bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computationally, tone is different
Authors: Jardine Adam
Published: October 2016

This paper establishes that unbounded circumambient processes, phonological processes for which crucial information in the environment may appear unboundedly far away on both sides of a target, are common in tonal phonology, but rare in segmental phonology. It then argues that this typological asymmetry is best characterised by positing that tone is more computationally complex than segmental phonology. The evidence for the asymmetry is based around attestations of unbounded tonal plateauing, but it is also shown how the ‘sour-grapes’ harmony pathology is unbounded circumambient. The paper argues that such processes are not weakly deterministic, which contrasts with previous typological work on segmental phonology. Positing that weak determinism bounds segmental phonology but not tonal phonology thus captures the typological asymmetry. It is also discussed why this explanation is superior to any offered by Optimality Theory.
A regulatory circuit of miR-125b/miR-20b and Wnt signalling controls glioblastoma phenotypes through FZD6-modulated pathways
Authors: Huang Tianzhi , Alvarez Angel A. , Pangeni Rajendra P. , M. Horbinski Craig , Lu Songjian , Kim Sung-Hak , James C. David , J. Raizer Jeffery , A. Kessler John , Brenann Cameron W. , Sulman Erik P. , Finocchiaro Gaetano , Tan Ming , Nishikawa Ryo , Lu Xinghua , Nakano Ichiro , Hu Bo , Cheng Shi-Yuan
Published: October 2016

Molecularly defined subclassification is associated with phenotypic malignancy of glioblastoma (GBM). However, current understanding of the molecular basis of subclass conversion that is often involved in GBM recurrence remain rudimentary at best. Here we report that canonical Wnt signalling that is active in proneural (PN) but inactive in mesenchymal (MES) GBM, along with miR-125b and miR-20b that are expressed at high levels in PN compared with MES GBM, comprise a regulatory circuit involving TCF4-miR-125b/miR-20b-FZD6. FZD6 acts as a negative regulator of this circuit by activating CaMKII–TAK1–NLK signalling, which, in turn, attenuates Wnt pathway activity while promoting STAT3 and NF-κB signalling that are important regulators of the MES-associated phenotype. These findings are confirmed by targeting differentially enriched pathways in PN versus MES GBM that results in inhibition of distinct GBM subtypes. Correlative expressions of the components of this circuit are prognostic relevant for clinical GBM. Our findings provide insights for understanding GBM pathogenesis and for improving treatment of GBM.
Insights into cancer severity from biomolecular interaction mechanisms
Authors: Raimondi Francesco , Singh Gurdeep , Betts Matthew J. , Apic Gordana , Vukotic Ranka , Andreone Pietro , Stein Lincoln , Russell Robert B.
Published: October 2016

To attain a deeper understanding of diseases like cancer, it is critical to couple genetics with biomolecular mechanisms. High-throughput sequencing has identified thousands of somatic mutations across dozens of cancers, and there is a pressing need to identify the few that are pathologically relevant. Here we use protein structure and interaction data to interrogate nonsynonymous somatic cancer mutations, identifying a set of 213 molecular interfaces (protein-protein, -small molecule or –nucleic acid) most often perturbed in cancer, highlighting several potentially novel cancer genes. Over half of these interfaces involve protein-small-molecule interactions highlighting their overall importance in cancer. We found distinct differences in the predominance of perturbed interfaces between cancers and histological subtypes and presence or absence of certain interfaces appears to correlate with cancer severity.
CO2 Capture in the Sustainable Wheat-Derived Activated Microporous Carbon Compartments
Authors: Hong Seok-Min , Jang Eunji , Dysart Arthur D. , Pol Vilas G. , Lee Ki Bong
Published: October 2016

Microporous carbon compartments (MCCs) were developed via controlled carbonization of wheat flour producing large cavities that allow CO2 gas molecules to access micropores and adsorb effectively. KOH activation of MCCs was conducted at 700 °C with varying mass ratios of KOH/C ranging from 1 to 5, and the effects of activation conditions on the prepared carbon materials in terms of the characteristics and behavior of CO2 adsorption were investigated. Textural properties, such as specific surface area and total pore volume, linearly increased with the KOH/C ratio, attributed to the development of pores and enlargement of pores within carbon. The highest CO2 adsorption capacities of 5.70 mol kg−1 at 0 °C and 3.48 mol kg−1 at 25 °C were obtained for MCC activated with a KOH/C ratio of 3 (MCC-K3). In addition, CO2 adsorption uptake was significantly dependent on the volume of narrow micropores with a pore size of less than 0.8 nm rather than the volume of larger pores or surface area. MCC-K3 also exhibited excellent cyclic stability, facile regeneration, and rapid adsorption kinetics. As compared to the pseudo-first-order model, the pseudo-second-order kinetic model described the experimental adsorption data methodically.
Possible neural mechanisms of psychotherapy for trauma-related symptoms: cerebral responses to the neuropsychological treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder model individuals
Authors: Amano Tamaki , Toichi Motomi
Published: October 2016

Psychotherapy is often effective for treating psychogenic disorders, but the changes that occur in the brain during such treatments remain unknown. To investigate this, we monitored cerebral activity throughout an entire session using a psychotherapeutic technique in healthy subjects. Since post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a typical psychogenic psychiatric disorder, we used PTSD-model volunteers who had experienced a moderately traumatic event. The technique used as psychotherapy was eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), a standard method for treating PTSD. The oxygenated haemoglobin concentration ([oxy-Hb]), a sensitive index of brain activation, measured using multi-channel near-infrared spectroscopy, revealed changes in [oxy-Hb] in the superior temporal sulcus (STS) and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). During a vital therapeutic stage, a significant reduction in the activation by forced eye movements was observed in the right STS, and a trend toward a reduction in the left OFC. The hyperactivation of the right STS on the recall of unpleasant memories, and its normalisation by eye movements, seem to reflect an important neural mechanism of the psychotherapy. These findings suggest that psychotherapy for traumatic symptoms involves brain regions related to memory representation and emotion, and possibly those that link memory and emotion, such as the amygdala.
High expression of new genes in trochophore enlightening the ontogeny and evolution of trochozoans
Authors: Xu Fei , Domazet-Lošo Tomislav , Fan Dingding , Dunwell Thomas L. , Li Li , Fang Xiaodong , Zhang Guofan
Published: October 2016

Animals with trochophore larvae belong to Trochozoa, one of the main branches of Bilateria. In addition to exhibiting spiral cleavage and early cell fate determination, trochozoans typically undergo indirect development, which contributes to the most unique characteristics of their ontogeny. The indirect development of trochozoans has provoked discussion regarding the origin and evolution of marine larvae and is interesting from the perspective of phylogeny-ontogeny correspondence. While these phylo-onto correlations have an hourglass shape in Deuterostomia, Ecdysozoa, plants and even fungi, they have seldom been studied in Trochozoa, and even Lophotrochozoa. Here, we compared the ontogenetic transcriptomes of the Pacific oyster,Crassostrea gigas(Bivalvia, Mollusca), the Pacific abalone,Haliotis discus hannai(Gastropoda, Mollusca), and the sand wormPerinereis aibuhitensis(Polychaeta, Annelida) using several complementary phylotranscriptomic methods to examine their evolutionary trajectories. The results revealed the late trochophore stage as the phylotypic phase. However, this basic pattern is accompanied with increased use of new genes in the trochophore stages which marks specific adaptations of the larval body plans.
Kupffer cells induce Notch-mediated hepatocyte conversion in a common mouse model of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Terada Maiko , Horisawa Kenichi , Miura Shizuka , Takashima Yasuo , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Sekiya Sayaka , Matsuda-Ito Kanae , Suzuki Atsushi
Published: October 2016

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a malignant epithelial neoplasm composed of cells resembling cholangiocytes that line the intrahepatic bile ducts in portal areas of the hepatic lobule. Although ICC has been defined as a tumor arising from cholangiocyte transformation, recent evidence from genetic lineage-tracing experiments has indicated that hepatocytes can be a cellular origin of ICC by directly changing their fate to that of biliary lineage cells. Notch signaling has been identified as an essential factor for hepatocyte conversion into biliary lineage cells at the onset of ICC. However, the mechanisms underlying Notch signal activation in hepatocytes remain unclear. Here, using a mouse model of ICC, we found that hepatic macrophages called Kupffer cells transiently congregate around the central veins in the liver and express the Notch ligand Jagged-1 coincident with Notch activation in pericentral hepatocytes. Depletion of Kupffer cells prevents the Notch-mediated cell-fate conversion of hepatocytes to biliary lineage cells, inducing hepatocyte apoptosis and increasing mortality in mice. These findings will be useful for uncovering the pathogenic mechanism of ICC and developing prevenient and therapeutic strategies for this refractory disease.
Zintl Phases: Recent Developments in Thermoelectrics and Future Outlook
Authors: Kauzlarich Susan M. , Zevalkink Alex , Toberer Eric , Snyder G. Jeff
Published: October 2016

Zintl compounds have recently emerged as promising thermoelectric materials due to their rich chemistry and structural complexity. Zintl compounds are defined as valence precise intermetallic phases in which electropositive cations donate electrons to covalently bonded polyanions. In the search for and development of new thermoelectric materials, the vast array of structures and chemical environments found among Zintl phases is an ideal place to begin. This chapter outlines the principles necessary to select, synthesize, and optimize such phases for thermoelectric applications. In the development of high zT thermoelectric materials, there are two key material requirements: low lattice thermal conductivity and chemically tunable electronic properties. The structural complexity characteristic of Zintl compounds leads to glass-like lattice thermal conductivity, making them ideal thermoelectric materials. This complexity also provides numerous opportunities for tuning electronic properties; while substitution of aliovalent elements yields direct control of the electronic carrier concentration, extensive isovalent substitutions can be used to fine-tune thermal and electronic properties by targeted modification of the bonding environment. By exploiting these principles, several excellent Zintl thermoelectric materials have already been developed, highlighting the future potential of these fascinating and complex materials for thermoelectric applications.
Nano- and Micro-fabrication Techniques for Improving Thermoelectric Materials and Generators
Authors: Paul Douglas J.
Published: October 2016

Nanostructured materials can be used to improve the performance of thermoelectric materials. The theories required to understand how nanostructures affect the electric conductivities, thermal conductivities and Seebeck coefficients will be reviewed before examples will be provided of the enhanced performance that can be achieved through low-dimensional structures. Some of the best thermoelectric material performance results from the literature will be presented and compared to the best bulk material results. A review will also be presented of microfabricated thermoelectric generators with explanations of the key output parameters and how these parameters can be optimised for applications. Microfabricated thermoelectric generators require less material than conventional pick-and-place systems allowing low-cost and higher power density thermal energy harvesting systems.
Automotive Power Harvesting/Thermoelectric Applications
Authors: Chiwanga States , Tuley Richard , Placha Katarzyna , Robbins Mark , Gilchrist Bob , Simpson Kevin
Published: October 2016

Legislative CO2 emission penalties and the desire to increase overall efficiency using the least expensive technology for automotive vehicles has led manufacturers to research and develop thermoelectric generators (TEGs). TEGs will play an important role in achieving a large-scale, sustainable energy solution. However, the conflicting material characteristics needed for TEGs pose a formidable challenge. The suitability and opportunities for thermoelectric devices in automotive applications are discussed, with particular emphasis on systems for electrical energy generation from exhaust gases. The significant challenges for integrating thermoelectric devices into a device for wide scale automotive deployment are outlined, including the balancing of the many different requirements for the system such as thermal management, thermoelectric materials, design and packaging constraints, etc. Some of the failure modes of thermoelectric modules in such a system are also reviewed.
A cataluminescence gas sensor based on mesoporous Mg-doped SnO2 structures for detection of gaseous acetone
Authors: Weng Yueyang , Deng Dongyan , Zhang Lichun , Su Yingying , Lv Yi
Published: October 2016

In this paper, Mg-doped SnO2 materials were synthesized through a simple environmentally friendly hydrothermal method showing a remarkable cataluminescence activity for acetone detection.
A racemate-rules effect supramolecular polymer for ee determination of malic acid in the high ee region
Authors: Chen Xuan-Xuan , Jiang Yun-Bao , Anslyn Eric V.
Published: October 2016

A supramolecular polymeric system that shows an unusual “racemate-rules” chiroptical property, an effect opposite to the well-known “majority-rules”, has been utilized for accurate determination of malic acid enantiopurity at high ee values.
Engineering of ZSM-5 zeolite crystals for enhanced lifetime in the production of light olefins via 2-methyl-2-butene cracking
Authors: Mitchell Sharon , Boltz Marilyne , Liu Jiaxu , Pérez-Ramírez Javier
Published: October 2016

ZSM-5 zeolites are tailored for the production of light olefinsvia2-methyl-2-butene cracking.
Mechanistic understanding of alkyne cyclotrimerization on mononuclear and dinuclear scaffolds: [4 + 2] cycloaddition of the third alkyne onto metallacyclopentadienes and dimetallacyclopentadienes
Authors: Yamamoto Keishi , Nagae Haruki , Tsurugi Hayato , Mashima Kazushi
Published: October 2016

We summarized mechanistic investigations for transition metal-catalyzed alkyne cyclotrimerization in terms of mononuclear and dinuclear complexes.
Adsorption-enhanced hydrolysis of glucan oligomers into glucose over sulfonated three-dimensionally ordered mesoporous carbon catalysts
Authors: Dornath Paul , Ruzycky Stephen , Pang Shintaro , He Lili , Dauenhauer Paul , Fan Wei
Published: October 2016

The hydrolysis of cellulose and β(1 → 4) oligosaccharides on carbon catalysts is a promising approach for the selective production of glucose from cellulose and its derivatives.
The mechanism of ArF laser-induced fluorescence of dense plume matter
Authors: Wang Xiaochun , Huang Zhengyu , Chu Po-Chun , Cai Yue , Leung Kelvin S. Y. , Lum Judy T. S. , Cheung Nai-Ho
Published: October 2016

In pulsed laser ablative sampling, photoexcitation of the nascent plume can be nonselective because the energy structure is band-like. As the plume disperses, the bands taper to discrete levels and analyte emission lines become narrow. Multi-analyte fluorescence at a single excitation wavelength is therefore possible.
Sulfonic acid functionalized silica-coated CuFe2O4 core–shell nanoparticles: an efficient and magnetically separable heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of 2-pyrazole-3-amino-imidazo-fused polyheterocycles
Authors: Swami Suman , Agarwala Arunava , Shrivastava Rahul
Published: October 2016

Synthesis of easily separable magnetic core–shell nanoparticles and their efficient use as catalyst in a multicomponent reaction.
Ring-opening copolymerisation of cyclohexene oxide and carbon dioxide catalysed by scorpionate zinc complexes
Authors: Martínez Javier , Castro-Osma José A. , Lara-Sánchez Agustín , Otero Antonio , Fernández-Baeza Juan , Tejeda Juan , Sánchez-Barba Luis F. , Rodríguez-Diéguez Antonio
Published: October 2016

New bimetallic heteroscorpionate zinc complexes have been developed and used as efficient catalysts for the synthesis of poly(cyclohexene carbonate).
Site-selective enzymatic chemistry for polymer conjugation to protein lysine residues: PEGylation of G-CSF at lysine-41
Authors: Mero A. , Grigoletto A. , Maso K. , Yoshioka H. , Rosato A. , Pasut G.
Published: October 2016

Microbial transglutaminase (mTGase) is an enzyme that catalyzes site-specific protein derivatization at specific glutamines and lysines.
Design, synthesis, characterization, cytotoxicity, molecular docking and analysis of binding interactions of novel acetylacetonatopalladium(ii) alanine and valine complexes with CT-DNA and BSA
Authors: Heydari Ali , Mansouri-Torshizi Hassan
Published: October 2016

The neutral, water soluble palladium(ii) amino acid complexes, interact with CT-DNA (groove binding) and BSA (H-binding in main pocket). Molecular docking supports the interactions.
Dual enzymatic dynamic kinetic resolution by Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus secondary alcohol dehydrogenase and Candida antarctica lipase B
Authors: Karume Ibrahim , Musa Musa M. , Bsharat Odey , Takahashi Masateru , Hamdan Samir M. , El Ali Bassam
Published: October 2016

The immobilization of Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus secondary alcohol dehydrogenase (TeSADH) using sol–gel method enables its use to racemize enantiopure alcohols in organic media, thus allows for a dual enzymatic dynamic kinetic resolution.
Simple synthesis of nitrogen doped graphene/ordered mesoporous metal oxides hybrid architecture as high-performance electrocatalysts for biosensing study
Authors: Cui Mengjing , Cao Bohan , Sun Yuena , Zhang Yufan , Wang Huan
Published: October 2016

Construction of nitrogen doped graphene/ordered mesoporous metal oxides hybrid architecture for high-performance electrochemical biosensing study.
Template-free hydrothermal synthesis of amphibious fluorescent carbon nanorice towards anti-counterfeiting applications and unleashing its nonlinear optical properties
Authors: Pramanik A. , Biswas S. , Kole A. K. , Tiwary C. S. , Krishnaraj R. N. , Kumbhakar P.
Published: October 2016

Bio-precursor based synthesis and counterfeiting applications of water-soluble, blue fluorescent carbon nanorice structures with good nonlinear optical properties are demonstrated.
One-pot synthesis of lotus-shaped Pd–Cu hierarchical superstructure crystals for formic acid oxidation
Authors: Xu Li , Wang Kai , Yuan Qiang
Published: October 2016

Lotus-shaped Pd–Cu hierarchical superstructure crystals with enhanced electrocatalytic properties toward HCOOH oxidation were successfully synthesized through an aqueous solution method.
One-step synthesis of SnO2-reduced graphene oxide (SOG) composites for efficient removal of organic dyes from wastewater
Authors: Yin Wenzhu , Cao Huaqiang
Published: October 2016

In this work, SnO2 functionalized graphene oxide was shown to possess high adsorption capacities and fast adsorption rates for organic dyes over wide pH ranges. Additionally, the adsorbent could be easily regenerated by washing with ethanol.
The effect of heterocyclic π bridges on second order nonlinear optical properties of compounds formed between ferrocenyl and corannulenyl
Authors: Chen He , Wang Li , Wang Wen-Yong , Qiu Yong-Qing , Xie Hai-Ming
Published: October 2016

Among D–π–A type compounds, when imidazole acts as a π bridge (endo/exo-3), the βtot values are almost 2 times as large as when the phenyl acts as a π bridge (endo/exo-2).
Effect of wind turbine converter control on wind power plant harmonic response and resonances
Authors: Sainz Luis , Monjo Lluis , Pedra Joaquin , Cheah‐Mane Marc , Liang Jun , Gomis‐Bellmunt Oriol
Published: October 2016

Wind turbine harmonic emissions due to power electronics are a well‐known power quality concern in wind power plants (WPPs). This problem may be increased by resonances because they amplify harmonic distortion around resonance frequencies. Hence, the resonance phenomenon is widely analysed in the literature. Resonance studies usually consider wind turbines (WTs) as ideal current sources, which can lead to inaccurate results. The study explores the effect of WT converter control on WPP harmonic response. It contributes expressions of WT equivalent harmonic impedance including current control of the grid side converter. This impedance allows WT converter control to be considered in WPP modelling to analyse its effect on harmonic response and resonances. PSCAD and Matlab/Simulink simulations were performed to validate the analytical expressions and illustrate the usefulness of the work in predicting harmonic distortions at WT terminals in actual WPPs.
Understanding the effects of laser imprint on plastic-target implosions on OMEGA
Authors: Hu S. X. , Michel D. T. , Davis A. K. , Betti R. , Radha P. B. , Campbell E. M. , Froula D. H. , Stoeckl C.
Published: October 2016

Understanding the effects of laser imprint on target performance is critical to the success of direct-drive inertial confinement fusion. Directly measuring the disruption caused by laser imprints to the imploding shell and hot-spot formation, in comparison with multidimensional radiation–hydrodynamic simulations, can provide a clear picture of how laser nonuniformities cause target performance to degrade. With the recently developed x-ray self-emission imaging technique and the state-of-the-art physics models recently implemented in the two-dimensional hydrocode DRACO, a systematic study of laser-imprint effects on warm target implosions on OMEGA has been performed using both experimental results and simulations. By varying the laser-picket intensity, the imploding shells were set at different adiabats (from α = 2 to α = 6). As the shell adiabats decreased, it was observed that (1) the measured shell thickness at the time the hot spot lit up became larger than the uniform one-dimensional (1-D) predictions; (2) the hot-spot core emitted earlier than the corresponding 1-D predictions; (3) the measured neutron yield first increased then decreased as the shell adiabat α was reduced; and (4) the hot-spot size reduced as α decreased for cases where SSD (smoothing by spectral dispersion) was on but became larger for low-α shots in cases where SSD was off. Most of these experimental observations are well reproduced by DRACO simulations with laser imprints including modes up to λmax = 200. These studies identify the importance of laser imprint as the major source of degrading target performance for OMEGA implosions of adiabat α ≤ 3. Mitigating laser imprints is required to improve low-α target performance.
Particle dynamics in the electron current layer in collisionless magnetic reconnection
Authors: Zenitani Seiji , Nagai Tsugunobu
Published: October 2016

Particle dynamics in the electron current layer in collisionless magnetic reconnection is investigated by using a particle-in-cell simulation. The electron motion and velocity distribution functions are studied by tracking self-consistent trajectories. New classes of electron orbits are discovered: figure-eight-shaped regular orbits inside the electron jet, noncrossing regular orbits on the jet flanks, noncrossing Speiser orbits, and nongyrotropic electrons in the downstream of the jet termination region. The properties of a super-Alfvénic outflow jet are attributed to an ensemble of electrons traveling through the Speiser orbits. The noncrossing orbits are mediated by the polarization electric field near the electron current layer. The noncrossing electrons are found to be non-negligible in number density. The impact of these new orbits to electron mixing, spatial distribution of energetic electrons, and observational signatures is presented.
Employment of sawtooth-shaped-function excitation signal and oversampling for improving resistance measurement accuracy
Authors: Lin Ling , Li Shujuan , Yan Wenjuan , Li Gang
Published: October 2016

In order to achieve higher measurement accuracy of routine resistance without increasing the complexity and cost of the system circuit of existing methods, this paper presents a novel method that exploits a shaped-function excitation signal and oversampling technology. The excitation signal source for resistance measurement is modulated by the sawtooth-shaped-function signal, and oversampling technology is employed to increase the resolution and the accuracy of the measurement system. Compared with the traditional method of using constant amplitude excitation signal, this method can effectively enhance the measuring accuracy by almost one order of magnitude and reduce the root mean square error by 3.75 times under the same measurement conditions. The results of experiments show that the novel method can attain the aim of significantly improve the measurement accuracy of resistance on the premise of not increasing the system cost and complexity of the circuit, which is significantly valuable for applying in electronic instruments.
Non-Maxwellian electron distribution functions due to self-generated turbulence in collisionless guide-field reconnection
Authors: Muñoz P. A. , Büchner J.
Published: October 2016

Non-Maxwellian electron velocity space distribution functions (EVDFs) are useful signatures of plasma conditions and non-local consequences of collisionless magnetic reconnection. In the past, EVDFs were obtained mainly for antiparallel reconnection and under the influence of weak guide-fields in the direction perpendicular to the reconnection plane. EVDFs are, however, not well known, yet, for oblique (or component-) reconnection in case and in dependence on stronger guide-magnetic fields and for the exhaust (outflow) region of reconnection away from the diffusion region. In view of the multi-spacecraft Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS), we derived the non-Maxwellian EVDFs of collisionless magnetic reconnection in dependence on the guide-field strength bg from small (bg≈0) to very strong (bg = 8) guide-fields, taking into account the feedback of the self-generated turbulence. For this sake, we carried out 2.5D fully kinetic Particle-in-Cell simulations using the ACRONYM code. We obtained anisotropic EVDFs and electron beams propagating along the separatrices as well as in the exhaust region of reconnection. The beams are anisotropic with a higher temperature in the direction perpendicular rather than parallel to the local magnetic field. The beams propagate in the direction opposite to the background electrons and cause instabilities. We also obtained the guide-field dependence of the relative electron-beam drift speed, threshold, and properties of the resulting streaming instabilities including the strongly non-linear saturation of the self-generated plasma turbulence. This turbulence and its non-linear feedback cause non-adiabatic parallel electron acceleration. We further obtained the resulting EVDFs due to the non-linear feedback of the saturated self-generated turbulence near the separatrices and in the exhaust region of reconnection in dependence on the guide field strength. We found that the influence of the self-generated plasma turbulence leads well beyond the limits of the quasi-linear approximation to the creation of phase space holes and an isotropizing pitch-angle scattering. EVDFs obtained by this way can be used for diagnosing collisionless reconnection by using the multi-spacecraft observations carried out by the MMS mission.
A free-standing thin foil bolometer for measuring soft x-ray fluence
Authors: Hu Qingyuan , Ning Jiamin , Ye Fan , Meng Shijian , Xu Rongkun , Yang Jianlun , Chu Yanyun , Qin Yi , Fu Yuecheng , Chen Faxin , Xu Zeping
Published: October 2016

A free-standing thin foil bolometer for measuring soft x-ray fluence in z-pinch experiments is developed. For the first time, we present the determination of its sensitivity by different methods. The results showed great consistency for the different methods, which confirms the validity of the sensitivity and provides confidence for its application in z-pinch experiments. It should be highlighted that the sensitivity of a free-standing foil bolometer could be calibrated directly using Joule heating without any corrections that will be necessary for a foil bolometer with substrate because of heat loss. The difference of the waveforms between the free-standing foil bolometer and that with substrate is obvious. It reveals that the heat loss to the substrate should be considered for the latter in despite of the short x-ray pulse when the peak value is used to deduce the total deposited energy. The quantitative influence is analyzed through a detailed simulation.
Colossal dielectric permittivity in (Al + Nb) co-doped rutile SnO2 ceramics with low loss at room temperature
Authors: Song Yongli , Wang Xianjie , Zhang Xingquan , Qi Xudong , Liu Zhiguo , Zhang Lingli , Zhang Yu , Wang Yang , Sui Yu , Song Bo
Published: October 2016

The exploration of colossal dielectric permittivity (CP) materials with low dielectric loss in a wide range of frequencies/temperatures continues to attract considerable interest. In this paper, we report CP in (Al + Nb) co-doped rutile SnO2 ceramics with a low dielectric loss at room temperature. Al0.02Nb0.05Sn0.93O2 and Al0.03Nb0.05Sn0.92O2 ceramics exhibit high relative dielectric permittivities (above 103) and low dielectric losses (0.015 < tan δ < 0.1) in a wide range of frequencies and at temperatures from 140 to 400 K. Al doping can effectively modulate the dielectric behavior by increasing the grain and grain boundary resistances. The large differences in the resistance and conductive activation energy of the grains and grain boundaries suggest that the CP in co-doped SnO2 ceramics can be attributed to the internal barrier layer capacitor effect.
Tunable mechanical coupling between driven microelectromechanical resonators
Authors: Verbiest G. J. , Xu D. , Goldsche M. , Khodkov T. , Barzanjeh S. , von den Driesch N. , Buca D. , Stampfer C.
Published: October 2016

We present a microelectromechanical system, in which a silicon beam is attached to a comb-drive actuator, which is used to tune the tension in the silicon beam and thus its resonance frequency. By measuring the resonance frequencies of the system, we show that the comb-drive actuator and the silicon beam behave as two strongly coupled resonators. Interestingly, the effective coupling rate (∼1.5 MHz) is tunable with the comb-drive actuator (+10%) as well as with a side-gate (−10%) placed close to the silicon beam. In contrast, the effective spring constant of the system is insensitive to either of them and changes only by ±0.5%. Finally, we show that the comb-drive actuator can be used to switch between different coupling rates with a frequency of at least 10 kHz.
Register mark measurement errors in high-precision roll-to-roll continuous systems: The effect of register mark geometry on measurement error
Authors: Lee Jongsu , Isto Pekka , Jeong Hakyung , Park Janghoon , Lee Dongjin , Shin Kee-Hyun
Published: October 2016

It is important to achieve high-precision register control in roll-to-roll continuous printing systems. Thus far, many studies on the dynamics of registers and tension and on register control techniques have identified register control as a problem of controlling and minimizing the disturbance of strain of the substrate. However, register control using printed register marks is necessary, and printing defects in creating these marks cause measurement errors. This study demonstrates by experimental verification that the measurement error is generated by the widening and agglomeration of the register mark. Furthermore, the error is shown to differ with the size and shape of the mark under identical printing conditions. The results illustrate the importance of improving the printing quality of the register mark, selecting the desired geometry for register marks with regard to printability, and utilizing an edge-detection algorithm in the control program for high-precision register control.
Use of infrared thermography for monitoring crassulacean acid metabolism
Authors: Barkla Bronwyn J. , Rhodes Timothy
Published: October 2016

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is an alternative carbon fixation pathway that imparts high water-use efficiency in plants adapted to warm, semiarid climates. With concerns that global warming will negatively influence crop production, turning agricultural focus towards CAM plants may provide a solution to increase productivity using either unconventional crops on marginal land or incorporating CAM molecular mechanisms into conventional crops and improving water-use efficiency. For this to be feasible, deeper insights into CAM pathway regulation are essential. To facilitate this research new tools which simplify procedures for detecting and measuring CAM are needed. Here we describe a non-invasive, non-destructive, simplified method using infrared thermography for monitoring CAM in the annual desert succulent Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. via detection of changes in leaf temperature brought about by the absence of transpiration due to daytime reduction in stomatal conductance. This method is sensitive, measuring temperature differences of ± 1°C, can be used in both the field and green house and is not restricted by leaf architecture. It offers an alternative to the commonly used gas exchange methods to measure CAM that are technically difficult to acquire and require the use of expensive and cumbersome equipment.
Lifespan adversity and later adulthood telomere length in the nationally representative US Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Puterman Eli , Gemmill Alison , Karasek Deborah , Weir David , Adler Nancy E. , Prather Aric A. , Epel Elissa S.
Published: October 2016

Significance

The gradual aging of the immune system is partly marked by shortened telomeres, the DNA–protein caps at the ends of chromosomes that protect genes from degradation. This study undertakes a lifespan approach to stress and leukocyte telomere length in a nationally representative sample of US residents. By using data from 16 y of the Health and Retirement Study, childhood and adulthood life stressors were examined for their individual and combined associations with increased odds of having short telomeres. Accumulated adverse experiences in childhood significantly predicted an increased likelihood of having short telomeres later in life, suggesting a potential pathway through which childhood experiences have been previously shown to predict adulthood morbidity and mortality.
Gate fidelity and coherence of an electron spin in an Si/SiGe quantum dot with micromagnet
Authors: Kawakami Erika , Jullien Thibaut , Scarlino Pasquale , Ward Daniel R. , Savage Donald E. , Lagally Max G. , Dobrovitski Viatcheslav V. , Friesen Mark , Coppersmith Susan N. , Eriksson Mark A. , Vandersypen Lieven M. K.
Published: October 2016

Significance

A quantum computer is able to solve certain problems that cannot be solved by a classical computer within a reasonable time. The building block of a quantum computer is called a quantum bit (qubit), the counterpart of the conventional binary digit (bit). A qubit unavoidably interacts with its environment, leading to errors in the qubit state. This article reports on the qubit performance of an electron spin in a silicon/silicon-germanium (Si/SiGe) quantum dot, and examines the dominant error mechanisms. We demonstrate that this qubit can be electrically controlled with sufficient accuracy so that remaining errors could, in principle, be corrected using known protocols, even without isotopically purified silicon. This qubit also offers a quantum memory that lasts for almost 0.5 ms.
Democratic and Republican physicians provide different care on politicized health issues
Authors: Hersh Eitan D. , Goldenberg Matthew N.
Published: October 2016

Significance

Political beliefs have been shown to spill over into nonpolitical domains, such as consumer spending, choice of romantic partner, and job hiring. Our evidence suggests that political beliefs predict the professional decisions of primary care physicians. On politicized health issues, like marijuana and abortion, physicians' partisan identity is highly correlated with their treatment decisions. Because physicians regularly interact with patients on politically sensitive health issues and because the medical profession is increasingly politicized (e.g., state governments are regulating politicized aspects of medicine), it is necessary to understand how doctors’ own political worldviews may impact their actions in the medical examination room.
Wnt/β-catenin signaling promotes self-renewal and inhibits the primed state transition in naïve human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Xu Zhuojin , Robitaille Aaron M. , Berndt Jason D. , Davidson Kathryn C. , Fischer Karin A. , Mathieu Julie , Potter Jennifer C. , Ruohola-Baker Hannele , Moon Randall T.
Published: October 2016

Significance

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can exist in a naïve or primed pluripotency state. Naïve PSCs correspond to an earlier developmental state more closely related to cells from the preimplantation embryo and may have more robust developmental potential than primed PSCs. However, understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate naïve PSC behaviors such as self-renewal, differentiation, or preservation of the naïve state is incomplete. Here, we report that Wnt/β-catenin signaling promotes the self-renewal of naïve human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). When grown in conditions that inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signaling, naïve hESCs remain undifferentiated but have a more primed-like protein expression profile. Our results suggest that Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a critical role in regulating human naïve pluripotency.
The zero-marked switch-reference system of the Papuan language Iatmul
Authors: Jendraschek Gerd
Published: October 2016

Although in Iatmul switch-reference is not marked by dedicated morphemes, the absence of subject cross-reference markers indicates subject continuity, whereas their presence signals disjoint reference. Switch-reference clauses can show various degrees of syntactic integration into a matrix clause, and specific constellations have undergone grammaticalization or lexicalisation. Tail-head linkage carries the switch reference mechanism over to the next sentence, but is also attested as a coordination device. What distinguishes the Iatmul system from converbs in languages such as Turkish and Korean is the role of reference tracking, since Turkish and Korean converbs primarily express semantic relations between clauses, whereas the primary function of the Iatmul system is participant tracking.
Discourse factors of switch-reference in Whitesands (Oceanic)
Authors: Hammond Jeremy
Published: October 2016

Whitesands (ISO: TNP) is an Oceanic language of the southern Vanuatu sub-group. Like the related languages of southern Vanuatu, Whitesands has developed a clause-linkage system that is a kind of switch-reference system. This device monitors referent continuity on new clauses – typically contrasting with the previous clause. In this paper I investigate the use of this system in natural discourse, focusing on regularity and form of the system. I conclude that discourse or genre type does not correlate with specific switch reference features in a narrow sense, yet at the same time suggest that studies investigating switch reference should be aware of the discourse context when making generalisation about prominence and usage patterns.
More on switch-reference in Kotiria (Wanano, East Tukano)
Authors: Stenzel Kristine
Published: October 2016

This article analyzes the reference-tracking and pragmatic functions of switch-reference marking in Kotiria (Wanano, East Tukano), building on previous studies (Longacre 1983), more recent analyses and description of the language, as well as extensive investigation of textual data. It offers an overview of Kotiria complex sentences, pinpointing the structural context for explicit switch-reference marking, discusses switch-reference marking in ‘tail-head’ linkage constructions, and examines the interaction of switch-reference marking with other means of participant reference identification in discourse: use of pronouns, definite lexical NPs, and nouns marked by the ‘contrastive subject’ suffix -se’e. It shows that Kotiria switch-reference has interacting reference-tracking and pragmatic discourse functions, and proposes a reformulated view of the overall organization of the system.
Effect of resonant magnetic perturbations on microturbulence in DIII-D pedestal
Authors: Holod I. , Lin Z. , Taimourzadeh S. , Nazikian R. , Spong D. , Wingen A.
Published: October 2016

Vacuum resonant magnetic perturbations (RMP) applied to otherwise axisymmetric tokamak plasmas produce in general a combination of non-resonant effects that preserve closed flux surfaces (kink response) and resonant effects that introduce magnetic islands and/or stochasticity (tearing response). The effect of the plasma kink response on the linear stability and nonlinear transport of edge turbulence is studied using the gyrokinetic toroidal code GTC for a DIII-D plasma with applied n  =  2 vacuum RMP. GTC simulations use the 3D equilibrium of DIII-D discharge 158103 (Nazikian et al 2015 Phys. Rev. Lett. 114 105002), which is provided by nonlinear ideal MHD VMEC equilibrium solver in order to include the effect of the plasma kink response to the external field but to exclude island formation at rational surfaces. Analysis using the GTC simulation results reveal no increase of growth rates for the electrostatic drift wave instability and for the electromagnetic kinetic-ballooning mode in the presence of the plasma kink response to the RMP. Furthermore, nonlinear electrostatic simulations show that the effect of the 3D equilibrium on zonal flow damping is very weak and found to be insufficient to modify turbulent transport in the electrostatic turbulence.
Identifying the source of super-high energetic electrons in the presence of pre-plasma in laser–matter interaction at relativistic intensities
Authors: Wu D. , Krasheninnikov S.I. , Luan S.X. , Yu W.
Published: October 2016

The generation of super-high energetic electrons influenced by pre-plasma in relativistic intensity laser–matter interaction is studied in a one-dimensional slab approximation with particle-in-cell simulations. Different pre-plasma scale lengths and laser intensities are considered, showing an increase in both particle number and cut-off kinetic energy of electrons with the increase of pre-plasma scale length and laser intensity, the cut-off kinetic energy greatly exceeding the corresponding laser ponderomotive energy. A two-stage electron acceleration model is proposed to explain the underlying physics. The first stage is attributed to the synergetic acceleration by longitudinal electric field and counter-propagating laser pulses, and a scaling law is obtained with efficiency depending on the pre-plasma scale length and laser intensity. These electrons pre-accelerated in the first stage could build up an intense electrostatic potential barrier with maximal value several times as large as the initial electron kinetic energy. Some of the energetic electrons could be further accelerated by reflection off the electrostatic potential barrier, with their finial kinetic energies significantly higher than the values pre-accelerated in the first stage.
A constant intrinsic thickness for dwarf irregular galaxies?
Authors: Johnson Megan C. , Hunter Deidre A. , Kamphuis Peter , Wang Jing
Published: October 2016

We assess the intrinsic thickness parameter, qo, for a sample of dwarf irregular galaxies and compare to larger, more massive spiral galaxy systems. We use optical photometry to determine b/a (minor-to-major axial ratio), and we use the H i kinematic inclination angle to derive qo. We find that qo ranges from 0.1 to 0.8 for the dwarfs. We find a trend in qo with luminosity, indicating that fainter dwarfs are thicker than brighter ones, similar to previous studies. However, we also find a trend in qo with H i kinematic inclination, which indicates that either the radius at which we measure b/a may be too small, or, that the stellar and gas discs have different inclinations. Because we selected only those objects that have nearly identical morphological and kinematic position angles, we find the latter reason unlikely. We find a weak trend in qo with hz/RD (ratio of stellar scaleheight to scalelength), which points to b/a not fully representing the stellar disc distribution. We conclude that a constant qo may not be appropriate for dwarf irregulars.
The effect of whole-body vibration training on lean mass in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rubio-Arias Jacobo Á. , Marín-Cascales Elena , Ramos-Campo Domingo J. , Martínez-Rodríguez Alejandro , Chung Linda H. , Alcaraz Pedro E.
Published: October 2016

Objective:

The purpose of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate published, randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) on lean mass in postmenopausal women.

Methods:

The following electronic databases were searched from September to October 2015: PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Two different authors tabulated, independently, the selected indices in identical predetermined forms. The methodological quality of all randomized trial studies was evaluated according to the modified PEDro scale. In each trial, the effect size of the intervention was calculated by the difference between pre- and postintervention lean mass in WBVT postmenopausal women. For controlled trials, the effect size of the WBVT was also calculated by the difference in lean mass after the WBVT and in control participants.

Results:

Of the 189 articles found from the database search and all duplicates removed, 5 articles were analyzed. The lean mass of 112 postmenopausal women who performed either WBVT or a control protocol was evaluated. The methodological quality of the trials was high, where the mean score was 8 out of a possible 10 points. No significant improvements in lean mass with WBVT were found in postmenopausal women. In addition, there was no significant difference in lean mass between WBVT and control postmenopausal women.

Conclusions:

This meta-analysis demonstrated that WBVT alone may not be a sufficient stimulus to increase lean mass in postmenopausal women. Thus, additional complimentary training methods with WBVT are needed to increase muscle size in women with lower hormonal responses.