bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AST: Activity-Security-Trust driven modeling of time varying networks
Authors: Wang Jian , Xu Jiake , Liu Yanheng , Deng Weiwen
Published: February 2016

Network modeling is a flexible mathematical structure that enables to identify statistical regularities and structural principles hidden in complex systems. The majority of recent driving forces in modeling complex networks are originated from activity, in which an activity potential of a time invariant function is introduced to identify agents’ interactions and to construct an activity-driven model. However, the new-emerging network evolutions are already deeply coupled with not only the explicit factors (e.g. activity) but also the implicit considerations (e.g. security and trust), so more intrinsic driving forces behind should be integrated into the modeling of time varying networks. The agents undoubtedly seek to build a time-dependent trade-off among activity, security and trust in generating a new connection to another. Thus, we reasonably propose the Activity-Security-Trust (AST) driven model through synthetically considering the explicit and implicit driving forces (e.g. activity, security and trust) underlying the decision process. AST-driven model facilitates to more accurately capture highly dynamical network behaviors and figure out the complex evolution process, allowing a profound understanding of the effects of security and trust in driving network evolution and improving the biases induced by only involving activity representations in analyzing the dynamical processes.
Magnetic effects in sulfur-decorated graphene
Authors: Hwang Choongyu , Cybart Shane A. , Shin S. J. , Kim Sooran , Kim Kyoo , Rappoport T. G. , Wu S. M. , Jozwiak C. , Fedorov A. V. , Mo S.-K. , Lee D.-H. , Min B. I. , Haller E. E. , Dynes R. C. , Castro Neto A. H. , Lanzara Alessandra
Published: February 2016

The interaction between two different materials can present novel phenomena that are quite different from the physical properties observed when each material stands alone. Strong electronic correlations, such as magnetism and superconductivity, can be produced as the result of enhanced Coulomb interactions between electrons. Two-dimensional materials are powerful candidates to search for the novel phenomena because of the easiness of arranging them and modifying their properties accordingly. In this work, we report magnetic effects in graphene, a prototypical non-magnetic two-dimensional semi-metal, in the proximity with sulfur, a diamagnetic insulator. In contrast to the well-defined metallic behaviour of clean graphene, an energy gap develops at the Fermi energy for the graphene/sulfur compound with decreasing temperature. This is accompanied by a steep increase of the resistance, a sign change of the slope in the magneto-resistance between high and low fields, and magnetic hysteresis. A possible origin of the observed electronic and magnetic responses is discussed in terms of the onset of low-temperature magnetic ordering. These results provide intriguing insights on the search for novel quantum phases in graphene-based compounds.
Cryptococcus neoformans Intracellular Proliferation and Capsule Size Determines Early Macrophage Control of Infection
Authors: Bojarczuk Aleksandra , Miller Katie A. , Hotham Richard , Lewis Amy , Ogryzko Nikolay V. , Kamuyango Alfred A. , Frost Helen , Gibson Rory H. , Stillman Eleanor , May Robin C. , Renshaw Stephen A. , Johnston Simon A.
Published: February 2016

Cryptococcus neoformansis a significant fungal pathogen of immunocompromised patients. Many questions remain regarding the function of macrophages in normal clearance of cryptococcal infection and the defects present in uncontrolled cryptococcosis. Two current limitations are: 1) The difficulties in interpreting studies using isolated macrophages in the context of the progression of infection, and 2) The use of high resolution imaging in understanding immune cell behavior during animal infection. Here we describe a high-content imaging method in a zebrafish model of cryptococcosis that permits the detailed analysis of macrophage interactions withC. neoformansduring infection. Using this approach we demonstrate that, while macrophages are critical for control ofC. neoformans,a failure of macrophage response is not the limiting defect in fatal infections. We find phagocytosis is restrained very early in infection and that increases in cryptococcal number are driven by intracellular proliferation. We show that macrophages preferentially phagocytose cryptococci with smaller polysaccharide capsules and that capsule size is greatly increased over twenty-four hours of infection, a change that is sufficient to severely limit further phagocytosis. Thus, high-content imaging of cryptococcal infectionin vivodemonstrates how very early interactions between macrophages and cryptococci are critical in the outcome of cryptococcosis.
Amelioration of intracellular stress and reduction of neural tube defects in embryos of diabetic mice by phytochemical quercetin
Authors: Cao Lixue , Tan Chengyu , Meng Fantong , Liu Peiyan , Reece E. Albert , Zhao Zhiyong
Published: February 2016

Diabetes mellitus in early pregnancy causes birth defects, including neural tube defects (NTDs). Hyperglycemia increases production of nitric oxide (NO) through NO synthase 2 (Nos2) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), generating nitrosative and oxidative stress conditions in the embryo. The present study aimed to target nitrosative stress using a naturally occurring Nos2 inhibitor, quercetin, to prevent NTDs in the embryos of diabetic mice. Daily administration of quercetin to diabetic pregnant mice during the hyperglycemia-susceptible period of organogenesis significantly reduced NTDs and cell apoptosis in the embryos, compared with those of vehicle-treated diabetic pregnant mice. Using HPLC-coupled ESI-MS/MS, quercetin metabolites, including methylated and sulfonylated derivatives, were detected in the conceptuses. The methylated metabolite, 3-O-methylquercetin, was shown to reduce ROS level in embryonic stem cells cultured in high glucose. Quercetin treatment decreased the levels of Nos2 expression, protein nitrosylation and protein nitration, alleviating nitrosative stress. Quercetin increased the expression of superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 and reduced the levels of oxidative stress markers. Expression of genes of redox regulating enzymes and DNA damage repair factors was upregulated. Our study demonstrates that quercetin ameliorates intracellular stresses, regulates gene expression and reduces embryonic malformations in diabetic pregnancy.
Mechanism of Inhibition of Human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide-Induced Membrane Damage by a Small Organic Fluorogen
Authors: Li Xiaoxu , Wan Mingwei , Gao Lianghui , Fang Weihai
Published: February 2016

Human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) is believed to be responsible for the death of insulin-producing β-cells. However, the mechanism of membrane damage at the molecular level has not been fully elucidated. In this article, we employ coarse- grained dissipative particle dynamics simulations to study the interactions between a lipid bilayer membrane composed of 70% zwitterionic lipids and 30% anionic lipids and hIAPPs with α-helical structures. We demonstrated that the key factor controlling pore formation is the combination of peptide charge-induced electroporation and peptide hydrophobicity-induced lipid disordering and membrane thinning. According to these mechanisms, we suggest that a water-miscible tetraphenylethene BSPOTPE is a potent inhibitor to rescue hIAPP-induced cytotoxicity. Our simulations predict that BSPOTPE molecules can bind directly to the helical regions of hIAPP and form oligomers with separated hydrophobic cores and hydrophilic shells. The micelle-like hIAPP-BSPOTPE clusters tend to be retained in the water/membrane interface and aggregate therein rather than penetrate into the membrane. Electrostatic attraction between BSPOTPE and hIAPP also reduces the extent of hIAPP binding to the anionic lipid bilayer. These two modes work together and efficiently prevent membrane poration.
Deep-UV nitride-on-silicon microdisk lasers
Authors: Sellés J. , Brimont C. , Cassabois G. , Valvin P. , Guillet T. , Roland I. , Zeng Y. , Checoury X. , Boucaud P. , Mexis M. , Semond F. , Gayral B.
Published: February 2016

Deep ultra-violet semiconductor lasers have numerous applications for optical storage and biochemistry. Many strategies based on nitride heterostructures and adapted substrates have been investigated to develop efficient active layers in this spectral range, starting with AlGaN quantum wells on AlN substrates and more recently sapphire and SiC substrates. Here we report an efficient and simple solution relying on binary GaN/AlN quantum wells grown on a thin AlN buffer layer on a silicon substrate. This active region is embedded in microdisk photonic resonators of high quality factors and allows the demonstration of a deep ultra-violet microlaser operating at 275 nm at room temperature under optical pumping, with a spontaneous emission coupling factor β = (4 ± 2) 10−4. The ability of the active layer to be released from the silicon substrate and to be grown on silicon-on-insulator substrates opens the way to future developments of nitride nanophotonic platforms on silicon.
Chlorine as a geobarometer for alkaline magmas: Evidence from a systematic study of the eruptions of Mount Somma-Vesuvius
Authors: Balcone-Boissard H. , Boudon G. , Cioni R. , Webster J. D. , Zdanowicz G. , Orsi G. , Civetta L.
Published: February 2016

Defining the magma storage conditions of a volcanic system is a major goal in modern volcanology due to its direct implications for the style of a possible eruption and thus on the associated risk of any crisis and the necessary management and mitigation strategies. Below 200 MPa and at equivalent depths, the strongly non-ideal behaviour of the H-C-O-S-Cl-F system in the silicate melt causes unmixing of the fluid phase to form an H2O-rich vapour and a hydrosaline phase in equilibrium with the silicate melt, both responsible for buffering the chlorine (Cl) concentration. Following this equilibrium, the Cl concentration in melts may be used as a geobarometer for alkaline magmas. Systematic application of this method to the main explosive eruptions of Mount Somma-Vesuvius highlights two main magma ponding zones, at ~180–200 and ~100 MPa. At these pressures, the maximum pre-eruptive H2O contents for the different magma compositions can be estimated; the results obtained, largely in agreement with the current literature, therefore confirm the validity of the method. The Cl geobarometer may help scientists to define the variation of the magmatic reservoir location through time and thus provide strong constraints on pre-eruptive conditions, which are of utmost importance for volcanic crisis management.
Ancestry variation and footprints of natural selection along the genome in Latin American populations
Authors: Deng Lian , Ruiz-Linares Andrés , Xu Shuhua , Wang Sijia
Published: February 2016

Latin American populations stem from the admixture of Europeans, Africans and Native Americans, which started over 400 years ago and had lasted for several centuries. Extreme deviation over the genome-wide average in ancestry estimations at certain genomic locations could reflect recent natural selection. We evaluated the distribution of ancestry estimations using 678 genome-wide microsatellite markers in 249 individuals from 13 admixed populations across Latin America. We found significant deviations in ancestry estimations including three locations with more than 3.5 times standard deviations from the genome-wide average: an excess of European ancestry at 1p36 and 14q32, and an excess of African ancestry at 6p22. Using simulations, we could show that at least the deviation at 6p22 was unlikely to result from genetic drift alone. By applying different linguistic groups as well as the most likely ancestral Native American populations as the ancestry, we showed that the choice of Native American ancestry could affect the local ancestry estimation. However, the signal at 6p22 consistently appeared in most of the analyses using various ancestral groups. This study provided important insights for recent natural selection in the context of the unique history of the New World and implications for disease mapping.
Tailoring nonlinear optical properties of Bi2Se3 through ion irradiation
Authors: Tan Yang , Guo Zhinan , Shang Zhen , Liu Fang , Böttger Roman , Zhou Shengqiang , Shao Jundong , Yu Xuefeng , Zhang Han , Chen Feng
Published: February 2016

The nonlinear optical property of topological insulator bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) is found to be well-tailored through ion irradiation by intentionally introducing defects. The increase of the optical modulation depth sensitively depends on the careful selection of the irradiation condition. By implementing the ion irradiated Bi2Se3 film as an optical saturable absorber device for the Q-switched wave-guide laser, an enhanced laser performance has been obtained including narrower pulse duration and higher peak power. Our work provides a new approach of tailoring the nonlinear optical properties of materials through ion irradiation, a well-developed chip-technology, which could find wider applicability to other layered two-dimensional materials beyond topological insulators, such as graphene, MoS2, black phosphours etc.
The UHPLC-MS/MS determination and pharmacokinetic study of three active compounds in male rats after oral administration of Saxifraga stolonifera (L.) Meerb extract
Authors: Yan Yanfang , Gong Xiaojian , Zhou Xin , Lyu Sushan , Jiang Zhengmeng , Zhao Chao
Published: February 2016

Saxifraga stolonifera (S. stolonifera) has been used to cure various diseases effectively while little is known about the pharmacokinetic properties of the bioactive components of S. stolonifera.
Rapid detection and characterization of the major chemical constituents in Akebia quinata by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Ling Yun , Zhang Yaping , Zhou Yu , Jiang Dengzhao , Xu Lingling , Liao Liang
Published: February 2016

Rapid detection and characterization of the major chemical constituents from Akebia quinata by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS.
Utilizing stem cells for three-dimensional neural tissue engineering
Authors: Knowlton Stephanie , Cho Yongku , Li Xue-Jun , Khademhosseini Ali , Tasoglu Savas
Published: February 2016

Three-dimensional neural tissue engineering has significantly advanced the development of neural disease models and replacement tissues for patients by leveraging the unique capabilities of stem cells.
Predicting 17O NMR chemical shifts of polyoxometalates using density functional theory
Authors: Sharma Rupali , Zhang Jie , Ohlin C. André
Published: February 2016

We have investigated the computation of 17O NMR chemical shifts of a wide range of polyoxometalates using density functional theory.
Stability of organic solar cells: challenges and strategies
Authors: Cheng Pei , Zhan Xiaowei
Published: February 2016

This review highlights the factors limiting the stability of organic solar cells and recent developments in strategies to increase the stability of organic solar cells.
Silver-catalyzed carboxylation
Authors: Sekine K. , Yamada T.
Published: February 2016

The recent studies of the silver-catalyzed carboxylation reactions using carbon dioxide are described.
Structural insights into the counterion effects on the manganese(iii) spin crossover system with hexadentate Schiff-base ligands
Authors: Wang Shi , Xu Wu-Tan , He Wen-Rui , Takaishi Shinya , Li Yong-Hua , Yamashita Masahiro , Huang Wei
Published: February 2016

The close stacking and arrangement preclude the spin transformation of the Mn(iii) Schiff-base cations.
Extraction and coordination studies of a carbonyl–phosphine oxide scorpionate ligand with uranyl and lanthanide(iii) nitrates: structural, spectroscopic and DFT characterization of the complexes
Authors: Matveeva Anna G. , Vologzhanina Anna V. , Goryunov Evgenii I. , Aysin Rinat R. , Pasechnik Margarita P. , Matveev Sergey V. , Godovikov Ivan A. , Safiulina Alfiya M. , Brel Valery K.
Published: February 2016

A scorpionate organophosphorus ligand exhibits promising extraction properties and variable denticity in f-block element complexes in the solid state and solution.
Distance-based microfluidic quantitative detection methods for point-of-care testing
Authors: Tian Tian , Li Jiuxing , Song Yanling , Zhou Leiji , Zhu Zhi , Yang Chaoyong James
Published: February 2016

Equipment-free devices with quantitative readout are of great significance to point-of-care testing (POCT), which provides real-time readout to users and is especially important in low-resource settings.
SBA-15 functionalised with high loading of amino or carboxylate groups as selective adsorbent for enhanced removal of toxic dyes from aqueous solution
Authors: Chaudhuri Haribandhu , Dash Subhajit , Sarkar Ashis
Published: February 2016

Amino- or carboxylate-functionalised SBA-15 acts as a selective adsorbent and shows enhanced adsorption capacity for toxic dyes.
Neurite outgrowth enhancement by jiadifenolide: possible targets
Authors: Shenvi R. A.
Published: February 2016

A mechanistic link may exist between convulsant plant substances typified by picrotoxinin, and ‘neurotrophic’ sesquiterpenes like jiadifenolide.
Fluorescent ampicillin analogues as multifunctional disguising agents against opsonization
Authors: Kotagiri Nalinikanth , Sakon Joshua , Han Haewook , Zharov Vladimir P. , Kim Jin-Woo
Published: February 2016

A multifunctional fluorescent derivative of a beta-lactam antibiotic, ampicillin (termed iAmp) shows high promise as a biocompatible shielding agent and an effective dispersant for improving thein vivoeffectiveness of theranostic nanomaterials.
Pyridyl vs. bipyridyl anchoring groups of porphyrin sensitizers for dye sensitized solar cells
Authors: Angaridis Panagiotis A. , Ferentinos Eleftherios , Charalambidis Georgios , Ladomenou Kalliopi , Nikolaou Vasilis , Biswas Sujit , Sharma Ganesh D. , Coutsolelos Athanassios G.
Published: February 2016

Two D–π–A porphyrins (A = pyridyl, bipyridyl) are synthesized and used as sensitizers in DSSCs. The enhanced photovoltaic performance of the bipyridyl-sensitized device is attributed to its faster electron injection and reduced charge recombination.
Nitric acid-mediated shape-controlled synthesis and catalytic activity of silver hierarchical microcrystals
Authors: Nie Shidong , Liu Chunyan , Zhang Zhiying , Liu Yun
Published: February 2016

Oxidative etching effect of HNO3and selective deposition of reduced Ag atoms took mainly effect in the formation of AgHMCs.
Durable and modified foam for cleanup of oil contamination and separation of oil–water mixtures
Authors: Yu Liuhua , Hao Gazi , Zhou Shuai , Jiang Wei
Published: February 2016

DMMPF still keeps an excellent oil absorption capacity and a large water contact angle after 60 cycles, indicating its excellent reusability.
Silica-templated ordered mesoporous carbon thin films as electrodes for micro-capacitors
Authors: Leyva-García S. , Lozano-Castelló D. , Morallón E. , Cazorla-Amorós D.
Published: February 2016

High performance electrodes for micro-capacitors were synthesized by tuning thickness and porosity of mesoporous carbon and composite silica/carbon thin films.
The dual-role of Pt(iv) complexes as active drug and crosslinker for micelles based on β-cyclodextrin grafted polymer
Authors: Callari Manuela , Thomas Donald S. , Stenzel Martina H.
Published: February 2016

Amphiphilic block copolymer based on poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (POEGMEMA) and a block with pendant cyclodextrin units were self-assembled into micelles in the presence of the hydrophobic bile acid-based Pt(IV) drug, which also acted as crosslinker.
Silver catalyzed domino aza-annulation/Diels–Alder cyclization of 2-ene-yne anilines: a facile one-pot access to carbazole, dihydrocarbazole and tetrahydrocarbazole frameworks
Authors: Krishna Namballa Hari , Saraswati A Prasanth , Sathish Manda , Shankaraiah Nagula , Kamal Ahmed
Published: February 2016

AgSbF6-catalyzed domino aza-annulation/Diels–Alder/aromatization cascade for the construction of carbazoles, dihydrocarbazoles, tetrahydrocarbazoles and 3-indolyl-substituted tetrahydrocarbazoles was achieved.
Insertion of CO2 into the carbon–boron bond of a boronic ester ligand
Authors: Janes Trevor , Osten Kimberly M. , Pantaleo Adam , Yan Ellen , Yang Yanxin , Song Datong
Published: February 2016

We report the first example of CO2 insertion into a C–B bond.
Ferrocenyl-derived electrophilic phosphonium cations (EPCs) as Lewis acid catalysts
Authors: Mallov Ian , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: February 2016

Ferrocenyl-derived electrophilic phosphonium cations are catalysts for a series of reactions including the deoxygenation of a series of ketones.
Synthesis and coordination chemistry of tridentate (PNN) amine enamido phosphine ligands with ruthenium
Authors: Wambach T. C. , Lenczyk C. , Patrick B. O. , Fryzuk M. D.
Published: February 2016

Simple condensation and deprotonation sequences allow the synthesis of modular tridentate ligands that mimic the coordination environment of the famous Milstein dehydrogenation system B when coordinated to Ru(ii) as shown with F.
Structurally versatile phosphine and amine donors constructed from N-heterocyclic olefin units
Authors: Paisley Nathan R. , Lui Melanie W. , McDonald Robert , Ferguson Michael J. , Rivard Eric
Published: February 2016

Hindered N- or P-donors have been grafted onto an N-heterocyclic olefin scaffold and versatile coordination behavior involving this new ligand set is described.
Microfluidic fabrication of cholesteric liquid crystal core–shell structures toward magnetically transportable microlasers
Authors: Chen Lu-Jian , Gong Ling-Li , Lin Ya-Li , Jin Xin-Yi , Li Han-Ying , Li Sen-Sen , Che Kai-Jun , Cai Zhi-Ping , Yang Chaoyong James
Published: February 2016

We report a magnetically transportable microlaser with cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) core–shell structure, operating in band-edge mode, which might offer promise in in-channel illumination applications requiring active control.
Fabrication of microscale materials with programmable composition gradients
Authors: Laval Cédric , Bouchaudy Anne , Salmon Jean-Baptiste
Published: February 2016

Fabrication of microscale materials with programmable composition gradients using the coupling of pervaporation and Quake valves.
Expanding the donor–acceptor toolbox with a minimal 5-(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3-thiazole core: transition metal-free synthesis and molecular design for HOMO–LUMO energy modulations
Authors: Radhakrishnan Rakesh , Sreejalekshmi Kumaran G.
Published: February 2016

D–A–D–A tetrads based on a minimal thienylthiazole core are synthesized and HOMO–LUMO energy modulations in designer systems by varying terminal D/A groups demonstrated.
Catalytic formal cycloadditions between anhydrides and ketones: excellent enantio and diastereocontrol, controllable decarboxylation and the formation of adjacent quaternary stereocentres
Authors: Cornaggia Claudio , Gundala Sivaji , Manoni Francesco , Gopalasetty Nagaraju , Connon Stephen J.
Published: February 2016

It has been shown for the first time that enolisable anhydrides can participate in highly efficient and diastereo/enantioselective additions to activated ketones.
A DFT study on PBu3-catalyzed intramolecular cyclizations of N-allylic substituted α-amino nitriles for the formation of functionalized pyrrolidines: mechanisms, selectivities, and the role of catalysts
Authors: Zheng Linjie , Tang Mingsheng , Wang Yang , Guo Xiaokang , Wei Donghui , Qiao Yan
Published: February 2016

The detailed mechanisms and stereoselectivities of PBu3-catalyzed intramolecular cyclizations for the formation of functionalized pyrrolidines have been investigated using a DFT method.
Tandem oxidative radical brominative addition of activated alkynes and spirocyclization: switchable synthesis of 3-bromocoumarins and 3-bromo spiro-[4,5] trienone
Authors: Qiu Guanyinsheng , Liu Tong , Ding Qiuping
Published: February 2016

A K2S2O8-mediated tandem radical brominative addition of alkynoates, oxidative spiro-cyclization, and 1,2-migration of esters is reported for the synthesis of 3-bromocoumarins with high efficiency.
Chitin-acetate/DMSO as a supramolecular green CO2-phile
Authors: Eftaiha Ala'a F. , Alsoubani Fatima , Assaf Khaleel I. , Nau Werner M. , Troll Carsten , Qaroush Abdussalam K.
Published: February 2016

The supramolecular chemisorption of CO2 by the oligosaccharide chitin-acetate (CA) in DMSO as a green, binary sorbent-based system offers a potential, novel and eco-friendly approach for post combustion capture applications.
NOX2-dependent regulation of inflammation
Authors: Singel Kelly L. , Segal Brahm H.
Published: February 2016

NADPH oxidase (NOX) isoforms together have multiple functions that are important for normal physiology and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a broad range of diseases, including atherosclerosis, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The phagocyte NADPH oxidase (NOX2) is critical for antimicrobial host defence. Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited disorder of NOX2 characterized by severe life-threatening bacterial and fungal infections and by excessive inflammation, including Crohn's-like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). NOX2 defends against microbes through the direct antimicrobial activity of reactive oxidants and through activation of granular proteases and generation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETosis involves the breakdown of cell membranes and extracellular release of chromatin and neutrophil granular constituents that target extracellular pathogens. Although the immediate effects of oxidant generation and NETosis are predicted to be injurious, NOX2, in several contexts, limits inflammation and injury by modulation of key signalling pathways that affect neutrophil accumulation and clearance. NOX2 also plays a role in antigen presentation and regulation of adaptive immunity. Specific NOX2-activated pathways such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcriptional factor that induces antioxidative and cytoprotective responses, may be important therapeutic targets for CGD and, more broadly, diseases associated with excessive inflammation and injury.
Emerging importance of chemokine receptor CXCR3 and its ligands in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Altara Raffaele , Manca Marco , Brandão Rita D. , Zeidan Asad , Booz George W. , Zouein Fouad A.
Published: February 2016

The CXC chemokines, CXCL4, -9, -10, -11, CXCL4L1, and the CC chemokine CCL21, activate CXC chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3), a cell-surface G protein-coupled receptor expressed mainly by Th1 cells, cytotoxic T (Tc) cells and NK cells that have a key role in immunity and inflammation. However, CXCR3 is also expressed by vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells, and appears to be important in controlling physiological vascular function. In the last decade, evidence from pre-clinical and clinical studies has revealed the participation of CXCR3 and its ligands in multiple cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) of different aetiologies including atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, as well as in heart transplant rejection and transplant coronary artery disease (CAD). CXCR3 ligands have also proven to be valid biomarkers for the development of heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction, suggesting an underlining pathophysiological relation between levels of these chemokines and the development of adverse cardiac remodelling. The observation that several of the above-mentioned chemokines exert biological actions independent of CXCR3 provides both opportunities and challenges for developing effective drug strategies. In this review, we provide evidence to support our contention that CXCR3 and its ligands actively participate in the development and progression of CVDs, and may additionally have utility as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
Ellipsoid invariant set‐based robust model predictive control for repetitive processes with constraints
Authors: Lu Jingyi , Cao Zhixing , Gao Furong
Published: February 2016

The idea of combining an iterative learning control with a feedback control under a two‐time dimensional (2D) framework has been widely applied in the control of unconstrained repetitive processes. However, how to extend the method to cover constrained systems remains an issue. In this study, a robust model predictive controller, with an iterative learning control incorporated under the 2D framework, is designed for constrained repetitive processes. This controller is able to explicitly guarantee 2D stability and consistent feasibility, making all choices of tuning parameters feasible to constraints. In this way, complicated tuning procedures are avoided and more freedom for controller design and performance optimisation is allowed. The method is applicable to both stable and unstable systems.
Sparse control and compressed sensing in networked switched systems
Authors: Li Zhicheng , Xu Yinliang , Huang Hong , Misra Satyajayant
Published: February 2016

In this study, the authors study the problems of sparse control and data transmission for network switched control systems. First, the networked control system is modelled as switched control systems. The new stability criterion and stabilisation criterion are presented based on a sparse control design methodology and the Lyapunov stability theory. Then, according to the structure of the systems, data transmission through the unreliable network from sensors to the controller becomes unavoidable. In the transmission, real‐time compressed sensing (CS) is effectively employed, which can reduce the size of transfer data and increase the reliability of data transmission. The controller design method and the CS approach are very effective, which have been explained and verified via simulation studies.
Operation of battery energy storage system using extensional information model based on IEC 61850 for micro‐grids
Authors: Pei Wei , Deng Wei , Shen Ziqi , Qi Zhiping
Published: February 2016

With increased penetration of energy storage system in micro‐grids, rapid and standardised information exchange is becoming essential for secure and reliable operation of energy storage system. This study presents an extensional information model for battery energy storage system (BESS) in micro‐grid, which is based on the communication standards of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61850. The implementation framework for BESS operation based on the extensional information model is proposed in detail; and the actual BESS operation tests are performed through an intelligent electronic device and a micro‐grid test system. The experimental results show that the proposed BESS extensional information model and the implementation framework for BESS operation are available, which demonstrates an effective solution for flexible operation of BESS.
On the stabilizing effects of neck-in, gravity, and inertia in Newtonian film casting
Authors: Bechert M. , Schubert D. W. , Scheid B.
Published: February 2016

We investigate the influence of the reduction of width along the stretching direction, the so-called neck-in effect, on the draw resonance instability in Newtonian film casting using a linear stability analysis of a model of reduced dimensionality including gravity and inertia forces. Proper scaling reveals the aspect ratio, i.e., the ratio of the initial film half-width to the film length, together with the fluidity and the inlet velocity as independent, dimensionless control parameters. Moreover, we introduce the local Trouton ratio as a measure for the type of elongational deformation, which can be uniaxial, planar, or a combination of both. In the case of purely uniaxial or planar deformations, a one-dimensional model is sufficient. The influence of the control parameters on the draw resonance instability, including a threshold to unconditional stability, is visualized by several stability maps. Special cases of viscous-gravity and viscous-inertia models are analyzed separately due to their practical importance. Gravity appears to influence the aspect ratio at which the critical draw ratio is maximum and amplifies the stabilizing effect of the neck-in. Inertia increases the stabilization due to neck-in, eventually leading to a window of unconditional stability within the analyzed region of aspect ratios. The mechanism underlying the complete suppression of draw resonance is presented, using exclusively steady state analysis. Additionally, the stabilizing mechanisms of gravity and neck-in are revealed. Known alternative stability criteria are extended to the case of finite width and their validity is tested in the presence of inertia, gravity, and finite aspect ratios.
Vortex-induced vibration of four cylinders in an in-line square configuration
Authors: Zhao Ming , Kaja Kalyani , Xiang Yang , Cheng Liang
Published: February 2016

This paper presents a numerical study of vortex-induced vibration of four rigidly connected and four separately mounted circular cylinders in an inline square configuration at a Reynolds number of 150, a low mass ratio of 2.5, and a range of spacing ratio L from 1.5 to 4, where the spacing ratio is defined as the centre-to-centre distance of two adjacent cylinders normalized by the cylinder diameter. For the rigidly connected cylinder array, the maximum and minimum response amplitudes occur at L = 1.5 and L = 2.0, respectively, for the range of spacing ratio covered in this study and the maximum response amplitude at L = 1.5 is accompanied by a wide lock-in range. The large response amplitude at a small spacing ratio L = 1.5 is because the cylinder array responds to the flow as a single cylinder with an overall size that is much larger than the diameter of the single cylinder while the small response amplitude observed at L = 2.0 is attributed to the strong interaction of the vortices through the gap between the top and bottom rows of the cylinder and also in the wake of the cylinder array. For spacing ratio L ≥ 2.5, the lock-in regime of four rigidly connected cylinders is similar to that of a single cylinder and the response amplitudes in the lock-in regime are slightly higher than that of a single cylinder. The energy transfer analysis between fluid flow and individual cylinders in the array shows that the hydrodynamic forces on individual cylinders either excite or damp the vibration, depending on the reduced velocity. An interesting flow feature observed at L = 2, 2.5, and 3 is the biased vortex street in the wake of four rigidly connected cylinders. The biased vortex street leads to a shift of the mean position of the cylinder array with the largest mean position shift being observed at L = 3. Four response modes are identified for four separately mounted cylinders. These are the in-phase mode, the anti-phase mode, the correlated out-of-phase mode, and the uncorrelated mode. It is found that the response mode chosen by the cylinders is dependent not only on the spacing ratio but also on the initial condition of the flow. The response amplitude under the in-phase mode is generally higher than that under the anti-phase mode at identical spacing ratios. This is attributed to the interaction of vortices in the wake of the cylinders.
Shifted periodic boundary conditions for simulations of wall-bounded turbulent flows
Authors: Munters Wim , Meneveau Charles , Meyers Johan
Published: February 2016

In wall-bounded turbulent flow simulations, periodic boundary conditions combined with insufficiently long domains lead to persistent spanwise locking of large-scale turbulent structures. This leads to statistical inhomogeneities of 10%–15% that persist in time averages of 60 eddy turnover times and more. We propose a shifted periodic boundary condition that eliminates this effect without the need for excessive streamwise domain lengths. The method is tested based on a set of direct numerical simulations of a turbulent channel flow, and large-eddy simulations of a high Reynolds number rough-wall half-channel flow. The method is very useful for precursor simulations that generate inlet conditions for simulations that are spatially inhomogeneous, but require statistically homogeneous inlet boundary conditions in the spanwise direction. The method’s advantages are illustrated for the simulation of a developing wind-farm boundary layer.
Stochastic averaging and sensitivity analysis for two scale reaction networks
Authors: Hashemi Araz , Núñez Marcel , Plecháč Petr , Vlachos Dionisios G.
Published: February 2016

In the presence of multiscale dynamics in a reaction network, direct simulation methods become inefficient as they can only advance the system on the smallest scale. This work presents stochastic averaging techniques to accelerate computations for obtaining estimates of expected values and sensitivities with respect to the steady state distribution. A two-time-scale formulation is used to establish bounds on the bias induced by the averaging method. Further, this formulation provides a framework to create an accelerated “averaged” version of most single-scale sensitivity estimation methods. In particular, we propose the use of a centered ergodic likelihood ratio method for steady state estimation and show how one can adapt it to accelerated simulations of multiscale systems. Finally, we develop an adaptive “batch-means” stopping rule for determining when to terminate the micro-equilibration process.
National registration scheme at 5 years: not what it promised
Authors: Breen Kerry J.
Published: February 2016

A national registration scheme for health professionals was introduced in Australia 5 years ago, replacing the long-standing state-based schemes. This review examines whether the scheme has delivered what it promised and makes recommendations for change. The available evidence indicates that the scheme’s design and its implementation were rushed and that the legislation has serious flaws. Two parliamentary inquiries and the experience of registrants confirm that the system is more expensive, remote and bureaucratic than the previous state-based systems. The scheme has delivered benefits only in relation to portability of registration and a single national register. In addition, with two large jurisdictions participating in a ‘co-regulated’ mode, it is not truly a national scheme. To restore the confidence that health professionals need to have in the regulator, it is recommended that all jurisdictions seek to be ‘co-regulated’ and that the Australian Health Practitioners Registration Authority be pared back to providing a central database for national portable registration. What is known about the topic? Although selected aspects of the national registration scheme have been the subject of comment, a global critique of the strengths and weaknesses of the national registration scheme has not been published previously. What does this paper add? This critique identifies several legislative flaws in a scheme that has not met the aims set for it and that is not truly national. What are the implications for practitioners? Recommended changes to the scheme have the potential to increase practitioner confidence in the scheme while reducing costs.
Species composition and dispersal of nuisance flies breeding on egg farms in southern Australia
Authors: James P. J. , Krawec C. , Schellhorn N. A. , Glatz P. C. , Pepper P. M.
Published: February 2016

The vectorial and dispersal capacities of flies make them a biosecurity and food safety risk on egg farms. The design of optimal control and biosecurity programs requires knowledge of species composition and patterns of abundance of the fly populations present. Although there have been many studies of flies breeding on egg farms in other countries there is little information available in Australia. We monitored numbers and species of flies breeding on cage egg farms in southern Australia and used mass marking with fluorescent resin dye to assess the dispersal of the major species from one of the farms. The main peak in fly numbers occurred in spring and early summer and was comprised predominantly of little house flies (Fannia canicularis). Significant numbers of false stable flies (Muscina stabulans) were trapped near accumulated manure, but relatively low numbers were present in bird housing areas. House flies (Musca domestica) were found in only low numbers or were absent at most times of the year. In the dispersal studies, 85% of marked F. canicularis and 67% of marked M. stabulans were trapped within 255 m of the layer sheds. The greatest distance from the farm at which marked F. canicularis flies were captured was 739 m for traps and 1.25 km for tapes whereas M. stabulans flies were trapped at all distances including in the most distant trap nearly 2 km from the farm. Modelling of trap catches by distance predicted maximum dispersal distances of 1.6 km for F. canicularis and 2.4 km for M. stabulans.
Supplementation of Merino ewes with cholecalciferol in late pregnancy improves the vitamin D status of ewes and lambs at birth but is not correlated with an improvement in immune function in lambs
Authors: Lockwood A. , Currie A. , Hancock S. , Broomfield S. , Liu S. , Scanlan V. , Kearney G. A. , Thompson A. N.
Published: February 2016

Functional deficiencies of the immune system are known to predispose human and animal neonates to death. Thus, immune competency may be a significant factor influencing the mortality of lambs. Vitamin D has been recognised to improve immune function and is transferred across the placenta. This study tested the hypotheses that (1) supplementation of Merino ewes with cholecalciferol during late pregnancy will increase the concentrations of vitamin D in the ewe and lamb at birth and (2) supplementation of Merino ewes with cholecalciferol during late pregnancy is correlated with an increase in innate phagocytic and adaptive antibody immune responses in the lamb. Merino ewes (n = 53) were injected intramuscularly with 1 × 106 IU cholecalciferol at Days 113 and 141 of pregnancy. A control group (n = 58) consisted of ewes receiving no additional nutritional treatments. The vitamin D status of ewes and lambs was assessed up until 1 month post-lambing. Lamb immune function was assessed by analysing the functional capacity of phagocytes, and the plasma IgG and anti-tetanus-toxoid antibody concentrations between birth and weaning. Maternal supplementation with cholecalciferol increased the plasma 25(OH)D concentrations of both ewes (137 vs 79 nmol/L; P < 0.001) and lambs (49 vs 24 nmol/L; P < 0.001) at birth compared with the controls. Supplementation with cholecalciferol had no significant effect on the phagocytic capacity of monocytes or polymorphonuclear leukocytes, the concentration of IgG in the colostrum or plasma of lambs, or the vaccine-specific antibody response against tetanus toxoid. Overall, the results support our first hypothesis, but suggest that maternal supplementation with 1 × 106 IU cholecalciferol does not improve innate, passive or adaptive immune function in lambs.
Thermogenesis and physiological maturity in neonatal lambs: a unifying concept in lamb survival
Authors: Plush K. J. , Brien F. D. , Hebart M. L. , Hynd P. I.
Published: February 2016

Lamb mortality represents reproductive wastage and an animal welfare concern. While lambs are thought to be at a thermogenic advantage following birth in comparison to other species, death from exposure can still be a major contributor to lamb mortality, largely because of the inclement conditions often prevailing at lambing. For this reason, thermogenesis has been studied extensively in neonatal lambs. Heat is produced in the neonatal lamb by shivering and non-shivering thermogenesis. The latter is heat generated by metabolism of brown adipose tissue (BAT) found largely in the thorax and peri-renal areas of the newborn lamb. Brown adipose tissue differs from normal adipose tissue in that it contains densely packed mitochondria, a high cytochrome c content and a vast vascular network. Heat is generated in BAT by uncoupling of the proton conductance mechanism from ATP production, resulting in heat production instead of stored energy. The ability of lambs to resist cooling differs among individuals and this is likely to be due to both genetic and phenotypic factors. The heritability of cold resistance is moderate-to-high and polymorphic gene markers associated with energy homeostasis and cold-related mortality have been identified. Additionally, several aspects of the phenotype of the lamb have been associated with cold resistance. Most relate to properties of the coat, skin and bodyweight, the latter being particularly important, presumably through effects on surface area to volume ratios and subsequent heat loss. The ability of the neonate to achieve the transition from intra- to extra-uterine life has been termed physiological maturity and is associated with the ability to activate appropriate neuro-endocrinological and behavioural changes that are consistent with homeostasis of energy metabolism. Ways to alter physiological maturity of the lamb, such as nutrition, pharmacology and genetic selection, have been identified, and while these show promising results with regards to thermoregulation, a key limitation of their application has been the lack of a repeatable, representative model of neonatal cold stress. An estimation of the non-shivering component potential of a lamb’s ability to thermoregulate can be derived from norepinephrine challenges, but more useful models of real-world cold stress are climate chambers or controlled water bath tests. Further use of repeatable test models such as these with appropriate neuroendocrine and metabolic metrics will identify key components and markers of physiological maturity associated with lamb thermogenesis and survival.
Diversity and current conservation status of Melanesian–New Zealand placostyline land snails (Gastropoda : Bothriembryontidae), with discussion of conservation imperatives, priorities and methodology issues
Authors: Barker Gary M. , Brodie Gilianne , Bogitini Lia , Pippard Helen
Published: February 2016

We review the diversity and conservation status of Placostylinae, land snails endemic to the western Pacific. Their narrow-range endemism, large size and associated vulnerability, consumptive exploitation by people, and habitat loss and degradation (inclusive of invasive predators) threaten their survival. There has been considerable attention from conservation biologists in New Caledonia, Lord Howe Island and New Zealand aimed at species recovery. Nonetheless, only on uninhabited, pest-free islands do these native snails persist in high numbers, and these remaining ‘sanctuaries’ are dependent on biosecurity vigilance. For other populations in New Caledonia, Lord Howe Island and New Zealand, the benefits of control of invasive mesopredators have been demonstrated, but it remains unclear if long-term persistence of Placostylinae can be achieved in degraded landscapes that continue to be subject to anthropogenic pressures. For species in Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands – the centre of Placostylinae diversity – their conservation status is not known with any certainty due to lack of basic data on range and population trends. Recent IUCN Red List assessments indicate a high level of extinction risk among Fijian species due to narrow geographic range coupled with decline in habitat extent and quality. Further inventory and ecological work is urgently needed in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to enable assessment of extinction risk and identify threatening processes. We identify four priority areas for advancing the conservation of Placostylinae, especially in Melanesia, and discuss the most pressing methodological issues. Molecular phylogenetic analyses are needed to provide an evolutionary framework for taxonomic revision and to underpin development of both conservation policy and species recovery plans.