bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The non-bilayer lipid MGDG stabilizes the major light-harvesting complex (LHCII) against unfolding
Authors: Seiwert Dennis , Witt Hannes , Janshoff Andreas , Paulsen Harald
Published: July 2017

In the photosynthetic apparatus of plants a high proportion of LHCII protein is needed to integrate 50% non-bilayer lipid MGDG into the lamellar thylakoid membrane, but whether and how the stability of the protein is also affected is not known. Here we use single-molecule force spectroscopy to map the stability of LHCII against mechanical unfolding along the polypeptide chain as a function of oligomerization state and lipid composition. Comparing unfolding forces between monomeric and trimeric LHCII demonstrates that the stability does not increase significantly upon trimerization but can mainly be correlated with specific contact sites between adjacent monomers. In contrast, unfolding of trimeric complexes in membranes composed of different thylakoid lipids reveals that the non-bilayer lipid MGDG substantially increases the mechanical stability of LHCII in many segments of the protein compared to other lipids such as DGDG or POPG. We attribute these findings to steric matching of conically formed MGDG and the hourglass shape of trimeric LHCII, thereby extending the role of non-bilayer lipids to the structural stabilization of membrane proteins in addition to the modulation of their folding, conformation and function.
Polyglutamine expansion affects huntingtin conformation in multiple Huntington’s disease models
Authors: Daldin Manuel , Fodale Valentina , Cariulo Cristina , Azzollini Lucia , Verani Margherita , Martufi Paola , Spiezia Maria Carolina , Deguire Sean M. , Cherubini Marta , Macdonald Douglas , Weiss Andreas , Bresciani Alberto , Vonsattel Jean-Paul Gerard , Petricca Lara , Marsh J. Lawrence , Gines Silvia , Santimone Iolanda , Marano Massimo , Lashuel Hilal A. , Squitieri Ferdinando , Caricasole Andrea
Published: July 2017

Conformational changes in disease-associated or mutant proteins represent a key pathological aspect of Huntington’s disease (HD) and other protein misfolding diseases. Using immunoassays and biophysical approaches, we and others have recently reported that polyglutamine expansion in purified or recombinantly expressed huntingtin (HTT) proteins affects their conformational properties in a manner dependent on both polyglutamine repeat length and temperature but independent of HTT protein fragment length. These findings are consistent with the HD mutation affecting structural aspects of the amino-terminal region of the protein, and support the concept that modulating mutant HTT conformation might provide novel therapeutic and diagnostic opportunities. We now report that the same conformational TR-FRET based immunoassay detects polyglutamine- and temperature-dependent changes on the endogenously expressed HTT protein in peripheral tissues and post-mortem HD brain tissue, as well as in tissues from HD animal models. We also find that these temperature- and polyglutamine-dependent conformational changes are sensitive to bona-fide phosphorylation on S13 and S16 within the N17 domain of HTT. These findings provide key clinical and preclinical relevance to the conformational immunoassay, and provide supportive evidence for its application in the development of therapeutics aimed at correcting the conformation of polyglutamine-expanded proteins as well as the pharmacodynamics readouts to monitor their efficacy in preclinical models and in HD patients.
Ammonium chloride alters neuronal excitability and synaptic vesicle release
Authors: Lazarenko Roman M. , DelBove Claire E. , Strothman Claire E. , Zhang Qi
Published: July 2017

Genetically encoded pH-sensors are widely used in studying cell membrane trafficking and membrane protein turnover because they render exo-/endocytosis-associated pH changes to fluorescent signals. For imaging and analysis purposes, high concentration ammonium chloride is routinely used to alkalize intracellular membrane compartments under the assumption that it does not cause long-term effects on cellular processes being studied like neurotransmission. However, pathological studies about hyperammonemia have shown that ammonium is toxic to brain cells especially astrocytes and neurons. Here, we focus on ammonium’s physiological impacts on neurons including membrane potential, cytosolic Ca2+ and synaptic vesicles. We have found that extracellularly applied ammonium chloride as low as 5 mM causes intracellular Ca2+-increase and a reduction of vesicle release even after washout. The often-used 50 mM ammonium chloride causes more extensive and persistent changes, including membrane depolarization, prolonged elevation of intracellular Ca2+ and diminution of releasable synaptic vesicles. Our findings not only help to bridge the discrepancies in previous studies about synaptic vesicle release using those pH-sensors or other vesicle specific reporters, but also suggest an intriguing relationship between intracellular pH and neurotransmission.
Targeted Feature Recognition Using Mechanical Spatial Filtering with a Low-Cost Compliant Strain Sensor
Authors: Barnett Eli M. , Lofton Julian J. , Yu Miao , Bruck Hugh A. , Smela Elisabeth
Published: July 2017

A tactile sensing architecture is presented for detection of surface features that have a particular target size, and the concept is demonstrated with a braille pattern. The approach is akin to an inverse of mechanical profilometry. The sensing structure is constructed by suspending a stretchable strain-sensing membrane over a cavity. The structure is moved over the surface, and a signal is generated through mechanical spatial filtering if a feature is small enough to penetrate into the cavity. This simple design is tailorable and can be realized by standard machining or 3D printing. Images of target features can be produced with even a low-cost compliant sensor. In this work a disposable elastomeric piezoresistive strain sensor was used over a cylindrical “finger” part with a groove having a width corresponding to the braille dot size. A model was developed to help understand the working principle and guide finger design, revealing amplification when the cavity matches the feature size. The new sensing concept has the advantages of being easily reconfigured for a variety of sensing problems and retrofitted to a wide range of robotic hands, as well as compatibility with many compliant sensor types.
Appearance of Unstable Monopoly State Caused by Selective and Concentrative Mergers in Business Networks
Authors: Goto Hayato , Viegas Eduardo , Jensen Henrik Jeldtoft , Takayasu Hideki , Takayasu Misako
Published: July 2017

Recently, growth mechanism of firms in complex business networks became new targets of scientific study owing to increasing availability of high quality business firms’ data. Here, we paid attention to comprehensive data of M&A events for 40 years and derived empirical laws by applying methods and concepts of aggregation dynamics of aerosol physics. It is found that the probability of merger between bigger firms is bigger than that between smaller ones, and such tendency is enhancing year by year. We introduced a numerical model simulating the whole ecosystem of firms and showed that the system is already in an unstable monopoly state in which growth of middle sized firms are suppressed.
A Novel Dual Eigen-Analysis of Mouse Multi-Tissues’ Expression Profiles Unveils New Perspectives into Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Li Lei M. , Liu Xiuxiu , Wang Lin , Wang Yong , Liu Xiuqin , Tian Xue , Gong Fuzhou , Shen Li , Peng Xiao-ding
Published: July 2017

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex and polygenic disease yet in need of a complete picture of its development mechanisms. To better understand the mechanisms, we examined gene expression profiles of multi-tissues from outbred mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) or regular chow at weeks 1, 9, and 18. To analyze such complex data, we proposed a novel dual eigen-analysis, in which the sample- and gene-eigenvectors correspond respectively to the macro- and micro-biology information. The dual eigen-analysis identified the HFD eigenvectors as well as the endogenous eigenvectors for each tissue. The results imply that HFD influences the hepatic function or the pancreatic development as an exogenous factor, while in adipose HFD’s impact roughly coincides with the endogenous eigenvector driven by aging. The enrichment analysis of the eigenvectors revealed diverse HFD impact on the three tissues over time. The diversity includes: inflammation, degradation of branched chain amino acids (BCAA), and regulation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). We reported that in the pancreas remarkable up-regulation of angiogenesis as downstream of the HIF signaling pathway precedes hyperinsulinemia. The dual eigen-analysis and discoveries provide new evaluations/guidance in T2D prevention and therapy, and will also promote new thinking in biology and medicine.
Urinary Extracellular Domain of Neurotrophin Receptor p75 as a Biomarker for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in a Chinese cohort
Authors: Jia Rui , Shepheard Stephanie , Jin Jiaoting , Hu Fangfang , Zhao Xing , Xue Li , Xiang Li , Qi Huaguang , Qu Qiumin , Guo Feng , Rogers Mary-Louise , Dang Jingxia
Published: July 2017

To comprehensively assess whether p75ECD in urine could be a candidate biomarker for ALS evaluation. Urine samples were collected from 101 ALS patients, 108 patients with other neurological disease (OND) and 97 healthy controls. 61 ALS patients were followed up with clinical data including ALSFRS-r every 6 to 12 months, 23 ALS patients died and 17 ALS patients lost touch during follow up period. Enzyme-linked immunoassay was employed to determine urine p75ECD concentration. The ALSFRS-r was employed to assess the severity of ALS. The concentration of p75ECD in ALS was significantly higher than that of OND and CTRL (p < 0.001). Additionally, urine p75ECD concentrations in ALS-definite grade patients were significantly higher than that in ALS-probable grade and ALS-possible grade patients (p < 0.001). Higher urine p75ECD concentrations were correlated with increased clinical stage (p = 0.0309); urine p75ECD concentrations and ALSFRS-r were negatively correlated (p = 0.022); and urine p75ECD concentration in the fast-progressing ALS group was significantly higher than that in slow-progression (p = 0.0026). Our finding indicates that urine p75ECD concentration provides additional evidence for patients with clinically suspected ALS, and can be employed to evaluate ALS-severity.
Transportation Safety of Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries - A Feasibility Study of Storing at Very Low States of Charge
Authors: Barai Anup , Uddin Kotub , Chevalier Julie , Chouchelamane Gael H. , McGordon Andrew , Low John , Jennings Paul
Published: July 2017

In freight classification, lithium-ion batteries are classed as dangerous goods and are therefore subject to stringent regulations and guidelines for certification for safe transport. One such guideline is the requirement for batteries to be at a state of charge of 30%. Under such conditions, a significant amount of the battery’s energy is stored; in the event of mismanagement, or indeed an airside incident, this energy can lead to ignition and a fire. In this work, we investigate the effect on the battery of removing 99.1% of the total stored energy. The performance of 8Ah C6/LiFePO4 pouch cells were measured following periods of calendar ageing at low voltages, at and well below the manufacturer’s recommended value. Battery degradation was monitored using impedance spectroscopy and capacity tests; the results show that the cells stored at 2.3 V exhibited no change in cell capacity after 90 days; resistance rise was negligible. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy results indicate that there was no significant copper dissolution. To test the safety of the batteries at low voltages, external short-circuit tests were performed on the cells. While the cells discharged to 2.3 V only exhibited a surface temperature rise of 6 °C, cells at higher voltages exhibited sparks, fumes and fire.
Wall slipping behavior of foam with nanoparticle-armored bubbles and its flow resistance factor in cracks
Authors: Lv Qichao , Li Zhaomin , Li Binfei , Husein Maen , Shi Dashan , Zhang Chao , zhou Tongke
Published: July 2017

In this work, wall slipping behavior of foam with nanoparticle-armored bubbles was first studied in a capillary tube and the novel multiphase foam was characterized by a slipping law. A crack model with a cuboid geometry was then used to compare with the foam slipping results from the capillary tube and also to evaluate the flow resistance factor of the foam. The results showed that the slipping friction force FFR in the capillary tube significantly increased by addition of modified SiO2 nanoparticles, and an appropriate power law exponents by fitting FFR vs. Capillary number, Ca, was 1/2. The modified nanoparticles at the surface were bridged together and formed a dense particle “armor” surrounding the bubble, and the interconnected structures of the “armor” with strong steric integrity made the surface solid-like, which was in agreement with the slip regime associated with rigid surface. Moreover, as confirmed by 3D microscopy, the roughness of the bubble surface increased with nanoparticle concentration, which in turn increased the slipping friction force. Compared with pure SDBS foam, SDBS/SiO2 foam shows excellent stability and high flow resistance in visual crack. The resistance factor of SiO2/SDBS foam increased as the wall surface roughness increased in core cracks.
Photoswitchable nanoporous films by loading azobenzene in metal–organic frameworks of type HKUST-1
Authors: Müller Kai , Wadhwa Jasmine , Singh Malhi Jasleen , Schöttner Ludger , Welle Alexander , Schwartz Heidi , Hermann Daniela , Ruschewitz Uwe , Heinke Lars
Published: July 2017

Photoswitchable metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), realized by loading with azobenzene molecules, enable the dynamic remote control of their key properties.
Photo-induced β-elimination of 9-fluorenylmethanol leading to dibenzofulvene
Authors: Nageh Hassan , Zhao Liming , Nakayama Akira , Hasegawa Jun-ya , Wang Yue , Nakano Tamaki
Published: July 2017

An effective photo-induced β-elimination of an alcohol leading to a vinyl compound is introduced for the first time.
Aluminum(i) β-diketiminato complexes activate C(sp2)–F and C(sp3)–F bonds by different oxidative addition mechanisms: a DFT study
Authors: Pitsch Chloe E. , Wang Xiaotai
Published: July 2017

DFT computations reveal different reaction mechanisms for the oxidative addition of C(sp2)–F and C(sp3)–F bonds to the Al(i) complexes: a concerted mechanism for C(sp2)–F and a stepwise mechanism for C(sp3)–F involving fluoride transfer and the formation and recombination of an ion pair.
Visible-light-induced oxidative formylation of N-alkyl-N-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)anilines with molecular oxygen in the absence of an external photosensitizer
Authors: Ji Wangqin , Li Pinhua , Yang Shuai , Wang Lei
Published: July 2017

Visible-light-induced oxidative formylation of N-alkyl-N-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)anilines with molecular oxygen without an external photosensitizer was developed under mild reaction conditions.
Single antibody–antigen interactions monitored via transient ionic current recording using nanopore sensors
Authors: Ying Yi-Lun , Yu Ru-Jia , Hu Yong-Xu , Gao Rui , Long Yi-Tao
Published: July 2017

Understanding the single molecular protein–protein interaction has great significance in evaluating the affinity of a specific antibody.
Functionalization of any substrate using covalently modified large area CVD graphene
Authors: Rösicke Felix , Gluba Marc A. , Shaykhutdinov Timur , Sun Guoguang , Kratz Christoph , Rappich Jörg , Hinrichs Karsten , Nickel Norbert H.
Published: July 2017

The transfer ofp-(N-maleimido)phenyl functionalized graphene has been shown to be robust and lossless.
Exploring structural complexity in the discovery and self-assembly of a family of nanoscale chalcoxides from {Se8Mo36} to {Se26Mo68}
Authors: Zang Hong-Ying , Purcell Jamie W. , Long De-Liang , Miras Haralampos N. , Cronin Leroy
Published: July 2017

Coordination modulation effects led to the generation of multi-component libraries gave rise to the formation of a new family of nanosized molecular chalcoxides of higher nuclearity and complexity.
Efficient pure green emission from Er-doped Ga2O3 films
Authors: Chen Zhengwei , Saito Katsuhiko , Tanaka Tooru , Guo Qixin
Published: July 2017

This review describes recent advances in the properties of Er-doped Ga2O3 films and light-emitting devices based on these films.
Influence of composition on the isothermal crystallisation of segmented thermoplastic polyurethanes
Authors: Fernández-d'Arlas Borja , Baumann Roelf P. , Pöselt Elmar , Müller Alejandro J.
Published: July 2017

The crystallisation features of thermoplastic polyurethanes are highly dependent on the thermal treatment applied and on the macromolecular segmental composition.
Strain induced insulator-to-conductor transition in conducting polymer composites from the auxetic behaviour of hierarchical microstructures
Authors: Polpaya Indu Chanchal , Rao C. Lakshmana , Varughese Susy
Published: July 2017

The auxetic behaviour of the hierarchichal microstructure present in polyaniline composites is shown to result in an insulator-to-conductor transition and a reduction in the percolation threshold upon the application of strain.
The origin of the Debye relaxation in liquid water and fitting the high frequency excess response
Authors: Elton Daniel C.
Published: July 2017

Debye relaxation in the microwave/THz region of the dielectric spectra of water is related to propagation of defects.
Adsorption and growth of palladium clusters on graphdiyne
Authors: Seif A. , López M. J. , Granja-DelRío A. , Azizi K. , Alonso J. A.
Published: July 2017

The density functional formalism has been used to investigate the stability and the properties of small palladium clusters supported on graphdiyne layers.
Correction: Structural characterization of gas-phase cysteine and cysteine methyl ester complexes with zinc and cadmium dications by infrared multiple photon dissociation spectroscopy
Authors: Coates Rebecca A. , McNary Christopher P. , Boles Georgia C. , Berden Giel , Oomens Jos , Armentrout P. B.
Published: July 2017

Correction for ‘Structural characterization of gas-phase cysteine and cysteine methyl ester complexes with zinc and cadmium dications by infrared multiple photon dissociation spectroscopy’ by Rebecca A. Coates et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015, 17, 25799–25808.
The physics and chemistry of graphene-on-surfaces
Authors: Zhao Guoke , Li Xinming , Huang Meirong , Zhen Zhen , Zhong Yujia , Chen Qiao , Zhao Xuanliang , He Yijia , Hu Ruirui , Yang Tingting , Zhang Rujing , Li Changli , Kong Jing , Xu Jian-Bin , Ruoff Rodney S. , Zhu Hongwei
Published: July 2017

This review describes the major “graphene-on-surface” structures and examines the roles of their properties in governing the overall performance for specific applications.
Structure and reactivity of [RuII(terpy)(N^N)Cl]Cl complexes: consequences for biological applications
Authors: Chrzanowska Marta , Katafias Anna , Impert Olga , Kozakiewicz Anna , Surdykowski Andrzej , Brzozowska Paulina , Franke Alicja , Zahl Achim , Puchta Ralph , van Eldik Rudi
Published: July 2017

Ligand substitution reactions of [RuII(terpy)(N^N)Cl]Cl, where N^N = bipy and en, and the corresponding aqua complexes were studied in detail, including the crystal and solution structures of the chlorido complexes. The chlorido complex undergoes spontaneous aquation that can only be prevented using high chloride concentrations (>2 M).
What do we actually see in intracellular SERS? Investigating nanosensor-induced variation
Authors: Taylor J. , Milton J. , Willett M. , Wingfield J. , Mahajan S.
Published: July 2017

Plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs), predominantly gold (AuNPs), are easily internalised into cells and commonly employed as nanosensors for reporter-based and reporter-free intracellular SERS applications. While AuNPs are generally considered non-toxic to cells, many biological and toxicity studies report that exposure to NPs induces cell stress through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the upregulated transcription of pro-inflammatory genes, which can result in severe genotoxicity and apoptosis. Despite this, the extent to which normal cellular metabolism is affected by AuNP internalisation remains a relative unknown along with the contribution of the uptake itself to the SERS spectra obtained from within so called ‘healthy’ cells, as indicated by traditional viability tests. This work aims to interrogate the perturbation created by treatment with AuNPs under different conditions and the corresponding effect on the SERS spectra obtained. We characterise the changes induced by varying AuNP concentrations and medium serum compositions using biochemical assays and correlate them to the corresponding intracellular reporter-free SERS spectra. The different serum conditions lead to different extents of nanoparticle internalisation. We observe that changes in SERS spectra are correlated to an increasing amount of internalisation, confirmed qualitatively and quantitatively by confocal imaging and ICP-MS analysis, respectively. We analyse spectra and characterise changes that can be attributed to nanoparticle induced changes. Thus, our study highlights a need for understanding condition-dependent NP-cell interactions and standardisation of nanoparticle treatments in order to establish the validity of intracellular SERS experiments for use in all arising applications.
Hydrophilic mesoporous poly(ionic liquid)-supported Au–Pd alloy nanoparticles towards aerobic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid under mild conditions
Authors: Wang Qian , Hou Wei , Li Shuai , Xie Jingyan , Li Jing , Zhou Yu , Wang Jun
Published: July 2017

Au–Pd nanoalloy in hydrophilic mesoporous poly(ionic liquid) shows high activity for oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid with atmospheric O2.
Feasibility of microwave-assisted ultraviolet digestion of polymeric waste electrical and electronic equipment for the determination of bromine and metals (Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb and Sb) by ICP-MS
Authors: Iop Gabrielle D. , Krzyzaniak Sindy R. , Silva Jussiane S. , Flores Erico M. M. , Costa Adilson B. , Mello Paola A.
Published: July 2017

A method for the digestion of polymeric waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) by microwave-assisted ultraviolet wet digestion (MAWD-UV) was proposed.
Nuclearity dependent solvent contribution to the catechol oxidase activity of novel copper(ii) complexes derived from Mannich-base ligand platforms: synthesis, crystal structure and mechanism
Authors: Sanyal Ria , Ketkov Sergey , Purkait Suranjana , Mautner Franz A. , Zhigulin Grigory , Das Debasis
Published: July 2017

Solvent-dependent kinetic studies of the catecholase activity of a set of Cu(ii) complexes reveal alcoholysis and hydrolysis as the governing factors for kcat extrema.
Selective trace determination of lead ions in different agricultural products using a novel core–shell magnetic ion-imprinted polymer with the aid of experimental design methodology
Authors: Dahaghin Zohreh , Zavvar Mousavi Hassan , Mirparizi Ehsan , Boutorabi Leila
Published: July 2017

One of the most toxic and hazardous elements affecting human health is lead, which is known to be a carcinogenic factor, causing harmful effects on human metabolism.
Tailoring the catalytic activity of metal organic frameworks by tuning the metal center and basic functional sites
Authors: Rani Poonam , Srivastava Rajendra
Published: July 2017

Optimum acidity and basicity of amine functionalized metal organic frameworks are important for condensation and cycloaddition reactions.
Synthesis, molecular structures and EPR spectra of the paramagnetic cuboidal clusters with Mo3S4Ga cores
Authors: Petrov Pavel A. , Naumov Dmitry Yu. , Sukhikh Taisiya S. , Konchenko Sergey N. , Gómez-García Carlos J. , Llusar Rosa
Published: July 2017

The paramagnetic cuboidal clusters [Mo3(GaBr)(μ3-S)4(diphos)3Br3] (diphos = dppe, dmpe) were synthesized by the reduction of triangular clusters [Mo3S4(diphos)3Br3]Br with elemental Ga.
A TDDFT study on the excited-state double proton transfer reaction of 8-hydroxyquinoline along a hydrogen-bonded bridge
Authors: Liu Yu-Hui , Wang Shi-Ming , Zhu Chaoyuan , Lin Sheng Hsien
Published: July 2017

The mechanism of excited-state multiple proton transfer reaction is demonstrated to be controlled by a hydrogen-bonded bridge.
Acyclonucleosides bearing coplanar arylethynyltriazole nucleobases: synthesis, structural analysis, and biological evaluation
Authors: Chen Mimi , Zhou Zhengwei , Suo Yaxiong , Li Mengyao , Yao Jianhua , Peng Ling , Xia Yi
Published: July 2017

The efficient synthesis of acyclonucleosides bearing coplanar 3-arylethynyltriazole motifs was established and several compounds displayed antiproliferative activity against cancer cells.
Large magnetic entropy changes in three GdIIIcoordination polymers containing GdIIIchains
Authors: Zheng Teng-Fei , Yao Shu-Li , Cao Chen , Liu Sui-Jun , Hu Hui-Kang , Zhang Tao , Huang Hai-Ping , Liao Jin-Sheng , Chen Jing-Lin , Wen He-Rui
Published: July 2017

Three chain-based GdIIIcomplexes based on three types of multidentate O ligands have been successfully constructedviahydro/solvothermal reactions. They exhibit good thermal stabilities and large magnetic entropy changes.
Electrochemical behavior of glycine-mediated N-doped reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Khandelwal Mahima , Kumar Anil
Published: July 2017

N-doped rGO, synthesized by using an environmentally benign reducing agent, glycine (N-rGOGly/N-rGOGly300) in aqueous medium are explored for electrochemical behavior.
Rosa rubiginosa and Fraxinus oxycarpa herbal teas: characterization of phytochemical profiles by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and evaluation of the antioxidant activity
Authors: Jiménez-López J. , Ruiz-Medina A. , Ortega-Barrales P. , Llorent-Martínez E. J.
Published: July 2017

The consumption of infusions and herbal teas has always been an important part of folk medicine.
A three-dimensional porphyrin-based porous organic polymer with excellent biomimetic catalytic performance
Authors: Zhu Wei , Ding Zheng-Dong , Wang Xuan , Li Tao , Shen Rui , Li Yunxing , Li Zaijun , Ren Xuehong , Gu Zhi-Guo
Published: July 2017

A porphyrin-based porous organic polymer PPOP-1(Fe) with a three-dimensional diamond structure was synthesized, which exhibits high stability and excellent catalytic efficiency as a biomimetic catalyst.
The asymmetric synthesis of multisubstituted diquinanes via the domino reaction of electron-deficient enynes
Authors: Yao Qian , Lin Lili , Zhang Hang , Yu Han , Xiong Qian , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: July 2017

A series of chiral multisubstituted diquinanes containing three continuous chiral centers are obtained in good yields with excellent enantioselectivities.
Anti-CD22-conjugated CdTe QDs co-loaded with doxorubicin and gambogic acid: a novel platform for lymphoma treatment
Authors: Xu Peipei , Zuo Huaqin , Chen Dangui , Peng Miaoxin , Jiang Ying , Liu Xu , Ouyang Jian , Chen Bing
Published: July 2017

DOX/GA–CdTe–CD22 can precisely target lymphoma and deliver DOX and GA to lymphoma cells to improve their therapeutic effects.
Simple synthesis of SiGe@C porous microparticles as high-rate anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Yaguang , Du Ning , Xiao Chengmao , Wu Shali , Chen Yifan , Lin Yangfan , Jiang Jinwei , He Yuanhong , Yang Deren
Published: July 2017

We synthesize the PoSiGe@C via the decomposition of Mg2Si/Mg2Ge composites, acid pickling and subsequent carbon coating processes, which show excellent cycling and rate performance as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.
Design, synthesis, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of tacrine–cinnamic acid hybrids as multi-target acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors against Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Chen Yao , Lin Hongzhi , Zhu Jie , Gu Kai , Li Qi , He Siyu , Lu Xin , Tan Renxiang , Pei Yuqiong , Wu Liang , Bian Yaoyao , Sun Haopeng
Published: July 2017

A series of tacrine–cinnamic acid hybrids are synthesized as multi-target cholinesterase inhibitors against Alzheimer's disease.
Synthesis of novel 1,2,4-triazole derivatives containing the quinazolinylpiperidinyl moiety and N-(substituted phenyl)acetamide group as efficient bactericides against the phytopathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Yang Lan , Bao Xiao-Ping
Published: July 2017

Some 1,2,4-triazole derivatives containing the quinazolinylpiperidinyl moiety andN-(substituted phenyl)acetamide group were developed as efficient bactericides against pathogenic bacteriumXoo.
Difunctional Cu-doped carbon dots: catalytic activity and fluorescence indication for the reduction reaction of p-nitrophenol
Authors: Du Jinyan , Zhao Yun , Chen Juan , Zhang Ping , Gao Lingling , Wang Meiqin , Cao Cong , Wen Wu , Zhu Changqing
Published: July 2017

The reduction reaction ofp-nitrophenol was catalyzed and monitored using the fluorescence of Cu-doped CDs.
Sandwich-structured rGO/PVDF/PU multilayer coatings for anti-corrosion application
Authors: Xiao Yuan-Kai , Ji Wei-Fu , Chang Kuei-Sen , Hsu Kuei-Ting , Yeh Jui-Ming , Liu Wei-Ren
Published: July 2017

We successfully construct rGO/PVDF/PU sandwich-structured composite coatings. The composite film demonstrates excellent anti-corrosion effects for metal protection due to its strong mechanical properties.
Expression of concern: A highly concise and practical route to clavaminols, sphinganine and (+)-spisulosine via indium mediated allylation of α-hydrazino aldehyde and a theoretical insight into the stereochemical aspects of the reaction
Authors: Shore Andrew
Published: July 2017

Expression of concern for ‘A highly concise and practical route to clavaminols, sphinganine and (+)-spisulosine via indium mediated allylation of α-hydrazino aldehyde and a theoretical insight into the stereochemical aspects of the reaction’ by Menaka Pandey et al., RSC Adv., 2013, 3, 15442–15448.
Correction: Facile synthesis of potassium copper ferrocyanide composite particles for selective cesium removal from wastewater in the batch and continuous processes
Authors: Zong Youli , Zhang Yongde , Lin Xiaoyan , Ye Dong , Qiao Dan , Zeng Shuangneng
Published: July 2017

Correction for ‘Facile synthesis of potassium copper ferrocyanide composite particles for selective cesium removal from wastewater in the batch and continuous processes’ by Youli Zong et al., RSC Adv., 2017, 7, 31352–31364.
Multiple Perspectives on the Barriers to Identification and Management of Pediatric Voice Disorders
Authors: Childes Jana , Acker Alissa , Collins Dana
Published: July 2017

Pediatric voice disorders are typically a low-incidence population in the average caseload of clinicians working within school and general clinic settings. This occurs despite evidence of a fairly high prevalence of childhood voice disorders and the multiple impacts the voice disorder may have on a child's social development, the perception of the child by others, and the child's academic success. There are multiple barriers that affect the identification of children with abnormal vocal qualities and their access to services. These include: the reliance on school personnel, the ability of parents and caretakers to identify abnormal vocal qualities and signs of misuse, the access to specialized medical services for appropriate diagnosis, and treatment planning and issues related to the Speech-Language Pathologists' perception of their skills and competence regarding voice management for pediatric populations. These barriers and possible solutions to them are discussed with perspectives from the school, clinic and university settings.
Chronic Refractory Cough: A Case Study
Authors: Siciliano Anna Maria
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a successful behavioral case study in treatment of chronic refractory cough in a 60-year-old adult female. The efficacy for speech-language pathology treating chronic cough is discussed along with description of treatment regime. Discussion focuses on therapy approaches used and the patient's report of changes in quality of life and frequency, duration, and severity reduction of her cough after treatment.
Non‐isolated multiple‐input boost converter for energy harvesting
Authors: Colalongo L. , Dotti D. , Richelli A. , Kovács‐Vajna Zs. M.
Published: July 2017

In this Letter, a new dual/multiple‐input non‐isolated boost converter is proposed. It provides a positive boosted output voltage without any additional transformer. It is suitable to interface sources of different current–voltage characteristics to a common load, with a simple topology and a low part count. The topology and the behaviour are similar to the single‐input boost converter; hence, the control strategy can be accomplished easily. It can be used in low‐voltage energy harvesting applications to collect energy from multiple sources. Simulations and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed topology.
Wideband diffuse scattering and RCS reduction of microstrip antenna array based on coding metasurface
Authors: Su Jianxun , Kong Chuiyong , Li Zengrui , Yin Hongcheng , Yang Yaoqing (Lamar)
Published: July 2017

A wideband monostatic and bistatic radar cross‐section (RCS) reduction of microstrip antenna array is proposed and investigated. By using coding metasurface on the proposed antenna, the reflected energy is diffused scattering to more directions. A remarkable monostatic RCS reduction is achieved from 6 to 7.6 GHz and 9.5 to 26 GHz covering the working frequency band, and the bistatic RCS of proposed antenna is also effectively suppressed. The proposed antenna still maintains in a compact structure, while the antenna radiation performance is preserved. Both the reference and proposed antennas are fabricated and measured in anechoic chamber, and the results show that there is a good agreement between simulations and measurements.
Microwave tunable and switchable planar non‐reciprocal three‐layer multiresonant wire–ferrite metastructure
Authors: Kraftmakher G. , Butylkin V. , Kazantsev Y. , Mal'tsev V.
Published: July 2017

Easy‐to‐technology voltage‐controlled non‐reciprocal three‐layer ferrite/wire grating/varactor‐loaded copper strip metastructure of two configurations differing in layer arrangement is proposed and tested in external static magnetic field in a rectangular waveguide at 3–6 GHz. Retuning range with 20 dB isolation is 1.5 GHz, i.e. 35%. Propagation direction switching with 18 and 16 dB isolation is observed at fixed frequency; corresponding direct transmission values are −4 and −8 dB in the matching absence.
On the DoF of two‐way relay networks with or without relay caching
Authors: Ashraphijuo Mehdi , Aggarwal Vaneet , Wang Xiaodong
Published: July 2017

Two‐way relay is potentially an effective approach to spectrum sharing and aggregation by allowing simultaneous bidirectional transmissions between source–destinations pairs. In this study, the two‐way relay network, a class of four‐unicast networks, where there are four source/destination nodes and two relay nodes, with each source sending a message to its destination, is studied. They show that without relay caching the total degrees of freedom (DoF) is bounded from above by , indicating that bidirectional links do not double the DoF (it is known that the total DoF of one‐way relay network is 2). Further, they show that the DoF of is achievable for the two‐way relay network with relay caching. Finally, even though the DoF of this network is no more than for generic channel gains, DoF of 4 can be achieved for a symmetric configuration of channel gains.
Saturation‐aware control design for micro–nano positioning systems
Authors: Salton Aurélio T. , Al‐Ghanimi Ali , V. Flores Jeferson , Zheng Jinchuan , Gomes da Silva João M. , Fu Minyue
Published: July 2017

This study proposes a non‐linear saturation‐aware controller for dual‐stage micro–nano actuators. Dual‐stage motion systems use two actuators in series in order to achieve an improved performance: a micro actuator responsible for a large range of actuation, and a nano actuator (NA) able to achieve a high bandwidth. The NA is commonly driven by flexure‐based piezoelectric actuators subject to a limited range which presents large oscillations in the presence of output saturation. In order to avoid these oscillations, a non‐linear smooth switching function that limits the actuation of the NA to only track references within its range is proposed. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, which is able to reduce oscillations and energy consumption without compromising settling time performance.
Demonstration of voltage control in a real distribution system using model predictive control
Authors: Balram Pavan , Carlson Ola , Tuan Le Anh
Published: July 2017

This study presents the results from field tests that were carried out with the aim of verifying the performance of a model predictive control‐based voltage controller. A voltage source converter (VSC) capable of producing or consuming 4 MVAr was used as the reactive power source, which was able to influence the voltage magnitude at a remote bus within a real distribution system in Gothenburg, Sweden. The voltage controller is designed to maintain the remote bus voltage within a pre‐defined range while respecting the reactive power output capability of the VSC and an objective of minimum changes to the reference value of its local reactive power controller. Results from the field tests demonstrate that the voltage controller was able to successfully regulate the voltage even with significant errors in the state‐space prediction model. An important lesson learned from the field test is that a smoothened voltage measurement feedback is critical to a satisfactory functioning of the controller. Furthermore, it is recommended to design the voltage controller to observe an initial delay, before it is activated for bus voltage control ‐ this would deter it from unnecessarily reacting at the very instant it is brought online.
Robust pole placement for power systems using two‐dimensional membership fuzzy constrained controllers
Authors: Soliman Hisham M. , El Metwally Khaled A.
Published: July 2017

This study presents a design method of power system stabilisers (PSSs) to damp system oscillations. The design is based on fuzzy logic and linear matrix inequality (LMI) techniques. The design guarantees a robust pole placement in a desired region in the complex plane for different loading conditions. Due to system non‐linearity and load dependency, the whole wide range of operating condition is divided into three subregions. For each subregion, a norm‐bounded uncertainty linear model is developed and a robust LMI‐based pole placer is designed considering controller constraint. Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy model is used to guarantee smoothly switching between the LMI‐based controllers of the three subregions. The proposed technique avoids solving many LMIs as in the polytypic approach and avoids the infeasibility problem that might arise from solving the LMIs for the complete region of operation. In addition, the proposed fuzzy logic switching controller has reduced drastically the fuzzy rules due to the use of two‐dimensional (2D) membership functions. Particle swarm optimisation is used to tune the proposed 2D membership functions to guarantee smooth switching of the controllers while maintaining the desired constraints. The simulation results of both single‐machine and multi‐machine power systems confirm the effectiveness of the proposed PSS design.
Wide‐area voltage control system of flexible AC transmission system devices to prevent voltage collapse
Authors: Perron Mathieu , Ghahremani Esmaeil , Heniche Annissa , Kamwa Innocent , Lafond Claude , Racine Marcel , Akremi Houssem , Cadieux Philippe , Lebeau Simon , Landry Stéphane
Published: July 2017

Hydro‐Québec has identified wide‐area control system as a key initiative able to significantly increase the voltage stability of its grid. In this context, an innovative project for wide‐area and local voltage control of shunt compensators was initiated. Its main objective is to implement a closed‐loop control system on Hydro‐Québec's network to optimise the reactive power support from the dynamic shunt compensators. The outcome of this project is the ‘global and local control of compensators’ (GLCCs) system which is based on synchrophasor technology and intelligent electronics devices. Applied to each shunt compensator of Hydro‐Québec's network, this robust voltage control system measures voltage variations in the load area and adjusts the operation set point of each shunt compensator accordingly, thus avoiding voltage collapse resulting from extreme contingencies. The GLCC control solution was intensively tested in simulation using PSSE software. Moreover, a pilot project was commissioned on a test bench replica of the system and also tested in real time using Hydro‐Québec's Hypersim digital simulator. Field tests of the GLCC were conducted on a −230/ + 660 MVars static vars compensator. The results of this pilot project were deemed conclusive and the deployment of the new voltage control system has been initiated by Hydro‐Québec.
Capacitor‐voltage regulation and linear‐range extension of a hybrid cascaded modular multilevel converter
Authors: Shi Xianghua , Howell Steven , Shumski Curtis , Filizadeh Shaahin , Jacobson David
Published: July 2017

This research presents a study of the hybrid cascaded modular multilevel converter. It shows that voltage regulation of the full‐bridge submodules requires special provisions for energy‐flow control between the converter's main power stage and the external ac network. Novel control and hardware methods for regulating the converter's submodule voltage and extending its linear operating range are presented. The mathematical foundations of these methods are developed using simplified converter models. Experimental results using a laboratory prototype are presented to verify the efficacy of these methods. Extensive electromagnetic transient simulation studies are also conducted to verify the proposed solutions’ effectiveness in normal operating conditions as well as under dc faults.
Rainfall‐integrated traffic speed prediction using deep learning method
Authors: Jia Yuhan , Wu Jianping , Ben‐Akiva Moshe , Seshadri Ravi , Du Yiman
Published: July 2017

Traffic information prediction is one of the most essential studies for traffic research, operation and management. The successful prediction of traffic speed is increasingly significant for the benefits of both road users and traffic authorities. However, accurate prediction is challenging, due to the stochastic feature of traffic flow and shallow model structure. Furthermore, environmental factors, such as rainfall influence, should also be incorporated to improve accuracy. Inspired by deep learning, this paper investigates the performance of deep belief network (DBN) and long short‐term memory (LSTM) to conduct short‐term traffic speed prediction with the consideration of rainfall impact as a non‐traffic input. The deep learning models have the ability to learn complex features of traffic flow pattern under various rainfall conditions. To validate the performance of rainfall‐integrated DBN and LSTM, the traffic detector data from an arterial in Beijing are utilised for model training and testing. The experiment results indicate that with the combination input of speed and additional rainfall data, deep learning models have better prediction accuracy over other existing models, and also yields improvements over the models without rainfall input. Furthermore, the LSTM can outperform the DBN to capture the time‐series characteristics of traffic speed data.
Use of Gaussian beam divergence to compensate for misalignment of underwater wireless optical communication links
Authors: Vali Zahra , Gholami Asghar , Michelson David G. , Ghassemlooy Zabih , Omoomi Masood , Noori Hamed
Published: July 2017

The vast majority of underwater wireless optical communication systems use collimated blue/green laser beams to deliver high‐speed data over a transmission range of a few metres to tens of metres. However, such systems are extremely susceptible to misalignment of the transmitter and the receiver. The mitigation techniques for misalignment reported in the literature are complex and costly at times. In this study, the authors consider the simple approach of increasing the divergence angle of the transmitted Gaussian beam to mitigate misalignment. Both plane and spherical beams are considered as the limitation cases. Using Monte Carlo simulations, the authors show that an optimum divergence angle for the maximum acceptable lateral offset exists with respect to the receiver sensitivity in clear waters while this is not an efficient method in harbour waters. Results demonstrate that there is a design trade‐off between acceptable lateral offset, power loss and channel bandwidth. Furthermore, the authors show how the proposed scheme of beam divergence affects the maximum allowed link span as well as the channel bandwidth for a given distance.
Full soft‐switching high step‐up DC–DC converter based on active resonant cell
Authors: Trazamni Hadi , Babaei Ebrahim , Sabahi Mehran
Published: July 2017

In this paper, a new full soft switching high step‐up DC–DC boost converter is proposed. To achieve high voltage gain, a N‐level voltage multiplier cell (VMC), and to achieve soft switching, a simple auxiliary resonant cell is implemented on a conventional pulse width modulation boost converter. All semiconductor devices are switched under soft switching conditions, which decrease the switching losses significantly. These soft switching conditions consist of zero voltage and zero current switching (ZVZCS) condition for both main and auxiliary switches, ZVZCS for auxiliary cell diode and zero current switching for all output VMC diodes. To control the output voltage in this converter, two degrees of freedom, consisting of the main switch duty cycle and output VMC level (N), are available. These degrees of freedom lead the converter to operate in a wide output voltage range and have maximum power point tracking implementation or output voltage regulation capabilities. In this paper, operational modes analysis, design procedure, application discussion, soft switching and power efficiency evaluations and simulation results are presented. Finally, experimental results with input voltage of 32 V, output power of 80 W and switching frequency of 20 kHz are given to prove the accuracy of theoretical analysis.
Slide mode control of microgrid using small hydro driven single‐phase SEIG integrated with solar PV array
Authors: Kalla Ujjwal Kumar , Singh Bhim , Murthy Shikaripur Sreenivasa
Published: July 2017

This study presents a susceptance theory‐based sliding mode control (STSMC) algorithm for an improved power quality voltage and frequency control of a single‐phase microgrid. The proposed microgrid includes a governor‐free small hydro turbine‐driven single‐phase two winding self‐excited induction generator (SEIG), a solar PV array and a battery energy storage system (BESS). The non‐linear relationship among magnetising reactance, frequency and speed of SEIG along with random fluctuation in active power output of the solar PV array create the major challenge in frequency and voltage control of such renewable energy‐based microgrid. The STSMC algorithm is found suitable to control frequency and voltage of such non‐linear and complex system. In this proposed control, the system frequency control in dynamics and steady‐state conditions and balance of power among various energy sources and BESS are achieved using the sliding mode control. The STSMC eliminates all possibilities of overshoot and undershoot problem in DC‐link voltage of the VSC, which in turn reduces the required size of DC‐link capacitor and BESS.