanisms. Finally, screening the quaternary organization of 60 native proteins identified numerous discrete supercomplexes that populate the mammalian synapse.
Initial rigid response and softening transition of highly stretchable kirigami sheet materials
Authors: Isobe Midori , Okumura Ko
Published: April 2016

We study, experimentally and theoretically, the mechanical response of sheet materials on which line cracks or cuts are arranged in a simple pattern. Such sheet materials, often called kirigami (the Japanese words, kiri and gami, stand for cut and paper, respectively), demonstrate a unique mechanical response promising for various engineering applications such as stretchable batteries: kirigami sheets possess a mechanical regime in which sheets are highly stretchable and very soft compared with the original sheets without line cracks, by virtue of out-of-plane deformation. However, this regime starts after a transition from an initial stiff regime governed by in-plane deformation. In other words, the softness of the kirigami structure emerges as a result of a transition from the two-dimensional to three-dimensional deformation, i.e., from stretching to bending. We clarify the physical origins of the transition and mechanical regimes, which are revealed to be governed by simple scaling laws. The results could be useful for controlling and designing the mechanical response of sheet materials including cell sheets for medical regeneration and relevant to the development of materials with tunable stiffness and mechanical force sensors.
Identification of miRNomes reveals ssc-miR-30d-R_1 as a potential therapeutic target for PRRS viral infection
Authors: Wang Chengmin , Zhang Yanyu , Luo Jing , Ding Hua , Liu Shelan , Amer Said , Xie Li , Lyv Wenting , Su Wen , Li Meng , Sun Qinmiao , Dai Jiayin , He Hongxuan
Published: April 2016

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is known to cause reproductive disorders, such as abortion, in pregnant sows as well as immunosuppressive respiratory complications, leading to severe respiratory tract infections in young pigs. In this study, an in-depth analysis of the miRNomes in mock- and virus-infected pig lungs was carried out. We found that highly expressed ssc-miR-30d-R_1 was decreased in infected lungs, and reduced levels were significantly correlated with infection by PRRSV. Moreover, ssc-miR-30d-R_1 was shown to target Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and to suppress the production of immune cytokines through inhibition of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. ssc-miR-30d-R_1 significantly reduced viral infections and pathological changes in pig lungs in vivo. Our current study reveals the miRNomes of PRRSV-infected pig lungs and indicates that ssc-miR-30d-R_1 is potential therapeutic agent for controlling PRRSV infection.
Excretion of dengue virus RNA by Aedes aegypti allows non-destructive monitoring of viral dissemination in individual mosquitoes
Authors: Fontaine Albin , Jiolle Davy , Moltini-Conclois Isabelle , Lequime Sebastian , Lambrechts Louis
Published: April 2016

Successful transmission of a vector-borne pathogen relies on a complex life cycle in the arthropod vector that requires initial infection of the digestive tract followed by systemic viral dissemination. The time interval between acquisition and subsequent transmission of the pathogen, called the extrinsic incubation period, is one of the most influential parameters of vector-borne pathogen transmission. However, the dynamic nature of this process is often ignored because vector competence assays are sacrificial and rely on end-point measurements. Here, we report that individual Aedes aegypti mosquitoes release large amounts of dengue virus (DENV) RNA in their excreta that can be non-sacrificially detected over time following oral virus exposure. Further, we demonstrate that detection of DENV RNA in excreta from individual mosquitoes is correlated to systemic viral dissemination with high specificity (0.9–1) albeit moderate sensitivity (0.64–0.89). Finally, we illustrate the potential of our finding to detect biological differences in the dynamics of DENV dissemination in a proof-of-concept experiment. Individual measurements of the time required for systemic viral dissemination, a prerequisite for transmission, will be valuable to monitor the dynamics of DENV vector competence, to carry out quantitative genetics studies and to evaluate the risk of DENV transmission in field settings.
LPS-induced NFκB enhanceosome requires TonEBP/NFAT5 without DNA binding
Authors: Lee Hwan Hee , Sanada Satoru , An Seung Min , Ye Byeong Jin , Lee Jun Ho , Seo Young-Kyo , Lee Changwook , Lee-Kwon Whaseon , Küper Christoph , Neuhofer Wolfgang , Choi Soo Youn , Kwon Hyug Moo
Published: April 2016

NFκB is a central mediator of inflammation. Present inhibitors of NFκB are mostly based on inhibition of essential machinery such as proteasome and protein kinases, or activation of nuclear receptors; as such, they are of limited therapeutic use due to severe toxicity. Here we report an LPS-induced NFκB enhanceosome in which TonEBP is required for the recruitment of p300. Increased expression of TonEBP enhances the NFκB activity and reduced TonEBP expression lowers it. Recombinant TonEBP molecules incapable of recruiting p300 do not stimulate NFκB. Myeloid-specific deletion of TonEBP results in milder inflammation and sepsis. We discover that a natural small molecule cerulenin specifically disrupts the enhanceosome without affecting the activation of NFκB itself. Cerulenin suppresses the pro-inflammatory activation of macrophages and sepsis without detectable toxicity. Thus, the NFκB enhanceosome offers a promising target for useful anti-inflammatory agents.
Cancer-specific binary expression system activated in mice by bacteriophage HK022 Integrase
Authors: Elias Amer , Spector Itay , Sogolovsky-Bard Ilana , Gritsenko Natalia , Rask Lene , Mainbakh Yuli , Zilberstein Yael , Yagil Ezra , Kolot Mikhail
Published: April 2016

Binary systems based on site-specific recombination have been used for tumor specific transcription targeting of suicide genes in animal models. In these binary systems a site specific recombinase or integrase that is expressed from a tumor specific promoter drives tumor specific expression of a cytotoxic gene. In the present study we developed a new cancer specific binary expression system activated by the Integrase (Int) of the lambdoid phage HK022. We demonstrate the validity of this system by the specific expression of a luciferase (luc)reporter in human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK293T) cells and in a lung cancer mouse model. Due to the absence viral vectors and of cytotoxicity the Int based binary system offers advantages over previously described counterparts and may therefore be developed into a safer cancer cell killing system.
High-mobility ZrInO thin-film transistor prepared by an all-DC-sputtering method at room temperature
Authors: Xiao Peng , Dong Ting , Lan Linfeng , Lin Zhenguo , Song Wei , Luo Dongxiang , Xu Miao , Peng Junbiao
Published: April 2016

Thin-film transistors (TFTs) with zirconium-doped indium oxide (ZrInO) semiconductor were successfully fabricated by an all-DC-sputtering method at room temperature. The ZrInO TFT without any intentionally annealing steps exhibited a high saturation mobility of 25.1 cm2V−1s−1. The threshold voltage shift was only 0.35 V for the ZrInO TFT under positive gate bias stress for 1 hour. Detailed studies showed that the room-temperature ZrInO thin film was in the amorphous state with low carrier density because of the strong bonding strength of Zr-O. The room-temperature process is attractive for its compatibility with almost all kinds of the flexible substrates, and the DC sputtering process is good for the production efficiency improvement and the fabrication cost reduction.
Chaotic time series prediction for prenatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls in umbilical cord blood using the least squares SEATR model
Authors: Xu Xijin , Tang Qian , Xia Haiyue , Zhang Yuling , Li Weiqiu , Huo Xia
Published: April 2016

Chaotic time series prediction based on nonlinear systems showed a superior performance in prediction field. We studied prenatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by chaotic time series prediction using the least squares self-exciting threshold autoregressive (SEATR) model in umbilical cord blood in an electronic waste (e-waste) contaminated area. The specific prediction steps basing on the proposal methods for prenatal PCB exposure were put forward and the proposed scheme’s validity was further verified by numerical simulation experiments. Experiment results show: 1) seven kinds of PCB congeners negatively correlate with five different indices for birth status: newborn weight, height, gestational age, Apgar score and anogenital distance; 2) prenatal PCB exposed group at greater risks compared to the reference group; 3) PCBs increasingly accumulated with time in newborns; and 4) the possibility of newborns suffering from related diseases in the future was greater. The desirable numerical simulation experiments results demonstrated the feasibility of applying mathematical model in the environmental toxicology field.
A novel serine protease, Sep1, from Bacillus firmus DS-1 has nematicidal activity and degrades multiple intestinal-associated nematode proteins
Authors: Geng Ce , Nie Xiangtao , Tang Zhichao , Zhang Yuyang , Lin Jian , Sun Ming , Peng Donghai
Published: April 2016

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) cause serious harm to agricultural production. Bacillus firmus shows excellent control of PPNs and has been produced as a commercial nematicide. However, its nematicidal factors and mechanisms are still unknown. In this study, we showed that B. firmus strain DS-1 has high toxicity against Meloidogyne incognita and soybean cyst nematode. We sequenced the whole genome of DS-1 and identified multiple potential virulence factors. We then focused on a peptidase S8 superfamily protein called Sep1 and demonstrated that it had toxicity against the nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans and M. incognita. The Sep1 protein exhibited serine protease activity and degraded the intestinal tissues of nematodes. Thus, the Sep1 protease of B. firmus is a novel biocontrol factor with activity against a root-knot nematode. We then used C. elegans as a model to elucidate the nematicidal mechanism of Sep1 and the results showed that Sep1 could degrade multiple intestinal and cuticle-associated proteins and destroyed host physical barriers. The knowledge gained in our study will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms of B. firmus against PPNs and will aid in the development of novel bio-agents with increased efficacy for controlling PPNs.
Transcriptome signature for dampened Th2 dominance in acellular pertussis vaccine-induced CD4+ T cell responses through TLR4 ligation
Authors: Brummelman Jolanda , Raeven René H. M. , Helm Kina , Pennings Jeroen L. A. , Metz Bernard , van Eden Willem , van Els Cécile A. C. M. , Han Wanda G. H.
Published: April 2016

Current acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines promote a T helper 2 (Th2)-dominated response, while Th1/Th17 cells are protective. As our previous study showed, after adding a non-toxic TLR4 ligand, LpxL1, to the aP vaccine in mice, the Bordetella pertussis-specific Th2 response is decreased and Th1/Th17 responses are increased as measured at the cytokine protein level. However, how this shift in Th response by LpxL1 addition is regulated at the gene expression level remains unclear. Transcriptomics analysis was performed on purified CD4+ T cells of control and vaccinated mice after in vitro restimulation with aP vaccine antigens. Multiple key factors in Th differentiation, including transcription factors, cytokines and receptors, were identified within the differentially expressed genes. Upregulation of Th2- and downregulation of follicular helper T cell-associated genes were found in the CD4+ T cells of both aP- and aP+LpxL1-vaccinated mice. Genes exclusively upregulated in CD4+ T cells of aP+LpxL1-vaccinated mice included Th1 and Th17 signature cytokine genes Ifng and Il17a respectively. Overall, our study indicates that after addition of LpxL1 to the aP vaccine the Th2 component is not downregulated at the gene expression level. Rather an increase in expression of Th1- and Th17-associated genes caused the shift in Th subset outcome.
A hybrid system with highly enhanced graphene SERS for rapid and tag-free tumor cells detection
Authors: Yi Ningbo , Zhang Chen , Song Qinghai , Xiao Shumin
Published: April 2016

By dint of unique physical/chemical properties and bio-compatibility, graphene can work as a building block for a SERS substrate and open up a unique platform for tumor cells detection with high sensitivity. Herein we demonstrate a facile system with highly enhanced surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy of graphene (G-SERS). The system consists of a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sandwiched by silver and gold nanostructures. Due to the ultrasmall thickness of rGO, the inter-coupling between Ag and Au nanoparticles is precisely controlled and the local field enhancement has been improved to more than 70 times. Associated with the unique chemical mechanism of rGO, the hybrid system has been utilized to identify tumor cells without using any biomarkers. We believe this research will be important for the applications of rGO in cancer screening.
Rem2, a member of the RGK family of small GTPases, is enriched in nuclei of the basal ganglia
Authors: Liput Daniel J. , Lu Van B. , Davis Margaret I. , Puhl Henry L. , Ikeda Stephen R.
Published: April 2016

Rem2 is a member of the RGK subfamily of RAS small GTPases. Rem2 inhibits high voltage activated calcium channels, is involved in synaptogenesis and regulates dendritic morphology. Rem2 is the primary RGK protein expressed in the nervous system, but to date, the precise expression patterns of this protein are unknown. In this study, we characterized Rem2 expression in the mouse nervous system. In the CNS, Rem2 mRNA was detected in all regions examined, but was enriched in the striatum. An antibody specific for Rem2 was validated using a Rem2 knockout mouse model and used to show abundant expression in striatonigral and striatopallidal medium spiny neurons but not in several interneuron populations. In the PNS, Rem2 was abundant in a subpopulation of neurons in the trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia, but was absent in sympathetic neurons of superior cervical ganglia. Under basal conditions, Rem2 was subject to post-translational phosphorylation, likely at multiple residues. Further, Rem2 mRNA and protein expression peaked at postnatal week two, which corresponds to the period of robust neuronal maturation in rodents. This study will be useful for elucidating the functions of Rem2 in basal ganglia physiology.
A life course approach to explore the biological embedding of socioeconomic position and social mobility through circulating inflammatory markers
Authors: Castagné Raphaële , Delpierre Cyrille , Kelly-Irving Michelle , Campanella Gianluca , Guida Florence , Krogh Vittorio , Palli Domenico , Panico Salvatore , Sacerdote Carlotta , Tumino Rosario , Kyrtopoulos Soterios , Hosnijeh Fatemeh Saberi , Lang Thierry , Vermeulen Roel , Vineis Paolo , Stringhini Silvia , Chadeau-Hyam Marc
Published: April 2016

Lower socioeconomic position (SEP) has consistently been associated with poorer health. To explore potential biological embedding and the consequences of SEP experiences from early life to adulthood, we investigate how SEP indicators at different points across the life course may be related to a combination of 28 inflammation markers. Using blood-derived inflammation profiles measured by a multiplex array in 268 participants from the Italian component of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort, we evaluate the association between early life, young adulthood and later adulthood SEP with each inflammatory markers separately, or by combining them into an inflammatory score. We identified an increased inflammatory burden in participants whose father had a manual occupation, through increased plasma levels of CSF3 (G-CSF; β = 0.29; P = 0.002) and an increased inflammatory score (β = 1.96; P = 0.029). Social mobility was subsequently modelled by the interaction between father’s occupation and the highest household occupation, revealing a significant difference between “stable Non-manual” profiles over the life course versus “Manual to Non-manual” profiles (β = 2.38, P = 0.023). Low SEP in childhood is associated with modest increase in adult inflammatory burden; however, the analysis of social mobility suggests a stronger effect of an upward social mobility over the life course.
Measurement of the onset temperature of irreversible inactivation of proteins using FITC as a fluorescent reporter
Authors: Zhong Conghao , Wang Yi , Ma Guijun , Li Rongxiu
Published: April 2016

The onset temperature of irreversible inactivation of proteins is more accurately measured using FITC as a fluorescent reporter.
Conversion of saccharides into levulinic acid and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural over WO3–Ta2O5catalysts
Authors: Liu Qishun , Yang Fengli , Yin Heng , Du Yuguang
Published: April 2016

Bimetallic oxide catalysts WO3–Ta2O5are active in converting saccharides into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and levulinic acid (LA) in one-pot reactions.
Triplex-forming peptide nucleic acid modified with 2-aminopyridine as a new tool for detection of A-to-I editing
Authors: Annoni Chiara , Endoh Tamaki , Hnedzko Dziyana , Rozners Eriks , Sugimoto Naoki
Published: April 2016

Extremely sensitive detection tool for single nucleobase editing from adenosine to inosine is reported using triplex-forming peptide nucleic acid.
Synthesis of meta-substituted [18F]3-fluoro-4-aminopyridine via direct radiofluorination of pyridine N-oxides
Authors: Brugarolas P. , Freifelder R. , Cheng S.-H. , DeJesus O.
Published: April 2016

Fluorination and radiofluorination of pyridines is challenging, especially in meta position. Here we describe a new chemical reaction to generate meta fluorinated pyridines: halogen substitution on pyridine N-oxides followed by reduction.
A novel nanoscale organic–inorganic hybrid system with significantly enhanced AIE in aqueous media
Authors: Zheng Tingting , Xu Jia-Long , Wang Xiao-Jun , Zhang Jian , Jiao Xiuling , Wang Ting , Chen Dairong
Published: April 2016

We report the design and fluorescence properties of a novel aggregation-induced emission (AIE) system obtained by grafting carboxyl group conjugated AIE molecules onto monodispersed colloidal GaOOH nanocubes.
Pd-Catalyzed sequential β-C(sp3)–H arylation and intramolecular amination of δ-C(sp2)–H bonds for synthesis of quinolinones via an N,O-bidentate directing group
Authors: Guan Mingyu , Pang Yubo , Zhang Jingyu , Zhao Yingsheng
Published: April 2016

An effective protocol for the synthesis of quinolinone derivatives by palladium-catalyzed sequential β-C(sp3)–H arylation and selective intramolecular C(sp2)–H/N–H amination is developed.
Are the current theories of electron transfer applicable to reactions in ionic liquids? An ESR-study on the TCNE/TCNE−˙ couple
Authors: Mladenova B. Y. , Kattnig D. R. , Sudy B. , Choto P. , Grampp G.
Published: April 2016

Electron transfer reactions in ionic liquids are profoundly affected by solvent properties. The activation barriers cannot be generally accounted for by Marcus' theory.
Dynamics of H2 adsorbed in porous materials as revealed by computational analysis of inelastic neutron scattering spectra
Authors: Pham Tony , Forrest Katherine A. , Space Brian , Eckert Juergen
Published: April 2016

This perspective article reviews the different types of quantum and classical mechanical methods that have been implemented to interpret the INS spectra for H2 adsorbed in porous materials.
Understanding the cleavage of inter- and intramolecular linkages in corncob residue for utilization of lignin to produce monophenols
Authors: Jiang Zhicheng , Zhang Hui , He Ting , Lv Xiaoyan , Yi Jian , Li Jianmei , Hu Changwei
Published: April 2016

The cleavage of inter- and intra-molecular linkages in corncob residue for the selective dissolution and depolymerization of lignin in a Na2CO3–H2O–tetrahydrofuran system to produce monophenols was studied.
Editorial: Strategies for cellular target identification of natural products
Authors: Romo D. , Liu J. O.
Published: April 2016

Daniel Romo and Jun Liu introduce the Natural Product Reports themed issue on ‘Strategies for cellular target identification of natural products’.
Optimization and multigram scalability of a catalytic enantioselective borylative migration for the synthesis of functionalized chiral piperidines
Authors: Kim You-Ri , Hall Dennis G.
Published: April 2016

A systematic optimization of a Pd-catalyzed enantioselective borylative migration of an alkenyl nonaflate derivative of the simple precursor, N-Boc-4-piperidone, was achieved.
Functionalization of surfaces with branched polymers
Authors: Sun Wei
Published: April 2016

This review summarizes recent developments in the field of surfaces functionalized with branched polymers, including the fabrication methods, morphologies, properties and applications.
Distinguishing binding modes of a new phosphonium dye with DNA by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Miljanić Snežana , Kenđel Adriana , Novak Morana , Deliqeorqiev Todor G. , Crnolatac Ivo , Piantanida Ivo , Chiş Vasile
Published: April 2016

SERS spectroscopy provided structural data on binding of a dye as monomer and dimer within minor groove of adenine–thymine polynucleotides.
Design of porphyrin-based conjugated microporous polymers with enhanced singlet oxygen productivity
Authors: Hynek Jan , Rathouský Jiří , Demel Jan , Lang Kamil
Published: April 2016

Novel porphyrin-based conjugated microporous polymers displayed high O2(1Δg) production, were stable in organic solvents, and did not undergo measurable photobleaching.
PdPt bimetallic alloy nanowires-based electrochemical sensor for sensitive detection of ascorbic acid
Authors: Jin Lihua , Zhang Zaihua , Zhuang Zhihua , Meng Zheng , Li Cong , Shen Yehua
Published: April 2016

A novel PdPt bimetallic alloy nanowires-based electrochemical sensor for sensitive detection of ascorbic acid with remarkable electrocatalytic activity in a wide linear range (0.01–0.97 mM) and a detection limit as low as 0.2 μM.
A photoswitchable diarylethene heterodimer for use as a multifunctional logic gate
Authors: Ai Qi , Ahn Kwang-Hyun
Published: April 2016

A photoswitchable diarylethene heterodimer was prepared and its applications to logic gates were successfully demonstrated.
A family of complexes with N-scorpionate-type and other N-donor ligands obtained in situ from pyrazole derivative and zerovalent cobalt. Physicochemical and cytotoxicity studies
Authors: Adach A. , Daszkiewicz M. , Tyszka-Czochara M.
Published: April 2016

In this paper we described one pot synthetic pathways which generated in situ three complexes which contain three different ligands: N,N,N-tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolylmethyl)amine (L1), urotropine (L2) and 3,5-dimethylpyrazole (L3).
N-doped zeolite-templated carbon as a metal-free electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction
Authors: Kwon Yonghyun , Kim Kyoungsoo , Ryoo Ryong
Published: April 2016

Nitrogen-doped zeolite-templated carbon having 3-dimensionally microporous structure exhibited low surface work function and high catalytic performance for oxygen reduction.
Biomimetic solution against dewetting in a highly hydrophobic nanopore
Authors: Picaud Fabien , Paris Guillaume , Gharbi Tijani , Balme Sébastien , Lepoitevin Mathilde , Tangaraj Vidhyadevi , Bechelany Mikhael , Janot Jean Marc , Balanzat Emmanuel , Henn François
Published: April 2016

The functionalization of a dried narrow hydrophobic nanopore by a protein channel completely restores the nanopore wetting. The protein acts as a water nanopump when confined inside this nanopore.
Novel 1.5 V anode materials, ATiOPO4(A = NH4, K, Na), for room-temperature sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Mu Linqin , Ben Liubin , Hu Yong-Sheng , Li Hong , Chen Liquan , Huang Xuejie
Published: April 2016

Due to the abundance of sodium in nature, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted widespread attention.
Backscatter signal model of passive UHF RFID tag. Application to collision detection
Authors: Benbaghdad M. , Fergani B. , Tedjini S.
Published: April 2016

A simulation model of RFID backscatter signals developed under Ansoft designer environment is proposed. Despite the complexity of RFID tag and the hybrid properties of the backscatter signal, the model fits very well with measurement. An example of application that reveals the collision problem in multi‐tag environment is performed and confirmed by measurements.
Optimal bit‐and‐power allocation algorithm for VLC‐OFDM system
Authors: Wei Ling , Zhang Hongming , Yu Bingyan
Published: April 2016

An optimal bit‐and‐power allocation (BPA) algorithm for visible light communication‐orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing (VLC‐OFDM) system is proposed and demonstrated. It is such notable that the signal noise in VLC‐OFDM system is not addition white Gaussian noise and its power changes with the received signal power through experimental measurement. Thus the optimal Hughes–Hartog BPA algorithm based on variable noise power is presented. Compared with the traditional BPA algorithm, the experiment indicates that the proposed optimal BPA algorithm can achieve about 15.9% improvement of data rate for VLC‐OFDM system.
Unimodal criteria of tunable matching network
Authors: Xiong B. , Hofmann K.
Published: April 2016

A set of unimodal criteria for a tunable matching network is presented to make the objective function of the matching network to be unimodal, which leads to the finding of the global optimum point. Furthermore, the proposed unimodal criteria are extended to the lossy matching network.
Optimal sizing and sitting of DG with load models using soft computing techniques in practical distribution system
Authors: Bohre Aashish Kumar , Agnihotri Ganga , Dubey Manisha
Published: April 2016

In the deregulated power market environment, distributed generation (DG) is an effective approach to manage performance, operation and control of the distribution system. Methods available in the literature for DG planning are often not able to simultaneously provide technical and economical benefits. Therefore an effective methodology is developed to improve the technical as well as economical benefits as compared with the existing approaches. This study reports the optimal installation of multi‐DG in the standard 33‐bus, 69‐bus radial distribution systems and 54‐bus practical radial distribution system. Several performance evaluation indices such as active and reactive power loss indices, voltage deviation index, reliability index and shift factor indices are used to develop a novel multi‐objective function (MOF). A new set of equations is developed for representing different practical load models. A novel MOF has been solved to find optimal sizing and placement of DGs using genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimisation technique. The comparative result analysis is also discussed for both techniques. The result analysis reveals that system losses, energy not supplied, system MVA intakes are reduced, whereas available transfer capability, voltage profile, reliability and cost benefits are improved for the case with‐DGs in the distribution system.
Optimum distribution network operation considering distributed generation mode of operations and safety margin
Authors: Gia Ing Koong , Jamian Jasrul Jamani , Mokhlis Hazlie , Illias Hazlee Azil
Published: April 2016

This study analyse the impact of different distributed generation (DG) operating modes towards the system performance when network reconfiguration, DG generation and tap changer setting are simultaneously configure to optimal value. The main consideration in the optimal configuration process is to minimise daily power losses. For the purpose of optimisation, imperialist competitive algorithm is applied. Analysis is conducted based on safety margin of total DGs penetration, photovoltaic generation based on daily irradiance and daily load profile. The analysis of different DG mode of operations is conducted using IEEE 33 having five tie‐switches and one on‐load tap changer.
Effects of shear on P-selectin deposition in microfluidic channels
Authors: Shimp Eddie A. , Alsmadi Nesreen Z. , Cheng Tiffany , Lam Kevin H. , Lewis Christopher S. , Schmidtke David W.
Published: April 2016

Traditional leukocyte adhesion assays have provided significant insight into the mechanisms of leukocyte rolling in part through the use of homogeneously coated surfaces. These assays typically involve protein coating of glass coverslips or plastic petri dishes applied via a static drop of protein solution. With this approach, it is difficult to spatially control the location of proteins to fabricate surface-bound protein gradients that mimic in vivo situations. Microfluidic patterning of proteins with microfluidic devices has become a popular technique due to the ability to spatially pattern proteins on a cellular scale. Despite the advantages of microfluidic patterning, few studies have systematically investigated the effects of perfusion time, protein concentration, and perfusion shear stress on protein deposition. Herein, we demonstrated the fabrication of both line and step gradients of P-selectin on glass substrates that support cell rolling and adhesion assays. Investigation of the flow conditions during the microfluidic patterning led to several significant findings. We observed that the protein deposition time of 5 min was sufficient to deposit adequate P-selectin to support neutrophil rolling. We demonstrated that the amount of membrane P-selectin (mP-selectin) or recombinant P-selectin (rP-selectin) deposited showed a dependence on the perfusion shear stress between 4.0 and 32.0 dyn/cm2, while similar studies with fibronectin or fibrinogen showed no shear stress dependence. Finally, we also created step changes in surface adherent protein concentration of P-selectin to characterize leukocyte-rolling behavior in response to sudden changes in ligand density.
Mode specificity in the OH + CHD3 reaction: Reduced-dimensional quantum and quasi-classical studies on an ab initio based full-dimensional potential energy surface
Authors: Song Hongwei , Lu Yunpeng , Li Jun , Yang Minghui , Guo Hua
Published: April 2016

An initial state selected time-dependent wave packet method is applied to study the dynamics of the OH + CHD3 reaction with a six-dimensional model on a newly developed full-dimensional ab initio potential energy surface (PES). This quantum dynamical (QD) study is complemented by full-dimensional quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) calculations on the same PES. The QD results indicate that both translational energy and the excitation of the CH stretching mode significantly promote the reaction while the excitation of the umbrella mode has a negligible effect on the reactivity. For this early barrier reaction, interestingly, the CH stretching mode is more effective than translational energy in promoting the reaction except at very low collision energies. These QD observations are supported by QCT results. The higher efficacy of the CH stretching model in promoting this early barrier reaction is inconsistent with the prediction of the naively extended Polanyi’s rules, but can be rationalized by the recently proposed sudden vector projection model.
Thermal diffusivity measurement by lock-in photothermal shadowgraph method
Authors: Cifuentes A. , Alvarado S. , Cabrera H. , Calderón A. , Marín E.
Published: April 2016

Here, we present a novel application of the shadowgraph technique for obtaining the thermal diffusivity of an opaque solid sample, inspired by the orthogonal skimming photothermal beam deflection technique. This new variant utilizes the shadow projected by the sample when put against a collimated light source. The sample is then heated periodically by another light beam, giving rise to thermal waves, which propagate across it and through its surroundings. Changes in the refractive index of the surrounding media due to the heating distort the shadow. This phenomenon is recorded and lock-in amplified in order to determine the sample's thermal diffusivity.
Electron kinetics in atmospheric-pressure argon and nitrogen microwave microdischarges
Authors: Levko Dmitry , Raja Laxminarayan L.
Published: April 2016

Electron kinetics in atmospheric-pressure argon and nitrogen microwave (4 GHz) microdischarges is studied using a self-consistent one-dimensional Particle-in-Cell Monte Carlo Collisions model. The reversal of electric field (i.e., inverted sheath formation) is obtained in nitrogen and is not obtained in argon. This is explained by the different energy dependencies of electron-neutral collision cross sections in atomic and molecular gases and, as a consequence, different drag force acting on electrons. A non-local behavior of electron energy distribution function is obtained in both gases owing to electrons are generated in the plasma sheath. In both gases, electron energy relaxation length is comparable with the interelectrode gap, and therefore, they penetrate the plasma bulk with large energies.
Asymmetric angular dependence of spin-transfer torques in CoFe/Mg-B-O/CoFe magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Tang Ling , Xu Zhi-Jun , Zuo Xian-Jun , Yang Ze-Jin , Gao Qing-He , Linghu Rong-Feng , Guo Yun-Dong
Published: April 2016

Using a first-principles noncollinear wave-function-matching method, we studied the spin-transfer torques (STTs) in CoFe/Mg-B-O/CoFe(001) magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs), where three different types of B-doped MgO in the spacer are considered, including B atoms replacing Mg atoms (Mg3BO4), B atoms replacing O atoms (Mg4BO3), and B atoms occupying interstitial positions (Mg4BO4) in MgO. A strong asymmetric angular dependence of STT can be obtained both in ballistic CoFe/Mg3BO4 and CoFe/Mg4BO4 based MTJs, whereas a nearly symmetric STT curve is observed in the junctions based on CoFe/Mg4BO3. Furthermore, the asymmetry of the angular dependence of STT can be suppressed significantly by the disorder of B distribution. Such skewness of STTs in the CoFe/Mg-B-O/CoFe MTJs could be attributed to the interfacial resonance states induced by the B diffusion into MgO spacer.
Experimental investigation of cathode spots and plasma jets behavior subjected to two kinds of axial magnetic field electrodes
Authors: Wang Lijun , Deng Jie , Zhou Xin , Jia Shenli , Qian Zhonghao , Shi Zongqian
Published: April 2016

In this paper, cathode spot plasma jet (CSPJ) rotation and cathode spots behavior subjected to two kinds of large diameter axial magnetic field (AMF) electrode (cup-shaped and coil-shaped) are studied and analyzed based on experiments. The influence of gap distances on the CSPJ rotational behavior is analyzed. Experimental results show that CSPJ rotational phenomena extensively exist in the vacuum interrupters, and CSPJ rotational direction is along the direction of composite magnetic field (mainly the combination of the axial and azimuthal components). For coil-shaped and cup-shaped AMF electrodes, the rotational or inclination phenomena before the current peak value are much more significant than that after current peak value (for the same arc current), which is related to the larger ratio of azimuthal magnetic field Bt and AMF Bz (Bt/Bz). With the increase of the gap distance, the AMF strength decreases, when the arc current is kept as constant, the azimuthal magnetic field is kept invariable, the ratio between azimuthal magnetic field and AMF is increased, which results in the increase of rotational effect. For cathode spots motion, compared with cup-shaped electrode, coil-shaped electrode has the inverse AMF direction. The Robson drift direction of cathode spots of coil-shaped electrode is opposite to that of cup-shaped electrode. With the increase of gap distance, the Robson angle is decreased, which is associated with the reduced AMF strength. Erosion imprints of anode and cathode are also related to the CSPJ rotational phenomena and cathode spots behavior. The noise of arc voltage in the initial arcing stage is related to the weaker AMF.