bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The defining DNA methylation signature of Floating-Harbor Syndrome
Authors: Hood Rebecca L. , Schenkel Laila C. , Nikkel Sarah M. , Ainsworth Peter J. , Pare Guillaume , Boycott Kym M. , Bulman Dennis E. , Sadikovic Bekim
Published: December 2016

Floating-Harbor syndrome (FHS) is an autosomal dominant genetic condition characterized by short stature, delayed osseous maturation, expressive language impairment, and unique facial dysmorphology. We previously identified mutations in the chromatin remodeling protein SRCAP (SNF2-related CBP Activator Protein) as the cause of FHS. SRCAP has multiple roles in chromatin and transcriptional regulation; however, specific epigenetic consequences of SRCAP mutations remain to be described. Using high resolution genome-wide DNA methylation analysis, we identified a unique and highly specific DNA methylation “epi-signature” in the peripheral blood of individuals with FHS. Both hyper and hypomethylated loci are distributed across the genome, preferentially occurring in CpG islands. Clonal bisulfite sequencing of two hypermethylated (FIGN and STPG2) and two hypomethylated (MYO1F and RASIP1) genes confirmed these findings. The identification of a unique methylation signature in FHS provides further insight into the biological function of SRCAP and provides a unique biomarker for this disorder.
Long Duration of Ground Motion in the Paradigmatic Valley of Mexico
Authors: Cruz-Atienza V. M. , Tago J. , Sanabria-Gómez J. D. , Chaljub E. , Etienne V. , Virieux J. , Quintanar L.
Published: December 2016

Built-up on top of ancient lake deposits, Mexico City experiences some of the largest seismic site effects worldwide. Besides the extreme amplification of seismic waves, duration of intense ground motion from large subduction earthquakes exceeds three minutes in the lake-bed zone of the basin, where hundreds of buildings collapsed or were seriously damaged during the magnitude 8.0 Michoacán earthquake in 1985. Different mechanisms contribute to the long lasting motions, such as the regional dispersion and multiple-scattering of the incoming wavefield from the coast, more than 300 km away the city. By means of high performance computational modeling we show that, despite the highly dissipative basin deposits, seismic energy can propagate long distances in the deep structure of the valley, promoting also a large elongation of motion. Our simulations reveal that the seismic response of the basin is dominated by surface-waves overtones, and that this mechanism increases the duration of ground motion by more than 170% and 290% of the incoming wavefield duration at 0.5 and 0.3 Hz, respectively, which are two frequencies with the largest observed amplification. This conclusion contradicts what has been previously stated from observational and modeling investigations, where the basin itself has been discarded as a preponderant factor promoting long and devastating shaking in Mexico City.
Overexpression of Glucocorticoid-induced Leucine Zipper (GILZ) increases susceptibility to Imiquimod-induced psoriasis and involves cutaneous activation of TGF-β1
Authors: Carceller Elena , Ballegeer Marlies , Deckers Julie , Riccardi Carlo , Bruscoli Stefano , Hochepied Tino , Libert Claude , Pérez Paloma
Published: December 2016

Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting millions of people. Its pathophysiology is complex and involves a skin compartment with epidermal and immune cells which produce cytokines, e.g. belonging to the IL-23–Th17-cell axis. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the most common therapeutics used in cutaneous inflammatory disorders and GC-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) has emerged as a mediator of GCs due to its anti-inflammatory actions, theoretically lacking GC side-effects. We evaluated whether GILZ may provide a better therapeutic index in comparison to GCs during the onset and progression of psoriasis by generating and characterizing a mouse model with generalized overexpression of this protein (GILZ-Tg mice) and the imiquimod (IMQ) psoriasis model. Unexpectedly, in GILZ-Tg mice, the severity of IMQ-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions as well as induction of cytokines commonly up-regulated in human psoriasis (Il-17, Il-22, Il-23, Il-6, S100a8/a9, and Stat3) was significantly more pronounced relative to GILZ-Wt mice. The increased susceptibility to IMQ-induced psoriasis of GILZ-Tg mice was significantly associated with skin-specific over-activation of TGF-β1-mediated signaling via SMAD2/3. Our findings demonstrate that GILZ may behave as pro-inflammatory protein in certain tissues and that, similar to prolonged GC therapy, GILZ as an alternative treatment for psoriasis may also have adverse effects.
Sensitisation of an Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus Strain containing the Cyp51A-Related Mutation by Deleting the SrbA Gene
Authors: Hagiwara Daisuke , Watanabe Akira , Kamei Katsuhiko
Published: December 2016

Azoles are widely used for controlling fungal growth in both agricultural and medical settings. The target protein of azoles is CYP51, a lanosterol 14-α-demethylase involved in the biosynthesis of ergosterol. Recently, a novel azole resistance mechanism has arisen in pathogenic fungal species Aspergillus fumigatus. Resistant strains contain a 34-bp or 46-bp tandem repeat (TR) in the promoter of cyp51A, and have disseminated globally in a short period of time. In this study, we investigated whether an azole-resistant strain with a 46-bp TR (TR46/Y121F/T289A) could be sensitised to azoles by deletion of srbA, encoding a direct regulator of cyp51A. The loss of SrbA did not affect colony growth or conidia production, but decreased expression of cyp51A. The srbA deletion strain showed hyper-susceptibility to medical azoles as well as azole fungicides, while its sensitivity to non-azole fungicides was unchanged. This is the first demonstration that deletion of a regulator of cyp51A can sensitise an azole-resistant A. fumigatus strain. This finding may assist in the development of new drugs to help combat life-threatening azole-resistant fungal pathogens.
Real-Time Optical Monitoring of Pt Catalyst Under the Potentiodynamic Conditions
Authors: Song Hyeon Don , Lee Minzae , Kim Gil-Pyo , Choi Inhee , Yi Jongheop
Published: December 2016

In situ monitoring of electrode materials reveals detailed physicochemical transition in electrochemical device. The key challenge is to explore the localized features of electrode surfaces, since the performance of an electrochemical device is determined by the summation of local architecture of the electrode material. Adaptive in situ techniques have been developed for numerous investigations; however, they require restricted measurement environments and provide limited information, which has impeded their widespread application. In this study, we realised an optics-based electrochemical in situ monitoring system by combining a dark-field micro/spectroscopy with an electrochemical workstation to investigate the physicochemical behaviours of Pt catalyst. We found that the localized plasmonic trait of a Pt-decorated Au nanoparticle as a model system varied in terms of its intensity and wavelength during the iterations of a cyclic voltammetry test. Furthermore, we show that morphological and compositional changes of the Pt catalyst can be traced in real time using changes in quantified plasmonic characteristics, which is a distinct advantage over the conventional electrochemistry-based in situ monitoring systems. These results indicate the substantial promise of online operando observation in a wide range of electrical energy conversion systems and electrochemical sensing areas.
The mechanism of a formaldehyde-sensing transcriptional regulator
Authors: Denby Katie J. , Iwig Jeffrey , Bisson Claudine , Westwood Jodie , Rolfe Matthew D. , Sedelnikova Svetlana E. , Higgins Khadine , Maroney Michael J. , Baker Patrick J. , Chivers Peter T. , Green Jeffrey
Published: December 2016

Most organisms are exposed to the genotoxic chemical formaldehyde, either from endogenous or environmental sources. Therefore, biology has evolved systems to perceive and detoxify formaldehyde. The frmRA(B) operon that is present in many bacteria represents one such system. The FrmR protein is a transcriptional repressor that is specifically inactivated in the presence of formaldehyde, permitting expression of the formaldehyde detoxification machinery (FrmA and FrmB, when the latter is present). The X-ray structure of the formaldehyde-treated Escherichia coli FrmR (EcFrmR) protein reveals the formation of methylene bridges that link adjacent Pro2 and Cys35 residues in the EcFrmR tetramer. Methylene bridge formation has profound effects on the pattern of surface charge of EcFrmR and combined with biochemical/biophysical data suggests a mechanistic model for formaldehyde-sensing and derepression of frmRA(B) expression in numerous bacterial species.
Structural and elemental changes in glioblastoma cells in situ: complementary imaging with high resolution visible light- and X-ray microscopy
Authors: Dučić Tanja , Paunesku Tatjana , Chen Si , Ninković Milena , Speling Swetlana , Wilke Charlene , Lai Barry , Woloschak Gayle
Published: December 2016

The study explores application of X-ray and high resolution visible light microscopy to investigate the elemental and structural changes in cells from 3 patient derived glioblastoma samples.
A gold nanoparticles growth-based immunoassay for detection of antibiotic residues
Authors: Yu Wenbo , Knauer Maria , Kunas Christoph , Acaroz Ulas , Dietrich Richard , Märtlbauer Erwin
Published: December 2016

We have designed a glucose oxidase-mediated gold nanoparticles growth system which is completely compatible with conventional ELISA formats and enables the naked-eye detection of antibiotic residues.
Interactions between circulating nanoengineered polymer particles and extracellular matrix components in vitro
Authors: Braunger Julia A. , Björnmalm Mattias , Isles Nathan A. , Cui Jiwei , Henderson Timothy M. A. , O'Connor Andrea J. , Caruso Frank
Published: December 2016

A simple and modular flow-based system is used to rapidly screen fundamental interactions of soft polymer particles with biologically relevant microenvironments under flow-conditions.
Bu4NI/tBuOOH catalyzed, α-regioselective cross-dehydrogenative coupling of BODIPY with allylic alkenes and ethers
Authors: Yu Yang , Jiao Lijuan , Wang Jun , Wang Hua , Yu Changjiang , Hao Erhong , Boens Noël
Published: December 2016

A Bu4NI/tBuOOH-catalyzed, highly regioselective cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) of the α-C–H bond(s) of the BODIPY core has been developed.
Covalent functionalization of graphene oxide with porphyrin and porphyrin incorporated polymers for optical limiting
Authors: Du Yinlong , Dong Ningning , Zhang Menghan , Zhu Kai , Na Ruiqi , Zhang Shuling , Sun Ningwei , Wang Guibin , Wang Jun
Published: December 2016

A novel porphyrinated polymer was synthesized and utilized to covalently functionalize graphene oxide, which exhibited superior optical nonlinearities to individual components due to RSA, NLS, and PET/ET behavior.
Consequences of secondary zeolite growth on catalytic performance in DMTO studied over DDR and CHA
Authors: Yarulina I. , Dikhtiarenko A. , Kapteijn F. , Gascon J.
Published: December 2016

Zeolites with DDR (Sigma-1 and ZSM-58) and CHA (SSZ-13) topology were synthesized by seed assisted and direct hydrothermal synthesis in order to investigate the effects of fast crystal growth on catalytic performance.
Alternative strategy for a safe rechargeable battery
Authors: Braga M. H. , Grundish N. S. , Murchison A. J. , Goodenough J. B.
Published: December 2016

The advent of a Li+ or Na+ glass electrolyte with a cation conductivity σi > 10−2 S cm−1 at 25 °C and a motional enthalpy ΔHm = 0.06 eV that is wet by a metallic lithium or sodium anode is used to develop a new strategy for an all-solid-state, rechargeable, metal-plating battery.
Indirect to direct bandgap transition in methylammonium lead halide perovskite
Authors: Wang Tianyi , Daiber Benjamin , Frost Jarvist M. , Mann Sander A. , Garnett Erik C. , Walsh Aron , Ehrler Bruno
Published: December 2016

Unusually long charge carrier lifetime in methylammonium lead halide perovskites is a result of the Rashba-split indirect bandgap. At high pressure the bandgap becomes purely direct, with shorter carrier lifetime and higher radiative efficiency.
Concentrations of a triplet excited state are enhanced in illuminated ice
Authors: Chen Zeyuan , Anastasio Cort
Published: December 2016

The concentration of a triplet excited state is nearly 100 times higher in illuminated ice compared to in solution, suggesting these oxidants can be important sinks for certain organic species in environmental snow and ice.
A scalable and safe continuous flow procedure for in-line generation of diazomethane and its precursor MNU
Authors: Lehmann H.
Published: December 2016

A green approach towards the on-demand in-line generation of MNU and diazomethane in a continuous flow.
Superhydrophobic functionalization of cutinase activated poly(lactic acid) surfaces
Authors: Ortner A. , Pellis A. , Gamerith C. , Orcal Yebra A. , Scaini D. , Kaluzna I. , Mink D. , de Wildeman S. , Herrero Acero E. , Guebitz G. M.
Published: December 2016

Controlled enzymatic hydrolysis of PLA surfaces, followed by ring opening of AKD, leads to superhydrophobic surfaces (WCA >150°).
Motor-assisted chip-in-a-tube (MACT): a new 2- and 3-dimensional centrifugal microfluidic platform for biomedical applications
Authors: Tang Minghui , Loo Jacky , Wang Yuye , Zhang Xuping , Kwok Ho-Chin , Hui Mamie , Leung Czarina Chi-Hung , Kong Siu-Kai , Wang Guanghui , Ho Ho-Pui
Published: December 2016

Currently, centrifuge apparatus is primarily an end-point sample processing piece of equipment.
In situ integration of graphene foam–titanium nitride based bio-scaffolds and microfluidic structures for soil nutrient sensors
Authors: Ali Md. Azahar , Mondal Kunal , Wang Yifei , Jiang Huawei , Mahal Navreet K. , Castellano Michael J. , Sharma Ashutosh , Dong Liang
Published: December 2016

Bio-scaffolds of graphene foam–titanium nitride composites are embedded into a microfluidic channel to detect nitrate ions in agricultural soils.
The functional consequences and prognostic value of dosage sensitivity in ovarian cancer
Authors: Yan Zichuang , Liu Yongjing , Wei Yunzhen , Zhao Ning , Zhang Qiang , Wu Cheng , Chang Zhiqiang , Xu Yan
Published: December 2016

Copy number alteration (CNA) represents an important class of genetic variations that may contribute to tumorigenesis, tumor growth and metastatic spread.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of (−)-kunstleramide and its derivatives
Authors: Venkateshwarlu R. , Chinnababu B. , Ramulu U. , Purushotham Reddy K. , Damoder Reddy M. , Sowjanya P. , Venkateswara Rao P. , Aravind S.
Published: December 2016

Stereoselective synthesis of (−)-kunstleramide and its amide derivatives has been achieved and they have been evaluated for their in vitro anti-proliferative activities against various cell lines.
Highly selective and sensitive detection of heparin based on competition-modulated assembly and disassembly of fluorescent gold nanoclusters
Authors: Li Sha , Huang Pengcheng , Wu Fangying
Published: December 2016

A simple and economical fluorescence assay for heparin using glutathione-protected gold nanoclusters via competitive binding was developed.
Mechanistic approach to a photochemical/thermal dual-cure initiating system based on pyrylium salt–hydroperoxide for epoxide cationic polymerization
Authors: Lecompère M. , Allonas X. , Maréchal D. , Criqui A.
Published: December 2016

An initiating system based on pyrylium salts and the hydroperoxide group is a promising method to perform a dual-cure of epoxides via cationic polymerization.
A facile synthetic strategy to polysiloxanes containing sulfonyl side groups with high dielectric permittivity
Authors: Dünki Simon J. , Cuervo-Reyes Eduardo , Opris Dorina M.
Published: December 2016

Novel polysiloxanes containing sulfonyl side groups with high dielectric permittivity by thiol–ene post-polymerization reactions are presented.
Cobalt complexes of pyrrolecarboxamide ligands as catalysts in nitro reduction reactions: influence of electronic substituents on catalysis and mechanistic insights
Authors: Yadav Sunil , Kumar Sushil , Gupta Rajeev
Published: December 2016

Square-planar Co3+complexes, displaying substrate binding abilities and facile Co3+/2+redox potentials, function as efficient catalysts for hydrazine-mediated reduction of aromatic, heterocyclic, as well as aliphatic nitro substrates.
Direct conversion of coordination compounds into Ni2P nanoparticles entrapped in 3D mesoporous graphene for an efficient hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Jeoung Sungeun , Seo Bora , Hwang Jeong Min , Joo Sang Hoon , Moon Hoi Ri
Published: December 2016

5 nm-sized Ni2P nanoparticles entrapped in 3D mesoporous graphene (Ni2P@mesoG) were synthesized in situ via [Ni2(EDTA)] thermolysis, followed by phosphidation.
Luminescence properties of Na2SiF6:Mn4+red phosphors for high colour-rendering white LED applications synthesized via a simple exothermic reduction reaction
Authors: Lang Tian-Chun , Han Tao , Peng Ling-Ling , Tu Ming-Jing
Published: December 2016

Na2SiF6:Mn4+red phosphors were synthesizedviaa simple exothermic reduction reaction, and produced a sharp red emission spectra.
Continuous flow ring-opening polymerizations
Authors: Hu Xin , Zhu Ning , Fang Zheng , Guo Kai
Published: December 2016

This minireview briefly highlights recent important progress, challenge and the future outlook for continuous flow ring-opening polymerizations.
Palladium-catalyzed enantioselective Heck alkenylation of trisubstituted allylic alkenols: a redox-relay strategy to construct vicinal stereocenters
Authors: Zhang Chun , Tutkowski Brandon , DeLuca Ryan J. , Joyce Leo A. , Wiest Olaf , Sigman Matthew S.
Published: December 2016

An enantioselective, redox-relay Heck alkenylation of trisubstituted allylic alkenol substrates has been developed.
Triflimide-catalyzed allylsilane annulations of benzylic alcohols for the divergent synthesis of indanes and tetralins
Authors: Reddel Jordan C. T. , Wang Weiwei , Koukounas Kalli , Thomson Regan J.
Published: December 2016

The development of a triflimide-catalyzed annulation of benzylic alcohols with allylsilanes for the divergent synthesis of indane or tetralin structures from common precursors is reported.
Improving the performance of porous nickel foam for water oxidation using hydrothermally prepared Ni and Fe metal oxides
Authors: Browne Michelle P. , Vasconcelos Joana M. , Coelho João , O'Brien Maria , Rovetta Aurelie A. , McCarthy Eoin K. , Nolan Hugo , Duesberg Georg S. , Nicolosi Valeria , Colavita Paula E. , Lyons Michael E. G.
Published: December 2016

Recent research trends have seen a rise in the interest in Transition Metal Oxides (TMO's) as catalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER).
General synthesis of graphene-supported bicomponent metal monoxides as alternative high-performance Li-ion anodes to binary spinel oxides
Authors: Wang Dong , Zhang Rui , Li Jieying , Hao Xiaojing , Ding Chunyan , Zhao Limin , Wen Guangwu , Liu Jinping , Zhou Weiwei
Published: December 2016

Various kinds of graphene-supported bicomponent metal monoxides are synthesized and demonstrate superior lithium storage performance to binary spinel oxides.
A highly efficient self-power pack system integrating supercapacitors and photovoltaics with an area-saving monolithic architecture
Authors: Kim Junghwan , Lee Sun Min , Hwang Yun-Hwa , Lee Seongyu , Park Byoungwook , Jang Jae-Hyung , Lee Kwanghee
Published: December 2016

Self-charging power packs (SPPs), integrating both a solar cell and energy storage capacitor (EC) into a single device, are very promising energy systems due to their multiple functions of energy harvesting and storage.
Hollow bean-pod-like SiO2-supported-SnO2/C nanocomposites for durable lithium and sodium storage
Authors: Yang Linyu , Li Site , Liu Jun , Zhu Kunjie , Liu Sailin , Lei Ming
Published: December 2016

A hollow bean-pod-like SiO2-supported-SnO2/C structure is designed for durable and stable lithium and sodium storage.
Long-term flexibility-based structural evolution and condensation in microporous organosilica membranes for gas separation
Authors: Dral A. Petra , Tempelman Kristianne , Kappert Emiel J. , Winnubst Louis , Benes Nieck E. , ten Elshof Johan E.
Published: December 2016

Long-term ongoing consolidation is unravelled for microporous hybrid organosilica membranes, showing chemical, structural and micropore evolution.
Surface functionalized electrospun fibrous poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) membranes and sleeves: a novel approach for fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Chen Wei-Chuan , Chen Chih-Hwa , Tseng Hsueh-Wei , Liu Ya-Wen , Chen Yu-Pin , Lee Chian-Her , Kuo Yi-Jie , Hsu Chia-Hao , Sun Yi-Ming
Published: December 2016

Effective osteointegration for fixation of the tendon to bone junction is the most important issue in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.
Cation composition sensitive visible quantum cutting behavior of high efficiency green phosphors Ca9Ln(PO4)7:Tb3+ (Ln = Y, La, Gd)
Authors: Zhang F. , Xie J. , Li G. , Zhang W. , Wang Y. , Huang Y. , Tao Y.
Published: December 2016

Cation composition sensitive visible quantum cutting behavior has been observed and the reasons are systematically investigated in detail for whitlockite type Ca3(PO4)2.
Light harvesting enhancement upon incorporating alloy structured CdSeXTe1−X quantum dots in DPP:PC61BM bulk heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Soltani Rezvan , Katbab Ali Asghar , Schaumberger Kerstin , Gasparini Nicola , Brabec Christoph J. , Rechberger Stefanie , Spiecker Erdmann , Alabau Antoni Gimeno , Ruland Andres , Saha Avishek , Guldi Dirk M. , Sgobba Vito , Ameri Tayebeh
Published: December 2016

PCE is improved owing to the enhanced JSC, resulting from larger light harvesting and higher charge generation.
Protein degradation, the main hub in the regulation of cellular polyamines
Authors: Kahana Chaim
Published: December 2016

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is the first and rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of polyamines, low-molecular-mass aliphatic polycations that are ubiquitously present in all living cells and are essential for fundamental cellular processes. Most cellular polyamines are bound, whereas the free pools, which regulate cellular functions, are subjected to tight regulation. The regulation of the free polyamine pools is manifested by modulation of their synthesis, catabolism, uptake and excretion. A central element that enables this regulation is the rapid degradation of key enzymes and regulators of these processes, particularly that of ODC. ODC degradation is part of an autoregulatory circuit that responds to the intracellular level of the free polyamines. The driving force of this regulatory circuit is a protein termed antizyme (Az). Az stimulates the degradation of ODC and inhibits polyamine uptake. Az acts as a sensor of the free intracellular polyamine pools as it is expressed via a polyamine-stimulated ribosomal frameshifting. Az binds to monomeric ODC subunits to prevent their reassociation into active homodimers and facilitates their ubiquitin-independent degradation by the 26S proteasome. In addition, through a yet unidentified mechanism, Az inhibits polyamine uptake. Interestingly, a protein, termed antizyme inhibitor (AzI) that is highly homologous with ODC, but retains no ornithine decarboxylating activity, seems to regulate cellular polyamines through its ability to negate Az. Overall, the degradation of ODC is a net result of interactions with regulatory proteins and possession of signals that mediate its ubiquitin-independent recognition by the proteasome.
Controlling skeletal muscle CPT-I malonyl-CoA sensitivity: the importance of AMPK-independent regulation of intermediate filaments during exercise
Authors: Miotto Paula M. , Steinberg Gregory R. , Holloway Graham P.
Published: December 2016

The obligatory role of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I (CPT-I) in mediating mitochondrial lipid transport is well established, a process attenuated by malonyl-CoA (M-CoA). However, the necessity of reducing M-CoA concentrations to promote lipid oxidation has recently been challenged, suggesting external regulation on CPT-I. Since previous work in hepatocytes suggests the involvement of the intermediate filament fraction of the cytoskeleton in regulating CPT-I, we investigated in skeletal muscle if CPT-I sensitivity for M-CoA inhibition could be regulated by the intermediate filaments, and whether AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) could be involved in this process. Chemical disruption (3,3′-iminodipropionitrile, IDPN) of the intermediate filaments did not alter mitochondrial respiration or sensitivity for numerous substrates (palmitoyl-CoA, ADP, palmitoyl carnitine and pyruvate). In contrast, IDPN reduced CPT-I sensitivity for M-CoA inhibition in permeabilized muscle fibers, identifying M-CoA kinetics as a specific target for intermediate filament regulation. Importantly, exercise mimicked the effect of IDPN on M-CoA sensitivity, suggesting that intermediate filament disruption in vivo is physiologically important for CPT-I regulation. To ascertain a potential mechanism, since AMPK is activated during exercise, AMPK β1β2-KO mice were utilized in an attempt to ablate the observed exercise response. Unexpectedly, these mice displayed drastic attenuation in resting M-CoA sensitivity, such that exercise and IDPN could not further alter M-CoA sensitivity. These data suggest that AMPK is not required for the regulation of the intermediate filament interaction with CPT-I. Altogether, these data highlight that M-CoA sensitivity is important for regulating mitochondrial lipid transport. Moreover, M-CoA sensitivity appears to be regulated by intermediate filament interaction with CPT-I, a process that is important when metabolic homeostasis is challenged.
Lowpass filters approximation based on modified Jacobi polynomials
Authors: Stojanović N. , Stamenković N. , Krstić I.
Published: December 2016

The orthogonal Jacobi polynomials are not suitable for use as the characteristic function in the continuous‐ and discrete‐time filter design, because they are not fulfilling the basic condition: to be pure odd or pure even. A simple modification of Jacobi polynomials, is performed to obtain a new filter approximating function is proposed. Magnitude frequency responses of obtained filters exhibit more general behaviour compared with that of classical Gegenbauer (ultraspherical) filters, due to one additional parameter available in the Jacobi polynomials. This parameter can be used to obtain magnitude response with either smaller passband ripple values (nearly monotonic behaviour), smaller group delay variations or sharper cutoff slope. The proposed modified Jacobi polynomials are not orthogonal, however, many known orthogonal polynomials can be obtained as theirs special cases.
Closed‐loop charge recycling switching scheme for SAR ADC
Authors: Hu Yunfeng , Liu Angqi , Li Bin , Wu Zhaohui
Published: December 2016

An energy‐efficient switching scheme for successive approximation register (SAR) analogue‐to‐digital converter (ADC) is proposed. Based on closed‐loop charge recycling method, the proposed switching scheme achieves 100% less switching energy over the conventional switching scheme. Furthermore, the common‐mode voltage of the comparator is always Vcm and only two reference voltages are used.
Harmonic‐free and low cost delay‐locked loop with a 20–80% input duty cycle
Authors: Wei Xing , Chen Zhujia , Li Wei , Yang Haigang
Published: December 2016

A low‐cost two‐step delay locked loop (DLL) with a 20–80% input duty cycle is presented. For eliminating harmonic and zero‐trap locking issues along the whole range of digital controlled delay line, a hierarchy phase detector (HPD) is proposed to compare the phase difference between input reference clock and two phase‐isotonic clocks generated by sharing a common delay line. By monitoring of HPD's output, state controller can solve harmonic and zero‐trap locking issues while being naturally immune to the wide range of input duty cycle. With an asymmetric edge combiner, high duty cycle correction accuracy can be achieved. The proposed DLL is implemented in 55 nm CMOS technology with a 0.00574 mm2 chip area. Simulation results show that the operation range of the proposed DLL is 0.3–1.6 GHz without the occurrence of harmonic and zero‐trap locking, and the range of input duty cycle is 20–80%. The power consumption is 0.76 mW at 1.6 GHz.
Three‐level neutral‐point‐clamped quasi‐Z‐source inverter with reduced Z‐source capacitor voltage
Authors: Yu Deqing , Cheng Qiming , Gao Jie , Tan Fengren , Zhang Yu
Published: December 2016

A new three‐level neutral‐point‐clamped quasi‐Z‐source inverter topology is proposed. The topology can effectively reduce the Z‐source network capacitor voltage stress and inhibit the start inrush current, thus low‐voltage capacitors can be selected to reduce the volume and cost of the inverter. In addition, the changed structure will not affect the boost ability and all existing modulation methods can be used directly. The proposed topology is validated by simulations.
Direction finding based on TMAs with reconfigurable angle‐searching range and bearing accuracy
Authors: Ni Dong , Yang Shiwen , Chen Yikai , Yang Feng
Published: December 2016

A direction‐finding technique based on time‐modulated arrays (TMAs) is presented. Signals radiated/received by the TMAs with moving phase centre suffer from the Doppler effect and the shifted frequency is direction‐dependent. This interesting property allows TMAs to be used for direction finding. A radar bearing system using the TMA is proposed. Performance of the new direction‐finding technique is discussed and compared with conventional techniques. Numerical results show that this method is effective and provides reconfigurable angle‐searching range and bearing accuracy. It is proved to be a flexible bearing method qualified for different detection requirements just by changing the time schemes of the TMAs.
Non‐intrusive voltage measurement of ac power lines for smart grid system based on electric field energy harvesting
Authors: Kang S. , Yang S. , Kim H.
Published: December 2016

A new non‐intrusive ac voltage measurement technique based on stray electric filed energy harvesting is presented whereby the voltage of ac power lines can be measured without removing insulation and therefore without direct contact with conductors of the power lines. The energy of electric field around the power lines is picked up and stored in a capacitor by a wire wound around insulated 3‐wire household power lines or by a conductor plate placed in the vicinity of overhead high‐voltage power lines. Autonomous switches are used to monitor the stored electric field energy in a storage capacitor and to generate pulse train. Experimental results show that the repetition rate of the output pulse is a linear function of the line voltage. Since the voltage of insulated 3‐wire household power line can be measured without removing insulation and the voltage of high‐voltage power transmission line can be measured without any contact to the conductor of the power line, the proposed technique can be widely applied to smart grid system.
Semidefinite further relaxation on likelihood ascent search detection algorithm for high‐order modulation in massive MIMO system
Authors: Li Lin , Meng Weixiao , Li Cheng
Published: December 2016

Recent studies have shown that existing detection algorithms are not suitable for high‐order quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) in massive MIMO system. In this paper, with an equivalent objective function by QR decomposition and further relaxation on the constrains, the authors develop an improved semidefinite further relaxation detector (SFRD), which is proved to be convex and has solutions within polynomial complexity time. Using the detection result from the proposed SFRD as the initial vector, they propose a novel semidefinite further relaxation on the likelihood ascent search (SFRLAS) detection algorithm. It has been shown through their studies that the proposed SFRLAS scheme can effectively approach the optimum bit error rate from the maximum‐likelihood detection algorithm for systems with high‐order QAM and large‐scale antennas, however, with a lower computational complexity. The spectral efficiency converges to the theoretical value at a much lower required average received signal‐to‐noise ratio. It is an effective method for high‐order QAM signal detection in massive MIMO system.
Investigation of electrification and breakdown strength about transformer oil/pressboard
Authors: Liu Daosheng , Du Boxue , Yan Muqiu , Wang Shihui , Liu Xiping
Published: December 2016

Forced convection of insulation oil is the main heat transfer mode in large power and ultra‐high voltage (UHV) transformers. The electrification risk caused by friction between mineral oil and pressboard has been suspected to be responsible for several failures. The electrification measurement was carried out in a rotation system. The influences of the oil temperature, rotation speed, time, and applied electric field of fresh and dry transformer oil have been investigated by a measurement system, respectively. A comparison between these results has been made, and the related theory can be used to explain the physical and chemical processes which take place on the interface between the oil and pressboard. The results from the rotation system indicate that interface charge density increases with the increase of the pressboard thickness, rotation time and speed, but decreases with the increase of the temperature. The electrification phenomenon can lead to reduction of the oil/pressboard breakdown strength. It is concluded that some effective measures should be taken to restrain the possible harm caused by the streaming electrification in UHV converter transformer.
Application of symplectic finite‐difference time‐domain scheme for anisotropic magnetised plasma
Authors: He Zhi‐Fang , Liu Song , Chen Sheng , Zhong Shuang‐Ying
Published: December 2016

The mixture second‐order symplectic finite‐difference time‐domain (SFDTD) algorithm is designed to simulate the electromagnetic wave (EW) propagation in anisotropic magnetised plasma media. The numerical stability and numerical dispersion analysis indicate that the energy‐conserved characteristic of symplectic method can effectively keep the long‐term numerical stability in dissipative plasma medium and suppress numerical error accumulation. The reflection coefficients and transmission coefficients for the right‐ and the left‐hand circularly polarised wave passing anisotropic magnetised plasma slab attest the validity and accuracy of the symplectic finite‐difference time‐domain (SFDTD) method. The numerical example results show that the accuracy of the SFDTD method is slightly superior to that of RKETD‐FDTD method, but has higher computational efficiency. Moreover, the practicability of SFDTD method is further certified by the HH and VV polarisation radar cross section of the perfectly conducting sphere cloaked by anisotropic magnetised plasma.
Primary topology selection and conversion in short‐segmented on‐road charging system for electrical vehicles
Authors: Liu Han , Tan Linlin , Huang Xueliang , Yan Changxin , Guo Jinpeng , Wang Wei
Published: December 2016

In an on‐road charging system for electric vehicles where short‐segmented primary coils are energised one by one, a serious power slump occurs when a secondary coil is placed in the middle of two primary coils. This issue can be tackled by powering double segmented primary coils simultaneously. First, four circuit topologies are established based on different connections of double primary coils. Then, a method of flux linkage superposition is utilised to identify two effective topologies. Forward series connection topology is further identified as an optimal selection based on performance comparison. In addition, topology conversion points are figured out after a comparison between the curve of received power in the single primary coil model and that in the double primary coil model. Afterwards, the topology conversion strategy, that is conversion of primary circuit topologies and adjustment of source frequency, is proposed to restrain the power slump. Finally, experiments are carried out to verify the theoretical analysis including primary topology selection and conversion strategy. Results show that with the application of the topology conversion strategy, the received power rises from 9.6 to 18.7 W when the secondary coil is located in the middle of the two primary coils.
Design and implementation of a high‐efficiency 6.78 MHz resonant wireless power transfer system with a 5 W fully integrated power receiver
Authors: Moon Junil , Hwang Hyeonseok , Jo Byeonghak , Kwon Chan‐Keun , Kim Tae‐Geun , Kim Soo‐Won
Published: December 2016

This study presents the design and implementation of a 6.78 MHz wireless power transfer (WPT) system that uses magnetically coupled resonance for 5 W mobile phone charger applications. For a resonant WPT system, one of the most significant design issues is the power receiver because of its resonant characteristics. A compact resonant‐type power receiver is required for high efficiency and robustness. To realise a compact size, a fully integrated 5 W power receiver that includes an on‐chip AC–DC converter and a DC–DC converter is implemented. A protection circuit that operates only during initial power‐up is proposed to protect the power switches in the receiver. The proposed receiver was implemented using a 0.18 µm bipolar‐complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor–double‐diffused metal–oxide–semiconductor process with a die area of 3.5mm × 3.5mm. The measured maximum power transfer efficiency of the receiver and peak efficiency of the system was 81 and 51%, respectively.
ZCS‐PWM interleaved boost converter using resonance‐clamp auxiliary circuit
Authors: Bahrami Hamid , Adib Ehsan , Farhangi Shahrokh , Iman‐Eini Hossein , Golmohammadi Rahmat
Published: December 2016

The interleaving technique is a well‐known technique applied in high power applications to share the output power between two modules while decreasing the input current and output current ripple. Moreover, zero current switching technique can be used in order to reduce the switching losses and increase the power density. Zero‐current‐switching (ZCS) condition as the soft‐switching technique is usually applied for IGBT switches in order to eliminate tailing current losses. In this study, a new ZCS pulse‐width‐modulation (ZCS‐PWM) interleaved boost converter is proposed which applies only one auxiliary switch. In the proposed converter ZCS condition is provided for main switches while the auxiliary switch is also soft switched. The principle of operation, performance analysis, and design method of the proposed converter are presented in details. Finally, the theoretical results are verified by experimental results.
Asymmetrical carrier phase‐shifted pulse‐width modulation for partly regenerative converter
Authors: Zha Xiaoming , Yang Zezhou , Gong Jinwu , Li Shangsheng , Liu Fei , Huang Meng
Published: December 2016

A cascaded H‐bridge‐based partly regenerative converter is a low‐cost scheme to enable a medium‐voltage motor drive to feed back the braking energy to the grid. However, its asymmetrical topology induces serious switching harmonic distortion on the motor side when conventional symmetrical carrier phase‐shift pulse‐width modulation (SCPS‐PWM) is used. This study analyses switching harmonic characteristics in detail and proposes an asymmetrical carrier phase‐shift pulse‐width modulation (ACPS‐PWM) method to improve the switching harmonic performance of the partly regenerative converter by eliminating low‐frequency switching harmonics. The proposed method transcends the limitation of SCPS‐PWM on carrier phase‐shift angles, increasing the controllable degrees of freedom that can be used to multiply the apparent switching frequency without extra hardware or software investment. ACPS‐PWM is compared with other modulation methods, and the possibilities for other applications are discussed. Experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
IGDT‐based robust optimal utilisation of wind power generation using coordinated flexibility resources
Authors: Nikoobakht Ahmad , Aghaei Jamshid
Published: December 2016

This study investigates the application of a robust method to solve the problem of security constrained unit commitment (SCUC) with flexible resources for managing the uncertainty of significant wind power generation (WPG) to sustain the load‐generation balance. The flexible resources include up/down ramping capability of thermal units, hourly demand response, energy storage system and transmission switching action through an integrated scheme. The application of mixed‐integer linear programming to deal with the SCUC problem with flexibility resources has been discussed in this study using information‐gap decision theory (IGDT) to realise a robust strategy for power system decision maker. Besides, this study proposes an effective solution strategy based on Benders' decomposition to solve the proposed problem. Numerical simulation results on the modified six‐bus system and IEEE 118‐bus system clearly demonstrate the benefits of applying flexibility resources for managing the WPG uncertainty and validate the applicability of the proposed IGDT‐based SCUC model.
Diversity‐multiplexing tradeoff in MIMO radars
Authors: Nazari Majd Mohammad , Radmard Mojtaba , Chitgarha Mohammad Mahdi , Farina Alfonso , Nayebi Mohammad Mahdi , Bastani Mohammad Hasan
Published: December 2016

Two gains play key roles in recently developed multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) wireless communication systems: ‘spatial diversity’ gain and ‘spatial multiplexing’ gain. The diversity gain (DG) refers to the capability to decrease the error rate of the MIMO channel, whereas the multiplexing gain (MG) implicitly refers to the amount of increase in the capacity of the MIMO channel. It has been shown that there is a fundamental tradeoff between these two types of gains, meaning interplay between increasing reliability (via an increase in the DG) and increasing data rate (via an increase in the MG). On the other hand, recently, MIMO radars have attracted much attention for their superior ability to enhance the system's performance. As an MIMO system, it is expected that the mentioned diversity‐multiplexing tradeoff exists in an MIMO radar, too. In this study, first, these two gains are obtained in an MIMO radar system in a closed‐form solution. The authors have shown that the DG of an MIMO radar is directly related to its detection performance and the MG represents its capability in estimating the target's parameters. Finally, the tradeoff between these two gains in an MIMO radar is studied and verified theoretically and through simulations.
Water hyacinth‐derived activated carbon/NiO nanocomposite as a facile electrode material for high performance supercapacitor
Authors: Qiu Zehai , Huang Tianfu , Zhao Chenhao , Luo Jiangshui , Hu Zhibiao
Published: December 2016

Water hyacinth‐based activated carbon (denoted as WHc) decorated with porous petaloid‐like nano‐NiO has been fabricated by hydrothermal method. The hierarchical petaloid‐like NiO composed of numerous nanoplates is uniformly covered on the surface of WHc. Such unique nanocomposite exhibits excellent electrochemical performances: a high specific capacitance of 249.5 F g−1, a good rate capability and an excellent cycling performance with 78.35% retention after 1000 cycles can be obtained at a current density of 1 A g−1. These results suggest that the porous petaloid‐like WHc/NiO nanocomposite (denoted as WHc/NiO) may be promising for practical applications for supercapacitors.
Probing conformational dynamics of an enzymatic active site by an in situ single fluorogenic probe under piconewton force manipulation
Authors: Pal Nibedita , Wu Meiling , Lu H. Peter
Published: December 2016

Significance

The exploration of the internal conformational fluctuation dynamics of an enzyme during a catalytic event can have significant implications in the field of enzymology. How an enzyme modulates its conformations under mechanical perturbation while still retaining its activity to a significant extent can be of particular interest in the area of protein engineering. Using single-molecule total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy-guided confocal spectroscopy combined with magnetic tweezers we have interrogated the conformational dynamics of horseradish peroxidase enzyme. We have identified the presence of complex conformations during the product releasing step. However, the complexity is narrowed or even eliminated when the enzyme is deformed or unfolded under magnetic pulling force.
Sex-Related Differences in the Physiology, Risk, and Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Chen Jennifer , Hahn Rebecca T.
Published: December 2016

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a less-invasive alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for the management of symptomatic severe aortic stenosis in patients with inoperable, high, or intermediate surgical risk. Females undergoing TAVR exhibit distinct physiology and baseline characteristics from their male counterparts. Although rates of procedural complications are higher, medium-term survival appears better for females than males. These sex-based differences are discussed in depth in this review of TAVR in the female population.
Modulations of SIR-nucleosome interactions of reconstructed yeast silent pre-heterochromatin byO-acetyl-ADP-ribose and magnesium
Authors: Tung Shu-Yun , Wang Sue-Hong , Lee Sue-Ping , Tsai Shu-Ping , Shen Hsiao-Hsuian , Chen Feng-Jung , Wu Yu-Yi , Hsiao Sheng-Pin , Liou Gunn-Guang
Published: December 2016

Yeast silent heterochromatin provides an excellent model with which to study epigenetic inheritance. Previously we developed an in vitro assembly system to demonstrate the formation of filament structures with requirements that mirror yeast epigenetic gene silencing in vivo. However, the properties of these filaments were not investigated in detail. Here we show that the assembly system requires Sir2, Sir3, Sir4, nucleosomes, and O-acetyl-ADP-ribose. We also demonstrate that all Sir proteins and nucleosomes are components of these filaments to prove that they are SIR-nucleosome filaments. Furthermore, we show that the individual localization patterns of Sir proteins on the SIR-nucleosome filament reflect those patterns on telomeres in vivo. In addition, we reveal that magnesium exists in the SIR-nucleosome filament, with a role similar to that for chromatin condensation. These results suggest that a small number of proteins and molecules are sufficient to mediate the formation of a minimal yeast silent pre-heterochromatin in vitro.