bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct epigenetic programs regulate cardiac myocyte development and disease in the human heart in vivo
Authors: Gilsbach Ralf , Schwaderer Martin , Preissl Sebastian , Grüning Björn A. , Kranzhöfer David , Schneider Pedro , Nührenberg Thomas G. , Mulero-Navarro Sonia , Weichenhan Dieter , Braun Christian , Dreßen Martina , Jacobs Adam R. , Lahm Harald , Doenst Torsten , Backofen Rolf , Krane Markus , Gelb Bruce D. , Hein Lutz
Published: January 2018

Epigenetic mechanisms and transcription factor networks essential for differentiation of cardiac myocytes have been uncovered. However, reshaping of the epigenome of these terminally differentiated cells during fetal development, postnatal maturation, and in disease remains unknown. Here, we investigate the dynamics of the cardiac myocyte epigenome during development and in chronic heart failure. We find that prenatal development and postnatal maturation are characterized by a cooperation of active CpG methylation and histone marks at cis-regulatory and genic regions to shape the cardiac myocyte transcriptome. In contrast, pathological gene expression in terminal heart failure is accompanied by changes in active histone marks without major alterations in CpG methylation and repressive chromatin marks. Notably, cis-regulatory regions in cardiac myocytes are significantly enriched for cardiovascular disease-associated variants. This study uncovers distinct layers of epigenetic regulation not only during prenatal development and postnatal maturation but also in diseased human cardiac myocytes.
Cleaner fuels for ships provide public health benefits with climate tradeoffs
Authors: Sofiev Mikhail , Winebrake James J. , Johansson Lasse , Carr Edward W. , Prank Marje , Soares Joana , Vira Julius , Kouznetsov Rostislav , Jalkanen Jukka-Pekka , Corbett James J.
Published: January 2018

We evaluate public health and climate impacts of low-sulphur fuels in global shipping. Using high-resolution emissions inventories, integrated atmospheric models, and health risk functions, we assess ship-related PM2.5 pollution impacts in 2020 with and without the use of low-sulphur fuels. Cleaner marine fuels will reduce ship-related premature mortality and morbidity by 34 and 54%, respectively, representing a ~ 2.6% global reduction in PM2.5 cardiovascular and lung cancer deaths and a ~3.6% global reduction in childhood asthma. Despite these reductions, low-sulphur marine fuels will still account for ~250k deaths and ~6.4 M childhood asthma cases annually, and more stringent standards beyond 2020 may provide additional health benefits. Lower sulphur fuels also reduce radiative cooling from ship aerosols by ~80%, equating to a ~3% increase in current estimates of total anthropogenic forcing. Therefore, stronger international shipping policies may need to achieve climate and health targets by jointly reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution.
Room temperature magneto-optic effect in silicon light-emitting diodes
Authors: Chiodi F. , Bayliss S. L. , Barast L. , Débarre D. , Bouchiat H. , Friend R. H. , Chepelianskii A. D.
Published: January 2018

In weakly spin–orbit coupled materials, the spin-selective nature of recombination can give rise to large magnetic-field effects, e.g. on the electro-luminescence of molecular semiconductors. Although silicon has weak spin–orbit coupling, observing spin-dependent recombination through magneto-electroluminescence is challenging: silicon’s indirect band-gap causes an inefficient emission and it is difficult to separate spin-dependent phenomena from classical magneto-resistance effects. Here we overcome these challenges and measure magneto-electroluminescence in silicon light-emitting diodes fabricated via gas immersion laser doping. These devices allow us to achieve efficient emission while retaining a well-defined geometry, thus suppressing classical magnetoresistance effects to a few percent. We find that electroluminescence can be enhanced by up to 300% near room temperature in a seven Tesla magnetic field, showing that the control of the spin degree of freedom can have a strong impact on the efficiency of silicon LEDs.
Structural insight into molecular mechanism of poly(ethylene terephthalate) degradation
Authors: Joo Seongjoon , Cho In Jin , Seo Hogyun , Son Hyeoncheol Francis , Sagong Hye-Young , Shin Tae Joo , Choi So Young , Lee Sang Yup , Kim Kyung-Jin
Published: January 2018

Plastics, including poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), possess many desirable characteristics and thus are widely used in daily life. However, non-biodegradability, once thought to be an advantage offered by plastics, is causing major environmental problem. Recently, a PET-degrading bacterium,Ideonella sakaiensis, was identified and suggested for possible use in degradation and/or recycling of PET. However, the molecular mechanism of PET degradation is not known. Here we report the crystal structure ofI. sakaiensisPETase (IsPETase) at 1.5 Å resolution.IsPETase has a Ser–His-Asp catalytic triad at its active site and contains an optimal substrate binding site to accommodate four monohydroxyethyl terephthalate (MHET) moieties of PET. Based on structural and site-directed mutagenesis experiments, the detailed process of PET degradation into MHET, terephthalic acid, and ethylene glycol is suggested. Moreover, other PETase candidates potentially having high PET-degrading activities are suggested based on phylogenetic tree analysis of 69 PETase-like proteins.
Competition between electron pairing and phase coherence in superconducting interfaces
Authors: Singh G. , Jouan A. , Benfatto L. , Couëdo F. , Kumar P. , Dogra A. , Budhani R. C. , Caprara S. , Grilli M. , Lesne E. , Barthélémy A. , Bibes M. , Feuillet-Palma C. , Lesueur J. , Bergeal N.
Published: January 2018

In LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures, a gate tunable superconducting electron gas is confined in a quantum well at the interface between two insulating oxides. Remarkably, the gas coexists with both magnetism and strong Rashba spin–orbit coupling. However, both the origin of superconductivity and the nature of the transition to the normal state over the whole doping range remain elusive. Here we use resonant microwave transport to extract the superfluid stiffness and the superconducting gap energy of the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface as a function of carrier density. We show that the superconducting phase diagram of this system is controlled by the competition between electron pairing and phase coherence. The analysis of the superfluid density reveals that only a very small fraction of the electrons condenses into the superconducting state. We propose that this corresponds to the weak filling of high-energy dxz/dyz bands in the quantum well, more apt to host superconductivity.
Anisotropic spin-density distribution and magnetic anisotropy of strained La1−xSr
x
MnO3 thin films: angle-dependent x-ray magnetic circular dichroism
Authors: Shibata Goro , Kitamura Miho , Minohara Makoto , Yoshimatsu Kohei , Kadono Toshiharu , Ishigami Keisuke , Harano Takayuki , Takahashi Yukio , Sakamoto Shoya , Nonaka Yosuke , Ikeda Keisuke , Chi Zhendong , Furuse Mitsuho , Fuchino Shuichiro , Okano Makoto , Fujihira Jun-ichi , Uchida Akira , Watanabe Kazunori , Fujihira Hideyuki , Fujihira Seiichi , Tanaka Arata , Kumigashira Hiroshi , Koide Tsuneharu , Fujimori Atsushi
Published: January 2018

Magnetic anisotropies of ferromagnetic thin films are induced by epitaxial strain from the substrate via strain-induced anisotropy in the orbital magnetic moment and that in the spatial distribution of spin-polarized electrons. However, the preferential orbital occupation in ferromagnetic metallic La1−xSr
x
MnO3 (LSMO) thin films studied by x-ray linear dichroism (XLD) has always been found out-of-plane for both tensile and compressive epitaxial strain and hence irrespective of the magnetic anisotropy. In order to resolve this mystery, we directly probed the preferential orbital occupation of spin-polarized electrons in LSMO thin films under strain by angle-dependent x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). Anisotropy of the spin-density distribution was found to be in-plane for the tensile strain and out-of-plane for the compressive strain, consistent with the observed magnetic anisotropy. The ubiquitous out-of-plane preferential orbital occupation seen by XLD is attributed to the occupation of both spin-up and spin-down out-of-plane orbitals in the surface magnetic dead layer.
Novel mechanisms of Collagenase Santyl Ointment (CSO) in wound macrophage polarization and resolution of wound inflammation
Authors: Das Amitava , Datta Soma , Roche Eric , Chaffee Scott , Jose Elizabeth , Shi Lei , Grover Komel , Khanna Savita , Sen Chandan K. , Roy Sashwati
Published: January 2018

Collagenases are useful in enzymatic wound debridement. Clostridial collagenase, marketed as Collagenase Santyl Ointment (CSO), is FDA approved for such use. Building on the scientific premise that collagenases as well as collagen degradation products may regulate immune cell function, we sought to investigate the potential role of CSO in wound inflammation. We tested the hypothesis that in addition to enacting debridement, CSO contributes to the resolution of persistent wound inflammation. Wound macrophages were isolated from PVA sponges loaded with CSO or petrolatum and implanted in mice. Significant increase in pro-reparative and decrease in pro-inflammatory polarization was noted in macrophages of acute as well as diabetic wounds. Wound macrophages from CSO-treated group displayed increased production of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β, and decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β. The active ingredient of CSO, CS-API, induced the expression of mϕheal/M(IL-4) polarization markersex vivo. CS-API treatment attenuated transactivation of NF-κB and significantly induced STAT6 phosphorylation. A significant role of a novel PGE2-EP4 pathway in CS-API induced STAT6 activation and the mϕheal/M(IL-4) polarization was identified. Taken together, findings of this work reposition CSO as a potential agent that may be effective in resolving wound inflammation, including diabetic wounds.
A comparative study of fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity among adolescents in 49 Low-and-Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Darfour-Oduro Sandra A. , Buchner David M. , Andrade Juan E. , Grigsby-Toussaint Diana S.
Published: January 2018

Physical inactivity and low consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV) during adolescence may persist through adulthood, putting adolescents at risk of developing chronic diseases. Although studies from high-income countries have reported differences in FV consumption and physical activity (PA) between adolescent boys and girls, few exist from low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). In this study, we examined patterns of FV consumption and PA among adolescent boys and girls in LMICs. Country selection was based on availability of Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) data from 2004 to 2013. The total analytic sample was 164,771 adolescents from 49 LMICs. Descriptive statistics were generated to determine adolescents meeting the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for FV and PA. A Rao-Scott adjusted chi-square statistic was computed to assess gender differences. Less than 30% of adolescents across all countries met the WHO guidelines for FV consumption or PA. Morocco (29.5%) and India (29.5%) however had the highest percentage of adolescents meeting recommendations for FV and PA, respectively. Adolescent boys were more active than girls, and this difference was more notable in the Middle East and North African region. Adolescents achieving the WHO recommendations for daily consumption of FV and PA were consistently low in all countries.
A retrospective clinical comparison of daptomycin vs daptomycin and a beta-lactam antibiotic for treating vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium bloodstream infections
Authors: Chuang Yu-Chung , Chen Pao-Yu , Lin Chi-Ying , Chen Yee-Chun , Wang Jann-Tay , Chang Shan-Chwen
Published: January 2018

There is limited clinical evidence to support the combination of daptomycin and beta-lactam antibiotics (DAP + BLA) for treatment of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) bloodstream infections (BSI). We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of VRE-BSI during 2010–2015. The primary endpoint was mortality at the end of treatment. We included 114 patients who received DAP for VRE-BSI. Of these 87 (76.3%) received DAP + BLA. There were no significant differences in mortality between the DAP and DAP + BLA groups on univariable analysis (10/27 vs. 34/87, P = 0.85). A subgroup analysis of patients with enterococcal DAP minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ≤2 mg/L, revealed that those treated with DAP + BLA had a lower mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06–0.93; P = 0.04) after adjustment for other significant predictors of mortality, including the DAP dose. In addition, patients receiving high-dose (≥9 mg/kg) DAP + BLA independently had a better survival than those receiving low-dose DAP alone (aHR = 5.16), low-dose DAP + BLA (aHR = 5.39), and high-dose DAP alone (aHR = 19.01) (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). For patients with VRE-BSIs, the DAP MIC of the isolate and the DAP dose influence the effect of DAP + BLA on outcome. A high-dose DAP + BLA might improve survival. These findings support the use of high-dose DAP + BLA for treatment of VRE-BSI.
New role of phenothiazine derivatives as peripherally acting CB1 receptor antagonizing anti-obesity agents
Authors: Sharma Mayank Kumar , Machhi Jatin , Murumkar Prashant , Yadav Mange Ram
Published: January 2018

Developing peripherally active cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor antagonists is a novel therapeutic approach for the management of obesity. An unusual phenothiazine scaffold containing CB1R antagonizing hit was identified by adopting virtual screening work flow. The hit so identified was further modified by introducing polar functional groups into it to enhance the polar surface area and decrease the hydrophobicity of the resulting molecules. CB1 receptor antagonistic activity for the designed compounds was computed by the previously established pharmacophore and three dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship models. Docking studies of these designed compounds confirmed the existence of favourable interactions within the active site of the CB1 receptor. The designed compounds were synthesized and evaluated for their CB1 receptor antagonistic activity. Parallel artificial membrane permeability assay was performed to evaluate their potential to permeate into the central nervous system wherein it was observed that the compounds did not possess the propensity to cross the blood brain barrier and would be devoid of central nervous system side effects. In pharmacological evaluation, the synthesized compounds (23, 25, 27 and 34) showed significant decrease in food intake suggesting their potential application in the management of obesity through CB1 receptor antagonist activity.
A two-step synthesis of nanosheet-covered fibers based on α-Fe2O3/NiO composites towards enhanced acetone sensing
Authors: ul Haq Mahmood , Wen Zhen , Zhang Ziyue , Khan Shahid , Lou Zirui , Ye Zhizhen , Zhu Liping
Published: January 2018

A novel hierarchical heterostructures based on α-Fe2O3/NiO nanosheet-covered fibers were synthesized using a simple two-step process named the electrospinning and hydrothermal techniques. A high density of α-Fe2O3 nanosheets were uniformly and epitaxially deposited on a NiO nanofibers. The crystallinity, morphological structure and surface composition of nanostructured based on α-Fe2O3/NiO composites were investigated by XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, XPS and BET analysis. The extremely branched α-Fe2O3/NiO nanosheet-covered fibers delivered an extremely porous atmosphere with huge specific surface area essential for superior gas sensors. Different nanostructured based on α-Fe2O3/NiO composites were also explored by adjusting the volume ratio of the precursors. The as-prepared samples based on α-Fe2O3/NiO nanocomposite sensors display apparently enhanced sensing characteristics, including higher sensing response, quick response with recovery speed and better selectivity towards acetone gas at lower operating temperature as compared to bare NiO nanofibers. The sensing response of S-2 based α-Fe2O3/NiO nanosheet-covered fibers were 18.24 to 100 ppm acetone gas at 169 °C, which was about 6.9 times higher than that of bare NiO nanofibers. The upgraded gas sensing performance of composites based on α-Fe2O3/NiO nanosheet-covered fibers might be ascribed to the exclusive morphologies with large surface area, p-n heterojunctions and the synergetic performance of α-Fe2O3 and NiO.
Formation, Microstructure, and Conductivity of a Novel Ga2S3-Sb2S3-AgI Chalcogenide System
Authors: Huang Xinyu , Jiao Qing , Lin Changgui , Ma Hongli , Zhang Xianghua , Zhu Erwei , Liu Xueyun , Dai Shixun , Xu Tiefeng
Published: January 2018

Novel glasses in a Ga2S3-Sb2S3-AgI system were prepared with a melt-quenching method, and their glass-forming region was identified. The maximum dissolvable AgI in glasses was 65 mol%. The thermal, optical, and structural properties of glasses were investigated as a function of AgI and Ga2S3 contents. The Ga2S3-Sb2S3-AgI glasses possess a wide region of transmission window (0.65−14 μm). An ionic conductivity of approximately 1.01 × 10−3 S/cm can be obtained for a 40 (0.8Sb2S3-0.2Ga2S3)-60AgI glass at an ambient temperature, and the ionic conductivity increased as temperature increased. The relative activation energy of Ag+ conduction was also calculated. These novel glasses show potential for the combined application of infrared optics and solid electrolytes.
Chiral phosphoric acid catalysis: from numbers to insights
Authors: Maji Rajat , Mallojjala Sharath Chandra , Wheeler Steven E.
Published: January 2018

Chiral phosphoric acids (CPAs) have emerged as powerful organocatalysts for asymmetric reactions, and applications of computational quantum chemistry have revealed important insights into the activity and selectivity of these catalysts.
Ambient-air ozonolysis of triglycerides in aged fingerprint residues
Authors: Pleik Stefanie , Spengler Bernhard , Ram Bhandari Dhaka , Luhn Steven , Schäfer Thomas , Urbach Dieter , Kirsch Dieter
Published: January 2018

Aging behavior of unsaturated lipids in aged fingerprint residues was analyzed by LC-MS and MALDI-MS. Structure identification helped identify ozonolysis as a major degradation pathway of lipids in fingerprint residues.
Historical mystery solved: a multi-analytical approach to the identification of a key marker for the historical use of brazilwood (Caesalpinia spp.) in paintings and textiles
Authors: Peggie David A. , Kirby Jo , Poulin Jennifer , Genuit Wim , Romanuka Julija , Wills David F. , De Simone Alessio , Hulme Alison N.
Published: January 2018

Brazilwood-derived pigments and dyes are found in many historical objects, from European paintings to North American First Nations textiles.
Luminol, horseradish peroxidase and antibody ternary codified gold nanoparticles for a label-free homogenous chemiluminescent immunoassay
Authors: Li Fang , Zhang Yufei , Liu Jiachang , He Jianbo
Published: January 2018

Luminol, horseradish peroxidase and antibody ternary codified AuNPs were assembled for label-free homogeneous immunoassays for IgG and AFP.
A simple and high throughput parallel dual immunoaffinity liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry system for urine drug testing
Authors: Chou Tsong-Yung , Wang Chien-Kuo , Lua A. C. , Yang Hsueh-Hui
Published: January 2018

A simple and rapid method for direct quantitation of drugs in human urine samples was developed using a system composed of an automatic column switch and two home-made capillary immunoaffinity columns (CIACs, 100 μm × 15 cm).
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic detection of molecular chemo- and plasmo-catalysis on noble metal nanoparticles
Authors: Xie Wei , Schlücker Sebastian
Published: January 2018

The in situ detection of reactions catalyzed by metal NPs is challenging because the underlying chemical transformations occur at interfaces.
Fluorescent squaramides as anion receptors and transmembrane anion transporters
Authors: Bao Xiaoping , Wu Xin , Berry Stuart N. , Howe Ethan N. W. , Chang Young-Tae , Gale Philip A.
Published: January 2018

Squaramides functionalised with a naphthalimide fluorophore as effective fluorescent anion transporters.
Alkaline phosphatase-triggered assembly of etoposide enhances its anticancer effect
Authors: Kiran Sonia , Hai Zijuan , Ding Zhanling , Wang Lin , Liu Yaling , Zhang Huafeng , Liang Gaolin
Published: January 2018

With the assistance of a hydrogelator precursor 1P, etoposide phosphate (EP) was subjected to alkaline phosphatase-triggered assembly which obviously enhanced its anticancer efficacy.
Facile hydrothermal synthesis of antibacterial multi-layered hydroxyapatite nanostructures with superior flexibility
Authors: Qi Mei-li , Huang Zhennan , Phakatkar Abhijit , Yao Wentao , Yuan Yifei , Foroozan Tara , Xiao Gui-yong , Shahbazian-Yassar Reza , Lu Yu-peng , Shokuhfar Tolou
Published: January 2018

The synthesis of silver-doped multi-layered hydroxyapatite nanobelts is of great importance due to their being a potential candidate to curb the infections associated with HA implants along with their advantage as a reinforcement in biomaterials.
A lanthanide functionalized MOF hybrid for ratiometric luminescence detection of an anthrax biomarker
Authors: Zhang Denan , Zhou You , Cuan Jing , Gan Ning
Published: January 2018

A dual-emitting hybrid platform based on a lanthanide functionalized MOF was demonstrated as a fluorescent indicator for ratiometric detection of an anthrax biomarker—dipicolinic acid (DPA).
Structural characterization of off-stoichiometric kesterite-type Cu2ZnGeSe4 compound semiconductors: from cation distribution to intrinsic point defect density
Authors: Gunder R. , Márquez-Prieto J. A. , Gurieva G. , Unold T. , Schorr S.
Published: January 2018

The substitution of Ge4+ for Sn4+ in Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) kesterite-type absorber layers for thin film solar cells has been proven to enhance the opto-electronic properties of the material.
Ab initio and transition state theory study of the OH + HO2 → H2O + O2(3Σg−)/O2(1Δg) reactions: yield and role of O2(1Δg) in H2O2 decomposition and in combustion of H2
Authors: Monge-Palacios M. , Sarathy S. Mani
Published: January 2018

Rate constants for the reactions OH + HO2 → H2O + O2(3Σg−)/O2(1Δg) have been calculated. The branching ratio to O2(1Δg) is small, and thus particular initial conditions are needed for O2(1Δg) to play a role in combustion.
Insight into vibrational circular dichroism of proteins by density functional modeling
Authors: Kessler Jiří , Andrushchenko Valery , Kapitán Josef , Bouř Petr
Published: January 2018

Fragment-based density-functional simulations allow us to better interpret protein vibrational circular dichroism spectra and relate them to fine structural variations.
Unusual photoresponses in the upper critical solution temperature of polymer solutions mediated by changes in intermolecular interactions in an azo-doped liquid crystalline solvent
Authors: Kawata Yuki , Yamamoto Takahiro , Kihara Hideyuki , Yamamura Yasuhisa , Saito Kazuya , Ohno Kohji
Published: January 2018

Novel phenomena in the phototuning of the upper critical solution temperature of a polymer solution could be observed by using a liquid-crystalline solvent.
Photoassociation of ultracold NaLi
Authors: Rvachov Timur M. , Son Hyungmok , Park Juliana J. , Notz Pascal M. , Wang Tout T. , Zwierlein Martin W. , Ketterle Wolfgang , Jamison Alan O.
Published: January 2018

We demonstrate the first observation of triplet excited states in the NaLi molecule using photoassociation.
Two-photon spectroscopy of the NaLi triplet ground state
Authors: Rvachov Timur M. , Son Hyungmok , Park Juliana J. , Ebadi Sepehr , Zwierlein Martin W. , Ketterle Wolfgang , Jamison Alan O.
Published: January 2018

The triplet ground states of NaLi are explored using two-photon spectroscopy of an ultracold atomic mixture.
Release of small bioactive molecules from physical gels
Authors: Mayr Judith , Saldías César , Díaz Díaz David
Published: January 2018

Different approaches to use physical gels for the encapsulation and release of small bioactive molecules are discussed.
Electrochemical processes on solid shaped nanoparticles with defined facets
Authors: Strasser Peter , Gliech Manuel , Kuehl Stefanie , Moeller Tim
Published: January 2018

This 2007 Chemistry Nobel prize update covers scientific advances of the past decade in our understanding of electrocatalytic processes on surfaces of nanoscale shape-controlled polyhedral solids.
Mono- and dinuclear oxidovanadium(v) complexes of an amine-bis(phenolate) ligand with bromo-peroxidase activities: synthesis, characterization, catalytic, kinetic and computational studies
Authors: Debnath Mainak , Dolai Malay , Pal Kaberi , Bhunya Sourav , Paul Ankan , Lee Hon Man , Ali Mahammad
Published: January 2018

Oxidovanadium(v) complexes [VVO(L1)(Cl)] (1) and [L1VVO(μ2-O)VO(L1)] (2) of ONNO donor amine-bis(phenolate) ligand act as a bromoperoxidase model as demonstrated by the kinetic, catalytic and DFT studies.
Ferrimagnetism in manganese-rich gallium and aluminium spinels due to mixed valence Mn2+–Mn3+ states
Authors: Bekheet Maged F. , Schlicker Lukas , Doran Andrew , Siemensmeyer Konrad , Gurlo Aleksander
Published: January 2018

A novel synthesis methodology was applied for obtaining ferrimagnetic Mn1+xM(IIIA)2−xO4 spinels (M(IIIA) = Ga3+ and Al3+) with small optical band gaps due to mixed valence Mn2+–Mn3+ states.
Boron-phil and boron-phob structure units in novel borides Ni3Zn2B and Ni2ZnB: experiment and first principles calculations
Authors: Failamani F. , Podloucky R. , Bursik J. , Rogl G. , Michor H. , Müller H. , Bauer E. , Giester G. , Rogl P.
Published: January 2018

The crystal structures of two novel borides τ5-Ni3Zn2B and τ6-Ni2ZnB, were determined. For these newly found phases as well as for τ3-Ni21Zn2B20 and τ4-Ni3ZnB2density functional theory calculations (DFT-VASP) were performed.
Engineering oxygen-containing and amino groups into two-dimensional atomically-thin porous polymeric carbon nitrogen for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Meng Nannan , Ren Jian , Liu Yang , Huang Yi , Petit Tristan , Zhang Bin
Published: January 2018

Oxygen-containing and amino groups functionalized polymeric carbon nitride atomically-thin porous nanosheets with hydrophilic surfaces and strong Lewis basicity are designed and synthesized for enhanced photocatalytic H2evolution.
Operando study of palladium nanoparticles inside UiO-67 MOF for catalytic hydrogenation of hydrocarbons
Authors: Bugaev A. L. , Guda Alexander A. , Lomachenko Kirill A. , Kamyshova Elizaveta G. , Soldatov Mikhail A. , Kaur Gurpreet , Øien-Ødegaard Sigurd , Braglia Luca , Lazzarini Andrea , Manzoli Maela , Bordiga Silvia , Olsbye Unni , Lillerud Karl P. , Soldatov Alexander V. , Lamberti Carlo
Published: January 2018

Formation of Pd nanoparticles inside UiO-67 MOF was monitored by in situ X-ray absorption and diffraction.
Unconventional media and technologies for starch etherification and esterification
Authors: Gilet Alexandre , Quettier Claude , Wiatz Vincent , Bricout Hervé , Ferreira Michel , Rousseau Cyril , Monflier Eric , Tilloy Sébastien
Published: January 2018

This review summarizes recent advances in starch etherification and esterification in unconventional media and by unconventional technologies.
3H and 14C measurements of the irradiated graphite from the decommissioned VVR-S reactor in NIPNE Bucharest
Authors: Enachescu Mihaela , Stan-Sion Catalin , Petre Alexandru Razvan , Postolache Cristian , Fugaru Viorel
Published: January 2018

Accelerator Mass Spectrometry and Full Combustion method followed by liquid scintillation counting were applied to measure the accumulated 14C in the thermal column of the decommissioned VVR-S reactor in NIPNE Bucharest.
Hand-powered centrifugal microfluidic platform inspired by the spinning top for sample-to-answer diagnostics of nucleic acids
Authors: Zhang Lu , Tian Fei , Liu Chao , Feng Qiang , Ma Tingxuan , Zhao Zishan , Li Tiejun , Jiang Xingyu , Sun Jiashu
Published: January 2018

A hand-powered centrifugal microfluidic platform enables simultaneous detection of pathogenic bacteria within a small disc in an electricity-free manner.
A two-dimensional CaSi monolayer with quasi-planar pentacoordinate silicon
Authors: Wang Yu , Qiao Man , Li Yafei , Chen Zhongfang
Published: January 2018

In a CaSi monolayer, each Si atom binds with four calcium (Ca) atoms and one Si atom in almost the same plane to form a quasi ppSi moiety.
A cationic cyclodextrin clicked bilayer chiral stationary phase for versatile chiral separation in HPLC
Authors: Zhou Jie , Yang Bo , Tang Jian , Tang Weihua
Published: January 2018

A cationic cyclodextrin (CD) clicked bilayer chiral stationary phase (CSP) was developed via click chemistry for chiral separations in multimode high-performance chromatography (HPLC).
Recent progress in the isolation, bioactivity, biosynthesis, and total synthesis of natural spiroketals
Authors: Zhang Fu-Min , Zhang Shu-Yu , Tu Yong-Qiang
Published: January 2018

The isolation, bioactivity, biosynthesis, and total synthesis of natural spiroketals from 2011 to July 2017 have been summarized in this review.
p-Type conductivity of hexagonal boron nitride as a dielectrically tunable monolayer: modulation doping with magnesium
Authors: Sun Feipeng , Hao Zhuoran , Liu Guozhen , Wu Chenping , Lu Shiqiang , Huang Shengrong , Liu Chuan , Hong Qiming , Chen Xiaohong , Cai Duanjun , Kang Junyong
Published: January 2018

p-Type conductivity of hexagonal boron nitride has been achieved as a dielectrically tunable monolayer by modulation doping with Mg.
Thermoresponsive plasmonic core–satellite nanostructures with reversible, temperature sensitive optical properties
Authors: Han Fei , Vivekchand S. R. C. , Soeriyadi Alexander H. , Zheng Yuanhui , Gooding J. Justin
Published: January 2018

Herein is described plasmonic nanoparticles assembled into core–satellite nanostructures that exhibit dynamic and reversible tuning of the surface plasmon resonance.
Metal-ion responsive reversible assembly of DNA origami dimers: G-quadruplex induced intermolecular interaction
Authors: Yang Shuo , Liu Wenyan , Nixon Rachel , Wang Risheng
Published: January 2018

We demonstrate metal ion-stimulated reversible assembly of DNA origami nanostructures by employing intramolecular G-quadruplexes as responsive bridges.
gem-Diborylalkanes: recent advances in their preparation, transformation and application
Authors: Nallagonda Rajender , Padala Kishor , Masarwa Ahmad
Published: January 2018

Recently,gem-diborylalkanes have attracted much attention as versatile building blocks and fundamental intermediates in organic synthesis, because they enable multiple C–C bond construction and further transformation at C–B bonds.
Quantification of photoinduced bending of dynamic molecular crystals: from macroscopic strain to kinetic constants and activation energies
Authors: Chizhik Stanislav , Sidelnikov Anatoly , Zakharov Boris , Naumov Panče , Boldyreva Elena
Published: January 2018

Precise measurement of bending kinematics induced by a photochemical reaction in a single crystal can be used to extract the kinetic parameters of the underlying reaction with high accuracy.
Oxidative β-C–H sulfonylation of cyclic amines
Authors: Griffiths R. J. , Kong W. C. , Richards S. A. , Burley G. A. , Willis M. C. , Talbot E. P. A.
Published: January 2018

A new and efficient process to access β-functionalisation of cyclic aminesviaa mild oxidative β-sulfonylation.
Improved visible-light activities of nanocrystalline CdS by coupling with ultrafine NbN with lattice matching for hydrogen evolution
Authors: Qu Yang , Sun Ning , Humayun Muhammad , Zada Amir , Xie Ying , Tang Junwang , Jing Liqiang , Fu Honggang
Published: January 2018

Metallic ultrafine NbN with lattice matching to nanocrystalline CdS could replace the expensive platinum for efficiently trapping photogenerated electrons, enhancing charge separation and then activating the preferentially adsorbed H2O to produce H2.
Correction: A pH responsive AIE probe for enzyme assays
Authors: Shi Leilei , Liu Yufeng , Wang Qian , Wang Tiankuo , Ding Yubin , Cao Yi , Li Zhe , Wei Hui
Published: January 2018

Correction for ‘A pH responsive AIE probe for enzyme assays’ by Leilei Shi et al., Analyst, 2018, DOI: 10.1039/c7an01710c.
Selective protein unfolding: a universal mechanism of action for the development of irreversible inhibitors
Authors: Askin Samuel , Bond Thomas E. H. , Sorenson Alanna E. , Moreau Morgane J. J. , Antony Helma , Davis Rohan A. , Schaeffer Patrick M.
Published: January 2018

Selective protein unfolding was combined with high-throughput differential scanning fluorimetry of GFP-tagged proteins for the identification of irreversible enzyme inhibitors.
N-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]-1,8-naphthalimide derivatives as photoinitiators under LEDs
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zivic Nicolas , Dumur Frédéric , Xiao Pu , Graff Bernadette , Fouassier Jean Pierre , Gigmes Didier , Lalevée Jacques
Published: January 2018

Four N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1,8-naphthalimide derivatives (ANNs) with different substituents in the naphthalimide skeleton have been synthesized and can be used as versatile photoinitiators under various LEDs.
Chemical synthesis of membrane proteins: a model study on the influenza virus B proton channel
Authors: Baumruck A. C. , Tietze D. , Steinacker L. K. , Tietze A. A.
Published: January 2018

NCL results in the quantitative yield of a membrane protein, where a thioester peptide is formed from an oxo-ester with an in situ cleavable solubilizing tag.
Effects of Bilateral Hearing Aid Use on Balance in Experienced Adult Hearing Aid Users
Authors: McDaniel D. Mike , Motts Susan D. , Neeley Richard A.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the balance of experienced adult hearing aid users with and without their hearing aids via computerized posturography.

Method

Computerized posturography was accomplished by employing the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) on the NeuroCom Balance Master (Natus Medical Incorporated). The SOT assessed each participant's balance and the strategy used to maintain balance in 6 progressively challenging conditions. Twenty-two adults using bilateral at-the-ear hearing aids participated in the study. All participants completed all SOT protocols with and without their hearing aids.

Results

No statistically significant differences in participants' balance were identified regardless of the presence or absence of their hearing aids during the SOT.

Conclusions

These results failed to support previous research, which indicated that amplification of auditory input could benefit balance in individuals with hearing and balance disorders. Further research utilizing randomized controlled trials is needed to resolve the disparity between the current results and those of previous studies.
Set‐membership normalised least M‐estimate spline adaptive filtering algorithm in impulsive noise
Authors: Liu Chang , Zhang Zhi
Published: January 2018

This letter proposes a set‐membership normalised least M‐estimate algorithm based on Wiener spline adaptive filter (SAF). The proposed algorithm combines the set‐membership framework and least‐M estimate scheme, thus achieving faster convergence rate and effective suppression of impulsive noise on the filter weight and control point adaptation. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed one exhibits more robust performance compared to the conventional SAF algorithms in an impulsive noise environment.
CF‐based optimisation for saliency detection
Authors: Niu Yuzhen , Lin Wenqi , Ke Xiao
Published: January 2018

In view of the observation that saliency maps generated by saliency detection algorithms usually show similarity imperfection against the ground truth, the authors propose an optimisation algorithm based on clustering and fitting (CF) for saliency detection. The algorithm uses a fitting model to represent the quantitative relationship between ground truth and algorithm‐generated saliency maps. The authors use the K‐means method to cluster the images into k clusters according to the similarities among images. Image similarity is measured in terms of scene and colour by using the GIST and colour histogram features, after which the fitting model for each cluster is calculated. The saliency map of a new image is optimised by using one of the fitting models which correspond to the cluster to which the image belongs. Experimental results show that their CF‐based optimisation algorithm improves the performance of various single image saliency detection algorithms. Moreover, the improvement achieved by their algorithm when using both CF strategies is greater than the improvement achieved by the same algorithm when not using the clustering strategy. In addition, their proposed optimisation algorithm can also effectively optimise co‐saliency detection algorithms which already consider multiple similar images simultaneously to improve saliency of single images.
State of charge prediction of supercapacitors via combination of Kalman filtering and backpropagation neural network
Authors: Houlian Wang , Gongbo Zhou
Published: January 2018

Supercapacitors are increasingly applied to the field of electric vehicles. Although the state of charge (SOC) directly shows the remaining capacity of supercapacitors in an energy management system, vehicle drivers also require the changes of supercapacitors in the future for driving reference. How to predict SOC of supercapacitors has become a pressing problem. In order to solve the above problem, a method combining backpropagation (BP) neural network with the Kalman filtering algorithm is proposed to predict SOC in the future. The BP neural network inputs SOC estimated by the Kalman filtering algorithm as the training data to train network, and thereby being able to forecast the SOC in the future period. The algorithm is verified in simulations and experiments under the two conditions: NewYorkBus and NYCC, with the consideration of the influence of the length of training data and temperature. The results show the max absolute error during prediction at different lengths is under 6% in simulations and experiments. In addition, temperature has almost no effect on the prediction accuracy. The current research implies that this method can be applied to predict supercapacitors’ SOC in the future.
High‐frequency modelling of permanent magnet synchronous motor with star connection
Authors: Wu Yingzhe , Bi Chuang , Jia Kelin , Jin Dingxin , Li Hui , Yao Weizheng , Liu Gang
Published: January 2018

Permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) has been widely applied in a pulse width modulation inverter‐fed adjustable speed drive (ASD) system. However, electromagnetic interference (EMI) has become a critical issue in such a system. Plenty of high‐frequency harmonic components, generated by high dv/dt or di/dt of the modern transistors, can be observed on the line‐to‐line voltage across motor terminals. To study the conducted EMI issues existed in the ASD system, an improved model of PMSM is developed to represent the high‐frequency behaviour, and the equivalent circuit parameters for common mode (CM) and differential mode (DM) are extracted based on the measurements. The model calculated CM and DM impedances are in good agreement with the measured ones from the impedance analyser, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed high‐frequency model.
Parabola‐trapezoid and staircase current supply methods for PMBLM with full inverter utility and reduced torque ripple
Authors: Yang YunJie , He Yang , Zhu JiHong
Published: January 2018

The permanent magnet brushless motors (PMBLM) are utilised extensively in many high‐performance applications where smoothness of output torque is necessary. When driven with conventional square‐wave current, the PMBLM is hard to make full use of inverter capacity because of short current supply time. Besides, it is hard to produce smooth output torque because the phase inductances slow down the desired step response of the phase current seriously. Although the sinusoidal‐wave current changes continuously, there exists a fixed‐frequency torque ripple for trapezoid back‐electromotive force motor. To solve the problems, two novel current supply methods, called as staircase waveform and parabola‐trapezoid waveform, are proposed in this study. With the same phase current magnitude as square waveform, the staircase waveform can output two times torque with low‐resolution position sensors. The parabola‐trapezoid supply method can further improve the smoothness of doubled output torque by unique parabolic rising and falling edge waveform design, while a high‐resolution position sensor is needed. Simulation and experimental tests of four different current supply methods are given to corroborate the effectiveness of the proposed method in inverter utility and torque ripple reduction.
ARNISMC for MLS with global positioning tracking control
Authors: Chen Seng‐Chi , Kuo Chun‐Yi
Published: January 2018

This study develops an adaptive recurrent neural network (NN) intelligentsliding‐mode controller (ARNISMC) for magnetic levitationsystem (MLS). First, a non‐linear dynamic model of the MLS is derived.Thereafter, a SM controller (SMC) method is presented to compensate for theuncertainties in the MLS. In addition, to enhance the control effort of aconventional SMC and further increase the tracking performance of the MLS, theuncertainty terms of the system dynamics can be estimated online by using an ARradial basis function NN estimator. Accordingly, the proposed controller notonly offers the accurate positioning tracking control, minimises steady‐stateerror, and improves conventional controller performance but also provides globalpositioning tracking control, which has not been previously reported in theliteratures. It can effectively solve problems associated with typical MLScontroller design. Moreover, the satisfactory tracking performance can beobserved from the experimental results by adopting the proposed ARNISMCscheme.
Approach for identification and classification of HIFs in medium voltage distribution networks
Authors: Hubana Tarik , Saric Mirza , Avdaković Samir
Published: January 2018

The modern power system operation is faced with numerous challenges related to the power quality improvements such as identification and classification of power distribution network (PDN) faults. The recent advances in the area of signal processing allow the development of new algorithms and methods which can be used for fault identification and classification in PDN. This study presents a comparison of two approaches for identification and classification of high‐impedance faults (HIFs) in medium‐voltage PDN. The first approach is based on the voltage phase difference algorithm, whereas the second approach is based on the combination of discrete wavelet transform and artificial neural networks algorithm. The proposed algorithms are tested on models of a real distribution network, which represents a typical PDN currently used in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was demonstrated that the proposed methods are capable to accurately detect and classify HIF in PDN. This study makes a contribution to the existing body of knowledge by developing, testing and comparing two methods for HIF classification and identification, whose application represents an improvement when compared with the capability of the existing protection devices.
Proposed adaptive joint error‐resilience concealment algorithms for efficient colour‐plus‐depth 3D video transmission
Authors: El‐Shafai Walid , El‐Rabaie El‐Sayed M. , El‐Halawany Mohamed M. , Abd El‐Samie Fathi E.
Published: January 2018

The authors propose efficient hybrid error resilience and error concealment (ER‐EC) algorithms for H.264 3D video‐plus‐depth (3DV + D) transmission over error‐prone channels. At the encoder, content‐adaptive pre‐processing ER mechanisms are implemented by applying the context adaptive variable length coding (CAVLC), the slice structured coding, and the explicit flexible macro‐block ordering. At the decoder, a post‐processing EC algorithm with multi‐proposition schemes is implemented to recover the lost 3DV colour frames. The convenient EC hypothesis is adopted based on the lost macro‐blocks size mode, the faulty view, and the frame types. For the recovery of the lost 3DV depth frames, an encoder‐independent decoder‐dependent depth‐assisted EC algorithm is suggested. It exploits the previously estimated colour disparity vectors (DVs) and motion vectors (MVs) to estimate more additional depth‐assisted MVs and DVs. After that, the optimum colour‐plus‐depth DVs and MVs are accurately selected by employing the directional interpolation EC algorithm and the decoder MV estimation algorithm. Finally, a weighted overlapping block motion and disparity compensation scheme is utilised to reinforce the performance of the proposed hybrid ER‐EC algorithms. Experimental results on standard 3DV + D sequences show that the proposed hybrid algorithms have superior objective and subjective performance indices.
Pansharpening scheme using filtering in two‐dimensional discrete fractional Fourier transform
Authors: Saxena Nidhi , Sharma Kamalesh K.
Published: January 2018

The aim of the pansharpening scheme is to improve the spatial information of multispectral images using the panchromatic (PAN) image. In this study, a novel pansharpening scheme based on two‐dimensional discrete fractional Fourier transform (2D‐DFRFT) is proposed. In the proposed scheme, PAN and intensity images are transformed using 2D‐DFRFT and filtered by highpass filters, respectively. The filtered images are inverse transformed and further used to generate the pansharpened image using appropriate fusion rule. The additional degree of freedom in terms of its angle parameters associated with the 2D‐DFRFT is exploited for obtaining better results in the proposed pansharpening scheme. Simulation results of the proposed technique carried out in MATLAB are presented for IKONOS and GeoEye‐1 satellite images and compared with existing fusion methods in terms of both visual observation and quality metrics. It is seen that the proposed pansharpening scheme has improved spectral and spatial resolution as compared to the existing schemes.
Shared radiator MIMO antenna for broadband applications
Authors: Patre Situ Rani , Singh Surya P.
Published: January 2018

In this study, a new compact broadband two‐port multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna using shared radiator is proposed. The radiator making an angle of 135° from X‐axis is symmetrically shared by two tapered microstrip feed lines in orthogonal polarisations. The shared radiator MIMO antenna is more compact as compared with conventional MIMO antenna which uses separate radiator for each port. The proposed antenna is designed on low‐cost FR4 substrate (dielectric constant = 4.4, and loss tangent = 0.02) of size 39 × 39 mm2 and provides a bandwidth of 136.63% (2.4–12.75 GHz) with reflection coefficients, S11/S22 less than or equal to −10 dB and values of mutual coupling between antenna ports S21/S12 less than or equal to −15 dB. Through the utilisation of end‐loaded meandered line stub attached to modified curved ground plane, low mutual coupling between antenna ports is achieved. The simulated results for input and radiation characteristics of the proposed MIMO antenna are compared with corresponding experimental results.