bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2,3,4′,5-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside exacerbates acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity by inducing hepatic expression of CYP2E1, CYP3A4 and CYP1A2
Authors: Xu Shangfu , Liu Jie , Shi Jingshan , Wang Zhengtao , Ji Lili
Published: November 2017

Hepatotoxicity induced by medicinal herb Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. attracts wide attention in the world recently. 2,3,4′,5-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG) is a main active compound in Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. This study aims to observe TSG-provided the aggravation on acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity in mice by inducing hepatic expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. Serum alanine/aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST) analysis and liver histological evaluation showed that TSG (200, 400, 800 mg/kg) exacerbated the hepatotoxicity induced by sub-toxic dose of APAP (200 mg/kg) in mice, but TSG alone had no hepatotoxicity. TSG aggravated hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) depletion and APAP-cysteine adducts (APAP-CYS) formation induced by APAP in mice. TSG increased the expression of CYP2E1, CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 both in mice and in human normal liver L-02 hepatocytes. TSG also enhanced liver catalytic activity of CYP2E1, CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 in mice. TSG induced the nuclear translocation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR), and TSG-provided the aggravation on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice was reversed by PXR or AHR inhibitors. In summary, our results demonstrate that TSG enhances hepatic expression of CYP3A4, CYP2E1 and CYP1A2, and thus exacerbates the hepatotoxicity induced by APAP in mice. PXR and AHR both play some important roles in this process.
Scene grammar shapes the way we interact with objects, strengthens memories, and speeds search
Authors: Draschkow Dejan , Võ Melissa L.-H.
Published: November 2017

Predictions of environmental rules (here referred to as “scene grammar”) can come in different forms: seeing a toilet in a living room would violate semantic predictions, while finding a toilet brush next to the toothpaste would violate syntactic predictions. The existence of such predictions has usually been investigated by showing observers images containing such grammatical violations. Conversely, the generative process of creating an environment according to one’s scene grammar and its effects on behavior and memory has received little attention. In a virtual reality paradigm, we either instructed participants to arrange objects according to their scene grammar or against it. Subsequently, participants’ memory for the arrangements was probed using a surprise recall (Exp1), or repeated search (Exp2) task. As a result, participants’ construction behavior showed strategic use of larger, static objects to anchor the location of smaller objects which are generally the goals of everyday actions. Further analysis of this scene construction data revealed possible commonalities between the rules governing word usage in language and object usage in naturalistic environments. Taken together, we revealed some of the building blocks of scene grammar necessary for efficient behavior, which differentially influence how we interact with objects and what we remember about scenes.
Branched Pd@Rh core@shell nanocrystals with exposed Rh {100} facets: an effective electrocatalyst for hydrazine electro-oxidation
Authors: Wang Guojing , Jing Shengchang , Tan Yiwei
Published: November 2017

Shape control of noble metal (NM) nanocrystals (NCs) is of great importance for improving their electrocatalytic performance. In this report, branched Pd@Rh core@shell NCs that have right square prism-like arms with preferential exposure of Rh {100} facets (denoted as b-Pd@Rh-NCs thereafter) are synthesized and utilized as an electrocatalyst for the hydrazine electrooxidation (HEO) in acidic and alkaline electrolytes. The b-Pd@Rh-NCs are obtained by the heteroepitaxial growth of Rh on the pre-formed branched Pd NCs (denoted as b-Pd-NCs thereafter) core in the presence of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) and bromide ions. A comparative analysis of the voltammetric data for the HEO shows a higher activity on the b-Pd@Rh-NCs exposed with Rh {100} faces than on Rh black, the b-Pd-NCs, and Pd black in acid and alkaline solutions, indicating a structure sensitivity of the reaction. Analysis of the products from the b-Pd@Rh-NCs catalysed HEO reveals a very high hydrazine fuel efficiency, as determined by on-line differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS).
Low-temperature crystallization of solution-derived metal oxide thin films assisted by chemical processes
Authors: Bretos Iñigo , Jiménez Ricardo , Ricote Jesús , Calzada M. Lourdes
Published: November 2017

Low-temperature chemical solution methods to prepare crystalline metal oxide thin films and to integrate them with flexible substrates are shown.
Protein separation under a microfluidic regime
Authors: Rodríguez-Ruiz I. , Babenko V. , Martínez-Rodríguez S. , Gavira J. A.
Published: November 2017

Increasing growth of interest in the field of microfluidic protein/peptide separation and sensing.
Quantitative evaluation of analyte transport on microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs)
Authors: Ota Riki , Yamada Kentaro , Suzuki Koji , Citterio Daniel
Published: November 2017

This work quantitatively evaluates the transport efficiency of analytical target compounds on microfluidic paper-based analytical devices by means of colorimetry and absorption spectrometry.
Carrier-mediated solvent bar microextraction coupled with HPLC-DAD for the quantitative analysis of the hydrophilic antihypertensive peptide VLPVPR in human plasma
Authors: Wang Jinlin , Weng Panwei , Zhou Jing , Zhang Xu , Cui Shufen
Published: November 2017

Aliquat-336, an anion carrier, facilitates the extraction of hydrophilic VLPVPR peptide by Solvent-Bar-Micro-Extraction, achieving sensitive peptide analysis in biological samples.
A redox-responsive mesoporous silica based nanoplatform for in vitro tumor-specific fluorescence imaging and enhanced photodynamic therapy
Authors: Yuan Fan , Li Jiang-Lan , Cheng Han , Zeng Xuan , Zhang Xian-Zheng
Published: November 2017

A mesoporous silica nanoparticle-based redox-responsive platform modified with multifunctional peptides was successfully developed for in vitro tumor microenvironment-enhanced photodynamic therapy.
An ambiphilic phosphine/H-bond donor ligand and its application to the gold mediated cyclization of propargylamides
Authors: Sen Srobona , Gabbaï François P.
Published: November 2017

We describe the synthesis of an ambiphilic phosphine/H-bond donor ligand featuring a trifluoroacetamide functionality, its coordination to gold(i) chloride, and its application as a self-activating catalyst for the cyclization of propargylamides.
Fluorous photosensitizers enhance photodynamic therapy with perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions
Authors: Day Rachael A. , Estabrook Daniel A. , Logan Jessica K. , Sletten Ellen M.
Published: November 2017

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) requires a photosensitizer, light and oxygen to induce cell death. Here, we simultaneously deliver oxygen and photosensitizer using perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions.
Interception of amide ylides with sulfonamides: synthesis of (E)-N-sulfonyl amidines catalyzed by Zn(OTf)2
Authors: Chen Jijun , Long Wenhao , Fang Shangwen , Yang Yonggang , Wan Xiaobing
Published: November 2017

Through the interception of amide ylides with sulfonamides, we herein report an intermolecular condensation reaction between sulfonamides and common amides.
Anionic indabenzene: synthesis and characterization
Authors: Nakamura Taichi , Suzuki Katsunori , Yamashita Makoto
Published: November 2017

An anionic indabenzene was synthesized via the transmetallation of an aluminacyclohexadiene with bulky silyl substituents, and fully characterized using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography.
Crystalline packing in pentacene-like organic semiconductors
Authors: Klues M. , Witte G.
Published: November 2017

Combining Hirshfeld surface analysis with single molecule electrostatic property calculations allows rationalizing crystalline packing motifs of organic semiconductors.
Understanding the crystalline formation of triazeneN-oxides and the role of halogen⋯π interactions
Authors: Martins Marcos A. P. , Salbego Paulo R. S. , de Moraes Guilherme A. , Bender Caroline R. , Zambiazi Priscilla J. , Orlando Tainára , Pagliari Anderson B. , Frizzo Clarissa P. , Hörner Manfredo
Published: November 2017

Normalized parameters are presented to assist the interpretation of crystal mechanisms of a series of triazeneN1-oxides. The role of halogen⋯π interactions is discussed.
Why do the Togni reagent and some of its derivatives exist in the high-energy hypervalent iodine form? New insight into the origins of their kinetic stability
Authors: Koichi Shungo , Leuthold Benjamin , Lüthi Hans P.
Published: November 2017

A scheme for the prediction of the kinetic and thermodynamic stability of Togni-type reagents is presented. The scheme is evaluated based on computations of the isomerization and transition state energies of an array of more than 600 compounds.
Improving the mass transport of copper-complex redox mediators in dye-sensitized solar cells by reducing the inter-electrode distance
Authors: García-Rodríguez Rodrigo , Jiang Roger , Canto-Aguilar Esdras J. , Oskam Gerko , Boschloo Gerrit
Published: November 2017

Reduction of inter-electrode distance in DSCs with copper-based electrolyte increases the photocurrent and fill factor by improving internal transport.
Probing electron transfer between hemin and riboflavin using a combination of analytical approaches and theoretical calculations
Authors: Wang Wen-Lan , Min Yuan , Yu Sheng-Song , Chen Wei , Chen Jie-Jie , Liu Xiao-Yang , Yu Han-Qing
Published: November 2017

Proton-coupled electron transfer mechanisms of riboflavin bound hemin in aqueous solution are elucidated by spectroelectrochemical analysis, the electron paramagnetic resonance method and theoretical calculations.
Reversible switching of the spin state in a manganese phthalocyanine molecule by atomic nitrogen
Authors: Sun X. , Li Z. Y. , Jibran M. , Pratt A. , Yamauchi Y. , Wang B.
Published: November 2017

Reversible control of the spin state of an organic molecule is significant for the development of molecular spintronic devices.
Ordering of lipid membranes altered by boron nitride nanosheets
Authors: Zhang Yonghui , Li Zhen , Chan Chun , Ma Jiale , Zhi Chunyi , Cheng Xiaolin , Fan Jun
Published: November 2017

Boron nitride nanosheets are novel promising nanomaterials with a lower cytotoxicity than graphene making them a better candidate for biomedical applications.
Directing the diffusive motion of fullerene-based nanocars using nonplanar gold surfaces
Authors: Nemati Alireza , Nejat Pishkenari Hossein , Meghdari Ali , Sohrabpour Saeed
Published: November 2017

A new method for guiding the motion of fullerene and fullerene-based nanocars is introduced in this paper.
Tuning the cytotoxicity of ruthenium(ii) para-cymene complexes by mono-substitution at a triphenylphosphine/phenoxydiphenylphosphine ligand
Authors: Biancalana Lorenzo , Zacchini Stefano , Ferri Nicola , Lupo Maria Giovanna , Pampaloni Guido , Marchetti Fabio
Published: November 2017

The cytotoxic activities of novel Ru(ii) arene complexes with variably mono-substituted phosphine ligands have been assessed towards MDA-MB-231 and A2780 cancer cell lines.
Influence of biochar thermal regeneration on sulfamethoxazole and dissolved organic matter adsorption
Authors: Greiner Benjamin G. , Shimabuku Kyle K. , Summers R. Scott
Published: November 2017

A simple semi-oxic heat treatment is shown to effectively (i) regenerate and (ii) enhance organic contaminant adsorption capacity when applied to (i) fouled and (ii) fresh biochar.
Upgrading well plates using open microfluidic patterning
Authors: Berry Samuel B. , Zhang Tianzi , Day John H. , Su Xiaojing , Wilson Ilham Z. , Berthier Erwin , Theberge Ashleigh B.
Published: November 2017

We developed an open microfluidic hydrogel-patterning technology that creates networks of cell culture chambers in well plates for multiculture experiments.
An instant responsive polymer driven by anisotropy of crystal phases
Authors: Deng Heng , Dong Yuan , Zhang Cheng , Xie Yunchao , Zhang Chi , Lin Jian
Published: November 2017

An unprecedented responsive mechanism in a single-layered PVDF film is reported, in which a responsive shape change is driven by the anisotropy of crystal phases.
Quaternized poly(styrene-co-vinylbenzyl chloride) anion exchange membranes: role of different ammonium cations on structural, morphological, thermal and physio-chemical properties
Authors: S. Jeevanantham , S. Hosimin , S. Vengatesan , G. Sozhan
Published: November 2017

Investigating the effect of various ammonium cations on poly(styrene-co-vinylbenzyl chloride) based anion exchange membranes and correlating their structure–property relationship.
Intracellular delivery of more than one protein with spatio-temporal control
Authors: Lino Miguel M. , Simões Susana , Pinho Sónia , Ferreira Lino
Published: November 2017

Plasmonic nanoparticles modified with oligonucleotides enable light-triggered release of two proteins with spatio-temporal control.
Lectin-gated and glycan functionalized mesoporous silica nanocontainers for targeting cancer cells overexpressing Lewis X antigen
Authors: Bhat R. , García I. , Aznar E. , Arnaiz B. , Martínez-Bisbal M. C. , Liz-Marzán L. M. , Penadés S. , Martínez-Máñez R.
Published: November 2017

Gated MSNs using biologically relevant glycans for both capping and targeting.
Time-dependent transport characteristics of graphene tuned by ferroelectric polarization and interface charge trapping
Authors: Jie Wenjing , Hao Jianhua
Published: November 2017

The graphene shows time-dependent transport properties due to the co-existing effects of ferroelectric polarization and interface charge trapping.
New D–π-A push–pull chromophores as low band gap molecular semiconductors for organic small molecule solar cell applications
Authors: Raheem Abbasriyaludeen Abdul , Kamaraj Santhosh , Sannasi Veeman , Praveen Chandrasekar
Published: November 2017

Low band gap molecular semiconductors based on push–pull systems with appropriate HOMO–LUMO energy levels for organic photovoltaic applications were accomplished.
Construction of a 4H-pyrido[4,3,2-gh]phenanthridin-5(6H)-one skeleton via a catalyst-free radical cascade addition/cyclization using azo compounds as radical sources
Authors: Zhang Chen , Pi Junxia , Chen Shu , Liu Ping , Sun Peipei
Published: November 2017

The new radical addition/cyano insertion/homolytic aromatic substitution cascade reaction initiated by the thermal homolysis of azo compounds under catalyst-free conditions produced polycyclic phenanthridine derivatives.
Batch–flow hybrid synthesis of the antipsychotic clozapine
Authors: Neyt N. C. , Riley D. L.
Published: November 2017

The development of batch–flow hybrid processes is becoming an attractive prospect through which chemists can make use of the best aspects of both technologies.
Metal organic framework based mixed matrix membranes: an overview on filler/polymer interfaces
Authors: Lin Rijia , Villacorta Hernandez Byron , Ge Lei , Zhu Zhonghua
Published: November 2017

This review focuses on state-of-the-art solutions and strategies for MOF/polymer interface issues in mixed matrix membranes.
A Co-doped Ni–Fe mixed oxide mesoporous nanosheet array with low overpotential and high stability towards overall water splitting
Authors: Wu Zhengcui , Wang Xia , Huang Jiansong , Gao Feng
Published: November 2017

A Co-doped NiO/NiFe2O4 mesoporous nanosheet array on Ni foam is constructed for highly efficient overall water splitting.
Biowaste-derived 3D honeycomb-like porous carbon with binary-heteroatom doping for high-performance flexible solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Yuxi , Xiao Zechuan , Liu Yongchang , Fan Li-Zhen
Published: November 2017

N and S-co-doped activated corncob sponge of honeycomb-like porous carbon with the interconnected micro-meso-macropores and the large specific surface area was evaluated as an electrode material for flexible solid-state supercapacitors, exhibiting high specific capacitance, high energy–power density, and great cyclic stability.
Correction: Biomass-derived hierarchical porous carbons: boosting the energy density of supercapacitors via an ionothermal approach
Authors: Liu Yuchuan , Huang Baobing , Lin Xiaoxiao , Xie Zailai
Published: November 2017

Correction for ‘Biomass-derived hierarchical porous carbons: boosting the energy density of supercapacitors via an ionothermal approach’ by Yuchuan Liu et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2017, 5, 13009–13018.
Temperature and pH responsive 3D printed scaffolds
Authors: Dutta Sujan , Cohn Daniel
Published: November 2017

This study focused on developing novel materials for 3D printed reverse thermo-responsive (RTR) and pH-sensitive structures, using the stereolithography (SLA) technique and demonstrated the double responsiveness of the constructs printed.
Albumin/sulfonamide stabilized iron porphyrin metal organic framework nanocomposites: targeting tumor hypoxia by carbonic anhydrase IX inhibition and T1–T2 dual mode MRI guided photodynamic/photothermal therapy
Authors: Zhu Wei , Liu Yao , Yang Zhe , Zhang Li , Xiao Liji , Liu Pei , Wang Jing , Yi Changfeng , Xu Zushun , Ren Jinghua
Published: November 2017

We report BSA and SA stabilized iron porphyrin MOF nanocomposites with tremendous potential in tumor hypoxic imaging guided PDT and PTT.
Enhanced UV-visible light photodetectors with a TiO2/Si heterojunction using band engineering
Authors: Ji Tao , Liu Qian , Zou Rujia , Zhang Yongfang , Wang Lili , Sang Liwen , Liao Meiyong , Hu Junqing
Published: November 2017

The enhanced UV-visible light TiO2/Si photodetectors were prepared by doping In or N in TiO2 nanorod arrays. These devices have obvious advantages in the applications of portable and wearable devices due to the small driving voltages and the relatively large photocurrents.
Reperfusion of occluded branch retinal arteries by transluminal Nd:YAG laser embolysis combined with intravenous thrombolysis of urokinase
Authors: Chai Fang , Du Shanshuang , Zhao Xiquan , Wang Runsheng
Published: November 2017

Purpose: To report successful treatment with transluminal Nd:YAG laser embolysis (TYE) combined with urokinase thrombolysis for reperfusion of occluded branch retinal arteries with visible emboli.

Methods: A total of 34 eyes from 34 patients with acute, severe vision loss secondary to a branch retinal artery occlusion with visible emboli and retinal whitening were examined. Each patient was administered TYE therapy, which focused on the embolus, using an ocular contact lens; a 0.3–0.9 mJ laser pulse was delivered directly and gradually according to the reaction. Fundus photographs and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) were obtained before and immediately after the laser treatment. All patients received urokinase thrombolysis therapy drops intravenously for 5 days at 10–20 u/d. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 14 months after therapy. The morphological characteristics of FFA associated with obstruction recovery of arterial fluorescence filling and visual function were analyzed.

Results: After TYE therapy, FFA examinations showed that the retinal artery and its branches exhibited completely restored blood flow without obstruction in 13 eyes, accounting for 38.2% of the cases. The blood flow was mostly recovered in 11 eyes (32.4% of patients). FFA examinations following the combined intravenous urokinase thrombolysis therapy showed that the retinal artery and its branches exhibited completely restored blood flow after obstruction in 16 eyes (47.1% of patients). The blood flow was mostly recovered in 15 eyes (44.1% of patients).

Conclusion: TYE combined with urokinase thrombolysis is effective for reperfusion of occluded branch retinal arteries and improving visual recovery in patients with visible emboli.
The beneficial effects of curcumin in cirrhotic rats with portal hypertension
Authors: Hsu Shao-Jung , Lee Jing-Yi , Lin Te-Yueh , Hsieh Yu-Hsin , Huang Hui-Chun , Lee Fa-Yauh , Lin Han-Chieh , Hou Ming-Chih , Lee Shou-Dong
Published: November 2017

In liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension, the uneven distribution of vasoactive substances leads to increased intrahepatic vascular resistance and splanchnic vasodilatation. Angiogenesis also induces increased portal inflow and portosystemic collaterals. The collaterals may induce lethal complications such as gastroesophageal variceal hemorrhage, but the therapeutic effect of vasoconstrictors is still suboptimal due to poor collateral vasoresponsivenss. Curcumin has aroused much attention for its antifibrosis, vasoactive, and anti-angiogenesis actions. However, whether it affects the aforementioned aspects is unknown. Liver cirrhosis was induced by common bile duct ligation (CBDL) in Sprague–Dawley rats. Sham-operated rats were controls. CBDL and sham rats were randomly allocated to receive curcumin (600 mg/kg per day) or vehicle since the 15th day after BDL. On the 29th day, portal hypertension related parameters were surveyed. Portosystemic collateral in situ perfusion was performed to evaluate vascular activity. Chronic curcumin treatment decreased portal pressure (PP), cardiac index (CI) and increased systemic vascular resistance (SVR) in cirrhotic rats. In splanchnic system, curcumin decreased superior mesenteric artery (SMA) flow and increased SMA resistance. Mesenteric angiogenesis was attenuated by curcumin. Acute administration of curcumin significantly induced splanchnic vasoconstriction. The mesenteric protein expressions of p-endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX) 2 (COX2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), p-VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), and p-Erk were down-regulated. In collateral system, curcumin decreased portosystemic shunting and induced vasoconstriction. In conclusion, chronic curcumin administration in cirrhotic rats ameliorated portal hypertension related hemodynamic derangements and portosystemic collaterals. Curcumin also attenuated splanchnic hyperdynamic circulation by inducing vasoconstriction through inhibition of eNOS activation and by decreasing mesenteric angiogenesis via VEGF pathway blockade.
Molecular characterization and expression analysis of CSαβ defensin genes from the scorpion Mesobuthus martensii
Authors: Lang Yange , Pi Xiaohuan , Di Zhiyong , Zhang Qian , Wang Huijuan , Shen Bingzheng , Li Fangfang , Liu Gaomin , Yu Yao , Li Xuan , Wu Yingliang , Li Wenxin , Cao Zhijian
Published: November 2017

Defensins are important components of innate host defence system against bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. Here, we predicted six potential defensin genes from the genome of the scorpion Mesobuthus martensii and then validated four genes from them via the combination of PCR and genomic sequence analysis. These four scorpion defensin genes share the same gene organization and structure of two exons and one phase-I intron with the GT-AG rule. Conserved motif and phylogenetic analysis showed that they belonged to the members of the invertebrate cysteine-stabilized α-helix/β-sheet motif defensin (CSαβ) defensin family. All these four CSαβ defensin genes have the expression feature of constitutive transcription (CON) by the whole scorpion infection model, promoter sequence analysis and dual luciferase assays. Further evolution and comparison analysis found that the invertebrate CSαβ defensin genes from most of arachnids and mollusks appear to share the expression pattern of CON, but those from insects and lower invertebrates (nematodes, annelids, cnidarians and sponges) seem to have identical inducible transcription (IND) after being challenged by microorganisms. Together, we identified four scorpion CSαβ defensin genes with the expression feature of CON, and characterized the diversified expression patterns of the invertebrate CSαβ defensin genes, which will shed insights into the evolution of the invertebrate CSαβ defensin genes and their expression patterns.
Dual‐band substrate integrated waveguide bandpass filter utilising complementary split‐ring resonators
Authors: Zhang Hao , Kang Wei , Wu Wen
Published: November 2017

A novel dual‐band substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) bandpass filter (BPF) based on complementary split‐ring resonators (CSRRs) is proposed. It consists of an SIW dual‐mode cavity loaded by two additional CSRRs on its top layer. Both TE102 and TE201 modes in the cavity can be excited by the proper positions of the feeding lines. Two additional CSRRs are etched on the top layer coupled with the TE102 and TE201 modes, respectively, to achieve the dual‐frequency operation. Four transmission zeros are generated in the vicinity of the passbands to improve the selectivity. To validate the design concept, a dual‐band SIW BPF operating at 7.89 and 8.89 GHz is designed, simulated and measured. The measured results are in good agreement with the simulations.
Weak DSSS signal acquisition with fine Doppler frequency estimation
Authors: Guo Yichao , Huan Hao , Tao Ran , Wang Yue
Published: November 2017

An efficient acquisition method is proposed for high sensitivity and fine Doppler frequency estimation for direct‐sequence spread spectrum signals. The proposed method first refines the Doppler frequency after a parallel code‐phase search via triangle fitting of the cross‐ambiguity function. Then, the information of amplitude and frequency before and after the frequency refining is used to exclude the false alarm. Compared to traditional acquisition methods, the proposed method has higher sensitivity and Doppler frequency estimation accuracy. Simulation results verify the validity of the proposed method.
Multiband DC‐block impedance transformer for extreme complex impedances
Authors: Jiao Lingxiao , Wu Yongle , Zhuang Zheng , Li Mingxing , Liu Yuanan
Published: November 2017

A novel impedance transformer (IT), which transforms different terminations at multiple bands is reported. This transformer is especially suitable for extremely low and high impedances. By utilising the impedance buffer method and introducing ladder networks, this IT is generalised and is available to arbitrary number of bands theoretically. For verification, a quad‐band prototype is fabricated and measured. The results show good agreement with the design expectations.
DR‐Net: denoising and reconstruction network for 3D human pose estimation from monocular RGB videos
Authors: Chang J.Y.
Published: November 2017

A method is presented for accurately estimating 2D and 3D human poses by simultaneously performing 2D pose denoising and 3D pose reconstruction from noisy 2D human pose sequences. The proposed approach globally modifies the input 2D poses that are locally estimated by recent convolutional neural network‐based methods. The denoised 2D poses are efficiently converted into 3D poses in a bottom‐up manner using a feed‐forward network rather than by optimisation, which is frequently used in existing methods. The proposed denoising and reconstruction network is used with existing 2D human pose estimators to provide state‐of‐the‐art 3D human pose estimation results for large‐scale real datasets.
EM radiation from electrostatic nonlinear pull‐in instability of MEMS
Authors: Luo Yong , Xu Jiayou , Yang Guangli , Toshiyoshi Hiroshi
Published: November 2017

Electrodynamics theory tells that EM waves are generated from accelerated charged particles. Conventional radiators such as antennas are understood to emit waves because of the current's distribution and accumulation in the capacitor, where electrons are accelerated. In MEMS mechanisms, charges can be accelerated by the mechanical motion, which suggests that an MEMS structure can also be a radiator. The electrodynamics to theoretically analyse the EM wave radiation from MEMS is used. During the electrostatic nonlinear pull‐in instability MEMS, where the electrostatic gap has become narrower than the 2/3 of the initial gap, the distributed charges are accelerated at a very high rate so as to generate significant power radiation in the form of EM waves. The MEMS's mechanical accelerations are analysed to calculate the transient radiations in both spatial and frequency domains.
0.058 mm2 13 Gbit/s inductorless analogue equaliser with low‐frequency equalisation compensating 15 dB channel loss
Authors: Balachandran Arya , Chen Yong , Choi Pilsoon , Boon Chirn Chye
Published: November 2017

An inductorless 13 Gbit/s analogue equaliser with an additional low‐frequency equalisation (LFEQ) to counter the low‐frequency channel losses is presented. An active feedback topology for the proposed equaliser together with negative capacitance circuit is used to extend the bandwidth to compensate a 15 dB channel loss at Nyquist. The LFEQ improves the measured data jitter of the conventional equaliser from 0.41 to 0.12 UI, for a pseudorandom binary sequence of 231 − 1. The proposed prototype was implemented in 65 nm CMOS, occupying active area of merely 0.058 mm2. It exhibits a power efficiency of 1.07 mW/Gitb/s under a supply voltage of 1.2 V and a BER < 10−12.
Overall control scheme for VSC‐based medium‐voltage DC power distribution networks
Authors: Ji Yirun , Yuan Zhichang , Zhao Jianfeng , Wang Yizhen , Zhao Yuming , Li Yan , Han Yingduo
Published: November 2017

With the development of power electronics technology, numerous studies have been conducted on voltage‐source converter‐based high‐voltage DC (VSC‐HVDC) transmission technology and low‐voltage DC micro‐grids. However, DC power distribution networks are more sophisticated than HVDC transmission networks with respect to the complex topology, changeable operation modes and use of diverse power electronic devices. Research on voltage‐source converter‐based medium‐voltage DC (VSC‐MVDC) distribution networks is still in its infancy stage, and whether or not some of the existing control and protection schemes used in VSC‐HVDC can be applicable to the distribution networks remains a question. In this study, a dynamic simulation platform with DC circuit breakers is initially established. This platform is based on the first dual‐terminal VSC‐MVDC distribution network constructed in China. Second, a complete overall control scheme is proposed for VSC‐MVDC distribution networks. The control scheme is proposed with an array of control strategies, including controls for system startup/shutdown, voltage coordination, operation mode transition, single‐station integration, system fault isolation, and recovery. Finally, the proposed scheme is validated through experiments using the dynamic simulation platform. Experimental results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed overall control scheme for VSC‐MVDC power distribution networks. Thus, the proposed scheme can be used in the design and operation of future VSC‐MVDC distribution networks.
Influence of untested winding in FRA test for winding diagnosis
Authors: Li Cheng X. , Zhu Tian Y. , Xia Qi , Yao Chen G. , Zhao Zhong Y.
Published: November 2017

Frequency response analysis (FRA) is a usual method for diagnosing winding, core, insolation faults in transformer. By the change of the FRA traces, the faults can be detected. This study presents the interpretation on influence of untested winding's fault. A special power transformer of rating 10 kV/400 V, three‐phase, 50 Hz, YNyn0 has been developed for carrying out FRA tests by practically simulated various winding faults in different phase. The windings of phase ‘A’ and phase ‘B’ on HV side are tested with different types of faults, respectively. The results of these experiments are displayed and discussed. It shows that when the untested winding is shorted, the influence of the inductive fault can be eliminated.
Restoring highly corrupted images by impulse noise using radial basis functions interpolation
Authors: Taherkhani Fariborz , Jamzad Mansour
Published: November 2017

Preserving details while restoring images highly corrupted by impulsive salt and pepper noise remains a challenging problem. The authors proposed an algorithm based on radial basis functions (RBFs) interpolation which estimates the intensities of corrupted pixels by their neighbours. In this algorithm, intensity values of noisy pixels in the corrupted image are first estimated using RBFs. Next, the image is smoothed. The proposed algorithm can effectively remove the highly dense, impulsive salt and pepper noise. Experimental results show the superiority of the proposed algorithm both in noise suppression and details preservation in comparison to the recent similar methods. Extensive simulations show better results measured by peak signal‐to‐noise ratio and structural similarity index, especially when the image is corrupted by very highly dense impulse noise.
Natural image illuminant estimation via deep non‐negative matrix factorisation
Authors: Liu Xiaopeng , Zhong Guoqiang , Dong Junyu
Published: November 2017

The influence of environmental light sources affects the colour cast in natural images. In computer vision, biased colours have a significant influence on object recognition and classification. Illuminant estimation aims to eliminate these effects and obtain the image in canonical white light. In this study, the authors propose a deep non‐negative matrix factorisation (DeepNMF) method to estimate the illuminant of colour‐biased images. DeepNMF deeply factorises the input matrix into multiple layers, separating the image into patches and reshaping each channel of the patch as an [R,G,B] matrix. Based on the diagonal model, they assume that the final layer is the estimated illuminant of each patch. Mean pooling is then used to estimate the illuminant of the overall image. The angular error is used as a metric to test the authors’ method on three commonly used colour constancy datasets. The results show that the proposed method is comparable to state‐of‐the‐art methods, although it is simpler to implement. As the proposed method uses a single image as input, it does not require a learning process.
Smart grid load balancing methods to make an efficient heterogeneous network by using the communication cost function
Authors: Kouhdaragh Vahid , Amiri Iraj Sadegh , Seyedi Seyedalireza
Published: November 2017

Different node types in smart grid (SG) system have different communication necessities. Different type of information such as power grid status and demand requests and responses are established between control station (CS) and different SG node types. Assigning the certain percentage of the nodes traffic to the radio access technologies (RATs) with respect to their cost functions (CFs) value can help to achieve this goal by defining the highest fitness degree between SG node type communication requirements and RATs communication characteristics to have an efficient load balance. In this study, the key performance indicators (KPIs) for CFs are the SG node communication requirements which are defined as data rate, delay, reliability, and security. The value of the work can be seen in node assigning method based on the CFs as a function of different RAT communication characteristics and node type communication requirements. The highest fitness degree between node communication needs and RAT characteristics are achieved in an efficient way which causes to make an efficient heterogeneous network. The work impact of using a certain RAT which has the best efficiency in sense of communication aspects by using a well‐defined CF is the innovation of this study as well.
Variational approach to stationary and pulsating dissipative optical solitons
Authors: Ferreira Mário F.S.
Published: November 2017

The trial function approach is a useful technique to modelling soliton solutions for equations that cannot be solved exactly. The authors use the variational approach to find approximate solutions for the dissipative solitons described by the cubic‐quintic complex Ginzburg–Landau equation. They find that the evolution equations for the soliton parameters are similar to those derived using the method of moments. The existence of both stationary and pulsating soliton solutions is indicated by both approaches.
Emerging multi‐double‐scroll attractor from variable‐boostable chaotic system excited by multi‐level pulse
Authors: Wang Ning , Bao Bo‐Cheng , Xu Quan , Chen Mo , Wu Ping Ye
Published: November 2017

This study reports a simple approach to emerging multi‐double‐scroll attractor from a variable‐boostable chaotic system via multi‐level pulse excitation, which is achieved by replacing a constant controller with a multi‐level pulse function. To intuitively show the simple and feasible approach, a four‐double‐scroll chaotic attractor coined in such a system with four‐level pulse excitation is taken as a paradigm.
Power requirement and control characteristics of energy storage equipment in a microgrid operating in island mode
Authors: Guopeng Zhao , Xinwei Zhou
Published: November 2017

When the microgrid works in island mode, the energy storage equipment needs to provide the reference voltage supply. The output power of the energy storage equipment will affect the point of common coupling (PCC) voltage. According to the single‐phase equivalent circuit, analysing the phasor diagram of voltage and current vector, considering the rating parameter of the insulated gate bipolar transistor and different kinds of load, the power requirement of the energy storage equipment that can ensure the stability of the PCC voltage is obtained. The output power of energy storage can be smaller than the load power. If an switching virtual circuit (SVC) or a static var generator (SVG) is in parallel with the energy storage equipment, the power requirement and output characteristic are analysed further when the reactive power of load is compensated by the SVC or SVG. At last, the simulation verifies the analysis results.
Inertial and primary frequency response model of variable‐speed wind turbines
Authors: Krpan Matej , Kuzle Igor
Published: November 2017

Increase of converter‐connected renewable power generation such as variable‐speed wind turbines (VSWTs) decreases the system inertia constant, which reduces the frequency stability of the power system. Thus, it will be necessary to include these renewables in the inertial response and primary frequency control (PFC) of future power systems. In this study, the participation of VSWTs in frequency support is studied. First, the importance of inertial response and PFC is discussed. Then, the linearised model of VSWT with inertial and primary frequency response capabilities is presented and compared against the non‐linear model. Finally, this model is integrated in a system frequency response model that consists of various power plants. Different operational scenarios are simulated to investigate the impact of wind turbines with and without emulated inertia and primary frequency response on frequency stability.
Abnormality in power system transient stability control of BESS/STATCOM
Authors: Liu Jun , Su Can , Wang Xu , Fang Wanliang , Niu Shuanbao , Cheng Lin
Published: November 2017

To solve energy and environment crisis, large amounts of renewable energy power generation has been integrated to modern power grids, resulting in power quality decline, frequency fluctuation, and stability deterioration. In this case, advanced control and regulation means for power systems are needed. Static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) is a shunt‐connected flexible AC transmission system device that is often used for reactive power control. When associated with battery energy storage systems (BESSs), the adjustment capabilities of STATCOM can be extended to four quadrants. Therefore, the hybrid BESS/STATCOM can influence modern power system operation. A system‐level electromechanical transient mathematical model for BESS/STATCOM is established, based on the circuit structure of battery, three‐phase bridge converter and a low‐pass filter. Then, a typical real and reactive power coordinated control strategy based on the double‐loop scheme is developed for BESS/STATCOM. Finally, the influence of BESS/STATCOM on the system's transient stability is tested, according to simulations conducted on IEEE 3‐machine 9‐bus standard system. Simulation results show that BESS/STATCOM can improve the transient stability under charging state, but abnormality has been found that BESS/STATCOM might not alleviate the angle stability and voltage drop as much as those in the discharging state.
Effects of Al-Mg alloy treatment on behavior and size of inclusions in SUH 409L stainless steel
Authors: Liu Yang , Zong Nanfu
Published: November 2017

Different types of steel were produced by different deoxidization processes to investigate effects of Al-Mg alloy treatment on the behavior and size of inclusions in stainless steels. Both industrial experiments and thermodynamic calculations were studied. Results showed that irregular and clustered Al2O3 inclusions are dominant in aluminum killed stainless steels. Using Al-Mg alloy treatment, size of Al2O3 inclusions could be reduced, irregular and clustered Al2O3 inclusions can be changed into the spherical MgO ⋅ Al2O3 inclusions. Changes in size and number of inclusions result from that Al-Mg alloy treatment could significantly affect the nucleation process of MgO ⋅ Al2O3 inclusions in molten steel. When the content of Mg is enough, larger inclusions can be reduced by the Al-Mg alloy treatment, and inclusions can keep fine.
Blockage mechanism of metal wire in semi-dieless drawing and stable forming method
Authors: Li Kai-Song , Liu Xue-Feng , Shi Zhang-Zhi
Published: November 2017

Blockage easily happens during semi-dieless drawing, in which die drawing follows dieless drawings, under constant feeding speed mode. In this paper, the blockage mechanism is first studied, and then variable feeding speed mode is proposed to solve the problem. Experiments of semi-dieless drawing under the constant and the variable feeding speed modes are performed at different area reduction of die drawing, while the total area reductions are kept the same as 33%. Variation of wire diameter at die entry is measured. Results show that the area reduction of die drawing increases gradually, in the meanwhile that of dieless drawing decreases gradually under the constant feeding speed mode. This could result in formation of multiple transition sections of wire diameter, the number of which depends on the area reduction of die drawing. Eventually, semi-dieless drawing deteriorates into die drawing, resulting in the blockage when the area reduction exceeds equipment's capacity. The variable feeding speed mode only allows the formation of one transition section, which avoids the blockage. Continuous and stable semi-dieless drawing with 33% total area reduction is realized under the variable feeding speed mode.
Emerging Roles for von Willebrand Factor in Cancer Cell Biology
Authors: Preston Roger , Robson Tracy , O'Donnell James , O'Sullivan Jamie
Published: November 2017

von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a complex multimeric plasma glycoprotein that plays critical roles in normal hemostasis. However, additional novel roles for VWF in modulating cancer cell biology, and in particular tumor metastasis, have recently been reported. Markedly elevated plasma VWF levels were associated with advanced tumor stage and metastatic disease. These observations have raised the question of whether VWF may be involved in regulating tumor progression. Interestingly, novel findings indicate that VWF is expressed by a variety of tumor cells of nonendothelial origin. Critically, tumor cells that exhibit de novo acquired VWF expression demonstrate enhanced binding to endothelial cells (EC) and platelets, and increased extravasation through EC barriers. Furthermore, in vitro studies have shown that VWF can bind a variety of different tumor cells mediated by specific receptors expressed on the tumor cell surface. The concept that VWF is important in modulating tumor metastasis is further supported by in vivo experiments demonstrating that antibody-mediated VWF inhibition significantly attenuated murine metastasis. Intriguingly, however, VWF binding to specific human tumor cell lines results in apoptosis. In this study, the authors provide an overview of recent advances supporting a role for VWF in regulating multiple aspects of cancer cell biology.
Alloantibodies in von Willebrand Disease
Authors: Franchini Massimo , Mannucci Pier
Published: November 2017

von Willebrand disease (VWD), the most commonly known inherited bleeding disorder, is caused by a partial (type 1) or total (type 3) deficiency or dysfunction (type 2) of von Willebrand factor (VWF). Its management encompasses the prevention or treatment of bleeding by raising endogenous VWF levels using a synthetic agent, such as desmopressin, or providing exogenous VWF concentrates. The development of inhibitory alloantibodies against VWF is a rare but often severe complication encountered during the treatment of type 3 VWD, which is associated with a lack of hemostatic response to infused VWF concentrates and more rarely with allergic, even anaphylactic, reactions. This narrative review will focus on the characteristics of such alloantibodies and their management, which can be very challenging for physicians operating at hemophilia treatment centers.
Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair in Infants and Children: State-of-the-Art Technique
Authors: Tam Paul , Chan Ivy
Published: November 2017

Pediatric inguinal hernia is one of the most common surgical conditions with open herniotomy being the gold standard of treatment. With the advances of laparoscopic surgery, it has emerged as an alternative to open repair with reported good results. However, laparoscopic hernia repair is not yet a routine procedure in many centers, and debate of laparoscopic versus open repair still exists. After 20 years of development of laparoscopic hernia repair, different techniques have been described with no consensus on the standard technique right now. This article reviews the latest updates of laparoscopic repair from the current evidence in the literature. Laparoscopic management of hernia in premature/small infants and hernia incarceration are also discussed here.
Perianal Dermatitis, Its Incidence, and Patterns of Topical Therapies in a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Witsberger Emily , Cottrell Lesley , Kiefer Autumn , Yossuck Panitan , Malik Anuj
Published: November 2017

Objective To define the incidence of perianal dermatitis (PD) and determine the usage pattern and cost efficacy of diaper products among neonates admitted to a level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) including those with a diagnosis of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).

Methods A retrospective cohort study to evaluate neonates with PD based on number of orders for Aquaphor, Bagbalm, Desitin, Flanders, or Nystatin. Various demographic and clinical parameters were recorded. Usage patterns of these five products were analyzed, and their costs estimated. Subgroup analysis was performed among infants with NAS.

Results Of 1,241 admissions, 56.2% had at least one diaper product ordered during their NICU stay, while 52.6% had multiple products ordered. Only 23.0% of all neonates had appropriate documentation of PD. The most common product ordered first was Aquaphor (64.3%), followed by Desitin (19.2%). Note that 86% term NAS infants had PD compared with 28% term non-NAS infants. The estimated product cost was $14,139 over 2 years, averaging $20 per patient.

Conclusion Over half of NICU neonates were exposed to one or more diaper products, usually without documented PD diagnosis. Term NAS infants had three times higher incidence of PD than term non-NAS infants. The cost of diaper product use was significant, and possibly underestimated due to lack of documentation.