bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Dynamics of Coalition Formation on Complex Networks
Authors: Auer S. , Heitzig J. , Kornek U. , Schöll E. , Kurths J.
Published: August 2015

Complex networks describe the structure of many socio-economic systems. However, in studies of decision-making processes the evolution of the underlying social relations are disregarded. In this report, we aim to understand the formation of self-organizing domains of cooperation (“coalitions”) on an acquaintance network. We include both the network’s influence on the formation of coalitions and vice versa how the network adapts to the current coalition structure, thus forming a social feedback loop. We increase complexity from simple opinion adaptation processes studied in earlier research to more complex decision-making determined by costs and benefits and from bilateral to multilateral cooperation. We show how phase transitions emerge from such coevolutionary dynamics, which can be interpreted as processes of great transformations. If the network adaptation rate is high, the social dynamics prevent the formation of a grand coalition and therefore full cooperation. We find some empirical support for our main results: Our model develops a bimodal coalition size distribution over time similar to those found in social structures. Our detection and distinguishing of phase transitions may be exemplary for other models of socio-economic systems with low agent numbers and therefore strong finite-size effects.
SPAD-based leaf nitrogen estimation is impacted by environmental factors and crop leaf characteristics
Authors: Xiong Dongliang , Chen Jia , Yu Tingting , Gao Wanlin , Ling Xiaoxia , Li Yong , Peng Shaobing , Huang Jianliang
Published: August 2015

Chlorophyll meters are widely used to guide nitrogen (N) management by monitoring leaf N status in agricultural systems, but the effects of environmental factors and leaf characteristics on leaf N estimations are still unclear. In the present study, we estimated the relationships among SPAD readings, chlorophyll content and leaf N content per leaf area for seven species grown in multiple environments. There were similar relationships between SPAD readings and chlorophyll content per leaf area for the species groups, but the relationship between chlorophyll content and leaf N content per leaf area and the relationship between SPAD readings and leaf N content per leaf area varied widely among the species groups. A significant impact of light-dependent chloroplast movement on SPAD readings was observed under low leaf N supplementation in both rice and soybean but not under high N supplementation. Furthermore, the allocation of leaf N to chlorophyll was strongly influenced by short-term changes in growth light. We demonstrate that the relationship between SPAD readings and leaf N content per leaf area is profoundly affected by environmental factors and leaf features of crop species, which should be accounted for when using a chlorophyll meter to guide N management in agricultural systems.
Structural Deformation of Sm@C88 under High Pressure
Authors: Cui Jinxing , Yao Mingguang , Yang Hua , Liu Ziyang , Ma Fengxian , Li Quanjun , Liu Ran , Zou Bo , Cui Tian , Liu Zhenxian , Sundqvist Bertil , Liu Bingbing
Published: August 2015

We have studied the structural transformation of Sm@C88 under pressure up to 18 GPa by infrared spectroscopy combined with theoretical simulations. The infrared-active vibrational modes of Sm@C88 at ambient conditions have been assigned for the first time. Pressure-induced blue and red shifts of the corresponding vibrational modes indicate an anisotropic deformation of the carbon cage upon compression. We propose that the carbon cage changes from ellipsoidal to approximately spherical around 7 GPa. A smaller deformation of the carbon bonds in the area close to the Sm atom in the cage suggests that the trapped Sm atom plays a role in minimizing the compression of the adjacent bonds. Pressure induced a significant reduction of the band gap of the crystal. The HOMO-LUMO gap of the Sm@C88 molecule decreases remarkably at 7 GPa as the carbon cage is deformed. Also, compression enhances intermolecular interactions and causes a widening of the energy bands. Both effects decrease the band gap of the sample. The carbon cage deforms significantly above 7 GPa, from spherical to a peanut-like shape and collapses at 18 GPa.
Nuclear Localization of the DNA Repair Scaffold XRCC1: Uncovering the Functional Role of a Bipartite NLS
Authors: Kirby Thomas W. , Gassman Natalie R. , Smith Cassandra E. , Pedersen Lars C. , Gabel Scott A. , Sobhany Mack , Wilson Samuel H. , London Robert E.
Published: August 2015

We have characterized the nuclear localization signal (NLS) of XRCC1 structurally using X-ray crystallography and functionally using fluorescence imaging. Crystallography and binding studies confirm the bipartite nature of the XRCC1 NLS interaction with Importin α (Impα) in which the major and minor binding motifs are separated by >20 residues and resolve previous inconsistent determinations. Binding studies of peptides corresponding to the bipartite NLS, as well as its major and minor binding motifs, to both wild-type and mutated forms of Impα reveal pronounced cooperative binding behavior that is generated by the proximity effect of the tethered major and minor motifs of the NLS. The cooperativity stems from the increased local concentration of the second motif near its cognate binding site that is a consequence of the stepwise binding behavior of the bipartite NLS. We predict that the stepwise dissociation of the NLS from Impα facilitates unloading by providing a partially complexed intermediate that is available for competitive binding by Nup50 or the Importin β binding domain. This behavior provides a basis for meeting the intrinsically conflicting high affinity and high flux requirements of an efficient nuclear transport system.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Increases HNF-4α Phosphorylation via cAMP/PKA Pathway in the Liver
Authors: Song Yongfeng , Zheng Dongmei , Zhao Meng , Qin Yejun , Wang Tingting , Xing Wanjia , Gao Ling , Zhao Jiajun
Published: August 2015

Hepatocyte nuclear factor-4 alpha (HNF-4α) is an orphan nuclear receptor with important roles in hepatic metabolism. Protein phosphorylation plays a functional role in its nuclear localization, DNA binding and transactivation. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland, whose direct effect on the metabolic pathway has been observed. Our previous study demonstrated that TSH significantly decreases hepatic nuclear HNF-4α expression. However, whether TSH can influence HNF-4α phosphorylation is unclear. Here, we discovered that TSH can increase HNF-4α phosphorylation and modulate its subcellularlocalization. When HepG2 cells were treated with TSH, the phosphorylation of HNF-4α increased and its nuclear localization was interrupted. Cytoplasmic HNF-4α increased, while nuclear HNF-4α decreased. When the cAMP/PKA pathway was inhibited by the PKA inhibitor H89 and the adenylate cyclase (AC) inhibitor SQ22536, the TSH-mediated phosphorylation of HNF-4α was disrupted. When Tshr was silenced in mice, the phosphorylation of HNF-4α decreased and cytoplasmic HNF-4α decreased while nuclear HNF-4α increased. In conclusion, our study revealed a novel mechanism by which TSH regulated the hepatic HNF-4α subcellular localization, suggesting the possibility that one of the effects of TSH is to reduce the expression of HNF-4α target genes.
Coffee consumption and risk of endometrial cancer: a dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Zhou Quan , Luo Mei-Ling , Li Hui , Li Min , Zhou Jian-Guo
Published: August 2015

This is a dose-response (DR) meta-analysis to evaluate the association of coffee consumption on endometrial cancer (EC) risk. A total 1,534,039 participants from 13 published articles were added in this meta-analysis. The RR of total coffee consumption and EC were 0.80 (95% CI: 0.74–0.86). A stronger association between coffee intake and EC incidence was found in patients who were never treated with hormones, 0.60 (95% CI: 0.50–0.72) and subjects with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2, 0.57 (95% CI: 0.46–0.71). The overall RRs for caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee were 0.66 (95% CI: 0.52–0.84) and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.63–0.94), respectively. A linear DR relationship was seen in coffee, caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee and caffeine intake. The EC risk decreased by 5% for every 1 cup per day of coffee intake, 7% for every 1 cup per day of caffeinated coffee intake, 4% for every 1 cup per day of decaffeinated intake of coffee and 4% for every 100 mg of caffeine intake per day. In conclusion, coffee and intake of caffeine might significantly reduce the incidence of EC and these effects may be modified by BMI and history of hormone therapy.
Deformability and size-based cancer cell separation using an integrated microfluidic device
Authors: Pang Long , Shen Shaofei , Ma Chao , Ma Tongtong , Zhang Rui , Tian Chang , Zhao Lei , Liu Wenming , Wang Jinyi
Published: August 2015

We present an integrated microfluidic device for cell separation based on the cell size and deformability by combining the microstructure-constricted filtration and pneumatic microvalves.
Bovine serum albumin-capped CdS quantum dots as an inner-filter effect sensor for rapid detection and quantification of protamine and heparin
Authors: Li Hongxia , Yang Xiaohong
Published: August 2015

In this work, we developed a novel and sensitive sensor for the detection of heparin and protamine based on the inner-filter effect (IFE) between gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and bovine serum albumin-capped CdS quantum dots (QDs).
An ultra-sensitive hydrogen gas sensor using reduced graphene oxide-loaded ZnO nanofibers
Authors: Abideen Zain Ul , Kim Hyoun Woo , Kim Sang Sub
Published: August 2015

An extremely high response of about 866 at a low concentration of 100 ppb was obtained by developing a hydrogen sensor of reduced graphene oxide-loaded ZnO nanofibers.
Organocatalytic dynamic kinetic resolution of azlactones to construct chiral N-acyl amino acid oxime esters
Authors: Yu Kunru , Liu Xiaohua , Lin Xiaobin , Lin Lili , Feng Xiaoming
Published: August 2015

We have developed a chiral bisguanidinium salt catalyzed dynamic kinetic resolution of azlactones with oximes. A variety of chiral N-acyl amino acid oxime esters were generated with up to 97% ee and 99% yield. The products are useful in peptide synthesis.
A bidirection-adjustable ionic current rectification system based on a biconical micro-channel
Authors: Chang Fengxia , Chen Cheng , Xie Xia , Chen Lisha , Li Meixian , Zhu Zhiwei
Published: August 2015

We developed a simple, cheap and bidirectional ionic current rectification system based on the integration of a biconical micro-channel, working electrode and reference electrode. This system may have potential and realistic future value for studying two-way ionic transport in the cell membrane.
Enhanced luminescence stability with a Tb–spin crossover nanocomposite for spin state monitoring
Authors: Suleimanov I. , Kraieva O. , Molnár G. , Salmon L. , Bousseksou A.
Published: August 2015

Tb–spin crossover nanocomposite possessing high photoluminescence stability is shown to be very efficient for spin state monitoring via a reabsorption mechanism.
Self-organisation of inorganic elements on Si(001) mediated by pre-adsorbed organic molecules
Authors: Racis A. , Jurczyszyn L. , Bazarnik M. , Koczorowski W. , Wykrota A. , Czajka R. , Radny M. W.
Published: August 2015

A combined theoretical and experimental study on the adsorption of an isolated benzonitrile molecule on the Si(001) surface, followed by the adsorption of Al (group III), Pb (carbon group) and Ag (transition metal) is presented.
Towards efficient catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane in the presence of CO2: Cr/SiO2 systems prepared by direct hydrothermal synthesis
Authors: Botavina M. A. , Agafonov Yu. A. , Gaidai N. A. , Groppo E. , Cortés Corberán V. , Lapidus A. L. , Martra G.
Published: August 2015

CrOx/SiO2 catalysts with high propene/olefin yield, stable towards irreversible deactivation, are proposed for the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane with CO2.
Bifunctional hybrid catalysts derived from Cu/Zn-based nanoparticles for single-step dimethyl ether synthesis
Authors: Gentzen M. , Habicht W. , Doronkin D. E. , Grunwaldt J.-D. , Sauer J. , Behrens S.
Published: August 2015

Model kit for bifunctional catalysts: colloidal Cu/Zn-based nanoparticles were synthesized and used as building blocks in syngas to dimethyl ether (STD) catalysts.
MOF-derived self-assembled ZnO/Co3O4 nanocomposite clusters as high-performance anodes for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhu Dequan , Zheng Fangcai , Xu Shihao , Zhang Yuanguang , Chen Qianwang
Published: August 2015

Although different kinds of metal oxide nanoparticles are extensively investigated as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), their cycle life and energy/power density are still not suitable for commercial applications.
Highly efficient planar perovskite solar cells through band alignment engineering
Authors: Correa Baena Juan Pablo , Steier Ludmilla , Tress Wolfgang , Saliba Michael , Neutzner Stefanie , Matsui Taisuke , Giordano Fabrizio , Jacobsson T. Jesper , Srimath Kandada Ajay Ram , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Petrozza Annamaria , Abate Antonio , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Grätzel Michael , Hagfeldt Anders
Published: August 2015

Planar perovskite solar cells exhibit a conduction band misalignment of the perovskite with TiO2, but not with SnO2. The system using the latter yielded power conversion efficiencies over 18%.
Actin cytoskeleton differentially alters the dynamics of lamin A, HP1α and H2B core histone proteins to remodel chromatin condensation state in living cells
Authors: Toh Kee Chua , Ramdas Nisha M. , Shivashankar G. V.
Published: August 2015

Cellular mechanical signalsviathe actin cytoskeleton regulate DNA packing by altering the dynamics of nuclear structure proteins.
Engineering fluidic delays in paper-based devices using laser direct-writing
Authors: He P. J. W. , Katis I. N. , Eason R. W. , Sones C. L.
Published: August 2015

Schematic of the fabrication of polymerised barriers, a) depth-variable solid barriers; b) porosity-variable permeable barriers, for controlled variable flow delays.
Single-excitation dual-color coherent lasing by tuning resonance energy transfer processes in porous structured nanowires
Authors: Wang Zhaona , Shi Xiaoyu , Yu Ruomeng , Wei Sujun , Chang Qing , Wang Yanrong , Liu Dahe , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: August 2015

Single-excitation dual-color coherent random lasing was achieved by tuning the resonance energy transfer process in porous structured nanowires.
Elaborately designed diblock nanoprobes for simultaneous multicolor detection of microRNAs
Authors: Wang Chenguang , Zhang Huan , Zeng Dongdong , Sun Wenliang , Zhang Honglu , Aldalbahi Ali , Wang Yunsheng , San Lili , Fan Chunhai , Zuo Xiaolei , Mi Xianqiang
Published: August 2015

Simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers has important prospects in the biomedical field.
A recognition-mediated reaction drives amplification within a dynamic library
Authors: Sadownik Jan W. , Philp Douglas
Published: August 2015

A single recognition event targets, selects and transforms one of four members of an exchanging pool of compounds.
Highly regioselective para-methylthiolation/bridging methylenation of arylamines promoted by NH4I
Authors: Xu Yinfeng , Cong Tiantian , Liu Ping , Sun Peipei
Published: August 2015

Aryl methyl thioethers and methylene-bridged arylamines were synthesized via highly regioselective para-methylthiolation/bridging methylenation of arylamines using DMSO as the methylthio or methylene source in the presence of NH4I under metal-free conditions.
Polymerization of disubstituted acetylenes by monodentate NHC-Pd catalysts
Authors: Li Min , Chen Changle
Published: August 2015

Monodentate NHC-Pd catalyzed efficient polymerization of disubstituted acetylenes to generate polymers with high molecular weight and high thermal stability.
Structural and thermal properties of poly(1,4-cyclohexane dimethylene terephthalate) containing isosorbide
Authors: Koo J. M. , Hwang S. Y. , Yoon W. J. , Lee Y. G. , Kim S. H. , Im S. S.
Published: August 2015

Poly(1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene isosorbide terephthalate) (PICT) copolymers were synthesized by melt condensation with various contents of the corn derived monomer isosorbide (ISB).
Phosphorescent chemosensor for Hg2+ based on an iridium(iii) complex coordinated with 4-phenylquinazoline and carbazole dithiocarbamate
Authors: Mei Qunbo , Shi Yujie , Hua Qingfang , Tong Bihai
Published: August 2015

A colorimetric phosphorescent chemosensor Ir(pqz)2(cdc) showed satisfactory selective, sensitive, naked eye detection and fluorescence change response to Hg2+ in MeCN.
Synthesis, characterization and application of core–shell magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers for selective recognition of clozapine from human serum
Authors: Javidi Jaber , Esmaeilpour Mohsen , Khansari Mehdi Rajabnia
Published: August 2015

In this article, a magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (MMIPs) based on Fe3O4@SiO2 has been synthesized for simply extraction of clozapine (CLZ) from human serum.
Conformational behaviour of 3-methyl-4-(4-methylbenzoyl)-1-phenyl-pyrazol-5-one: a sudden story of three desmotropes
Authors: Kurteva Vanya B. , Shivachev Boris L. , Nikolova Rositsa P. , Simova Svetlana D. , Antonov Liudmil M. , Lubenov Lubomir A. , Petrova Maria A.
Published: August 2015

The conformational behaviour of 3-methyl-4-(4-methylbenzoyl)-1-phenyl-pyrazol-5-one was studied using a combination of X-ray diffraction, NMR spectroscopy in solution and the solid state, and DFT calculations in the gas phase.
Electrochemical-reduction-assisted assembly of ternary Ag nanoparticles/polyoxometalate/graphene nanohybrids and their activity in the electrocatalysis of oxygen reduction
Authors: Liu Rongji , Xian Zhaowei , Zhang Shuangshuang , Chen Chunhua , Yang Zhihua , Li Hang , Zheng Wanquan , Zhang Guangjin , Cao Hongbin
Published: August 2015

Ternary Ag NPs@POM/rGO nanohybrids were synthesized by an electrochemical-reduction-assisted assembly method and had high electrocatalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction.
Biologizing titanium alloy implant material with morphogenetically active polyphosphate
Authors: Müller Werner E. G. , Tolba Emad , Schröder Heinz C. , Wang Shunfeng , Glasser Gunnar , Diehl-Seifert Bärbel , Wang Xiaohong
Published: August 2015

As a further step towards a new generation of bone implant materials, we developed a procedure for biological functionalization of titanium alloy surfaces with inorganic calcium polyphosphate (Ca-polyP).
Fabrication of Ag/γ-Fe2O3@TiO2hollow magnetic core–shell nanospheres as highly efficient catalysts for the synthesis of β-enaminones
Authors: Huo Hongfei , Li Xinzhe , Zhou Xingchun , Jiao Lixin , Zhao Shiling , Zhang Le , Li Wenzhu , Li Shuwen , Li Rong
Published: August 2015

Herein, we describe a method to prepare hollow magnetic mesoporous sphere catalysts (Ag/γ-Fe2O3@meso-TiO2).
Optical property modulation of Fmoc group by pH-dependent self-assembly
Authors: Tao Kai , Yoskovitz Eyal , Adler-Abramovich Lihi , Gazit Ehud
Published: August 2015

The photophysical features of the Fmoc group can be modulated by pH-mediated self-assembly.
Synthesis of new chiral lactam-fused pyridine derivatives
Authors: Sengoku Tetsuya , Murata Yusuke , Suzuki Chihiro , Takahashi Masaki , Yoda Hidemi
Published: August 2015

An acid promoted cyclisation of benzylidene-modified tetramic acid and various enamines followed by MnO2 oxidation afforded the corresponding C2-symmetric and unsymmetric lactam-fused pyridines in enantiomerically pure forms.
Correction: Solution based rapid synthesis of AgCuO2 at room temperature
Authors: Padmavathy Nagarajan , Vijayaraghavan Rajagopalan , Kulkarni Giridhar U.
Published: August 2015

Correction for ‘Solution based rapid synthesis of AgCuO2 at room temperature’ by Nagarajan Padmavathy et al., RSC Adv., 2014, 4, 62746–62750.
Correction: A straightforward and “green” solvothermal synthesis of Al doped zinc oxide plasmonic nanocrystals and piezoresistive elastomer nanocomposite
Authors: Šutka Andris , Timusk Martin , Döbelin Nicola , Pärna Rainer , Visnapuu Meeri , Joost Urmas , Käämbre Tanel , Kisand Vambola , Saal Kristjan , Knite Maris
Published: August 2015

Correction for ‘A straightforward and “green” solvothermal synthesis of Al doped zinc oxide plasmonic nanocrystals and piezoresistive elastomer nanocomposite’ by Andris Šutka et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 63846–63852.
Selective acceleration of disfavored enolate addition reactions by anion–π interactions
Authors: Zhao Yingjie , Benz Sebastian , Sakai Naomi , Matile Stefan
Published: August 2015

The tortoise and the hare: anion–π interactions are reported to selectively accelerate the intrinsically disfavored addition of malonate half thioesters.
Composite β-AgVO3@V1.65+V0.44+O4.8 hydrogels and xerogels for iodide capture
Authors: Fernández de Luis Roberto , Martínez-Amesti Ana , Larrea Edurne S. , Lezama Luis , Aguayo Andrés Tomás , Arriortua María I.
Published: August 2015

Silver vanadium oxide (SVO) and vanadium oxide (VO) composite hydrogels have been synthesized. The hydrogels are formed by non-covalent cross linked SVO and VO nano-ribbons. The hydrogels and xerogels adsorb dyes very efficiently and show a large retention of iodide.
Molybdenum-doped mesoporous carbon/graphene composites as efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Dong Youzhen , Liu Mengjia , Liu Yang , Wang Shiwei , Li Jinghong
Published: August 2015

Molybdenum-doped mesoporous carbon/graphene composites synthesized by a novel and effective soft template strategy exhibit excellent activity for the ORR, better methanol tolerance and long-term durability.
Core–shell structured BaTiO3@carbon hybrid particles for polymer composites with enhanced dielectric performance
Authors: Feng Y. , Li W. L. , Wang J. P. , Yin J. H. , Fei W. D.
Published: August 2015

Core–shell structured BaTiO3@carbon hybrid particles fabricated via chemical vapor deposition can remarkably enhance the dielectric performance of polymer composites.
Synergistic effect of S,N-co-doped mesoporous carbon materials with high performance for oxygen-reduction reaction and Li-ion batteries
Authors: Zhuang Gui-lin , Bai Jia-qi , Tao Xin-yong , Luo Jian-min , Wang Xin-de , Gao Yi-fen , Zhong Xing , Li Xiao-nian , Wang Jian-guo
Published: August 2015

We report a new and efficient method for synthesizing a S,N-co-doped mesoporous carbon material, which exhibited high performance for ORR and LIB applications.
Five porous zinc(ii) coordination polymers functionalized with amide groups: cooperative and size-selective catalysis
Authors: Ma Lufang , Wang Xiaoning , Deng Dongsheng , Luo Feng , Ji Baoming , Zhang Jian
Published: August 2015

Five desolvated PCPs exhibit efficiency as base catalysts for the Knoevenagel condensation reaction and show size selectivity under solvent-free conditions.
Humic acid-assisted synthesis of stable copper nanoparticles as a peroxidase mimetic and their application in glucose detection
Authors: Wang Nan , Li Bingchen , Qiao Fengmin , Sun Jianchao , Fan Hai , Ai Shiyun
Published: August 2015

Stable Cu NPs were prepared using humic acid as the reducing and stabilizing agents for application in glucose detection.
Enhancing the performance of polymer solar cells by tuning the drying process of blend films via changing side chains and using solvent additives
Authors: Zhang Jicheng , Zhang Xuejuan , Li Guangwu , li Wenhua , Kang Chong , Zhao Xiuxiu , Lu Heng , Bo Zhishan
Published: August 2015

A PCE of 5.71% for PSCs has been achieved by tuning the drying process of blend filmsviaadjusting the side chains and using DIO additives.
Quantitative real time sensing reveals enhanced sensitivity of polar dendrimer thin films for plastic explosive taggants
Authors: Clulow Andrew J. , Cavaye Hamish , Tang Guoqiang , Shaw Paul E. , Cooper-White Justin J. , Burn Paul L. , Meredith Paul
Published: August 2015

A method of introducing pulses of analyte vapours has been developed to study the interactions of nitro-containing analytes with fluorescent sensing films.
Conductive magnetic sol–gel films
Authors: Vinogradov Vladimir V. , Felner Israel , Nowik Israel , Avnir David
Published: August 2015

We report the development of new conductive–magnetic composite films obtained by the entrapment of silver nanowires (AgNWs) in sol–gel derived magnetite.
Establishment of a recessive mutant small-eye rat with lens involution and retinal detachment associated with partial deletion and rearrangement of the Cryba1 gene
Authors: Yamada Toshiyuki , Nanashima Naoki , Shimizu Takeshi , Nakazawa Yosuke , Nakazawa Mitsuru , Tsuchida Shigeki
Published: August 2015

From our stock of SDRs (Sprague–Dawley rats), we established a mutant strain having small opaque eyes and named it HiSER (Hirosaki small-eye rat). The HiSER phenotype is progressive and autosomal recessive. In HiSER eyes, disruption and involution of the lens, thickening of the inner nuclear layer, detachment and aggregation of the retina, rudimentary muscle in the ciliary body and cell infiltration in the vitreous humour were observed. Genetic linkage analysis using crossing with Brown Norway rat suggested that the causative gene(s) is located on chromosome 10. Microarray analysis showed that the expression level of the Cryba1 gene encoding βA3/A1-crystallin on chromosome 10 was markedly decreased in HiSER eyes. Genomic PCR revealed deletion of a 3.6-kb DNA region encompassing exons 4–6 of the gene in HiSERs. In HiSER eyes, a chimaeric transcript of the gene containing exons 1–3 and an approximately 250-bp sequence originating from the 3′-UTR of the Nufip2 gene, located downstream of the breakpoint in the opposite direction, was present. Whereas the chimaeric transcript was expressed in HiSER eyes, neither normal nor chimaeric βA3/A1-crystallin proteins were detected by Western blot analysis. Real-time RT (reverse transcription)–PCR analysis revealed that expression level of the Nufip2 gene in the HiSER eye was 40% of that in the SDR eye. These results suggest that the disappearance of the βA3/A1-crystallin protein and, in addition, down-regulation of the Nufip2 gene as a consequence of gene rearrangement causes the HiSER phenotype.
Antibody-based exosite inhibitors of ADAMTS-5 (aggrecanase-2)
Authors: Santamaria Salvatore , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Botkjaer Kenneth , Tape Christopher , Dyson Michael R. , McCafferty John , Murphy Gillian , Nagase Hideaki
Published: August 2015

Adamalysin-like metalloproteinases with thrombospondin (TS) motifs (ADAMTS)-5 is the multi-domain metalloproteinase that most potently degrades aggrecan proteoglycan in the cartilage and its activity is implicated in the development of osteoarthritis (OA). To generate specific exosite inhibitors for it, we screened a phage display antibody library in the presence of the zinc-chelating active site-directed inhibitor GM6001 (Ilomastat) and isolated four highly selective inhibitory antibodies. Two antibodies were mapped to react with exosites in the catalytic/disintegrin domains (Cat/Dis) of the enzyme, one in the TS domain and one in the spacer domain (Sp). The antibody reacting with the Sp blocked the enzyme action only when aggrecan or the Escherichia coli-expressed aggrecan core protein were substrates, but not against a peptide substrate. The study with this antibody revealed the importance of the Sp for effective aggrecanolytic activity of ADAMTS-5 and that this domain does not interact with sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) but with the protein moiety of the proteoglycan. An antibody directed against the Cat/Dis of ADAMTS-5 was effective in a cell-based model of aggrecan degradation; however, the anti-Sp antibody was ineffective. Western blot analysis of endogenous ADAMTS-5 expressed by human chondrocytes showed the presence largely of truncated forms of ADAMTS-5, thus explaining the lack of efficacy of the anti-Sp antibody. The possibility of ADAMTS-5 truncation must then be taken into account when considering developing anti-ancillary domain antibodies for therapeutic purposes.
Smooth switching linear parameter‐varying control for hypersonic vehicles via a parameter set automatic partition method
Authors: Jiang Weilai , Dong Chaoyang , Wang Qing
Published: August 2015

This study presents a systematic approach to design smooth switching linear parameter‐varying (LPV) controllers for hypersonic vehicles (HVs). Considering the switched LPV model of HVs, the smooth switching controllers are designed by means of dividing the scheduling parameter set into subsets with overlaps and the controllers in the overlapped subsets are smoothly scheduled between controllers in adjacent subsets. A switching law without constraint on average dwell time is obtained which makes the conclusion less conservative. To divide the parameter set automatically, a novel set partition method, in which the selecting of datum vertex and the handling of unpartitioned subset are innovative, is proposed. The switching LPV controllers that achieve a desired performance are constructed efficiently by solving a convex optimisation problem. Simulation results for HVs demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed smooth switching LPV controllers and parameter set division method.
Direct liquid cooling for an outer‐rotor direct‐drive permanent‐magnet synchronous generator for wind farm applications
Authors: Polikarpova Maria , Ponomarev Pavel , Röyttä Pekka , Semken Scott , Alexandrova Yulia , Pyrhönen Juha
Published: August 2015

Offshore applications, which call for the largest and most powerful wind turbines, demand a higher standard of reliability and maintainability. Direct‐drive permanent‐magnet synchronous generators (DD‐PMSGs) are increasingly being specified for these applications. The major shortcoming to traditional high‐powered direct‐drive generators is extraordinary size and mass leading to extraordinary cost. To generate higher powers at low rotational speeds, direct‐drive generators must either develop greater tangential stresses or be larger in diameter. For traditional air‐cooled generators, higher power generally means a much larger diameter. Dramatic cost savings can be realised with the development of a more effective stator windings cooling system that puts further the limit on current density enabling the development of high‐power direct‐drive generators of substantially smaller diameters. This study presents a direct liquid cooling system design for an 8 MW outer‐rotor DD‐PMSG. The approach is new for wind turbine generators, so its impact on the thermal behaviour and reliability for the total electrical machine has been evaluated and reported here. Testing of a stator coil prototype (1/72nd of the complete stator) with internal cooling liquid flow is also reported to demonstrate the workability of the designed cooling solution.
Tri‐carrier sinusoidal pulse‐width modulation without dead time effects for converters
Authors: Song Chonghui , Diao Naizhe , Xue Zhiwei , Sun Xianrui , Guan Jianning
Published: August 2015

This study presents a tri‐carrier sinusoidal pulse‐width modulation (SPWM) to eliminate the dead time effects (DTEs) (SPWM without DTE) in principle. Compared with other existing methods, this tri‐carrier modulation method directly modified the modulation strategy to remove the DTE. It can reduce current harmonics and suppress the current ripple on the AC side of converters. This method is illustrated by taking the two‐level inverter as an example, but it can be directly extended to the case where SPWM can be applied to, such as multi‐level inverters and multi‐level rectifiers. By analysing the equivalent circuit in the classical SPWM with the dead time (SPWM with DT) submode by submode, a novel SPWM strategy is proposed. It uses triple carriers to modulate the modulating wave. According to the current direction after filtering, driving signals are decided via some simple logic operations. The simulation and experimental results prove the effectiveness of this modulation strategy. It also improves the performance of the induction motor in the illustrated example.
Systematic coarse-graining in nucleation theory
Authors: Schweizer M. , Sagis L. M. C.
Published: August 2015

In this work, we show that the standard method to obtain nucleation rate-predictions with the aid of atomistic Monte Carlo simulations leads to nucleation rate predictions that deviate 3 − 5 orders of magnitude from the recent brute-force molecular dynamics simulations [Diemand et al., J. Chem. Phys. 139, 074309 (2013)] conducted in the experimental accessible supersaturation regime for Lennard-Jones argon. We argue that this is due to the truncated state space the literature mostly relies on, where the number of atoms in a nucleus is considered the only relevant order parameter. We here formulate the nonequilibrium statistical mechanics of nucleation in an extended state space, where the internal energy and momentum of the nuclei are additionally incorporated. We show that the extended model explains the lack in agreement between the molecular dynamics simulations by Diemand et al. and the truncated state space. We demonstrate additional benefits of using the extended state space; in particular, the definition of a nucleus temperature arises very naturally and can be shown without further approximation to obey the fluctuation law of McGraw and LaViolette. In addition, we illustrate that our theory conveniently allows to extend existing theories to richer sets of order parameters.
Lamb Shift of n = 1 and n = 2 States of Hydrogen-like Atoms, 1 ≤ Z ≤ 110
Authors: Yerokhin V. A. , Shabaev V. M.
Published: August 2015

Theoretical energy levels of the n = 1 and n = 2 states of hydrogen-like atoms with the nuclear charge numbers 1 ≤ Z ≤ 110 are tabulated. The tabulation is based on ab initio quantum electrodynamics calculations performed to all orders in the nuclear binding strength parameter Zα, where α is the fine structure constant. Theoretical errors due to various effects are critically examined and estimated.
Suppression of cyclotron instability in Electron Cyclotron Resonance ion sources by two-frequency heating
Authors: Skalyga V. , Izotov I. , Kalvas T. , Koivisto H. , Komppula J. , Kronholm R. , Laulainen J. , Mansfeld D. , Tarvainen O.
Published: August 2015

Multiple frequency heating is one of the most effective techniques to improve the performance of Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) ion sources. The method increases the beam current and average charge state of the extracted ions and enhances the temporal stability of the ion beams. It is demonstrated in this paper that the stabilizing effect of two-frequency heating is connected with the suppression of electron cyclotron instability. Experimental data show that the interaction between the secondary microwave radiation and the hot electron component of ECR ion source plasmas plays a crucial role in mitigation of the instabilities.
Investigation of mechanical properties of cryogenically treated music wire
Authors: Heptonstall A. , Waller M. , Robertson N. A.
Published: August 2015

It has been reported that treating music wire (high carbon steel wire) by cooling to cryogenic temperatures can enhance its mechanical properties with particular reference to those properties important for musical performance. We use such wire for suspending many of the optics in Advanced LIGO, the upgrade to LIGO—the Laser Interferometric Gravitational-Wave Observatory. Two properties that particularly interest us are mechanical loss and breaking strength. A decrease in mechanical loss would directly reduce the thermal noise associated with the suspension, thus enhancing the noise performance of mirror suspensions within the detector. An increase in strength could allow thinner wire to be safely used, which would enhance the dilution factor of the suspension, again leading to lower suspension thermal noise. In this article, we describe the results of an investigation into some of the mechanical properties of music wire, comparing untreated wire with the same wire which has been cryogenically treated. For the samples we studied, we conclude that there is no significant difference in the properties of interest for application in gravitational wave detectors.
Dielectric response of metal/SrTiO3/two-dimensional electron liquid heterostructures
Authors: Mikheev Evgeny , Raghavan Santosh , Stemmer Susanne
Published: August 2015

Maximizing the effective dielectric constant of the gate dielectric stack is important for electrostatically controlling high carrier densities inherent to strongly correlated materials. SrTiO3 is uniquely suited for this purpose, given its extremely high dielectric constant, which can reach 104. Here, we present a systematic study of the thickness dependence of the dielectric response and leakage of SrTiO3 that is incorporated into a vertical structure on a high-carrier-density two-dimensional electron liquid (2DEL). A simple model can be used to interpret the data. The results show a need for improved interface control in the design of metal/SrTiO3/2DEL devices.
Electronic spectra from TDDFT and machine learning in chemical space
Authors: Ramakrishnan Raghunathan , Hartmann Mia , Tapavicza Enrico , von Lilienfeld O. Anatole
Published: August 2015

Due to its favorable computational efficiency, time-dependent (TD) density functional theory (DFT) enables the prediction of electronic spectra in a high-throughput manner across chemical space. Its predictions, however, can be quite inaccurate. We resolve this issue with machine learning models trained on deviations of reference second-order approximate coupled-cluster (CC2) singles and doubles spectra from TDDFT counterparts, or even from DFT gap. We applied this approach to low-lying singlet-singlet vertical electronic spectra of over 20 000 synthetically feasible small organic molecules with up to eight CONF atoms. The prediction errors decay monotonously as a function of training set size. For a training set of 10 000 molecules, CC2 excitation energies can be reproduced to within ±0.1 eV for the remaining molecules. Analysis of our spectral database via chromophore counting suggests that even higher accuracies can be achieved. Based on the evidence collected, we discuss open challenges associated with data-driven modeling of high-lying spectra and transition intensities.
Shock loading characteristics of Zr and Ti metals using dual beam velocimeter
Authors: Saxena A. K. , Kaushik T. C. , Gupta Satish C.
Published: August 2015

The characteristics of titanium and zirconium metal foils under shock loading have been studied up to 16 GPa and 12 GPa pressure, respectively, using portable electric gun setup as projectile launcher. In these experiments, the capabilities of a single Fabry-Perot velocimeter have been enhanced by implementing it in dual beam mode to record the two velocity profiles on a single streak camera. The measured equation of state data for both the metals have been found to be well in agreement with the reported Hugoniot, within experimental accuracies. A phase transition from α to ω phase has been detected near to 11.4 GPa for titanium and 8.2 GPa for zirconium in the rising part of target-glass interface velocity profile.
Coherent state quantization of quaternions
Authors: Muraleetharan B. , Thirulogasanthar K.
Published: August 2015

Parallel to the quantization of the complex plane, using the canonical coherent states of a right quaternionic Hilbert space, quaternion field of quaternionic quantum mechanics is quantized. Associated upper symbols, lower symbols, and related quantities are analyzed. Quaternionic version of the harmonic oscillator and Weyl-Heisenberg algebra are also obtained.
Non-equilibrium thermionic electron emission for metals at high temperatures
Authors: Domenech-Garret J. L. , Tierno S. P. , Conde L.
Published: August 2015

Stationary thermionic electron emission currents from heated metals are compared against an analytical expression derived using a non-equilibrium quantum kappa energy distribution for the electrons. The latter depends on the temperature decreasing parameter κ(T), which decreases with increasing temperature and can be estimated from raw experimental data and characterizes the departure of the electron energy spectrum from equilibrium Fermi-Dirac statistics. The calculations accurately predict the measured thermionic emission currents for both high and moderate temperature ranges. The Richardson-Dushman law governs electron emission for large values of kappa or equivalently, moderate metal temperatures. The high energy tail in the electron energy distribution function that develops at higher temperatures or lower kappa values increases the emission currents well over the predictions of the classical expression. This also permits the quantitative estimation of the departure of the metal electrons from the equilibrium Fermi-Dirac statistics.
Fabrication of novel cryomill for synthesis of high purity metallic nanoparticles
Authors: Kumar Nirmal , Biswas Krishanu
Published: August 2015

The successful preparation of free standing metal nanoparticles with high purity in bulk quantity is the pre-requisite for any potential application. This is possible by using ball milling at cryogenic temperature. However, the most of ball mills available in the market do not allow preparing high purity metal nanoparticles by this route. In addition, it is not possible to carry out in situ measurements of process parameters as well as diagnostic of the process. In the present investigation, we present a detailed study on the fabrication of a cryomill, which is capable of avoiding contaminations in the product. It also provides in situ measurements and diagnostic of the low temperature milling process. Online monitoring of the milling temperature and observation of ball motion are the important aspects in the newly designed mill. The nanoparticles prepared using this fabricated mill have been found to be free standing and also free from contaminations.
Atmospheric ions as the origin of photoinduced degrading of photoluminescence from a single-walled carbon nanotube
Authors: Inaba Takumi , Homma Yoshikazu
Published: August 2015

Air-suspended single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were exposed to atmospheric ions for identifying the origin of photoinduced degrading of photoluminescence from SWCNTs in air. Decreased intensity and a low energy shift of photoluminescence from the SWCNT were observed after the exposure, and the reaction was found to be accelerated by laser illumination. The amount of the decrease and shift had a weak correlation and were attributed to the chemisorption of hydronium ions along with water molecules.
Uniform electron gases. III. Low-density gases on three-dimensional spheres
Authors: Agboola Davids , Knol Anneke L. , Gill Peter M. W. , Loos Pierre-François
Published: August 2015

By combining variational Monte Carlo (VMC) and complete-basis-set limit Hartree-Fock (HF) calculations, we have obtained near-exact correlation energies for low-density same-spin electrons on a three-dimensional sphere (3-sphere), i.e., the surface of a four-dimensional ball. In the VMC calculations, we compare the efficacies of two types of one-electron basis functions for these strongly correlated systems and analyze the energy convergence with respect to the quality of the Jastrow factor. The HF calculations employ spherical Gaussian functions (SGFs) which are the curved-space analogs of Cartesian Gaussian functions. At low densities, the electrons become relatively localized into Wigner crystals, and the natural SGF centers are found by solving the Thomson problem (i.e., the minimum-energy arrangement of n point charges) on the 3-sphere for various values of n. We have found 11 special values of n whose Thomson sites are equivalent. Three of these are the vertices of four-dimensional Platonic solids — the hyper-tetrahedron (n = 5), the hyper-octahedron (n = 8), and the 24-cell (n = 24) — and a fourth is a highly symmetric structure (n = 13) which has not previously been reported. By calculating the harmonic frequencies of the electrons around their equilibrium positions, we also find the first-order vibrational corrections to the Thomson energy.
Energy deposition characteristics of nanosecond dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators: Influence of dielectric material
Authors: Correale G. , Winkel R. , Kotsonis M.
Published: August 2015

An experimental study aimed at the characterization of energy deposition of nanosecond Dielectric Barrier Discharge (ns-DBD) plasma actuators was carried out. Special attention was given on the effect of the thickness and material used for dielectric barrier. The selected materials for this study were polyimide film (Kapton), polyamide based nylon (PA2200), and silicone rubber. Schlieren measurements were carried out in quiescent air conditions in order to observe density gradients induced by energy deposited. Size of heated area was used to qualify the energy deposition coupled with electrical power measurements performed using the back-current shunt technique. Additionally, light intensity measurements showed a different nature of discharge based upon the material used for barrier, for a fixed thickness and frequency of discharge. Finally, a characterisation study was performed for the three tested materials. Dielectric constant, volume resistivity, and thermal conductivity were measured. Strong trends between the control parameters and the energy deposited into the fluid during the discharge were observed. Results indicate that efficiency of energy deposition mechanism relative to the thickness of the barrier strongly depends upon the material used for the dielectric barrier itself. In general, a high dielectric strength and a low volumetric resistivity are preferred for a barrier, together with a high heat capacitance and a low thermal conductivity coefficient in order to maximize the efficiency of the thermal energy deposition induced by an ns-DBD plasma actuator.
Webcam autofocus mechanism used as a delay line for the characterization of femtosecond pulses
Authors: Castro-Marín Pablo , Kapellmann-Zafra Gabriel , Garduño-Mejía Jesús , Rosete-Aguilar Martha , Román-Moreno Carlos J.
Published: August 2015

In this work, we present an electromagnetic focusing mechanism (EFM), from a commercial webcam, implemented as a delay line of a femtosecond laser pulse characterization system. The characterization system consists on a second order autocorrelator based on a two-photon-absorption detection. The results presented here were performed for two different home-made femtosecond oscillators: Ti:sapph @ 820 nm and highly chirped pulses generated with an Erbium Doped Fiber @ 1550 nm. The EFM applied as a delay line represents an excellent alternative due its performance in terms of stability, resolution, and long scan range up to 3 ps. Due its low power consumption, the device can be connected through the Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. Details of components, schematics of electronic controls, and detection systems are presented.
Observation of large refrigerant capacity in the HoVO3 vanadate single crystal
Authors: Balli M. , Roberge B. , Jandl S. , Fournier P. , Palstra T. T. M. , Nugroho A. A.
Published: August 2015

The HoVO3 orthovanadate undergoes a large negative and conventional magnetocaloric effects around 4 K and 15 K, respectively. The partly overlapping of the magnetic transition at 15 K and the structural transition occurring at 40 K, as well as the large magnetization, give rise to a giant refrigerant capacity without hysteresis loss. For a magnetic field variation of 7 T, the refrigerant capacity is evaluated to be 620 J/kg, which is larger than that for any known RMnO3 manganite. These results should inspire and open new ways for the improvement of magnetocaloric properties of ABO3 type-oxides.