bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Analogy between an Annuity-Certain and a Life Annuity
Authors: King George
Published: August 2016

The strict analogy which exists between these two classes of annuities has doubtless received the consideration of the majority of students, but I am not aware that it has ever in print had that attention which it deserves; and at any rate our usual text books hardly even refer to it. Although it is shown, in the short but suggestive article of the late Prof. De Morgan (vol. iv, p. 277), in the most general way, that years, or periods of time, may be interchanged with any other kind of status whatsoever, whether certain or contingent; yet, as successive statuses are almost exclusively spoken of, the less complex cases are liable to escape notice. Under these circumstances, the following brief notes may not be thought superfluous.
Heterogeneous Porphyromonas
gingivalis LPS modulates immuno-inflammatory response, antioxidant
defense and cytoskeletal dynamics in human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Herath Thanuja D. K. , Darveau Richard P. , Seneviratne Chaminda J. , Wang Cun-Yu , Wang Yu , Jin Lijian
Published: August 2016

Periodontal (gum) disease is a highly prevalent infection and inflammation
accounting for the majority of tooth loss in adult population worldwide. Porphyromonas gingivalis is a keystone periodontal
pathogen and its lipopolysaccharide (PgLPS) acts as a major virulence attribute to
the disease. Herein, we deciphered the overall host response of human gingival
fibroblasts (HGFs) to two featured isoforms of tetra-acylated
PgLPS1435/1449 and penta-acylated
PgLPS1690 with reference to E.
coli LPS through quantitative proteomics. This study unraveled
differentially expressed novel biomarkers of immuno-inflammatory response,
antioxidant defense and cytoskeletal dynamics in HGFs.
PgLPS1690 greatly upregulated inflammatory proteins (e.g.
cyclophilin, inducible nitric oxide synthase, annexins, galectin, cathepsins and
heat shock proteins), whereas the anti-inflammatory proteins (e.g. Annexin A2 and
Annexin A6) were significantly upregulated by PgLPS1435/1449.
Interestingly, the antioxidants proteins such as mitochondrial manganese-containing
superoxide dismutase and peroxiredoxin 5 were only upregulated by
PgLPS1690. The cytoskeletal rearrangement-related proteins
like myosin were differentially regulated by these PgLPS isoforms. The present study
gives new insight into the biological properties of P.
gingivalis LPS lipid A moiety that could critically modulate
immuno-inflammatory response, antioxidant defense and cytoskeletal dynamics in HGFs
and thereby enhances our understanding of periodontal pathogenesis.
Correction: Corrigendum: Synthesis and Characterization of an Alumina Forming Nanolaminated Boride: MoAlB
Authors: Kota Sankalp , Zapata-Solvas Eugenio , Ly Alexander , Lu Jun , Elkassabany Omar , Huon Amanda , Lee William E. , Hultman Lars , May Steve J. , Barsoum Michel W.
Published: August 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 26475; published online: 25 May 2016; updated: 19 August 2016. In this Article, the authors ran an XRD experiment on the oxidised samples indicating that the alumina layers formed at temperatures as high as 1300 °C were mostly amorphous and an alumina signal wasnot detected, as shown in Figure 7b.
Correction: Corrigendum: Identification of novel genes and pathways in carotid atheroma using integrated bioinformatic methods
Authors: Nai Wenqing , Threapleton Diane , Lu Jingbo , Zhang Kewei , Wu Hongyuan , Fu You , Wang Yuanyuan , Ou Zejin , Shan Lanlan , Ding Yan , Yu Yanlin , Dai Meng
Published: August 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 18764; published online: 08 January 2016; updated: 19 August 2016. In the original version of this Article, there was an error in Affiliation 1 which was incorrectly given as ‘Department of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China’.
Erratum: Image Quality Ranking Method for Microscopy
Authors: Koho Sami , Fazeli Elnaz , Eriksson John E. , Hänninen Pekka E.
Published: August 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 28962; published online: 01 July 2016; updated: 19 August 2016. In this Article, the PyImageQualityRanking software source code has been omitted from the Methods section under subheading ‘Image Quality Ranking Software’. It should read: “The PyImageQualityRanking software’s source code can be downloaded from https://bitbucket.
Correction: Corrigendum: Beyond the brain-Peripheral kisspeptin signaling is essential for promoting endometrial gland development and function
Authors: León Silvia , Fernandois Daniela , Sull Alexandra , Sull Judith , Calder Michele , Hayashi Kanako , Bhattacharya Moshmi , Power Stephen , Vilos George A. , Vilos Angelos G. , Tena-Sempere Manuel , Babwah Andy V.
Published: August 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 29073; published online: 01 July 2016; updated: 19 August 2016. The original version of this Article contained a typographical error in the spelling of the author Daniela Fernandois, which was incorrectly given as Daniela Fernadois. This has now been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Generation of a novel transgenic rat model for tracing extracellular vesicles in body fluids
Authors: Yoshimura Aya , Kawamata Masaki , Yoshioka Yusuke , Katsuda Takeshi , Kikuchi Hisae , Nagai Yoshitaka , Adachi Naoki , Numakawa Tadahiro , Kunugi Hiroshi , Ochiya Takahiro , Tamai Yoshitaka
Published: August 2016

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an important role in the transfer of biomolecules between cells. To elucidate the intercellular transfer fate of EVs in vivo, we generated a new transgenic (Tg) rat model using green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged human CD63. CD63 protein is highly enriched on EV membranes via trafficking into late endosomes and is often used as an EV marker. The new Tg rat line in which human CD63-GFP is under control of the CAG promoter exhibited high expression of GFP in various body tissues. Exogenous human CD63-GFP was detected on EVs isolated from three body fluids of the Tg rats: blood serum, breast milk and amniotic fluid. In vitro culture allowed transfer of serum-derived CD63-GFP EVs into recipient rat embryonic fibroblasts, where the EVs localized in endocytic organelles. These results suggested that this Tg rat model should provide significant information for understanding the intercellular transfer and/or mother-child transfer of EVs in vivo.
Mesp1 Marked Cardiac Progenitor Cells Repair Infarcted Mouse Hearts
Authors: Liu Yu , Chen Li , Diaz Andrea Diaz , Benham Ashley , Xu Xueping , Wijaya Cori S. , Fa’ak Faisal , Luo Weijia , Soibam Benjamin , Azares Alon , Yu Wei , Lyu Qiongying , Stewart M. David , Gunaratne Preethi , Cooney Austin , McConnell Bradley K. , Schwartz Robert J.
Published: August 2016

Mesp1 directs multipotential cardiovascular cell fates, even though it’s transiently induced prior to the appearance of the cardiac progenitor program. Tracing Mesp1-expressing cells and their progeny allows isolation and characterization of the earliest cardiovascular progenitor cells. Studying the biology of Mesp1-CPCs in cell culture and ischemic disease models is an important initial step toward using them for heart disease treatment. Because of Mesp1’s transitory nature, Mesp1-CPC lineages were traced by following EYFP expression in murine Mesp1Cre/+; Rosa26EYFP/+ ES cells. We captured EYFP+ cells that strongly expressed cardiac mesoderm markers and cardiac transcription factors, but not pluripotent or nascent mesoderm markers. BMP2/4 treatment led to the expansion of EYFP+ cells, while Wnt3a and Activin were marginally effective. BMP2/4 exposure readily led EYFP+ cells to endothelial and smooth muscle cells, but inhibition of the canonical Wnt signaling was required to enter the cardiomyocyte fate. Injected mouse pre-contractile Mesp1-EYFP+ CPCs improved the survivability of injured mice and restored the functional performance of infarcted hearts for at least 3 months. Mesp1-EYFP+ cells are bona fide CPCs and they integrated well in infarcted hearts and emerged de novo into terminally differentiated cardiac myocytes, smooth muscle and vascular endothelial cells.
Clival Screw Placement in Patient with atlas assimilation: A CT-based feasibility study
Authors: Ji Wei , Liu Xiang , Huang Wenhan , Huang Zucheng , Chen Jianting , Zhu Qingan , Wu Zenghui
Published: August 2016

Clival screw and plate fixation technique is an alternative or supplement to the occipitocervical instrumentation. However, no report has clarified the applied anatomy of clivus in patients with atlas assimilation (C1A), especially for clival screw fixation. Therefore, we measured the parameters of clival lengths, widths, putative screw lengths, clival-cervical angel and foramen magnum diameters on CT images in a cohort of 81 C1A patients and patients without C1A. The clivus showed a rectangular shape in 96.3% (78/81) of C1A patients and a normal-like triangle shape in 3.7% (3/81) of C1A patients. The intracranial clival length decreased 13% (37 mm) in C1A patients, the extracranial clival length 14.8% (24.1 mm), the clival-cervical angle 6.2% (122.3°) and the superior screw length 11.3% (14.1 mm), the sagittal diameter of foramen magnum 16% (28.0 mm), respectively. There was no significant difference in the widest or narrowest clival width, or the middle screw length, or the transverse diameter of foramen magnum between groups. The inferior clivus was feasible for an average 9.7-mm-length screw placement in C1A patients, while not in patients without C1A. The present study characterizes clivus of C1A patients with an unnormal-like rectangular shape and confirmes a screw placement at the inferior clivus.
hCG-induced Sprouty2 mediates amphiregulin-stimulated COX-2/PGE2 up-regulation in human granulosa cells: a potential mechanism for the OHSS
Authors: Cheng Jung-Chien , Fang Lanlan , Chang Hsun-Ming , Sun Ying-Pu , Leung Peter C. K.
Published: August 2016

Sprouty2 (SPRY2) is an important intracellular regulator for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated ERK1/2 signaling. In human granulosa cells, although SPRY2 is expressed, its regulation and function remains complete unknown and must be defined. Our previous study has shown that human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)/luteinizing hormone (LH) up-regulates the expression levels of EGF-like growth factor, amphiregulin (AREG), which subsequently contributes to the hCG/LH-induced COX-2 expression and PGE2 production. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of hCG on SPRY2 expression and the role of hCG-induced SPRY2 in AREG-stimulated COX-2 expression and PGE2 production in human granulosa cells. Our results demonstrated that the expression of SPRY2 was up-regulated by hCG treatment. Using pharmacological inhibitors and siRNA knockdown, we showed that activation of ERK1/2 signaling was required for hCG-induced up-regulation of SPRY2 expression. Further, SPRY2 knockdown attenuated the AREG-induced COX-2 expression and PGE2 production by inhibiting AREG-activated ERK1/2 signaling. Interestingly, we showed that SPRY2 expression levels were significantly increased in granulosa cells of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) patients. These results for the first time elucidate the physiological roles of SPRY2 in human granulosa cells and suggest that aberrant expression of SPRY2 may contribute to the pathogenesis of OHSS.
Curcumin suppresses NTHi-induced CXCL5 expression via inhibition of positive IKKβ pathway and up-regulation of negative MKP-1 pathway
Authors: Konduru Anuhya S. , Lee Byung-Cheol , Li Jian-Dong
Published: August 2016

Otitis media (OM) is the most common childhood bacterial infection and leading cause of conductive hearing loss. Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is a major bacterial pathogen for OM. OM characterized by the presence of overactive inflammatory responses is due to the aberrant production of inflammatory mediators including C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5). The molecular mechanism underlying induction of CXCL5 by NTHi is unknown. Here we show that NTHi up-regulates CXCL5 expression by activating IKKβ-IκBα and p38 MAPK pathways via NF-κB nuclear translocation-dependent and -independent mechanism in middle ear epithelial cells. Current therapies for OM are ineffective due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant NTHi strains and risk of side effects with prolonged use of immunosuppressant drugs. In this study, we show that curcumin, derived from Curcuma longa plant, long known for its medicinal properties, inhibited NTHi-induced CXCL5 expression in vitro and in vivo. Curcumin suppressed CXCL5 expression by direct inhibition of IKKβ phosphorylation and inhibition of p38 MAPK via induction of negative regulator MKP-1. Thus, identification of curcumin as a potential therapeutic for treating OM is of particular translational significance due to the attractiveness of targeting overactive inflammation without significant adverse effects.
CaM/BAG5/Hsc70 signaling complex dynamically regulates leaf senescence
Authors: Li Luhua , Xing Yangfei , Chang Dong , Fang Shasha , Cui Boyang , Li Qi , Wang Xuejie , Guo Shang , Yang Xue , Men Shuzhen , Shen Yuequan
Published: August 2016

Calcium signaling plays an essential role in plant cell physiology, and chaperone-mediated protein folding directly regulates plant programmed cell death. The Arabidopsis thaliana protein AtBAG5 (Bcl-2-associated athanogene 5) is unique in that it contains both a BAG domain capable of binding Hsc70 (Heat shock cognate protein 70) and a characteristic IQ motif that is specific for Ca2+-free CaM (Calmodulin) binding and hence acts as a hub linking calcium signaling and the chaperone system. Here, we determined crystal structures of AtBAG5 alone and in complex with Ca2+-free CaM. Structural and biochemical studies revealed that Ca2+-free CaM and Hsc70 bind AtBAG5 independently, whereas Ca2+-saturated CaM and Hsc70 bind AtBAG5 with negative cooperativity. Further in vivo studies confirmed that AtBAG5 localizes to mitochondria and that its overexpression leads to leaf senescence symptoms including decreased chlorophyll retention and massive ROS production in dark-induced plants. Mutants interfering the CaM/AtBAG5/Hsc70 complex formation leads to different phenotype of leaf senescence. Collectively, we propose that the CaM/AtBAG5/Hsc70 signaling complex plays an important role in regulating plant senescence.
A fluorogenic screening platform enables directed evolution of an alkyne biosynthetic tool
Authors: Zhu Xuejun , Shieh Peyton , Su Michael , Bertozzi Carolyn R. , Zhang Wenjun
Published: August 2016

A fluorogenic screening platform enabled the engineering of a membrane-bound bifunctional desaturase/acetylenase for improved activity in E. coli.
The Z-enoate assisted, Meyer–Schuster rearrangement cascade: unconventional synthesis of α-arylenone esters
Authors: Tharra Prabhakararao , Baire Beeraiah
Published: August 2016

Brønsted acid promoted nucleophilation of propargylic alcohols during the Meyer–Schuster rearrangement (M–S) has been introduced. The reverse polarization of the M–S intermediate allenyl cation has been realized by employing a novel concept of cis-enoate assistance strategy.
A bubble-template approach for assembling Ni–Co oxide hollow microspheres with an enhanced electrochemical performance as an anode for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Ding Caihua , Yan Dong , Zhao Yongjie , Zhao Yuzhen , Zhou Heping , Li Jingbo , Jin Haibo
Published: August 2016

A bubble-template approach was developed to assemble Ni–Co oxide hollow microspheres with an enhanced electrochemical performance as an anode for lithium ion batteries.
Photoinduced water splitting in pyridine water clusters
Authors: Esteves-López Natalia , Coussan Stephane , Dedonder-Lardeux Claude , Jouvet Christophe
Published: August 2016

Photon induced water splitting in pyridine–(H2O)n clusters observed through the detection of the pyridinyl radical.
Structure-dependent vibrational dynamics of Mg(BH4)2 polymorphs probed with neutron vibrational spectroscopy and first-principles calculations
Authors: Dimitrievska Mirjana , White James L. , Zhou Wei , Stavila Vitalie , Klebanoff Leonard E. , Udovic Terrence J.
Published: August 2016

Neutron vibrational spectroscopy and DFT calculations are used in order to gain deeper insights into the structure-dependent vibrational properties of Mg(BH4)2 polymorphs.
Benchmark values of chemical potential and chemical hardness for atoms and atomic ions (including unstable anions) from the energies of isoelectronic series
Authors: Cárdenas Carlos , Heidar-Zadeh Farnaz , Ayers Paul W.
Published: August 2016

We present benchmark values for the electronic chemical potential and chemical hardness from reference data for ionization potentials and electron affinities.
Impact of the Si/Al ratio on the selective capture of iodine compounds in silver-mordenite: a periodic DFT study
Authors: Chibani Siwar , Chebbi Mouheb , Lebègue Sébastien , Cantrel Laurent , Badawi Michael
Published: August 2016

Decreasing the Si/Al ratio in silver exchanged mordenite drastically limits the potential inhibiting effect of H2O and CO on the adsorption of I2 and ICH3, and allows a spontaneous dissociation of I2 leading to the formation of AgI complexes.
Bifurcated dissociative photoionization mechanism of acetic acid anhydride revealed by imaging photoelectron photoion coincidence spectroscopy
Authors: Voronova Krisztina , Mozaffari Easter Chrissa M. , Torma Krisztián G. , Bodi Andras , Hemberger Patrick , Sztáray Bálint
Published: August 2016

PEPICO allows us a peek beyond the transition state to identify bifurcated reaction pathways.
Room temperature blue phosphorescence: a combined experimental and theoretical study on the bis-tridentate Ir(iii) metal complexes
Authors: Kuei Chu-Yun , Liu Shih-Hung , Chou Pi-Tai , Lee Gene-Hsiang , Chi Yun
Published: August 2016

New bis-tridentate Ir(iii) complexes (1/1b, 2/2b and 3/3b) incorporating both bis(imidazolylidene)benzene and dianionic functional pyrazolyl (or phenyl) pyridine chelates have been synthesized, among which complexes 2 and 2b exhibit intense and structural sky-blue emission in condensed states.
Cellular membrane-anchored fluorescent probe with aggregation-induced emission characteristics for selective detection of Cu2+ ions
Authors: Liu Danni , Ji Shenglu , Li Heran , Hong Liang , Kong Deling , Qi Xin , Ding Dan
Published: August 2016

The exploration of advanced fluorescent probes that can detect divalent copper (Cu2+) in aqueous environments and even in live organisms is particularly valuable for understanding the occurrence and development of Cu2+-related diseases. In this work, we report the design and synthesis of an aggregation-induced emission luminogen (AIEgen)-based probe (TPE-Py-EEGTIGYG) by integrating an AIEgen, TPE-Py, with a peptide, EEGTIGYG, which can selectively detect Cu2+ in both aqueous solution and live cells. Peptide EEGTIGYG has dual functionality in the probe design, namely improving water solubility and providing specific cell membrane-binding ability. TPE-Py-EEGTIGYG can self-assemble into nanoaggregates at high concentration in aqueous solution (e.g., 25 μM), which possess large fluorescence output due to the restriction of intramolecular rotation of the phenyl rings on TPE-Py. The fluorescence of the TPE-Py-EEGTIGYG nanoaggregates can be significantly quenched by Cu2+ but not by other metal ions, achieving the selective detection of Cu2+ in aqueous media. Furthermore, TPE-Py-EEGTIGYG can exist as a molecular species and is very weakly fluorescent in dilute aqueous solution (e.g., 5 μM), but can however largely switch on its fluorescence upon specifically anchoring onto the cell membrane. The emissive probes on the cell membrane can be used for the detection of Cu2+ ions that move in and out of cells with a fluorescence “turn-off” mode.
Lonicera caerulea berry extract suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation via Toll-like receptor and oxidative stress-associated mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling
Authors: Wang Yuehua , Li Bin , Zhu Jinyan , Zhang Qi , Zhang Xiuyan , Li Li , Ma Yan , Meng Xianjun
Published: August 2016

The protective effects of Lonicera caerulea berry extract (LCBE) against hepatic inflammation and the underlying mechanisms were investigated in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced chronic liver inflammation.
Magnesium and aluminum complexes bearing bis(5,6,7-trihydro quinolyl)-fused benzodiazepines for ε-caprolactone polymerization
Authors: Rajendran Natesan Mannangatti , Xi Yanxia , Zhang Wenjuan , Braunstein Pierre , Liang Tongling , Sun Wen-Hua
Published: August 2016

New bis(5,6,7-trihydroquinolyl)-fused benzodiazepine ligands were synthesized and used to form dinuclear magnesium and aluminum complexes which showed efficient catalytic activity toward the ROP of ε-CL.
Dual-encryption based on facilely synthesized supra-(carbon nanodots) with water-induced enhanced luminescence
Authors: Zhang Xutao , Li Di , Zhou Ding , Jing Pengtao , Ji Wenyu , Shen Dezhen , Qu Songnan
Published: August 2016

Dual-encrypted luminescence information has been constructed through water-jet printing and hand writing based on low cost and easily prepared supra-(carbon nanodots).
The effect of temperature on the physicochemical properties and lamellar structure of canna starch subjected to enzymatic degradation
Authors: Lan Xiaohong , Wu Jinhong , Xie Fan , Wang Zhengwu
Published: August 2016

Electron density distribution function of paracrystalline model for starch lamellar structure (ρc: crystal lamellar density; ρa: amorphous lamellar density; Δρ: density differences; d: long period; da: amorphous thickness; dc: crystal thickness).
Elemental sulfur mediated synthesis of benzoxazoles, benzothiazoles and quinoxalines via decarboxylative coupling of 2-hydroxy/mercapto/amino-anilines with cinnamic acids
Authors: Guntreddi Tirumaleswararao , Vanjari Rajeshwer , Kumar Saurabh , Singh Rahul , Singh Neetu , Kumar Promod , Singh Krishna Nand
Published: August 2016

A practical method has been developed for the synthesis of 2-benzylbenzoxazoles and 2-benzylbenzothiazoles using sulfur mediated decarboxylative coupling of cinnamic acids with 2-hydroxyanilines and 2-mercaptoanilines respectively.
Effect of different complexing ligands on europium uptake from aqueous phase by kaolinite: batch sorption and fluorescence studies
Authors: Verma Parveen Kumar , Mohapatra Prasanta Kumar
Published: August 2016

The fluorescence studies suggested that the Eu(iii) sorbs as Eu(iii)–oxalate complex (binary system) onto kaolinite surface in the ternary system of Eu(iii), oxalic acid and kaolinite at circumneutral pH conditions.
Hydrodynamic oscillations and variable swimming speed in squirmers close to repulsive walls
Authors: Lintuvuori Juho S. , Brown Aidan T. , Stratford Kevin , Marenduzzo Davide
Published: August 2016

We present a lattice Boltzmann study of the hydrodynamics of a fully resolved squirmer, confined in a slab of fluid between two no-slip walls.
Robust active contours for fast image segmentation
Authors: Ding Keyan , Weng Guirong
Published: August 2016

A robust active contour model is proposed for fast image segmentation. By introducing the intensity fitting energy in a local region, the proposed model can segment the images with intensity inhomogeneity efficiently. Since the local fitting functions are computed before curve evolution, the proposed model is insensitive to initialisation and has a high segmentation efficiency. Experiments on several synthetic and real images have proved the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Resource allocation in small cell networks with time‐averaged rate constraints
Authors: Guo Yashuang , Yang Qinghai , Liu Jiayi , Kwak Kyung Sup
Published: August 2016

This work is motivated by the following observation: modern wireless applications such as content prefetching, allow different extent of delay tolerance, thus in practice users may have different time‐averaged data rates during a certain period of time. In this study, the authors consider resource allocation in small cell networks under time‐varying channels while each user has an individual time‐averaged rate requirement. Stochastic optimisation model is employed to minimise the time‐averaged power consumption of small base stations subject to individual user's time‐averaged rate constraint. They develop an online power optimal resource allocation (PORA) algorithm to achieve the optimal power allocation and subcarrier assignment decisions without prior knowledge of channel statistics. Furthermore, considering that the power allocation and subcarrier assignment problem is a nonconvex combinatorial problem, they further develop an iterative heuristic algorithm with polynomial complexity. Simulation results show the effectiveness of PORA and verify the theoretical analysis on the network performance.
Allocation of demand response resources: toward an effective contribution to power system voltage stability
Authors: Aghaei Jamshid , Alizadeh Mohammad Iman , Abdollahi Amir , Barani Mostafa
Published: August 2016

In this study, capacity allocation of demand‐response (DR) and the real‐time savings earned from implementing DR programmes (DRPs) are investigated based on a mixed integer non‐linear multi‐objective programming (MINMOP) framework according to two conflicting concepts, titled; maximum achievable potential (MAP) and realistic achievable potential (RAP). MAP indicates that placing a value on DR resources must be strictly weighed against the value of avoiding the acquisition of short‐term resources to meet critical peak period, whereas RAP takes into accounts the amount of savings that might be achieved through DRPs. The proposed MINMOP includes both technical and economic aspects of integrating DRPs into the power systems by considering optimal generation scheduling cost, voltage drop, voltage stability margin, network loss, and incentive payment as objective functions. In addition, augmented ɛ ‐constraint method is applied to solve the proposed MINMOP by means of off‐the‐shelf conventional optimisation software. The IEEE 24‐bus reliability test system (RTS 24‐bus) is used to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method. Eventually, DR allocation is analysed through four cases based on different number of candidate buses which demonstrate the interest and effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Generalised fuzzy c‐means clustering algorithm with local information
Authors: Memon Kashif Hussain , Lee Dong‐Ho
Published: August 2016

Much research has been conducted on fuzzy c‐means (FCM) clustering algorithms for image segmentation that incorporate the local neighbourhood information into their objective function in order to mitigate problems related to noise sensitivity and poor performance. Although the bias‐corrected FCM, FCM with spatial constraints, and adaptive weighted averaging algorithms have proven to be robust to noise for image segmentation using local spatial image information, they have some disadvantages: (i) they are limited to single feature input data (i.e. intensity level feature), (ii) their robustness to noise and effectiveness heavily depend on a crucial parameter α, and (iii) it is difficult to find the optimal value of α, which is generally selected experimentally. In this study, to overcome all of these disadvantages, the authors present a generalisation of these types of algorithms that is applicable to cluster M‐features input data. The proposed generalised FCM clustering algorithm with local information (GFCMLI) not only mitigates the disadvantages of standard FCM, but also highly improves the overall clustering performance. Experiments have been performed on several noisy data and natural/real‐world images in order to demonstrate the effectiveness, efficiency, and robustness to noise of the GFCMLI algorithm as compared with conventional methods.
Chimera states in two populations with heterogeneous phase-lag
Authors: Martens Erik A. , Bick Christian , Panaggio Mark J.
Published: August 2016

The simplest network of coupled phase-oscillators exhibiting chimera states is given by two populations with disparate intra- and inter-population coupling strengths. We explore the effects of heterogeneous coupling phase-lags between the two populations. Such heterogeneity arises naturally in various settings, for example, as an approximation to transmission delays, excitatory-inhibitory interactions, or as amplitude and phase responses of oscillators with electrical or mechanical coupling. We find that breaking the phase-lag symmetry results in a variety of states with uniform and non-uniform synchronization, including in-phase and anti-phase synchrony, full incoherence (splay state), chimera states with phase separation of 0 or π between populations, and states where both populations remain desynchronized. These desynchronized states exhibit stable, oscillatory, and even chaotic dynamics. Moreover, we identify the bifurcations through which chimeras emerge. Stable chimera states and desynchronized solutions, which do not arise for homogeneous phase-lag parameters, emerge as a result of competition between synchronized in-phase, anti-phase equilibria, and fully incoherent states when the phase-lags are near ±π2 (cosine coupling). These findings elucidate previous experimental results involving a network of mechanical oscillators and provide further insight into the breakdown of synchrony in biological systems.
Effect of internal stress on the electro-optical behaviour of Al-doped ZnO transparent conductive thin films
Authors: Proost J. , Henry F. , Tuyaerts R. , Michotte S.
Published: August 2016

In this work, we will report on scientific efforts aimed at unraveling the quantitative effect of elastic strain on the electro-optical behaviour of Al-doped zinc oxide (AZO). AZO thin films have been deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering to thicknesses from 300 to 500 nm, both on extra-clear glass substrates as well as on oxidised Si wafers. This resulted in both cases in polycrystalline, strongly textured (002) films. During deposition, the internal stress evolution in the growing film was monitored in-situ using high resolution curvature measurements. The resulting growth-induced elastic strain, which was found to depend heavily on the oxygen partial pressure, could further be modulated by appropriately choosing the deposition temperature. The latter also induces an additional extrinsic thermal stress component, whose sign depends on the substrate used. As such, a wide range of biaxial internal stresses could be achieved, from −600 MPa in compression up to 800 MPa in tension. The resulting charge carrier mobilities, obtained independently from room temperature Hall measurements, were found to range between 5 and 25 cm2/V s. Interestingly, the maximum mobility occurred at the zero-stress condition, and together with a charge carrier concentration of about 8 × 1020 cm−3, this gave rise to a resistivity of only 300 μΩ cm. From the stress-dependent optical transmission spectra in the range of 200–1000 nm, the pressure coefficient of the optical bandgap was estimated from the corresponding Tauc plots to be 31 meV/GPa, indicating a very high strain-sensitivity as well.
A poly-epoxy surface explored by Hartree-Fock ΔSCF simulations of C1s XPS spectra
Authors: Gavrielides A. , Duguet T. , Esvan J. , Lacaze-Dufaure C. , Bagus P. S.
Published: August 2016

Whereas poly-epoxy polymers represent a class of materials with a wide range of applications, the structural disorder makes them difficult to model. In the present work, we use good experimental model samples in the sense that they are pure, fully polymerized, flat and smooth, defect-free, and suitable for ultrahigh vacuum x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, XPS, experiments. In parallel, we perform Hartree-Fock, HF, calculations of the binding energies, BEs, of the C1s electrons in a model molecule composed of the two constituents of the poly-epoxy sample. These C1s BEs were determined using the HF ΔSCF method, which is known to yield accurate values, especially for the shifts of the BEs, ΔBEs. We demonstrate the benefits of combining rigorous theory with careful XPS measurements in order to obtain correct assignments of the C1s XPS spectra of the polymer sample. Both the relative binding energies—by the ΔSCF method—and relative intensities—in the sudden approximation, SA, are calculated. It results in an excellent match with the experimental spectra. We are able to identify 9 different chemical environments under the C1s peak, where an exclusively experimental work would have found only 3 contributions. In addition, we observe that some contributions are localized at discrete binding energies, whereas others allow a much wider range because of the variation of their second neighbor bound polarization. Therefore, HF-ΔSCF simulations significantly increase the spectral resolution of XPS and thus offer a new avenue for the exploration of the surface of polymers.
Simulation of self-assembly of polyzwitterions into vesicles
Authors: Mahalik J. P. , Muthukumar M.
Published: August 2016

Using the Langevin dynamics method and a coarse-grained model, we have studied the formation of vesicles by hydrophobic polymers consisting of periodically placed zwitterion side groups in dilute salt-free aqueous solutions. The zwitterions, being permanent charge dipoles, provide long-range electrostatic correlations which are interfered by the conformational entropy of the polymer. Our simulations are geared towards gaining conceptual understanding in these correlated dipolar systems, where theoretical calculations are at present formidable. A competition between hydrophobic interactions and dipole-dipole interactions leads to a series of self-assembled structures. As the spacing d between the successive zwitterion side groups decreases, single chains undergo globule → disk → worm-like structures. We have calculated the Flory-Huggins χ parameter for these systems in terms of d and monitored the radius of gyration, hydrodynamic radius, spatial correlations among hydrophobic and dipole monomers, and dipole-dipole orientational correlation functions. During the subsequent stages of self-assembly, these structures lead to larger globules and vesicles as d is decreased up to a threshold value, below which no large scale morphology forms. The vesicles form via a polynucleation mechanism whereby disk-like structures form first, followed by their subsequent merger.
Phase-locked patterns of the Kuramoto model on 3-regular graphs
Authors: DeVille Lee , Ermentrout Bard
Published: August 2016

We consider the existence of non-synchronized fixed points to the Kuramoto model defined on sparse networks: specifically, networks where each vertex has degree exactly three. We show that “most” such networks support multiple attracting phase-locked solutions that are not synchronized and study the depth and width of the basins of attraction of these phase-locked solutions. We also show that it is common in “large enough” graphs to find phase-locked solutions where one or more of the links have angle difference greater than π/2.
Graph partitions and cluster synchronization in networks of oscillators
Authors: Schaub Michael T. , O'Clery Neave , Billeh Yazan N. , Delvenne Jean-Charles , Lambiotte Renaud , Barahona Mauricio
Published: August 2016

Synchronization over networks depends strongly on the structure of the coupling between the oscillators. When the coupling presents certain regularities, the dynamics can be coarse-grained into clusters by means of External Equitable Partitions of the network graph and their associated quotient graphs. We exploit this graph-theoretical concept to study the phenomenon of cluster synchronization, in which different groups of nodes converge to distinct behaviors. We derive conditions and properties of networks in which such clustered behavior emerges and show that the ensuing dynamics is the result of the localization of the eigenvectors of the associated graph Laplacians linked to the existence of invariant subspaces. The framework is applied to both linear and non-linear models, first for the standard case of networks with positive edges, before being generalized to the case of signed networks with both positive and negative interactions. We illustrate our results with examples of both signed and unsigned graphs for consensus dynamics and for partial synchronization of oscillator networks under the master stability function as well as Kuramoto oscillators.
Detecting causality in policy diffusion processes
Authors: Grabow Carsten , Macinko James , Silver Diana , Porfiri Maurizio
Published: August 2016

A universal question in network science entails learning about the topology of interaction from collective dynamics. Here, we address this question by examining diffusion of laws across US states. We propose two complementary techniques to unravel determinants of this diffusion process: information-theoretic union transfer entropy and event synchronization. In order to systematically investigate their performance on law activity data, we establish a new stochastic model to generate synthetic law activity data based on plausible networks of interactions. Through extensive parametric studies, we demonstrate the ability of these methods to reconstruct networks, varying in size, link density, and degree heterogeneity. Our results suggest that union transfer entropy should be preferred for slowly varying processes, which may be associated with policies attending to specific local problems that occur only rarely or with policies facing high levels of opposition. In contrast, event synchronization is effective for faster enactment rates, which may be related to policies involving Federal mandates or incentives. This study puts forward a data-driven toolbox to explain the determinants of legal activity applicable to political science, across dynamical systems, information theory, and complex networks.
Gowdy-symmetric cosmological models with Cauchy horizons ruled by non-closed null generators
Authors: Hennig Jörg
Published: August 2016

Smooth Gowdy-symmetric generalized Taub-NUT solutions are a class of inhomogeneous cosmological models with spatial three-sphere topology. They have a past Cauchy horizon with closed null-generators, and they have been shown to develop a second, regular Cauchy horizon in the future, unless in special, well-defined singular cases. Here we generalize these models to allow for past Cauchy horizons ruled by non-closed null generators. In particular, we show local and global existence of such a class of solutions with two functional degrees of freedom. This removes a periodicity condition for the asymptotic data at the past Cauchy horizon that was required before. Moreover, we derive a three-parametric family of exact solutions within that class and study its properties.
Global regularity to the 3D MHD equations with large initial data in bounded domains
Authors: Yu Haibo
Published: August 2016

This paper considers the global regularity to the 3D incompressible MHD equations with large initial data in bounded domains. Let μ, ν, u, and b denote the viscosity coefficient, magnetic diffusivity, velocity field, and magnetic field, respectively. We construct new systems for (u − b) and (u + b) to overcome the difficulties caused by the large initial data. It is shown that (u,b)H1 is globally bounded as long as (u0−b0)H1+μ−ν(μ+ν)−1 or (u0+b0)H1+μ−ν(μ+ν)−1 is sufficiently small, which indicates that the Navier-Stokes equations can be regularized by the magnetic field.
Asymmetric wave transmission in a diatomic acoustic/elastic metamaterial
Authors: Li Bing , Tan K. T.
Published: August 2016

Asymmetric acoustic/elastic wave transmission has recently been realized using nonlinearity, wave diffraction, or bias effects, but always at the cost of frequency distortion, direction shift, large volumes, or external energy. Based on the self-coupling of dual resonators, we propose a linear diatomic metamaterial, consisting of several small-sized unit cells, to realize large asymmetric wave transmission in low frequency domain (below 1 kHz). The asymmetric transmission mechanism is theoretically investigated, and numerically verified by both mass-spring and continuum models. This passive system does not require any frequency conversion or external energy, and the asymmetric transmission band can be theoretically predicted and mathematically controlled, which extends the design concept of unidirectional transmission devices.
Free energy landscape and molecular pathways of gas hydrate nucleation
Authors: Bi Yuanfei , Porras Anna , Li Tianshu
Published: August 2016

Despite the significance of gas hydrates in diverse areas, a quantitative knowledge of hydrate formation at a molecular level is missing. The impediment to acquiring this understanding is primarily attributed to the stochastic nature and ultra-fine scales of nucleation events, posing a great challenge for both experiment and simulation to explore hydrate nucleation. Here we employ advanced molecular simulation methods, including forward flux sampling (FFS), pB histogram analysis, and backward flux sampling, to overcome the limit of direct molecular simulation for exploring both the free energy landscape and molecular pathways of hydrate nucleation. First we test the half-cage order parameter (H-COP) which we developed for driving FFS, through conducting the pB histogram analysis. Our results indeed show that H-COP describes well the reaction coordinates of hydrate nucleation. Through the verified order parameter, we then directly compute the free energy landscape for hydrate nucleation by combining both forward and backward flux sampling. The calculated stationary distribution density, which is obtained independently of nucleation theory, is found to fit well against the classical nucleation theory (CNT). Subsequent analysis of the obtained large ensemble of hydrate nucleation trajectories show that although on average, hydrate formation is facilitated by a two-step like mechanism involving a gradual transition from an amorphous to a crystalline structure, there also exist nucleation pathways where hydrate crystallizes directly, without going through the amorphous stage. The CNT-like free energy profile and the structural diversity suggest the existence of multiple active transition pathways for hydrate nucleation, and possibly also imply the near degeneracy in their free energy profiles among different pathways. Our results thus bring a new perspective to the long standing question of how hydrates crystallize.
Effect of amorphous Si capping layer on the hole transport properties of BaSi2 and improved conversion efficiency approaching 10% in p-BaSi2/n-Si solar cells
Authors: Yachi Suguru , Takabe Ryota , Takeuchi Hiroki , Toko Kaoru , Suemasu Takashi
Published: August 2016

We investigated the effect of a 3-nm-thick amorphous Si (a-Si) capping layer on the hole transport properties of BaSi2 films. The contact resistance decreased with decreasing resistivity of p-BaSi2 and reached a minimum of 0.35 Ω·cm2. The effect of the a-Si layer was confirmed by higher photoresponsivities for n-BaSi2 films capped with the a-Si layer than for those without the a-Si layer, showing that the minority carriers (holes) were extracted efficiently across the a-Si/n-BaSi2 interface. Under AM1.5 illumination, the conversion efficiency reached 9.9% in a-Si(3 nm)/p-BaSi2(20 nm)/n-Si solar cells, the highest value ever reported for semiconducting silicides.
Heisenberg-like uncertainty measures for D-dimensional hydrogenic systems at large D
Authors: Toranzo I. V. , Martínez-Finkelshtein A. , Dehesa J. S.
Published: August 2016

The radial expectation values of the probability density of a quantum system in position and momentum spaces allow one to describe numerous physical quantities of the system as well as to find generalized Heisenberg-like uncertainty relations and to bound entropic uncertainty measures. It is known that the position and momentum expectation values of the main prototype of the D-dimensional Coulomb systems, the D-dimensional hydrogenic system, can be expressed in terms of some generalized hypergeometric functions of the type p+1Fp(z) evaluated at unity with p = 2 and p = 3, respectively. In this work we determine the position and momentum expectation values in the limit of large D for all hydrogenic states from ground to very excited (Rydberg) ones in terms of the spatial dimensionality and the hyperquantum numbers of the state under consideration. This is done by means of two different approaches to calculate the leading term of the special functions 3F21 and 5F41 involved in the large D limit of the position and momentum quantities. Then, these quantities are used to obtain the generalized Heisenberg-like and logarithmic uncertainty relations, and some upper and lower bounds to the entropic uncertainty measures (Shannon, Rényi, Tsallis) of the D-dimensional hydrogenic system.
Plasma-assisted low energy N2 implant for Vfb tuning of Ge gate stacks
Authors: Kothari Shraddha , Joishi Chandan , Nejad Hasan , Variam Naushad , Lodha Saurabh
Published: August 2016

This work reports Vfb tuning of TiN/HfO2 gate stacks on Ge using low energy plasma-assisted doping with N2 without significant impact on gate capacitance and gate/channel interface trap densities. As required for multi-VT Ge p-FinFETs, controlled change in effective work function up to 180 mV from the near midgap to the near valence band edge of Ge is demonstrated by varying implant dose and energy. Unlike Si gate stacks, increased gate leakage in implanted Ge gate stacks is shown to result from traps created in the HfO2 layer during the implant and exposed to channel carriers due to a low band offset GeO2 interfacial layer (IL). Recovery of gate leakage is demonstrated by substituting GeO2 with an Al2O3 IL. Further, a simple physical model is proposed to extract the work function and oxide charge components of the change in Vfb for varying implant doses and energies.
Assembly of porous smectic structures formed from interlocking high-symmetry planar nanorings
Authors: Avendaño Carlos , Jackson George , Müller Erich A. , Escobedo Fernando A.
Published: August 2016

Significance

The formation of low-density porous structures is currently a topic of significant interest due to the advantageous electrical, optical, and chemical properties of the materials. We have observed the formation of unique highly open liquid-crystalline smectic phases formed by the interlocking of highly symmetrical planar nanorings. In particular, we demonstrate the relationship between the size of the internal cavity of the rings and their symmetry on the formation of stable liquid-crystalline phases with free volumes of up to 95%.
Changes in color and texture of wheat noodles during chilled storage
Authors: Fukuzawa Soma , Ogawa Takenobu , Nakagawa Kyuya , Adachi Shuji
Published: August 2016

Wheat noodles cooked for different periods of time were stored at 5 °C, and color changes in their cross sections were quantitatively assessed by digital image analysis. The color of noodles with flattened moisture distributions whitened greatly during the early stages of chilled storage due to the retrogradation of starch, with the color change showing a significant correlation with the changes in noodle fragility. Color changes were also measured for wheat noodles and noodles containing modified starch with internal moisture distributions, and local changes within the noodles were kinetically analyzed. The addition of modified starch significantly reduced the color change in the noodle interior, where the moisture content was relatively low. Scanning calorimetric measurements indicated differences in the gelatinized state of modified starch and original wheat starch at low moisture contents, which affected the rate of color change in the interior of noodles containing modified starch.