bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AMPK maintains energy homeostasis and survival in cancer cells via regulating p38/PGC-1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis
Authors: Chaube B , Malvi P , Singh S V , Mohammad N , Viollet B , Bhat M K
Published: December 2015

Cancer cells exhibit unique metabolic response and adaptation to the fluctuating microenvironment, yet molecular and biochemical events imprinting this phenomenon are unclear. Here, we show that metabolic homeostasis and adaptation to metabolic stress in cancer cells are primarily achieved by an integrated response exerted by the activation of AMPK. We provide evidence that AMPK-p38-PGC-1α axis, by regulating energy homeostasis, maintains survival in cancer cells under glucose-limiting conditions. Functioning as a molecular switch, AMPK promotes glycolysis by activating PFK2, and facilitates mitochondrial metabolism of non-glucose carbon sources thereby maintaining cellular ATP level. Interestingly, we noted that AMPK can promote oxidative metabolism via increasing mitochondrial biogenesis and OXPHOS capacity via regulating expression of PGC-1α through p38MAPK activation. Taken together, our study signifies the fundamental role of AMPK in controlling cellular bioenergetics and mitochondrial biogenesis in cancer cells.
The symbiotic life ofSymbiodiniumin the open ocean within a new species of calcifying ciliate (Tiarinasp.)
Authors: Mordret Solenn , Romac Sarah , Henry Nicolas , Colin Sébastien , Carmichael Margaux , Berney Cédric , Audic Stéphane , Richter Daniel J , Pochon Xavier , de Vargas Colomban , Decelle Johan
Published: December 2015

Symbiotic partnerships between heterotrophic hosts and intracellular microalgae are common in tropical and subtropical oligotrophic waters of benthic and pelagic marine habitats. The iconic example is the photosynthetic dinoflagellate genus Symbiodinium that establishes mutualistic symbioses with a wide diversity of benthic hosts, sustaining highly biodiverse reef ecosystems worldwide. Paradoxically, although various species of photosynthetic dinoflagellates are prevalent eukaryotic symbionts in pelagic waters, Symbiodinium has not yet been reported in symbiosis within oceanic plankton, despite its high propensity for the symbiotic lifestyle. Here we report a new pelagic photosymbiosis between a calcifying ciliate host and the microalga Symbiodinium in surface ocean waters. Confocal and scanning electron microscopy, together with an 18S rDNA-based phylogeny, showed that the host is a new ciliate species closely related to Tiarina fusus (Colepidae). Phylogenetic analyses of the endosymbionts based on the 28S rDNA gene revealed multiple novel closely related Symbiodinium clade A genotypes. A haplotype network using the high-resolution internal transcribed spacer-2 marker showed that these genotypes form eight divergent, biogeographically structured, subclade types that do not seem to associate with any benthic hosts. Ecological analyses using the Tara Oceans metabarcoding data set (V9 region of the 18S rDNA) and contextual oceanographic parameters showed a global distribution of the symbiotic partnership in nutrient-poor surface waters. The discovery of the symbiotic life of Symbiodinium in the open ocean provides new insights into the ecology and evolution of this pivotal microalga and raises new hypotheses about coastal pelagic connectivity.
Abasic pivot substitution harnesses target specificity of RNA interference
Authors: Lee Hye-Sook , Seok Heeyoung , Lee Dong Ha , Ham Juyoung , Lee Wooje , Youm Emilia Moonkyung , Yoo Jin Seon , Lee Yong-Seung , Jang Eun-Sook , Chi Sung Wook
Published: December 2015

Gene silencing via RNA interference inadvertently represses hundreds of off-target transcripts. Because small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can function as microRNAs, avoiding miRNA-like off-target repression is a major challenge. Functional miRNA–target interactions are known to pre-require transitional nucleation, base pairs from position 2 to the pivot (position 6). Here, by substituting nucleotide in pivot with abasic spacers, which prevent base pairing and alleviate steric hindrance, we eliminate miRNA-like off-target repression while preserving on-target activity at ∼80–100%. Specifically, miR-124 containing dSpacer pivot substitution (6pi) loses seed-mediated transcriptome-wide target interactions, repression activity and biological function, whereas other conventional modifications are ineffective. Application of 6pi allows PCSK9 siRNA to efficiently lower plasma cholesterol concentration in vivo, and abolish potentially deleterious off-target phenotypes. The smallest spacer, C3, also shows the same improvement in target specificity. Abasic pivot substitution serves as a general means to harness the specificity of siRNA experiments and therapeutic applications.
Anomalous Tunnel Magnetoresistance and Spin Transfer Torque in Magnetic Tunnel Junctions with Embedded Nanoparticles
Authors: Useinov Arthur , Ye Lin-Xiu , Useinov Niazbeck , Wu Te-Ho , Lai Chih-Huang
Published: December 2015

The tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) in the magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) with embedded nanoparticles (NPs) was calculated in range of the quantum-ballistic model. The simulation was performed for electron tunneling through the insulating layer with embedded magnetic and non-magnetic NPs within the approach of the double barrier subsystem connected in parallel to the single barrier one. This model can be applied for both MTJs with in-plane magnetization and perpendicular one. We also calculated the in-plane component of the spin transfer torque (STT) versus the applied voltage in MTJs with magnetic NPs and determined that its value can be much larger than in single barrier system (SBS) for the same tunneling thickness. The reported simulation reproduces experimental data of the TMR suppression and peak-like TMR anomalies at low voltages available in leterature.
Principles of using Cold Atmospheric Plasma Stimulated Media for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Yan Dayun , Talbot Annie , Nourmohammadi Niki , Cheng Xiaoqian , Canady Jerome , Sherman Jonathan , Keidar Michael
Published: December 2015

To date, the significant anti-cancer capacity of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on dozens of cancer cell lines has been demonstrated in vitro and in mice models. Conventionally, CAP was directly applied to irradiate cancer cells or tumor tissue. Over past three years, the CAP irradiated media was also found to kill cancer cells as effectively as the direct CAP treatment. As a novel strategy, using the CAP stimulated (CAPs) media has become a promising anti-cancer tool. In this study, we demonstrated several principles to optimize the anti-cancer capacity of the CAPs media on glioblastoma cells and breast cancer cells. Specifically, using larger wells on a multi-well plate, smaller gaps between the plasma source and the media and smaller media volume enabled us to obtain a stronger anti-cancer CAPs media composition without increasing the treatment time. Furthermore, cysteine was the main target of effective reactive species in the CAPs media. Glioblastoma cells were more resistant to the CAPs media than breast cancer cells. Glioblastoma cells consumed the effective reactive species faster than breast cancer cells did. In contrast to nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide was more likely to be the effective reactive species.
Owning the body in the mirror: The effect of visual perspective and mirror view on the full-body illusion
Authors: Preston Catherine , Kuper-Smith Benjamin J. , Ehrsson H. Henrik
Published: December 2015

Mirrors allow us to view our own body from a third-person (observer) perspective. However, how viewing ourselves through a mirror affects central body representations compared with true third-person perspective is not fully understood. Across a series of experiments, multisensory full-body illusions were used to modulate feelings of ownership over a mannequin body that was viewed from a third-person perspective through a mirror, from a third-person perspective without a mirror and from a first-person perspective. In contrast to non-mirror third-person perspective, synchronously touching the participant’s actual body and the mannequin body viewed in the mirror elicited strong feelings of ownership over the mannequin and increased physiological responses to the mannequin being threatened compared to the equivalent asynchronous (non-ownership) control condition. Subjective reports of ownership viewing the mannequin through a mirror were also statistically equivalent to those following the first-person perspective illusion. These findings suggest that mirrors have a special role for viewing the self. The results also support the importance of egocentric reference frames for body ownership and suggest that mirror reflections of one’s own body are related to peripersonal space, which enables updating of central body representations.
PRINT: A Protein Bioconjugation Method with Exquisite N-terminal Specificity
Authors: Sur Surojit , Qiao Yuan , Fries Anja , O’Meally Robert N. , Cole Robert N. , Kinzler Kenneth W. , Vogelstein Bert , Zhou Shibin
Published: December 2015

Chemical conjugation is commonly used to enhance the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution and potency of protein therapeutics, but often leads to non-specific modification or loss of bioactivity. Here, we present a simple, versatile and widely applicable method that allows exquisite N-terminal specific modification of proteins. Combining reversible side-chain blocking and protease mediated cleavage of a commonly used HIS tag appended to a protein, we generate with high yield and purity exquisitely site specific and selective bio-conjugates of TNF-α by using amine reactive NHS ester chemistry. We confirm the N terminal selectivity and specificity using mass spectral analyses and show near complete retention of the biological activity of our model protein both in vitro and in vivo murine models. We believe that this methodology would be applicable to a variety of potentially therapeutic proteins and the specificity afforded by this technique would allow for rapid generation of novel biologics.
TMV mutants with poly(A) tracts of different lengths demonstrate structural variations in 3′UTR affecting viral RNAs accumulation and symptom expression
Authors: Guo Song , Kierzek Elzbieta , Chen Gang , Zhou Yi-Jun , Wong Sek-Man
Published: December 2015

The upstream pseudoknots domain (UPD) of Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is located at the 3′-untranslated region (UTR). It plays an important role in virus replication and translation. To determine the importance of UPD and 3′-UTR and the effects of introduced RNA elements in TMV 3′-UTR, a series of TMV mutants with internal poly(A) tract upstream of UPD was constructed for structural analysis by selective 2′-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension (SHAPE). TMV(24A+UPD) and TMV(42A+UPD) formed a similar structure as that of TMV 3′-UTR, but TMV(62A+UPD) structures altered by the introduced poly(A) tract. In addition, TMV(24A+UPD) had a higher viral RNAs accumulation than TMV in N. benthamiana protoplasts and induced lethal symptoms in the infected plants. TMV(62A+UPD) showed a drastically reduced accumulation, its coat protein was undetectable in protoplasts and the inoculated plants remained symptomless. This study analyzed the structures of 3′-UTR of TMV and found that the longer poly(A) tract introduced upstream of UPD reduced viral RNAs accumulation and induced milder symptoms in N. benthamiana. In conclusion, different lengths of the internal poly(A) tract introduced into the TMV 3′UTR lead to structural variations that affect virus accumulation and symptom expression.
Coil-globule transition of a single semiflexible chain in slitlike confinement
Authors: Dai Liang , Renner C. Benjamin , Yan Jie , Doyle Patrick S.
Published: December 2015

Single polymer chains undergo a phase transition from coiled conformations to globular conformations as the effective attraction between monomers becomes strong enough. In this work, we investigated the coil-globule transition of a semiflexible chain confined between two parallel plates, i.e. a slit, using the lattice model and Pruned-enriched Rosenbluth method (PERM) algorithm. We find that as the slit height decreases, the critical attraction for the coil-globule transition changes non-monotonically due to the competition of the confinement free energies of the coiled and globular states. In wide (narrow) slits, the coiled state experiences more (less) confinement free energy and hence the transition becomes easier (more difficult). In addition, we find that the transition becomes less sharp with the decreasing slit height. Here, the sharpness refers to the sensitivity of thermodynamic quantities when varying the attraction around the critical value. The relevant experiments can be performed for DNA condensation in microfluidic devices.
Using activation status of signaling pathways as mechanism-based biomarkers to predict drug sensitivity
Authors: Amadoz Alicia , Sebastian-Leon Patricia , Vidal Enrique , Salavert Francisco , Dopazo Joaquin
Published: December 2015

Many complex traits, as drug response, are associated with changes in biological pathways rather than being caused by single gene alterations. Here, a predictive framework is presented in which gene expression data are recoded into activity statuses of signal transduction circuits (sub-pathways within signaling pathways that connect receptor proteins to final effector proteins that trigger cell actions). Such activity values are used as features by a prediction algorithm which can efficiently predict a continuous variable such as the IC50 value. The main advantage of this prediction method is that the features selected by the predictor, the signaling circuits, are themselves rich-informative, mechanism-based biomarkers which provide insight into or drug molecular mechanisms of action (MoA).
Swine Model of Thrombotic Caval Occlusion Created by Autologous Thrombus Injection with Assistance of Intra-caval Net Knitting
Authors: Shi Wan-Yin , Wu Shuang , Hu Lan-Yue , Liu Chang-Jian , Gu Jian-Ping
Published: December 2015

To evaluate the feasibility of a swine model of thrombotic inferior vena cava (IVC) occlusion (IVCO) created by autologous thrombus injection with assistance of intra-caval net knitting. Sixteen pigs were included and divided into two groups: Group A (n = 10), IVCO model created by knitting a caval net followed by autologous thrombus injection; Group B (n = 6), control model created by knitting a net and normal saline injection. Venography was performed to assess each model and the associated thrombotic occlusion. The vessels were examined histologically to analyse the pathological changes postoperatively. IVCO model was successfully created in 10 animals in Group A (100%). Immediate venography showed extensive clot burden in the IVC. Postoperative venography revealed partial caval occlusion at 7 days and complete occlusion coupled with collateral vessels at 14 days. Histologically, Group A animals had significantly greater venous wall thickening, with CD163-positive and CD3-positive cell infiltration. Recanalization channels were observed at the margins of the thrombus. By contrast, no thrombotic occlusion of the IVC was observed in Group B. The thrombotic IVCO model can be reliably established in swine. The inflammatory reaction may contribute to the caval thrombus propagation following occlusion.
Growth and Stress-induced Transformation of Zinc blende AlN Layers in Al-AlN-TiN Multilayers
Authors: Li Nan , Yadav Satyesh K. , Wang Jian , Liu Xiang-Yang , Misra Amit
Published: December 2015

AlN nanolayers in sputter deposited {111}Al/AlN/TiN multilayers exhibit the metastable zinc-blende-structure (z-AlN). Based on density function theory calculations, the growth of the z-AlN is ascribed to the kinetically and energetically favored nitridation of the deposited aluminium layer. In situ nanoindentation of the as-deposited {111}Al/AlN/TiN multilayers in a high-resolution transmission electron microscope revealed the z-AlN to wurzite AlN phase transformation through collective glide of Shockley partial dislocations on every two {111} planes of the z-AlN.
TRPV4 associates environmental temperature and sex determination in the American alligator
Authors: Yatsu Ryohei , Miyagawa Shinichi , Kohno Satomi , Saito Shigeru , Lowers Russell H. , Ogino Yukiko , Fukuta Naomi , Katsu Yoshinao , Ohta Yasuhiko , Tominaga Makoto , Guillette Jr Louis J. , Iguchi Taisen
Published: December 2015

Temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), commonly found among reptiles, is a sex determination mode in which the incubation temperature during a critical temperature sensitive period (TSP) determines sexual fate of the individual rather than the individual’s genotypic background. In the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), eggs incubated during the TSP at 33 °C (male producing temperature: MPT) yields male offspring, whereas incubation temperatures below 30 °C (female producing temperature: FPT) lead to female offspring. However, many of the details of the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive and the molecular link between environmental temperature and sex determination pathway is yet to be elucidated. Here we show the alligator TRPV4 ortholog (AmTRPV4) to be activated at temperatures proximate to the TSD-related temperature in alligators and using pharmacological exposure, we show that AmTRPV4 channel activity affects gene expression patterns associated with male differentiation. This is the first experimental demonstration of a link between a well-described thermo-sensory mechanism, TRPV4 channel and its potential role in regulation of TSD in vertebrates, shedding unique new light on the elusive TSD molecular mechanism.
Bioinformatical parsing of folding-on-binding proteins reveals their compositional and evolutionary sequence design
Authors: Narasumani Mohanalakshmi , Harrison Paul M
Published: December 2015

Intrinsic disorder occurs when (part of) a protein remains unfolded during normal functioning. Intrinsically-disordered regions can contain segments that ‘fold on binding’ to another molecule. Here, we perform bioinformatical parsing of human ‘folding-on-binding’ (FB) proteins, into four subsets: Ordered regions, FB regions, Disordered regions that surround FB regions (‘Disordered-around-FB’) and Other-Disordered regions. We examined the composition and evolutionary behaviour (across vertebrate orthologs) of these subsets. From a convergence of three separate analyses, we find that for hydrophobicity, Ordered regions segregate from the other subsets, but the Ordered and FB regions group together as highly conserved and the Disordered-around-FB and Other-Disordered regions as less conserved (with a lesser significant difference between Ordered and FB regions). FB regions are highly-conserved with net positive charge, whereas Disordered-around-FB have net negative charge and are relatively less hydrophobic than FB regions. Indeed, these Disordered-around-FB regions are excessively hydrophilic compared to other disordered regions generally. We describe how our results point towards a possible compositionally-based steering mechanism of folding-on-binding.
Magnetically modulated critical current densities of Co/Nb hybrid
Authors: Li Zhigang , Wang Weike , Zhang Li , Yang Zhaorong , Tian Mingliang , Zhang Yuheng
Published: December 2015

By tuning morphology and size of magnetic subsystem, ferromagnet-superconductor (F/S) hybrid system provides an effective way to modulate superconductivity due to the interaction between superconducting and magnetic-order parameters at the mesoscopic length scale. In this work, we report on investigations of critical current density in a large-area Co/Nb hybrid via facile colloidal lithography. Here, Co hexagon shell array as a magnetic template build on Nb film to modulate the critical current density. A novel superconducting transition has been observed in I-V curve with two metastable transition states: double-transition and binary-oscillation-transition states. Importantly, such unusual behavior can be adjusted by temperature, magnetic field and contact area of F/S. Such hybrid film has important implications for understanding the role of magnetic subsystem modulating superconductivity, as well as applied to low-energy electronic devices such as superconducting current fault limiters.
Novel mechanism of harmaline on inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by up-regulating Fas/FasL in SGC-7901 cells
Authors: Wang Yihai , Wang Chunhua , Jiang Chenguang , Zeng Hong , He Xiangjiu
Published: December 2015

Harmaline (HAR), a natural occurrence β-carboline alkaloid, was isolated from the seeds of Peganum harmala and exhibited potent antitumor effect. In this study, the anti-gastric tumor effects of HAR were firstly investigated in vitro and in vivo. The results strongly showed that HAR could inhibit tumor cell proliferation and induce G2/M cell cycle arrest accompanied by an increase in apoptotic cell death in SGC-7901 cancer cells. HAR could up-regulate the expressions of cell cycle-related proteins of p-Cdc2, p21, p-p53, Cyclin B and down-regulate the expression of p-Cdc25C. In addition, HAR could up-regulate the expressions of Fas/FasL, activated Caspase-8 and Caspase-3. Moreover, blocking Fas/FasL signaling could markedly inhibit the apoptosis caused by HAR, suggesting that Fas/FasL mediated pathways were involved in HAR-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, HAR could also exert on antitumor activity with a dose of 15 mg/kg/day in vivo, which was also related with cell cycle arrest. These new findings provided a framework for further exploration of HAR which possess the potential antitumor activity by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
Quantification of acid metabolites in complex plant samples by using second-order calibration coupled with GC-mass spectrometry detection to resolve the influence of seriously overlapped chromatographic peaks
Authors: Fu Hai-Yan , Li He-Dong , Wang Bing , Cai Jun-Lan , Guo Jun-Wei , Cui Hua-Peng , Zhang Xiao-Bing , Yu Yong-Jie
Published: December 2015

A new strategy was developed for quantitative analysis of acid metabolites in plant samples.
Rational design and synthesis of substrate–product analogue inhibitors of α-methylacyl-coenzyme A racemase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Pal Mohan , Khanal Mandar , Marko Ryan , Thirumalairajan Srinath , Bearne Stephen L.
Published: December 2015

gem-Disubstituted substrate–product analogues competitively inhibit α-methylacyl-coenzyme A racemase fromMycobacterium tuberculosis, binding with affinities exceeding that of the substrate by ∼5-fold.
The role of polarity and surface energy in the growth mechanism of ZnO from nanorods to nanotubes
Authors: Ching Kwong-Lung , Li Guijun , Ho Yeuk-Lung , Kwok Hoi-Sing
Published: December 2015

The polarity of zinc oxide nanostructures is crucial to modern electronic devices in terms of electrical and optical properties.
Exploring biphenyl-2,4,4′-tricarboxylic acid as a flexible building block for the hydrothermal self-assembly of diverse metal–organic and supramolecular networks
Authors: Shao Yong-Liang , Cui Yan-Hui , Gu Jin-Zhong , Wu Jiang , Wang Ya-Wen , Kirillov Alexander M.
Published: December 2015

This contribution reports the hydrothermal self-assembly synthesis, characterization, thermal stability, structural and topological features, and luminescence or magnetic properties of a new series of nine coordination compounds.
Triarylborane substituted naphthalimide as a fluoride and cyanide ion sensor
Authors: Sheshashena Reddy T. , Maragani Ramesh , Misra Rajneesh
Published: December 2015

Triarylborane substituted naphthalimide3was designed and synthesized by the Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction.
3D printed microfluidic circuitry via multijet-based additive manufacturing
Authors: Sochol R. D. , Sweet E. , Glick C. C. , Venkatesh S. , Avetisyan A. , Ekman K. F. , Raulinaitis A. , Tsai A. , Wienkers A. , Korner K. , Hanson K. , Long A. , Hightower B. J. , Slatton G. , Burnett D. C. , Massey T. L. , Iwai K. , Lee L. P. , Pister K. S. J. , Lin L.
Published: December 2015

We present a fundamental class of 3D printed microfluidic circuit components and integrated systems constructed using multijet modelling-based approaches.
One-step preparation of bifunctionalized surfaces by bipolar electrografting
Authors: Koefoed Line , Shimizu Kyoko , Pedersen Steen Uttrup , Daasbjerg Kim , Kuhn Alexander , Zigah Dodzi
Published: December 2015

Bipolar electrochemistry (BPE) is used for the first time to graft molecular layers of different nature from a single bifunctional precursor compound simultaneously on the two opposite sides of a substrate.
Simultaneous removal of NH4+-N and refractory organics through sequential heterogeneous Fenton oxidation process and struvite precipitation: kinetic study
Authors: Maharaja P. , Gokul E. , Prabhakaran N. , Patchai murugan K. , Karthikeyan S. , Boopathy R. , Swarnalatha S. , Sekaran G.
Published: December 2015

Graphical representation of integrated HFO and MAP processes.
Realizing simultaneous reinforcement and toughening in polypropylene based on polypropylene/elastomer via control of the crystalline structure and dispersed phase morphology
Authors: Wang Jianfeng , Wu Hong , Guo Shaoyun
Published: December 2015

Realizing simultaneous reinforcement and toughening in polypropylene based on polypropylene/elastomer via controlling crystalline structure and dispersed phase morphology.
Design of a permanent‐magnet flux‐modulated machine with a high torque density and high power factor
Authors: Vukotić Mario , Miljavec Damijan
Published: December 2015

This study presents a novel approach to the design process of a permanent‐magnet flux‐modulated machine by simultaneously focusing on the machine major advantage and disadvantage, that is, the high torque density and low power factor. The machine can be designed with a high power factor while retaining the high torque density. To do so, they both need to be described precisely. The torque equation is improved by considering the stator‐winding leakage flux. It determines the relation between the geometric parameters and the torque more accurately. The power‐factor equation is derived from the electric equivalent circuit representing the simplest description of the machine. The machine geometry optimised with the design of experiments via Taguchi methods assures the best possible performance within the set limitations. It is shown that using the proposed design process makes the permanent‐magnet flux‐modulated machine more appropriate than the classical synchronous machine for the direct drive applications requiring a high torque density, low weight and high efficiency.
Hybrid operation strategy of wind energy storage system for power grid frequency regulation
Authors: Choi Jin Woo , Heo Shin Young , Kim Mun Kyeom
Published: December 2015

This study presents a novel hybrid operation strategy for a wind energy conversion system (WECS) with a battery energy storage system (BESS). The proposed strategy is applied to support frequency regulation using coordinated control of WECS and BESS operations in power system. The coordinated control of the WECS consists of active power control and frequency support control based on permanent magnet synchronous generators for variable wind speed conditions. Active power control is achieved using maximum power point tracking and deloaded operation to ensure a certain power margin. In addition to this comprehensive control of the active power, frequency support control based on kinetic energy discharge control is developed to regulate the short‐term frequency response and to ensure reliable operation of the power system. Concurrently, the output power command of the BESS is determined according to the state of charge and frequency deviations. The effectiveness of the hybrid operation strategy is verified by a numerical simulation in power system computer aided design/electro‐magnetic transient direct current (PSCAD/EMTDC), and the results show that the proposed approach can improve the frequency regulation capability of the power system.
Surgical Planning for the Treatment of a Patient with Multiple, Secondary, Intracranial Echinococcal Cysts
Authors: Chatzidakis Emmanouel , Zogopoulos Panagiotis , Paleologos Theofilos , Papageorgiou Nikolaos
Published: December 2015

A 27-year-old man with a 2-year history of recurrent hospitalizations for various neurologic and cardiologic emergencies was admitted to our hospital presenting with left hemiparesis, which gradually progressed to quadriparesis, bilateral hemianopsia, intracranial hypertension syndrome, and seizures. A diagnosis of echinococcosis was made, based on the radiologic findings of multiple cerebral hydatid cysts and a sizable cyst of the heart. The hydatid cyst of the heart was treated first with a thoracotomy, and after a month he underwent three consecutive surgical operations for the removal of six cerebral cysts. The patient was on albendazole treatment throughout the entire hospitalization, and this led to the shrinkage and finally to the disappearance of two other cerebral cysts. The patient's focal neurologic signs eventually disappeared, with the exception of a slight unilateral hemianopsia. Ten years after his discharge, he remains in a good condition, with no signs of clinical or radiologic relapse.
Penetrating Brain Injury by Multiple Low-Velocity Objects: Report of Two Rare Cases and Review of Literature
Authors: Baishya Basanta Kumar , Singh R. K. , Singh B. K. , Hussain Zakir , Bhuyan M. , Dutta Deep
Published: December 2015

We are reporting two rare cases of multiple penetrating brain injuries by an indigenously made traditional fishing gear used in an Indian village. Although penetrating injury from varied objects (viz., arrow, smear gun, knife, rod, bullets, etc.) have been reported earlier in the literature, but low-velocity penetrating brain injury by multiple objects is the first to our knowledge. In this report, we discuss the surgical management and outcome with relevant review of literature.
Transverse mode competition in index-antiguided waveguide lasers
Authors: Liu Yuanye , Casperson Lee W. , Her Tsing-Hua
Published: December 2015

Transverse mode competition in large-mode-area index-antiguided planar waveguide lasers is investigated. We show that, with very large core width and/or index difference between the core and cladding, high-order modes can oscillate and contribute to output lasing power. We have developed a theoretical model for transverse mode competition that takes into account transverse spatial hole burning. Experiments conducted on index-antiguided waveguide lasers with core width of 220 μm and 400 μm are compared to theory with good agreement.
Localizing energy in granular materials
Authors: Przedborski Michelle A. , Harroun Thad A. , Sen Surajit
Published: December 2015

A device for absorbing and storing short duration impulses in an initially uncompressed one-dimensional granular chain is presented. Simply stated, short regions of sufficiently soft grains are embedded in a hard granular chain. These grains exhibit long-lived standing waves of predictable frequencies regardless of the timing of the arrival of solitary waves from the larger matrix. We explore the origins, symmetry, and energy content of the soft region and its vibrational modes.
Antiferromagentic resonance detected by direct current voltages in MnF2/Pt bilayers
Authors: Ross Philipp , Schreier Michael , Lotze Johannes , Huebl Hans , Gross Rudolf , Goennenwein Sebastian T. B.
Published: December 2015

We performed coplanar waveguide-based broadband ferromagnetic resonance experiments on the antiferromagnetic insulator MnF2, while simultaneously recording the DC voltage arising in a thin platinum film deposited onto the MnF2. The antiferromagnetic resonance is clearly reflected in both the transmission through the waveguide as well as the DC voltage in the Pt strip. The DC voltage remains largely unaffected by field reversal and thus presumably stems from microwave rectification and/or heating effects. However, we identify a small magnetic field orientation dependent contribution, compatible with antiferromagnetic spin pumping theory.
Magnetocaloric and phase coexistence in La0.5Ca0.5–xSrxMnO3 manganites
Authors: Khondabi M. , Ahmadvand H. , Kameli P. , Amirzadeh P. , Salamati H. , Dasgupta P. , Poddar A.
Published: December 2015

Structural, magnetic, and magnetocaloric properties of the phase separated La0.5Ca0.5–xSrxMnO3 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5) manganites have been studied. The results show that the phase coexistence state can be investigated by magnetocaloric studies (especially the field dependence of magnetic entropy change at constant temperature). Magnetic entropy change (△SM) shows positive (negative) peak at the vicinity of TN (TC). However, in the intermediate temperatures between TN and TC, both the sign and magnitude of △SM are strongly dependent on temperature and magnetic field, manifesting the competition of ferromagnetic (FM) (negative △SM) and non-FM (positive △SM) phases. This behavior is more pronounced in the parent compound, La0.5Ca0.5MnO3, in which the intermediate phase separation ranges between 160 and 225 K. The substitution of Ca by Sr enhances the ferromagnetic state, weakens the phase separation, and thus narrows the temperature range in which the field related effects (such as the sign change of △SM) are observed.
Experimental evidence of E × B plasma rotation in a 2.45 GHz hydrogen discharge
Authors: Cortázar O. D. , Megía-Macías A. , Tarvainen O. , Koivisto H.
Published: December 2015

An experimental observation of a rotating plasma structure in a 2.45 GHz microwave-driven hydrogen discharge is reported. The rotation is presumably produced by E × B drift. The formation of the rotating plasma structure is sensitive to the strength of the off-resonance static magnetic field. The rotation frequency is on the order of 10 kHz and is affected by the neutral gas pressure and applied microwave power.
Laser imprint reduction for the critical-density foam buffered target driven by a relatively strong foot pulse at early stage of laser implosions
Authors: Li J. W. , Kang W. , He X. T. , Li J. H. , Zheng W. D.
Published: December 2015

In order to reduce the effect of laser imprint in direct-drive ignition scheme a low-density foam buffered target has been proposed. This target is driven by a laser pulse with a low-intensity foot at the early stage of implosion, which heats the foam and elongates the thermal conduction zone between the laser absorption region and ablation front, increasing the thermal smoothing effect. In this paper, a relatively strong foot pulse is adopted to irradiate the critical-density foam buffered target. The stronger foot, near 1 × 1014 W/cm2, is able to drive a radiative shock in the low-density foam, which helps smooth the shock and further reduce the effect of laser imprint. The radiative shock also forms a double ablation front structure between the two ablation fronts to further stabilize the hydrodynamics, achieving the similar results to a target with a high-Z dopant in the ablator. 2D analysis shows that for the critical-density foam buffered target irradiated by the strong foot pulse, the laser imprint can be reduced due to the radiative shock in the foam and an increased thermal smoothing effect. It seems viable for the critical-density foam buffered target to be driven by a relatively strong foot pulse with the goal of reducing the laser imprint and achieving better implosion symmetry in the direct-drive laser fusion.
Anode current density distribution in a cusped field thruster
Authors: Wu Huan , Liu Hui , Meng Yingchao , Zhang Junyou , Yang Siyu , Hu Peng , Chen Pengbo , Yu Daren
Published: December 2015

The cusped field thruster is a new electric propulsion device that is expected to have a non-uniform radial current density at the anode. To further study the anode current density distribution, a multi-annulus anode is designed to directly measure the anode current density for the first time. The anode current density decreases sharply at larger radii; the magnitude of collected current density at the center is far higher compared with the outer annuli. The anode current density non-uniformity does not demonstrate a significant change with varying working conditions.
Investigations and advanced concepts on gyrotron interaction modeling and simulations
Authors: Avramidis K. A.
Published: December 2015

In gyrotron theory, the interaction between the electron beam and the high frequency electromagnetic field is commonly modeled using the slow variables approach. The slow variables are quantities that vary slowly in time in comparison to the electron cyclotron frequency. They represent the electron momentum and the high frequency field of the resonant TE modes in the gyrotron cavity. For their definition, some reference frequencies need to be introduced. These include the so-called averaging frequency, used to define the slow variable corresponding to the electron momentum, and the carrier frequencies, used to define the slow variables corresponding to the field envelopes of the modes. From the mathematical point of view, the choice of the reference frequencies is, to some extent, arbitrary. However, from the numerical point of view, there are arguments that point toward specific choices, in the sense that these choices are advantageous in terms of simulation speed and accuracy. In this paper, the typical monochromatic gyrotron operation is considered, and the numerical integration of the interaction equations is performed by the trajectory approach, since it is the fastest, and therefore it is the one that is most commonly used. The influence of the choice of the reference frequencies on the interaction simulations is studied using theoretical arguments, as well as numerical simulations. From these investigations, appropriate choices for the values of the reference frequencies are identified. In addition, novel, advanced concepts for the definitions of these frequencies are addressed, and their benefits are demonstrated numerically.
Microscopic signature of insulator-to-metal transition in highly doped semicrystalline conducting polymers in ionic-liquid-gated transistors
Authors: Tanaka Hisaaki , Nishio Satoshi , Ito Hiroshi , Kuroda Shin-ichi
Published: December 2015

Electronic state of charge carriers, in particular, in highly doped regions, in thin-film transistors of a semicrystalline conducting polymer poly(2,5-bis(3-alkylthiophene-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene), has been studied by using field-induced electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. By adopting an ionic-liquid gate insulator, a gate-controlled reversible electrochemical hole-doping of the polymer backbone is achieved, as confirmed from the change of the optical absorption spectra. The edge-on molecular orientation in the pristine film is maintained even after the electrochemical doping, which is clarified from the angular dependence of the g value. As the doping level increases, spin 1/2 polarons transform into spinless bipolarons, which is demonstrated from the spin-charge relation showing a spin concentration peak around 1%, contrasting to the monotonic increase in the charge concentration. At high doping levels, a drastic change in the linewidth anisotropy due to the generation of conduction electrons is observed, indicating the onset of metallic state, which is also supported by the temperature dependence of the spin susceptibility and the ESR linewidth. Our results suggest that semicrystalline conducting polymers become metallic with retaining their molecular orientational order, when appropriate doping methods are chosen.
Plasmon-mediated circularly polarized luminescence of GaAs in a scanning tunneling microscope
Authors: Mühlenberend Svenja , Gruyters Markus , Berndt Richard
Published: December 2015

The electroluminescence from p-type GaAs(110) in a scanning tunneling microscope has been investigated at 6 K. Unexpectedly, high degrees of circular polarization have often been observed with ferromagnetic Ni tips and also with paramagnetic W and Ag tips. The data are interpreted in terms of two distinct excitation mechanisms. Electron injection generates intense luminescence with low polarization. Plasmon-mediated generation of electron-hole pairs leads to less intense emission, which, however, is highly polarized for many tips.
Enhanced hydrogen desorption properties of magnesium hydride by coupling non-metal doping and nano-confinement
Authors: He Daliang , Wang Yulong , Wu Chengzhang , Li Qian , Ding Weizhong , Sun Chenghua
Published: December 2015

Magnesium hydride (MgH2) offers excellent capacity to store hydrogen, but it suffers from the high desorption temperature (>283 °C for starting release hydrogen). In this work, we calculated the hydrogen desorption energy of Mg76H152 clusters with/without non-metal dopants by density functional theory method. Phosphorus (P), as identified as the best dopant, can reduce the reaction energy for releasing one hydrogen molecule from 0.75 eV (bulk MgH2) to 0.20 eV. Inspired by the calculation, P-doped ordered mesoporous carbon (CMK-3) was synthesized by one-step method and employed as the scaffold for loading MgH2 nanoparticles, forming MgH2@P/CMK-3. Element analysis shows that phosphorus dopants have been incorporated into the CMK-3 scaffold and magnesium and phosphorus elements are well-distributed in carbon scaffold hosts. Tests of hydrogen desorption confirmed that P-doping can remarkably enhance the hydrogen release properties of nanoconfined MgH2 at low temperature, specifically ∼1.5 wt. % H2 released from MgH2@P/CMK-3 below 200 °C. This work, based on the combination of computational calculations and experimental studies, demonstrated that the combined approach of non-metal doping and nano-confinement is promising for enhancing the hydrogen desorption properties of MgH2, which provides a strategy to address the challenge of hydrogen desorption from MgH2 at mild operational conditions.
Modeling of hysteresis loops by Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Nehme Z. , Labaye Y. , Sayed Hassan R. , Yaacoub N. , Greneche J. M.
Published: December 2015

Recent advances in MC simulations of magnetic properties are rather devoted to non-interacting systems or ultrafast phenomena, while the modeling of quasi-static hysteresis loops of an assembly of spins with strong internal exchange interactions remains limited to specific cases. In the case of any assembly of magnetic moments, we propose MC simulations on the basis of a three dimensional classical Heisenberg model applied to an isolated magnetic slab involving first nearest neighbors exchange interactions and uniaxial anisotropy. Three different algorithms were successively implemented in order to simulate hysteresis loops: the classical free algorithm, the cone algorithm and a mixed one consisting of adding some global rotations. We focus particularly our study on the impact of varying the anisotropic constant parameter on the coercive field for different temperatures and algorithms. A study of the angular acceptation move distribution allows the dynamics of our simulations to be characterized. The results reveal that the coercive field is linearly related to the anisotropy providing that the algorithm and the numeric conditions are carefully chosen. In a general tendency, it is found that the efficiency of the simulation can be greatly enhanced by using the mixed algorithm that mimic the physics of collective behavior. Consequently, this study lead as to better quantified coercive fields measurements resulting from physical phenomena of complex magnetic (nano)architectures with different anisotropy contributions.
Relationship of arsenic speciation and bioavailability in mine wastes for human health risk assessment
Authors: Diacomanolis Violet , Noller Barry N. , Taga Raijeli , Harris Hugh H. , Aitken Jade B. , Ng Jack C.
Published: December 2015

Environmental context X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) was applied to give arsenic chemical forms directly in the solid phase of mine wastes from two mine sites, including fluvial dispersion. The arsenic speciation data explained the variation of in vitro bioaccessibility and in vivo bioavailability (rat uptake) data of the mine wastes. The As speciation from XANES fitting supported the hypothesis that when soil intake is adjusted for bioaccessibility, the potential health risk estimate to local residents is significantly lower. Abstract X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) was used for arsenic speciation in mine processing and waste samples from two mines in northern Australia. XANES fitting of model compound spectra to samples was used, in combination with in vitro bioaccessibility data for the pure compounds, to predict bioaccessibility of each mine waste sample (Pearson’s correlation R2=0.756, n=51). The XANES fitting data for a smaller set of the samples (n=12) were compared with in vivo bioavailability and in vitro bioaccessibility data. The bioavailability of arsenic (As) in the mine wastes, which is dependent, at least in part, on its oxidation state, was found to be <14% (0.9–13.5%) for arsenite (AsIII) and <17% (3.5–16.4) for arsenate (AsV). Arsenic bioaccessibility in the mine wastes ranged from 8–36% in the stomach to 1–16% in the intestinal phase, indicating that a small portion of the total As concentration in the mine waste was available for absorption. A significant correlation showed that bioaccessibility can be used as a predictor of bioavailability. The XANES results support that bioavailability and bioaccessibility results were very similar and show a strong association with the presence of ferric arsenate and As sulfides. It can be concluded that, when soil intake is adjusted for bioaccessibility, the potential health risk estimate to local residents exposed to the mine waste was significantly lower than that estimated based on a 100% bioavailability often employed for the risk assessment.
Enantioselective determination of ibuprofen residues by chiral liquid chromatography: a systematic study of enantiomeric transformation in surface water and sediments
Authors: León-González María Eugenia , Rosales-Conrado Noelia
Published: December 2015

Environmental context
Ibuprofen, a common anti-inflammatory drug and one of many pharmaceuticals sold as a mixture of enantiomers, has recently been found in river and surface waters. There are, however, few analytical methods able to separate and accurately measure ibuprofen enantiomers in environmental matrices. This study reports a method for quantifying ibuprofen enantiomers in sediments and surface water, and applies it to shed light on the degradation and fate of the enantiomers in aquatic systems.

Abstract
The enantioselective composition of ibuprofen in sediments in contact with surface water was evaluated over 168h in the presence and absence of light. Multivariate techniques applied for the evaluation of enantiomeric fraction (EF) and recoveries of enantiomers in water and sediments show differences in the EF and composition of each enantiomer. In sediments, differences in the EF are a result of the presence or absence of light, whereas in water it is attributable to degradation of the two enantiomers with time. To achieve enantioselective separation of ibuprofen in surface water and sediments, a clean-up and preconcentration procedure using solid phase extraction combined with a direct chiral liquid chromatography–ultraviolet method was developed. Quantitation limits of the proposed method were between 0.12 and 0.15µgg–1 for each enantiomer in sediments, and between 2.4 and 3.0µgL–1 in surface water. Intra- and inter-day precisions were between 5.1 and 8.9%. Multivariate techniques can be useful to identify enantiomeric modifications and to select the variables that should be used for modelling such transformations.