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This paper presents a comprehensive investigation of the optimal design of an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) for electric vehicles (EVs), utilizing the hybrid artificial bee colony algorithm–support vector machine (HAS) algorithm. The performance of the drive motor is a crucial determinant of the overall vehicle performance, particularly in EVs that rely solely on a motor for propulsion. In this context, interior permanent magnet synchronous motors (IPMSMs) offer a compelling choice due to their high torque density, wide speed range, superior efficiency, and robustness. However, accurate analysis of the nonlinear characteristics of IPMSMs necessitates finite element analysis, which can be time-consuming. Therefore, research into methods for deriving an optimal model with minimal computation is of significant importance. The HAS is a powerful multimodal optimization technique that is capable of exploring several optimal solutions. It enhances the navigation capability by combining the artificial bee colony algorithm (ABC) with the kernel support vector machine (KSVM). Specifically, the algorithm improves the search ability by optimizing the movement of bees in each region generated by the KSVM. Furthermore, hybridization with the Nelder–Mead method ensures accurate and quick convergence at pointers discovered in the ABC. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, this study compared its performance with a conventional algorithm in two mathematical test functions, verifying its remarkable performance. Finally, the HAS algorithm was applied to the optimal design of the IPMSM for EVs. Overall, this paper provides a thorough investigation of the application of the HAS algorithm to the design of IPMSMs for electric vehicles, and its application is expected to benefit from the combination of machine-learning techniques with various other optimization algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an analysis method of the core loss for a slotless type permanent magnet linear synchronous generator. Core loss is usually calculated using the Steinmetz equation, but this cannot be interpreted correctly. Consequently, several researchers have proposed modified versions of this equation. In this study, we calculate core loss coefficients from the Epstein test data using a curve fitting method for accurate core loss analysis. Moreover, owing to the time harmonics observed with changes in the magnetic flux density, we separate the rotating magnetic field and alternating magnetic field in our calculations. In addition, we consider the magnetic flux leakage as a parameter. Finally, core loss of the slotless type linear generator is calculated using a modified Steinmetz equation that considers the flux leakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the analysis of the eddy current loss of a double-sided cored slotless-type permanent magnet linear synchronous generator considering tapped holes in mover magnets using the space harmonic method. To calculate the eddy current, an analytical solution was derived by applying the Maxwell’s equation, magnetic vector potential, and Faraday’s law in a 2-D Cartesian coordinate system. Based on the armature reaction field distribution produced by the armature winding current, we obtained an analytical solution for the eddy current density distribution. Then, an analytical solution for eddy current loss induced in a permanent magnet (PM) was derived using the equivalent electrical resistance calculated from the PM’s volume and eddy current density distribution solution. Finally, the resulting current was determined based on the analysis of eddy current loss. The analytical results produced by using this application of the space harmonic method were validated extensively through comparisons with finite-element method results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comparison of efficiency and mover mass on a double-sided permanent magnet linear synchronous generator (PMLSG) according to its magnetization pattern. When a PMLSG has a lighter mover, it has advantages such as lower cost and other aspects regarding mechanical losses. In general,PMLSGsare used with a vertical PMpattern, but we propose a horizontalPMpattern in this paper because the horizontal PMmover does not need a back-iron for the magnetic path. Electromagnetic field analysis is especially essential when analyzing the characteristics of PMLSGs. For this type of analysis, commercial finite element analysis tools are widely used because they offer convenient user interfaces that provide very accurate analytical results. Based on twodimensional finite element analysis, we got results for two different patterns and compared them with our experimental results. Finally, the results of this analysis and the test results obtained confirm the validity of the model and the superiority of the horizontal pattern proposed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the torque characteristic analysis of an axial flux-type noncontact permanent magnet device with a Halbach magnet array using a 3D analytical method based on transfer relations. We obtain the magnetic field distribution due to the permanent magnet. The magnetic torque is derived from the magnetic field using a Maxwell stress tensor. The analytical results are validated extensively by comparison with 3D finite element analysis. Therefore, we derive an accurate analytical solution to reduce the analysis time, and we present an experimental verification using a manufactured model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the design and analysis of a tubular permanent magnet linear generator (TPMLG) for a small-scale wave-energy converter. The analytical field computation is performed by applying a magnetic vector potential and a 2-D analytical model to determine design parameters. Based on analytical solutions, parametric analysis is performed to meet the design specifications of a wave-energy converter (WEC). Then, 2-D FEA is employed to validate the analytical method. Finally, the experimental result confirms the predictions of the analytical and finite element analysis (FEA) methods under regular and irregular wave conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the eddy current loss analysis of a double-sided cored slotlesstype permanent magnet linear synchronous generator using the space harmonic method. To calculate the eddy current, an analytical solution was derived by applying the Maxwell equation, magnetic vector potential, and Faraday's law in a twodimensional (2-D) Cartesian coordinate system. Based on the armature reaction field distribution produced by the armature winding current, we obtained an analytical solution for the eddy current density distribution. Then, an analytical solution for eddy current loss induced in a permanent magnet (PM) was derived using the equivalent electrical resistance calculated from the PM's volume and eddy current density distribution solution. Finally, the resulting current was determined based on analysis of the eddy current loss. The analytical results produced using this application of the space harmonic method were validated extensively through comparison with finite element method results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we analyze a permanent-magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) with a slotless stator considering the magnetic and mechanical air gap using the semi three-dimensional (3-D) analytical method. We employ various methods to perform characteristic analyses of PMSGs, such as the numerical method and the analytical method. The 3-D analysis method is also among the methods employed, but it requires complex and time-intensive mathematical operations. On the other hand, the semi-3-D analytical method with the numerical method has an advantage that it can be analyzed easily. In addition, we propose a method for calculating the electrical parameters considering the magnetic and mechanical air gap using the semi-3-D analytical approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, eddy-current loss in permanent magnets (PMs) due to the armature reaction field of a PM synchronous machine was analyzed. Various techniques, including numerical techniques such as finite element analysis (FEA), enable the accurate prediction and analysis of magnetic field distribution with saturation effects. Furthermore, the eddy-current loss can be easily analyzed using a commercial software. 3-D FEA is essential when considering the stator skew effect. In particular, the influence of time harmonics in armature current and space harmonics due to distributed magnetomotive force on the eddy current loss is thoroughly investigated and discussed on the basis of 3-D FEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses comparative investigation on the permanent magnet (PM) wind power generators’ performance considering PM flux directions while generated electrical energy is being stored through a mechanical energy storage system (MESS). Radial- and axial-flux PM generators are dealt with, and since their equivalent circuit parameters are almost identical, their comparison can be reasonable. During the energy conversion through the MESS, since a power converter is required, the phase current of each generator contains harmonic components due to diode rectifier with high influence on the generators’ performance. In this study, the electromagnetic characteristics of each generator are analyzed based on the measured current to consider the influence of those harmonics, and their performance evaluation is also performed by experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the dynamic characteristics of interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM), taking in to account the outer disturbance to a motor system. Based on the analyzed results from electromagnetic field characteristic analysis, the equivalent circuit parameters are derived, and the modeling of both IPMSM and controller system is also performed to predict its operating characteristics. In particular, in our simulation, the dynamic characteristics according to inductance variation by an outer disturbance are specifically analyzed, and all the simulation results are experimentally validated showing well corresponded results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analytical method based on transfer relations for an axial flux permanent magnet machine. The method takes the overhang length into account. Although considering the overhang structure is a very attractive way to increase the output power of the machine, optimization of its length has a heavy analytical burden when only the 3-D finite element method is employed for characterization of the electromagnetic field. Therefore, we derive accurate analytical solutions to dramatically reduce the time needed for analysis, and we present an experimental verification using a fabricated sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the comparative investigation on direct-drive permanent magnet (PM) wind power generators, this paper presents the analytical approach based on transfer relations. Considering various generator types, this paper provides analytical solutions for those generators’ characteristic prediction, and the analyzed results are verified. In addition, since our analysis models are designed to be connected to a grid, the power loss characteristics according to grid output power variation are presented considering harmonics in generator current caused by the grid-connected power converter. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this study is to provide a reliability design methodology based on experience data and theory analyses to choose bolts in terms of strength grade and surface process, therefore, to ensure safe car operation The components under investigation are some clamped joints made of aluminum alloy and used in micro car chassis to connect the lower arm to the body. The aluminum alloy is realized by three kinds of surface process: dacro, Ep.FeZn8.C2C, Ep.FeZn8.C2D and three kinds of strength grade: 8.8, 10.9, and 12.9. Some experiences have been appropriately designed with the same process of the actual components on the advanced tightening device. The mean values and standard deviations of bolt yield stress can be obtained via tightening experience whereas the mean values and standard deviations of total tensile stress can be calculated according to bolt load evaluated by means of FEM. Based on stress-strength interference theory the reliability of bolt with different strength grades and surface processes can be calculated, which is useful to choose bolts. Compared the traditional safety factor method, the reliability design method takes into account random factors influence to the preload such as the bolt manufacturing error and the dispersion of the torque coefficient, so it is a more rational approach to select fasteners and has important engineering significance to the threaded connection safe operation for the automotive industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the design for a direct-drive permanent magnet (PM) wind power generator is presented, and its characteristics are analyzed based on analytical approach. In order to confirm their influence on the torque ripple characteristics, both the shape design and the skew effects of the PM are thoroughly studied. In particular, we performed an analytically based electromagnetic field analysis in order to investigate the influence of the AC/DC load conditions on our model. By manufacturing a model using an experimental construction setup, we validate the results of our analytical approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Buprenorphine is one of the strongest opioids used for the relief of cancer pain. This study aims to evaluate the real‐world clinical experiences of transdermal buprenorphine used in moderate to severe cancer pain in the Asian population. Methods: This is an open‐labeled, multicenter, 4‐week observational study. Stable cancer pain patients who decided to switch the previous opioid to transdermal buprenorphine will be enrolled in this study. The safety and effectiveness were observed and collected. Pain assessment was performed using a numerical rating scale by the investigators and the Brief Pain Inventory Short Form (BPI‐SF) by the patient. The safety profiles included concomitant medications and adverse events (AEs). Results: A total of 83 patients were enrolled in this study. The global pain scores in the BPI, as well as the four individual pain parameters (worst, least, average, and right now), showed a continued decrease (p <.05) from week 2 to week 4. Significant improvements were observed in normal work activities, relations with other people, sleep, enjoyment of life, and global BPI pain interference score on week 4. Pain assessments conducted by investigators demonstrated significant, continuous improvements during the study periods. In addition, transdermal buprenorphine demonstrated good safety/tolerability with limited drug‐related AEs in the Asian population with cancer pain. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that transdermal buprenorphine in the Asian population has good safety profiles and continued improvements in pain relief, sleep, and pain interferences. Transdermal buprenorphine can be an effective and convenient option as a transdermal opioid for patients with moderate to severe cancer pain in Taiwan. (NCT Number: NCT04315831) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) machines are manufactured, their wrong assembly can be possible, such as misaligned PM rotor position of double-sided machine. Once the machines are assembled, detecting the misaligned rotor is hard, so the designers are required to have deep insight in its related and unexpected characteristics to prevent them focusing on other possible errors. Therefore, this paper deals with the characteristic analysis on the influence of the misaligned rotor position of double-sided AFPM machine and its experimental verification. In general, the AFPM machines have been analyzed by 3-D finite-element method (3-D FEM) due to their structural features, but it requires very long analysis time to consider various factors. For this reason, analytical approach is presented in order to consider all the cases of the misaligned rotor positions, and it is confirmed to be practical to detect the positions and to reduce analysis time with high reliability. With the analytical approach, the misaligned rotor position characteristics, such as back-emf and its total harmonic distortion are analyzed. Furthermore, all the analysis results are validated by 3-D FEM results and experimental verification. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the characteristics of high-speed permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) with diametrically magnetized rotors under different construction conditions of the rotor magnetic circuit. An analytical method is adopted to predict the magnetic field distribution and to calculate the electrical parameters by using the transfer relations based on a two-dimensional model in a polar coordinate system. In addition, three types of PMSMs with diametrically magnetized permanent magnets are proposed in this work. The electrical parameters are estimated and the magnetic field distribution is analyzed for those models, and these results are compared with those obtained using the finite element method; the two sets of results are found to be in good agreement. On the basis of the analysis results, a real model manufactured and the validity of our results is demonstrated by performing suitable experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anaphase-promoting complex (APC), or cyclosome, is a ubiquitin ligase with major roles in cell cycle regulation. It is required for mitotic exit, but must be deactivated for the G1/S phase transition to occur. APC consists of at least 12 subunits with the catalytic core formed by a scaffold protein, APC2, and a RING-H2 protein, APC11. APC11 facilitates ubiquitin chain formation by recruiting ubiquitin-charged conjugating enzymes through its RING-H2 domain. We report that a small number of poxviruses encode RING-H2 proteins with sequence similarities to APC11. We show that a representative of these viral proteins mimics APC11 in its interactions with APC, but unlike APC11, the viral protein fails to promote ubiquitin chain formation. This absence of ubiquitin ligase activity is linked to a distinctive sequence variation within its RING-H2 domain. Expression of the viral protein led to cell cycle deregulation and the accumulation of APC substrates in a manner consistent with impaired APC function. Our data characterize this protein as a regulator of APC activity, and consequently, we have called it PACR (poxvirus APC/cyclosome regulator). Deletion of the PACR gene substantially reduced viral replication. Here, we report a viral mimic of an APC component and reveal an intriguing mechanism by which viruses can manipulate cell cycle progression and, thereby, promote their own replication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress process theory is applied to examine lack of supplemental private health insurance as a risk factor for depressive symptomatology among older married couples covered by Medicare. Dyadic data from 130 African-American couples and 1,429 White couples in the 1993 Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest-Old Survey were analyzed using hierarchical generalized linear modeling. Lack of supplemental insurance is operation-alized at the household level in terms of neither spouse covered, one spouse covered, or both spouses covered. Controlling for covariates at both individual and couple levels, supplemental insurance has significant impact on depression, but the pattern differs by race. White couples report the highest depression when neither spouse is covered by private health insurance; African-American couples report the highest depression when only one spouse is covered. Results suggest lack of supplemental private health insurance coverage is a stressor that significantly affects depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deals with a study which reported the results of the compression ratios possible with JPEG2000 for clinical diagnostic applications on digital mammographic images. Methods used in the study; Results and conclusion.

In this paper, an electromagnetic analysis method is proposed to improve force characteristics by using spring permanent magnets (PMs) along the axial and circumferential directions of a linear oscillatory generator (LOG). For accurate electromagnetic analysis, a detailed analysis model of the LOG is developed, and the governing equations of each subdomain are derived based on Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic theory. Analytical solutions of the magnetic vector potential in each subdomain are derived using boundary conditions. The reliability of the proposed method is verified through a comparison with the results of a two-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA). In particular, the force characteristics depending on the spring PM is effectively derived by considering the three-dimensional (3D) circumferential and axial end effects. The proposed analysis method is used to determine the thickness of spring PM that transforms the detent force of the LOG with the spring PM into restoring force. The reliability of the proposed analysis method is verified through comparison with the results of a 3D FEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the use of four-layer graphene (4LG) as a highly reliable transparent conductive electrode (TCE) for polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC)-based smart window devices. The adhesion between 4LG and the substrate was successfully improved through a water-induced interface-cleaning (WIIC) process. We compared the performance of a device with a WIIC-processed 4LG electrode with that of devices with a conventional indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode and a 4LG electrode without a WIIC. With the application of the WIIC process, the PDLC smart window with a 4LG electrode exhibited reduced turn-on voltage and haze compared to 4LG without the WIIC process and characteristics comparable to those of the ITO electrode. The WIIC-processed 4LG electrode demonstrated enhanced electrical properties and better optical performance, leading to improved device efficiency and reliability. Furthermore, our study revealed that the WIIC process not only improved the adhesion between 4LG and the substrate but also enhanced the compatibility and interfacial interactions, resulting in the superior performance of the smart window device. These findings suggest that 4LG with WIIC holds great promise as a transparent conductive electrode for flexible smart windows, offering a cost-effective and efficient alternative to conventional ITO electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study considers the reduction of the force ripple of a permanent magnet linear synchronous machine (PMLSM). The PMLSM has a relatively large magnetic air gap. Therefore, a slotted type of stator structure is generally employed. Furthermore, the detent force, which is caused by the energy imbalances owing to the interaction between the teeth-slot structures and the permanent magnets, must be minimized for better start-up performance. Therefore, in this study, the addition of the auxiliary teeth and teeth notching are employed to reduce the detent force. In particular, the influence of the auxiliary teeth and notching on the detent force is analyzed, and an experiment is performed to verify the proposed design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the torque characteristics analysis and torque measurement of a magnetic spur gear with a three-segment Halbach array based on theQuasi Three-Dimension (3-D)AnalyticalMethod. It analyzes amagnetic spur gear that uses a Halbach array by employing an analytical method for torque calculation. In the analytical method, from the magnetic vector potential and a coordinate system conversion, analytical solutions are obtained for magnetic fields produced by source magnets. By using the derived magnetic field solutions, an analytical solution is obtained for the external magnetic flux density. The drive magnet is next reduced to the equivalent current densities, and the torque is computed from these currents in the external magnetic field, which is obtained from the second process. Finally, the leakage flux in the z-direction occurring in the magnetic gear is considered using the 3-D analytical method. Thus, an analytical result can be obtained. These results are validated by comparison with the finite element method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Placenta is very susceptible tissue to oxidative stress and oxidative stress of placenta has been known as a pathology of gestational disease. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of maternal excess iron intake on oxidative stress of placenta during pregnancy. Ten week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were mated with male rats. Pregnant dams were fed normal Fe (35mg/kg diet), high Fe (350mg/kg diet) and excess Fe (1050mg/kg diet) diets during pregnancy. Dams were sacrificed on day 19 of gestation. There was no significant difference in weight gain and food intake of dams and in weight of total fetus and placenta according to iron intake levels. However, the contents of liver iron and ferritin of pregnant dams were significantly increased with increasing of maternal iron intake. Also, those of placenta were more increased in high and excess Fe group than normal. Maternal excess iron intake increased protein carbonyls contents, as oxidation marker of protein but not malondialdehyde (MDA). There was declined the activity antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase in placenta of excess Fe group. The protein level of Cu-Zn SOD and MnSOD in placenta showed significant differences according to maternal iron intake level. In addition, the protein level of Bcl-2 as an antiapoptotic factor was remarkably declined with maternal excess iron. These results suggest that maternal excess iron intake may increase oxidative stress of placenta and it could affect redox status of fetal and neonatal tissue adversely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cry4Aaδ-endotoxin from Bacillus thuringiensis is toxic to larvae of Culex, Anopheles, and Aedes mosquitoes, which are vectors of important human tropical diseases. With the objective of designing modified toxins with improved potency that could be used as biopesticides, we determined the structure of this toxin in its functional form at a resolution of 2.8 angstroms. Like other Cryδ-endotoxins, the activated Cry4Aa toxin consists of three globular domains, a seven-α-helix bundle responsible for pore formation (domain I) and the following two other domains having structural similarities with carbohydrate binding proteins: a β-prism (domain II) and a plant lectin-like β-sandwich (domain III). We also studied the effect on toxicity of amino acid substitutions and deletions in three loops located at the surface of the putative receptor binding domain II of Cry4Aa. Our results indicate that one loop is an important determinant of toxicity, presumably through attachment of Cry4Aa to the surface of mosquito cells. The availability of the Cry4Aa structure should guide further investigations aimed at the molecular basis of the target specificity and membrane insertion of Cry endotoxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the comparative analysis and test results of permanent magnet (PM) synchronous generators based on machine topology for small-scale wind power application. For reasonable comparison, various design considerations, such as flux direction, rotor position, slot existence and PM materials, are dealt with under specific machine size limitation. Among the analysis models, five machines are manufactured for experimental verification, and the generators are integrated with AC-DC-DC converter to convert originally generated AC power to DC power. With our constructed experimental set, the electromagnetic characteristics based on measured current, and their performance are comparatively investigated under constant output voltage control condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the effects of the electromagnetic source on the vibration of a double-sided axial permanent magnet generator with a slotless stator depending on the ac and dc-load conditions. The slotless machine has no cogging torque. Most of the vibration originates from the torque ripple and axial force distributions, which result from the current load conditions. The 3-D finite element analysis results are compared with voltage, current, and torque measurements. The order tracking analysis of the vibration test data clearly demonstrates the dependence of the critical harmonics on the load conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to identify the molecular pathological changes of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) epithelial CNE3 cell line, which has been used in experimental studies for 20 years in a culture environment. The pathological type of NPC and the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) were identified. CNE3 short tandem repeats (STRs) were amplified, analyzed and compared using metastatic carcinoma tissue from primary NPC. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) were used to identify the immunophenotype and EBV-encoded small RNA (EBER) expression in nude mice transplanted CNE3 tumor cells. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing were used to identify the EBV oncogene, BamH1-A right frame 1 (BARF1) and electron microscopy was used to analyze the organization of the ultrastructure. CNE3 was not cross-contaminated by other human cell lines and the EBV was no longer present in the CNE3 cells. The pathological type of CNE3 was transformed from an undifferentiated non-keratinizing carcinoma with focal adenocarcinoma differentiation into a poorly-differentiated adenocarcinoma. In conclusion, this knowledge on the molecular pathological changes of CNE3 may aid in the development of new research approaches for NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helper T-cell activation generally requires the coreceptor CD4, which binds MHC class II molecules. A remarkable feature of the CD4-MHC class II interaction is its exceptionally low affinity, which ranges from KD = ∼200 μM to >2 mM. Investigating the biological role of the much lower affinity of this interaction than those of other cell-cell recognition molecules will require CD4 mutants with enhanced binding to MHC class II for testing in models of T-cell development. To this end, we used in vitro-directed evolution to increase the affinity of human CD4 for HLA-DR1. A mutant CD4 library was displayed on the surface of yeast and selected using HLA-DR1 tetramers or monomers, resulting in isolation of a CD4 clone containing 11 mutations. Reversion mutagenesis showed that most of the affinity increase derived from just two substitutions, GIn40Tyr and Thr45Trp. A CD4 variant bearing these mutations bound HLA-DR1 with KD = 8.8 μM, compared with >400 μM for wild-type CD4. To understand the basis for improved affinity, we determined the structure of this CD4 variant in complex with HLA-DR1 to 2.4 Å resolution. The structure provides an atomiclevel description of the CD4-binding site on MHC class II and reveals how CD4 recognizes highly polymorphic HLA-DR, -DP, and -DQ molecules by targeting invariant residues in their α2 and β2 domains. In addition, the CD4 mutants reported here constitute unique tools for probing the influence of CD4 affinity on T-cell activation and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mindin (spondin-2) is an extracellular matrix protein of unknown structure that is required for efficient T-cell priming by dendritic cells. Additionally, mindin functions as a pattern recognition molecule for initiating innate immune responses. These dual functions are mediated by interactions with integrins and microbial pathogens, respectively. Mindin comprises an N-terminal F-spondin (FS) domain and C-terminal thrombospondin type 1 repeat (TSR). We determined the structure of the FS domain at 1.8-Å resolution. The structure revealed an eight-stranded antiparallel β-sandwich motif resembling that of membrane-targeting C2 domains, including a bound calcium ion. We demonstrated that the FS domain mediates integrin binding and identified the binding site by mutagenesis. The mindin FS domain therefore represents a new integrin ligand. We further showed that mindin recognizes lipopolysaccharide (LPS) through its TSR domain, and obtained evidence that C-mannosylation of the TSR influences LPS binding. Through these dual interactions, the FS and TSR domains of mindin promote activation of both adaptive and innate immune responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acid-catalyzed intramolecular oxa-Michael addition of (E)-1-aryl-4-hydroxy-4-methyl--pent-1-en-3-ones under solvent-free and microwave irradiation conditions has been investigated. The results showed that Bronsted acids are more efficient than Lewis acids in this reaction. Up to 90% conversion and 81% yield were obtained using trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (triflic acid) as the catalyst, with short reaction times and an environmentally benign procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalytic systems composed of ionic liquids containing BF anion and HBF4 showed high catalytic activity to produce 4-methyl-2,4-diphenyl-1-pentene (MDP-1) or 1,1,3-trimethyl-3-phenylindan (TPI) under different temperature conditions. Up to 90.8% selectivity to MDP-1 with a 98.7% conversion of α-methylstyrene was obtained at 60 °C in the presence of [HexMIm]BF4–HBF4, while exclusive TPI was yielded when the reaction temperature increased to 120 °C. Further studies showed that another ionic liquid, [BMIm]Cl · 2AlCl3, could act as an excellent catalyst and solvent for the dimerization of α-methylstyrene to produce TPI. The dimerization of α-methylstyrene catalyzed by [HexMIm]BF4–HBF4 and [BMIm]Cl · 2AlCl3 performed the same reaction mechanism and the proton was the active species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The polyadenylation of mRNA is one of the critical processing steps during expression of almost all eukaryotic genes. It is tightly integrated with transcription, particularly its termination, as well as other RNA processing events, i.e. capping and splicing. The poly(A) tail protects the mRNA from unregulated degradation, and it is required for nuclear export and translation initiation. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that the polyadenylation process is also involved in the regulation of gene expression. The polyadenylation process requires two components, the cis-elements on the mRNA and a group of protein factors that recognize the cis-elements and produce the poly(A) tail. Here we report a comprehensive pairwise protein-protein interaction mapping and gene expression profiling of the mRNA polyadenylation protein machinery in Arabidopsis. Results: By protein sequence homology search using human and yeast polyadenylation factors, we identified 28 proteins that may be components of Arabidopsis polyadenylation machinery. To elucidate the protein network and their functions, we first tested their protein-protein interaction profiles. Out of 320 pair-wise protein-protein interaction assays done using the yeast two-hybrid system, 56 (∼17%) showed positive interactions. 15 of these interactions were further tested, and all were confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation and/or in vitro co-purification. These interactions organize into three distinct hubs involving the Arabidopsis polyadenylation factors. These hubs are centered around AtCPSF100, AtCLPS, and AtFIPS. The first two are similar to complexes seen in mammals, while the third one stands out as unique to plants. When comparing the gene expression profiles extracted from publicly available microarray datasets, some of the polyadenylation related genes showed tissue-specific expression, suggestive of potential different polyadenylation complex configurations. Conclusion: An extensive protein network was revealed for plant polyadenylation machinery, in which all predicted proteins were found to be connecting to the complex. The gene expression profiles are indicative that specialized sub-complexes may be formed to carry out targeted processing of mRNA in different developmental stages and tissue types. These results offer a roadmap for further functional characterizations of the protein factors, and for building models when testing the genetic contributions of these genes in plant growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an interesting strategy has been described for the direct synthesis of parallel aligned metal-boron alloy nanotubes on silicon substrates, involving the use of lyotropic liquid crystal of non-ionic-anionic mixed surfactants. In particular, super-long, up to the scale of millimetres, nanotubes with well-controlled inner and outer diameters can be obtained. The current lyotropic liquid crystal template method could be used as an effective strategy for the in situ synthesis of aligned one-dimensional nanostructures with the wet chemical method. The results further prove the rolling-up mechanism for the formation of noncrystal metal-boron alloy nanotubes with a layered lyotropic liquid crystal precursor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes our recent progress on the synthesis and catalytic hydrogenation property of iron-boron non-crystalline alloy with one-dimensional nanostructures, including nanowires, nanorods and nanotubes. The synthesis of one-dimensional nanostructures of iron-boron non-crystalline alloy involves the use of lyotropic liquid crystals of non-ionic-anionic mixed surfactants as templates. The non-ionic surfactants used are Tween 40 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate) and Tween 60 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate), and the anionic surfactant is CSA (camphorsulfonic acid). The non-crystalline iron-boron nanotubes thus prepared are more effective than the corresponding nanowires and nanorods for the catalytic hydrogenation of m-nitrotoluene. The lyotropic liquid crystals of mixed surfactants provide an effective template for the fabrication of inorganic materials with one-dimensional nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]