Nonradioactive, ultrasensitive site-specific protein–protein photocrosslinking: interactions of α-helix 2 of TATA-binding protein with general transcription factor TFIIA and transcriptional repressor NC2

We have developed an approach that enables nonradioactive, ultrasensitive (attamole sensitivity) site-specific protein–protein photocrosslinking, and we have applied the approach to the analysis of interactions of α-helix 2 (H2) of human TATA-element binding protein (TBP) with general transcription factor TFIIA and transcriptional repressor NC2. We have found that TBP H2 can be crosslinked to TFIIA in the TFIIA–TBP–DNA complex and in higher order transcription–initiation complexes, and we have mapped the crosslink to the ‘connector’ region of the TFIIA α/β subunit (TFIIAα/β). We further have found that TBP H2 can be crosslinked to NC2 in the NC2–TBP–DNA complex, and we have mapped the crosslink to the C-terminal ‘tail’ of the NC2 α-subunit (NC2α). Interactions of TBP H2 with the TFIIAα/β connector and the NC2α C-terminal tail were not observed in crystal structures of TFIIA–TBP–DNA and NC2–TBP–DNA complexes, since relevant segments of TFIIA and NC2 were not present in truncated TFIIA and NC2 derivatives used for crystallization. We propose that interactions of TBP H2 with the TFIIAα/β connector and the NC2α C-terminal tail provide an explanation for genetic results suggesting importance of TBP H2 in TBP–TFIIA interactions and TBP–NC2 interactions, and provide an explanation—steric exclusion—for competition between TFIIA and NC2

Understanding and Controlling the Degradation Mechanisms at Cathode-Electrolyte Interfaces in All-Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries

All-Solid-State Li-ion Batteries with Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ solid electrolyte enable higher energy density compared to conventional batteries with liquid electrolytes since they are compatible with Lithium metal anode. Despite their promises, stability issues at the interface between cathode and solid electrolyte need to be solved for their implementation. The interface needs to be chemically stable at high temperature during sintering. Electrochemical and chemo-mechanical stabilities at the interface are necessary during the operation of the battery for good cyclability. In order to study interfacial stabilities we developed model system with thin film cathode. The cell design allowed characterization of the interface by interface-sensitive techniques without the needs of destructive techniques. We studied interfacial degradation between LiNi₀.₆Mn₀.₂Co₀.₂O₂ (NMC622) cathode, and Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ (LLZO) solid electrolyte. We evaluated thermal stability in controlled gas environments (Air, O₂, N₂, humidified O₂, CO₂) to identify contributors for secondary phase formations and their effect on charge transfer properties. Li₂CO₃, La2Zr2O7, and La(Ni,Co)O₃ formed at the NMC622|LLZO interface when annealed at 700 °C in air, which increased the interfacial resistance by 2 orders of magnitude. Sintering in gas environment without CO₂ and H₂O (g) was necessary to obtain chemically stable interfaces. Sintering in O₂ gave excellent chemical stability and interfacial resistance comparable to lowest values obtained in literature with protective coatings at the interface. Sintering in N₂ caused oxygen loss at high temperature, but secondary phases did not form. NMC622|LLZO interface was electrochemically unstable due to limited oxidation stability of LLZO. Electrochemical degradation at the interface reduced Ni during potentiostatic hold at 4.3 V vs Li/Li⁺, and formed reduced phases with Ni²⁺ and Co²⁺ from cycling at 80 °C. Electrochemical degradation decreased capacities by overpotential increase. Reduction was not observable when cycling temperature was lowered to room temperature, indicating that the reaction could be kinetically inhibited. Stress due to lattice parameter changes of NMC622 during cycling caused intergranular cracks in NMC622 film and delamination at NMC622|LLZO interface. Chemo-mechanical degradation caused abrupt capacity decrease by disconnecting Li-ion conduction pathway, so it should be avoided for better cyclability. Understanding of interfacial degradation offers guidelines for designing All-Solid-State Li-ion batteries with better interfacial stability.Ph.D

Price-Guided Peer-To-Peer Trading Scheme and Its Effects on Transaction Costs and Network Losses

Distributed energy resources (DERs), such as small-scale renewable energy generators, storage systems, and controllable loads, have been attracting great attention. Accordingly, interest in peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading between prosumers with DERs is growing. The prosumers may perform the P2P electricity trading within the loss-guided framework, where network losses are primarily considered during the peer matching process. However, the loss-guided framework has limitations in that prosumer welfare is neglected in favor of prioritizing the network losses caused by the P2P transactions. Thus, in this study, a price-based framework for P2P electricity trading is suggested, where the prosumer welfare is considered by including not only network loss costs but also energy costs in the matching procedure. The effects of the suggested price-based framework on network efficiency, prosumer welfare, and social welfare are examined by comparing simulation results with the loss-guided framework and the random transactions. Further, how those three properties are affected by the change in loss price is analyzed and a guideline for the suitable choice of the loss price is suggested

Price-Guided Peer-To-Peer Trading Scheme and Its Effects on Transaction Costs and Network Losses

Distributed energy resources (DERs), such as small-scale renewable energy generators, storage systems, and controllable loads, have been attracting great attention. Accordingly, interest in peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading between prosumers with DERs is growing. The prosumers may perform the P2P electricity trading within the loss-guided framework, where network losses are primarily considered during the peer matching process. However, the loss-guided framework has limitations in that prosumer welfare is neglected in favor of prioritizing the network losses caused by the P2P transactions. Thus, in this study, a price-based framework for P2P electricity trading is suggested, where the prosumer welfare is considered by including not only network loss costs but also energy costs in the matching procedure. The effects of the suggested price-based framework on network efficiency, prosumer welfare, and social welfare are examined by comparing simulation results with the loss-guided framework and the random transactions. Further, how those three properties are affected by the change in loss price is analyzed and a guideline for the suitable choice of the loss price is suggested.Y

A Study on the Effective Gas Safety Management Using Smart

Abstract. In this paper, we developed and tested the effective gas safety management system by using wireless intelligent gas safety appliances to monitor gas flow and pressure, earthquake in a micom-gas-meter, to check combustible gas leaks and temperature (upper 100℃) in an automatic extinguisher and to measure smoke and CO gas. Then our system takes safety measures such as cutoff, warning and messages to protect a serious risk if results of event are abnormal, communicates with a wall-pad including a gateway with ZigBee network in buildings and to inform the event to user via the safety management program in our server. Also, the inner cutoff valve of intelligent gas meters and automatic extinguishers are operated automatically if irregular events are occurred

Analyzing Various Aspects of Network Losses in Peer-to-Peer Electricity Trading

In this study, we examined the impacts of peer-to-peer (P2P) electricity trading on the power losses in the network, which is one of the objectives optimized in the centralized approach. For this purpose, we reviewed the conventional loss management schemes and suggested the requirements to be considered in the design of P2P electricity trading. Then, we described a new loss management framework for P2P transactions and introduced the concept of the transaction guide. Based on the proposed framework, we simulated the P2P transactions with and without the transaction guide and examined the variation in the network losses. Three noteworthy remarks are derived from the simulation in this paper. First, the random characteristics of P2P trading itself do not guarantee favorable transaction ordering in terms of network losses, but when the new loss management framework is applied, the network losses can be effectively decreased. Second, through the new loss management framework, loss costs can be fairly allocated to individual prosumers. Third, to invigorate the P2P electricity trading, an incentive program should be considered to alleviate the burden of loss costs of the first trader in the P2P electricity trading

Diborylmethyl Group as a Transformable Building Block for the Diversification of Nitrogen-Containing Molecules

© 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH.The development of new approaches to installing diverse carbon fragments to a nitrogen atom has attracted considerable attention in chemical science. While numerous strategies have been devised to forge C(sp3)−N bonds, one conceptually powerful and straightforward approach is to insert a transformable sp3-carbon unit onto a nitrogen atom for modular diversification. Here we describe the successful synthesis of halo-diborylmethanes and their applications to the preparation of nitrogen-substituted diborylmethanes through their homologative coupling with a variety of nitrogen nucleophiles including biologically relevant molecules. This process exhibits a remarkably broad substrate scope, and the usefulness of the obtained compounds is demonstrated by the modular diversification of the diborylmethyl group to access various nitrogen-containing molecules.11Nsciescopu

Recent Advances In Ultrasonic Treatment: Challenges And Field Applications For Controlling Harmful Algal Blooms (Habs)

Algal blooms are a naturally occurring phenomenon which can occur in both freshwater and saltwater. However, due to excess nutrient loading in water bodies (e.g. agricultural runoff and industrial activities), harmful algal blooms (HABs) have become an increasing issue globally, and can even cause health effects in humans due to the release of cyanotoxins. Among currently available treatment methods, sonication has received increasing attention for algal control because of its low impact on ecosystems and the environment. The effects of ultrasound on algal cells are well understood and operating parameter such as frequency, intensity, and duration of exposure has been well studied. However, most studies have been limited to laboratory data interpretation due to complicated environmental conditions in the field. Only a few field and pilot tests in small reservoirs were reported and the applicability of ultrasound for HABs prevention and control is still under question. There is a lack of information on the upscaling of ultrasonication devices for HAB control on larger water bodies, considering field influencing factors such as rainfall, light intensity/duration, temperature, water flow, nutrients loading, and turbidity. In this review article, we address the challenges and field considerations of ultrasonic applications for controlling algal blooms. An extensive literature survey, from the fundamentals of ultrasound techniques to recent ultrasound laboratory and field studies, has been thoroughly conducted and summarized to identify future technical expectations for field applications. Case studies investigating spatial distribution of frequency and pressure during sonication are highlighted with future implications