bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trigonometry and Fibonacci numbers
Authors: Lewis Barry
Published: August 2016

This article sets out to explore some of the connections between two seemingly distinct mathematical objects: trigonometric functions and the integer sequences composed of the Fibonacci and Lucas numbers. It establishes that elements of Fibonacci/Lucas sequences obey identities that are closely related to traditional trigonometric identities. It then exploits this relationship by converting existing trigonometric results into corresponding Fibonacci/Lucas results. Along the way it uses mathematical tools that are not usually associated with either of these objects.
Human cooperation shows the distinctive signatures of adaptations to small-scale social life
Authors: Tooby John , Cosmides Leda
Published: August 2016

The properties of individual carbon atoms allow them to chain into complex molecules of immense length. They are not limited to structures involving only a few atoms. The design features of our evolved neural adaptations appear similarly extensible. Individuals with forager brains can link themselves together into unprecedentedly large cooperative structures without the need for large group-beneficial modifications to evolved human design. Roles need only be intelligible to our social program logic, and judged better than alternatives.
Toward mechanistic models of action-oriented and detached cognition
Authors: Pezzulo Giovanni
Published: August 2016

To be successful, the research agenda for a novel control view of cognition should foresee more detailed, computationally specified process models of cognitive operations including higher cognition. These models should cover all domains of cognition, including those cognitive abilities that can be characterized as online interactive loops and detached forms of cognition that depend on internally generated neuronal processing.
TREND INFLATION AND EQUILIBRIUM STABILITY: FIRM-SPECIFIC VERSUS HOMOGENEOUS LABOR
Authors: Kurozumi Takushi , Van Zandweghe Willem
Published: August 2016

In sticky price models based on micro evidence that each period a fraction of prices are kept unchanged, recent studies reach the qualitatively equivalent conclusion that higher trend inflation is a more serious source of indeterminacy of rational expectations equilibrium, regardless of whether labor is firm-specific or homogeneous. This paper shows that the model with firm-specific labor is more susceptible to indeterminacy induced by high trend inflation than the model with homogeneous labor, because these two different specifications of labor lead to distinct representations of inflation dynamics. In addition, the model with firm-specific labor is more susceptible to expectational instability of the equilibrium caused by high trend inflation.
What the Fox Says, How the Fox Works: Deep Contextualization as a Source of New Research Agendas and Theoretical Insights
Authors: Meyer Klaus E.
Published: August 2016

Using Isaiah Berlin’s distinction between foxes and hedgehogs, John Child’s approach to management research has been described as a fox in a community dominated by hedgehogs. I thus explore Child’s approach to conducting research on China-related phenomena, and place his new work into this trajectory. In doing so, I offer insights into the opportunities and limitations of developing research agendas and generating new theoretical insights from research that is deeply contextualized.
Typology and Effects of Co-opetition in Buyer–Supplier Relationships: Evidence from the Chinese Home Appliance Industry
Authors: Liu Yi , Luo Yadong , Yang Pianpian , Maksimov Vladislav
Published: August 2016

Building on the co-opetition perspective, this study takes a unified approach to examine relationship benefits and transaction costs in buyer–supplier relationships. We argue that buyer–supplier vertical dyads fall into one of four distinct co-opetition types based on their respective degrees of cooperation and competition. Each co-opetition situation then corresponds to unique levels of relationship benefits and transaction costs. A sample of 225 supplier–buyer dyads from the Chinese home appliance industry confirms that competition has a positive effect on transaction costs and a negative effect on relationship benefits, while cooperation stimulates greater relationship benefits but affects transaction costs mainly at low competition levels. The results advance prior research on buyer–supplier relationships and co-opetition and offer valuable avenues for future research.
Electronically tunable extraordinary optical transmission in graphene plasmonic ribbons coupled to subwavelength metallic slit arrays
Authors: Kim Seyoon , Jang Min Seok , Brar Victor W. , Tolstova Yulia , Mauser Kelly W. , Atwater Harry A.
Published: August 2016

Subwavelength metallic slit arrays have been shown to exhibit extraordinary optical transmission, whereby tunnelling surface plasmonic waves constructively interfere to create large forward light propagation. The intricate balancing needed for this interference to occur allows for resonant transmission to be highly sensitive to changes in the environment. Here we demonstrate that extraordinary optical transmission resonance can be coupled to electrostatically tunable graphene plasmonic ribbons to create electrostatic modulation of mid-infrared light. Absorption in graphene plasmonic ribbons situated inside metallic slits can efficiently block the coupling channel for resonant transmission, leading to a suppression of transmission. Full-wave simulations predict a transmission modulation of 95.7% via this mechanism. Experimental measurements reveal a modulation efficiency of 28.6% in transmission at 1,397 cm−1, corresponding to a 2.67-fold improvement over transmission without a metallic slit array. This work paves the way for enhancing light modulation in graphene plasmonics by employing noble metal plasmonic structures.
Interdependent IL-7 and IFN-γ signalling in T-cell controls tumour eradication by combined α-CTLA-4+α-PD-1 therapy
Authors: Shi Lewis Zhichang , Fu Tihui , Guan Baoxiang , Chen Jianfeng , Blando Jorge M. , Allison James P. , Xiong Liangwen , Subudhi Sumit K. , Gao Jianjun , Sharma Padmanee
Published: August 2016

Combination therapy with α-CTLA-4 and α-PD-1 has shown significant clinical responses in different types of cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, combining detailed analysis of human tumour samples with preclinical tumour models, we report that concomitant blockade of CTLA-4 and PD-1 improves anti-tumour immune responses and synergistically eradicates tumour. Mechanistically, combination therapy relies on the interdependence between IL-7 and IFN-γ signalling in T cells, as lack of either pathway abrogates the immune-boosting and therapeutic effects of combination therapy. Combination treatment increases IL-7Rα expression on tumour-infiltrating T cells in an IFN-γ/IFN-γR signalling-dependent manner, which may serve as a potential biomarker for clinical trials with immune checkpoint blockade. Our data suggest that combining immune checkpoint blockade with IL-7 signalling could be an effective modality to improve immunotherapeutic efficacy. Taken together, we conclude that combination therapy potently reverses immunosuppression and eradicates tumours via an intricate interplay between IFN-γ/IFN-γR and IL-7/IL-7R pathways.
Modification of tumor cell exosome content by transfection with wt-p53 and microRNA-125b expressing plasmid DNA and its effect on macrophage polarization
Authors: Trivedi M , Talekar M , Shah P , Ouyang Q , Amiji M
Published: August 2016

Exosomes are responsible for intercellular communication between tumor cells and others in the tumor microenvironment. These microvesicles promote oncogensis and can support towards metastasis by promoting a pro-tumorogenic environment. Modifying the exosomal content and exosome delivery are emerging novel cancer therapies. However, the clinical translation is limited due to feasibility of isolating and delivery of treated exosomes as well as an associated immune response in patients. In this study, we provide proof-of-concept for a novel treatment approach for manipulating exosomal content by genetic transfection of tumor cells using dual-targeted hyaluronic acid-based nanoparticles. Following transfection with plasmid DNA encoding for wild-type p53 (wt-p53) and microRNA-125b (miR-125b), we evaluate the transgene expression in the SK-LU-1 cells and in the secreted exosomes. Furthermore, along with modulation of wt-p53 and miR-125b expression, we also show that the exosomes (i.e., wt-p53/exo, miR-125b/exo and combination/exo) have a reprogramed global miRNA profile. The miRNAs in the exosomes were mainly related to the activation of genes associated with apoptosis as well as p53 signaling. More importantly, these altered miRNA levels in the exosomes could mediate macrophage repolarization towards a more pro-inflammatory/antitumor M1 phenotype. However, further studies, especially in vivo studies, are warranted to assess the direct influence of such macrophage reprogramming on cancer cells and oncogenesis post-treatment. The current study provides a novel platform enabling the development of therapeutic strategies affecting not only the cancer cells but also the tumor microenvironment by utilizing the ‘bystander effect’ through genetic transfer with secreted exosomes. Such modification could also support antitumor environment leading to decreased oncogenesis.
European Society of Cardiology Guideline-Adherent Antithrombotic Treatment and Risk of Mortality in Asian Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Li Cheng-Hung , Liu Chia-Jen , Chou Annie Y. , Chao Tze-Fan , Tuan Ta-Chuan , Chen Su-Jung , Wang Kang-Ling , Lin Yenn-Jiang , Chang Shih-Lin , Lo Li-Wei , Hu Yu-Feng , Chung Fa-Po , Liao Jo-Nan , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Wu Tsu-Juey , Chen Shih-Ann
Published: August 2016

This study compared the risk of mortality in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients treated adherent to the 2012 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for stroke prevention and those who were not treated according to guideline recommendations. This study used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. From 1996 to 2011, 354,649 newly diagnosed AF patients were identified as the study population. Among the study cohort, 45,595 and 309,054 patients were defined as Guideline-Adherent and Non-Adherent groups, respectively. During the follow up of 1,480,280 person-years, 133,552 (37.7%) patients experienced mortality. The risk of mortality was lower among AF patients whose treatment was adherent to the guideline recommendation for stroke prevention than those whose treatment was not (annual risk of mortality = 4.3% versus 10.0%) with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.62 (95% confidence interval = 0.61–0.64, p value < 0.001) after adjusting for age, gender, CHA2DS2-VASc score and antiplatelet therapy. The findings were consistently observed after propensity matching analysis. In conclusion, the risk of mortality was lower for AF patients who were treated according to the antithrombotic recommendations of the 2012 ESC guidelines, guided by the CHA2DS2-VASc score. Better efforts to implement guidelines would lead to improved outcomes for patients with AF.
Identification of novel miRNAs from drought tolerant rice variety Nagina 22
Authors: Mutum Roseeta Devi , Kumar Santosh , Balyan Sonia , Kansal Shivani , Mathur Saloni , Raghuvanshi Saurabh
Published: August 2016

MicroRNAs regulate a spectrum of developmental and biochemical processes in plants and animals. Thus, knowledge of the entire miRNome is essential to understand the complete regulatory schema of any organism. The current study attempts to unravel yet undiscovered miRNA genes in rice. Analysis of small RNA libraries from various tissues of drought-tolerant ‘aus’ rice variety Nagina 22 (N22) identified 71 novel miRNAs. These were validated based on precursor hairpin structure, small RNA mapping pattern, ‘star’ sequence, conservation and identification of targets based on degradome data. While some novel miRNAs were conserved in other monocots and dicots, most appear to be lineage-specific. They were segregated into two different classes based on the closeness to the classical miRNA definition. Interestingly, evidence of a miRNA-like cleavage was found even for miRNAs that lie beyond the classical definition. Several novel miRNAs displayed tissue-enriched and/or drought responsive expression. Generation and analysis of the degradome data from N22 along with publicly available degradome identified several high confidence targets implicated in regulation of fundamental processes such as flowering and stress response. Thus, discovery of these novel miRNAs considerably expands the dimension of the miRNA-mediated regulation in rice.
Origin of Pressure-induced Superconducting Phase in KxFe2−ySe2 studied by Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction and Spectroscopy
Authors: Yamamoto Yoshiya , Yamaoka Hitoshi , Tanaka Masashi , Okazaki Hiroyuki , Ozaki Toshinori , Takano Yoshihiko , Lin Jung-Fu , Fujita Hidenori , Kagayama Tomoko , Shimizu Katsuya , Hiraoka Nozomu , Ishii Hirofumi , Liao Yen-Fa , Tsuei Ku-Ding , Mizuki Jun’ichiro
Published: August 2016

Pressure dependence of the electronic and crystal structures of KxFe2−ySe2, which has pressure-induced two superconducting domes of SC I and SC II, was investigated by x-ray emission spectroscopy and diffraction. X-ray diffraction data show that compressibility along the c-axis changes around 12 GPa, where a new superconducting phase of SC II appears. This suggests a possible tetragonal to collapsed tetragonal phase transition. X-ray emission spectroscopy data also shows the change in the electronic structure around 12 GPa. These results can be explained by the scenario that the two SC domes under pressure originate from the change of Fermi surface topology. Our results here show the pronounced increase of the density of states near the Fermi surface under pressure with a structural phase transition, which can help address our fundamental understanding for the appearance of the SC II phase.
Unified Electromagnetic-Electronic Design of Light Trapping Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Boroumand Javaneh , Das Sonali , Vázquez-Guardado Abraham , Franklin Daniel , Chanda Debashis
Published: August 2016

A three-dimensional unified electromagnetic-electronic model is developed in conjunction with a light trapping scheme in order to predict and maximize combined electron-photon harvesting in ultrathin crystalline silicon solar cells. The comparison between a bare and light trapping cell shows significant enhancement in photon absorption and electron collection. The model further demonstrates that in order to achieve high energy conversion efficiency, charge separation must be optimized through control of the doping profile and surface passivation. Despite having a larger number of surface defect states caused by the surface patterning in light trapping cells, we show that the higher charge carrier generation and collection in this design compensates the absorption and recombination losses and ultimately results in an increase in energy conversion efficiency. The fundamental physics behind this specific design approach is validated through its application to a 3 μm thick functional light trapping solar cell which shows 192% efficiency enhancement with respect to the bare cell of same thickness. Such a unified design approach will pave the path towards achieving the well-known Shockley-Queisser (SQ) limit for c-Si in thin-film (<30 μm) geometries.
Dimethyl fumarate blocks pro-inflammatory cytokine production via inhibition of TLR induced M1 and K63 ubiquitin chain formation
Authors: McGuire Victoria A. , Ruiz-Zorrilla Diez Tamara , Emmerich Christoph H. , Strickson Sam , Ritorto Maria Stella , Sutavani Ruhcha V. , Weiβ Anne , Houslay Kirsty F. , Knebel Axel , Meakin Paul J. , Phair Iain R. , Ashford Michael L. J. , Trost Matthias , Arthur J. Simon C.
Published: August 2016

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is approved for the treatment of psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. While clinically effective, its molecular target has remained elusive - although it is known to activate anti-oxidant pathways. We find that DMF inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine production in response to TLR agonists independently of the Nrf2-Keap1 anti-oxidant pathway. Instead we show that DMF can inhibit the E2 conjugating enzymes involved in K63 and M1 polyubiquitin chain formation both in vitro and in cells. The formation of K63 and M1 chains is required to link TLR activation to downstream signaling and consistent with the block in K63 and/or M1 chain formation, DMF inhibits NFκB and ERK1/2 activation, resulting in a loss of pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Together these results reveal a new molecular target for DMF and show that a clinically approved drug inhibits M1 and K63 chain formation in TLR induced signaling complexes. Selective targeting of E2s may therefore be a viable strategy for autoimmunity.
Genetic markers of pigmentation are novel risk loci for uveal melanoma
Authors: Ferguson Robert , Vogelsang Matjaz , Ucisik-Akkaya Esma , Rai Karan , Pilarski Robert , Martinez Carlos N. , Rendleman Justin , Kazlow Esther , Nagdimov Khagay , Osman Iman , Klein Robert J. , Davidorf Frederick H. , Cebulla Colleen M. , Abdel-Rahman Mohamed H. , Kirchhoff Tomas
Published: August 2016

While the role of genetic risk factors in the etiology of uveal melanoma (UM) has been strongly suggested, the genetic susceptibility to UM is currently vastly unexplored. Due to shared epidemiological risk factors between cutaneous melanoma (CM) and UM, in this study we have selected 28 SNPs identified as risk variants in previous genome-wide association studies on CM or CM-related host phenotypes (such as pigmentation and eye color) and tested them for association with UM risk. By logistic regression analysis of 272 UM cases and 1782 controls using an additive model, we identified five variants significantly associated with UM risk, all passing adjustment for multiple testing. The three most significantly associated variants rs12913832 (OR = 0.529, 95% CI 0.415–0.673; p = 8.47E-08), rs1129038 (OR = 0.533, 95% CI 0.419–0.678; p = 1.19E-07) and rs916977 (OR = 0.465, 95% CI 0.339–0.637; p = 3.04E-07) are correlated (r2 > 0.5) and map at 15q12 in the region of HERC2/OCA2, which determines eye-color in the human population. Our data provides first evidence that the genetic factors associated with pigmentation traits are risk loci of UM susceptibility.
Is Mg-stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate a homogeneous mixture of amorphous magnesium carbonate and amorphous calcium carbonate?
Authors: Yang Sheng-Yu , Chang Hsun-Hui , Lin Cang-Jie , Huang Shing-Jong , Chan Jerry C. C.
Published: August 2016

13C solid-state NMR data reveal that Mg stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate might be a homogeneous mixture of nanoclusters of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) and amorphous magnesium carbonate (AMC).
Electrochemical synthesis of fractal bimetallic Cu/Ag nanodendrites for efficient surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Li Da , Liu Jingquan , Wang Hongbin , Barrow Colin J. , Yang Wenrong
Published: August 2016

A schematic illustration of the electrochemical synthesis of fractal bimetallic Cu/Ag nanodendrites for efficient surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy.
Yellow to greenish-blue colour-tunable photoluminescence and 4f-centered slow magnetic relaxation in a cyanido-bridged DyIII(4-hydroxypyridine)–CoIII layered material
Authors: Chorazy Szymon , Wang Junhao , Ohkoshi Shin-ichi
Published: August 2016

The incorporation of DyIII(4-hydroxypyridine) complexes into a bimetallic [CoIII(CN)6]-based layered assembly gives switchable visible photoluminescence coexisting with slow magnetic relaxation.
The unique fluorine effects in organic reactions: recent facts and insights into fluoroalkylations
Authors: Ni Chuanfa , Hu Jinbo
Published: August 2016

Fluoroalkylation reaction, featuring the transfer of a fluoroalkyl group to a substrate, is a straightforward and efficient method for the synthesis of organofluorine compounds. In fluoroalkylation reactions, fluorine substitution can dramatically influence the chemical outcome.
Real-time imaging and quantitative analysis of doxorubicin transport in a perfusable microvessel platform
Authors: Bogorad Max I. , Searson Peter C.
Published: August 2016

The kinetics of solute transport across cell monolayers is complex, and often consists of multiple active transport processes in addition to passive diffusion. Here we demonstrate that mechanistic details of transport across biological barriers can be obtained from live cell imaging in a perfusable microvessel model with physiologically relevant geometry.
Block ionomer complexes consisting of siRNA and aRAFT-synthesized hydrophilic-block-cationic copolymers II: the influence of cationic block charge density on gene suppression
Authors: Parsons Keith H. , Holley Andrew C. , Munn Gabrielle A. , Flynt Alex S. , McCormick Charles L.
Published: August 2016

The effect of cationic block charge density in hydrophilic-block-cationic copolymers on siRNA binding and targeted cellular delivery is investigated.
In vivo drug release behavior and osseointegration of a doxorubicin-loaded tissue-engineered scaffold
Authors: Sun M. , Chen M. , Wang M. , Hansen J. , Baatrup A. , Dagnaes-Hansen F. , Rölfing J. H. D. , Jensen J. , Lysdahl H. , Li H. , Johannsen M. , Le D. Q. S. , Kjems J. , Bünger C. E.
Published: August 2016

This pre-clinical study presented a dual function of a doxorubicin-loaded scaffold for both chemotherapeutic agent delivery and bone formation.
A biocompatible serine functionalized nanostructured zirconia based biosensing platform for non-invasive oral cancer detection
Authors: Kumar Suveen , Sharma Jai Gopal , Maji Sagar , Malhotra Bansi Dhar
Published: August 2016

Schematic of captured antigen onto BSA/anti-CYFRA-21-1/serine/nZrO2/ITO immunoelectrode and its electrochemical response.
Novel porous silica granules for instant hemostasis
Authors: Hong Hua , Wang Chengwei , Yuan Yuan , Qu Xue , Wei Jie , Lin Zhaofen , Zhou Huayi , Liu Changsheng
Published: August 2016

Granulation is one of the most feasible methods to improve hemostatic efficacy by stabilize the capillary structure of silica particles. Its usability was improved significantly through granulation by enhancing flowability and eliminating dust.
A novel hollow sphere bismuth oxide doped mesoporous carbon nanocomposite material derived from sustainable biomass for picomolar electrochemical detection of lead and cadmium
Authors: Zeinu Kemal M. , Hou Huijie , Liu Bingchuan , Yuan Xiqing , Huang Long , Zhu Xiaolei , Hu Jingping , Yang Jiakuan , Liang Sha , Wu Xu
Published: August 2016

A novel bismuth oxide-doped carbon nanocomposite showed excellent sensitivity and reproducibility and an ultralow detection limit for heavy metal monitoring.
A nanocrystalline tungsten oxide electrochromic coating with excellent cycling stability prepared via a complexation-assisted sol–gel method
Authors: Zhou Dan , Che Boyang , Kong Junhua , Lu Xuehong
Published: August 2016

A nanocrystalline WO3 coating is prepared using a complexation-assisted sol–gel method and exhibits enhanced electrochromic properties, especially excellent electrochemical cycling stability.
Two insulin-like peptides differentially regulate malaria parasite infection in the mosquito through effects on intermediary metabolism
Authors: Pietri Jose E. , Pakpour Nazzy , Napoli Eleonora , Song Gyu , Pietri Eduardo , Potts Rashaun , Cheung Kong W. , Walker Gregory , Riehle Michael A. , Starcevich Hannah , Giulivi Cecilia , Lewis Edwin E. , Luckhart Shirley
Published: August 2016

Insulin-like peptides (ILPs) play important roles in growth and metabolic homeostasis, but have also emerged as key regulators of stress responses and immunity in a variety of vertebrates and invertebrates. Furthermore, a growing literature suggests that insulin signaling-dependent metabolic provisioning can influence host responses to infection and affect infection outcomes. In line with these studies, we previously showed that knockdown of either of two closely related, infection-induced ILPs, ILP3 and ILP4, in the mosquito Anopheles stephensi decreased infection with the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum through kinetically distinct effects on parasite death. However, the precise mechanisms by which ILP3 and ILP4 control the response to infection remained unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we used a complementary approach of direct ILP supplementation into the blood meal to further define ILP-specific effects on mosquito biology and parasite infection. Notably, we observed that feeding resulted in differential effects of ILP3 and ILP4 on blood-feeding behavior and P. falciparum development. These effects depended on ILP-specific regulation of intermediary metabolism in the mosquito midgut, suggesting a major contribution of ILP-dependent metabolic shifts to the regulation of infection resistance and parasite transmission. Accordingly, our data implicate endogenous ILP signaling in balancing intermediary metabolism for the host response to infection, affirming this emerging tenet in host–pathogen interactions with novel insights from a system of significant public health importance.
Abstraction techniques to improve scalability of equivalence verification for NCL circuits
Authors: Wijayasekara V.M. , Rollie A.T. , Hodges R.G. , Srinivasan S.K. , Smith S.C.
Published: August 2016

Asynchronous NULL convention logic (NCL) circuits are dual‐rail quasi‐delay‐insensitive circuits that have many applications in high radiation and extreme temperature fluctuation environments such as space exploration. Two abstraction techniques are proposed that can be used to drastically improve the efficiency and scalability of formal equivalence verification targeted at NCL circuits. The effectiveness of the abstraction techniques have been demonstrated using a number of multiply and accumulate circuit benchmarks.
ECG compression based on combining of EMD and wavelet transform
Authors: Wang Xiaoxiao , Chen Zhijian , Luo Jiahui , Meng Jianyi , Xu Yin
Published: August 2016

A new electrocardiogram (ECG) compression method based on the combination of the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and the wavelet transform is presented. ECG signal can be decomposed into a set of intrinsic mode functions by the EMD. The proposed method recomposes the intrinsic mode functions into two groups, and compresses each group separately to fully utilise their data characteristics. The first group can be completely described by its extrema with negligible reconstruction error, while the second group is further decomposed by wavelet transform. With appropriate threshold selecting and the using of the run length coding and the Huffman coding, the proposed method exhibits competitive performances compared with other compressors for ECG compression.
Femtosecond laser inscribed Bragg grating arrays in long lengths of polymer optical fibres; a route to practical sensing with POF
Authors: Lacraz A. , Theodosiou A. , Kalli K.
Published: August 2016

The first practical demonstration of readily useable fibre Bragg gratings in long lengths (>20 m) of polymer optical fibres (POFs) is reported; this is an increase in fibre length that exceeds two orders of magnitude for use in the C‐band. A low loss perfluorinated fibre and a femtosecond‐laser, direct‐write method to inscribe gratings at two different wavelengths are used. Gratings are fabricated to operate at ∼800 nm, where the optical loss is minimal, and in the C‐band, commonly used with traditional optical fibres for the majority of telecommunication applications. The development of POF Bragg gratings inscribed in long fibre lengths is the first important step for the integration of practical sensing devices and could promote the use of multiplexed POF sensors. The sensors were tested and characterised and demonstrate their compatibility with a commercial Bragg grating demodulator.
Extended target detection for OFDM cognitive radar
Authors: Zhuang Shanna N. , Fang Qingyuan , Ren Bin
Published: August 2016

The extended target detection problem for OFDM cognitive radar is considered. A subcarrier‐modulation method is proposed to improve the detection performance under peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) constraint. The optimised weights are designed by semi‐definition relaxation followed with Gaussian randomisation. The simulation results show that the proposed method achieves great improvement in both signal‐to‐inference‐plus‐noise ratio and PAPR while striking a good balance between the two performances.
Delta‐sigma modulation microphone sensors using microwave cavity resonator
Authors: Maezawa K. , Fujino S. , Yamaoka T. , Mori M.
Published: August 2016

The frequency delta‐sigma modulation (FDSM) technique was applied to the microphone sensors. The FDSM is a superior analogue‐to‐digital conversion technique, which outputs wide band, large dynamic range digital signals without precision analogue components. In this implementation, a microwave cavity resonator having movable membrane on its one end, together with a gain block consisting of a heterojunction field effect transistor, was used for sound‐frequency converter. The output of this converter (frequency modulated intermediate signal) was sampled and converted to 1‐bit delta sigma modulated digital signals. The noise shaping behaviour with a clear signal peak was demonstrated for the fabricated devices.
Computationally efficient 3D analytical magnet loss prediction in surface mounted permanent magnet machines
Authors: Nair Sreeju S. , Chen Liang , Wang Jiabin , Chin Robert , Manolas Iakovos , Svechkarenko Dmitry
Published: August 2016

This study proposes a computationally efficient analytical method, for accurate prediction of three‐dimensional (3D) eddy current loss in the rotor magnets of surface mounted permanent magnet (SPM) machines considering slotting effect. Subdomain model incorporating stator tooth tips is employed to generate the information on radial and tangential time‐derivatives of 2D magnetic field (eddy current sources) within the magnet. The distribution of the eddy current sources in 3D is established for the magnets by applying the eddy current boundary conditions and the Coulomb gauge imposed on the current vector potential. The 3D eddy current distributions in magnets are derived analytically by employing the method of variable separation and the total eddy current loss in the magnets are subsequently established. The method is validated by 3D time‐stepped finite element analysis for 18‐slot, 8‐pole and 12‐slot, 8‐pole permanent magnet machines. The eddy current loss variations in the rotor magnets with axial and circumferential number of segmentations are studied. The reduction of magnet eddy current loss is investigated with respect to harmonic wavelength of the source components to suggest a suitable segmentation for the rotor magnets in SPM machines.
High precision constant voltage digital control scheme for primary‐side controlled flyback converter
Authors: Xu Shen , Zhang Xiaoming , Wang Chong , Sun Weifeng
Published: August 2016

To improve the constant output voltage accuracy of primary‐side controlled flyback converter, this study described a digital control scheme based on accurate sampling and cable voltage drop compensation. The voltage drops of output diode and the cable were analysed first, they were two most important factors that influence the accuracy of output voltage. Then, an accurate sampling method that can eliminate the voltage drop of the output diode was proposed. With output current estimating and digital resistance capacitance (RC) filter, the compensation of cable voltage drop was also designed. Finally, the software simulation and prototype test results verified the proposed scheme, and the constant voltage accuracy of the prototype achieved −0.6 ∼ +0.6%.
An approach to reduce the flow requirement for a liquid piston near‐isothermal air compressor/expander in a compressed air energy storage system
Authors: Li Perry Y. , Saadat Mohsen
Published: August 2016

A compressed air energy storage system that uses a high pressure, isothermal air compressor/expander (C/E) has no carbon emission and is more efficient than a conventional system that uses fossil fuels. To be successful, the compressor/expander must be efficient and has high power density. However, there is a trade‐off between efficiency and power density due to heat transfer. The authors’ previous work has shown that by optimising the compression/expansion trajectories in a liquid piston C/E, the power density can be improved by many times without sacrificing efficiency. Yet, to achieve the optimised trajectory, this requires a large liquid piston pump/motor that often operates at low displacement, low efficiency regime. This study proposes that by combining the liquid piston with a solid piston actuated via a hydraulic intensifier, the pump/motor size can be reduced significantly. A case study shows that with an optimal intensifier ratio, the pump/motor size is reduced by 85%, the ratio between maximum and minimum displacements is reduced by 7 times, and the mean efficiency is increased by 2.4 times. A full cycle dynamic simulation shows that the intensifier decreases, for the same pump/motor size, the total cycle time for over 50%, thus doubling the power density of the compressor/expander.
Application of fractional Fourier transform for classification of power quality disturbances
Authors: Singh Utkarsh , Singh Shyam Narain
Published: August 2016

Proper mitigation of power quality disturbances (PQDs) requires a fast, accurate and highly noise immune classification technique. This study, therefore, presents fractional Fourier transform (FRFT) based feature extraction as a new technique for classification of PQDs. FRFT is a generalised version of Fourier transform (FT) with an additional order control and can give time, frequency and intermediate time‐frequency representations for a signal. The order control offers multi‐domain feature extraction, such that most robust feature matrix is utilised for classification under any condition. An expression is derived for the optimal classification order corresponding to maximum overall accuracy. Based on IEEE‐1159 standards, 15 PQDs are simulated and a database of pure and noisy signals is prepared. Features extracted from FRFT processed signals are tested with decision trees (DTs) and bagging predictors (BPs). The proposed technique shows better performance in most of the cases, when compared with Stockwell transform based classification under similar conditions. The classification accuracies of FRFT‐DT and FRFT‐BP are impressive even with significant reduction in training and features. Further, a validation using real PQDs obtained from an experimental setup is shown. The corresponding results closely resemble the simulation outcomes.
Scale adaptive region selection for deblurring
Authors: Li Jinyang , Liu Zhijing , Jia Xixi , Huang Xin
Published: August 2016

A scale adaptive region selection method for deblurring based on sparse representation and gradient priors is proposed. Using a pre‐trained blurred dictionary, sparse representation can sparsely reconstruct the blur examples in an input blurred image. The initial location of the selected region is a patch which is reconstructed by the minimum number of blurred atoms by solving a minimisation problem, making the best example to represent a smooth‐like component. With the initial location, the gradient priors based on authors’ observation is used by searching a series of extended discrete scales. The proposed method makes the region selection for deblurring highly effective and efficient by utilising sparse representation and informative features. Experimental results on synthetic blurred images demonstrate that the proposed method behaves favourably in blur kernel estimation and deblurring quality against state‐of‐the‐art approaches.
Minimally Invasive Direct Lateral Transpsoas Approach for the Resection of a Lumbar Plexus Schwannoma: Technique Report
Authors: Benjamin Carolina , Oermann Eric , Thomas J. , Distaso Casey , Sandhu Faheem
Published: August 2016

Objective Traditional techniques for resection of lumbar plexus tumors have been associated with approach-related morbidity. We describe a case utilizing a minimally invasive transpsoas lateral access approach to resect a retroperitoneal tumor of the lumbar plexus.

Methods We report a case with an extradural retroperitoneal schwannoma of the L4 nerve root that was treated with a minimally invasive direct lateral transpsoas approach using atraumatic tissue dilators and an expandable tubular retractor. The use of directional and continuous electromyographic monitoring was critical in locating the plexus and positioning the retractor immediately anterior to the tumor.

Results The patient tolerated the procedure well without postoperative complications. The operative approach was direct and intraoperative blood loss was negligible. The patient demonstrated improved left leg strength and ambulation and resolution of paresthesias.

Conclusions A minimally invasive direct lateral transpsoas access approach is an effective technique to safely and adequately resect extradural retroperitoneal lumbar plexus tumors.
Note: Triggering behavior of a vacuum arc plasma source
Authors: Lan C. H. , Long J. D. , Zheng L. , Dong P. , Yang Z. , Li J. , Wang T. , He J. L.
Published: August 2016

Axial symmetry of discharge is very important for application of vacuum arc plasma. It is discovered that the triggering method is a significant factor that would influence the symmetry of arc discharge at the final stable stage. Using high-speed multiframe photography, the transition processes from cathode-trigger discharge to cathode-anode discharge were observed. It is shown that the performances of the two triggering methods investigated are quite different. Arc discharge triggered by independent electric source can be stabilized at the center of anode grid, but it is difficult to achieve such good symmetry through resistance triggering. It is also found that the triggering process is highly correlated to the behavior of emitted electrons.
Note: Refined possibilities for plasma probe diagnostics
Authors: Masherov P. E. , Riaby V. A. , Abgaryan V. K.
Published: August 2016

In an earlier publication, the ion mass determination technique was proposed using the Langmuir probe measurement results for low-pressure Maxwellian plasmas and their analysis, based on the Bohm effect and the Child-Boguslavsky-Langmuir (CBL) probe sheath model, allowing for probe sheath thickness and ion mass evaluations after the Bohm coefficient CBCyl ≈ 1.13 for cylindrical probes had been determined. In the present study, the step-front sheath model, being physically closer to the reality of gas discharge plasmas, was considered in order to correct the CBL sheath model results. At this stage, more real Bohm coefficient (CBCyl ≈ 1.23) for cylindrical probes was found to provide a more reliable method of probe sheath thickness and ion mass determination.
Salinity effects on chloroplast PSII performance in glycophytes and halophytes
Authors: Percey William J. , McMinn Andrew , Bose Jayakumar , Breadmore Michael C. , Guijt Rosanne M. , Shabala Sergey
Published: August 2016

The effects of NaCl stress and K+ nutrition on photosynthetic parameters of isolated chloroplasts were investigated using PAM fluorescence. Intact mesophyll cells were able to maintain optimal photosynthetic performance when exposed to salinity for more than 24 h whereas isolated chloroplasts showed declines in both the relative electron transport rate (rETR) and the maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) within the first hour of treatment. The rETR was much more sensitive to salt stress compared with Fv/Fm, with 40% inhibition of rETR observed at apoplastic NaCl concentration as low as 20 mM. In isolated chloroplasts, absolute K+ concentrations were more essential for the maintenance of the optimal photochemical performance (Fv/Fm values) rather than sodium concentrations per se. Chloroplasts from halophyte species of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) and pigface (Carpobrotus rosii (Haw.) Schwantes) showed less than 18% decline in Fv/Fm under salinity, whereas the Fv/Fm decline in chloroplasts from glycophyte pea (Pisum sativum L.) and bean (Vicia faba L.) species was much stronger (31 and 47% respectively). Vanadate (a P-type ATPase inhibitor) significantly reduced Fv/Fm in both control and salinity treated chloroplasts (by 7 and 25% respectively), whereas no significant effects of gadolinium (blocker of non-selective cation channels) were observed in salt-treated chloroplasts. Tetraethyl ammonium (TEA) (K+ channel inhibitor) and amiloride (inhibitor of the Na+/H+ antiporter) increased the Fv/Fm of salinity treated chloroplasts by 16 and 17% respectively. These results suggest that chloroplasts’ ability to regulate ion transport across the envelope and thylakoid membranes play a critical role in leaf photosynthetic performance under salinity.
Quantum spin dynamics with pairwise-tunable, long-range interactions
Authors: Hung C.-L. , González-Tudela Alejandro , Cirac J. Ignacio , Kimble H. J.
Published: August 2016

Significance

Cold atoms trapped along a photonic crystal waveguide can be used to simulate long-range quantum magnetism with pairwise-tunable spin–spin interactions mediated by guided virtual photons in a photonic band gap. Using a two-photon Raman addressing scheme, the proposed atom-nanophotonic system can achieve arbitrary and dynamic control on the strength, phase, and length scale of spin interactions. This promises new avenues for engineering a large class of spin Hamiltonians, including those exhibiting topological order or frustrated long-range magnetism.
Natural search algorithms as a bridge between organisms, evolution, and ecology
Authors: Hein Andrew M. , Carrara Francesco , Brumley Douglas R. , Stocker Roman , Levin Simon A.
Published: August 2016

The ability to navigate is a hallmark of living systems, from single cells to higher animals. Searching for targets, such as food or mates in particular, is one of the fundamental navigational tasks many organisms must execute to survive and reproduce. Here, we argue that a recent surge of studies of the proximate mechanisms that underlie search behavior offers a new opportunity to integrate the biophysics and neuroscience of sensory systems with ecological and evolutionary processes, closing a feedback loop that promises exciting new avenues of scientific exploration at the frontier of systems biology.
Nuclear repartitioning of galectin-1 by an extracellular glycan switch regulates mammary morphogenesis
Authors: Bhat Ramray , Belardi Brian , Mori Hidetoshi , Kuo Peiwen , Tam Andrew , Hines William C. , Le Quynh-Thu , Bertozzi Carolyn R. , Bissell Mina J.
Published: August 2016

Significance

Malignant cells of breast carcinoma and nonmalignant epithelia of branching mammary glands share the ability to migrate through their surroundings. To form the mammary tree-like architecture, nonmalignant epithelia must migrate in a controlled fashion, integrating cues from their microenvironment, notably, the glycan appendages on extracellular proteins and lipids. Here, we show that Galectin-1, a glycan-binding protein, is able to sense glycan signatures on mammary gland epithelia, transmit this information to epithelial nuclei by direct translocation, and drive branching migration. Nuclear galectin-1 is regulated by the relative levels of α2,6–sialic acids and
N
-acetyllactosamine on extracellular glycans. Similar lectin–glycan signatures were observed in malignant breast cells and suggest cancer cells use this pathway during their invasion.
Properties of AlPO4/CePO4 hybrid coating on rutile TiO2
Authors: Yang H. , Mao J.
Published: August 2016

A dense and amorphous AlPO4/CePO4 film was prepared on the surface of rutile TiO2 particles by chemical deposition method. Compared with plain rutile TiO2 particles, the water dispersibility, whiteness and brightness were obviously improved. The fabricated CePO4/AlPO4 hybrid layer effectively suppressed the photo-catalytic activity of rutile TiO2 particles. Optimum cerium phosphate content (counted by CeO2) of hybrid coating should not exceed 0.5 wt-% when AlPO4 (counted by Al2O3) was 2 wt-% to effectively balance the whiteness, brightness and photo-stability.
Structural colour of polyester fabric coated with Ag/TiO2 multilayer films
Authors: Yuan X. , Xu W. , Huang F. , Chen D. , Wei Q.
Published: August 2016

Silver/titanium dioxide (Ag/TiO2) multilayer films with structural colours on polyester fabric were fabricated using direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering. The bright and variable structural colourations of polyester fabrics coated with an Ag/TiO2 film were investigated with GretagMacbeth Color-Eye 7000A spectrophotometer. The compositions, surface morphologies and microstructure of multilayer films deposited on polyester fabrics were also analysed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicated that the structural colours varied with the thickness of TiO2 thin layer in Ag/TiO2 multilayer films. The TiO2 thin layer thicknesses were 42, 65.6, 82, 98.4 and 114.8 nm, and the samples colours became purple, light blue, blue, pink and dark red, respectively. The creation of colours was coincident to film interference principle. XRD analysis revealed that there were four diffraction peaks for Ag/TiO2 multilayer film at 38, 44, 64 and 77° of 2 θ, corresponding to (110), (200), (220) and (311) Ag crystal planes and that TiO2 structure in Ag/TiO2 multilayer film was non-crystalline.
VPS35 binds farnesylated N-Ras in the cytosol to regulate N-Ras trafficking
Authors: Zhou Mo , Wiener Heidi , Su Wenjuan , Zhou Yong , Liot Caroline , Ahearn Ian , Hancock John F. , Philips Mark R.
Published: August 2016

Ras guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) regulate signaling pathways only when associated with cellular membranes through their C-terminal prenylated regions. Ras proteins move between membrane compartments in part via diffusion-limited, fluid phase transfer through the cytosol, suggesting that chaperones sequester the polyisoprene lipid from the aqueous environment. In this study, we analyze the nature of the pool of endogenous Ras proteins found in the cytosol. The majority of the pool consists of farnesylated, but not palmitoylated, N-Ras that is associated with a high molecular weight (HMW) complex. Affinity purification and mass spectrographic identification revealed that among the proteins found in the HMW fraction is VPS35, a latent cytosolic component of the retromer coat. VPS35 bound to N-Ras in a farnesyl-dependent, but neither palmitoyl- nor guanosine triphosphate (GTP)–dependent, fashion. Silencing VPS35 increased N-Ras’s association with cytoplasmic vesicles, diminished GTP loading of Ras, and inhibited mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and growth of N-Ras–dependent melanoma cells.