Evolving Optical Networks for Latency-Sensitive Smart-Grid Communications via Optical Time Slice Switching (OTSS) Technologies

In this paper, we proposed a novel OTSS-assisted optical network architecture for smart-grid communication networks, which has unique requirements for low-latency connections. Illustrative results show that, OTSS can provide extremely better performance in latency and blocking probability than conventional flexi-grid optical networks.Comment: IEEE Photonics Society 1st Place Best Poster Award, on CLEO-PR/OECC/PGC 201

The mushroom, Cordyceps cicadae, ameliorates renal interstitial fibrosis via TLR2-mediated pathways

Purpose: To evaluate the mushroom, Cordyceps cicadae, for its ability to suppress tissue fibrosis and Toll-like receptors 2 (TLR 2) pathway activation in a mouse model of renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF).Methods: Cordyceps cicadae powder was obtained from BioAsia Group (Shanghai, China). RIF was induced via unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in male C57Bl/6 mice. Animals were treated via the intragastric administration of Cordyceps cicadae powder (0.1g, 0.3 g/ml/100 g/day), beginning 24 h prior to UUO, and the treatment was continued for the following 14 days. Changes in tissue histology were then assessed via hematoxylin and eosin, and Sirius red stainings. Tissue macrophages were characterized based upon their expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), while Western blotting technique was used to measure the levels of TLR2, Myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/p-NF-κB in samples from these animals.Results: Treatment with Cordyceps cicadae powder is associated with a shift in macrophage phenotype that in turn decreased the production of extracellular matrix and alleviated RIF occurrence in mice model.Conclusion: This mechanistic study highlights the novel potential approach for treating and preventing RIF using Cordyceps cicadae powder. Keywords: Renal interstitial fibrosis, TLR2-mediated pathway, Cordyceps cicada

Supramolecular assembly of cucurbit[6]uril and N-butyl-4-pyrrolidinopyridine

The nature of the supramolecular host-guest complex involving 4-pyrrolidinopyridine (BuPC4) and cucurbit[6]uril (Q[6]) has been investigated by NMR and UV spectroscopy, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The results revealed that the alkyl chain of the guest BuPC4 is located inside the cavity of the Q[6] host, whereas the other section of the BuPC4 guest remains outside of the portal

Floquet-surface bound states in the continuum in a resonantly driven 1D tilted defect-free lattice

We study the Floquet-surface bound states embedded in the continuum (BICs) and bound states out the continuum (BOCs)in a resonantly driven 1D tilted defect-free lattice. In contrast to fragile single-particle BICs assisted by specially tailored potentials, we find that Floquet-surface BICs, stable against structural perturbations, can exist in a wide range of parameter space. By using a multiple-time-scale asymptotic analysis in the high-frequency limit, the appearance of Floquet-surface bound states can be analytically explained by effective Tamm-type defects at boundaries induced by the resonance between the periodic driving and tilt. The phase boundary of existing Floquet-surface states is also analytically given. Based on the repulsion effect of surface states, we propose to detect transition points and measure the number of Floquet-surface bound states by quantum walk. Our work opens a new door to experimental realization of BICs in quantum system.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures. submitted to Phys.Rev.

Interaction of a symmetrical α,α',δ,δ'-Tetramethyl-cucurbit[6]uril with Ln³⁺ : potential applications for isolation of lanthanides

The interaction of a symmetrical α,α′,δ,δ′-tetramethyl-cucurbit[6]uril (TMeQ[6]) with a series of lanthanide cations (Ln³⁺) was investigated in neutral water and in acidic solution. Analysis by single crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that different isomorphous families formed under different synthetic conditions. Such differences in the interaction between TMeQ[6] and Ln³⁺ could potentially be used for isolating heavier Ln³⁺ from their lighter counterparts in neutral solution, and lighter lanthanide cations from their heavier counterparts in acidic solution

Improved Statistical Analysis for Array CGH-Based DNA Copy Number Aberrations

Array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) allows measuring DNA copy number at the whole genome scale. In cancer studies, one may be interested in identifying DNA copy number aberrations (CNAs) associated with certain clinicopathological characteristics such as cancer metastasis. We proposed to define test regions based on copy number pattern profiles across multiple samples, using either smoothed log2-ratio or discrete data of copy number gain/loss calls. Association test performed on the refined test regions instead of the probes has improved power due to reduced number of tests. We also compared three types of measurement of copy number levels, normalized log2-ratio, smoothed log2-ratio, and copy number gain or loss calls in statistical hypothesis testing. The relative strengths and weaknesses of the proposed method were demonstrated using both simulation studies and real data analysis of a liver cancer study

A study of the interaction between inverted cucurbit[7]uril and symmetric viologens

The interaction between inverted cucuribit[7]uril (iQ[7]) and a series of symmetric viologen derivatives bearing aliphatic substituents of variable length, namely dicationic dialkyl-4,4′-bipyridinium guests where the alkyl is CH₃(CH₂)n with n = 0 to 6, has been studied in aqueous solution by ¹H NMR spectroscopy, electronic absorption spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry and mass spectrometry. In the case of both n = 5 (HV ²⁺) and 6 (SV²⁺), single crystal X-ray diffraction revealed the composition to be [(iQ[7])₂(HV)₂][CdCl₃Br][H₃O+]₂[H₂O]₁₂.₅ and (iQ[7])₂(C7-SV)₁.₅[CdCl₄]₄(H₃O⁺)₅(H₂O)₈, respectively, with both adopting an external B-type structure (the alkyl chains of the viologen reside within the iQ[7])