bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Optogenetic Demonstration of Motor Modularity in the Mammalian Spinal Cord
Authors: Caggiano Vittorio , Cheung Vincent C. K. , Bizzi Emilio
Published: October 2016

Motor modules are neural entities hypothesized to be building blocks of movement construction. How motor modules are underpinned by neural circuits has remained obscured. As a first step towards dissecting these circuits, we optogenetically evoked motor outputs from the lumbosacral spinal cord of two strains of transgenic mice – the Chat, with channelrhodopsin (ChR2) expressed in motoneurons, and the Thy1, expressed in putatively excitatory neurons. Motor output was represented as a spatial field of isometric ankle force. We found that Thy1 force fields were more complex and diverse in structure than Chat fields: the Thy1 fields comprised mostly non-parallel vectors while the Chat fields, mostly parallel vectors. In both, most fields elicited by co-stimulation of two laser beams were well explained by linear combination of the separately-evoked fields. We interpreted the Thy1 force fields as representations of spinal motor modules. Our comparison of the Chat and Thy1 fields allowed us to conclude, with reasonable certainty, that the structure of neuromotor modules originates from excitatory spinal interneurons. Our results not only demonstrate, for the first time using optogenetics, how the spinal modules follow linearity in their combinations, but also provide a reference against which future optogenetic studies of modularity can be compared.
A Renal Olfactory Receptor Aids in Kidney Glucose Handling
Authors: Shepard Blythe D. , Cheval Lydie , Peterlin Zita , Firestein Stuart , Koepsell Hermann , Doucet Alain , Pluznick Jennifer L.
Published: October 2016

Olfactory receptors (ORs) are G protein-coupled receptors which serve important sensory functions beyond their role as odorant detectors in the olfactory epithelium. Here we describe a novel role for one of these ORs, Olfr1393, as a regulator of renal glucose handling. Olfr1393 is specifically expressed in the kidney proximal tubule, which is the site of renal glucose reabsorption. Olfr1393 knockout mice exhibit urinary glucose wasting and improved glucose tolerance, despite euglycemia and normal insulin levels. Consistent with this phenotype, Olfr1393 knockout mice have a significant decrease in luminal expression of Sglt1, a key renal glucose transporter, uncovering a novel regulatory pathway involving Olfr1393 and Sglt1. In addition, by utilizing a large scale screen of over 1400 chemicals we reveal the ligand profile of Olfr1393 for the first time, offering new insight into potential pathways of physiological regulation for this novel signaling pathway.
Fitness costs associated with building and maintaining the burying beetle’s carrion nest
Authors: De Gasperin Ornela , Duarte Ana , Troscianko Jolyon , Kilner Rebecca M.
Published: October 2016

It is well-known that features of animal nest architecture can be explained by fitness benefits gained by the offspring housed within. Here we focus on the little-tested suggestion that the fitness costs associated with building and maintaining a nest should additionally account for aspects of its architecture. Burying beetles prepare an edible nest for their young from a small vertebrate carcass, by ripping off any fur or feathers and rolling the flesh into a rounded ball. We found evidence that only larger beetles are able to construct rounder carcass nests, and that rounder carcass nests are associated with lower maintenance costs. Offspring success, however, was not explained by nest roundness. Our experiment thus provides rare support for the suggestion that construction and maintenance costs are key to understanding animal architecture.
A proteogenomic approach for protein-level evidence of genomic variants in cancer cells
Authors: Yeom Jeonghun , Kabir Mohammad Humayun , Lim Byungho , Ahn Hee-Sung , Kim Seon-Young , Lee Cheolju
Published: October 2016

Variations in protein coding sequence may sometimes play important roles in cancer development. However, since variants may not express into proteins due to various cellular quality control systems, it is important to get protein-level evidence of the genomic variations. We present a proteogenomic strategy getting protein-level evidence of genomic variants, which we call sequential targeted LC-MS/MS based on prediction of peptide pI and Retention time (STaLPIR). Our approach shows improved peptide identification, and has the potential for the unbiased analysis of variant sequence as well as corresponding reference sequence. Integrated analysis of DNA, mRNA and protein suggests that protein expression level of the nonsynonymous variant is regulated either before or after translation, according to influence of the variant on protein function. In conclusion, our data provides an excellent approach getting direct evidence for the expression of variant protein forms from genome sequence data.
Effects of aged garlic extract and FruArg on gene expression and signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide-activated microglial cells
Authors: Song Hailong , Lu Yuan , Qu Zhe , Mossine Valeri V. , Martin Matthew B. , Hou Jie , Cui Jiankun , Peculis Brenda A. , Mawhinney Thomas P. , Cheng Jianlin , Greenlief C. Michael , Fritsche Kevin , Schmidt Francis J. , Walter Ronald B. , Lubahn Dennis B. , Sun Grace Y. , Gu Zezong
Published: October 2016

Aged garlic extract (AGE) is widely used as a dietary supplement on account of its protective effects against oxidative stress and inflammation. But less is known about specific molecular targets of AGE and its bioactive components, includingN-α-(1-deoxy-D-fructos-1-yl)-L-arginine (FruArg). Our recent study showed that both AGE and FruArg significantly attenuate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammatory responses in BV-2 microglial cells. This study aims to unveil effects of AGE and FruArg on gene expression regulation in LPS stimulated BV-2 cells. Results showed that LPS treatment significantly altered mRNA levels from 2563 genes. AGE reversed 67% of the transcriptome alteration induced by LPS, whereas FruArg accounted for the protective effect by reversing expression levels of 55% of genes altered by LPS. Key pro-inflammatory canonical pathways induced by the LPS stimulation included toll-like receptor signaling, IL-6 signaling, and Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress pathway, along with elevated expression levels of genes, such asIl6, Cd14, Casp3, Nfkb1, Hmox1,andTnf. These effects could be modulated by treatment with both AGE and FruArg. These findings suggests that AGE and FruArg are capable of alleviating oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory responses stimulated by LPS in BV-2 cells.
A novel microbe-based treatment that attenuates the inflammatory profile in a mouse model of allergic airway disease
Authors: Bazett Mark , Biala Agnieszka , Huff Ryan D. , Bosiljcic Momir , Gunn Hal , Kalyan Shirin , Hirota Jeremy A.
Published: October 2016

There is an unmet need for effective new and innovative treatments for asthma. It is becoming increasingly evident that bacterial stimulation can have beneficial effects at attenuating allergic airway disease through immune modulation. Our aim was to test the ability of a novel inactivated microbe-derived therapeutic based on Klebsiella (KB) in a model of allergic airway disease in mice. BALB/c mice were exposed intranasally to house dust mite (HDM) for two weeks. Mice were treated prophylactically via subcutaneous route with either KB or placebo for one week prior to HDM exposure and throughout the two week exposure period. 24 hours after the last exposure, lungs were analysed for inflammatory cell infiltrate, gene expression, cytokine levels, goblet cell metaplasia, and serum was analysed for allergen-specific serum IgE levels. HDM exposed mice developed goblet cell hyperplasia, elevated allergen-specific serum IgE, airway eosinophilia, and a concomitant increase in TH2 cytokines including IL-4, IL-13 and IL-5. Treatment with KB attenuated HDM-mediated airway eosinophilia, total bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell numbers, BAL TH2 cytokine production, and goblet cell metaplasia. Our prophylactic intervention study illustrates the potential of subcutaneous treatment with bacterial derived biologics as a promising approach for allergic airway disease treatment.
Polymorphic beams and Nature inspired circuits for optical current
Authors: Rodrigo José A. , Alieva Tatiana
Published: October 2016

Laser radiation pressure is a basis of numerous applications in science and technology such as atom cooling, particle manipulation, material processing, etc. This light force for the case of scalar beams is proportional to the intensity-weighted wavevector known as optical current. The ability to design the optical current according to the considered application brings new promising perspectives to exploit the radiation pressure. However, this is a challenging problem because it often requires confinement of the optical current within tight light curves (circuits) and adapting its local value for a particular task. Here, we present a formalism to handle this problem including its experimental demonstration. It consists of a Nature-inspired circuit shaping with independent control of the optical current provided by a new kind of beam referred to as polymorphic beam. This finding is highly relevant to diverse optical technologies and can be easily extended to electron and x-ray coherent beams.
Dual-targeting anti-angiogenic cyclic peptides as potential drug leads for cancer therapy
Authors: Chan Lai Yue , Craik David J. , Daly Norelle L.
Published: October 2016

Peptide analogues derived from bioactive hormones such as somatostatin or certain growth factors have great potential as angiogenesis inhibitors for cancer applications. In an attempt to combat emerging drug resistance many FDA-approved anti-angiogenesis therapies are co-administered with cytotoxic drugs as a combination therapy to target multiple signaling pathways of cancers. However, cancer therapies often encounter limiting factors such as high toxicities and side effects. Here, we combined two anti-angiogenic epitopes that act on different pathways of angiogenesis into a single non-toxic cyclic peptide framework, namely MCoTI-II (Momordica cochinchinensis trypsin inhibitor-II), and subsequently assessed the anti-angiogenic activity of the novel compound. We hypothesized that the combination of these two epitopes would elicit a synergistic effect by targeting different angiogenesis pathways and result in improved potency, compared to that of a single epitope. This novel approach has resulted in the development of a potent, non-toxic, stable and cyclic analogue with nanomolar potency inhibition in in vitro endothelial cell migration and in vivo chorioallantoic membrane angiogenesis assays. This is the first report to use the MCoTI-II framework to develop a 2-in-1 anti-angiogenic peptide, which has the potential to be used as a form of combination therapy for targeting a wide range of cancers.
Longer latency of sensory response to intravenous odor injection predicts olfactory neural disorder
Authors: Kikuta Shu , Matsumoto Yu , Kuboki Akihito , Nakayama Tsuguhisa , Asaka Daiya , Otori Nobuyoshi , Kojima Hiromi , Sakamoto Takashi , Akinori Kashio , Kanaya Kaori , Ueha Rumi , Kagoya Ryoji , Nishijima Hironobu , Toma-Hirano Makiko , Kikkawa Yayoi , Kondo Kenji , Tsunoda Koichi , Miyaji Tempei , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Kataoka Kazunori , Mori Kensaku , Yamasoba Tatsuya
Published: October 2016

A near loss of smell may result from conductive and/or neural olfactory disorders. However, an olfactory test to selectively detect neural disorders has not been established. We investigated whether onset latency of sensory response to intravenous odor injection can detect neural disorders in humans and mice. We showed that longer preoperative onset latency of odor recognition to intravenous odor in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis predicted worse recovery of olfactory symptoms following sinus surgery. The onset latency of the olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) response to intravenous odor using synaptopHluorin signals from OSN axon terminals was delayed in mice with reduced numbers of OSNs (neural disorder) but not with increased mucus or blocked orthonasal pathways (conductive disorders). Moreover, the increase in onset latency correlated with the decrease in mature OSN numbers. Longer onset latency to intravenous odor injection is a useful biomarker for presence and severity of olfactory disorders with neural etiology.
Pseudo-Mannosylated DC-SIGN Ligands as Immunomodulants
Authors: Berzi Angela , Ordanini Stefania , Joosten Ben , Trabattoni Daria , Cambi Alessandra , Bernardi Anna , Clerici Mario
Published: October 2016

DC-SIGN, a C-type lectin mainly expressed by DCs, mediates antigen uptake and can induce specific immune responses, depending on the ligand involved. Owing to these properties, DC-SIGN is an attracting target for approaches aimed at tailoring the immune response towards specific immunologic outcomes. A multivalent DC-SIGN ligand (Polyman26), containing at its core a fluorescent “rod-like” spacer and able to inhibit DC-SIGN mediated HIV infection in nanomolar concentration, has been recently developed by our group. We investigated the internalization pattern and the ability of Polyman26 to elicit innate immune responses. Results obtained by confocal microscopy indicate that Polyman26 is internalized by DCs via receptor- mediated endocytosis and is then routed to endolysosomal compartments, thus being presented together with MHC class II molecules, with important implications for the development of vaccines. Moreover, Polyman26 up-regulated the production of β-chemokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines (including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, and TNFα) as well as the expression of TLR9 and CD40L. These results indicate that glycomimetic DC-SIGN ligands should be further investigated and suggest that these compounds could be used to differentially stimulate immune responses.
Multiplex quantification of four DNA targets in one reaction with Bio-Rad droplet digital PCR system for GMO detection
Authors: Dobnik David , Štebih Dejan , Blejec Andrej , Morisset Dany , Žel Jana
Published: October 2016

The advantages of the digital PCR technology are already well documented until now. One way to achieve better cost efficiency of the technique is to use it in a multiplexing strategy. Droplet digital PCR platforms, which include two fluorescence filters, support at least duplex reactions and with some developments and optimization higher multiplexing is possible. The present study not only shows a development of multiplex assays in droplet digital PCR, but also presents a first thorough evaluation of several parameters in such multiplex digital PCR. Two 4-plex assays were developed for quantification of 8 different DNA targets (7 genetically modified maize events and maize endogene). Per assay, two of the targets were labelled with one fluorophore and two with another. As current analysis software does not support analysis of more than duplex, a new R- and Shiny-based web application analysis tool (http://bit.ly/ddPCRmulti) was developed that automates the analysis of 4-plex results. In conclusion, the two developed multiplex assays are suitable for quantification of GMO maize events and the same approach can be used in any other field with a need for accurate and reliable quantification of multiple DNA targets.
Graphene-Based Biosensors for Food Analysis
Authors: Eissa Shimaa , Siaj Mohamed , Zourob Mohammed
Published: October 2016

Recent advances in bionanotechnology and its integration in a variety of areas including biosensors have resulted in the development of novel sensing platforms with highly improved performance. There has been great interest recently in the integration of nanomaterials and biomolecules for the development of biosensor devices. Among these nanomaterials, graphene shows unique electronic, mechanical and thermal properties. The potential harmful effect of food contaminants on human health and the subsequent need to detect them have led to significant interest in the development of graphene-based biosensors for this purpose. In this chapter, we discuss advances in the field of graphene-based biosensors for food safety. First, we briefly discuss the different preparation methods and properties of graphene and graphene-related materials (graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide). Graphene functionalization using covalent and non-covalent approaches, an important step for biosensor fabrication, is also described. Then recent developments in the use of graphene in biosensors for allergens, small molecules, and pathogens in foodstuff are discussed. Finally, future perspectives on the biosensing applications of graphene in food safety are briefly described.
Capillary Array-Based Microanalytical Devices for Simple and Multiplexed Detection in Bioanalysis
Authors: Hisamoto Hideaki
Published: October 2016

Simple and multiplexed detection of biomolecules are of significant interest in the fields of various bioanalytical applications, including food analysis. Among the many possible approaches, a capillary array-based approach seems to have many advantages in simplicity and integration ability. This chapter presents a detailed description of our attempts to develop two types of capillary array-based microanalytical devices: the capillary-assembled microchip (CAs–CHIP) and the combinable poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) capillary (CPC) sensor array.
Food Biosensors: Perspective, Reliability, Selectivity, Response Time, Quality Control, and Cost-Effectiveness
Authors: Bahadır Elif Burcu , Sezgintürk Mustafa Kemal
Published: October 2016

High-quality and safe food is very important for human health. As a consequence, accurate and sensitive detection of food contaminants has become essential. Conventionally, methods such as liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and spectrophotometry are commonly used. But these methods require expensive instruments, complex pretreatment steps, specialized personnel, and large quantity of organic solvents. Such methods cannot be used to perform in situ assays. Biosensors are miniaturized analytical instruments with many merits such as simple preparation, good sensitivity, high selectivity, and portable construction. Stability, reproducibility and selectivity are key parameters that should be considered when developing and producing a biosensor. This chapter gives a general overview of the possible applications of biosensors in food analysis. Methods for the immobilization of electrodes are investigated and analytical performance criteria such as detection limit, reproducibility, stability, and response time are summarized in tables and compared in the main text.
Simultaneous electrochemical deposition of an e-rGO/β-CD/MnO2 ternary composite for a self-powered supercapacitor based caffeine sensor
Authors: Selvam S. , Balamuralitharan B. , Karthick S. N. , Hemalatha K. V. , Prabakar K. , Kim Hee-Je
Published: October 2016

A self-powered supercapacitor based on a caffeine sensor electrode has been developed using an electrochemically deposited rGO/β-CD/MnO2 ternary composite with ionic liquid assistance.
Multifunctional single-layered vesicles derived from Cu(ii)-metal–organic-polyhedra
Authors: Sarkar Koushik , Paul Mithun , Dastidar Parthasarathi
Published: October 2016

Multifunctional vesicles derived from Cu(ii) metal–organic polyhedra (MOP) displayed the ability to encapsulate and release anti-cancer drug doxorubicin for the first time.
RIDME spectroscopy on high-spin Mn2+ centers
Authors: Akhmetzyanov D. , Ching H. Y. V. , Denysenkov V. , Demay-Drouhard P. , Bertrand H. C. , Tabares L. C. , Policar C. , Prisner T. F. , Un S.
Published: October 2016

A bis-MnDOTA complex was investigated by EPR dipolar spectroscopy. RIDME experiment revealed higher modulation depth compared to PELDOR and featured harmonics of the dipolar coupling frequency.
Amyloid beta peptides inside a reconstituted cell-like liposomal system: aggregation, FRET, fluorescence oscillations and solvation dynamics
Authors: Nandi Somen , Mondal Prasenjit , Chowdhury Rajdeep , Saha Abhijit , Ghosh Surajit , Bhattacharyya Kankan
Published: October 2016

The aggregation dynamics of Aβ peptides were studied inside a reconstituted cell-mimic liposomal system using FRET and FCS at various depths starting from the membrane to the core of the liposome.
Lattice strain effects on doping, hydration and proton transport in scheelite-type electrolytes for solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Ferrara Chiara , Eames Christopher , Islam M. Saiful , Tealdi Cristina
Published: October 2016

Tensile lattice strain enhances Ca dopant limit and proton incorporation in scheelite-type proton conductors, modifying the preferential conduction pathways.
Nitrate–nitrite equilibrium in the reaction of NO with a Cu-CHA catalyst for NH3-SCR
Authors: Tyrsted C. , Borfecchia E. , Berlier G. , Lomachenko K. A. , Lamberti C. , Bordiga S. , Vennestrøm P. N. R. , Janssens T. V. W. , Falsig H. , Beato P. , Puig-Molina A.
Published: October 2016

A multi-technique in situ study of the reaction between NO and Cu-nitrates in the Cu-CHA deNOx catalyst yields novel structural and spectroscopic insights into the equilibrium between Cu-nitrates and Cu-nitrites, which was proposed as key step in the NH3-SCR cycle.
A high fat diet does not affect the iron bioavailability in Wistar rats fed with chia and increases gene expression of iron metabolism proteins
Authors: da Silva Bárbara Pereira , Matyelka Jéssika Camila da Silva , Moreira Maria Eliza de Castro , Toledo Renata Celi Lopes , Della Lucia Ceres Mattos , Pinheiro-Sant'Ana Helena Maria , Martino Hércia Stampini Duarte
Published: October 2016

This study evaluated the effect of chia on the iron bioavailability and gene expression of proteins involved in iron metabolism in animals fed with a high fat diet and a standard diet.
Low bioaccessibility of vitamin D2from yeast-fortified bread compared to crystalline D2bread and D3from fluid milks
Authors: Lipkie Tristan E. , Ferruzzi Mario G. , Weaver Connie M.
Published: October 2016

The assessment of the efficacy of dietary and supplemental vitamin D tends to be confounded by differences in the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D response between vitamin D2and vitamin D3.
Tunable focusing properties using optofluidic Fresnel zone plates
Authors: Shi Y. , Zhu X. Q. , Liang L. , Yang Y.
Published: October 2016

This paper demonstrates the real-time tunable focusing properties of Fresnel zone plate using solid–liquid hybrid structure.
Metabolomic changes in CSF of migraine patients measured with1H-NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Zielman Ronald , Postma Rudmer , Verhoeven Aswin , Bakels Floor , van Oosterhout Willebrordus P. J. , Meissner Axel , van den Maagdenberg Arn M. J. M. , Terwindt Gisela M. , Mayboroda Oleg A. , Ferrari Michel D.
Published: October 2016

Hemiplegic migraine patients can be discriminated from healthy controls, with 2-hydroxybutyrate and 2-hydroxyisovalerate as the most discriminant metabolites.
Tumor cell resistance against targeted therapeutics: the density of cultured glioma tumor cells enhances Stat3 activity and offers protection against the tyrosine kinase inhibitor canertinib
Authors: von Manstein V. , Groner B.
Published: October 2016

Tumor cell resistance to drug treatment severely limits the therapeutic success of treatment.
Chemoselective reduction of quinols as an alternative to Sonogashira coupling: synthesis of polysubstituted benzofurans
Authors: Jung Youngeun , Kim Ikyon
Published: October 2016

An efficient synthetic approach to polysubstituted benzofurans is described, using 2-methoxyquinone as a benzofuran backbone.
Transition-metal-free oxidative C5 C–H-halogenation of 8-aminoquinoline amides using sodium halides
Authors: Wang Ying , Wang Yang , Jiang Kai , Zhang Qian , Li Dong
Published: October 2016

A simple and efficient transition-metal-free oxidative halogenation (Cl, Br) of the C5 C–H bond of 8-aminoquinoline amides, with low-cost and innoxious sodium halides, has been developed.
Potential thermoelectric materials CsMI3 (M = Sn and Pb) in perovskite structures from first-principles calculations
Authors: Guo San-Dong , Wang Jian-Li
Published: October 2016

The thermoelectric properties of halide perovskites CsMI3 (M = Sn and Pb) are investigated from a combination of first-principles calculations and semiclassical Boltzmann transport theory by considering both the electron and phonon transport.
A GMDH-type neural network with multi-filter feature selection for the prediction of transition temperatures of bent-core liquid crystals
Authors: Antanasijević Davor , Antanasijević Jelena , Pocajt Viktor , Ušćumlić Gordana
Published: October 2016

The QSPR study on transition temperatures of five-ring bent-core LCs was performed using GMDH-type neural networks. A novel multi-filter approach, which combines chi square ranking, v-WSH and GMDH algorithm was used for the selection of descriptors.
Graphene quantum dots modified ZnO + Cu heterostructure photocatalysts with enhanced photocatalytic performance
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Lifeng , Ge Juan , Wang Jun , Li Qiyao , Wan Wan , Zhang Boping , Liu Xiaoguang , Xue Wendong
Published: October 2016

GQDs surface modified ZnO + Cu heterostructure photocatalysts was prepared via a simple spin-coating and annealing process, which exhibits enhanced photocatalytic performance.
Multi-response optimization followed by multivariate calibration for simultaneous determination of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental samples using gold nanoparticles
Authors: Rezaiyan Mahsa , Parastar Hadi , Hormozi-Nezhad M. Reza
Published: October 2016

A multivariate-based strategy was developed for simultaneous determination of thirteen carcinogenic PAHs in water samples using AuNPs.
A flexible sandwich graphene/silver nanowires/graphene thin film for high-performance electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Kumar Pradip , Shahzad Faisal , Hong Soon Man , Koo Chong Min
Published: October 2016

We report the preparation and characterization of flexible graphene/silver nanowires (AgNWs)/graphene sandwich thin films for high-performance electromagnetic interference shielding.
Enhanced drug release by selective cleavage of cross-links in a double-cross-linked hydrogel
Authors: Tiwari Neha , Badiger Manohar V.
Published: October 2016

Poly(acrylic acid) hydrogels were synthesized using two different cross-linking agents namely, cystamine and Jeffamine. The redox sensitive di-sulfide linkages could be selectively cleaved to enhance the release of doxorubicin.
Organic–inorganic binary mixture matrix for comprehensive laser-desorption ionization mass spectrometric analysis and imaging of medium-size molecules including phospholipids, glycerolipids, and oligosaccharides
Authors: Feenstra Adam D. , O'Neill Kelly C. , Yagnik Gargey B. , Lee Young Jin
Published: October 2016

A binary matrix of DHB and Fe3O4NPs provides broad coverage for medium size metabolites.
Ammonia synthesis and by-product formation from H2O, H2 and N2 by dielectric barrier discharge combined with an Ru/Al2O3 catalyst
Authors: Xie Deyuan , Sun Ye , Zhu Tianle , Fan Xing , Hong Xiaowei , Yang Wenhao
Published: October 2016

Reaction routes for NH3 synthesis and by-product formation by DBD-type plasma combined with the Ru/Al2O3 catalyst under different reaction gases: (a) H2 + N2; (b) H2O + N2; and (c) H2O + H2 + N2.
Ionic liquid crystals with novel thermal properties formed by the gemini surfactants containing four hydroxyl groups
Authors: Lei Lan , Feng Lin , Song Binglei , Zhai Zhaolan , Shang Shibin , Song Zhanqian
Published: October 2016

The ionic liquid crystals formed by the gemini surfactants containing four hydroxyl groups show sustained-release behavior of phase enthalpy.
Modeling composite electrolytes for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cell application: structural, vibrational and electronic features of carbonate–oxide interfaces
Authors: Ricca Chiara , Grishin Andrey , Ringuedé Armelle , Cassir Michel , Adamo Carlo , Labat Frédéric
Published: October 2016

We present a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of the YSZ–LiKCO3composite, as an electrolyte alternative for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFC).
Modulation of miRNA-155 alters manganese nanoparticle-induced inflammatory response
Authors: Grogg Matthew W. , Braydich-Stolle Laura K. , Maurer-Gardner Elizabeth I. , Hill Natasha T. , Sakaram Suraj , Kadakia Madhavi P. , Hussain Saber M.
Published: October 2016

This novel study identified miRNA targets following MnNP exposure, which were modulated to alter cellular responses.
CFD: an efficient active queue management algorithm with CFD
Authors: Jiang Xianliang , Jin Guang
Published: October 2016

The existence of the bufferbloat and high‐bandwidth non‐adaptive flows results in the high queuing delay, which affects the performance of interactive applications, and the inter‐flow unfairness, respectively. To solve above‐mentioned issues, an efficient active queue management algorithm with Controlling Fairness and Delay (CFD) is proposed. Different from most other schemes, CFD can achieve the low queuing delay and inter‐flow fairness simultaneously without the queue isolation. Extensive simulation results also prove the effectiveness and feasibility of CFD.
Yb‐doped large‐mode‐area aluminosilicate laser fibre fabricated by chelate precursor doping technique
Authors: Peng Kun , Wang Zhen , Zhan Huan , Ni Li , Gao Cong , Wang Xiaolong , Wang Yuying , Wang Jianjun , Jing Feng , Lin Aoxiang
Published: October 2016

A modified chelate precursor doping technique using high‐purity materials and accurate gas flow control system is proposed to fabricate an efficient ytterbium‐doped large‐mode‐area silica fibre for laser development. This technique enables to make homogeneous large‐core preform with symmetrical shape, relatively low numerical aperture of ∼0.06 and large‐core size of over 4 mm. Homemade preform was drawn into standard fibre for testing and fully characterised by electron probe microanalysis and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. On the basis of two‐stage master oscillator power amplifier system, 1 kW laser output with slope efficiency of 81.0% was realised at ∼1064 nm.
Neuro observer‐based control of pure feedback MIMO systems with unknown control direction
Authors: Ramezani Zahra , Arefi Mohammad Mehdi , Zargarzadeh Hassan , Jahed‐Motlagh Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2016

This study focuses on the problem of neural network (NN)‐based tracking control for a class of uncertain multiple‐input multiple‐output non‐linear systems in pure feedback form. An observer based on K‐filters, is introduced to estimate immeasurable states. In this method, a priori knowledge of the control gain sign is relaxed by using Nussbaum‐type technique. NNs are employed to approximate the unknown non‐linear functions and an adaptive neural output feedback controller is constructed via backstepping technique. The Lyapunov theorem is applied to prove that the overall closed‐loop adaptive control scheme is semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded. Finally, simulation results are provided to illustrate the design procedure.
Autonomous plug and play electric vehicle charging scenarios including reactive power provision: a probabilistic load flow analysis
Authors: Melhorn Alexander C. , McKenna Killian , Keane Andrew , Flynn Damian , Dimitrovski Aleksandar
Published: October 2016

Electric vehicle (EV) charging can have various impacts on low‐voltage distribution systems, along with increasing the uncertainty of network load levels. One method for capturing the statistical uncertainty is probabilistic load flow (PLF). A primary concern of such an approach is determining the correlation between the input variables. Since data are limited, a 1 min resolution bottom‐up time‐variant load model, capturing the changing voltage dependencies of the load, is used for modelling household electrical demand to provide pseudo‐meter data for the three‐phase PLF analysis of a residential distribution network. The correlation between the household and EV charging loads are implicitly taken into account by modelling the EV plug‐in and departure times with the corresponding occupancy model. Two autonomous plug‐and‐play charging scenarios are compared with a standard charging arrangement at both unity and 0.95 capacitive power factors. Four different PLF input correlation scenarios, varying from fully correlated to fully independent, are considered. The proposed charging scenarios and reactive power provision reduce the likelihood of system voltage violations introduced by EVs. The PLF results are verified against those from the initial time‐series analysis providing valuable insight into the uncertainty introduced by EVs and the correlation between household and EV loads.
Voltage and frequency control strategies of hybrid AC/DC microgrid: a review
Authors: Malik Sarmad Majeed , Ai Xin , Sun Yingyun , Zhengqi Chen , Shupeng Zhou
Published: October 2016

Microgrids have become an attractive option for distributed generation (DG) with increase in renewable energy sources (RES) and storage systems. The existence of both AC and DC microgrids has led to a new concept of hybrid AC/DC microgrid which consists of both AC and DC grids tied by an interlinking converter (ILC). Such hybrid AC/DC microgrid has the advantages of both AC and DC with increased efficiency and less cost since the conversion between AC and DC is reduced. The management of power in such a grid becomes important for voltage and frequency control. Different voltage and frequency control strategies have been successfully implemented within AC and DC grids, but the control of hybrid microgrid requires further attention with focus on ILC. This study presents an overview of various control schemes used for voltage and frequency regulation in standalone and transition mode operation of hybrid microgrid. A detailed study on hybrid grid structure is presented with different modes of operation. Various ILC strategies based on droop and communication‐based control are presented. Based on the analysis, some recommendations are presented for future research.
Threat evaluation and jamming allocation
Authors: Osner Nicholas R. , du Plessis Warren P.
Published: October 2016

A threat evaluation and jamming allocation (TEJA) system is proposed and implemented to optimise the jamming strategy of a platform. This TEJA system accounts for the different effects of jamming techniques on threats and radar modes, the interaction between jamming techniques and channels, the relative frequency and bandwidth used by threats, the uncertainty of the threat environment, and models the progression of threats through various radar modes from initial search to final guidance. Performance of the TEJA system is evaluated for a complex mission which considers a platform with two jammers penetrating an area with ten threats. The TEJA system is shown to be computationally efficient by using an exhaustive search to determine the optimum jamming strategy. The developed jamming strategy allows the platform to survive a mission despite its complexity.
Robustness versus accuracy: multipath effects on land mobile satellite navigation
Authors: Steingass Alexander , Krach Bernhard , Crisci Massimo
Published: October 2016

Knowledge of performance for different signal options in difficult environments is vital for improving modern satellite navigation systems. Currently, the accuracy of the different transmission signals in realistic multipath environments is still not known in current literature. In this study, different classical and advanced signals have been simulated using an urban multipath channel model standardised by the International Telecommunication Union. For the given multipath channel, signal and receiver effects have been investigated. The performance of GPS C/A and GALILEO open service signals has been compared. Additional simulation of wideband navigation signals lead to the uncovering of an important conflict between robustness and accuracy in terms of signal bandwidth. This conflict is signal inherent and not associated to a particular receiver. As a result of this finding, an improved satellite signal extension for robust urban navigation has been proposed. On the receiver side, pure line‐of‐sight (LOS) conditions have been identified in which a novel particle filter‐based receiver shows a comparable performance as a classical delay locked loop (DLL). In a mixture of LOS and shadowing conditions the particle receiver clearly outperformed the classical DLL. For the classical DLL, critical scenarios have been identified that are often causing a loss of lock.
Synthesis and properties of polyacrylamide by nanoparticles, effect nanoclay on stability polyacrylamide solution
Authors: Cheraghian Goshtasp
Published: October 2016

Polyacrylamide (PAM)‐encapsulated clay nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully synthesised by conventional emulsion polymerisation for solving the aggregation matter of nanoscaled clay. A novel nanofluid based on PAM has been developed and its’ attributes have been experimentally tested as an optimised solution. The frequency, sonication time effect, NPs and polymer concentration on the constant salinity and particle size (PS) distribution of samples was investigated. The solutions of polymer at different frequencies (10, 20 and 30 kHz) were treated with ultrasound for different times (5 and 15 min). The results showed that increasing sonication time decreased mean diameter of nanoclay mass and also showed with an increment range of frequency in specified range improved rheology and dispersion of the solution. Clay NPs were found to have a positive effect on the stability of samples.
The radii and limb darkenings of α Centauri A and B
Authors: Kervella P. , Bigot L. , Gallenne A. , Thévenin F.
Published: October 2016

The photospheric radius is one of the fundamental parameters governing the radiative equilibrium of a star. We report new observations of the nearest solar-type stars α Centauri A (G2V) and B (K1V) with the VLTI/PIONIER optical interferometer. The combination of four configurations of the VLTI enable us to measure simultaneously the limb darkened angular diameter θLD and the limb darkening parameters of the two solar-type stars in the near-infrared H band (λ = 1.65 μm). We obtain photospheric angular diameters of θLD(A) = 8.502 ± 0.038 mas (0.43%) and θLD(B) = 5.999 ± 0.025 mas (0.42%), through the adjustment of a power law limb darkening model. We find H band power law exponents of α(A) = 0.1404 ± 0.0050 (3.6%) and α(B) = 0.1545 ± 0.0044 (2.8%), which closely bracket the observed solar value (α⊙ = 0.15027). Combined with the parallax π = 747.17 ± 0.61 mas previously determined, we derive linear radii of RA = 1.2234 ± 0.0053 R⊙ (0.43%) and RB = 0.8632 ± 0.0037 R⊙ (0.43%). The power law exponents that we derive for the two stars indicate a significantly weaker limb darkening than predicted by both 1D and 3D stellar atmosphere models. As this discrepancy is also observed on the near-infrared limb darkening profile of the Sun, an improvement of the calibration of stellar atmosphere models is clearly needed. The reported PIONIER visibility measurements of α Cen A and B provide a robust basis to validate the future evolutions of these models.
Predicting kinetic nanocrystal shapes through multi-scale theory and simulation: Polyvinylpyrrolidone-mediated growth of Ag nanocrystals
Authors: Balankura Tonnam , Qi Xin , Zhou Ya , Fichthorn Kristen A.
Published: October 2016

In the shape-controlled synthesis of colloidal Ag nanocrystals, structure-directing agents, particularly polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), are known to be a key additive in making nanostructures with well-defined shapes. Although many Ag nanocrystals have been successfully synthesized using PVP, the mechanism by which PVP actuates shape control remains elusive. Here, we present a multi-scale theoretical framework for kinetic Wulff shape predictions that accounts for the chemical environment, which we used to probe the kinetic influence of the adsorbed PVP film. Within this framework, we use umbrella-sampling molecular dynamics simulations to calculate the potential of mean force and diffusion coefficient profiles of Ag atom deposition onto Ag(100) and Ag(111) in ethylene glycol solution with surface-adsorbed PVP. We use these profiles to calculate the mean-first passage times and implement extensive Brownian dynamics simulations, which allows the kinetic effects to be quantitatively evaluated. Our results show that PVP films can regulate the flux of Ag atoms to be greater towards Ag(111) than Ag(100). PVP’s preferential binding towards Ag(100) over Ag(111) gives PVP its flux-regulating capabilities through the lower free-energy barrier of Ag atoms to cross the lower-density PVP film on Ag(111) and enhanced Ag trapping by the extended PVP film on Ag(111). Under kinetic control, {100}-faceted nanocrystals will be formed when the Ag flux is greater towards Ag(111). The predicted kinetic Wulff shapes are in agreement with the analogous experimental system.
Consequences of electron correlation for XPS binding energies: Representative case for C(1s) and O(1s) XPS of CO
Authors: Bagus Paul S. , Sousa Carme , Illas Francesc
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we present a study of the signs and the magnitudes of the errors of theoretical binding energies, BE’s, of the C(1s) and O(1s) core-levels compared to BE’s measured in X-Ray photoemission, XPS, experiments. In particular, we explain the unexpected sign of the error of the Hartree-Fock C(1s) BE, which is larger than experiment, in terms of correlation effects due to the near degeneracy of the CO(1π) and CO(2π) levels and show how taking this correlation into account leads to rather accurate predicted BE’s. We separate the initial state contributions of this near degeneracy, present for the ground state wavefunction, from the final state near degeneracy effects, present for the hole state wavefunctions. Thus, we are able to establish the importance for the core-level BE’s of initial state charge redistribution due to the π near-degeneracy. While the results for CO are interesting in their own right, we also consider whether our conclusions for CO are relevant for the analysis of XPS spectra of a wider range of molecules.
Fluid simulation of dispersive and nondispersive ion acoustic waves in the presence of superthermal electrons
Authors: Lotekar Ajay , Kakad Amar , Kakad Bharati
Published: October 2016

One-dimensional fluid simulation is performed for the unmagnetized plasma consisting of cold fluid ions and superthermal electrons. Such a plasma system supports the generation of ion acoustic (IA) waves. A standard Gaussian type perturbation is used in both electron and ion equilibrium densities to excite the IA waves. The evolutionary profiles of the IA waves are obtained by varying the superthermal index and the amplitude of the initial perturbation. This simulation demonstrates that the amplitude of the initial perturbation and the superthermal index play an important role in determining the time evolution and the characteristics of the generated IA waves. The initial density perturbation in the system creates charge separation that drives the finite electrostatic potential in the system. This electrostatic potential later evolves into the dispersive and nondispersive IA waves in the simulation system. The density perturbation with the amplitude smaller than 10% of the equilibrium plasma density evolves into the dispersive IA waves, whereas larger density perturbations evolve into both dispersive and nondispersive IA waves for lower and higher superthermal index. The dispersive IA waves are the IA oscillations that propagate with constant ion plasma frequency, whereas the nondispersive IA waves are the IA solitary pulses (termed as IA solitons in the stability region) that propagate with the constant wave speed. The characteristics of the stable nondispersive IA solitons are found to be consistent with the nonlinear fluid theory. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first fluid simulation study that has considered the superthermal distributions for the plasma species to model the electrostatic solitary waves.
Systematic study of glass transition in low-molecular phthalonitriles: Insight from computer simulations
Authors: Guseva D. V. , Chertovich A. V. , Rudyak V. Yu.
Published: October 2016

Phthalonitrile compounds with Si bridges were recently suggested for producing thermosetting polymer composites with reduced Tg and thus expanded processing range. The detailed experimental investigation of this class of phthalonitriles is still difficult due to development time and costs limitations and the need to take into account the structural changes during the crosslinking. In this paper, we try to overcome these limitations using computer simulations. We performed full-atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of various phthalonitrile compounds to understand the influence of molecular structure on the bulk glass temperature Tg. Two molecular properties affect Tg of the resulting bulk compound: the size of the residue and the length of the Si bridge. The larger residues lead to higher Tgs, while compounds with longer Si bridges have lower Tgs. We have also studied relaxation mechanisms involved in the classification of the samples. Two different factors influence the relaxation mechanisms: energetic, which is provided by the rigidity of molecules, and entropic, connected with the available volume of the conformational space of the monomer.
Approaching attometer laser vibrometry
Authors: Rembe C. , Kadner L. , Giesen M.
Published: October 2016

The heterodyne two-beam interferometer has been proven to be the optimal solution for laser-Doppler vibrometry (LDV) regarding accuracy and signal robustness. The theoretical resolution limit for a two-beam interferometer of laser class 3R (up to 5 mW visible measurement-light) is in the regime of a few femtometer per square-root Hertz and well suited to study vibrations in microstructures. However, some new applications of radio-frequency microelectromechanical (RF-MEM) resonators, nanostructures, and surface-nano-defect detection require resolutions beyond that limit. The resolution depends only on the photodetector noise and the sensor sensitivity to specimen displacements. The noise is already defined in present systems by the quantum nature of light for a properly designed optical sensor and more light would lead to an inacceptable influence like heating of the tiny specimen. Noise can only be improved by squeezed-light techniques which require a negligible loss of measurement light which is impossible to realize for almost all technical measurement tasks. Thus, improving the sensitivity is the only path which could make attometer laser vibrometry possible. Decreasing the measurement wavelength would increase the sensitivity but would also increase the photon shot noise. In this paper, we discuss an approach to increase the sensitivity by assembling an additional mirror between interferometer and specimen to form an optical cavity. A detailed theoretical analysis of this setup is presented and we derive the resolution limit, discuss the main contributions to the uncertainty budget, and show a first experiment proving the sensitivity and resolution improvement of our approach.
Electron beam induced THz emissions from nanotube array
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Kumar Pawan
Published: October 2016

A new scheme of terahertz radiation generation by passing an ultrashort electron bunch over a planar array of nanotube/nanorod across their lengths is proposed and analyzed. The beam pulse exerts a repulsive impulse on the free electron cylinder of each nanorod and displaces them with respect to ion cylinder. After the passage of the pulse, the electron cylinders oscillate at their natural frequency ωp/2 (where ωp is the plasma frequency of electrons in each carbon nanotube) acting as phased array dipole antennae, emitting THz radiation.