bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust, high brightness, degenerate entangled photon source at room temperature
Authors: Jabir M. V. , Samanta G. K.
Published: September 2017

We report on a compact, simple and robust high brightness entangled photon source at room temperature. Based on a 30-mm-long periodically-poled potassium titanyl phosphate crystal, the source produces non-collinear, type-0, phase-matched, degenerate photons at 810 nm with spectral brightness as high as ~0.41 ± 0.02 (~0.025 ± 0.02) MHz/mW/nm for multi (single) mode fiber coupling. So far, this is the highest number of degenerate photons generated using a continuous-wave laser pumped bulk crystal and detected using multimode fiber. We have studied the dependence of pump focusing on the brightness of the generated photons collected using both multimode, and single mode fibers. For a fixed pump power and crystal parameters, the SPDC source has an optimum pump waist radius producing maximum number of paired photons. Combining the crystal in a novel system architecture comprised with Sagnac interferometer and polarizing optical elements, the source produces polarization entangled photon states with high spectral brightness. Even in the absence of any phase compensation, the entangled photon states detected using single mode fiber have a Bell’s parameter, S = 2.63 ± 0.02, violating the Bell’s inequality by nearly 32 standard deviations and fidelity of 0.975. The compact footprint, robust design, and room temperature operation, make our source ideal for various quantum communication experiments.
A novel method in the removal of impacted mandibular third molar: buccal drainage
Authors: Hu Ting , Zhang Ji , Ma Jing zhi , Shao Le nan , Gu Yi fei , Li Dian qi , Jiang Liang , Yang Yun qiang
Published: September 2017

Food impaction after impacted mandibular third molar extraction is a serious problem that should not be ignored. Incomplete suturing of the distal incision in the conventional method is the main cause of food impaction and delayed wound healing. The present study introduces a novel suture and drainage technology that requires hermetic suturing of the distal incision and rubber drainage for buccal drainage. 76 patients with horizontally/mesially impacted third molars (bilateral) were enrolled in this prospective study. An impacted tooth on one side of each patient was extracted by occlusal drainage using the conventional method, whereas the other side tooth was extracted by buccal drainage using the novel method. The differences in wound healing, facial swelling, bleeding and dry socket between the two sides of each patient were compared postoperatively, and the trends for patient selection of the surgical method were also compared. The results indicated that buccal drainage had obvious advantages in wound healing and reduced the risk of postoperative bleeding, and most patients preferred this technique; there were no significant differences in postoperative facial swelling or pain. Thus, buccal drainage can solve the problem of long-term food impaction induced by traditional incision postoperatively and is worthy of clinical promotion.
Brownian motion in non-equilibrium systems and the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck stochastic process
Authors: Donado F. , Moctezuma R. E. , López-Flores L. , Medina-Noyola M. , Arauz-Lara J. L.
Published: September 2017

The Ornstein-Uhlenbeck stochastic process is an exact mathematical model providing accurate representations of many real dynamic processes in systems in a stationary state. When applied to the description of random motion of particles such as that of Brownian particles, it provides exact predictions coinciding with those of the Langevin equation but not restricted to systems in thermal equilibrium but only conditioned to be stationary. Here, we investigate experimentally single particle motion in a two-dimensional granular system in a stationary state, consisting of 1 mm stainless balls on a plane circular surface. The motion of the particles is produced by an alternating magnetic field applied perpendicular to the surface of the container. The mean square displacement of the particles is measured for a range of low concentrations and it is found that following an appropriate scaling of length and time, the short-time experimental curves conform a master curve covering the range of particle motion from ballistic to diffusive in accordance with the description of the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck model.
Spatial variations of tritium concentrations in groundwater collected in the southern coastal region of Fukushima, Japan, after the nuclear accident
Authors: Kashiwaya Koki , Muto Yuta , Kubo Taiki , Ikawa Reo , Nakaya Shinji , Koike Katsuaki , Marui Atsunao
Published: September 2017

Spatial variations in tritium concentrations in groundwater were identified in the southern part of the coastal region in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. Higher tritium concentrations were measured at wells near the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (F1NPS). Mean tritium concentrations in precipitation in the 5 weeks after the F1NPS accident were estimated to be 433 and 139 TU at a distance of 25 and 50 km, respectively, from the F1NPS. The elevations of tritium concentrations in groundwater were calculated using a simple mixing model of the precipitation and groundwater. By assuming that these precipitation was mixed into groundwater with a background tritium concentration in a hypothetical well, concentrations of 13 and 7 TU at distances of 25 and 50 km from the F1NPS, respectively, were obtained. The calculated concentrations are consistent with those measured at the studied wells. Therefore, the spatial variation in tritium concentrations in groundwater was probably caused by precipitation with high tritium concentrations as a result of the F1NPS accident. However, the highest estimated tritium concentrations in precipitation for the study site were much lower than the WHO limits for drinking water, and the concentrations decreased to almost background level at the wells by mixing with groundwater.
Drug repurposing in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis filtered by a bioinformatics-derived composite score
Authors: Karatzas E. , Bourdakou M. M. , Kolios G. , Spyrou G. M.
Published: September 2017

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a rare disease of the respiratory system in which the lungs stiffen and get scarred, resulting in breathing weakness and eventually leading to death. Drug repurposing is a process that provides evidence for existing drugs that may also be effective in different diseases. In this study, we present a computational pipeline having as input a number of gene expression datasets from early and advanced stages of IPF and as output lists of repurposed drugs ranked with a novel composite score. We have devised and used a scoring formula in order to rank the repurposed drugs, consolidating the standard repurposing score with structural, functional and side effects’ scores for each drug per stage of IPF. The whole pipeline involves the selection of proper gene expression datasets, data preprocessing and statistical analysis, selection of the most important genes related to the disease, analysis of biological pathways, investigation of related molecular mechanisms, identification of fibrosis-related microRNAs, drug repurposing, structural and literature-based analysis of the repurposed drugs.
A geo-computational algorithm for exploring the structure of diffusion progression in time and space
Authors: Chin Wei-Chien-Benny , Wen Tzai-Hung , Sabel Clive E. , Wang I-Hsiang
Published: September 2017

A diffusion process can be considered as the movement of linked events through space and time. Therefore, space-time locations of events are key to identify any diffusion process. However, previous clustering analysis methods have focused only on space-time proximity characteristics, neglecting the temporal lag of the movement of events. We argue that the temporal lag between events is a key to understand the process of diffusion movement. Using the temporal lag could help to clarify the types of close relationships. This study aims to develop a data exploration algorithm, namely the TrAcking Progression In Time And Space (TaPiTaS) algorithm, for understanding diffusion processes. Based on the spatial distance and temporal interval between cases, TaPiTaS detects sub-clusters, a group of events that have high probability of having common sources, identifies progression links, the relationships between sub-clusters, and tracks progression chains, the connected components of sub-clusters. Dengue Fever cases data was used as an illustrative case study. The location and temporal range of sub-clusters are presented, along with the progression links. TaPiTaS algorithm contributes a more detailed and in-depth understanding of the development of progression chains, namely the geographic diffusion process.
Mechanism of mRNA-STAR domain interaction: Molecular dynamics simulations of Mammalian Quaking STAR protein
Authors: Sharma Monika , Anirudh C. R.
Published: September 2017

STAR proteins are evolutionary conserved mRNA-binding proteins that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression at all stages of RNA metabolism. These proteins possess conserved STAR domain that recognizes identical RNA regulatory elements as YUAAY. Recently reported crystal structures show that STAR domain is composed of N-terminal QUA1, K-homology domain (KH) and C-terminal QUA2, and mRNA binding is mediated by KH-QUA2 domain. Here, we present simulation studies done to investigate binding of mRNA to STAR protein, mammalian Quaking protein (QKI). We carried out conventional MD simulations of STAR domain in presence and absence of mRNA, and studied the impact of mRNA on the stability, dynamics and underlying allosteric mechanism of STAR domain. Our unbiased simulations results show that presence of mRNA stabilizes the overall STAR domain by reducing the structural deviations, correlating the ‘within-domain’ motions, and maintaining the native contacts information. Absence of mRNA not only influenced the essential modes of motion of STAR domain, but also affected the connectivity of networks within STAR domain. We further explored the dissociation of mRNA from STAR domain using umbrella sampling simulations, and the results suggest that mRNA binding to STAR domain occurs in multi-step: first conformational selection of mRNA backbone conformations, followed by induced fit mechanism as nucleobases interact with STAR domain.
Alternative promoter usage generates novel shorter MAPT mRNA transcripts in Alzheimer’s disease and progressive supranuclear palsy brains
Authors: Huin Vincent , Buée Luc , Behal Hélène , Labreuche Julien , Sablonnière Bernard , Dhaenens Claire-Marie
Published: September 2017

Alternative promoter usage is an important mechanism for transcriptome diversity and the regulation of gene expression. Indeed, this alternative usage may influence tissue/subcellular specificity, protein translation and function of the proteins. The existence of an alternative promoter for MAPT gene was considered for a long time to explain differential tissue specificity and differential response to transcription and growth factors between mRNA transcripts. The alternative promoter usage could explain partly the different tau proteins expression patterns observed in tauopathies. Here, we report on our discovery of a functional alternative promoter for MAPT, located upstream of the gene’s second exon (exon 1). By analyzing genome databases and brain tissue from control individuals and patients with Alzheimer’s disease or progressive supranuclear palsy, we identified novel shorter transcripts derived from this alternative promoter. These transcripts are increased in patients’ brain tissue as assessed by 5′RACE-PCR and qPCR. We suggest that these new MAPT isoforms can be translated into normal or amino-terminal-truncated tau proteins. We further suggest that activation of MAPT’s alternative promoter under pathological conditions leads to the production of truncated proteins, changes in protein localization and function, and thus neurodegeneration.
Associations between SNPs and immune-related circulating proteins in schizophrenia
Authors: Chan Man K. , Cooper Jason D. , Heilmann-Heimbach Stefanie , Frank Josef , Witt Stephanie H. , Nöthen Markus M. , Steiner Johann , Rietschel Marcella , Bahn Sabine
Published: September 2017

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and proteomic studies have provided convincing evidence implicating alterations in immune/inflammatory processes in schizophrenia. However, despite the convergence of evidence, direct links between the genetic and proteomic findings are still lacking for schizophrenia. We investigated associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the custom-made PsychArray and the expression levels of 190 multiplex immunoassay profiled serum proteins in 149 schizophrenia patients and 198 matched controls. We identified associations between 81 SNPs and 29 proteins, primarily involved in immune/inflammation responses. Significant SNPxDiagnosis interactions were identified for eight serum proteins including Factor-VII[rs555212], Alpha-1-Antitrypsin[rs11846959], Interferon-Gamma Induced Protein 10[rs4256246] and von-Willebrand-Factor[rs12829220] in the control group; Chromogranin-A[rs9658644], Cystatin-C[rs2424577] and Vitamin K-Dependent Protein S[rs6123] in the schizophrenia group; Interleukin-6 receptor[rs7553796] in both the control and schizophrenia groups. These results suggested that the effect of these SNPs on expression of the respective proteins varies with diagnosis. The combination of patient-specific genetic information with blood biomarker data opens a novel approach to investigate disease mechanisms in schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. Our findings not only suggest that blood protein expression is influenced by polymorphisms in the corresponding gene, but also that the effect of certain SNPs on expression of proteins can vary with diagnosis.
Reflective metalens with sub-diffraction-limited and multifunctional focusing
Authors: Yang Hui , Li Guanhai , Su Xiaofang , Cao Guangtao , Zhao Zengyue , Chen Xiaoshuang , Lu Wei
Published: September 2017

We propose an ultra-thin planar reflective metalens with sub-diffraction-limited and multifunctional focusing. Based on the equal optical path principle, the specific phase distributions for multifunction focusing are derived. Following the formulas, on-center focusing with the characteristics of sub-diffraction-limited, high focusing efficiency (85%) and broadband focusing is investigated in detail. To demonstrate the flexibility of the reflective metalens, off-center and dual spots focusing (at the horizontal and longitudinal directions) are demonstrated. Note that all these focusings are sub-diffraction-limited due to the evanescent-filed enhancement mechanism in our elaborately designed structure. The designed reflective metalens will find important applications in super-resolution imaging, microscopes, and spectroscopic designs.
High-density microprojection array delivery to rat skin of low doses of trivalent inactivated poliovirus vaccine elicits potent neutralising antibody responses
Authors: Muller David A. , Fernando Germain J. P. , Owens Nick S. , Agyei-Yeboah Christiana , Wei Jonathan C. J. , Depelsenaire Alexandra C. I. , Forster Angus , Fahey Paul , Weldon William C. , Oberste M. Steven , Young Paul R. , Kendall Mark A. F.
Published: September 2017

To secure a polio-free world, the live attenuated oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) will eventually need to be replaced with inactivated poliovirus vaccines (IPV). However, current IPV delivery is less suitable for campaign use than OPV, and more expensive. We are progressing a microarray patch delivery platform, the Nanopatch, as an easy-to-use device to administer vaccines, including IPV. The Nanopatch contains an ultra-high density array (10,000/cm2) of short (~230 μm) microprojections that delivers dry coated vaccine into the skin. Here, we compare the relative immunogenicity of Nanopatch immunisation versus intramuscular injection in rats, using monovalent and trivalent formulations of IPV. Nanopatch delivery elicits faster antibody response kinetics, with high titres of neutralising antibody after just one (IPV2) or two (IPV1 and IPV3) immunisations, while IM injection requires two (IPV2) or three (IPV1 and IPV3) immunisations to induce similar responses. Seroconversion to each poliovirus type was seen in 100% of rats that received ~1/40th of a human dose of IPV delivered by Nanopatch, but not in rats given ~1/8th or ~1/40th dose by IM injection. Ease of administration coupled with dose reduction observed in this study suggests the Nanopatch could facilitate inexpensive IPV vaccination in campaign settings.
Use of RNAi technology to develop a PRSV-resistant transgenic papaya
Authors: Jia Ruizong , Zhao Hui , Huang Jing , Kong Hua , Zhang Yuliang , Guo Jingyuan , Huang Qixing , Guo Yunling , Wei Qing , Zuo Jiao , Zhu Yun J. , Peng Ming , Guo Anping
Published: September 2017

Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) seriously limits papaya (Carica papaya L.) production in tropical and subtropical areas throughout the world. Coat protein (CP)- transgenic papaya lines resistant to PRSV isolates in the sequence-homology-dependent manner have been developed in the U.S.A. and Taiwan. A previous investigation revealed that genetic divergence among Hainan isolates of PRSV has allowed the virus to overcome the CP-mediated transgenic resistance. In this study, we designed a comprehensive RNAi strategy targeting the conserved domain of the PRSV CP gene to develop a broader-spectrum transgenic resistance to the Hainan PRSV isolates. We used an optimized particle-bombardment transformation system to produce RNAi-CP-transgenic papaya lines. Southern blot analysis and Droplet Digital PCR revealed that line 474 contained a single transgene insert. Challenging this line with different viruses (PRSV I, II and III subgroup) under greenhouse conditions validated the transgenic resistance of line 474 to the Hainan isolates. Northern blot analysis detected the siRNAs products in virus-free transgenic papaya tissue culture seedlings. The siRNAs also accumulated in PRSV infected transgenic papaya lines. Our results indicated that this transgenic papaya line has a useful application against PRSV in the major growing area of Hainan, China.
Humus soil as a critical driver of flora conversion on karst rock outcrops
Authors: Zhu Xiai , Shen Youxin , He Beibei , Zhao Zhimeng
Published: September 2017

Rock outcrop is an important habitat supporting plant communities in karst landscape. However, information on the restoration of higher biotic populations on outcrops is limited. Here, we investigated the diversity, biomass changes of higher vascular plants (VP) and humus soil (HS) on karst outcrops during a restoration process. We surveyed VP on rock outcrops and measured HS reserved by various rock microhabitats in a rock desertification ecosystem (RDE), an anthropogenic forest ecosystem (AFE), and a secondary forest ecosystem (SFE) in Shilin County, southwest China. HS metrics (e.g. quantity and nutrients content) and VP metrics (e.g. richness, diversity and biomass) were higher at AFE than at RDE, but lower than at SFE, suggesting that the restoration of soil subsystem vegetation increased HS properties and favored the succession of VP on rock outcrops. There was significantly positive correlation between VP metrics and HS amount, indicating that the succession of VP was strongly affected by availability and heterogeneity of HS in various rock microhabitats. Thus, floral succession of rock subsystem was slow owing to the limited resources on outcrops, although the vegetation was restored in soil subsystem.
Analysis of human gliomas by swab touch spray-mass spectrometry: applications to intraoperative assessment of surgical margins and presence of oncometabolites
Authors: Pirro Valentina , Llor Raquel Sero , Jarmusch Alan K. , Alfaro Clint M. , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A. , Hattab Eyas M. , Cooks R. Graham
Published: September 2017

Touch spray mass spectrometry using medical swabs has potential intraoperative application in quickly identifying the disease state of the tissue and in better characterizing resection margins.
A baseline drift detrending technique for fast scan cyclic voltammetry
Authors: DeWaele Mark , Oh Yoonbae , Park Cheonho , Kang Yu Min , Shin Hojin , Blaha Charles D. , Bennet Kevin E. , Kim In Young , Lee Kendall H. , Jang Dong Pyo
Published: September 2017

A simple, and yet robust, high pass filter is designed to remove non-linear background drift in fast scan cyclic voltammetry.
A versatile covalent organic framework-based platform for sensing biomolecules
Authors: Li Wei , Yang Cheng-Xiong , Yan Xiu-Ping
Published: September 2017

A versatile covalent organic framework-based platform was developed for fluorescence turn-on detection of biomolecules.
Glycerol as a source of designer solvents: physicochemical properties of low melting mixtures containing glycerol ethers and ammonium salts
Authors: Leal-Duaso Alejandro , Pérez Pascual , Mayoral José A. , Pires Elisabet , García José I.
Published: September 2017

Solvent properties of this new family of DES can be finely modulated through the nature of the R substituent.
Role of epigenetic regulation on the induction of apoptosis in Jurkat leukemia cells by white grape pomace rich in phenolic compounds
Authors: León-González Antonio J. , Jara-Palacios M. José , Abbas Malak , Heredia Francisco J. , Schini-Kerth Valérie B.
Published: September 2017

Grape pomace is a rich source of phenolic compounds commonly employed for elaboration of dietary supplements.
Efficient one-pot production of γ-valerolactone from xylose over Zr-Al-Beta zeolite: rational optimization of catalyst synthesis and reaction conditions
Authors: Melero Juan A. , Morales Gabriel , Iglesias Jose , Paniagua Marta , López-Aguado Clara , Wilson Karen , Osatiashtiani Amin
Published: September 2017

Optimization of catalyst synthesis and reaction conditions for the direct conversion of xylose into γ-valerolactone over Zr-Al-Beta zeolites.
A combined experimental and theoretical approach towards mechanophenotyping of biological cells using a constricted microchannel
Authors: Raj A. , Dixit M. , Doble M. , Sen A. K.
Published: September 2017

We report a combined experimental and theoretical technique that enables the characterization of various mechanical properties of biological cells by flowing the cells through a constricted microchannel.
Design of SERS nanotags for multiplexed lateral flow immunoassays
Authors: Sánchez-Purrà Maria , Roig-Solvas Biel , Versiani Alice , Rodriguez-Quijada Cristina , de Puig Helena , Bosch Irene , Gehrke Lee , Hamad-Schifferli Kimberly
Published: September 2017

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) can be used to enhance the sensitivity of lateral flow immunoassays.
Zinc supplementation mitigates its dyshomeostasis in experimental diabetic rats by regulating the expression of zinc transporters and metallothionein
Authors: Barman Susmita , Pradeep Seetur R. , Srinivasan Krishnapura
Published: September 2017

Zinc depletion during diabetes projects a role for zinc nutrition in this condition.
Visual and optical detection of hypochlorite in water samples based on etching of gold/silver alloy nanoparticles
Authors: Shanmugaraj Krishnamoorthy , Ilanchelian Malaichamy
Published: September 2017

In this work, we have described the cost-effective, simple, selective and sensitive approach for the detection of hypochlorite (ClO−) using gold/silver alloy nanoparticles (Au/Ag alloy NPs) as a colorimetric probe.
Pd-catalyzed desulfitative arylation for the synthesis of 2,5-diarylated oxazole-4-carboxylates using dioxygen as the terminal oxidant
Authors: Tang Xiaodong , Yang Kai , Zeng Liying , Liu Qiang , Chen Huoji
Published: September 2017

A novel palladium-catalyzed approach for constructing 2,5-diarylated oxazole-4-carboxylates using sodium arylsulfinates as the aryl source has been demonstrated.
A selenophene substituted diketopyrrolopyrrole nanotheranostic agent for highly efficient photoacoustic/infrared-thermal imaging-guided phototherapy
Authors: Cai Yu , Liang Pingping , Si Weili , Zhao Baomin , Shao Jinjun , Huang Wei , Zhang Yewei , Zhang Qi , Dong Xiaochen
Published: September 2017

A selenophene substituted diketopyrrolopyrrole based nanotheranostic agent has been synthesized for highly efficient photoacoustic/infrared-thermal imaging-guided tumor phototherapy.
One-flask synthesis of dibenzotetraaza[14]annulene cyclic congeners bearing buta-1,3-diyne bridges
Authors: Zwoliński K. M. , Sieroń L. , Eilmes J.
Published: September 2017

Glaser–Hay and Glaser–Eglinton coupling conditions were applied to the direct synthesis of a cyclic strapped ligand and its corresponding dimer in 44% and 30% yields respectively.
Magneto-chemotherapy for cervical cancer treatment with camptothecin loaded Fe3O4 functionalized β-cyclodextrin nanovehicle
Authors: Rajan Mariappan , Krishnan Poorani , Pradeepkumar Periyakaruppan , Jeyanthinath Mayandi , Jeyaraj Murugaraj , Ling Mok Pooi , Arulselvan Palanisamy , Higuchi Akon , Munusamy Murugan A. , Arumugam Ramitha , Benelli Giovanni , Murugan Kadarkarai , Kumar S. Suresh
Published: September 2017

We portray a novel way to synthesis of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticle incorporated β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) nanocarrier stabilized by ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) obtaining remarkable biocompatibility and biodegradability.
Effects of goethite on the fractions of Cu, Cd, Pb, P and soil enzyme activity with hydroxyapatite in heavy metal-contaminated soil
Authors: Cui Hongbiao , Yang Xiong , Xu Lei , Fan Yuchao , Yi Qitao , Li Ruyan , Zhou Jing
Published: September 2017

Goethite is of great importance as it affects the migration and transformation of heavy metals and phosphorus.
Investigation on the role of Lewis bases in the ripening process of perovskite films for highly efficient perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhu Lifeng , Xu Yuzuan , Zhang Pengpeng , Shi Jiangjian , Zhao Yanhong , Zhang Huiyin , Wu Jionghua , Luo Yanhong , Li Dongmei , Meng Qingbo
Published: September 2017

The ripening effect of Lewis bases on perovskite films is investigated and PSCs based on a synergistic DMSO/urea system exhibit a PCE of 20.06%.
Highly flexible, high-performance perovskite solar cells with adhesion promoted AuCl3-doped graphene electrodes
Authors: Heo Jin Hyuck , Shin Dong Hee , Jang Min Hyeok , Lee Myung Lae , Kang Man Gu , Im Sang Hyuk
Published: September 2017

Super flexible TCO-free FAPbI3−xBrxplanar type inverted perovskite solar cells with a 17.9% power conversion efficiency under 1 sun conditions were demonstrated by introducing an APTES (3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane) adhesion promoter between a PET flexible substrate and a AuCl3-doped single-layer graphene transparent electrode.
Correction: Modification of Li2MnSiO4 cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries: a review
Authors: Cheng Qiaohuan , He Wen , Zhang Xudong , Li Mei , Wang Lianzhou
Published: September 2017

Correction for ‘Modification of Li2MnSiO4 cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries: a review’ by Qiaohuan Cheng et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2017, 5, 10772–10797.
Compact QMSIW quasi‐elliptic filter based on a novel electric coupling structure
Authors: Shi Yanjia , Zhou Kang , Zhou Chunxia , Wu Wen
Published: September 2017

A compact quarter‐mode substrate integrated waveguide (QMSIW) quasi‐elliptical bandpass filter is presented based on a novel interdigital‐like capacitive coupling structure. This type of electric coupling structure is very suitable for the open boundary to implement the cross‐coupling in classical quadruple topology. By this characteristic, a QMSIW quasi‐elliptical filter working at 5 GHz is designed to demonstrate the superiority of this structure to the electric walls. Benefitting from the QMSIW technology, the wide‐stopband feature is intrinsically achieved for the filter and the first spurious resonance is occurred at around two times the centre frequency.
Dynamic reactive power reserve optimisation in wind power integration areas
Authors: Niu Tao , Guo Qinglai , Sun Hongbin , Liu Haitao , Zhang Boming , Du Yanling
Published: September 2017

To prevent the wind units from cascading trip faults, the concept of an autonomous voltage security region (AVSR) has been discussed in previous studies. However, the AVSR is sometimes not sufficiently large due to the insufficient dynamic reactive power reserve (DRPR) under normal conditions, resulting in secure operation problems and a large amount of wind curtailment. Therefore, reservation of an appropriate capacity of dynamic reactive power is a crucial issue in wind farms, so a DRPR optimisation model to enlarge the AVSR is proposed in this work. The computation of the optimal DRPR includes six steps and involves the exchange of information between wind farms and the control centre. The computation is rapid and can be applied to real wind systems online. The proposed method demonstrated good performance in a simple test case and a real system in Northern China.
In vitro Effects of the Specific Mitochondrial TSPO Ligand Ro5 4864 in Cultured Human Osteoblasts
Authors: Rosenberg Nahum , Rosenberg Orit , Weizman Abraham , Veenman Leo , Gavish Moshe
Published: September 2017

The 18 kDa mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO) ligands (10 µM), e. g., protoporphyrin IX, PK 11195 and FGIN-1-27, have different effects on metabolism and protein expression in human osteoblasts. In this study, we investigated the archetypical TSPO specific ligand Ro5-4864 (10 µM) effect in primary osteoblasts in culture aiming to further understand the TSPO role in these mature metabolically active cells.

We found that following exposure to Ro5-4864, cellular [18F]-FDG incorporation and ATP content were reduced by 48% (p<0.001) and 44% (p<0.001), respectively. The mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) increased by 50% (p<0.01), mRNA synthesis of TSPO and voltage dependent anion channel (VDAC1) decreased both by 70%, the TSPO and VDAC1 protein expression decreased by 80% and 68%, respectively (p<0.001). Ro5 4864 caused a decrease in the proportion of cells in the G1 phase (by 20%, p<0.05), shifting the cell cycle to the S and G2/M phases. Furthermore, 63% decrease in hexokinase 2 protein expression (p<0.001) was found. However, we found no significant effects on hexokinase 2 mRNA expression (by RT-PCR). We also did not see significant changes in mitochondrial mass (MitoTracker Green assay), apoptosis rate (TUNEL assay), overall cell death (LDH assay), cellular proliferation (BrdU assay), cell maturation (cellular alkaline phosphatase assay), and the number of cells in the culture.

Therefore, an overall effect of Ro5-4864 exhorts is via pathways related to the mitochondrial activity, which is only partly like PK 11195, but not to the other TSPO ligands.
Expression of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells, Interleukin 10 and Transforming Growth Factor β in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Yuan Ning , Zhang Hai-feng , Wei Qi , Wang Ping , Guo Wei-ying
Published: September 2017

Background Recent studies have shown that dysfunction and decrease of regulatory T cells (Tregs) correlates with insulin resistance (IR), one of the most significant mechanisms for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). To examine potential relationships among Tregs, IR, blood lipid content, and related cytokines, we investigated the frequency of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs, as well as expression levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in newly diagnosed T2DM patients.

Methods Fifty-one newly diagnosed T2DM patients and 55 control individuals were enrolled. According to body mass index (BMI), the T2DM patients were grouped into non-obese and obese groups. Blood was collected in ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) anticoagulant tubes for detection of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs by flow cytometry. Serum was collected to quantify IL-10 and TGF-β levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). By comparing percentages of Tregs between non-obese and obese groups, correlation with Treg frequency, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), IL-10 and TGF-β was examined.

Results The percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs in the newly diagnosed T2DM group was significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.01). Further, levels of IL-10 and TGF-β were also lower in the T2DM group (P<0.05). The level of IL-10 was remarkably lower in the obese group than in the non-obese and the control groups (P<0.01), but there was no significant difference between non-obese group and the control group. The level of TGF-β was lower in obese group than in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between non-obese group and the control group. The frequency of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs in the obese group was significantly lower than in the non-obese group (P<0.05). In the obese group, the percentage of Tregs negatively correlated with HOMA-IR and positively correlated with TGF-β (P<0.05). There was no obvious correlation between Treg and HOMA-IR in the non-obese group.

Conclusion The percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs and levels of related cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β were precipitously decreased in newly diagnosed T2DM patients. Therefore, the function of Tregs in limiting the proinflammatory milieu represents an important pathogenic mediator of the development of obesity-induced IR in newly diagnosed T2DM patients. Notably, TGF-β may play an important role in this process. Thus, enhancing expression of Tregs may improve IR in newly diagnosed T2DM patients with obesity.
Robot-Assisted and Device-Based Rehabilitation of the Upper Extremity
Authors: Sailer Michael , Sweeney-Reed Catherine , Lamprecht Juliane
Published: September 2017

Neurorehabilitation of patients with upper limb motor dysfunction due to central nervous system damage still lacks adequate standardization. During the last decade, robot- and device-assisted rehabilitation has become more feasible for the treatment of functional disorders of the upper limb after stroke. Here we present an overview of technological aspects and differential use of devices for upper limb rehabilitation as well as a review of relevant clinical studies. We also discuss the potential for standardized evaluation in the context of limited health care resources. The effectiveness of device-assisted therapy, in comparison to conventional approaches, remains a matter of debate, largely due to the heterogeneous design of the available clinical studies. However, we believe that a better understanding of the timing, intensity, and quality of upper limb rehabilitation, as well as technological progress, will lead to the establishment of a central role for robot- and device-assisted rehabilitation in the next decade.
Unified gas-kinetic scheme with multigrid convergence for rarefied flow study
Authors: Zhu Yajun , Zhong Chengwen , Xu Kun
Published: September 2017

The unified gas kinetic scheme (UGKS) is based on direct modeling of gas dynamics on the mesh size and time step scales. With the modeling of particle transport and collision in a time-dependent flux function in a finite volume framework, the UGKS can connect the flow physics smoothly from the kinetic particle transport to the hydrodynamic wave propagation. In comparison with the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method, the current equation-based UGKS can implement implicit techniques in the updates of macroscopic conservative variables and microscopic distribution functions. The implicit UGKS significantly increases the convergence speed for steady flow computations, especially in the highly rarefied and near continuum regimes. In order to further improve the computational efficiency, for the first time, a geometric multigrid technique is introduced into the implicit UGKS, where the prediction step for the equilibrium state and the evolution step for the distribution function are both treated with multigrid acceleration. More specifically, a full approximate nonlinear system is employed in the prediction step for fast evaluation of the equilibrium state, and a correction linear equation is solved in the evolution step for the update of the gas distribution function. As a result, convergent speed has been greatly improved in all flow regimes from rarefied to the continuum ones. The multigrid implicit UGKS (MIUGKS) is used in the non-equilibrium flow study, which includes microflow, such as lid-driven cavity flow and the flow passing through a finite-length flat plate, and high speed one, such as supersonic flow over a square cylinder. The MIUGKS shows 5–9 times efficiency increase over the previous implicit scheme. For the low speed microflow, the efficiency of MIUGKS is several orders of magnitude higher than the DSMC. Even for the hypersonic flow at Mach number 5 and Knudsen number 0.1, the MIUGKS is still more than 100 times faster than the DSMC method for obtaining a convergent steady state solution.
High photoresponsivity from multilayer MoS2/Si heterojunction diodes formed by vertically stacking
Authors: Song Da Ye , Chu Dongil , Lee Seung Kyo , Pak Sang Woo , Kim Eun Kyu
Published: September 2017

We investigated a vertically stacked p+-n heterojunction diode consisting of a two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) crystal and a heavily doped p+-type Si substrate. The MoS2 flakes are transferred onto p+-Si substrates by using a scotch tape-based exfoliation method. The performances of n-MoS2/p+-Si diodes are investigated by I-V measurement under light illumination using light emitting diodes with various wavelengths. It appears that multilayer MoS2 has sufficient thickness to absorb incident light from the visible to near-infrared range with a high sensitivity. With the advantages of a simple device structure as well as improved contact quality between the MoS2 and silicon interface, an ideality factor of 1.09 can be achieved. The diodes reveal an ultra-high photoresponsivity of about 980 A/W at a wavelength of 525 nm with a strong dependence on the light wavelength and intensity, while they show a high specific detectivity on the order of 109 cm·Hz1/2/W from the visible to near infrared spectral ranges.
Structural stabilities and electronic properties of Mg28-nAln clusters: A first-principles study
Authors: Lu Bao-Juan , Li Xiao-Tian , Zhao Yu-Jun , Wang Zhao-Yi , Yang Xiao-Bao
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we have constructed the alloy configurations of Mg28-nAln by replacing atoms at various possible positions, starting from the stable structures of Mg28 and Al28 clusters. According to the symmetry of the cluster structure, the isomers of these initial structures have been screened with the congruence check, which would reduce computational hours and improve efficiency. Using the first-principles method, the structural evolution, mixing behavior and electronic properties of Mg28-nAln clusters are investigated for all compositions. We conclude that Al atoms prefer to reside in the central positions of Mg−Al clusters and Mg atoms tend to occupy the peripheral location. The negative mixing enthalpies imply the stabilities of these Mg-Al clusters and thus possible applications in catalysis and hydrogen storage materials. Among Mg28-nAln clusters, Mg24Al4, Mg21Al7, Mg14Al14, Mg26Al2 and Mg27Al1 present relatively high thermodynamic stabilities, and the electronic properties of these stable structures are discussed with the charge distributions around the Fermi level.
Effect of external electric and magnetic field on propagation of atmospheric pressure plasma jet
Authors: Zhu Ping , Meng Zhaozhong , Hu Haixin , Ouyang Jiting
Published: September 2017

The behaviors of atmospheric pressure plasma jet produced by a coplanar dielectric barrier discharge (CDBD) in helium in external electrostatic and magnetic field are investigated experimentally. Time-resolved ICCD images of jet in electric field, magnetic field, and floating metal ring are recorded, respectively. The results show that the jet dynamics is affected significantly by a metal ring, an electric, and/or a magnetic field. In a transverse electric field, the jet shows behavior of deflection, broadening, and shortening according to the structure of electric field. In a transverse magnetic field, the jet deflects to up or down depending on the magnetic direction. The jet can be slowed down or obstructed by a floating metal ring on the jet path, but will still pass through the tube at higher applied voltages of DBD, without significant change in jet length or shape out of the tube compared with that without metal ring. A positive DC voltage on the metal ring helps to improve the jet length, but a negative voltage will reduce the length or completely stop the jet. The electric field to sustain the jet in helium is estimated to be about 24 ± 15 kV/cm from this experiment.
Growth and electronic properties of nanolines on TiO2-terminated SrTiO3(001) surfaces
Authors: Yan W. , Sitaputra W. , Skowronski M. , Feenstra R. M.
Published: September 2017

Surfaces of homoepitaxially grown TiO2-terminated SrTiO3(001) were studied in situ with scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. By controlling the Ti/Sr ratio, two-dimensional domains of highly ordered linear nanostructures, so-called “nanolines,” are found to form on the surface. To further study how the surface structure affects the band structure, spectroscopic studies of these surfaces were performed. Our results reveal significantly more band bending for surfaces with the nanolines, indicative of an acceptor state associated with these features. Additionally, an in-gap state is observed on nanoline surfaces grown under high oxygen deficient conditions. This state appears to be the same as that observed previously, arising from the (++/+) transition level of surface oxygen vacancies.
Perspectives and the Patron: Paul Fromm, Benjamin Boretz and Perspectives of New Music
Authors: Vandagriff Rachel S.
Published: September 2017

One of the less studied aspects of post-war musical life is private sponsorship of American modernist composers, such as that by the Fromm Music Foundation (FMF) established in 1952. Using unpublished letters and documents from the FMF archives at Harvard and interviews with people who worked with the founder, Paul Fromm, this article discusses how Fromm's involvement in his foundation led to ventures that were influential on the development of American contemporary music and its relationship to academia. Unlike the Ford or Rockefeller foundations, Fromm sought the role of patron, fostering close relationships with composers and accepting their advice. Yet composers in Fromm's network often had aesthetic visions that were different from his. This article discusses Fromm's sponsorship of the Princeton Seminar in Advanced Musical Studies and the journal Perspectives of New Music, and how the different, complex and contradictory visions held by Fromm and his advisers were representative of those in the larger American music scene.
Valency–Actuality–Meaning: A Peircean Semiotic Approach to Music
Authors: Curry Ben
Published: September 2017

Peircean semiotics has retained a place in the study of music for more than 40 years. Few studies, however, have focused upon arguably the most important aspects of Peirce's thought: his contribution to logic and his development of a pragmatic approach to epistemology. This article develops a theory of Peircean semiotics in music that is rigorously derived from the key insights Peirce offered to philosophy. It focuses upon his theory of the proposition and posits an approach to music analysis that is sensitive to the importance of music's internal structure while recognizing the enormously significant role played by cultural contexts and social forces in the development of musical meanings. The article introduces Peircean semiotics and develops a theory of musical valency with particular reference to the Allegro of Mozart's ‘Prague’ Symphony. It concludes by theorizing the role of cultural and ideological forces in articulating and saturating a music's valency.
Revisiting RuBisCO
Authors: Yokota Akiho
Published: September 2017

Since the discovery of its role in the CO2 fixation reaction in photosynthesis, RuBisCO has been one of the most extensively researched enzymes in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, and molecular genetics as well as conventional plant physiology, agricultural chemistry, and crop science. In addition, the RuBisCO and RuBisCO-like genes of more than 2000 organisms have been sequenced during the past 20 years. During the course of those studies, the origin of the RuBisCO gene began to be discussed. Recent studies have reported that the RuBisCO gene emerged in methanogenic bacteria long before photosynthetic organisms appeared. The origin of similar early genes might have allowed this gene to overcome changes in global environments during ancient and recent eras and to participate in the fixation of 200 GT of CO2 annually. In this review, I focus on several points that have not been discussed at length in the literature thus far.
New tools for “hot-wiring” clathrin-mediated endocytosis with temporal and spatial precision
Authors: Wood Laura A. , Larocque Gabrielle , Clarke Nicholas I. , Sarkar Sourav , Royle Stephen J.
Published: September 2017

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is the major route of receptor internalization at the plasma membrane. Analysis of constitutive CME is difficult because the initiation of endocytic events is unpredictable. When and where a clathrin-coated pit will form and what cargo it will contain are difficult to foresee. Here we describe a series of genetically encoded reporters that allow the initiation of CME on demand. A clathrin-binding protein fragment (“hook”) is inducibly attached to an “anchor” protein at the plasma membrane, which triggers the formation of new clathrin-coated vesicles. Our design incorporates temporal and spatial control by the use of chemical and optogenetic methods for inducing hook–anchor attachment. Moreover, the cargo is defined. Because several steps in vesicle creation are bypassed, we term it “hot-wiring.” We use hot-wired endocytosis to describe the functional interactions between clathrin and AP2. Two distinct sites on the β2 subunit, one on the hinge and the other on the appendage, are necessary and sufficient for functional clathrin engagement.
Advanced capabilities for materials modelling with Quantum ESPRESSO
Authors: Giannozzi P , Andreussi O , Brumme T , Bunau O , Buongiorno Nardelli M , Calandra M , Car R , Cavazzoni C , Ceresoli D , Cococcioni M , Colonna N , Carnimeo I , Dal Corso A , de Gironcoli S , Delugas P , DiStasio R A , Ferretti A , Floris A , Fratesi G , Fugallo G , Gebauer R , Gerstmann U , Giustino F , Gorni T , Jia J , Kawamura M , Ko H-Y , Kokalj A , Küçükbenli E , Lazzeri M , Marsili M , Marzari N , Mauri F , Nguyen N L , Nguyen H-V , Otero-de-la-Roza A , Paulatto L , Poncé S , Rocca D , Sabatini R , Santra B , Schlipf M , Seitsonen A P , Smogunov A , Timrov I , Thonhauser T , Umari P , Vast N , Wu X , Baroni S
Published: September 2017

Quantum ESPRESSO is an integrated suite of open-source computer codes for quantum simulations of materials using state-of-the-art electronic-structure techniques, based on density-functional theory, density-functional perturbation theory, and many-body perturbation theory, within the plane-wave pseudopotential and projector-augmented-wave approaches. Quantum ESPRESSO owes its popularity to the wide variety of properties and processes it allows to simulate, to its performance on an increasingly broad array of hardware architectures, and to a community of researchers that rely on its capabilities as a core open-source development platform to implement their ideas. In this paper we describe recent extensions and improvements, covering new methodologies and property calculators, improved parallelization, code modularization, and extended interoperability both within the distribution and with external software.