bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ERβ promotes Aβ degradation via the modulation of autophagy
Authors: Wei Yong , Zhou Jiawei , Wu Jun , Huang Jian
Published: July 2019

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly. Beta-amyloid (Aβ) peptide accumulation is considered as a primary cause of AD pathogenesis, with defective autophagy in patients’ brains. Enhanced autophagic activity has been reported to promote Aβ clearance in vitro and in vivo models. Meanwhile, there is growing evidence that estrogen receptor β (ERβ) is a viable therapeutic target that can ameliorate the pathological features associated with AD. Very little is known about the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the relationship between ERβ, autophagy, and Aβ degradation in AD. This study aims to uncover whether ERβ participates in autophagy and promotes extracellular Aβ1–42 degradation through the autophagy–lysosome system. Here we find that overexpression of ERβ caused autophagic activation as seen by increased microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II (LC3-II), SQSTM1 (sequestosome 1) degradation, LC3 punctate distribution, autophagosome, and autolysosome accumulation. In addition, we show that ERβ could induce autophagy through direct protein–protein interaction with ATG7 (E1-like enzyme). Furthermore, ERβ-mediated decrease in Aβ1–42 was blocked by the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) in SH-SY5Y cells and the HEK293T (AβPPsw) model. Aβ1–42 or CQ induced cytotoxicity was restored by a selective ERβ activator diarylpropionitrile (DPN). Collectively, these data indicate that overexpression of ERβ exerts a neuroprotective effect through interacting with ATG7 protein and further enhances autophagy–lysosomal activity for Aβ1–42 clearance at the cellular level.
Upregulation of SLAMF3 on human T cells is induced by palmitic acid through the STAT5-PI3K/Akt pathway and features the chronic inflammatory profiles of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zhou Tong , Wang Guixia , Lyu Yanan , Wang Lei , Zuo Siyao , Zou Jun , Sun Lin , Zhao Wenjie , Shu Chang , Yang Yong-Guang , Hu Zheng
Published: July 2019

Metabolic stress-induced low-grade chronic inflammation plays an important role in the development of insulin-resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Emerging evidence highlights the importance of directly elucidating T-cell activation under the obesity-induced metabolic stress condition, as T cells primed under such conditions were found to acquire a unique phenotype and function. Herein, we found a significant upregulation of signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family member 3 (SLAMF3) expression on T cells from T2D patients compared to those of healthy controls. Importantly, SLAMF3 upregulation was associated with an increased ability to produce proinflammatory cytokines. Significantly increased SLAMF3 expression was seen in T2D patient T cells that produce IFN-γ or IL-17 upon short (4-h) stimulation, compared to non-cytokine-producing T cells. In line with this finding, SLAMF3highT cells were significantly more sensitive than SLAMF3lowT cells to TCR stimulation with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies. Furthermore, treatment with palmitic acid (PA) led to significant upregulation of SLAMF3 on human T cells primed by anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies and on Jurkat cells, a human T-cell line. RNA sequencing revealed strong activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in T cells that were primed with PA. Further mechanistic studies showed that inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling, or its upstream mediator STAT5 can prevent PA-induced SLAMF3 upregulation on T cells. These results indicate that SLAMF3 upregulation is associated with T-cell activation and cytokine production in T2D patients, and suggest that elevated saturated fatty acids in T2D patients may induce SLAMF3 upregulation on T cells via activation of the STAT5-PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Author Correction: Stochastic simulations reveal few green wave surfing populations among spring migrating herbivorous waterfowl
Authors: Wang Xin , Cao Lei , Fox Anthony D. , Fuller Richard , Griffin Larry , Mitchell Carl , Zhao Yunlin , Moon Oun-Kyong , Cabot David , Xu Zhenggang , Batbayar Nyambayar , Kölzsch Andrea , van der Jeugd Henk P. , Madsen Jesper , Chen Liding , Nathan Ran
Published: July 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
2D semiconductor nonlinear plasmonic modulators
Authors: Klein Matthew , Badada Bekele H. , Binder Rolf , Alfrey Adam , McKie Max , Koehler Michael R. , Mandrus David G. , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , LeRoy Brian J. , Schaibley John R.
Published: July 2019

A plasmonic modulator is a device that controls the amplitude or phase of propagating plasmons. In a pure plasmonic modulator, the presence or absence of a plasmonic pump wave controls the amplitude of a plasmonic probe wave through a channel. This control has to be mediated by an interaction between disparate plasmonic waves, typically requiring the integration of a nonlinear material. In this work, we demonstrate a 2D semiconductor nonlinear plasmonic modulator based on a WSe2 monolayer integrated on top of a lithographically defined metallic waveguide. We utilize the strong interaction between the surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) and excitons in the WSe2 to give a 73 % change in transmission through the device. We demonstrate control of the propagating SPPs using both optical and SPP pumps, realizing a 2D semiconductor nonlinear plasmonic modulator, with an ultrafast response time of 290 fs.
Uniaxial transition dipole moments in semiconductor quantum rings caused by broken rotational symmetry
Authors: Hartmann Nicolai F. , Otten Matthew , Fedin Igor , Talapin Dmitri , Cygorek Moritz , Hawrylak Pawel , Korkusinski Marek , Gray Stephen , Hartschuh Achim , Ma Xuedan
Published: July 2019

Semiconductor quantum rings are topological structures that support fascinating phenomena such as the Aharonov–Bohm effect and persistent current, which are of high relevance in the research of quantum information devices. The annular shape of quantum rings distinguishes them from other low-dimensional materials, and enables topologically induced properties such as geometry-dependent spin manipulation and emission. While optical transition dipole moments (TDMs) in zero to two-dimensional optical emitters have been well investigated, those in quantum rings remain obscure despite their utmost relevance to the quantum photonic applications of quantum rings. Here, we study the dimensionality and orientation of TDMs in CdSe quantum rings. In contrast to those in other two-dimensional optical emitters, we find that TDMs in CdSe quantum rings show a peculiar in-plane linear distribution. Our theoretical modeling reveals that this uniaxial TDM originates from broken rotational symmetry in the quantum ring geometries.
Modulation of defence and iron homeostasis genes in rice roots by the diazotrophic endophyte Herbaspirillum seropedicae
Authors: Brusamarello-Santos Liziane Cristina Campos , Alberton Dayane , Valdameri Glaucio , Camilios-Neto Doumit , Covre Rafael , Lopes Katia de Paiva , Zibetti Tadra-Sfeir Michelle , Faoro Helisson , Adele Monteiro Rose , Barbosa-Silva Adriano , John Broughton William , Oliveira Pedrosa Fabio , Wassem Roseli , Souza Emanuel Maltempi de
Published: July 2019

Rice is staple food of nearly half the world’s population. Rice yields must therefore increase to feed ever larger populations. By colonising rice and other plants,Herbaspirillumspp. stimulate plant growth and productivity. However the molecular factors involved are largely unknown. To further explore this interaction, the transcription profiles of Nipponbare rice roots inoculated withHerbaspirillum seropedicaewere determined by RNA-seq. Mapping the 104 million reads against theOryza sativacv. Nipponbare genome produced 65 million unique mapped reads that represented 13,840 transcripts each with at least two-times coverage. About 7.4% (1,014) genes were differentially regulated and of these 255 changed expression levels more than two times. Several of the repressed genes encoded proteins related to plant defence (e.g. a putative probenazole inducible protein), plant disease resistance as well as enzymes involved in flavonoid and isoprenoid synthesis. Genes related to the synthesis and efflux of phytosiderophores (PS) and transport of PS-iron complexes were induced by the bacteria. These data suggest that the bacterium represses the rice defence system while concomitantly activating iron uptake. Transcripts ofH.seropedicaewere also detected amongst which transcripts of genes involved in nitrogen fixation, cell motility and cell wall synthesis were the most expressed.
Effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid and sodium ferrous citrate on fibroblasts from individuals with mitochondrial diseases
Authors: Shimura Masaru , Nozawa Naoko , Ogawa-Tominaga Minako , Fushimi Takuya , Tajika Makiko , Ichimoto Keiko , Matsunaga Ayako , Tsuruoka Tomoko , Kishita Yoshihito , Ishii Takuya , Takahashi Kiwamu , Tanaka Tohru , Nakajima Motowo , Okazaki Yasushi , Ohtake Akira , Murayama Kei
Published: July 2019

Mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes II, III, and IV and cytochrome c contain haem, which is generated by the insertion of Fe2+ into protoporphyrin IX. 5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) combined with sodium ferrous citrate (SFC) was reported to enhance haem production, leading to respiratory complex and haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) upregulation. Here, we investigated the effects of different concentrations of ALA and SFC alone or in combination (ALA/SFC) on fibroblasts from 8 individuals with mitochondrial diseases and healthy controls. In normal fibroblasts, expression levels of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complex subunits and corresponding genes were upregulated only by ALA/SFC. Additionally, the increased oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and ATP levels in normal fibroblasts were more obvious after treatment with ALA/SFC than after treatment with ALA or SFC. OXPHOS complex proteins were enhanced by ALA/SFC, whereas OCR and ATP levels were increased in 6 of the 8 patient-derived fibroblasts. Further, HO-1 protein and mRNA levels were enhanced by ALA/SFC in all fibroblasts. The relative mtDNA copy number was increased by ALA/SFC. Thus, our findings indicate that ALA/SFC is effective in elevating OXPHOS, HO-1 protein, and mtDNA copy number, resulting in an increase in OCR and ATP levels, which represents a promising therapeutic option for mitochondrial diseases.
The roles of p38 MAPK → COX2 and NF-κB → COX2 signal pathways in age-related testosterone reduction
Authors: Zhao Yu , Liu Xuehui , Qu Yine , Wang Lixuan , Geng Dan , Chen Wei , Li Li , Tian Yangyang , Chang Shiyang , Zhao Chunfang , Zhao Xiujun , Lv Pin
Published: July 2019

In our study, we explored changes in the redox status and inflammatory response in the testes of the SAMP8 model of varying ages (2, 4, 8, 10 months old) compared with control mice SAMR1 by the methods of immunohistochemical staining, Western blotting, RT-PCR and Luminex multi-analyte cytokine profiling. We found that as ROS and inflammation levels increased during aging, steroidogenic enzymes (StAR and P450scc) reduced and led to the decline of testosterone production eventually. The pathways of P38 MAPK → COX2 and NF-κB → COX2 were detected by using specific inhibitors of SB203580 and Bay 11-7082 in isolated Leydig cells. These results indicated that activation of both p38 MAPK → COX2 and NF-κB → COX2 signaling pathways are functionally linked to the oxidative stress response and chronic inflammation during aging, and mediate their inhibitory effects on testosterone production.
Modified CLARITY Achieving Faster and Better Intact Mouse Brain Clearing and Immunostaining
Authors: Du Hao , Hou Peihong , Wang Liting , Wang Zhongke , Li Qiyu
Published: July 2019

CLARITY is a hydrogel embedding clearing method that has the advantages of transparency, different tissue compatibility and immunostaining compatibility. However, there are also some limitations to CLARITY as it requires a long time to achieve transparency, and the electrophoresis clearing is complex. Therefore, we aimed to simplify the electrophoresis system and shorten the processing time of CLARITY. In our study, we developed a non-circulation electrophoresis system to achieve easier manipulation of electrophoresis clearing. We modified the original CLARITY protocol in hydrogel embedding methods, clearing buffer and immunostaining. When comparing brains processed by our modified method or the original protocol, we found our modifications permit faster and more efficient clearing and labeling. Moreover, we developed a new clearing method named Passive pRe-Electrophroresis CLARITY (PRE-CLARITY) and a new immunostaining method named Centrifugation-Expansion staining (CEx staining). PRE-CLARITY achieved faster clearing and higher transparency, and CEx staining accomplished intact mouse brain labeling faster. With our modifications to CLARITY, we accomplished intact mouse brain clearing and immunostaining within one week, while this requires weeks to months with the original CLARITY. Our studies would allow high-content tracing and analysis of intact brain or other large-scale samples in a short time.
The Predominant Oral Microbiota Is Acquired Early in an Organized Pattern
Authors: Sulyanto Rosalyn M. , Thompson Zachary A. , Beall Clifford J. , Leys Eugene J. , Griffen Ann L.
Published: July 2019

The human oral cavity is sterile prior to birth, and we have limited knowledge of how complex oral communities are assembled. To examine bacterial acquisition and community assembly over the first year of life, oral samples from a cohort of nine infants and their mothers were collected, and bacterial community composition was studied by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Exogenous species including skin and environmental bacteria were present initially, but were quickly replaced by a small, shared microbial community of species common to all infants and adults. Subsequent ordered microbial succession and the formation of increasingly complex communities was observed. By one year of age oral microbial community composition converged to a profile that was remarkably similar among children. The introduction of new nutrient sources, but not tooth eruption, was associated with increasing complexity. Infants had fewer species than mothers, mostly accounted for by the lack of certain anaerobes, and showing that the acquisition and assembly of oral microbial communities continues past infancy. When relative abundance was considered, a shared set of species accounted for the majority of the microbial community at all ages, indicating that the dominant structure of the oral microbiome establishes early, and suggesting that it persists throughout life.
Fabrication of High-resolution Graphene-based Flexible Electronics via Polymer Casting
Authors: Uz Metin , Jackson Kyle , Donta Maxsam S. , Jung Juhyung , Lentner Matthew T. , Hondred John A. , Claussen Jonathan C. , Mallapragada Surya K.
Published: July 2019

In this study, a novel method based on the transfer of graphene patterns from a rigid or flexible substrate onto a polymeric film surface via solvent casting was developed. The method involves the creation of predetermined graphene patterns on the substrate, casting a polymer solution, and directly transferring the graphene patterns from the substrate to the surface of the target polymer film via a peeling-off method. The feature sizes of the graphene patterns on the final film can vary from a few micrometers (as low as 5 µm) to few millimeters range. This process, applied at room temperature, eliminates the need for harsh post-processing techniques and enables creation of conductive graphene circuits (sheet resistance: ~0.2 kΩ/sq) with high stability (stable after 100 bending and 24 h washing cycles) on various polymeric flexible substrates. Moreover, this approach allows precise control of the substrate properties such as composition, biodegradability, 3D microstructure, pore size, porosity and mechanical properties using different film formation techniques. This approach can also be used to fabricate flexible biointerfaces to control stem cell behavior, such as differentiation and alignment. Overall, this promising approach provides a facile and low-cost method for the fabrication of flexible and stretchable electronic circuits.
An oligo-His-tag of a targeting module does not influence its biodistribution and the retargeting capabilities of UniCAR T cells
Authors: Jureczek Justyna , Bergmann Ralf , Berndt Nicole , Koristka Stefanie , Kegler Alexandra , Puentes-Cala Edinson , Soto Javier Andrés , Arndt Claudia , Bachmann Michael , Feldmann Anja
Published: July 2019

Recently, we established the controllable modular UniCAR platform technology to advance the efficacy and safety of CAR T cell therapy. The UniCAR system is composed of (i) target modules (TMs) and (ii) UniCAR armed T cells. TMs are bispecific molecules that are able to bind to the tumor cell surface and simultaneously to UniCAR T cells. For interaction with UniCAR T cells, TMs contain a peptide epitope sequence which is recognised by UniCAR T cells. So far, a series of TMs against a variety of tumor targets including against the prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) were constructed and functionally characterised. In order to facilitate their purification all these TMs are expressed as recombinant proteins equipped with an oligo-His-tag. The aim of the here presented manuscript was to learn whether or not the oligo-His-tag of the TM influences the UniCAR system. For this purpose, we constructed TMs against PSCA equipped with or lacking an oligo-His-tag. Both TMs were compared side by side including for functionality and biodistribution. According to our data, an oligo-His-tag of a UniCAR TM has only little if any effect on its binding affinity, in vitro and in vivo killing capability and in vivo biodistribution.
A dual-signal output ratiometric electrochemiluminescent sensor for NADH detection
Authors: Chen Hongjun , Liu Xiu , Yin Cheng , Li Wang , Qin Xiangdong , Chen Changya
Published: July 2019

NADH can amplify the anodic ECL response of NGQDs, while it can diminish the cathodic ECL response of NGQDs. Based on the proposed principle, a dual-signal output ratiometric method is proposed to detect NADH without additional coreactant.
Visualizing biofilm by targeting eDNA with long wavelength probe CDr15
Authors: Kwon Haw-Young , Kim Jun-Young , Liu Xiao , Lee Jung Yeol , Yam Joey Kuok Hoong , Dahl Hultqvist Louise , Xu Wang , Rybtke Morten , Tolker-Nielsen Tim , Heo Wooseok , Kim Jong-Jin , Kang Nam-Young , Joo Taiha , Yang Liang , Park Sung-Jin , Givskov Michael , Chang Young-Tae
Published: July 2019

We developed a small molecule CDr15, which has eDNA selectivity of bacterial biofilm.
White-light emission from a structurally simple hydrazone
Authors: Shao Baihao , Stankewitz Nell , Morris Jacob A. , Liptak Matthew D. , Aprahamian Ivan
Published: July 2019

Two hydrazones featuring a unique excitation wavelength-dependent dual fluorescence emission have been developed.
Functionalization and cancer-targeting design of ruthenium complexes for precise cancer therapy
Authors: Liu Jinggong , Lai Haoqiang , Xiong Zushuang , Chen Bolai , Chen Tianfeng
Published: July 2019

Herein, the functionalized Ruthenium complex applied for bio-imaging, photodynamic/photothermal therapy, precise targeted therapy and theranostics application have been discussed.
Reductive stress imaging in the endoplasmic reticulum by using living cells and zebrafish
Authors: Niu Huawei , Zhang Yongru , Zhao Fangfang , Mo Saijun , Cao Wenbo , Ye Yong , Zhao Yufen
Published: July 2019

A TP probe, NPCC, was developed for monitoring reductive stress in the ER. It can also distinguish cancer cells from normal cells.
Intermolecular interactions and permeability of 5-fluorouracil cocrystals with a series of isomeric hydroxybenzoic acids: a combined theoretical and experimental study
Authors: Dai Xia-Lin , Voronin Alexander P. , Gao Wei , Perlovich German L. , Lu Tong-Bu , Chen Jia-Mei
Published: July 2019

This work combined theoretical and experimental methods to explore intermolecular interactions and permeability of 5-fluorouracil cocrystals with isomeric hydroxybenzoic acids.
Two scandium coordination polymers: rapid synthesis and catalytic properties
Authors: Zhu Ziqian , Tao Yufang , Jiang Yansong , Zhang Liying , Xu Jianing , Wang Li , Fan Yong
Published: July 2019

Two new scandium coordination polymers were synthesized by MW and hydrothermal methods, and exhibited good catalytic performance.
Carbonization of transition metals in molten salts
Authors: Song Qiushi , Zhang Zheng , Xie Hongwei , Yin Huayi , Ning Zhiqiang
Published: July 2019

The carbonization of transition metals in molten salts was performed to study the effect of electrochemical polarization and molten salt medium on the carbonization process.
Ionic liquids from a fragmented perspective
Authors: Conrad Justin A. , Kim Shinae , Gordon Mark S.
Published: July 2019

The efficacy of using fragmentation methods, such as the effective fragment potential, the fragment molecular orbital and the effective fragment molecular orbital methods is discussed.
MOF-derived noble-metal-free Cu/CeO2 with high porosity for the efficient water–gas shift reaction at low temperatures
Authors: Jampaiah Deshetti , Damma Devaiah , Chalkidis Anastasios , Singh Mandeep , Sabri Ylias M. , Mayes Edwin L. H. , Bansal Vipul , Bhargava Suresh K.
Published: July 2019

A metal organic framework templated Cu/CeO2 catalyst exhibited enhanced catalytic performance for the water–gas shift reaction at low temperatures.
Insights into short- and long-term effects of loading nickel nanoparticles on anaerobic digestion with flocculent sludge
Authors: He Chuan-Shu , Ding Rong-Rong , Wang Yi-Ran , Li Qi , Wang Yi-Xuan , Mu Yang
Published: July 2019

Exposure to Ni-NPs induced a time- and dosage-dependent inhibition on all the steps of anaerobic digestion.
Monitoring the integrity of reverse osmosis membranes using novel indigenous freshwater viruses and bacteriophages
Authors: Hornstra Luc M. , Rodrigues da Silva Tania , Blankert Bastiaan , Heijnen Leo , Beerendonk Erwin , Cornelissen Emile R. , Medema Gertjan
Published: July 2019

Naturally present indigenous fresh water viruses are able to accurately monitor virus rejection of intact and damaged RO membranes, with high sensitivity and similar performance as spiked bacteriophage MS2.
A self-sorted gel network formed by heating a mixture of soy and cod proteins
Authors: Wu Chao , Yan Xinyu , Wang Tao , Ma Wuchao , Xu Xianbing , Du Ming
Published: July 2019

A self-sorted gel network was formed by heating a binary system of cod and soy proteins.
A facile strategy to achieve fully bio-based epoxy thermosets from eugenol
Authors: Chen Chien-Han , Tung Shih-Huang , Jeng Ru-Jong , Abu-Omar Mahdi M. , Lin Ching-Hsuan
Published: July 2019

Fully bio-based epoxy thermosets can be achieved by the reaction of active esters and epoxide in eugenol-derived epoxy compounds.
Generation and enhancement of surface acoustic waves on a highly doped p-type GaAs substrate
Authors: Dong Boqun , Zaghloul Mona E.
Published: July 2019

Enhancement of SAWs propagating along the surface of a highly doped p-type GaAs substrate is achieved using a ZnO/SiO2 island.
pH sensitivity of interfacial electron transfer at a supported graphene monolayer
Authors: Wehrhold Michel , Neubert Tilmann J. , Yadav Anur , Vondráček Martin , Iost Rodrigo M. , Honolka Jan , Balasubramanian Kannan
Published: July 2019

Electron transfer rates at graphene are found to vary with pH, attributed to electrostatic effects at the graphene-liquid interface.
Structural optimization of cyclic peptides that efficiently detect denatured collagen
Authors: Takita Koh K. , Fujii Kazunori K. , Ishii Kento , Koide Takaki
Published: July 2019

The optimized cyclic collagen-mimetic peptide effectively detects denatured collagen without prior heat-denaturation.
Occurrence and health risk assessment of volatile organic compounds in the surface water of Poyang Lake in March 2017
Authors: Qin Pan , Cao Fengmei , Lu Shaoyong , Li Linlin , Guo Xiaochun , Zhao Bin , Wan Zhengfen , Bi Bin
Published: July 2019

An investigation into the occurrence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the surface water of Poyang Lake was conducted.
Reduction of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and naturally present microbes on fresh-cut lettuce using lactic acid and aqueous ozone
Authors: Wang Jiayi , Wang Shan , Sun Yeting , Li Chen , Li Yanru , Zhang Qi , Wu Zhaoxia
Published: July 2019

Lactic acid plus aqueous ozone is an effective hurdle technology for fresh produce disinfection.
Liquid crystalline poly(propylene imine) dendrimer-based iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Gruzdev M. S. , Chervonova U. V. , Vorobeva V. E. , Ksenofontov A. A. , Kolker A. M.
Published: July 2019

Poly(propylene imine) dendromesogens (generations from 1 to 4) have been utilized for the synthesis and stabilization of ferrimagnetic Fe2O3nanoparticles.
Seconds-resolved pharmacokinetic measurements of the chemotherapeutic irinotecan in situ in the living body
Authors: Idili Andrea , Arroyo-Currás Netzahualcóyotl , Ploense Kyle L. , Csordas Andrew T. , Kuwahara Masayasu , Kippin Tod E. , Plaxco Kevin W.
Published: July 2019

The ability to measure drugs in the body rapidly and in real time would advance both our understanding of pharmacokinetics and our ability to optimally dose and deliver pharmacological therapies.
A Bayesian graph convolutional network for reliable prediction of molecular properties with uncertainty quantification
Authors: Ryu Seongok , Kwon Yongchan , Kim Woo Youn
Published: July 2019

Deep neural networks have been increasingly used in various chemical fields. Here, we show that Bayesian inference enables more reliable prediction with quantitative uncertainty analysis.
Conversion of the greenhouse gas CO2 to methanol over supported intermetallic Ga–Ni catalysts at atmospheric pressure: thermodynamic modeling and experimental study
Authors: Ahmad Kaisar , Upadhyayula Sreedevi
Published: July 2019

Revealing the influence of preparation method on activity and physio-chemical properties of supported Ga3Ni5 catalysts and thermodynamic modeling of reaction results.
A new polytriarylamine derivative for dopant-free high-efficiency perovskite solar cells
Authors: Tsarev Sergey , Yakushchenko Igor K. , Luchkin Sergey Yu , Kuznetsov Petr M. , Timerbulatov Ruslan S. , Dremova Nadezhda N. , Frolova Lyubov A. , Stevenson Keith. J. , Troshin Pavel A.
Published: July 2019

Modification of PTAA molecular structure significantly improves the power conversion efficiencies of dopant-free HTL n–i–p perovskite solar cells.
The dual-function sacrificing template directed formation of MoS2/C hybrid nanotubes enabling highly stable and ultrafast sodium storage
Authors: Gao Jingyu , Li Yapeng , Liu Yi , Jiao Shuhong , Li Jie , Wang Gongrui , Zeng Suyuan , Zhang Genqiang
Published: July 2019

A unique dual-function sacrificing template directed strategy was developed to synthesize MoS2/carbon hybrid nanotubes, achieving greatly improved sodium storage performance.
An ultra-sensitive ratiometric fluorescent probe for hypochlorous acid detection by the synergistic effect of AIE and TBET and its application of detecting exogenous/endogenous HOCl in living cells
Authors: Duan Qinya , Zheng Guansheng , Li Zejun , Cheng Ke , Zhang Jie , Yang Liu , Jiang Yin , Zhang Huatang , He Jun , Sun Hongyan
Published: July 2019

TR-OClexhibits ultra-high sensitivity towards HOCl with a 7000-fold enhancement in the fluorescence ratio (I589/I477) and a detection limit of 1.29 nM, which is one of the highest recorded so far.
A novel 9H-indeno[1,2-b]pyrazine-2,3-dicarbonitrile end group for an efficient non-fullerene small molecule acceptor
Authors: Gao Wei , Zhang Miao , Chen Zhanxiang , Liu Xiaohui , Zheng Kailu , Zhong Cheng , Zhang Fujun , Yang Chuluo
Published: July 2019

A novel 9H-indeno[1,2-b]pyrazine-2,3-dicarbonitrile end group provides PBDB-T:BTOIPC-based OSCs with a PCE of 9.31% with an FF close to 70% and a low energy loss of 0.57 eV.
Revisiting the Correct Information Unit: Measuring Informativeness in Unstructured Conversations in People With Aphasia
Authors: Leaman Marion C. , Edmonds Lisa A.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the correct information unit (CIU) can be reliably applied to unstructured conversational discourse in people with aphasia (PWA). The CIU was developed byNicholas and Brookshire (1993)to measure word-level informativeness in structured monologue-level discourse and is widely used by clinicians and researchers for this purpose. A case study (Oelschlaeger & Thorne, 1999) investigating the use of the CIU in conversation has suggested potential issues with interrater reliability (IRR), which has discouraged application of the CIU to this discourse context. However, no further research has been conducted to replicate or extend this finding. Given a clinical and research need for reliable linguistic measures appropriate for use in unstructured conversation, revisiting the reliability, stability, and suitability of the CIU is indicated.

Method

The CIU protocol developed byNicholas and Brookshire (1993)was modified according to the needs of conversational discourse, resulting in the CIU in conversation (CIUconv) protocol. Two speech-language pathology graduate student research assistants completed training on use of the CIUconv with the 1st author. Sixteen conversations held by 8 PWA (i.e., 2 conversations each) were used as language samples to determine IRR of percent CIU (%CIU) in conversation through use of the CIUconv. Test–retest stability of %CIU as applied per this protocol was then assessed across the 2 conversations collected for each PWA.

Results

Use of the CIUconv resulted in excellent IRR of %CIU for each research assistant and the 1st author. Likewise, test–retest stability for the measure was excellent. Results were evaluated at both the group and individual levels.

Conclusions

%CIU demonstrated excellent interrater and test–retest reliability when applied to unstructured conversation using the CIUconv procedure, which was developed to account for expected linguistic characteristics of conversation. These findings suggest that %CIU may be a feasible, reliable measure of informativeness in unstructured conversation in PWA when the CIUconv is used by trained raters.
Performance evaluation of underlay cognitive hybrid satellite–terrestrial relay networks with relay selection scheme
Authors: Lai Ping , Bai Hang , Huang Yunlai , Chen Zhuang , Liu Tianjian
Published: July 2019

The applicability of cognitive radio (CR) techniques into satellite communications has received considerable attention in recent years. This study considers the integration of relay transmission into CR‐based satellite terrestrial network, which offers the advantages of not only increasing the overall spectral efficiency by spectrum sharing but also extending the wireless coverage through the deployment of relays. Specifically, the authors derive the exact closed‐form expression of the outage probability (OP) for the cognitive network, which provide an efficient means to evaluate the impact of key parameters on the system performance. Furthermore, the asymptotic OP expression at high signal‐to‐noise ratio is presented, which reveals the achievable diversity order and coding gain of the considered network. Finally, numerical results are carried out to validate the theoretical results, and shows that although a higher transmit power or weaker shadowing severity of the satellite interference link has a severe detrimental impact on the outage performance of the cognitive network by reducing the coding gain, the achievable diversity order only depends on the fading severities and the number of relays of the cognitive network.
NIML: non‐intrusive machine learning‐based speech quality prediction on VoIP networks
Authors: Alkhawaldeh Rami S. , Khawaldeh Saed , Pervaiz Usama , Alawida Moatsum , Alkhawaldeh Hamzah
Published: July 2019

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) networks have recently emerged as a promising telecommunication medium for transmitting voice signal. One of the essential aspects that interests researchers is how to estimate the quality of transmitted voice over VoIP for several purposes such as design and technical issues. Two methodologies are used to evaluate the voice, which are subjective and objective methods. In this study, the authors propose a non‐intrusive machine learning‐based (NIML) objective method to estimate the quality of voice. In particular, they build a training set of parameters – from the network and the voice itself – along with the quality of voices as labels. The voice quality is estimated using the perceptual evaluation of speech quality (PESQ) method as an intrusive algorithm. Then, the authors use a set of classifiers to build models for estimating the quality of the transmitted voice from the training set. The experimental results show that the classifier models have a valuable performance where Random Forest model has superior results compared to other models of precision 94.1%, recall 94.2%, and receiver operating characteristic area 99.2% as evaluation metrics.
MP mitigation in GNSS positioning by GRU NNs and adaptive wavelet filtering
Authors: Li Dengao , Zhang Pei , Zhao Jumin , Cheng Junbing , Zhao Hongyan
Published: July 2019

In urban canyons, multipath (MP) signals have some problems such as short time delay, high dynamic, and uncontrollable. To solve this problem and mitigate the interference of MP effect on positioning, the authors proposed a new method which uses gated recurrent unit (GRU) neural networks (NNs) aided by compressed sensing algorithm to estimate parameters of MP signal accurately. They showed how to build the GRU – deformation of recurrent NNs (RNNs) – in a dynamic environment, and estimated the MP signals parameters accurately. Also, considering the special cases in a dynamic environment, they used the adaptive wavelet filter to optimise the NNs, compensated pseudo‐distance, and improved the accuracy of positioning. Like other NNs, the learning process of this machine learning method in the dynamic environment can be summarised as obtaining data from different environmental conditions. For this, they collected signal data from different speeds to train GRU–RNN model, which correctly estimated the MP signal's parameter value in a different environment and different speeds. By experimental verification, when the speed is slower than 20 km/h, GRU–RNN can reduce code tracking error to 0.08 chips, and increased the positioning accuracy by about 13%.
Sparse channel estimation for filtered multi‐tone in time domain and subband domain based on matched filtering demodulation
Authors: Qu Fengzhong , Zhang Minhao , Wang Zhenduo , Qian Caijie , Lu Xuesong , Wei Yan
Published: July 2019

The interference between filtered multi‐tone (FMT) symbols exists and becomes conspicuous especially in frequency selective fading channel, like an underwater acoustic channel. This leads to the necessity of channel estimation and equalisation. In this study, the authors consider two approaches to utilise the channel sparsity to improve FMT channel estimation performance and further reduce bit error rate in underwater acoustic communications. While the first studies FMT sparse channel estimation in the time domain and is based on received FMT signal and known transmitted FMT signal that is reconstructed by pilots, the second is based on matched filtering demodulated FMT symbols and pilots. Theoretical analysis is performed followed by simulation and experiment accordingly. It is found that the first method is able to successfully estimate the sparse channel while the estimation performance of the second method is unsatisfactory due to poor orthogonality between bases of the channel estimation matrix. Moreover, the lake experiment is carried out with the first method and its results prove that sparse channel estimation has better performance than least square channel estimation.
Nyquist filter design
Authors: Shaikhah Salar Kheder , Mustafa Samah
Published: July 2019

Designing a new pulse‐shaping filter that satisfies the Nyquist condition to mitigate inter‐symbol interference and achieve better stopband attenuation is a new step towards the development of next‐generation mobile communication systems. In this study, the authors propose a novel Nyquist filter based on the convolution of a rectangular and a truncated sinc pulses. Introducing two‐time parameters in the filter function provides more degrees of freedom and high flexibility to shape different Nyquist pulses. Four Nyquist pulse shapes are introduced, examined in terms of time and frequency characteristics, and compared with those of the two most popular pulses in the literature: root‐raised cosine (RRC) and PHYDYAS. The results demonstrate an improvement in the eye pattern, impulse response, and spectrum behaviours. The error rates are evaluated over a noisy channel, and the new pulses offered better performance than PHYDYAS and RRC. The intrinsic interference was examined by determining the autocorrelation and cross‐correlation coefficients of the prototype filters in the frequency‐time grid. The results for the proposed filters portray good interference confinement either in time or frequency axis. The reduction in the out‐of‐band emission makes the proposed filter an efficient candidate for future filter bank multicarrier scheme.
Training‐based frequency synchronisation and highly frequency selective channel estimation for OFDM/OQAM systems
Authors: Singh Prem , Vasudevan Kasturi
Published: July 2019

This work addresses frequency synchronisation and channel estimation for highly frequency selective orthogonal frequency division multiplexed systems with offset quadrature amplitude modulation. A two‐step approach is proposed, wherein a coarse carrier frequency offset (CFO) estimator, which does not require channel knowledge, is designed in the first step by exploiting the correlation between the received and training signals. A time‐domain model is derived for the joint estimation of fine CFO (FCFO) and highly frequency selective channel in the second step. In contrast to the frequency domain model in the literature, the derived time‐domain model does not require the channel to be frequency flat. Based on the time‐domain model, the weighted least squares and minimum mean square error estimators are investigated to jointly estimate the FCFO and frequency selective channel. The Cramer‐Rao lower bounds (CRLBs) are derived for the proposed estimators, and are used to evaluate the performance of the joint FCFO and channel estimation in the presence of inter‐symbol‐interference due to the overlapping of adjacent time‐domain orthogonal frequency division multiplexing/offset quadrature amplitude modulation (OFDM/OQAM) symbols. Simulation results demonstrate achievability of the CRLB bounds and performance gain of the proposed estimators over the state‐of‐the‐art existing estimators.
Three‐dimensional non‐stationary geometry‐based stochastic model for UAV‐MIMO Ricean fading channels
Authors: Zhang Xi , Cheng Xiang
Published: July 2019

In this study, the authors propose a novel three‐dimensional (3D) non‐stationary geometry‐based stochastic model (GBSM) and the corresponding deterministic and stochastic simulation models for non‐isotropic unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) Ricean fading channels. The proposed GBSM employs a two‐cylinder model, where the signal is a superposition of line‐of‐sight component, single‐bounced rays around the UAV, single‐bounced rays around the ground station (GS), single‐bounced rays on the ground, and double‐bounced rays. The non‐stationarity is reflected on the time‐varying angles of departure and angles of arrival. Since the authors consider the GS to be mobile, the proposed 3D GBSM is general and suitable for UAV‐aided vehicular communication scenarios. Based on the proposed model, some important channel statistical properties are derived and thoroughly investigated, including the space‐time correlation function, Doppler power spectral density, envelope level crossing rate and average fade duration. Moreover, the proposed model has the ability to investigate the influence of some unique UAV‐related parameters on channel characteristics and non‐stationarity. Finally, excellent agreement is achieved between the reference model and simulation models, demonstrating the feasibility of simulation models as well as the correctness of theoretical derivations.
Evaluating the interference from fixed wireless access TDMA systems into HAPS systems: a probabilistic approach
Authors: Tamo Alberth , Fortes Jose Mauro P.
Published: July 2019

This study presents a probabilistic model to assess the co‐channel interference produced by multiple transmitters of a fixed wireless access network into a high altitude platform stations (HAPS) victim receiver. The authors propose an alternative probabilistic approach that avoids the worst case assumptions usually considered in traditional interference calculation methods, by considering the random modelling of some of the technical parameters involved. More specifically, the geographic positions of fixed wireless access system transmitters are modelled by a two‐dimensional point process and their antenna gains in the sidelobe region are modelled as gamma distributed random variables. The proposed method is validated by comparing the minimal operating distance resulting from the traditional deterministic interference calculation methods and that obtained with th proposed approach. Results corresponding to the four possible interfering scenarios indicate that the proposed probabilistic approach leads to a reduction in coordination distances.
Coverage probability and average rate of downlink user‐centric wireless cellular networks with composite κ–μ shadowed and lognormal shadowed fading
Authors: Chen Jingrui , Yuan Chaowei
Published: July 2019

A user‐centric wireless cellular network has recently emerged as a pragmatic network model for better reflecting the traffic demand‐based deployment. To the best of authors' knowledge, however, the coverage probability with composite – shadowed and lognormal shadowed fading [termed the doubly‐selective (DS) fading] in downlink user‐centric wireless cellular networks is unknown. Most importantly, another significant performance metric, i.e. the average rate, until now has not been investigated. To study the influence of the DS fading on performance metrics and avoid unnecessary handovers caused by the random fluctuation of the lognormal shadowing at the cell‐association phase, this work considers the downlink user‐centric wireless cellular network with the DS fading and the closest cell‐association rule. Furthermore, the closed‐form expressions for the coverage probability and average rate in downlink user‐centric wireless cellular networks are successfully derived. Numerical results demonstrate that the user‐centric wireless cellular network not only provides a high coverage probability but also promotes the average rate compared to the Poisson point process‐based network with independent uniformly distributed users.
Flexibility in over‐the‐air testing of receiver sensitivity with reverberation chambers
Authors: Horansky Robert D. , Remley Kate A.
Published: July 2019

The next generation of wireless device utilises higher frequencies and a large array of form factors. With miniaturisation of devices and the growth of internet‐of‐things applications having no connectors for testing, the use of conducted tests is no longer an option and verification of this equipment requires over‐the‐air measurements. Additionally, some important metrics such as receiver sensitivity requires an actual communication link. Reverberation chambers loaded with lossy absorbers provide an efficient environment to measure such averaged quantities with flexibility in a test volume as well as device size, shape, and placement. Here, the authors present an overview of OTA measurements in reverberation chambers compared to anechoic measurements. The authors show the consistency and flexibility of reverberation chambers through measurements of a wireless device in three different reverberation chamber setups and compare to an anechoic chamber measurement. By using a proper chamber setup, and by showing a coherence bandwidth (CBW) as a universal metric for comparing chamber loading between setups, excellent chamber‐to‐chamber consistency is shown, without precise placement of the device in each chamber. The authors show empirical evidence for the choice of threshold in determining the CBW.
Overview of China's hydropower absorption: evolution, problems, and suggested solutions
Authors: Shen Jianjian , Cheng Chuntian , Shen Qianqian , Lu Jianyu , Zhang Jun
Published: July 2019

China has experienced an unprecedented increase in hydropower development with the implementation of the ‘West–East Electricity Transfer’ project. Its total hydropower capacity has reached 350 GW, of which nearly one‐third is transmitted to the load centre through an ultra‐high‐voltage power network. However, the absorption of abundant hydropower in southwest China is still a challenge, with increasing hydropower curtailment each year. This study provides an overview of the evolution of hydropower absorption, analyses the major problems and possible causes, and suggests several technical solutions. It is suggested to optimise the generation operations with power network limitations and transmission schedules to make full use of transmission channels and improve operational flexibility. Meanwhile, receiving power grids should coordinate the operations between southwestern hydropower and their local plants, and hydropower allocation among subordinate power grids. The differences in operation characteristics, regulation ability, and load demands will be helpful for efficiently absorbing large‐scale outer hydropower. Reasonable economic incentives and compensation mechanisms are considered as another method to alleviate hydropower curtailment. Ancillary service market and discrepant electricity prices during different receivers and different periods are suggested. The overall analysis results indicate that there is great space for promoting hydropower absorption under existing transmission channel conditions.
Market design for integration of renewables into transactive energy systems
Authors: Ghorani Rahim , Farzin Hossein , Fotuhi‐Firuzabad Mahmud , Wang Fei
Published: July 2019

One of the major challenges of integrating distribution level producers/consumers (prosumers) into the transactive energy market is that the prosumers are not able to precisely predict their energy exchange with the market. This is because small prosumers usually operate intermittent renewable sources and have highly uncertain consumptions. As a consequence, traditional wholesale market mechanisms cannot be implemented in the transactive environment, as they penalise the participants with uncertain energy transactions, and therefore discourage the small prosumers from participating in the market. To this end, novel market design is introduced in this study, which enables distribution system operator to incorporate both the submitted price–quantity bids and the associated risks of prosumers into the settlement process. The proposed market design maximises the social welfare while managing the undesired costs caused by the stochastic nature of participants. The settlement mechanism is formulated as a quadratic problem, which can be efficiently solved for the transactive energy markets with a large number of participants. To demonstrate the merits of the proposed approach, it is implemented on a sample transactive energy market, and the results are discussed.