bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome profiling of a beach-adapted wild legume for dissecting novel mechanisms of salinity tolerance
Authors: Zhang Hengyou , Zuelsdorf Christine , Penneys Darin , Fan Shoujin , Kofsky Janice , Song Bao-Hua
Published: December 2018

Strophostyles helvola is a close relative to common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and inhabits both coastal and non-coastal regions in North America. However, the mechanism of saline adaptation in S. helvola remains unclear. A transcriptome profiling would facilitate dissecting the underlying molecular mechanisms in salinity-adapted S. helvola. In this study, we reported the RNA-seq analyses of two genotypes (a salt-tolerant beach genotype and a salt-sensitive inland genotype) of S. helvola stressed with salt. S. helvola plants were grown in pots and treated with half lethal-guided dose of NaCl solution for 3 h, 24 h, and 7d. The plants supplied with the same amount of water were used as controls. The whole roots sampled from the three time points were equally pooled as one biological replicate, and three replicates were used for library construction and transcriptome sequencing on Illumina Hiseq 2500. The comparative analyses of root transcriptomes presented here provides a valuable resource for discovery of genes and networks involved in salt tolerance in S. helvola.
Detection of leucine aminopeptidase activity in serum using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Guo Dan , Gan Zhen-Fei , Jiang Lei , Cao Mao-Feng , Patrice Fato Tano , Hafez Mahmoud Elsayed , Li Da-Wei
Published: December 2018

A specific reaction-based SERS approach was developed for the selective and sensitive detection of leucine aminopeptidase activity in serum.
A highly selective and instantaneously responsive Schiff base fluorescent sensor for the “turn-off” detection of iron(iii), iron(ii), and copper(ii) ions
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyu , Duan Yuai , Li Po , Fan Haiming , Han Tianyu , Huang Xiaonan
Published: December 2018

A new and tri-responsive fluorescent Schiff base probe (DBAB) has been designed and developed for the recognition of iron(iii) ions (Fe3+), iron(ii) ions (Fe2+) and copper(ii) ions (Cu2+) simultaneously.
Acellular biomaterial strategies for endodontic regeneration
Authors: Medina-Fernandez Ignacio , Celiz Adam D.
Published: December 2018

This review highlights the evolution of regenerative dental materials with a focus on acellular biomaterials for endodontic treatment.
Biocatalytic selective functionalisation of alkenesviasingle-step and one-pot multi-step reactions
Authors: Wu Shuke , Zhou Yi , Li Zhi
Published: December 2018

This feature article highlights the recent advances in 14 well-known and novel alkene functionalisations by enzymes and whole cells.
Facile synthesis of size-tunable tin arsenide nanocrystals
Authors: Tallapally Venkatesham , Damma Devaiah , Darmakkolla Srikar Rao
Published: December 2018

Facile synthesis of NaCl type cubic SnAs with narrow dispersity and tunable nanocrystals using Sn(iv) iodide and aminoarsene as precursors in an alkylamine system at 250 °C.
A novel route to manufacture WO3@MoS2 p–n heterostructure hollow tubes with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Zeng Ying , Guo Na , Li Haiyan , Wang Quanying , Xu Xingjian , Yu Yong , Han Xuerong , Yu Hongwen
Published: December 2018

HW@M n–p heterostructure tubes have been prepared for the first time with enhanced photocatalytic activity.
Photochemical CO2 reduction with mononuclear and dinuclear rhenium catalysts bearing a pendant anthracene chromophore
Authors: Liyanage Nalaka P. , Yang Weiwei , Guertin Stephen , Sinha Roy Sayontani , Carpenter Casey A. , Adams Rebecca E. , Schmehl Russel H. , Delcamp Jared H. , Jurss Jonah W.
Published: December 2018

Well-defined dinuclear rhenium photocatalysts featuring an anthracene chromophore are significantly faster and more durable than their mononuclear counterparts.
A facile coordination precipitation route to prepare porous CuO microspheres with excellent photo-Fenton catalytic activity and electrochemical performance
Authors: Gu Yuanxiang , Xuan Yuxue , Zhang Heng , Deng Xiaoyan , Bai Maojuan , Wang Lei
Published: December 2018

Porous CuO microspheres were prepared via a coordination precipitation route and exhibited superior photocatalytic activity and electrochemical performance.
Dynamical exciton decay in organic materials: the role of bimolecular recombination
Authors: de Sousa Leonardo Evaristo , Bueno Fernando Teixeira , da Silva Filho Demétrio Antônio , Ribeiro Junior Luiz Antônio , de Oliveira Neto Pedro Henrique
Published: December 2018

Excitons play a critical role in light emission when it comes to organic semiconductors.
The structural and electronic properties of 3,3′-azothiophene photo-switching systems
Authors: Huddleston Patrick R. , Volkov Victor V. , Perry Carole C.
Published: December 2018

3,3′-Azothiophenes demonstrate effective photo-induced isomerization in solution. Activation energies and entropies confirm the thermal stability of cis conformations at 20 °C.
Fast beam photofragment translational spectroscopy of the phenoxy radical at 225 nm, 290 nm, and 533 nm
Authors: Sullivan Erin N. , Nichols Bethan , Neumark Daniel M.
Published: December 2018

Photodissociation experiments are used to study two- and three-body fragmentation by collecting fragments in coincidence.
A single boron atom doped boron nitride edge as a metal-free catalyst for N2 fixation
Authors: Mao Xin , Zhou Si , Yan Cheng , Zhu Zhonghua , Du Aijun
Published: December 2018

The first-principle theory has been used to predict a new metal-free single atom electrocatalyst for N2 reduction.
Nanomaterials with enzyme-like characteristics (nanozymes): next-generation artificial enzymes (II)
Authors: Wu Jiangjiexing , Wang Xiaoyu , Wang Quan , Lou Zhangping , Li Sirong , Zhu Yunyao , Qin Li , Wei Hui
Published: December 2018

An updated comprehensive review to help researchers understand nanozymes better and in turn to advance the field.
Strong electronic influence of equatorial ligands on frontier orbitals in paddlewheel dichromium(ii,ii) complexes
Authors: Huang Po-Jung , Natori Yoshiki , Kitagawa Yasutaka , Sekine Yoshihiro , Kosaka Wataru , Miyasaka Hitoshi
Published: December 2018

The HOMO/LUMO energy levels of paddlewheel [Cr2(RCO2)4(THF)2] complexes are effectively tuned by the substitution of the equatorial RCO2− ligands.
Redox active Zn/ZnO duo generating superoxide (˙O2−) and H2O2 under all conditions for environmental sanitation
Authors: Yi Guangshun , Li Xiukai , Yuan Yuan , Zhang Yugen
Published: December 2018

Durian-like Zn/ZnO core/shell particles demonstrated excellent bacteria-killing properties and good dye degradation capability under all conditions where the killing power is related to superoxide (˙O2−) and H2O2 radicals.
Removal of poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances from aqueous systems by nano-enabled water treatment strategies
Authors: Saleh Navid B. , Khalid Arsalan , Tian Yuhao , Ayres Craig , Sabaraya Indu V. , Pietari Jaana , Hanigan David , Chowdhury Indranil , Apul Onur G.
Published: December 2018

Exceptional properties at the nano-scale, if appropriately harnessed, will lead to innovations in water treatment.
Feasibility evaluation of the treatment and recycling of shale gas produced water: a case study of the first shale gas field in the Eastern Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Zhaoji , Zhuang Yiling , Li Junjie , Zhou Zejun , Chen Shaohua
Published: December 2018

Laboratory and pilot-scale feasibility evaluation of cost-effective treatment and recycling of shale gas produced water.
Visible light-driven water oxidation with a ruthenium sensitizer and a cobalt-based catalyst connected with a polymeric platform
Authors: Kap Zeynep , Karadas Ferdi
Published: December 2018

A novel PS–WOC dyad which incorporates a ruthenium-based photosensitizer (PS) connected to a Prussian blue type water oxidation catalyst (WOC) through a P4VP platform is presented.
Investigation of the position of the radical in z3-ions resulting from electron transfer dissociation using infrared ion spectroscopy
Authors: Kempkes Lisanne J. M. , Martens Jonathan , Berden Giel , Houthuijs Kas J. , Oomens Jos
Published: December 2018

The molecular structures of six open-shell z3-ions resulting from electron transfer dissociation mass spectrometry (ETD MS) were investigated using infrared ion spectroscopy in combination with density functional theory and molecular mechanics/molecular dynamics calculations.
An inexpensive smartphone-based device for point-of-care ovulation testing
Authors: Potluri Vaishnavi , Kathiresan Preethi Sangeetha , Kandula Hemanth , Thirumalaraju Prudhvi , Kanakasabapathy Manoj Kumar , Kota Sai Pavan Sandeep , Yarravarapu Divyank , Soundararajan Anand , Baskar Karthik , Gupta Raghav , Gudipati Neeraj , C. Petrozza John , Shafiee Hadi
Published: December 2018

Artificial intelligence-enabled ovulation testing on smartphones through the analysis of fern patterns in saliva.
Pumpless platform for high-throughput dynamic multicellular culture and chemosensitivity evaluation
Authors: Chen Zhehuan , He Songmin , Zilberberg Jenny , Lee Woo
Published: December 2018

We report here a 96 well-plate based pumpless platform for high-throughput dynamic multicellular culture and chemosensitivity evaluation.
Development of a microdevice for facile analysis of theophylline in whole blood by a cloned enzyme donor immunoassay
Authors: Nishiyama Keine , Sugiura Kanako , Kaji Noritada , Tokeshi Manabu , Baba Yoshinobu
Published: December 2018

We have developed a microdevice that can measure theophylline in whole blood facilely after blood collection.
Is hydroxypyridonate 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO) a good competitor of fetuin for uranyl metabolism?
Authors: Younes Ali , Creff Gaëlle , Beccia Maria Rosa , Moisy Philippe , Roques Jérôme , Aupiais Jean , Hennig Christoph , Solari Pier Lorenzo , Den Auwer Christophe , Vidaud Claude
Published: December 2018

Identification of stable HOPO–UO22+–fetuin ternary complexes after a chromatographic separation process.
An efficient heterogeneous copper fluorapatite (CuFAP)-catalysed oxidative synthesis of diaryl sulfone under mild ligand- and base-free conditions
Authors: Kamble Rohit B. , Chavan Santosh S. , Suryavanshi Gurunath
Published: December 2018

We report an efficient method for the synthesis of diaryl sulfones using heterogeneous CuFAP-catalysed coupling of sodium salt of aryl sulfonic acid with phenyl boronic acid.
Aluminum nanoparticles manufactured using a ball-milling method with ammonium chloride as a grinding aid: achieving energy release at low temperature
Authors: Jiang Aifeng , Wang Fang , Xia Debin , Li Mengru , Qiang Liangsheng , Zhu Zhaoyang , Wang Ping , Fan Ruiqing , Lin Kaifeng , Yang Yulin
Published: December 2018

Aluminum nanoparticles were produced on a hundred-gram scale using a facile method and presented excellent stability, low oxidation initiation temperatures, and rapid combustion.
Synthesis and evaluation of chiral β-amino acid-based low-molecular-weight organogelators possessing a methyl/trifluoromethyl side chain
Authors: Kodama Koichi , Kawamata Ryuta , Hirose Takuji
Published: December 2018

Impacts of side-chains and chirality of organogelators derived from β-amino acids are described with their supramolecular structures.
Design and manufacture of functional catalyst-carrier structures for the bioorthogonal activation of anticancer agents
Authors: Torres-Sánchez Carmen , Pérez-López Ana M. , Alqahtani Mohammad N. , Unciti-Broceta Asier , Rubio-Ruiz Belén
Published: December 2018

Achieving the activation of a latent prodrugviabio-orthogonal chemistry on the catalytic surface of a tailored Ti-[Pd] device.
Electrochemically driven P–H oxidation and functionalization: synthesis of carbamoylphosphonates from phosphoramides and alcohols
Authors: Wu Qiu-Li , Chen Xing-Guo , Huo Cong-De , Wang Xi-Cun , Quan Zheng-Jun
Published: December 2018

Electrochemical synthesis of carbamoylphosphonates via P–H phosphorylation and oxygenation of phosphinecarboxamides with alcohols by using n-Bu4NI (10 mol%) as an iodine source.
Controlling the fluorescence properties of nitrogen vacancy centers in nanodiamonds
Authors: Laube Christian , Oeckinghaus Thomas , Lehnert Jan , Griebel Jan , Knolle Wolfgang , Denisenko Andrej , Kahnt Axel , Meijer Jan , Wrachtrup Jörg , Abel Bernd
Published: December 2018

Controlled enhancement of NV center fluorescence in nanodiamonds via control over the formation process and surface parameters.
Cold plasma gas loaded microbubbles as a novel ultrasound contrast agent
Authors: Dong Feihong , Zhang Jiabin , Wang Kaile , Liu Zhengxin , Guo Jinsong , Zhang Jue
Published: December 2018

An ultrasound-triggered strategy was developed to achieve the release of free radicals from the plasma microbubbles (PMBs) fabricated by a modified emulsification process.
Simulations of the effect of an oxide on contact area measurements from conductive atomic force microscopy
Authors: Chen Rimei , Vishnubhotla Sai Bharadwaj , Jacobs Tevis D. B. , Martini Ashlie
Published: December 2018

Atomistic simulations provide an approach to correcting the error in contact-area measurements from conductive atomic force microscopy for platinum with a thin insulating layer.
Universal description of heating-induced reshaping preference of core–shell bimetallic nanoparticles
Authors: Zhao Zheng , Xu Haoxiang , Gao Yi , Cheng Daojian
Published: December 2018

To achieve universal description of the reshaping process of core–shell bimetallic nanoparticles, we combined the tight-binding Ising Hamiltonian model with molecular dynamic simulations to propose a general theoretical model at the atomic scale while considering the temperature, bond energy, atomic size, and surface energy effects.
Stereo- and regioselective gold(i)-catalyzed hydroamination of 2-(arylethynyl)pyridines with anilines
Authors: Cacchi Sandro , Fabrizi Giancarlo , Fochetti Andrea , Ghirga Francesca , Goggiamani Antonella , Iazzetti Antonia
Published: December 2018

The gold-catalyzed hydroamination of 2-(arylethynyl)pyridines with anilines affords stereoselectively Z-enamine products with excellent regioselectivity.
Luminescent conjugates between dinuclear rhenium complexes and 17α-ethynylestradiol: synthesis, photophysical characterization, and cell imaging
Authors: Proverbio Matteo , Quartapelle Procopio Elsa , Panigati Monica , Mercurio Silvia , Pennati Roberta , Ascagni Miriam , Leone Roberta , La Porta Caterina , Sugni Michela
Published: December 2018

New luminescent conjugates between dinuclear rhenium complexes and an estradiol moiety.
One-pot multi-segment condensation strategies for chemical protein synthesis
Authors: Zuo Chong , Zhang Baochang , Yan Bingjia , Zheng Ji-Shen
Published: December 2018

This paper describes recent advances of one-pot multi-segment condensation strategies based on kinetically controlled strategies and/or protecting group-removal strategies in chemical protein synthesis.
A fluorogenic C4N4 probe for azide-based labelling
Authors: Noda Hidetoshi , Asada Yasuko , Shibasaki Masakatsu , Kumagai Naoya
Published: December 2018

A new fluorogenic probe based on the recently identified 2,5-diaminopyrimidine (C4N4) fluorophore is introduced for azide-specific labelling.
Using automated glycan assembly (AGA) for the practical synthesis of heparan sulfate oligosaccharide precursors
Authors: Budhadev Darshita , Saxby Karinna , Walton Julia , Davies Gideon , Tyler Peter C. , Schwörer Ralf , Fascione Martin A.
Published: December 2018

Herein we report synthesis of complex heparan sulfate oligosaccharide precursors by automated glycan assembly using disaccharide donor building blocks.
Biosynthesis of an anti-tuberculosis sesterterpenoid asperterpenoid A
Authors: Huang Jia-Hua , Lv Jian-Ming , Wang Qiao-Zhen , Zou Jian , Lu Yong-Jun , Wang Qing-Lin , Chen Dong-Ni , Yao Xin-Sheng , Gao Hao , Hu Dan
Published: December 2018

Biosynthesis of a potent MptpB inhibitor asperterpenoid A by a sesterterpene cyclase AstC and a multifunctional P450 enzyme AstB.
Exploration and development of gold- and silver-catalyzed cross dehydrogenative coupling toward donor–acceptor π-conjugated polymer synthesis
Authors: Kang Lauren J. , Xing Liwen , Luscombe Christine K.
Published: December 2018

The synthesis of donor–acceptor conjugated polymers using Au- and Ag-catalyzed cross dehydrogenative coupling was achieved for the first time.
The influence of stereochemistry on the reactivity of the Diels–Alder cycloaddition and the implications for reversible network polymerization
Authors: Cuvellier Audrey , Verhelle Robrecht , Brancart Joost , Vanderborght Bram , Van Assche Guy , Rahier Hubert
Published: December 2018

The differences in reactivity and thermal stability of the stereoisomers define the thermal properties and responsiveness of the reversible polymer network.
Down-regulation of HOXB5 inhibits TGF-β-induced migration and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma cellsviainactivation of the PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Sun Jin-Ping , Ge Quan-Xing , Ren Zheng , Sun Xin-Fang , Xie Shu-Ping
Published: December 2018

HOXB5, a member of the HOX gene family, is a developmental gene which encodes homeoproteins and is known to be a crucial player in development of enteric nervous systems.
Transition metal attenuated mechanism for protective alumina formation from first principles
Authors: Babic Vedad , Geers Christine , Panas Itai
Published: December 2018

A mechanistic perspective on the growth of protective oxides on high temperature alloys at elevated temperatures is provided.
Morphology dependent nonlinear optical and photocatalytic activity of anisotropic plasmonic silver
Authors: Thomas Jeena , Periakaruppan Prakash , Thomas Vinoy , John Jancy , S Mathew , Thomas Titu , Jose Jasmine , I Rejeena , A Mujeeb
Published: December 2018

Anisotropic plasmonic silver for nonlinear optical and photo catalytic applications.
Kinetic modelling for the hydrogenolysis of bio-glycerol in the presence of a highly selective Cu–Ni–Al2O3 catalyst in a slurry reactor
Authors: Mondal Smita , Malviya Himanshu , Biswas Prakash
Published: December 2018

A kinetic study on the liquid phase hydrogenolysis of glycerol was carried out in a slurry reactor in the presence of a highly selective Cu–Ni–Al2O3 catalyst at different reaction temperatures (180–220 °C) and pressures (3–6 MPa), and very high selectivity was achieved (∼95%) towards 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PDO).
Pushing the limits of concertedness. A waltz of wandering carbocations
Authors: Castiñeira Reis Marta , López Carlos Silva , Nieto Faza Olalla , Tantillo Dean J.
Published: December 2018

Coupling multiple 1,n-shifts in reactions of biosynthetically relevant carbocations defies previous limits on the concertedness of multiple chemical events.
Infinite coordination polymer networks: metallogelation of aminopyridine conjugates and in situ silver nanoparticle formation
Authors: Tatikonda Rajendhraprasad , Bulatov Evgeny , Özdemir Zülal , Nonappa Nonappa , Haukka Matti
Published: December 2018

Self-assembly of silver(i) and low molecular weight organic ligands derived from aminopyridine conjugates led to in situ generation of an infinite coordination polymer network and ultra small nanoparticles.
Rational design and construction of nanoporous iron- and nitrogen-doped carbon electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Tan Haibo , Tang Jing , Kim Jeonghun , Kaneti Yusuf Valentino , Kang Yong-Mook , Sugahara Yoshiyuki , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: December 2018

This review pays specific attention to the design and synthetic strategies of Fe-N/C materials with porous structures and their merits towards ORR.
Electron doping of Sr2FeMoO6−δ as high performance anode materials for solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Yang Xin , Chen Jing , Panthi Dhruba , Niu Bingbing , Lei Libin , Yuan Zhihao , Du Yanhai , Li Yongfeng , Chen Fanglin , He Tianmin
Published: December 2018

Electron doping-induced structure modification of double-perovskite anode material with enhanced electrocatalytic activities for methane oxidation in solid oxide fuel cells.
Antifouling performance and mechanism of elastic graphene–silicone rubber composite membranes
Authors: Jin Huichao , Zhang Tao , Bing Wei , Dong Shiyun , Tian Limei
Published: December 2018

An elastic surface can be considered as a spring and damper-backed system under turbulent flow, and this system is beneficial for preventing biofouling.
Pulsed-light surface annealing for low contact resistance interfaces between metal electrodes and bismuth telluride thermoelectric materials
Authors: Joshi Giri , Mitchell Dan , Ruedin Josh , Hoover Kyle , Guzman Rey , McAleer Mike , Wood Leslie , Savoy Steve
Published: December 2018

The pulsed light annealing process improves the efficiency of bismuth telluride based thermoelectric devices by reducing the contact resistance significantly.
Ga2O3 photodetector arrays for solar-blind imaging
Authors: Chen Yan-Cheng , Lu Ying-Jie , Liu Qian , Lin Chao-Nan , Guo Juan , Zang Jin-Hao , Tian Yong-Zhi , Shan Chong-Xin
Published: December 2018

A multi-channel Ga2O3 photodetector array with 16 cells was fabricated to realize solar-blind imaging.
A naturally-derived supramolecular elastomer containing green-synthesized silver nanofibers for self-repairing E-skin sensor
Authors: Yang Yibo , Liu Jize , Cao Jie , Zhou Zehang , Zhang Xinxing
Published: December 2018

Supramolecular elastomer, flexible sensors, naturally-derived materials, self-repairing, conductive composites.
Structure and nucleotide-induced conformational dynamics of the Chlorobium tepidum Roco protein
Authors: Deyaert Egon , Leemans Margaux , Singh Ranjan Kumar , Gallardo Rodrigo , Steyaert Jan , Kortholt Arjan , Lauer Janelle , Versées Wim
Published: December 2018

The LRR (leucine-rich repeat)–Roc (Ras of complex proteins)–COR (C-terminal of Roc) domains are central to the action of nearly all Roco proteins, including the Parkinson's disease-associated protein LRRK2 (leucine-rich repeat kinase 2). We previously demonstrated that the Roco protein from Chlorobium tepidum (CtRoco) undergoes a dimer–monomer cycle during the GTPase reaction, with the protein being mainly dimeric in the nucleotide-free and GDP (guanosine-5′-diphosphate)-bound states and monomeric in the GTP (guanosine-5′-triphosphate)-bound state. Here, we report a crystal structure of CtRoco in the nucleotide-free state showing for the first time the arrangement of the LRR–Roc–COR. This structure reveals a compact dimeric arrangement and shows an unanticipated intimate interaction between the Roc GTPase domains in the dimer interface, involving residues from the P-loop, the switch II loop, the G4 region and a loop which we named the ‘Roc dimerization loop’. Hydrogen–deuterium exchange coupled to mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) is subsequently used to highlight structural alterations induced by individual steps along the GTPase cycle. The structure and HDX-MS data propose a pathway linking nucleotide binding to monomerization and relaying the conformational changes via the Roc switch II to the LRR and COR domains. Together, this work provides important new insights in the regulation of the Roco proteins.
Procaspase activating compound 1 controls tetracycline repressor-regulated gene expression system
Authors: Song Chiman , Kim Namkyoung , Park Miri , Lee Jiyeon , Oh Ki-Bong , Sim Taebo
Published: December 2018

The tetracycline repressor (TetR)-regulated system is a widely used tool to study gene functions through control of its expression. Various effectors such as tetracycline (Tc) and doxycycline (Dox) quickly induce or shut down gene expression, but reversing gene expression has not been eligible due to long half-lives of such effectors. Here, we found that procaspase activating compound 1 (PAC-1) rapidly reduces transient expression of TetR-regulated green fluorescent protein (GFP) in mammalian cells. Next, we applied PAC-1 to control of expression of transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) protein, whose downstream cellular events can be monitored by cell morphological changes. We observed that PAC-1 quickly reduces TRPM7 expression, consequently affecting cell morphology regulated by TRPM7. The present study demonstrates the first small molecule that efficiently turns off the TetR-regulated gene expression in mammalian cells, thereby precisely regulating the expression level of target gene.
Heme oxygenase-1 induction by hemin prevents oxidative stress-induced acute cholestasis in the rat
Authors: Martín Pamela L. , Ceccatto Paula , Razori María V. , Francés Daniel E.A. , Arriaga Sandra M.M. , Pisani Gerardo B. , Martínez Alejandra I. , Sánchez Pozzi Enrique J. , Roma Marcelo G. , Basiglio Cecilia L.
Published: December 2018

We previously demonstrated in in vitro and ex vivo models that physiological concentrations of unconjugated bilirubin (BR) prevent oxidative stress (OS)-induced hepatocanalicular dysfunction and cholestasis. Here, we aimed to ascertain, in the whole rat, whether a similar cholestatic OS injury can be counteracted by heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction that consequently elevates endogenous BR levels. This was achieved through the administration of hemin, an inducer of HO-1, the rate-limiting step in BR generation. We found that BR peaked between 6 and 8 h after hemin administration. During this time period, HO-1 induction fully prevented the pro-oxidant tert-butylhydroperoxide (tBuOOH)-induced drop in bile flow, and in the biliary excretion of bile salts and glutathione, the two main driving forces of bile flow; this was associated with preservation of the membrane localization of their respective canalicular transporters, bile salt export pump (Bsep) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2), which are otherwise endocytosed by OS. HO-1 induction counteracted the oxidation of intracellular proteins and membrane lipids induced by tBuOOH, and fully prevented the increase in the oxidized-to-total glutathione (GSHt) ratio, a sensitive parameter of hepatocellular OS. Compensatory elevations of the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also prevented. We conclude that in vivo HO-1 induction protects the liver from acute oxidative injury, thus preventing consequent cholestasis. This reveals an important role for the induction of HO-1 and the consequently elevated levels of BR in preserving biliary secretory function under OS conditions, thus representing a novel therapeutic tool to limit the cholestatic injury that bears an oxidative background.
Analysis, design, and performance evaluation of zero‐voltage‐ripple buck dc–dc converter
Authors: Ayachit Agasthya , Saini Dalvir K. , Salvatierra Thomas , Kazimierczuk Marian K.
Published: December 2018

A buck dc–dc converter with ripple reduction has been proposed previously. However, detailed characterisation and performance analysis were not conducted. This study presents steady‐state analysis, design, and performance evaluation of the zero‐voltage ripple (ZVR) buck dc–dc converter in continuous conduction mode (CCM). The ZVR buck converter is capable of eliminating the output voltage ripple by employing a two‐winding auto‐transformer. The expressions for steady‐state current and voltage waveforms are given. The equations for the design of the converter components are derived. A step‐by‐step procedure to design the auto‐transformer for the ZVR buck converter using the area‐product method is introduced. Derivations of expressions for the power losses in passive components, magnetic core, windings, and semiconductor devices are presented. A laboratory prototype of the ZVR buck converter in CCM with input voltage 12 V, output voltage 5 V, output power 10 W, and switching frequency 500 kHz was designed, built, and tested. Simulation results showing the superior performance of the ZVR buck converter over the poly‐phase converters are given. Experimental results are provided to validate the theory. It was observed that the ZVR buck converter produces nearly zero ripples at any duty cycle with efficiency in the order of 90%.
Advanced small‐signal‐based analytical approach to modelling high‐order power converters
Authors: Zhang Guidong , Shen Yu , Chen Jie , Shenglong Yu Samson , Ho‐Ching Iu Herbert , Fernando Tyrone , Zhang Yun
Published: December 2018

This study devises an advanced small‐signal based approach (SSA) to model high‐order power converter system (HOPCS); in detail, a 3‐Z‐network converter which employs a single switch to achieve high voltage gain is utilised as a typical example of HOPCS. Therein, four operating modes are detailed in terms of the states of electric current flowing through the inductors. The proposed SSA is performed by means of the state‐space averaging technique and small‐signal equivalent circuits in frequency domain. Based on the proposed approach, the derived transfer functions for input voltage, output voltage and control input yield deep insight into the dynamic responses of the converter in each working mode. In order to well validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, numerical results and experimental prototype are conducted and measured, the results agree well with the theoretical analyses.
Extended quasi‐Y‐source inverter with suppressed inrush and leakage effects
Authors: Liu Hongpeng , Li YuHao , Liu Kuan , Loh Poh Chiang , Wang Wei , Xu Dianguo , Blaabjerg Frede
Published: December 2018

The Y‐source inverter uses different turns ratios of a coupled inductor and a controllable duty ratio to vary its gain. However, its input current is discontinuous, and any leakage inductances of its coupled inductor will lead to unintentional dc‐link voltage spikes and gain reduction. To solve these problems, an extended quasi‐Y‐source inverter has been proposed in this study, which compared with the Y‐source inverter, uses an extra inductor and an extra capacitor. Although the extras may not appear attractive, they have successfully helped with the suppression of leakage effects, which decrease the voltage spikes, and hence permit the main magnetic core size to be much smaller. Concurrently, the continuous input current can be also achieved. Besides, inrush current at startup has been reduced to a more acceptable value, which together with other features of the proposed inverter, have been proven through experiments.
Novel computer‐aided diagnosis of lung cancer using bag of visual words to achieve high accuracy rates
Authors: Chellan Thinkal Dayana , Chellappan Agees Kumar
Published: December 2018

Lung Cancer is considered as one of the deadliest diseases among other lung disorders. Several researchers studied and investigated about classifying the lung cancer images and their approaches do not provide better accuracy. The objective of this paper is mainly focused on detecting the cancerous region and classifying the lung cancer CT images. The proposed work plays a significant role in detecting the types of cancerous region in the lung CT images and helps radiologists to enhance the diagnosis in medical care of patients. It's also a less time consuming process in classifying the lung CT images. Bag of Visual Words (BoVW) is a novel classification technique which is applied on lung CT images to classify the cluster of begnin or malignant lung cancer in different steps. With the help of MATLAB 2016, the simulation results are obtained. The achieved accuracy of BoVW classifier is 96% which is higher than other classifiers applied on lung cancer CT images. This classifier highly reduces the computational complexity. This CAD system is very beneficial to radiologists and oncologists in cancer research centres or any cancer institutions. By applying other segmentation or novel classification techniques may improve the automatic diagnosis of lung cancer images.
Multiple positive bound states for critical Schrödinger-Poisson systems
Authors: Cerami Giovanna , Molle Riccardo
Published: December 2018

Using variational methods we prove some results about existence and multiplicity of positive bound states of to the following Schrödinger-Poisson system:
[see formula in PDF]

We remark that (SP) exhibits a “double” lack of compactness because of the unboundedness of ℝ3 and the critical growth of the nonlinear term and that in our assumptions ground state solutions of (SP) do not exist.
Engineering Properties of Tanjung Bin Bottom Ash
Authors: Abdullah Mohamad Hafeezi , Abuelgasim Rasha , Rashid Ahmad Safuan A. , Mohdyunus Nor Zurairahetty
Published: December 2018

Tanjung Bin is one of the biggest coal-fired power plants in Malaysia to generate electricity. The by product from burning of the coal ash produce 42, 000 metric tons of fly ash and 8, 000 metric tons of bottom ash every month. This huge amount of waste requires large area for disposal storage and also may cause environmental problems. This paper aims to study the properties of bottom ash and the possibility to be used as a substitute materials of sands. The laboratory testing program covered physical and mechanical properties of bottom ash. The physical testing includes specific gravity and particle size distribution, whereas, the mechanical properties are Standard Proctor compaction, relative density, permeability and direct shear test. The results show that the properties of bottom ash have similarities to those of sand thus there is a potential to be used as sand replacement materials in construction and engineering works.
Review on Rock Aquifers Researches Conducted in Malaysia
Authors: Rathinasamy Vynotdni , Tonnizam Mohammad Edy , Komoo Ibrahim
Published: December 2018

The exploration of groundwater in Malaysia was not very welcomed due to few misconceptions such as it is very expensive to extract, could give negative impacts to the environment and not reliable. Yet, in recent times, rock aquifers such as limestone, sedimentary rocks, volcanic rocks, igneous rocks and metasedimetary rocks are being explored. This paper aims to review the researches that have been carried out on rock aquifers in Malaysia. In general, the topics studied were potential zonation, groundwater quality and quantity, occurrence and flow of groundwater as well as characterization of rock aquifers. The highest yielding aquifer was metasedimentary rock aquifers meanwhile the quality was good in general. Most of the aquifers were having neutral pH values and the total dissolved solids more than 100 mg/l. Moreover, granitic aquifers contained more hardness than the metasedimentary rocks. The iron content in the aquifers was higher than the limit set by World Health Organisation which is 0.3mg/l while salinity of aquifers were not tested in many aquifers. It can be vividly seen that many research were focused on quality. Hence, more researches on characterization of rock aquifers must be done for proper understanding on occurrence, flow and recharge.
Engineering behaviour of stabilized laterite and kaolin using lignin
Authors: Tuan Ismail Tuan Noor Hasanah , Mohd Yusoff Siti Aimi Nadia , Bakar Ismail , Wijeyesekera Devapriya Chitral , Zainorabidin Adnan , Azmi Mastura , Ramli Muhd Harris , Siang Alvin John Lim Meng
Published: December 2018

Soils at many sites do not always have enough strength to bear the structures constructed over them and some of the soil may need to be stabilized in order to improve their geotechnical properties. In this paper, routine laboratory tests were critically carried out to investigate the efficacy of lignin in improving the strength behaviour of the soils. Two different soil samples (laterite and kaolin) were studied and mixed with different proportions of lignin (2% and 5% of dry weight of soil), respectively. Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) characteristics evaluated in this study were done on samples at their maximum dry density and optimum moisture content (obtained from compaction tests). The UCS tests on all the specimens were carried out after 0, 7, 15, 21 and 30 days of controlled curing. The research results showed that the addition of lignin into kaolin reduced its maximum dry density while giving progressively higher optimum moisture content. Contrarily, with the laterite soil, both maximum dry density and optimum moisture content simultaneously increased when lignin was added into the soils. The UCS results showed that the the stabilized laterite with 2% lignin continued to gain strength significantly at a fairly steady rate after 7 days. Unfortunately, lignin did not show a significant effect in kaolin.
Stress Distribution in Specimen for Diametrical Compression Test under Some Boundary Conditions
Authors: Yoshinaga Shinnosuke , Higashi Yukari , Abdullah Rini Asnida , Tsutsumi Takashi
Published: December 2018

Diametrical Compression test is one of indirect tests to investigate the tensile strength of brittle materials. This test is spread because of easiness to perform. However, results from this test are not stable. Traditionally, calculations for diametrical compression test are performed under a pair of opposite concentrated load on the diameter of specimen. In the fact, contact areas are appears just before fracture of specimen and the stress distribution from loading platens is not obvious. It seems one of reasons why the result from this test is not stable. Several stress distributions between contact area and specimen have been proposed and stresses and strains have been calculated as theoretical results or analytical result in previous studies. In this study, the stress distribution that consists of uniform loading and cosine curve shaped loading is proposed and used for theoretical solution. Furthermore, results from this study are compared with results from previous studies.
Data collection challenge in seismic risk-based assessment at Ranau Township
Authors: Mohamad Izni Izzati , Yunus Mohd Zulkifli Mohd , Harith Noor Sheena Herayani
Published: December 2018

Seismic is an energy in the form of wave that will cause ground shaking and resulting in earthquake. Earthquake is a natural disaster that can bring damage to property, environment, and life. The structure of the building will determine the level of resistance when the earthquake occurs. Rapid Visual Screening is conducted to assess the durability and risk of building upon the earthquake events. There are some challenges faced during data collection including the topography of the study area, cooperation of the residents, time constraint and ground data limitation. This paper aim to describe the challenges encounter during data collection. Limitation and recommendation for future research also discussed in this paper. Data collection is a very crucial stage as it will determine the accuracy of the results and affect the findings of the research. From this data collection, it will help stakeholders, town planner and town authorities to plan the town and take precautionary measures against high-risk buildings in case of earthquake.
Stabilization of Soft Clay by Using Diapers Back Sheet Layer Wastes
Authors: Mat Nor Ahmad Hakimi , Pakir Faizal , Izzudin Muhammad Arif Azraei , Salim Salman , Sanik Mohd Erwan , Kaamin Masiri , Dan Mohd Firdaus Md , Burhanudin Mohd Khairy
Published: December 2018

This research focus on improving the weaknesses of soft clay soils by using proper recycled material as a stabilization agent for strengthening purpose. Therefore, Diaper’s Back Sheet Layer Wastes (DBSLW) were used as the agent of soil stabilization. In this study, series of laboratory test were conducted to evaluate the optimum size and content of DBSLW as a strip reinforcement to increase the strength of Batu Pahat Soft Clay (BPSC). Testing program involves obtaining the physical properties of BPSC followed by California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test to determine the strength of BPSC with and without the addition of DBSLW. Result shows that the optimum size for DBSLW is 10 mm x 30 mm while the optimum content is 0.5%. At 15 mm penetration, sample with diapers strip of 10 mm x 30 mm dimension record 4.10 kN CBR value compare to 1.64 kN CBR value of untreated soil, 2.5 times stronger than untreated soil. Results of CBR tests demonstrated that inclusion of DBSLW strips in soil with optimum amounts and size improved strength and deformation behavior of soils substantially. The proposed technique could be used to advantage in road construction, industrial yards, and building structure.
Bio-desaturation and bio-sealing techniques for mitigation of soil liquefaction: a review
Authors: Zango Muttaqa Uba , Kassim Khairul Anuar , Mohammed Abubakar Sadiq
Published: December 2018

Biogeotechnology is a recent area of study that deals with the improvement of engineering properties of soils in an eco-friendly and sustainable approach through the use of microorganisms. This paper first, reviewed the concept of bio-mediated soil improvement technique, components involved and the roles they played. Two processes of bio-mediation soil improvement techniques i.e. microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP) for producing bio-cement via ureolysis and bio-desaturation for generating specifically biogenic nitrogen gas via denitrification, their mechanisms of occurring and factors influencing them were described in details. An overview study was done on soil liquefaction. Conventional methods employed for mitigations of liquefaction hazards were reviewed and their limitations were drawn. The use of the de-saturation process for mitigation of soil liquefaction was adequately addressed. Mitigation of liquefaction using biological processes, in particular, MICP and/or bio-desaturation were introduced. The findings from the previous works have shown that both the two techniques are capable of improving liquefaction resistance of soils. Most of the results have shown that presence of biogenic nitrogen gas in soils treated with denitrifying bacteria is able to induce partial desaturation in the soil which consequently increases the cyclic shear strength, reduces pore water pressure and changes the soil behaviour from compressive to dilatant. Finally, potentials, challenges, and recommendations for future studies were identified.
The effectiveness of new 3D visual effect speed hump in speed reduction
Authors: Ambak Kamarudin , Jemari Suhailah , David Daniel Basil , Othman Mohd Hanifi , Borhan Muhamad Nazri
Published: December 2018

Intersection is a function of parsing and altering traffic movement. The safety of vehicle manoeuvres at the junction depends on the minimum speed. The purpose of this study is to identify the effectiveness of the usage of temporary speed hump (3D visual effect) to reduce vehicles speed approaching a Priority Junction. This study was conducted at three (3) different residential locations namely Taman Murni, Kampung Merdeka and Taman Bahagia Koperasi in Batu Pahat area. These intersections were chosen because it connects one housing area to another and acts as a short-pass to a destination. Based on the observational activity, there were some traffic conflicting and potential for accidents at the intersection as well. The speed data were collected using laser guns and filled into special forms including date, location, weather, start and end time of observation and also the category of vehicles passed through the intersection. A hypothesis test was conduct to analyze the vehicle speed data before and after installation of the temporary a new 3D visual effect of speed hump. The results were analyzed using the Chi-Square test in Statistical Package for Science Social (SPSS) software. The Chi-Square analysis demonstrates that the effectiveness of using temporary a new 3D visual effect of speed hump is significant statistically (p<0.05, χ2== 291.575). Majority vehicles (74%) were complied with speed limit when approaching intersection compared to 26% of vehicles who do not to do so. In addition, there was decline in the number of uninterrupted vehicles can be seen after parking traffic. Therefore, the study confirmed that drivers who speeding over the speed limit zones before approaching the intersection might be intervened after the installation of the new 3D visual effect of speed hump.
Potential of carbonic anhydrase and urease bacteria for sequestration of CO2 into aerated concrete
Authors: Alshalif A Faisal , Irwan JM , Othman N , Al-Gheethi Adel , Hassan Algaifi , Nasser Ibrahim M
Published: December 2018

The present study aimed to investigate the potential of bacterial strains from cement kiln dust (CKD) to sequestrate atmospheric CO2 into aerated concrete as a functional for carbonic anhydrase (CA) and urease enzymes. Five samples of CKD was collected from Cement Industries of Malaysia Berhad (CIMA). The most potent bacterial isolates were selected and adapted to grow in 5% of CO2 and in bio-aerated concrete medium. CA enzyme was detected by using a solution of 1.8 g of p-NPA (p-nitrophenyl acetate) and 25 mg of ampicillin at 7-pH. The results of thioglycolate broth medium assay indicated that the bacterial isolates were facultative anaerobic. Furthermore, the results of candle jar test reflected that the bacterial isolates have the ability to survive with 5% of CO2 concentrations. Two bacterial isolates distinctly grow in bio-aerated concrete simulation medium, while only one bacterial isolate was the most potent and has produced in a powder form using freeze dryer to be ready to apply in bio-aerated concrete.
Crack-healing in cementitious material to improve the durability of structures: Review
Authors: Amer Ali Algaifi Hassan , Abu Bakar Suhaimi , Mohd Sam Abdul Rahman , Zainal Abidin Ahmad Razin
Published: December 2018

One of the most commonly used materials in the field of construction is concrete. Nevertheless, there are strong inclinations for concrete to form cracks, which would then allow the penetration of both aggressive and harmful substances into the concrete. Subsequently, this will decrease the durability of the affected structures. Thus, the ability for cracks to heal themselves in the affected cementitious materials is in demand to prolong the life of any structure. Autogenous self-healing is one approach to overcome smaller crack widths (macrocracks). Nowadays, crack width-healing is of great importance. Having said that, both polymers and bacteria are the most common approach to enhance autogenous self-healing and bond crack faces. Crack width-healing of up to 0.97 mm was achieved via bacteria-based self-healing. In this paper, the mechanisms of these approaches and their efficiency to heal crack were highlighted. Both bacteria-and polymers-based self-healing are promising techniques for the future. However, long term studies are still required before real applications can be made.
Structural relationship of leadership qualities with worker’s issues for Saudi Arabia's construction industry
Authors: Rahman Ismail Abdul , Al-Emad Nashwan
Published: December 2018

One of the important factors for construction project success is managing the workers. It requires good leadership qualities in handling the workers’ issues. This paper presents a study on associating good leadership qualities with the workers issues of Saudi Arabia’s construction industry. The study was conducted within Makkah development region where all the construction workers are foreigners. A questionnaire survey involved 203 construction leaders who were asked to rate the degree of importance of each the identified leadership qualities in handling several construction workers issues. Collected data from this survey was used to develop PLS-SEM model which relates structural relationship of leadership qualities with the worker issues. Validation of the model shows that it is fit with Goodness of Fit (GoF) value of 0.30. The validated model indicates that problem solving group of qualities is the most dominant in handling workers issues.These findings are helpful for Saudi Arabia’s construction practitioners in handling workers issues effectively and thus ensure completion of construction projects timely.