bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IDH-mutant glioma specific association of rs55705857 located at 8q24.21 involves MYC deregulation
Authors: Oktay Yavuz , Ülgen Ege , Can Özge , Akyerli Cemaliye B. , Yüksel Şirin , Erdemgil Yiğit , Durası İ. Melis , Henegariu Octavian Ioan , Nanni E. Paolo , Selevsek Nathalie , Grossmann Jonas , Erson-Omay E. Zeynep , Bai Hanwen , Gupta Manu , Lee William , Turcan Şevin , Özpınar Aysel , Huse Jason T. , Sav M. Aydın , Flanagan Adrienne , Günel Murat , Sezerman O. Uğur , Yakıcıer M. Cengiz , Pamir M. Necmettin , Özduman Koray
Published: June 2016

The single nucleotide polymorphism rs55705857, located in a non-coding but evolutionarily conserved region at 8q24.21, is strongly associated with IDH-mutant glioma development and was suggested to be a causal variant. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this association has remained unknown. With a case control study in 285 gliomas, 316 healthy controls, 380 systemic cancers, 31 other CNS-tumors, and 120 IDH-mutant cartilaginous tumors, we identified that the association was specific to IDH-mutant gliomas. Odds-ratios were 9.25 (5.17–16.52; 95% CI) for IDH-mutated gliomas and 12.85 (5.94–27.83; 95% CI) for IDH-mutated, 1p/19q co-deleted gliomas. Decreasing strength with increasing anaplasia implied a modulatory effect. No somatic mutations were noted at this locus in 114 blood-tumor pairs, nor was there a copy number difference between risk-allele and only-ancestral allele carriers. CCDC26 RNA-expression was rare and not different between the two groups. There were only minor subtype-specific differences in common glioma driver genes. RNA sequencing and LC-MS/MS comparisons pointed to significantly altered MYC-signaling. Baseline enhancer activity of the conserved region specifically on the MYC promoter and its further positive modulation by the SNP risk-allele was shown in vitro. Our findings implicate MYC deregulation as the underlying cause of the observed association.
Generation of an ultra-short electrical pulse with width shorter than the excitation laser
Authors: Shi Wei , Wang Shaoqiang , Ma Cheng , Xu Ming
Published: June 2016

We demonstrate experimentally a rare phenomenon that the width of an electrical response is shorter than that of the excitation laser. In this work, generation of an ultrashort electrical pulse is by a semi-insulating GaAs photoconductive semiconductor switch (PCSS) and the generated electrical pulse width is shorter than that of the excitation laser from diode laser. When the pulse width and energy of the excitation laser are fixed at 25.7 ns and 1.6 μJ respectively, the width of the generated electrical pulse width by 3-mm-gap GaAs PCSS at the bias voltage of 9 kV is only 7.3 ns. The model of photon-activated charge domain (PACD) is used to explain the peculiar phenomenon in our experiment. The ultrashort electrical pulse width is mainly relevant to the time interval of PACD from occurrence to disappearance in the mode. The shorter the time interval is, the narrower the electrical pulse width will become. In more general terms, our result suggests that in nonlinear regime a response signal can have a much short width than the excitation pulses. The result clearly indicates that generating ultrashort electrical pulses can be achieved without the need of ultrashort lasers.
Interleukin-1β induced Stress Granules Sequester COX-2 mRNA and Regulates its Stability and Translation in Human OA Chondrocytes
Authors: Ansari Mohammad Y. , Haqqi Tariq M.
Published: June 2016

Enhanced and immediate expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA is observed in IL-1β-stimulated OA chondrocytes but the synthesis of protein found significantly delayed. Here we investigated the role of stress granules (SGs), ribonucleoprotein complexes that regulate mRNA translation, in the delayed translation of COX-2 mRNAs in IL-1β-stimulated OA chondrocytes. Stimulation of human chondrocytes with IL-1β activated the stress response genes and the phosphorylation of eIF2α that triggered the assembly of SGs. Using combined immunofluorescence staining of SGs markers and COX-2 protein, RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization and RNA immunoprecipitation, the COX-2 mRNAs were found sequestered in SGs in IL-1β-stimulated OA chondrocytes. No increase in COX-2 protein expression was observed during the persistence of SGs but enhanced expression of COX-2 protein was noted upon clearance of the SGs. Inhibition of SGs clearance blocked COX-2 mRNA translation whereas blocking the assembly of SGs by TIA-1 depletion resulted in rapid and increased production of COX-2 and PGE2. Our findings show for the first time assembly of SGs and sequestration of COX-2 mRNAs in human OA chondrocytes under pathological conditions. Post-transcriptional regulation of COX-2 mRNAs translation by SGs indicates a role in IL-1β-mediated catabolic response that could be therapeutically targeted in OA.
Natural killer cells regulate eosinophilic inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Kim Ji Heui , Choi Go Eun , Lee Bong-Jae , Kwon Seog Woon , Lee Seung-Hyo , Kim Hun Sik , Jang Yong Ju
Published: June 2016

Eosinophils play a major pathologic role in the pathogenesis of diverse inflammatory diseases including chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Dysregulated production of prostaglandin (PG), particularly PGD2, is considered to be an important contributing factor to eosinophilic inflammation in CRS primarily through proinflammatory and chemotactic effects on eosinophils. Here, we provide evidence that PGD2 can promote eosinophilic inflammation through a suppression of Natural killer (NK) cell effector function and NK cell-mediated eosinophil regulation. Eosinophil apoptosis mediated by NK cells was significantly decreased in CRS patients compared with healthy controls. This decrease was associated with NK cell dysfunction and eosinophilic inflammation. Tissue eosinophils were positively correlated with blood eosinophils in CRS patients. In a murine model of CRS, NK cell depletion caused an exacerbation of blood eosinophilia and eosinophilic inflammation in the sinonasal tissue. PGD2 and its metabolite, but not PGE2 and a panel of cytokines including TGF-β, were increased in CRS patients compared with controls. Effector functions of NK cells were potently suppressed by PGD2-dependent, rather than PGE2-dependent, pathway in controls and CRS patients. Thus, our results suggest decreased NK cell-mediated eosinophil regulation, possibly through an increased level of PGD2, as a previously unrecognized link between PG dysregulation and eosinophilic inflammation in CRS.
Values as determinant of meaning among patients with psychiatric disorders in the perspective of recovery
Authors: Huguelet Philippe , Guillaume Sébastien , Vidal Sonia , Mohr Sylvia , Courtet Philippe , Villain Lucile , Girod Chloé , Hasler Roland , Prada Paco , Olié Emilie , Perroud Nader
Published: June 2016

Recovery is a personal process of growth that involves hope, self-identity, meaning in life and responsibility. Determinants of meaning have not been explored among populations of patients with persistent psychiatric conditions. However, an evidence-based approach aiming at assessing such determinants should provide some insight into the psychotherapeutic aspects of recovery. We tested a model hypothesizing that some symptoms and social parameters of patients are related to values, and secondarily to meaning in life, and in turn that meaning is associated with various parameters, such as depressiveness and self-esteem. We assessed 176 patients with schizophrenia, anorexia, borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder. Overall, our hypotheses proved correct: firstly, characteristics such as depression, hopelessness, self-esteem and the number of relationships influenced values; secondly, the presence and an enactment of values were associated with meaning, and thirdly, meaning was associated with some symptoms and social characteristics. This model was confirmed in the four psychiatric populations under study. These results support the relevance of addressing values and meaning in the recovery-oriented care of patients with persistent psychiatric disorders, in addition to other psychosocial interventions which are more systematically considered in this area.
Multifunctional metasurface lens for imaging and Fourier transform
Authors: Wen Dandan , Yue Fuyong , Ardron Marcus , Chen Xianzhong
Published: June 2016

A metasurface can manipulate light in a desirable manner by imparting local and space-variant abrupt phase change. Benefiting from such an unprecedented capability, the conventional concept of what constitutes an optical lens continues to evolve. Ultrathin optical metasurface lenses have been demonstrated based on various nanoantennas such as V-shape structures, nanorods and nanoslits. A single device that can integrate two different types of lenses and polarities is desirable for system integration and device miniaturization. We experimentally demonstrate such an ultrathin metasurface lens that can function either as a spherical lens or a cylindrical lens, depending on the helicity of the incident light. Helicity-controllable focal line and focal point in the real focal plane, as well as imaging and 1D/2D Fourier transforms, are observed on the same lens. Our work provides a unique tool for polarization imaging, image processing and particle trapping.
The potential of incorporation of binary salts and ionic liquid in P(VP-co-VAc) gel polymer electrolyte in electrochemical and photovoltaic performances
Authors: Ming Ng Hon , Ramesh S. , Ramesh K.
Published: June 2016

In this study, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) has been assembled with poly(1-vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) (P(VP-co-VAc)) gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) which have been incorporated with binary salt and an ionic liquid. The potential of this combination was studied and reported. The binary salt system GPEs was having ionic conductivity and power conversion efficiency (PCE) that could reach up to 1.90 × 10−3 S cm−1 and 5.53%, respectively. Interestingly, upon the addition of the ionic liquid, MPII into the binary salt system the ionic conductivity and PCE had risen steadily up to 4.09 × 10−3 S cm−1 and 5.94%, respectively. In order to know more about this phenomenon, the electrochemical impedance studies (EIS) of the GPE samples have been done and reported. Fourier transform infrared studies (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) have also been studied to understand more on the structural and thermal properties of the GPEs. The Nyquist plot and Bodes plot studies have been done in order to understand the electrochemical properties of the GPE based DSSCs and Tafel polarization studies were done to determine the electrocatalytic activity of the GPE samples.
A method to estimate the contribution of regional genetic associations to complex traits from summary association statistics
Authors: Pare Guillaume , Mao Shihong , Deng Wei Q.
Published: June 2016

Despite considerable efforts, known genetic associations only explain a small fraction of predicted heritability. Regional associations combine information from multiple contiguous genetic variants and can improve variance explained at established association loci. However, regional associations are not easily amenable to estimation using summary association statistics because of sensitivity to linkage disequilibrium (LD). We now propose a novel method, LD Adjusted Regional Genetic Variance (LARGV), to estimate phenotypic variance explained by regional associations using summary statistics while accounting for LD. Our method is asymptotically equivalent to a multiple linear regression model when no interaction or haplotype effects are present. It has several applications, such as ranking of genetic regions according to variance explained or comparison of variance explained by two or more regions. Using height and BMI data from the Health Retirement Study (N = 7,776), we show that most genetic variance lies in a small proportion of the genome and that previously identified linkage peaks have higher than expected regional variance.
Utilizing G2/M retention effect to enhance tumor accumulation of active targeting nanoparticles
Authors: Hu Guanlian , Cun Xingli , Ruan Shaobo , Shi Kairong , Wang Yang , Kuang Qifang , Hu Chuan , Xiao Wei , He Qin , Gao Huile
Published: June 2016

In recent years, active targeting strategies by ligand modification have emerged to enhance tumor accumulation of NP, but their clinical application was strictly restricted due to the complex preparation procedures, poor stability and serious toxicity. An effective and clinical translational strategy is required to satisfy the current problems. Interestingly, the internalization of NP is intimately related with cell cycle and the expression of receptors is not only related with cancer types but also cell cycle progression. So the cellular uptake of ligand modified NP may be related with cell cycle. However, few investigations were reported about the relationship between cell cycle and the internalization of ligand modified NP. Herein, cellular uptake of folic acid (FA) modified NP after utilizing chemotherapeutic to retain the tumor cells in G2/M phase was studied and a novel strategy was designed to enhance the active targeting effect. In our study, docetaxel (DTX) notably synchronized cells in G2/M phase and pretreatment with DTX highly improved in vitro and in vivo tumor cell targeting effect of FA decorated NP (FANP). Since FA was a most common used tumor active targeting ligand, we believe that this strategy possesses broader prospects in clinical application for its simplicity and effectiveness.
Differential effects of male nutrient balance on pre- and post-copulatory traits, and consequences for female reproduction in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Morimoto Juliano , Wigby Stuart
Published: June 2016

Male fitness depends on the expression of costly traits involved in obtaining mates (pre-copulatory) and fertilization (post-copulatory). However, very little is known about the nutrient requirements for these traits and whether males compromise their diet to maximize one trait at the expense of another. Here we used Nutritional Geometry to investigate macronutrient requirements for pre- and post-copulatory traits in Drosophila, when males were the first or second to mate with females. We found no significant effects of male diet on sperm competitiveness. However, although males self-regulate their macronutrient intake at a protein-to-carbohydrate ratio (“P:C ratio”) of 1:1.5, this ratio does not coincide with their optima for several key reproductive traits: both the short-term (~24 hr) rate of offspring production after a female’s first mating, as well as the total offspring number sired when males were second to mate were maximized at a P:C ratio of 1:9, whereas male attractiveness (latency to mate), were maximised at a P:C ratio of 1:1. These results suggest a compromised optimum diet, and no single diet that simultaneously maximizes all male reproductive traits. The protein intake of first males also negatively affected female offspring production following remating, suggesting a long-term intersexual effect of male nutrition.
NK cells promote neutrophil recruitment in the brain during sepsis-induced neuroinflammation
Authors: He Hao , Geng Tingting , Chen Piyun , Wang Meixiang , Hu Jingxia , Kang Li , Song Wengang , Tang Hua
Published: June 2016

Sepsis could affect the central nervous system and thus induces neuroinflammation, which subsequently leads to brain damage or dysfunction. However, the mechanisms of generation of neuroinflammation during sepsis remain poorly understood. By administration of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in mice to mimic sepsis, we found that shortly after opening the blood–brain barrier, conventional CD11b+CD27+ NK subset migrated into the brain followed by subsequent neutrophil infiltration. Interestingly, depletion of NK cells prior to LPS treatment severely impaired neutrophil recruitment in the inflamed brain. By in vivo recruitment assay, we found that brain-infiltrated NK cells displayed chemotactic activity to neutrophils, which depended on the higher expression of chemokines such as CXCL2. Moreover, microglia were also responsible for neutrophil recruitment and their chemotactic activity was significantly impaired by ablation of NK cells. Furthermore, depletion of NK cells could significantly ameliorate depression-like behavior in LPS-treated mice. These data indicated a NK cell-regulated neutrophil recruitment in the blamed brain, which also could be seen on another sepsis model, cecal ligation and puncture. So, our findings revealed an important scenario in the generation of sepsis-induced neuroinflammation.
Rate dependent of strength in metallic glasses at different temperatures
Authors: Wang Y. W. , Bian X. L. , Wu S. W. , Hussain I. , Jia Y. D. , Yi J. , Wang G.
Published: June 2016

The correlation between the strength at the macroscale and the elastic deformation as well as shear cracking behavior at the microscale of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) is investigated. The temperatures of 298 K and 77 K as well as the strain rate ranging from 10−6 s−1 to 10−2 s−1 are applied to the BMGs, in which the mechanical responses of the BMGs are profiled through the compression tests. The yield strength is associated with the activation of the elementary deformation unit, which is insensitive to the strain rate. The maximum compressive strength is linked to the crack propagation during shear fracture process, which is influenced by the strain rate. The cryogenic temperature of 77 K significantly improves the yield strength and the maximum compressive strength of the BMGs.
Genome-wide detection of CNVs in Chinese indigenous sheep with different types of tails using ovine high-density 600K SNP arrays
Authors: Zhu Caiye , Fan Hongying , Yuan Zehu , Hu Shijin , Ma Xiaomeng , Xuan Junli , Wang Hongwei , Zhang Li , Wei Caihong , Zhang Qin , Zhao Fuping , Du Lixin
Published: June 2016

Chinese indigenous sheep can be classified into three types based on tail morphology: fat-tailed, fat-rumped, and thin-tailed sheep, of which the typical breeds are large-tailed Han sheep, Altay sheep, and Tibetan sheep, respectively. To unravel the genetic mechanisms underlying the phenotypic differences among Chinese indigenous sheep with tails of three different types, we used ovine high-density 600K SNP arrays to detect genome-wide copy number variation (CNV). In large-tailed Han sheep, Altay sheep, and Tibetan sheep, 371, 301, and 66 CNV regions (CNVRs) with lengths of 71.35 Mb, 51.65 Mb, and 10.56 Mb, respectively, were identified on autosomal chromosomes. Ten CNVRs were randomly chosen for confirmation, of which eight were successfully validated. The detected CNVRs harboured 3130 genes, including genes associated with fat deposition, such as PPARA, RXRA, KLF11, ADD1, FASN, PPP1CA, PDGFA, and PEX6. Moreover, multilevel bioinformatics analyses of the detected candidate genes were significantly enriched for involvement in fat deposition, GTPase regulator, and peptide receptor activities. This is the first high-resolution sheep CNV map for Chinese indigenous sheep breeds with three types of tails. Our results provide valuable information that will support investigations of genomic structural variation underlying traits of interest in sheep.
Massive marine methane emissions from near-shore shallow coastal areas
Authors: Borges Alberto V. , Champenois Willy , Gypens Nathalie , Delille Bruno , Harlay Jérôme
Published: June 2016

Methane is the second most important greenhouse gas contributing to climate warming. The open ocean is a minor source of methane to the atmosphere. We report intense methane emissions from the near-shore southern region of the North Sea characterized by the presence of extensive areas with gassy sediments. The average flux intensities (~130 μmol m−2 d−1) are one order of magnitude higher than values characteristic of continental shelves (~30 μmol m−2 d−1) and three orders of magnitude higher than values characteristic of the open ocean (~0.4 μmol m−2 d−1). The high methane concentrations (up to 1,128 nmol L−1) that sustain these fluxes are related to the shallow and well-mixed water column that allows an efficient transfer of methane from the seafloor to surface waters. This differs from deeper and stratified seep areas where there is a large decrease of methane between bottom and surface by microbial oxidation or physical transport. Shallow well-mixed continental shelves represent about 33% of the total continental shelf area, so that marine coastal methane emissions are probably under-estimated. Near-shore and shallow seep areas are hot spots of methane emission, and our data also suggest that emissions could increase in response to warming of surface waters.
Electron energy-loss spectroscopic tomography of FexCo(3−x)O4 impregnated Co3O4 mesoporous particles: unraveling the chemical information in three dimensions
Authors: Yedra L. , Eljarrat A. , Arenal R. , López-Conesa L. , Pellicer E. , López-Ortega A. , Estrader M. , Sort J. , Baró M. D. , Estradé S. , Peiró F.
Published: June 2016

Electron energy-loss spectroscopy-spectrum image (EELS-SI) tomography is a powerful tool to investigate the three dimensional chemical configuration in nanostructures.
Portable Sequentially Shifted Excitation Raman spectroscopy as an innovative tool for in situ chemical interrogation of painted surfaces
Authors: Conti Claudia , Botteon Alessandra , Bertasa Moira , Colombo Chiara , Realini Marco , Sali Diego
Published: June 2016

We present the first validation and application of portable Sequentially Shifted Excitation (SSE) Raman spectroscopy for the survey of painted layers in art.
Carbene-catalyzed desymmetrization of 1,3-diols: access to optically enriched tertiary alkyl chlorides
Authors: Li Bao-Sheng , Wang Yuhuang , Proctor Rupert S. J. , Jin Zhichao , Chi Yonggui Robin
Published: June 2016

Carbene-catalyzed desymmetrization of diols provides a quick access to optically enriched tertiary alkyl chlorides.
Cyclic dinucleotide (c-di-GMP, c-di-AMP, and cGAMP) signalings have come of age to be inhibited by small molecules
Authors: Opoku-Temeng Clement , Zhou Jie , Zheng Yue , Su Jianmei , Sintim Herman O.
Published: June 2016

Bacteria utilize nucleotide-based second messengers to regulate a myriad of physiological processes. Small molecules that inhibit nucleotide signaling could have antibacterial properties.
X-ray absorption near-edge structures of LiMn2O4 and LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 spinel oxides for lithium-ion batteries: the first-principles calculation study
Authors: Okumura Toyoki , Yamaguchi Yoichi , Kobayashi Hironori
Published: June 2016

Mn and Ni K-edge XANES shapes are strongly dominated by the local environmental changes around the Mn and Ni centres due to the changes in the location of the Li ions and/or phase transitions in both the 5 V-class LixNi0.5Mn1.5O4 spinel and the 4 V-class LixMn2O4 spinel.
Ultrafast and slow charge recombination dynamics of diketopyrrolopyrrole–NiO dye sensitized solar cells
Authors: Zhang Lei , Favereau Ludovic , Farré Yoann , Mijangos Edgar , Pellegrin Yann , Blart Errol , Odobel Fabrice , Hammarström Leif
Published: June 2016

Ultrafast hole injection from photoexcited diketopyrrolopyrrole-based dyes into mesoporous NiO films was followed by charge recombination that spanned time scales from pico- to microseconds, which was reflected in large variations in dye regeneration and device solar energy conversion efficiencies.
Interface-mediation of lipid bilayer organization and dynamics
Authors: Mize Hannah E. , Blanchard G. J.
Published: June 2016

We report on the morphology and dynamics of planar supported lipid bilayer structures as a function of pH and ionic strength of the aqueous overlayer.
Anisotropic thermal transport in Weyl semimetal TaAs: a first principles calculation
Authors: Ouyang Tao , Xiao Huaping , Tang Chao , Hu Ming , Zhong Jianxin
Published: June 2016

Distinct anisotropic thermal conductivity is observed in the Weyl semimetal TaAs.
Biofilm as a redox conductor: a systematic study of the moisture and temperature dependence of its electrical properties
Authors: Phan Hung , Yates Matthew D. , Kirchhofer Nathan D. , Bazan Guillermo C. , Tender Leonard M. , Nguyen Thuc-Quyen
Published: June 2016

The variation of the conductivity of a Geobacter biofilm and an osmium redox complex film with temperature has either a positive or negative correlation depending on how the ambient moisture is regulated.
Size- and shape-dependent catalytic performances of oxidation and reduction reactions on nanocatalysts
Authors: Cao Shaowen , Tao Franklin (Feng) , Tang Yu , Li Yuting , Yu Jiaguo
Published: June 2016

Heterogeneous catalysis is one of the most important chemical processes of various industries performed on catalyst nanoparticles with different sizes or/and shapes.
11CO bonds made easily for positron emission tomography radiopharmaceuticals
Authors: Rotstein Benjamin H. , Liang Steven H. , Placzek Michael S. , Hooker Jacob M. , Gee Antony D. , Dollé Frédéric , Wilson Alan A. , Vasdev Neil
Published: June 2016

This review explores11C-carbonylation as an alternative set of strategies to11C-methylation for the design and development of radiotracers for positron emission tomography.
Catalysis for biorefineries – performance criteria for industrial operation
Authors: Lange Jean-Paul
Published: June 2016

Make sure your biorefinery catalyst meets the performance criteria required for industrial application!
Oligomeric poly(acetalcarbonates) obtained by repolymerisation of paraformaldehyde
Authors: Bizzarri Claudia , Vogt Henning , Baráth Gábor , Gürtler Christoph , Leitner Walter , Müller Thomas E.
Published: June 2016

The synthesis and characterization of oligomeric poly(acetalcarbonates) obtained with the use of formaldehyde as a sustainable and renewable C1-building block is reported.
Molecular dynamics simulations provide insights into the substrate specificity of FAOX family members
Authors: Rigoldi Federica , Spero Ludovica , Dalle Vedove Andrea , Redaelli Alberto , Parisini Emilio , Gautieri Alfonso
Published: June 2016

Enzymatic assays based on Fructosyl Amino Acid Oxidases (FAOX) represent a potential, rapid and economical strategy to measure glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), which is in turn a reliable method to monitor the insurgence and the development of diabetes mellitus.
Reactive wetting properties of TiO2 nanoparticles predicted by ab initio molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Brandt Erik G. , Agosta Lorenzo , Lyubartsev Alexander P.
Published: June 2016

Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations reveal how surface defects control the water reactivity on small-sized TiO2 nanoparticles.
Ultrafast charge-transfer in organic photovoltaic interfaces: geometrical and functionalization effects
Authors: Santos Elton J. G. , Wang W. L.
Published: June 2016

Understanding the microscopic mechanisms of electronic excitation in organic photovoltaic cells is a challenging problem in the design of efficient devices capable of performing sunlight harvesting.
Highly sulfonated co-polyimides containing hydrophobic cross-linked networks as proton exchange membranes
Authors: Yao Hongyan , Song Ningning , Shi Kaixiang , Feng Sinan , Zhu Shiyang , Zhang Yunhe , Guan Shaowei
Published: June 2016

The cross-linked highly sulfonated co-polyimides based on novel diamine monomer containing double hydrophobic cross-linkable tetrafluorostyrol side-groups showed improved enhanced dimensional stability and superior proton conductivity.
Synthesis and field-effect transistor properties of a diseleno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]silole-based donor–acceptor copolymer: investigation of chalcogen effect
Authors: Pao Yu-Chieh , Yang Cheng-Tai , Lai Yu-Ying , Huang Wen-Chia , Hsu Chain-Shu , Cheng Yen-Ju
Published: June 2016

We have designed and synthesized a tricyclic diseleno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]silole (DSS) wherein the 3,3′-position of a biselenophene is bridged by a dioctylsilyl moiety.
New entries toward the synthesis of OCF3-containing molecules
Authors: Besset Tatiana , Jubault Philippe , Pannecoucke Xavier , Poisson Thomas
Published: June 2016

The OCF3 group is of high interest in the quest for new drugs and agrochemicals, thanks to its atypical features. This Highlight article depicted the recent and impressive advances toward the synthesis of OCF3-containing molecules.
Synthesis of unsymmetrical NCN′ and PCN pincer palladacycles and their catalytic evaluation compared with a related SCN pincer palladacycle
Authors: Roffe Gavin W. , Tizzard Graham J. , Coles Simon J. , Cox Hazel , Spencer John
Published: June 2016

A series of unsymmetrical palladacycles have been synthesised and evaluated as catalysts in aldol and vinyl epoxide coupling chemistry.
Albumin matrix assisted wet chemical synthesis of nanocrystalline MFe2O4 (M = Cu, Co and Zn) ferrites for visible light driven degradation of methylene blue by hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Saha Mrinal , Mukherjee Siddhartha , Kumar Sanjay , Dey Subhrajyoti , Gayen Arup
Published: June 2016

Nanocrystallite MFe2O4 (M = Cu, Co and Zn) ferrites synthesized via a facile wet chemical process assisted by albumin matrix are reported to exhibit significant photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) in the presence of H2O2 under visible light.
Waterborne polyurethane conjugated with novel diol chain-extender bearing cyclic phosphoramidate lateral group: synthesis, flammability and thermal degradation mechanism
Authors: Zhang Peikun , Zhang Zhenyu , Fan Haojun , Tian Saiqi , Chen Yi , Yan Jun
Published: June 2016

A diol bearing cyclic phosphoramidate pendant group was synthesized and covalently conjugated into waterborne polyurethane. The polyurethane possesses long-term hydrolytic stability and good intrinsic flame retardancy.
Supramolecular nanofibers of self-assembling peptides and DDP to inhibit cancer cell growth
Authors: Zhang Xiaoli , Li Can , Wang Youzhi , Ou Caiwen , Ji Shenglu , Chen Minsheng , Yang Zhimou
Published: June 2016

The addition of cis-dichlorodiamineplatinum(ii) to a taxol-peptide amphiphile results in hydrogelations.
Origin of the half-metallic band-gap in newly designed quaternary Heusler compounds ZrVTiZ (Z = Al, Ga)
Authors: Wang Xiaotian , Cheng Zhenxiang , Wang Jianli , Wang Liying , Yu Zheyin , Fang Chunsheng , Yang Juntao , Liu Guodong
Published: June 2016

In this work, first-principles calculations have been used to investigate the electronic structures, magnetic properties, and half-metallic nature of the newly designed quaternary Heusler compounds ZrVTiAl and ZrVTiGa.
Synthesis, decoration, and cellular effects of magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles
Authors: Nyalosaso J. L. , Rascol E. , Pisani C. , Dorandeu C. , Dumail X. , Maynadier M. , Gary-Bobo M. , Kee Him J. Lai , Bron P. , Garcia M. , Devoisselle J. M. , Prat O. , Guari Y. , Charnay C. , Chopineau J.
Published: June 2016

Synthesis of magnetic core@shell nanoparticles with different coatings and the study of their uptake by cells.
Ir(iii)-catalyzed synthesis of isoquinolines from benzimidates and α-diazocarbonyl compounds
Authors: Yang Xiaobo , Jie Jiyang , Li Haoyi , Piao Meihui
Published: June 2016

We report herein a tandem Ir(iii)-catalyzed C–H activation and annulation reactions for the synthesis of isoquinolines. This novel method affords an alternative strategy for the construction of diverse and useful isoquinoline derivatives.
Aerobic benzylic C–H oxidation catalyzed by a titania-based organic–inorganic nanohybrid
Authors: Jafarpour Maasoumeh , Feizpour Fahimeh , Rezaeifard Abdolreza
Published: June 2016

The visible light photocatalytic properties of TiO2/AA/Co organic–inorganic nanohybrid in the aerobic benzylic C–H oxidation was exploited.
Flame-retardant effect of a novel phosphaphenanthrene/triazine-trione bi-group compound on an epoxy thermoset and its pyrolysis behaviour
Authors: Qiu Yong , Qian Lijun , Xi Wang
Published: June 2016

A novel phosphaphenanthrene/triazine-trione bi-group flame retardant TOD, containing two different chemical bridge bonds (aliphatic and aromatic) between flame-retarding groups, was synthesized to prepare satisfactory flame-retardant epoxy thermoset.
Direct C–H arylation for various Ar-cored diketopyrrolopyrrole containing small molecules in solution-processed field-effect transistors
Authors: Wang Shifan , Yang Jie , Broch Katharina , Novák Jiri , Cao Xudong , Shaw Jessica , Tao Youtian , Hu Yuanyuan , Huang Wei
Published: June 2016

D–A–π–A–D small molecules Ar(DPPT2)2 are designed and synthesized by direct (hetero) C–H arylation, with hole mobility as high as 0.12 cm2 V−1 s−1.
Novel magnetic core–shell Ce–Ti@Fe3O4 nanoparticles as an adsorbent for water contaminants removal
Authors: Markeb Ahmad A. , Ordosgoitia Laura A. , Alonso Amanda , Sánchez Antoni , Font Xavier
Published: June 2016

Magnetic core–shell Ce–Ti@Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by coating cerium titanate on magnetite under mild experimental conditions.
Influence of copper addition for silicon–carbon composite as anode materials for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Cheng Yong , Yi Zheng , Wang Chunli , Wang Lidong , Wu Yaoming , Wang Limin
Published: June 2016

A series of porous Si–C and Si–C/Cu composites have been successfully fabricated by a simple sol–gel and pyrolysis process.
Peculiar temperature-stable piezoelectric performance and strong self-poling effect in tetragonal phase Bi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3–PbTiO3 single crystals with high usage temperature
Authors: Liu Jinfeng , Xu Guisheng , Tian Yanfeng , Zhu Xiu
Published: June 2016

The peculiar temperature-stable piezoelectric performance and strong self-poling effect was observed in 0.38BMT–0.62PT single crystals. The d33 of the as-prepared sample is 158 pC N−1 and nearly unchanged until the annealing temperature up to 800 °C.
[3-N2-o-C2B10H11][BF4]: a useful synthon for multiple cage boron functionalizations of o-carborane
Authors: Zhao Da , Xie Zuowei
Published: June 2016

Reaction of [3-N2-o-C2B10H11][BF4] with various kinds of nucleophiles gives a very broad spectrum of cage B(3)-substituted o-carborane derivatives, 3-X-o-C2B10H11 (X = OH, SCN, NH2, NO2, N3, CF3, PO(C6H5)2, etc.), and serves as a simple and efficient method for multiple functionalization of o-carborane.
Recent advances in Pt-based octahedral nanocrystals as high performance fuel cell catalysts
Authors: Wang Jue , Li Bing , Yersak Thomas , Yang Daijun , Xiao Qiangfeng , Zhang Junliang , Zhang Cunman
Published: June 2016

Cost, electrochemical activity and durability of the catalysts remain the key issues affecting the commercialization of fuel cells.
The influence of alkyl side chains on molecular packing and solar cell performance of dithienopyrrole-based oligothiophenes
Authors: Schulz Gisela L. , Kar Prasenjit , Weidelener Martin , Vogt Astrid , Urdanpilleta Marta , Lindén Mika , Mena-Osteritz Elena , Mishra Amaresh , Bäuerle Peter
Published: June 2016

Dithienopyrrole-based small molecular materials were developed achieving PCEs up to 5.3% in bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells by the tuning of the alkyl substitution pattern and use of a solvent additive.
Enhanced photoelectrochemical cytosensing of fibroblast-like synoviocyte cells based on visible light-activated ox-GQDs and carboxylated g-C3N4 sensitized TiO2 nanorods
Authors: Pang Xuehui , Zhang Yong , Liu Cheng , Huang Ya , Wang Yaoguang , Pan Jihong , Wei Qin , Du Bin
Published: June 2016

Scheme A: Schematic illustration of the PEC cytosensor fabrication process, B: schematic illustration of the energy level diagram.
Catalytic supramolecular self-assembled peptide nanostructures for ester hydrolysis
Authors: Gulseren Gulcihan , Khalily Mohammad Aref , Tekinay Ayse B. , Guler Mustafa O.
Published: June 2016

Essential amino acids in catalytic sites of native enzymes are important in nature inspired catalyst designs.
Reversible phase transition driven by order–disorder transformations of metal-halide moieties in [(C6H14)NH2]2·CuBr4
Authors: Asghar Muhammad Adnan , Zhang Shuquan , Khan Tariq , Sun Zhihua , Zeb Aurang , Ji Chengmin , Li Lina , Zhao Sangen , Luo Junhua
Published: June 2016

[(C6H14)NH2]2·CuBr4 (1), an organic–inorganic hybrid material, undergoes a reversible first-order phase transition around 194 K, triggered by the order–disorder transformation of metal-coordinated halogen atoms.
Proximity-dependent biotin labelling in yeast using the engineered ascorbate peroxidase APEX2
Authors: Hwang Jiwon , Espenshade Peter J.
Published: June 2016

The engineered ascorbate peroxidase (APEX2) has been effectively employed in mammalian cells to identify protein–protein interactions. APEX2 fused to a protein of interest covalently tags nearby proteins with biotin-phenol (BP) when H2O2 is added to the cell culture medium. Subsequent affinity purification of biotinylated proteins allows for identification by MS. BP labelling occurs in 1 min, providing temporal control of labelling. The APEX2 tool enables proteomic mapping of subcellular compartments as well as identification of dynamic protein complexes, and has emerged as a new methodology for proteomic analysis. Despite these advantages, a related APEX2 approach has not been developed for yeast. Here we report methods to enable APEX2-mediated biotin labelling in yeast. Our work demonstrated that high osmolarity and disruption of cell wall integrity permits live-cell biotin labelling in Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Saccharomyces cerevisiae respectively. Under these conditions, APEX2 permitted targeted and proximity-dependent labelling of proteins. The methods described herein set the stage for large-scale proteomic studies in yeast. With modifications, the method is also expected to be effective in other organisms with cell walls, such as bacteria and plants.
Circularly polarised planar Luneberg lens antenna for mm‐wave wireless communication
Authors: Shi Zhipeng , Yang Shiwen , Qu Shi‐Wei , Chen Yikai
Published: June 2016

A circularly polarised (CP) planar Luneberg lens antenna for mm‐wave wireless communication is presented. Fed by a rectangular patch antenna, this planar Luneberg lens antenna is based on dielectric slab waveguide (DSW). The CP radiation is achieved by exciting transverse magnetic (TM0) and transverse electric (TE0) modes with 90° phase difference in DSW. The desired refractive index of Luneberg lens antenna is obtained by shaping the surface of dielectric slab. The CP planar Luneberg lens antenna is fabricated and measured. Simulated and measured results are given, showing reasonable agreement and good antenna performance.
Multi‐device selection scheduling in non‐identically distributed fading channels
Authors: Ko Youngwook , Quddus Atta Ul , Tafazolli Rahim
Published: June 2016

Multiuser selection scheduling concept has been recently proposed in the literature in order to increase the multiuser diversity gain and overcome the significant feedback requirements for the opportunistic scheduling schemes. The main idea is that reducing the feedback overhead saves per‐user power that could potentially be added for the data transmission. In this work, the authors propose to integrate the principle of multiuser selection and the proportional fair scheduling scheme. This is aimed especially at power‐limited, multi‐device systems in non‐identically distributed fading channels. For the performance analysis, they derive closed‐form expressions for the outage probabilities and the average system rate of the delay‐sensitive and the delay‐tolerant systems, respectively, and compare them with the full feedback multiuser diversity schemes. The discrete rate region is analytically presented, where the maximum average system rate can be obtained by properly choosing the number of partial devices. They optimise jointly the number of partial devices and the per‐device power saving in order to maximise the average system rate under the power requirement. Through the authors’ results, they finally demonstrate that the proposed scheme leveraging the saved feedback power to add for the data transmission can outperform the full feedback multiuser diversity, in non‐identical Rayleigh fading of devices’ channels.
Decode‐and‐forward relaying in mixed η − μ and gamma–gamma dual hop transmission system
Authors: Sharma Nikhil , Bansal Ankur , Garg Parul
Published: June 2016

In this study, the authors carry out the performance analysis of an asymmetric dual hop relay system composed of both radio‐frequency (RF) and free‐space optical (FSO) links. The RF link is subject to generalised η − μ distribution, while the channel for FSO link is modelled as gamma–gamma distribution. The decode‐and‐forward relaying phenomena is used, where the relay decodes the received RF signal from the source and converts it into an optical signal using the sub‐carrier intensity‐modulation (SIM) scheme for transmission over the FSO link. The FSO link is subjected to pointing errors and account for both types of detection techniques, i.e. IM/DD and heterodyne detection. Novel exact closed‐form expressions for the probability density function and cumulative distribution function of the equivalent end‐to‐end signal‐to‐noise ratio of the mixed RF/FSO system in terms of Meijer's G function are derived. Capitalising on these derived channel statistics, they provide the new closed‐form expressions of outage probability and the ergodic channel capacity. They also provide the average bit‐error rate for different binary modulations. Furthermore, the Monte Carlo simulations validate the analytical results.
Elimination of two‐dimensional intersymbol interference through the use of a 9/12 two‐dimensional modulation code
Authors: Nguyen Chi Dinh , Lee Jaejin
Published: June 2016

This study presents a 9/12 two‐dimensional (2D) modulation code as a way to overcome 2D intersymbol interference (ISI) in high‐density storage systems. The next generation of data‐storage systems is being continually developed to satisfy a massive demand for reliable storage regarding enormous amounts of data. Holographic data storage, bit‐patterned media recording (BPMR), and 2D magnetic recording are promising candidates for the attainment of area‐density increases that are beyond the capacities of conventional storage systems. One of the main challenges for these systems is a 2D ISI problem consisting of 1D ISI from neighbour bits and intertrack interference from adjacent tracks. The proposed modulation code maps every 9 bit sequence of user data into a 2D output array of a 3‐by‐4 size so that the fatal 2D ISI patterns are avoided in every output array. For the assessment of the quality of the proposed modulation code, a simulation model is carried out in a BPMR system. The results show that the proposed modulation code offers a gain of ∼2 dB over that of a system without encoding. In particular, a gain of ∼1 dB is obtained over that of a 6/8 modulation code regarding the same code rate.
Energy‐efficient pilot and data power allocation in massive multi‐user multiple‐input multiple‐output communication systems
Authors: Zhang Ye , Zhu Wei‐Ping
Published: June 2016

This study aims to improve the energy efficiency of time‐division duplexing massive multi‐user multiple‐input multiple‐output communication systems for both uplink and downlink transmissions. By using minimum mean square error channel estimation, two novel pilot–data power allocation schemes are proposed to minimise the total uplink and downlink transmit power under per‐user signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio (SINR) requirement and per‐user power consumption constraints. The proposed schemes take into account the maximum‐ratio combining and zero‐forcing (ZF) detectors in the uplink transmission together with maximum‐ratio transmission and ZF precoder in the downlink transmission. In order to simplify the proposed optimisation problems, lower bounds of the average SINR are derived and used in the power allocation algorithms. The key contribution of this study lies in formulating the original energy‐efficient power allocation problem and converting such a complicated optimisation problem to a geometric programming problem. Computer simulation validates the tightness of the derived SINR lower bounds and shows that the proposed schemes can save up to 78% of the total power as compared with the equal power allocation among all the mobile users.
Circulating current derivation and comprehensive compensation of cascaded STATCOM under asymmetrical voltage conditions
Authors: Zhixing He , Fujun Ma , An Luo , Qianming Xu , Yandong Chen , Huagen Xiao , Guobin Jin
Published: June 2016

Cascaded static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) with delta‐connected configuration is an effective solution to compensate reactive and negative‐sequence currents. This study focuses on the circulating current and compensation method of delta‐connected STATCOM under asymmetrical voltage conditions. According to the phasor analysis, constrains of voltage phasors and current phasors under reactive current compensation mode, negative‐sequence current compensation mode and comprehensive compensation mode are deduced. On the basis of this, the analytical expressions of circulating current under the three modes are derived. Furthermore, a comprehensive compensation method for delta‐connected STATCOM is proposed. In the proposed method, phase current references are calculated directly with the instantaneous voltage and current signals, which could enhance the dynamic behaviour and cluster‐balancing control performance especially under asymmetrical voltage conditions. Finally, simulation and experiment results have been given to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed control method.
MILP branch flow model for concurrent AC multistage transmission expansion and reactive power planning with security constraints
Authors: Macedo Leonardo H. , Montes Cristiam V. , Franco John F. , Rider Marcos J. , Romero Rubén
Published: June 2016

This study presents a mixed‐integer linear programming (MILP) model to solve the simultaneous transmission network expansion planning (TNEP) and reactive power planning (RPP) problem. The proposed model considers reactive power, off‐nominal bus voltage magnitudes, power losses, multistage expansion, and security constraints. The use of an MILP model guarantees convergence to optimality by using existing classical optimisation methods. In order to validate the approximation performed, the steady‐state operation points were compared with those obtained using an AC load flow method. Garver's 6‐bus system and a modified IEEE 118‐bus system were used to show the precision and efficiency of the methodology. The results indicate that better expansion and generation plans are found by considering RPP simultaneously with the AC TNEP, when the solutions were compared with the plans of the TNEP using the AC model without RPP and the TNEP considering the DC model, with RPP conducted at a subsequent stage.
Integration of electric vehicles for load frequency output feedback H∞ control of smart grids
Authors: Pham Thanh Ngoc , Trinh Hieu , Hien Le Van , Wong Kit Po
Published: June 2016

This study considers a novel application of electric vehicles (EVs) to quickly help reheated thermal turbine units to provide the stability fluctuated by load demands. A mathematical model of a power system with EVs is first derived. This model contains the dynamic interactions of EVs and multiple network‐induced time delays. Then, a dynamic output feedback H∞ controller for load frequency control of power systems with multiple time delays in the control input is proposed. To address the multiple time delays issue, a refined Jensen‐based inequality, which encompasses the Jensen inequality, is used to derive less conservative synthesis conditions in terms of tractable linear matrix inequalities. A procedure is given to parameterise an output feedback controller to guarantee stability and H∞ performance of the closed‐loop system. Extensive simulations are conducted to validate the proposed control method.