bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of engineered GO Amberlite XAD-16 picolylamine sorbent for the trace determination of Pb (II) and Cu (II) in fishes by solid phase extraction column coupled with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry
Authors: Javed Hina , Islam Aminul , Chauhan Anjali , Kumar Suneel , Kumar Sushil
Published: November 2018

Graphene oxide (GO) was immobilized innovatively through azo spacer arm onto the surface of polymeric Amberlite XAD-16 resin in order to expose all oxygen functionalities freely available for metal ions coordination and further modification with picolylamine which governs selectivity. The GO Amberlite XAD-16 picolylamine enables the development of SPE column coupled with ICP-OES for preconcentration and determination of Pb (II) and Cu (II) in water and fish samples. Elution was performed by mild acid (2M HCl) no other carcinogenic organic solvent was used, prevents ligand leaching. Under optimized conditions, the preconcentration factors of 150 and detection limits 1.434 and 0.048 µg L−1 for Pb (II) and Cu (II)  were obtained respectively.
Higher lipid turnover and oxidation in cultured human myotubes from athletic versus sedentary young male subjects
Authors: Lund Jenny , Helle Siw A. , Li Yuchuan , Løvsletten Nils G. , Stadheim Hans K. , Jensen Jørgen , Kase Eili T. , Thoresen G. Hege , Rustan Arild C.
Published: November 2018

In this study we compared fatty acid (FA) metabolism in myotubes established from athletic and sedentary young subjects. Six healthy sedentary (maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) ≤ 46 ml/kg/min) and six healthy athletic (VO2max > 60 ml/kg/min) young men were included. Myoblasts were cultured and differentiated to myotubes from satellite cells isolated from biopsy ofmusculus vastus lateralis. FA metabolism was studied in myotubes using [14C]oleic acid. Lipid distribution was assessed by thin layer chromatography, and FA accumulation, lipolysis and re-esterification were measured by scintillation proximity assay. Gene and protein expressions were studied. Myotubes from athletic subjects showed lower FA accumulation, lower incorporation of FA into total lipids, triacylglycerol (TAG), diacylglycerol and cholesteryl ester, higher TAG-related lipolysis and re-esterification, and higher complete oxidation and incomplete β-oxidation of FA compared to myotubes from sedentary subjects. mRNA expression of the mitochondrial electron transport chain complex III geneUQCRBwas higher in cells from athletic compared to sedentary. Myotubes established from athletic subjects have higher lipid turnover and oxidation compared to myotubes from sedentary subjects. Our findings suggest that cultured myotubes retain some of the phenotypic traits of their donors.
Impaired male fertility and abnormal epididymal epithelium differentiation in mice lacking CRISP1 and CRISP4
Authors: Carvajal Guillermo , Brukman Nicolás Gastón , Weigel Muñoz Mariana , Battistone María A. , Guazzone Vanesa A. , Ikawa Masahito , Haruhiko Miyata , Lustig Livia , Breton Sylvie , Cuasnicu Patricia S.
Published: November 2018

Epididymal Cysteine Rich Secretory Proteins 1 and 4 (CRISP1 and CRISP4) associate with sperm during maturation and play different roles in fertilization. However, males lacking each of these molecules individually are fertile, suggesting compensatory mechanisms between these homologous proteins. Based on this, in the present work, we generated double CRISP1/CRISP4 knockout (DKO) mice and examined their reproductive phenotype. Our data showed that the simultaneous lack of the two epididymal proteins results in clear fertility defects. Interestingly, whereas most of the animals exhibited specific sperm fertilizing ability defects supportive of the role of CRISP proteins in fertilization, one third of the males showed an unexpected epididymo-orchitis phenotype with altered levels of inflammatory molecules and non-viable sperm in the epididymis. Further analysis showed that DKO mice exhibited an immature epididymal epithelium and abnormal luminal pH, supporting these defects as likely responsible for the different phenotypes observed. These observations reveal that CRISP proteins are relevant for epididymal epithelium differentiation and male fertility, contributing to a better understanding of the fine-tuning mechanisms underlying sperm maturation and immunotolerance in the epididymis with clear implications for human epididymal physiology and pathology.
Nitrogen additions stimulate litter humification in a subtropical forest, southwestern China
Authors: Liu Qun , Zhuang Liyan , Ni Xiangyin , You Chengming , Yang Wanqin , Wu Fuzhong , Tan Bo , Yue Kai , Liu Yang , Zhang Li , Xu Zhenfeng
Published: November 2018

Despite the importance of nitrogen (N) deposition for soil biogeochemical cycle, how N addition affects the accumulation of humic substances in decomposing litter still remains poorly understood. A litterbag experiment was conducted to assess the potential effects of N addition (0 kg·N·ha−1·year−1, 20 kg·N·ha−1·year−1and 40 kg·N·ha−1·year−1) on mass remaining and humification of two leaf litter (Michelia wilsoniiandCamptotheca acuminata) in a subtropical forest of southwestern China. After one year of decomposition, litter mass was lost by 38.1–46.5% forM.wilsoniiand 61.7–74.5% forC.acuminata, respectively. Humic substances were declined by 12.1–23.8% inM.wilsoniiand 29.1–35.5% inC.acuminata, respectively. Nitrogen additions tended to reduce mass loss over the experimental period. Moreover, N additions did not affect the concentrations of humic substances and humic acid in the early stage but often increased them in the late stage. The effect of N addition on the accumulation of humic substances was stronger forC.acuminatelitter than inM.wilsoniilitter. Litter N and P contents showed positive correlations with concentrations of humic substances and fulvic acid. Our results suggest that both litter quality and season-driven environmental changes interactively mediate N impacts on litter humification. Such findings have important implications for carbon sequestration via litter humification in the subtropical forest ecosystems experiencing significant N deposition.
Complex role of miR-130a-3p and miR-148a-3p balance on drug resistance and tumor biology in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Eichelmann A. K. , Matuszcak C. , Lindner K. , Haier J. , Hussey D. J. , Hummel R.
Published: November 2018

miRNAs play a crucial role in cancer development and progression. However, results on the impact of miRNAs on drug sensitivity and tumor biology vary, and most studies to date focussed on either increasing or decreasing miRNA expression levels. Therefore, the current study investigated the role of different expression levels of miR-130a-3p and miR-148a-3p on drug resistance and tumor biology in four esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. Interestingly, up- and downregulation of both miRNAs significantly increased sensitivity towards chemotherapy. MiRNA modulation also reduced adherence and migration potential, and increased apoptosis rates. Target analyses showed that up- and downregulation of both miRNAs activated the apoptotic p53-pathway via increased expression of either BAX (miR-148a-3p) or Caspase 9 (miR-130a-3p). miR-148a-3p downregulation seemed to mediate its effects primarily via regulation of Bim rather than Bcl-2 levels, whereas we found the opposite scenario following miR-148a-3p upregulation. A similar effect was observed for miR-130a-3p regulating Bcl-2 and XIAP. Our data provide the first evidence that miRNA modulation in both directions may lead to similar effects on chemotherapy response and tumor biology in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Most interestingly, up- and downregulation seem to mediate their effects via modulating the balance of several validated or predicted targets.
Engineering of a GLP-1 analogue peptide/anti-PCSK9 antibody fusion for type 2 diabetes treatment
Authors: Chodorge Matthieu , Celeste Anthony J. , Grimsby Joseph , Konkar Anish , Davidsson Pia , Fairman David , Jenkinson Lesley , Naylor Jacqueline , White Nicholas , Seaman Jonathan C. , Dickson Karen , Kemp Benjamin , Spooner Jennifer , Rossy Emmanuel , Hornigold David C. , Trevaskis James L. , Bond Nicholas J. , London Timothy B. , Buchanan Andrew , Vaughan Tristan , Rondinone Cristina M. , Osbourn Jane K.
Published: November 2018

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex and progressive disease requiring polypharmacy to manage hyperglycaemia and cardiovascular risk factors. However, most patients do not achieve combined treatment goals. To address this therapeutic gap, we have developed MEDI4166, a novel glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist peptide fused to a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) neutralising antibody that allows for glycaemic control and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering in a single molecule. The fusion has been engineered to deliver sustained peptide activity in vivo in combination with reduced potency, to manage GLP-1 driven adverse effects at high dose, and a favourable manufacturability profile. MEDI4166 showed robust and sustained LDL-C lowering in cynomolgus monkeys and exhibited the anticipated GLP-1 effects in T2D mouse models. We believe MEDI4166 is a novel molecule combining long acting agonist peptide and neutralising antibody activities to deliver a unique pharmacology profile for the management of T2D.
Overcoming degradation in spatial multiplexing systems with stochastic nonlinear impairments
Authors: Ferreira Filipe M. , Costa Christian S. , Sygletos Stylianos , Ellis Andrew D.
Published: November 2018

Single-mode optical fibres now underpin telecommunication systems and have allowed continuous increases in traffic volume and bandwidth demand whilst simultaneously reducing cost- and energy-per-bit over the last 40 years. However, it is now recognised that such systems are rapidly approaching the limits imposed by the nonlinear Kerr effect. To address this, recent research has been carried out into mitigating Kerr nonlinearities to increase the nonlinear threshold and into spatial multiplexing to offer additional spatial pathways. However, given the complexity associated with nonlinear transmission in spatial multiplexed systems subject to random inter-spatial-path nonlinearities it is widely believed that these technologies are mutually exclusive. By investigating the linear and nonlinear crosstalk in few-mode fibres based optical communications, we numerically demonstrate, for the first time, that even in the presence of significant random mixing of signals, substantial performance benefits are possible. To achieve this, the impact of linear mixing on the Kerr nonlinearities should be taken into account using different compensation strategies for different linear mixing regimes. For the optical communication systems studied, we demonstrate that the performance may be more than doubled with the appropriate selection of compensation method for fibre characteristics which match those presented in the literature.
Flexible Delivery Patch Systems based on Thermoresponsive Hydrogels and Submicronic Fiber Heaters
Authors: Evanghelidis Alexandru , Beregoi Mihaela , Diculescu Victor C. , Galatanu Andrei , Ganea Paul , Enculescu Ionut
Published: November 2018

This paper proposes a novel, flexible, low cost administration patch which could be used as a non-invasive, controlled transdermal drug delivery system. The fabricated device consists in a flexible microfiber architecture heater covered with a thermoresponsive hydrogel, namely poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), as a matrix for the incorporation of active molecules. The manufacturing process consists of two main steps. First, the electrospun poly(methyl methacrylate) fiber networks are sputter coated with a thin gold layer and attached to flexible poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrates to obtain the heating platforms. Second, the heaters are encapsulated in poly(ethylene terephthalate) foils and covered with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel sheets. In order to illustrate the functionality of the fabricated patch, the hydrogel layer is loaded with methylene blue aqueous solution and is afterwards heated via Joule effect, by applying a voltage on the metalized fibers. The methylene blue releasing profiles of the heated patch are compared with those of the unheated one and the influence of parameters such as hydrogel composition and morphology, as well as the applied voltage values for microheating are investigated. The results indicate that the fabricated patch can be used as a drug administration instrument, while its performance can be tuned depending on the targeted application.
Publisher Correction: Associations between subjective well-being and subcortical brain volumes
Authors: van ’t Ent D. , den Braber A. , Baselmans B. M. L. , Brouwer R. M. , Dolan C. V. , Pol H. E. Hulshoff , de Geus E. J. C. , Bartels M.
Published: November 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Echinometra mathaei and its ectocommensal shrimps: the role of sea urchin spinochrome pigments in the symbiotic association
Authors: Brasseur Lola , Caulier Guillaume , Lepoint Gilles , Gerbaux Pascal , Eeckhaut Igor
Published: November 2018

Tuleariocaris holthuisiandArete indicusare two ectocommensal shrimps closely associated with the tropical sea urchinEchinometra mathaei. This study provides a comparison of these twoE.mathaeisymbiotic crustaceans and particularly focuses on the relationship betweenT.holthuisiand its host’s pigments (i.e. spinochromes), and its dependency on its host. While all the analyses underline a close association betweenA.indicusandE.mathaei, they reveal a particularly close interaction betweenT.holthuisiand its host. Chemical analyses reveal that these shrimps present the same spinochrome composition asE.mathaei, and have similar colouration, allowing camouflage. Isotopic composition and pigment loss after host separation suggest that these pigments are certainly assimilated upon feeding on the urchin. Moreover, symbiont isolation experiments demonstrate the high dependency ofT.holthuision its host and the importance of the host’s pigments on their survival capacity. Finally, some host recognition mechanisms are investigated forT.holthuisiand show the probable implication of spinochromes in host selection, through chemical recognition. Hence, all the results suggest the essential roles of spinochromes forT.holthuisi, which, in turn, suggests the potential implication of these pigments in the shrimps’ metabolism.
The capricious nature of iodine catenation in I2excess, perovskite-derived hybrid Pt(iv) compounds
Authors: Evans Hayden A. , Andrews Jessica L. , Fabini Douglas H. , Preefer Molleigh B. , Wu Guang , Cheetham Anthony K. , Wudl Fred , Seshadri Ram
Published: November 2018

Perovskite-derived hybrid platinum iodides with the general formula A2PtIVI6(A = formamidinium FA and guanidinium GUA) accommodate excess I2to yield hydrogen-bond-stabilized compounds where the I2forms catenates with I−anions on the PtI6octahedra.
Effect of intercalated alkali ions in layered manganese oxide nanosheets as neutral electrochemical capacitors
Authors: Ma Nattapol , Kosasang Soracha , Krittayavathananon Atiweena , Phattharasupakun Nutthaphon , Sethuraman Sathyamoorthi , Sawangphruk Montree
Published: November 2018

New insight into the influence of Li+, Na+, and K+ cations between adjacent layers of birnessite-type manganese oxides (MnOx) towards the intercalation/deintercalation charge storage mechanism as a neutral electrochemical capacitor (1 M Na2SO4) is demonstrated.
Ni-Porphyrin-based small molecule for efficient organic solar cells (>9.0%) with a high open circuit voltage of over 1.0 V and low energy loss
Authors: Vartanian Maida , Singhal Rahul , de la Cruz Pilar , Sharma Ganesh D. , Langa Fernando
Published: November 2018

Ni-Porphyrin, employed as electrondonor in BHJ-OSC, provides a low photon energy loss (0.52 eV), high voltage (1.08 V) and a PCE above 9.1%.
Coupling effects of thiol and urea-type groups for promotion of oxidative protein folding
Authors: Okada Shunsuke , Matsusaki Motonori , Arai Kenta , Hidaka Yuji , Inaba Kenji , Okumura Masaki , Muraoka Takahiro
Published: November 2018

Coupling of thiol and urea-type –NHC(X)NH2 (X = O or NH) groups is effective in promoting oxidative protein folding.
Explaining crystallization preferences of two polyphenolic diastereoisomers by crystal structure prediction
Authors: Dudek Marta K. , Day Graeme M.
Published: November 2018

Crystal structure prediction is used to understand the differences in crystallization of catechin and epicatechin, and to explore the predictability of solvate formation.
Design of 4-aminobenzoic acid two-component molecular crystals: prediction and experiments
Authors: Manin Alex N. , Drozd Ksenia V. , Churakov Andrei V. , Perlovich German L.
Published: November 2018

Cocrystal formation of 4-aminobenzoic acid with a variety of pyrimidine, pyridine and benzamide derivatives has been investigated.
14N NQR spectroscopy reveals the proton position in N–H⋯N bonds: a case study with proton sponges
Authors: Gregorovič Alan , Apih Tomaž , Žagar Veselko , Seliger Janez
Published: November 2018

The position of the proton in intramolecular N–H⋯N hydrogen bonds has been determined to a high accuracy with 14N Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR) spectroscopy.
Coupling effect of van der Waals, centrifugal, and frictional forces on a GHz rotation–translation nano-convertor
Authors: Song Bo , Cai Kun , Shi Jiao , Xie Yi Min , Qin Qinghua
Published: November 2018

A nano rotation–translation convertor with a deformable rotor is presented, and the dynamic responses of the system are investigated considering the coupling among the van der Waals (vdW), centrifugal and frictional forces.
Insight into the factors influencing NMR parameters in crystalline materials from the KF–YF3binary system
Authors: Dabachi Jamal , Body Monique , Dittmer Jens , Rakhmatullin Aydar , Fayon Franck , Legein Christophe
Published: November 2018

DFT calculations help to assign the19F,89Y and39K NMR spectra of complex fluoride materials, leading to insight into the factors influencing NMR parameters.
Dioxygen activation by a dinuclear thiolate-ligated Fe(ii) complex
Authors: Hsieh Chang-Chih , Liu Yu-Chiao , Tseng Mei-Chun , Chiang Ming-Hsi , Horng Yih-Chern
Published: November 2018

The activation of dioxygen by a dimeric Fe(ii) thiolate complex and the detection of an Fe(iii)–O2–Fe(iii) intermediate are reported.
Freestanding 1T MoS2/graphene heterostructures as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for lithium polysulfides in Li–S batteries
Authors: He Jiarui , Hartmann Gregory , Lee Myungsuk , Hwang Gyeong S. , Chen Yuanfu , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: November 2018

A novel approach to effectively suppress the “polysulfide shuttle” in Li–S batteries is presented by designing a freestanding, three-dimensional graphene/1T MoS2 (3DG/TM) heterostructure with highly efficient electrocatalysis properties for lithium polysulfides (LiPSs).
Direct elemental analysis of petroleum heavy fractions by means of ICP-OES equipped with a high temperature torch integrated sample introduction system
Authors: Sánchez Raquel , Lefevre Johan , Todolí José-Luis
Published: November 2018

The present work describes and discusses the use of a high temperature sample introduction system, hTISIS, for the analysis of crude oil and heavy petroleum fractions by means of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, ICP-OES.
A water-stable Ni(ii) diphosphonate exhibiting water vapor adsorption and water-assisted high proton conductivity
Authors: Xu Hailong , Feng Lu , Huang Wentao , Wang Qiaoyun , Zhou Hong
Published: November 2018

A new nickel phosphonate has been synthesized, and its thermal properties, water stability, water vapor adsorption and proton conduction have been investigated.
pH-Dependent fluorescence from firefly oxyluciferin in agarose thin films
Authors: Lui Nathan M. , Schramm Stefan , Naumov Panče
Published: November 2018

The emitter of the firefly bioluminescence, oxyluciferin, and its derivatives were incorporated in agarose matrix to obtain self-supporting, lightweight fluorescent acidochromic thin films. This study demonstrates an alternative approach to investigating environmental effects on bioluminescent molecules.
Growth and optical properties of ZnO/Zn1−xMgxO quantum wells on ZnO microrods
Authors: Pieniążek Agnieszka , Teisseyre Henryk , Jarosz Dawid , Suffczyński Jan , Witkowski Bartłomiej S. , Kret Sławomir , Boćkowski Michał , Reszka Anna , Godlewski Marek , Kozanecki Adrian , Kowalski Bogdan J.
Published: November 2018

PA-MBE growth of quantum structures on the top of hydrothermally grown ZnO microrods was successfully performed.
Cr2TiC2-based double MXenes: novel 2D bipolar antiferromagnetic semiconductor with gate-controllable spin orientation toward antiferromagnetic spintronics
Authors: He Junjie , Ding Guangqian , Zhong Chengyong , Li Shuo , Li Dengfeng , Zhang Gang
Published: November 2018

We present that the asymmetrical and mixed functionalized double MXenes possess novel bipolar antiferromagnetic semiconductor (BAFS) feature, opening a new opportunity for the realization of antiferromagnetic spin field effect transistors.
Chemical etching of pH-sensitive aggregation-induced emission-active gold nanoclusters for ultra-sensitive detection of cysteine
Authors: Wang Jianxing , Lin Xiangfang , Su Lei , Yin Junfa , Shu Tong , Zhang Xueji
Published: November 2018

This study reports the utilization of thiol-induced chemical etching of aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active Au nanoclusters (NCs) for the facile, sensitive, and selective detection of cysteine.
A ligand conformation preorganization approach to construct a copper–hexacarboxylate framework with a novel topology for selective gas adsorption
Authors: Wang Yao , He Minghui , Gao Xiaoxia , Wang Xia , Xu Guohai , Zhang Zhengyi , He Yabing
Published: November 2018

A ligand conformation preorganization strategy was employed to design a hexacarboxylate ligand, and its corresponding copper-based MOF was constructed, exhibiting a novel topological structure and the potential for the separation and purification of acetylene and natural gas.
1,2,3-Triazole–quinazolin-4(3H)-one conjugates: evolution of ergosterol inhibitor as anticandidal agent
Authors: Masood Mir Mohammad , Irfan Mohammad , Khan Parvez , Alajmi Mohamed F. , Hussain Afzal , Garrison Jered , Rehman Md. Tabish , Abid Mohammad
Published: November 2018

The present study elicits the synthesis of 1,2,3-triazole–quinazolinone conjugates (5a–q) as ergosterol inhibitors forCandidainfections.
Tripterine alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced airway epithelial barrier dysfunction through suppressing the Hippo pathway
Authors: Gao Jie , Wang Wenying
Published: November 2018

Recent studies show that airway epithelial barrier dysfunction is closely associated with allergic inflammation and asthma pathogenesis.
Dalmanol biosyntheses require coupling of two separate polyketide gene clusters
Authors: Zhou Zhen Zhen , Zhu Hong Jie , Lin Li Ping , Zhang Xuan , Ge Hui Ming , Jiao Rui Hua , Tan Ren Xiang
Published: November 2018

Polyketide–polyketide hybrids are unique natural products with promising bioactivity, but the hybridization processes remain poorly understood.
Collision cross section compendium to annotate and predict multi-omic compound identities
Authors: Picache Jaqueline A. , Rose Bailey S. , Balinski Andrzej , Leaptrot Katrina L. , Sherrod Stacy D. , May Jody C. , McLean John A.
Published: November 2018

The Unified Compendium is an online interactive tool that utilizes ion mobility collision cross sections to annotate biochemical molecules.
In situ imaging of aminopeptidase N activity in hepatocellular carcinoma: a migration model for tumour using an activatable two-photon NIR fluorescent probe
Authors: Li Haidong , Li Yueqing , Yao Qichao , Fan Jiangli , Sun Wen , Long Saran , Shao Kun , Du Jianjun , Wang Jingyun , Peng Xiaojun
Published: November 2018

In this work, a novel NIR two-photon fluorescence probe DCM-APN is reported for tracking APN in vitro and in vivo.
Visible-light-mediated Minisci C–H alkylation of heteroarenes with unactivated alkyl halides using O2 as an oxidant
Authors: Dong Jianyang , Lyu Xueli , Wang Zhen , Wang Xiaochen , Song Hongjian , Liu Yuxiu , Wang Qingmin
Published: November 2018

Herein, we report a protocol for direct visible-light-mediated Minisci C–H alkylation of heteroarenes with unactivated alkyl halides using molecular oxygen as an oxidant at room temperature.
A highly sensitive and flexible capacitive pressure sensor based on a micro-arrayed polydimethylsiloxane dielectric layer
Authors: Ma Longquan , Shuai Xingtian , Hu Yougen , Liang Xianwen , Zhu Pengli , Sun Rong , Wong Ching-ping
Published: November 2018

A flexible pressure sensor with high sensitivity has been proposed which consists of a typical sandwich structure by integrating a PDMS substrate with a micro-arrayed PDMS dielectric layer.
MnFe0.5Ru0.5O3: an above-room-temperature antiferromagnetic semiconductor
Authors: Tan Xiaoyan , McCabe Emma E. , Orlandi Fabio , Manuel Pascal , Batuk Maria , Hadermann Joke , Deng Zheng , Jin Changqing , Nowik Israel , Herber Rolfe , Segre Carlo U. , Liu Sizhan , Croft Mark , Kang Chang-Jong , Lapidus Saul , Frank Corey E. , Padmanabhan Haricharan , Gopalan Venkatraman , Wu Meixia , Li Man-Rong , Kotliar Gabriel , Walker David , Greenblatt Martha
Published: November 2018

MnFe0.5Ru0.5O3is discovered at 6 GPa and 1873 K.
Armc8 is an evolutionarily conserved armadillo protein involved in cell–cell adhesion complexes through multiple molecular interactions
Authors: Gul Ismail Sahin , Hulpiau Paco , Sanders Ellen , van Roy Frans , van Hengel Jolanda
Published: November 2018

Armadillo-repeat-containing protein 8 (Armc8) belongs to the family of armadillo-repeat containing proteins, which have been found to be involved in diverse cellular functions including cell–cell contacts and intracellular signaling. By comparative analyses of armadillo repeat protein structures and genomes from various premetazoan and metazoan species, we identified orthologs of human Armc8 and analyzed in detail the evolutionary relationship of Armc8 genes and their encoded proteins. Armc8 is a highly ancestral armadillo protein although not present in yeast. Consequently, Armc8 is not the human ortholog of yeast Gid5/Vid28.

Further, we performed a candidate approach to characterize new protein interactors of Armc8. Interactions between Armc8 and specific δ-catenins (plakophilins-1, -2, -3 and p0071) were observed by the yeast two-hybrid approach and confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation and co-localization. We also showed that Armc8 interacts specifically with αE-catenin but neither with αN-catenin nor with αT-catenin. Degradation of αE-catenin has been reported to be important in cancer and to be regulated by Armc8. A similar process may occur with respect to plakophilins in desmosomes. Deregulation of desmosomal proteins has been considered to contribute to tumorigenesis.
MiR-155 is involved in major depression disorder and antidepressant treatment via targeting SIRT1
Authors: Wang Xun , Wang Bing , Zhao Jianping , Liu Caixing , Qu Xianpeng , Li Yuhuan
Published: November 2018

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mood disorder, and the treatment of MDD requires a variety of biopsychosocial approaches. The role of Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) in the regulation of MDD has recently been implicated. Here, we aimed to explore and elucidate the therapeutic effects of a microRNA, miR-155, in the treatment of MDD. With quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis, we confirmed that cellular and serum levels of miR-155 were up-regulated in individuals with depression compared with those in healthy controls. TargetScan analysis indicated that SIRT1 is a target of miR-155, which was confirmed by dual-luciferase assay, qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses. Treatment of human neural progenitor cells with the antidepressant drug citalopram down-regulated miR-155 expression and up-regulated SIRT1 expression. These results suggest that miR-155 is an important factor in the pathophysiology of depression. miR-155 is a potential target for the development of new antidepressant treatments.
Transforming growth factor-β1 up-regulates connexin43 expression in osteocytes via canonical Smad-dependent signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Cui Yujia , Sun Jianxun , Cai Linyi , Xie Jing , Zhou Xuedong
Published: November 2018

Connexin 43 (Cx43)-mediated gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) has been shown to be important in regulating multiple functions of bone cells. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) exhibited controversial effects on the expression of Cx43 in different cell types. To date, the effect of TGF-β1 on the Cx43 expression of osteocytes is still unknown. In the present study, we detected the expression of TGF-β1 in osteocytes and bone tissue, and then used recombinant mouse TGF-β1 to elucidate its effect on gap junctions (GJs) of osteocytes. Our data indicated that TGF-β1 up-regulated both mRNA and protein expression of Cx43 in osteocytes. Together with down-regulation of Cx43 expression after being treated with TGF-β type I receptor inhibitor Repsox, we deduced that TGF-β1 can positively regulate Cx43 expression in osteocytes. Thus we next focussed on the downstream signals of TGF-β and found that TGF-β1-mediated smads, Smad3 and Smad4, to translocate into nucleus. These translocated signal proteins bind to the promoter of Gja1 which was responsible for the changed expression of Cx43. The present study provides evidence that TGF-β1 can enhance GJIC between osteocytes through up-regulating Cx43 expression and the underlying mechanism involved in the activation of Smad-dependent pathway.
Data-Driven Classification of Dysarthria Profiles in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Allison Kristen M. , Hustad Katherine C.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The objectives of this study were to examine different speech profiles among children with dysarthria secondary to cerebral palsy (CP) and to characterize the effect of different speech profiles on intelligibility.

Method

Twenty 5-year-old children with dysarthria secondary to CP and 20 typically developing children were included in this study. Six acoustic and perceptual speech measures were selected to quantify a range of segmental and suprasegmental speech characteristics and were measured from children's sentence productions. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify naturally occurring subgroups of children who had similar profiles of speech features.

Results

Results revealed 4 naturally occurring speech clusters among children: 1 cluster of children with typical development and 3 clusters of children with dysarthria secondary to CP. Two of the 3 dysarthria clusters had statistically equivalent intelligibility levels but significantly differed in articulation rate and degree of hypernasality.

Conclusion

This study provides initial evidence that different speech profiles exist among 5-year-old children with dysarthria secondary to CP, even among children with similar intelligibility levels, suggesting the potential for developing a pediatric dysarthria classification system that could be used to stratify children with dysarthria into meaningful subgroups for studying speech motor development and efficacy of interventions.
Design of removable vending machine and research on the key implementation technology
Authors: Shen Longzhang , Qiu Changjun , Wu Xiaoyan , Han Changxing , Hu Liangbin
Published: November 2018

As a supplement to physical stores and online stores, vending machines are gradually becoming the third largest consumption mode. This article aims to design a removable vending machine, which can automatically move in front of the users to meet their demands, so as to realise a better shopping experience for people. The network structure for the vending machine was analysed and designed, and research on the wireless location technology and route planning of the vending machine is hoped to provide some reference value for the mobile technology of the vending machine.
Techno-Economic Evaluation of Energy Storage Systems Built from EV Batteries – Prospective Revenues in Different Stationary Applications
Authors: Tam Thanh Nguyen , Maik Naumann , Cong Nam Truong , Andreas Jossen
Published: November 2018

Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) are already being deployed for several stationary applications in a technically and economically feasible way. This paper focuses on the revenues of industrial BESSs built from electric vehicle lithiumion batteries with varying states of health. For this analysis, a stationary BESS simulation model is used, that is parameterised with parameters of a 22-kWh automotive battery. The comprehensive model consists of several detailed sub-models, considering battery characteristics, ageing and operating strategies, which allow technical assessment through time series simulation. Therefore, capacity fade and energy losses are considered in this techno-economic evaluation. Potential economically feasible applications of new and second-life batteries, such as photovoltaic home storage, intraday trading and frequency regulation as well as their combined operation are compared. The investigation includes different electricity price scenarios. The combined operation, followed by frequency regulation, is found to have the highest economic viability for the specified electric vehicle battery.
Electromagnetic Field Analysis of Operation Space of the Switch in the Substation Based on the Time Domain Integration Method
Authors: ZHANG Jian-gong , Zhao Jun , GAN zheyuan , ZHANG yemao , LU ying
Published: November 2018

In this paper, the approximate calculation formula is used to calculate the horizontal electric field from lightning which has arbitrary current, with the help of time domain integral equation method solving the lightning induced over voltages on overhead lines. In this paper, the time domain integral equations of horizontal electric field is established. Taking the conductor axis current as the variable, the pulse function is used as the basis function, and the discretization equation is used in space and time. Using time stepping algorithm to solve the resulting linear equations. The calculation process of this method is simple, and it is proved that the method is consistent with the conclusion of the relevant literature.
A research based on testing method for the whole substation cascaded in digital substation
Authors: Yuekang Wu , Shuheng Chen , Shi Jing , Xueting Shi
Published: November 2018

Substation as an important component of the power grid, its safe and steady operation is crucial to the power grid. After building new substation or renovating the old ones, they needs to be tested to ensure its safe operation. The method, using relay protection tester to test the substation equipment nowadays, is not available to the whole cascade related connecting equipment, and the test work need a lot of manpower and material resources. To make up for all kinds of shortcomings when testing, this paper proposes a digital substation-oriented testing method for whole station concatenation, and established a testing software to test the whole cascaded substation, especially the method can realize closed-loop simulation test for whole station. In this method, the potential faults of digital substations can be predicted by using electromagnetic transient simulation to simulate various faults of substations, and the state of primary equipment can also be tested. The testing time can be shorten and the accuracy of testing can be improved, as well as, the safe and steady operation of substation equipment can be ensured by using the method proposed in this paper.
A Novel Submodule Applied in HVDC Hybrid DC Breaker Topology
Authors: Junmin Wu , Xizi Zhang , Cui Li , Jun Zhang , Zhibin Zhao
Published: November 2018

In recent years, with the vigorous development of power electronic technology, renewable energy sources such as wind power and solar energy utilization efficiency continuing to improve, and the application scale expanding unceasingly, DC power grid technology and the development of multiterminal HVDC has become a key link of transmission technology in our country. As the key equipment of biulding DC system, The direct current breaker need to be optimized on the aspect of topology, to promote the development of dc transmission. This article puts forward a new type of submodule which can be applicated in hybrid DC breaker. After a brief review of DC circuit breaker research status, the paper will give the topology structure, and analyzes its working principle. Then, verification and electrical stress calculation will be done in Saber Sketch simulation. Based on this, two other present scheme will be introduced, and finally a comparison will be made between the diffent scheme. As is concluded, the novel submodule can save the power elctronic device cost effectively
Influence of Parasitic Inductances on Switching Performance of SiC MOSFET
Authors: Li Jinyuan , Cui Meiting , Du Yujie , Ke Junji , Zhao Zhibin
Published: November 2018

Compared to the silicon power devices, silicon carbide device has shorter switch time. Hence, as a result of the faster transition of voltage (dv/dt) and current (di/dt) in SiC MOSFET, the influence of parasitic parameters on SiC MOSFET’s switching transient is more serious. This paper gives an experimental study of the influence of parasitic inductance on SiC MOSFET’s switching characteristics. Most significance parameters are the parasitic inductances of gate driver loop and power switching loop. These include the SiC MOSFET package’s parasitic inductance, interconnect inductance and the parasitic inductance of dc link PCB trace. This paper therefore focuses on analysis and comparison of different parasitic parameters under various operation conditions in terms of their effect on overvoltage, overcurrent and switching power loss.
Electric Field Analysis of Press-Pack IGBTs
Authors: Xinling Tang , Yan Pan , Yanfang Chen , Pengyu Fu , Zhibin Zhao
Published: November 2018

High voltage IGBT module is the ideal option for the VSC-HVDC power transmission application. At present, wire-bonded technology and press-pack technology are available packaging technologies for high voltage IGBT. The press-pack IGBTs have such advantages as low inductance, low thermal impedance and short circuit failure mode than the wire-bonded IGBT module, which especially suit for high voltage power transmission application by series connection. However, the electrical insulation failure modes of press-pack IGBTs are much less known with limited literature published. In this paper, we presented the electric field analysis of a 3D press-pack IGBT model under DC rating voltage test condition. The electric field distribution of the press-pack IGBT stack was solved as an electrostatic problem by employing the finite element method. The results revealed the potential electrical insulation failure modes of the press-pack IGBTs: corona discharge at the edge of silver plate, partial discharge at the micro gap between die and PEEK frame and creeping discharge at the surface of PEEK frame.
Analysis of active interference on radio station from AC UHV power
Authors: ZHANG Jiangong , GAN Zheyuan , ZHAO Jun , Lu ying
Published: November 2018

The problems of Electromagnetic Interference in Airborne Intelligence Radar Stations near the AC UHV Transmission Lines are researched in this paper, which is mainly active interference. The calculation method for the interferences is analysed, and then the proper protection distances of the AC UHV transmission line to the radar station are given. The paper analyzed the active interference of AC UHV transmission lines, and focuses on the active interference caused by the line corona on the active radar of nearby airborne intelligence when the transmission line is under normal operation. In the end, this paper proposes the recommended values of active interference protection distance for 1000kV AC UHV transmission lines and airborne intelligence radar stations.
Influence of Transmission Line Pitch on Passive Interference
Authors: Lu Ying , Zhang Jian gong , Gan Zheyuan , Zhao Zhibin
Published: November 2018

Passive interference of transmission lines to neighbouring radio stations may affect the effective reception and transmission of radio station signals. Therefore, it is the basis to accurately calculate the electromagnetic scattering of transmission lines including overhead wires and towers under the circumstance of electromagnetic waves from outside. Wherein for radio stations, the overhead conductor is the main factor that affects the radar detection because of the working mode of the radar and other factors. In this paper, in the general case of the application of moment method to carry out passive interference calculations, the overhead lines are assumed to be all the actual wire. The space electric field strength and RCS of the different pitch at different operating frequencies and spaces are obtained. The influence of pitch on passive interference of overhead conductors was analyzed. Thus providing a basis for modeling to save energy and reduce the effects of passive interference provides the modeling basis.
Quantifying the Influences on Probabilistic Wind Power Forecasts
Authors: Jens Schreiber , Bernhard Sick
Published: November 2018

In recent years, probabilistic forecasts techniques were proposed in research as well as in applications to integrate volatile renewable energy resources into the electrical grid. These techniques allow decision makers to take the uncertainty of the prediction into account and, therefore, to devise optimal decisions, e.g., related to costs and risks in the electrical grid. However, it was yet not studied how the input, such as numerical weather predictions, affects the model output of forecasting models in detail. Therefore, we examine the potential influences with techniques from the field of sensitivity analysis on three different black-box models to obtain insights into differences and similarities of these probabilistic models. The analysis shows a considerable number of potential influences in those models depending on, e.g., the predicted probability and the type of model. These effects motivate the need to take various influences into account when models are tested, analyzed, or compared. Nevertheless, results of the sensitivity analysis will allow us to select a model with advantages in the practical application.
Prospects of Trilateral Flash Cycle (TFC) for Power Generation from Low Grade Heat Sources
Authors: Md Arbab Iqbal , Sohel Rana , Mahdi Ahmadi , Thomas Close , Abhijit Date , Aliakbar Akbarzadeh
Published: November 2018

Despite the current energy crisis, a large amount of low grade heat (below 100oC) is being wasted for the lack of cost effective energy conversion technology. In the case of the conventional Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) based geothermal power stations, only about 20% of available heat can be utilised due to a technological limitation as there is a phase change in the working fluid involved during the addition of heat which decreases utilisation effectiveness of the system. Therefore, in this paper, a trilateral flash cycle (TFC) based system has been studied to find out its prospect for utilizing more power from the same heat resources as the ORC. The TFC is a thermodynamic cycle that heats the working fluid as a saturated liquid from which it starts its expansion stage. The flash expansion is achieved by feeding the saturated high-pressured liquid working fluid through a convergent-divergent nozzle at which point it undergoes a flash expansion in the low-pressure environment of the generator housing. The momentum of the working fluid is extracted via a Pelton wheel and the cycle is completed with working fluid condensation and pressurisation. The analytical comparative study between the ORC and TFC based system shows that the TFC has about 50% more power generation capability and almost zero contribution on global warming.
Optimal design of a coproduction system of electricity and hydrogen to manage imbalances resulting from forecast errors in photovoltaic outputs
Authors: Ryuji Matsuhashi , Tsuyoshi Yoshioka
Published: November 2018

Renewable power sources are increasing mainly because of economic institutions such as renewable portfolio standard or feed-in tariff program. In Japan, the feed-in tariff program triggered explosive growth of photovoltaic systems because of its high tariff level. Although mass introduction of photovoltaic systems certainly contributes to reduce CO2 emissions, it causes instability issues in power systems. One of the most serious issues is management of imbalances resulting from forecast errors in photovoltaic outputs. On the other hand, power-to-gas technologies are attracting our attention, since these technologies could convert surplus of renewable energy to other energy carriers. In particular, hydrogen is efficiently produced from electricity using electrolysis. We could use hydrogen to manage the imbalances by the system, in which uncertain parts of photovoltaic outputs are used to produce hydrogen. In this paper, we propose a coproduction system of electricity and hydrogen to reduce the imbalances. For this purpose, a novel mathematical model is developed, in which we determine the structure of the coproduction system with a mixed integer linear programming method. Evaluated results indicated that the coproduction system is economical under appropriate capacity of the electrolyzer.
Simulation of Annual Functionality of Roof Turbine Ventilator
Authors: Giedrė Streckienė , Violeta Motuzienė , Dovydas Rimdžius , Vytautas Martinaitis , Juozas Bielskus
Published: November 2018

Ventilation systems using renewable energy enable to reduce electricity demand. However, their operation directly depends on the stability of the renewable energy source. In this study, the wind driven roof turbine ventilator (RTV) is analysed. As a rule, this equipment is selected based only on the average annual wind speed and there exists a lack of date related to functionality of RTV. The case study presented in the paper seeks to assess functional operation of the RTV within the whole year. Simulations, performed with TRNSYS software, are based on the empirical equation for the ventilation flow rate extracted by the tested turbine ventilator. Results provide the number of RTV operational hours and share (%) of the time, when the RTV operates. Most of the time RTV operates at partial required load, however, there are periods when air flow rates are excessive and this should be considered as storage potential. The presented results could help to determine more accurately functional operation of RTV in the selected room/building and estimate demand for additional ventilation solutions as well energy storage potential.
Power Distribution Design of MicroSat Power Control Unit Elegant Bread Board (EBB)
Authors: Che Cheng Huang , Jia Jing Yeh
Published: November 2018

The Power Control Unit (PCU) in Micro-satellites program proposed to develop by NSPO, acts as the satellite power control and distribution center. One of the modules in the PCU, named the Power Distribution (PD), the main function provides the rated voltage and current of each power outlet for the satellite subsystem. When overload or short-circuit happens and persists for a time period, PD will limit the load current in a pre-designed value, and shut off the load to avoid damage on essential devices. In this paper, we will introduce the PCU EBB function and circuit design of PD.