bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel magnetic propylsulfonic acid-anchored isocyanurate-based periodic mesoporous organosilica (Iron oxide@PMO-ICS-PrSO3H) as a highly efficient and reusable nanoreactor for the sustainable synthesis of imidazopyrimidine derivatives
Authors: Akbari Arezoo , Dekamin Mohammad G. , Yaghoubi Amene , Naimi-Jamal Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2020

In this study, preparation and characterization of a new magnetic propylsulfonic acid-anchored isocyanurate bridging periodic mesoporous organosilica (Iron oxide@PMO-ICS-PrSO3H) is described. The iron oxide@PMO-ICS-PrSO3H nanomaterials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy as well as thermogravimetric analysis, N2adsorption–desorption isotherms and vibrating sample magnetometer techniques. Indeed, the new obtained materials are the first example of the magnetic thermally stable isocyanurate-based mesoporous organosilica solid acid. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of the Iron oxide@PMO-ICS-PrSO3H nanomaterials, as a novel and highly efficient recoverable nanoreactor, was investigated for the sustainable heteroannulation synthesis of imidazopyrimidine derivatives through the Traube–Schwarz multicomponent reaction of 2-aminobenzoimidazole, C‒H acids and diverse aromatic aldehydes. The advantages of this green protocol are low catalyst loading, high to quantitative yields, short reaction times and the catalyst recyclability for at least four consecutive runs.
Clinicopathological characterization and prognostic implication of FOXP3 and CK19 expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma and concomitant Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Authors: Mohamed Salem Youssef , Ibrahim Taiseer R. , Elbasateeny Samah S. , Abdelaziz Lobna A. , Farouk Shaimaa , Yassin Mahmoud Abdou , Embaby Ahmed
Published: June 2020

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is considered the most prevalent thyroid malignancy. The association between Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and PTC is still unclear. We aimed to examine the clinicopathological impact of immunohistochemical staining of FOXP3 and Cytokeratin 19 in PTC and concomitant HT and their correlation with patients' outcome and survival. Eighty thyroid biopsies obtained from patients with PTC were immunostained by FOXP3 and CK19.The patients were treated by radioactive iodine (I131) and followed up. FOXP3 and CK19 expression were detected in 45% and 80% studied cases of PTC respectively. 16.7% of PTC with associated HT showed FOXP3+ lymphocytes in lymphocytic infiltrate of HT, while most of PTC associated HT express cytoplasmic CK19 positive Hurtle cells. FOXP3 was more expressed in PTC female patients more than 45 years with higher stage, lymph node, and distant metastasis, extracapsular extension, number of I131doses, and cumulative radioiodine doses with a highly statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). The relation was significant between CK19 immunostaining as regard 10-year Overall Survival and death (p value = 0.027 and 0.036, respectively). HT represents a step in the process of autoimmune inflammatory disease ending by the evolution of PTC with better prognosis, therefore appropriate follow up of these cases is needed. FOXP3 tends to be more expressed in PTC cases with worse prognostic variables and is predictable to become a recent prognostic and targeted therapy for PTC. There was a significant relation between CK19 immunostaining and 10 year overall survival.
Spexin as an indicator of beneficial effects of exercise in human obesity and diabetes
Authors: Khadir Abdelkrim , Kavalakatt Sina , Madhu Dhanya , Devarajan Sriraman , Abubaker Jehad , Al-Mulla Fahd , Tiss Ali
Published: June 2020

Spexin is a novel neuropeptide playing an emerging role in metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes via involvement in energy homeostasis and food intake. The present study investigated the effects of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) on circulating levels of spexin and its modulation by physical exercise. Normal-weight (n = 50) and obese adults with and without T2D (n = 69 and n = 66, respectively) were enrolled in the study. A subgroup of obese participants (n = 47) underwent a supervised 3-month exercise programme. Plasma spexin levels were measured by ELISA and correlated with various markers. Plasma spexin levels decreased in obese participants with or without T2D compared with those of normal-weight participants (0.43 ± 0.11, 0.44 ± 0.12 and 0.61 ± 0.23 ng/ml, respectively; P < 0.001). Spexin levels negatively correlated with adiposity markers and blood pressure in the whole study population (P < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed blood pressure was the greatest predictive determinant of plasma spexin levels, which significantly increased in response to physical exercise in obese participants without and with T2D (P < 0.05). Spexin levels significantly increased only in responders to exercise (those with increased oxygen consumption, VO2 max) with a concomitant improvement in metabolic profile. In conclusion, plasma spexin levels may be an indicator of response to physical exercise.
Aerosol classification by dielectrophoresis: a theoretical study on spherical particles
Authors: Lorenz Malte , Weber Alfred P. , Baune Michael , Thöming Jorg , Pesch Georg R.
Published: June 2020

The possibilities and limitations using dielectrophoresis (DEP) for the dry classification of spherical aerosol particles was evaluated at low concentrations in a theoretical study. For an instrument with the geometry of concentric cylinders (similar to cylindrical DMA), the dependencies of target particle diameter $$d_{{\text {P}}}^*$$dP∗, resolution, and yield of the DEP classification on residence time, applied electric field strength, and pressure of the carrier gas were investigated. Further, the diffusion influence on the classification was considered. It was found that $$d_{{\text {P}}}^*$$dP∗ scales with the mean gas flow velocity $$u_{{\text {gas}}}$$ugas, classifier length L, and electric field strength E as $$d_{{\text {P}}}^*\propto (u_{{\text {gas}}}/L)^{0.5}E^{-1}$$dP∗∝(ugas/L)0.5E-1. The resolution of the classification depends on the particle diameter and scales proportionally to $${d_{{\text {P}}}^*}^{1.3}$$dP∗1.3. It is constrained by the flow ratio $$\beta $$β (i.e., sheath gas to aerosol flow), electrode diameters, and applied electric field strength. The classification yield increases with the ratio of the width of the extended outlet slit $$s_{{\text {e}}}$$se to the diffusion induced broadening $$\sigma _z$$σz. As expected, resolution and yield exhibit opposite dependencies on $$s_{{\text {e}}}/\sigma _z$$se/σz. Our simulations show that DEP classification can principally cover a highly interesting particle size range from 100 nm to $${10}\,\upmu \hbox {m}$$10μm while being directly particle size-selective and particle charge independent.
Candidate protein biomarkers in pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms grade 3
Authors: Ali Abir Salwa , Perren Aurel , Lindskog Cecilia , Welin Staffan , Sorbye Halfdan , Grönberg Malin , Janson Eva Tiensuu
Published: June 2020

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs) are rare tumours that compose 1–2% of all pancreatic tumours. Patients with metastatic grade 3 neoplasia are usually treated with chemotherapy but have a poor progression-free and overall survival. According to the WHO 2017 classification, they are divided into neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) G3 and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). Despite the new classification, new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are needed to sub-categorise the patients and to help guide therapy decisions. Blood from 42 patients and 42 healthy controls were screened for the presence of 92 proteins with the Immuno-Oncology panel using the Proximity Extension Assay provided by Olink Biosciences. Immunohistochemical staining of FAS ligand (FASLG) was performed on 16 patient tumour specimens using a commercial antibody. Fifty-four out of 87 evaluable proteins differed significantly in concentration between blood from patients and blood from healthy controls. FASLG was the only protein for which the concentration in blood was significantly lower in patients compared to controls and the levels correlated negatively to Ki-67 index. Seven of 14 evaluable PanNEN G3 specimens showed FASLG immunoreactivity in the tumour cells while there was scattered immunoreactivity in immune cells. Positive FASLG immunoreactivity correlated to well-differentiated morphology. FASLG concentration in blood was significantly lower in patients with pancreatic NENs G3 compared to controls, and the expression in tumour tissue was variable. Furthermore, FASLG was negatively correlated to Ki-67 and was more frequently expressed in well-differentiated tumours. Taken together, these results may suggest a role of FASLG in PanNENs.
Differences in food consumption between patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and healthy individuals
Authors: Kaličanin Dean , Brčić Luka , Ljubetić Katija , Barić Ana , Gračan Sanda , Brekalo Marko , Torlak Lovrić Vesela , Kolčić Ivana , Polašek Ozren , Zemunik Tatijana , Punda Ante , Boraska Perica Vesna
Published: June 2020

Food is considered as important environmental factor that plays a role in development of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). The goal of our study was to identify food groups, assessed by food frequency questionnaire, that differ in consumption frequency between 491 patients with HT and 433 controls. We also analysed association of food groups with the wealth of HT-related clinical traits and symptoms. We found significantly increased consumption of animal fat (OR 1.55, p < 0.0001) and processed meat (OR 1.16, p = 0.0012) in HT cases, whereas controls consumed significantly more frequently red meat (OR 0.80, p < 0.0001), non-alcoholic beverages (OR 0.82, p < 0.0001), whole grains (OR 0.82, p < 0.0001) and plant oil (OR 0.87, p < 0.0001). We also observed association of plant oil consumption with increased triiodothyronine levels in HT patients (β = 0.07, p < 0.0001), and, association of olive oil consumption with decreased systolic blood pressure (β = − 0.16, p = 0.001) in HT patients on levothyroxine (LT4) therapy. Analysis of food consumption between HT patients with and without LT4 therapy suggest that patients do not tend to modify their diet upon HT diagnosis in our population. Our study may be of relevance to nutritionists, nutritional therapists and clinicians involved in developing dietary recommendations for HT patients.
Risk analysis of maize yield losses in mainland China at the county level
Authors: Li Xuan , Fang Shibo , Wu Dong , Zhu Yongchao , Wu Yingjie
Published: June 2020

Food security in China is under additional stress due to climate change. The risk analysis of maize yield losses is crucial for sustainable agricultural production and climate change impact assessment. It is difficult to quantify this risk because of the constraints on the high-resolution data available. Moreover, the current results lack spatial comparability due to the area effect. These challenges were addressed by using long-term county-level maize yield and planting area data from 1981 to 2010. We analyzed the spatial distribution of maize yield loss risks in mainland China. A new comprehensive yield loss risk index was established by combining the reduction rate, coefficient of variation, and probability of yield reduction after removing the area effect. A total of 823 counties were divided into areas of lowest, low, moderate, high, and highest risk. High risk in maize production occurred in Heilongjiang and Jilin Provinces, the eastern part of Inner Mongolia, the eastern part of Gansu-Xinjiang, west of the Loess Plateau, and the western part of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Most counties in Northeast China were at high risk, while the Loess Plateau, middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and Gansu-Xinjiang were at low risk.
Estimating and abstracting the 3D structure of feline bones using neural networks on X-ray (2D) images
Authors: Čavojská Jana , Petrasch Julian , Mattern Denny , Lehmann Nicolas Jens , Voisard Agnès , Böttcher Peter
Published: June 2020

Computing 3D bone models using traditional Computed Tomography (CT) requires a high-radiation dose, cost and time. We present a fully automated, domain-agnostic method for estimating the 3D structure of a bone from a pair of 2D X-ray images. Our triplet loss-trained neural network extracts a 128-dimensional embedding of the 2D X-ray images. A classifier then finds the most closely matching 3D bone shape from a predefined set of shapes. Our predictions have an average root mean square (RMS) distance of 1.08 mm between the predicted and true shapes, making our approach more accurate than the average achieved by eight other examined 3D bone reconstruction approaches. Each embedding extracted from a 2D bone image is optimized to uniquely identify the 3D bone CT from which the 2D image originated and can serve as a kind of fingerprint of each bone; possible applications include faster, image content-based bone database searches for forensic purposes.
Is it really possible to control aromaticity of benzene with light?
Authors: Bouakline F. , Tremblay J. C.
Published: June 2020

We question the findings of recent theoretical investigations, which claim that tailored laser pulses may selectively steer benzene's aromatic ground state to localized non-aromatic excited states.
A ratiometric fluorescent probe for imaging enzyme dependent hydrogen sulfide variation in the mitochondria and in living mice
Authors: Zhang Yuming , Chen Yuncong , Fang Hongbao , Shi Xiangchao , Yuan Hao , Bai Yang , He Weijiang , Guo Zijian
Published: June 2020

CouDE could monitor the endogenous H2S level change induced by alteration of CBS enzyme activity in living cells and in vivo.
COSAN-stabilised omega-3 oil-in-water nanoemulsions to prolong lung residence time for poorly water soluble drugs
Authors: Navascuez Marcos , Dupin Damien , Grande Hans-Jürgen , Gómez-Vallejo Vanessa , Loinaz Iraida , Cossío Unai , Llop Jordi
Published: June 2020

Herein, we report on the capacity of the amphiphilic inorganic anion cobalt bis(dicarbollide) to stabilise oil-in-water nanoemulsions (NEs).
Modifying the luminescent properties of a Cu(i) diphosphine complex using ligand-centered reactions in single crystals
Authors: Lee Kyounghoon , Lai Po-Ni , Parveen Riffat , Donahue Courtney M. , Wymore Mikayla M. , Massman Blake A. , Vlaisavljevich Bess , Teets Thomas S. , Daly Scott R.
Published: June 2020

Here we report how reactions at a chemically reactive diphosphine shift the long-lived luminescent colour of a crystalline three-coordinate Cu(i) complex from green to blue.
Interaction of hydroxychloroquine with SARS-CoV2 functional proteins using all-atoms non-equilibrium alchemical simulations
Authors: Procacci Piero , Macchiagodena Marina , Pagliai Marco , Guarnieri Guido , Iannone Francesco
Published: June 2020

Using a combination of enhanced sampling molecular dynamics techniques and non-equilibrium alchemical transformations, we have shown that hydroxychloroquine may act as a mild inhibitor of important functional proteins for SARS-CoV2 replication.
2D-Coordination polymers based on 1H-indazole-4-carboxylic acid and transition metal ions: magnetic, luminescence and biological properties
Authors: García-Valdivia Antonio A. , Zabala-Lekuona Andoni , Ramírez-Rodríguez Gloria B. , Delgado-López José M. , Fernández Belén , Cepeda Javier , Rodríguez-Diéguez Antonio
Published: June 2020

Five novel multifunctional coordination polymers (CPs) based on 1H-indazole-4-carboxylic acid are reported. These complexes, the first examples of CPs with this novel ligand, show interesting magnetic, luminescence and biological properties.
Synthesis and solid-state characterization of diclofenac imidazolium monohydrate: an imidazolium pharmaceutical ionic liquid
Authors: da Silva Cecilia C. P. , Dayo Owoyemi Bolaji C. , Alvarenga-Jr Benedito R. , Alvarez Natalia , Ellena Javier , Carneiro Renato L.
Published: June 2020

A new imidazolium hydrated salt (DCF–IMI–H2O) of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac (DCF) was synthesized by solvent evaporation.
Simultaneous achievement of superior response and full recovery of titanium dioxide/graphene hybrid FET sensors for NH3 through p- to n-mode switch
Authors: Falak Attia , Tian Yi , Yan Lanqin , Zhang Xianfeng , Xu Lihua , Song Zhiwei , Dong Fengliang , Chen Peipei , Zhao Min , Wang Hanfu , Chu Weiguo
Published: June 2020

Ultrathin TiO2/graphene field effect transistor sensors with 100% titanium coverage (D100) favor the room temperature NH3 sensing performance at lower Schottky barrier height via switch in the sensing mode from p to n.
Hydrogen desorption from the surface and subsurface of cobalt
Authors: Ciufo Ryan A. , Han Sungmin , Floto Michael E. , Eichler J. Ehren , Henkelman Graeme , Mullins C. Buddie
Published: June 2020

Increased hydrogen coverage on cobalt promotes hydrogen diffusion into the subsurface.
Assessing electrochemical properties and diffusion dynamics of metal ions (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Al and Zn) on a C2N monolayer as an anode material for non-lithium ion batteries
Authors: Ding Yingchun , Deng Qijiu , You Caiyin , Xu Yunhua , Li Jilin , Xiao Bing
Published: June 2020

We perform first-principles molecular dynamics (FPMD) simulations together with a CI-NEB method to explore the structure, electrochemical properties and diffusion dynamics of a C2N monolayer saturated with various univalent, bivalent and trivalent metal ions.
Quantitative trace elemental analysis by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy with dried droplet pretreatment
Authors: Liu Yuanchao , Hsieh Yi-Kong , Chu Yanwu , Ahmed Irfan , Hu Zhenlin , Khan Muhammad Shehzad , Zhang Siyu , Manno Francis A. M. , Manno Sinai H. C. , Lian Meng , Wang Chu-Fang , Guo Lianbo , Lau Condon
Published: June 2020

A dried droplet pre-treatment method for small solid samples containing trace elements, involving acid digestion of the sample followed by drying of a droplet on filter paper free of the analytes and quantitative elemental analysis by LIBS.
Electrodeposited ZnO nanoparticles on vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) as promising charge extracting electrodes for halide perovskite devices
Authors: Belchi Raphaëlle , Pibaleau Baptiste , Pinault Mathieu , Ratier Bernard , Herlin-Boime Nathalie , Bouclé Johann
Published: June 2020

This work presents an original nanostructured architecture for energy conversion applications based on vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs).
A Mini-Review: MXene composites for sodium/potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Aslam Muhammad Kashif , Xu Maowen
Published: June 2020

This paper reviews the latest research progress of MXenes and their composite materials in sodium and potassium ion batteries, briefly introduces the research background of SIBs, PIBs and MXenes, and focuses on the application of MXene composite materials in SIBs and PIBs.
Tumor cellular membrane camouflaged liposomes as a non-invasive vehicle for genes: specific targeting toward homologous gliomas and traversing the blood–brain barrier
Authors: Zhao Ying-Zheng , Shen Bi-Xin , Li Xin-Ze , Tong Meng-Qi , Xue Peng-Peng , Chen Rui , Yao Qing , Chen Bin , Xiao Jian , Xu He-Lin
Published: June 2020

Herein, tumor cellular membrane camouflaged liposomes as the non-invasive vehicle of gene could not only specifically target the homologous glioma but also effectively traverse the blood brain barrier.
Nanomaterial synthesis, an enabler of amyloidosis inhibition against human diseases
Authors: Andrikopoulos Nicholas , Li Yuhuan , Cecchetto Luca , Nandakumar Aparna , Da Ros Tatiana , Davis Thomas P. , Velonia Kelly , Ke Pu Chun
Published: June 2020

We summarize current strategies for the synthesis and construction of nanoparticle inhibitors and probes against pathogenic amyloidosis.
Solid-phase esterification between poly(vinyl alcohol) and malonic acid and its function in toughening hydrogels
Authors: Liu Tianqi , Peng Xin , Chen Yuanyuan , Zhang Jianan , Jiao Chen , Wang Huiliang
Published: June 2020

Solid-phase esterification reactions occur in the poly(vinyl alcohol)-malonic acid (PVA-MA) hydrogel by a simple drying treatment without using any catalyst under ambient conditions, which largely strengthen the hydrogel.
Aerogels for the separation of asphalt-containing oil–water mixtures and the effect of asphalt stabilizer
Authors: Lin Bin , Wang Zufei , Zhu Qing-jun , Binti Hamzah Wafaa Nazurah , Yao Zhen , Cao Kun
Published: June 2020

In order to separate the asphalt-containing oil–water mixture, an aerogel film was produced through supercritical drying of a polymer gel synthesized using the ring opening metathesis polymerization of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD).
Selection of potential aptamers for specific growth stage detection of Yersinia enterocolitica
Authors: Shoaib Muhammad , Shehzad Aamir , Mukama Omar , Raza Husnain , Niazi Sobia , Khan Imran Mahmood , Ali Barkat , Akhtar Wasim , Wang Zhouping
Published: June 2020

Yersinia enterocolitica remains a threat to public health, and a sensitive detection method is a prerequisite due to its complicated diagnosis associated with slow growth.
Preparation of PVDF/FMBO composite electrospun nanofiber for effective arsenate removal from water
Authors: Aliahmadipoor Parisa , Ghazanfari Dadkhoda , Gohari Rasoul Jamshidi , Akhgar Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2020

In this study, novel electrospun nanofibers composed of organic polyvinylidine fluoride and inorganic Fe–Mn binary oxide nanoparticles were fabricated using an electrospinning technique for adsorptive removal of As(v) from polluted water.
Fe3+/Nb5+ Co-doped rutile–TiO2 nanocrystalline powders prepared by a combustion process: preparation and characterization and their giant dielectric response
Authors: Nachaithong Theeranuch , Moontragoon Pairot , Chanlek Narong , Thongbai Prasit
Published: June 2020

Fe3+/Nb5+ co-doped TiO2 (FeNb-TO) nanocrystalline powders were prepared by a combustion process.
A hydrophobic gelatin fiber sheet promotes secretion of endogenous vascular endothelial growth factor and stimulates angiogenesis
Authors: Mizuno Yosuke , Taguchi Tetsushi
Published: June 2020

In vivolong-term growth factor-free angiogenesis by LPS-mimicking C16-modified gelatin based electrospun fiber sheet.
An interparticle relatively motional DNA walker and its sensing application
Authors: Zhang Hong , Xu Xiaowen , Jiang Wei
Published: June 2020

The constructed DNA walker provides a new type of free and robust motion mode between particles.
N-Heterocyclic carbene based catalytic platform for Hauser–Kraus annulations
Authors: Sharique Mohammed , Tambar Uttam K.
Published: June 2020

The venerable Hauser–Kraus annulation is an effective and convergent method for generating oxygenated polycyclic aromatic compounds. A catalytic Hauser–Kraus annulation has been developed based on N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis.
Sn dendrites for electrocatalytic N2 reduction to NH3 under ambient conditions
Authors: Lv Xu , Wang Fengyi , Du Juan , Liu Qian , Luo Yongsong , Lu Siyu , Chen Guang , Gao Shuyan , Zheng Baozhan , Sun Xuping
Published: June 2020

Sn dendrites on Sn foil act as an efficient and stable catalyst for ambient electrochemical N2-to-NH3 fixation, attaining an NH3 formation rate of 5.66 × 10−11 mol s−1 cm−2 and a faradaic efficiency of 3.67% at −0.60 V vs. RHE in 0.1 M PBS.
rGO wrapped trimetallic sulfide nanowires as an efficient bifunctional catalyst for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution and photocatalytic organic degradation
Authors: Wang Bin , Chen Yuanfu , Wang Xinqiang , Ramkumar Jeyagopal , Zhang Xiaojuan , Yu Bo , Yang Dongxu , Karpuraranjith Marimuthu , Zhang Wanli
Published: June 2020

A novel metal–organic framework (MOF)-derived Janus-type nanoarchitecture is constructed with reduced graphene oxide wrapped trimetallic sulfide nanowires.
Electro-chemo-mechanical effect in Gd-doped ceria thin films with a controlled orientation
Authors: Santucci Simone , Zhang Haiwu , Sanna Simone , Pryds Nini , Esposito Vincenzo
Published: June 2020

Enhanced Gd-doped ceria electrostriction: This study uncovers new anisotropic properties in thin films, enhancing the effect along with the 〈100〉 directions by one order of magnitude and proposing a new microscopic model to explain such findings.
Fluoro-benzenesulfonyl-functionalized 2-phenylthiazole-type iridium(iii) complexes for efficient solution-processed organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Zhao Jiang , Chen Xiaojie , Wu Jianglan , Jian Maoyang , Zhou Guijiang , Chi Zhenguo
Published: June 2020

Improving the electroluminescence performance of a 2-phenylthiazole-type Ir(iii) complex by implanting a fluoro-benzenesulfonyl moiety featuring electron injection/transporting ability.
High-efficiency and UV-stable flexible perovskite solar cells enabled by an alkaloid-doped C60electron transport layer
Authors: He Xiaolong , Liu Cheng , Yang Yi , Ding Yong , Ma Shuang , Wu Yunzhao , Tao Ye , Liu Xuepeng , Cai Molang , Dai Songyuan
Published: June 2020

An alkaloid-doped C60ETL enables the rigid and flexible PSCs to exhibit PCEs of 20% and 16%, and retain over 80% of their initial efficiency after storage either under UV irradiation for 336 h or light socking for 1000 h in an ambient environment.
Atomic-scale investigations on the wet etching kinetics of GeversusSiGe in acidic H2O2solutions: a postoperandosynchrotron XPS analysis
Authors: Abrenica Graniel Harne A. , Lebedev Mikhail V. , Fingerle Mathias , Arnauts Sophia , Bazzazian Nazaninsadat , Calvet Wolfram , Porret Clement , Bender Hugo , Mayer Thomas , de Gendt Stefan , van Dorp Dennis H.
Published: June 2020

In this atomic-scale study on wet etching, the importance of surface chemistry, in particular the nature of the surface oxides, is demonstrated for technologically relevant group IV semiconductors, Ge and SiGe.
Dissecting capture and twisting of aureolysin and pseudolysin: functional amino acids of the Dispase autolysis-inducing protein
Authors: Fiebig David , Anderl Anita , Al Djaizani Sahra , Kolmar Harald , Fuchsbauer Hans-Lothar
Published: June 2020

The Dispase autolysis-inducing protein (DAIP) from Streptomyces mobaraensis attracts M4 metalloproteases, which results in inhibition and autolysis of bacillolysin (BL) and thermolysin (TL). The present study shows that aureolysin (AL) from Staphylococcus aureus and pseudolysin (LasB) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa are likewise impaired by DAIP. Complete inhibition occurred when DAIP significantly exceeded the amount of the target protease. At low DAIP concentrations, AL and BL performed autolysis, while LasB and TL degradation required reductants or detergents that break intramolecular disulfide bonds or change the protein structure. Site directed mutagenesis of DAIP and removal of an exposed protein loop either influenced binding or inhibition of AL and TL but had no effect on LasB and BL. The Y170A and Δ239–248 variants had completely lost affinity for TL and AL. The exchange of Asn-275 also impaired the interaction of DAIP with AL. In contrast, DAIP Phe-297 substitution abolished inhibition and autolysis of both target proteases but still allowed complex formation. Our results give rise to the conclusion that other, yet unknown DAIP amino acids inactivate LasB and BL. Obviously, various bacteria in the same habitat caused Streptomyces mobaraensis to continuously optimize DAIP in inactivating the tackling metalloproteases.
Hydrogen peroxide reactivity and specificity in thiol-based cell signalling
Authors: Winterbourn Christine C.
Published: June 2020

Reversible oxidation of thiol proteins is an important cell signalling mechanism. In many cases, this involves generation or exposure of the cells to H2O2, and oxidation of proteins that are not particularly H2O2-reactive. There is a conundrum as to how these proteins are oxidised when other highly reactive proteins such as peroxiredoxins are present. This article discusses potential mechanisms, focussing on recent evidence for oxidation being localised within the cell, redox relays involving peroxiredoxins operating in some signalling pathways, and mechanisms for facilitated or directed oxidation of specific targets. These findings help define conditions that enable redox signalling but there is still much to learn regarding mechanisms.
Orthographic, Phonological, and Semantic Dynamics During Visual Word Recognition in Deaf Versus Hearing Adults
Authors: Peleg Orna , Ben-hur Galia , Segal Osnat
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Studies on reading in individuals with severe-to-profound hearing loss (deaf) raise the possibility that, due to deficient phonological coding, deaf individuals may rely more on orthographic–semantic links than on orthographic–phonological links. However, the relative contribution of phonological and semantic information to visual word recognition in deaf individuals was not directly assessed in these studies. The aim of the present study, therefore, was to examine the interplay between orthographic, phonological, and semantic representations during visual word recognition, in deaf versus hearing adults.

Method

Deaf and hearing participants were asked to perform a visual lexical decision task in Hebrew. The critical stimuli consisted of three types of Hebrew words, which differ in terms of their relationship between orthography, phonology, and semantics: unambiguous words, homonyms, and homographs.

Results

In the hearing group, phonological effects were more pronounced than semantic effects: Homographs (multiple pronunciations) were recognized significantly slower than homonyms or unambiguous words (one pronunciation). However, there was no significant difference between homonyms (multiple meanings) and unambiguous words (one meaning). In contrast, in the deaf group, there was no significant difference among the three word types, indicating that visual word recognition, in these participants, is driven primarily by orthography.

Conclusion

While visual word recognition in hearing readers is accomplished mainly via orthographic–phonological connections, deaf readers rely mainly on orthographic–semantic connections.
Energy and indoor thermal comfort performance of a Swedish residential building under future climate change conditions
Authors: Dodoo Ambrose
Published: June 2020

The latest climate change projections for Sweden suggest mean annual temperature increase of up to 5.5 °C by 2100, compared to 1961-1990 levels. In this study we investigate the potential impacts of climate change on the energy demand for space conditioning, overheating risk and indoor thermal comfort of a modern multi-storey residential building in Sweden. We explore climate change adaptation strategies to improve the building’s performance under the climate change conditions, including increased ventilation, solar shading, improved windows and mechanical cooling. The building is analysed under future climate projections for the 2050-2059 time frame, with representative concentration pathway (RCP) 2.6, 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. The building’s performances under these future climates are compared to those under the historical climate of 1961-1990 and recent climate of 1981-2010. The results suggest that climate change will significantly influence energy performance and indoor comfort conditions of buildings in the Swedish context. Overheating hours and Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD) increased significantly under the future climate scenarios. Furthermore space heating demand is reduced and cooling demand is increased for the studied building. However, effective adaptation strategies significantly improved the buildings’ energy and indoor climate performances under both current and future climate conditions.
Computational fluid dynamics analysis in the ductless whole-house air conditioning system
Authors: Tasaka Rie , Kindaichi Sayaka , Nishina Daisaku , Maeoki Mitsuhiko
Published: June 2020

Recently, the heat load for space heating in residential houses has been reduced as airtightness, and thermal insulation performance has been improving even in moderate climate regions of Japan. In such situations, the heat load can be handled by one room air-conditioner with high energy efficiency. We report the results of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of an indoor thermal environment and the airflow distribution during the space heating operation in a ductless house air conditioning system, in which heated air from a room air conditioner installed in a thermal-insulated basement space is distributed throughout the building using air inlets on the floor in each story and open-door rooms without ductworks. To determine the adequate size and position of the air inlets on the floor in this heating system, we evaluated the air circulation performance for changes in the conditions of the air inlets by CFD analysis for a standard two-storey house model in Japan. The results suggest that the air temperature distribution is markedly different in the size and position of the air inlets on the floor. Large volumes of airflow through the openings in the building resulted in maintaining the rooms at a temperature range of 17 to 24 degrees uniformly. These results also provide information for system and building designs for effective space heating and for proper usage when choosing to open or close air inlets in the operational phase.
Analytical solutions of water suction and drying processes vs. experiments
Authors: Matiasovsky Peter , Mihalka Peter
Published: June 2020

The set of 25 inorganic porous building materials was put through the cumulative water inflow and drying tests in laboratory conditions. Besides these experiments the parameters, including pore structure parameters of the tested materials have been determined. The characteristics of the capillary suction induced water absorption – the water absorption coefficient, and drying – the initial constant drying rate, were compared with their analytical expressions. The results of this analysis show the measure of particular material parameters and boundary conditions significance for the coincidence of experimental and calculation results. At the drying an important correlation between experimentally obtained initial water content and drying rate was observed.
Changes to structural solutions and their effect on radon functionality on the structures base on the ground
Authors: Kettunen Ari-Veikko
Published: June 2020

The structural design in terms of radon of the ground-supported base floor solutions currently used in Finland are largely based on the extensive measurements conducted in the 1980s and the 1990s. In addition to ventilating/underpressurising the base of the building, the instructions in Finland and other European countries i.e. Denmark [1] focus on the adequate sealing of the base floor structure in order to prevent the air containing radon from the soil from entering the rooms at harmful levels with air flows. According to the Finnish radon guidelines, the transmission of radon by means of diffusion is prevented by using a sufficiently thick concrete slab. The structural solutions used in base floors have, however, developed significantly over the decades. The thickness of thermal insulation of a ground-supported base floor slab has been increased significantly especially due to reasons related to the conservation of energy. In the 1980s, the polystyrene layer in the base floor was 50...100 mm, whereas it currently is 200 mm. This change reduces the ground temperature under the thermal insulation, thereby also reducing the moisture diffusion flow from the ground to the concrete slab of the base floor. As a result, the current concrete slabs used in the base floor will be significantly drier than those of the 1980s after the construction humidity has dried. Underfloor heating, which is nowadays used in Finland very commonly, also impacts the moisture of the concrete slab by increasing the concrete slab’s temperature and drying it further. The measurements now conducted on concrete have shown that the radon diffusion permeability of dry concrete (Rh approximately 50%) is so high that stopping the radon diffusion flow solely by means of an 80-mm concrete slab may not be an adequate solution in some cases.
Thermal comfort, thermal sensation and skin temperature measurements using demand-controlled ventilation for individual cooling
Authors: Solberg Håkon , Thunshelle Kari , Schild Peter
Published: June 2020

An increasing part of modern building's energy demand is due to cooling. An ongoing research project investigates the possibility to reduce the energy consumption from cooling by utilizing an individually controlled active ventilation diffuser mounted in the ceiling. This study looks at thermal sensation and thermal comfort for 21 test persons exposed to an innovative user controlled active ventilation valve, in a steady and thermally uniform climate chamber. Furthermore, the relationship between biometric data from the test persons skin temperature and sweat, and the test persons thermal sensation scores has been investigated. Each test person was exposed to three different room temperatures in the climate chamber, 24°C, 26°C and 28°C respectively, to simulate typical hot summer conditions in an office in Norway. At a room temperature of 26°C it was possible to achieve acceptable thermal comfort for most test persons with this solution, but higher air velocity than 0.75 m/s around the test persons bodies at room temperatures of 28°C is required to ensure satisfactory thermal comfort.
Thermal bridge effect of vertical diagonal tie connectors in precast concrete sandwich panels: an experimental and computational study
Authors: Klõšeiko Paul , Piir Reimo , Jeltsov Marti , Kalamees Targo
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this work was to quantify the thermal bridge effect of vertical diagonal tie connectors in precast concrete sandwich panels (PCSPs). Special interest was in cases where the use of rigid insulation (e.g. PIR) would leave air gaps between insulation boards and diagonal ties, thus intensifying the thermal bridge. A climate chamber experiment using 5 different joint types was performed to gather reference data for CFD model validation. In the experiment, natural convection was observed in joints where no additional insulation was used, i.e. in air cavities. Significantly larger heat fluxes were measured in these cavities compared to insulated joints. The thermal bridging effect was evaluated for a typical PCSP (thermal transmittance without thermal bridges U = 0.11 W/(m²·K)) using CFD software taking into account 3D heat conduction and convection. Simulation results indicate that diagonal ties without adjacent air cavities increased the average thermal transmittance (U-value) of the envelope by 8%, diagonal ties with a 6 mm air cavity – 19...33% and diagonal ties with a 10 mm air cavity – 45...56%. In conclusion, it was found that the joints in insulation caused by diagonal ties affect the overall thermal performance of the building envelope significantly when efforts are not made to fill the air cavities around the connectors.
Impact of Typical Faults Occurring in Demand-controlled Ventilation on Energy and Indoor Environment in a Nordic Climate
Authors: Heimar Andersen Kamilla , Holøs Sverre B. , Yang Aileen , Thunshelle Kari , Fjellheim Øystein , Lund Jensen Rasmus
Published: June 2020

This study evaluates typical faults occurring in demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) system and the impact on three output results: energy use, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality. The methodologies used in this study were qualitative interviews of selected Norwegian Heating Ventilation Air Condition (HVAC) system experts and numerical modeling using the building performance simulation tool IDA ICE. The faults deduced from the qualitative interviews were modeled as the fault's different consequences to account for a large variety of faults. With a Norwegian school classroom as a case study, a local approach applying a one-at-a-time (OAT) simulation was used to perform an analysis of the extreme fault conditions that can occur. The results from the fault modeling demonstrated that greater attention is needed to avoid faults in the HVAC systems due to its impact on the indoor environment quality and energy efficiency of buildings.
Numerical and real-life assessment of the moisture safety of CLT structure with PIR insulation composite under the Swedish climate
Authors: Goto Yutaka , Wallbaum Holger , Olofsson Johan , Norr Ulf
Published: June 2020

The building industry is a major contributor of CO2 emission. Wood construction is a good option for carbon storage among various construction alternatives. Considering the growing market of multi-story wooden building in Sweden, CLT (cross laminated timber) structure with an alternative insulation composite with PIR insulation and MgO board was proposed. In order to prove the applicability of this construction for moisture safety, the hygrothermal performance of the wall was measured in real life at HSB Living Lab (Gothenburg, Sweden) throughout 2019. Furthermore, a numerical model to analyse its performance by transient heat and moisture transfer analysis was created to predict the performance of the wall system. After the successful validation of the numerical model, a parameter study was carried out to investigate the moisture risk of the wall system in the case of extensive wetting of the CLT panel and in various areas in Sweden (Gothenburg, Stockholm, Lund, Karlstad and Luleå). The study showed a low mould growth risk either in the test at the living lab or in the feasibility study. The development of the technology should further focus on the cost-effectiveness and design of all the construction details for the future market application.
Design of a Calorimetric Test Facility to Replicate Real Boundary Conditions in the Gulf Countries
Authors: Garay-Martinez Roberto , Jayan Bejay , Arregi Beñat
Published: June 2020

The design and modelling of a calorimetric test infrastructure for building envelopes is performed for the side-by-side assessment of different building envelope systems. The infrastructure is designed for representing transient weather conditions in Middle east. It consists of 3 “cold” experimental chambers and a larger “hot” experimental chamber. All three cold chambers have one equally sized envelope element exposed to the larger chamber. The test facility is designed to allow testing on walls and roofs, where different envelope insulation systems will be installed over a common substrate. Heating and cooling loads of all experimental chambers are calculated, and systematic load differences assessed. Heat flow across test samples and other surfaces in the test are calculated. Insulation levels of envelope surfaces in experimental chambers are specified to provide a good match between heat transfer across test samples and heat input to experimental chambers.
Optimum envelope design toward zero energy buildings in Iran
Authors: Ramin Hadi , Karimi Hazhir
Published: June 2020

Buildings, commercial and residential combined, account for around 40% of total energy consumption in Iran. Energy consumption in buildings is predicted to increase in the the coming decades decades and immediate actions are required to meet the needs of future generations. Zero energy building (ZEB) is an important concept that can help nations to have a sustainable future. An important step for building a ZEB is to minimize the energy lost from the building, and the envelope of buildings plays a vital role in achieving minimal energy losses. In this paper, a life cycle cost (LCC) analysis is adopted to find the optimum insulation thickness for the common wall structure in Iran. Then, the Iranian standard (Chapter 19) for building envelopes have been reviewed and compared with the minimum requirements of the ASHRAE standard 90.2. The comparison shows that the Iranian standards for buildings envelopes are comparable with the ASHRAE standard 90.2 for the external wall, while ASHRAE requires higher minimum thermal resistance for ceiling compare to chapter 19. The optimization results suggest smaller minimum thermal resistance compare to chapter 19; this is mainly resulting from the characteristic of the Iranian economy (high inflation rate) and subsidized energy sector. Therefore, energy policy in the country needs to be reformed to promote energy conservation in buildings and hence zero energy buildings.
Investigation on the Deterioration Mechanism of Tuff Stones Used for the Exteriors at the Former Koshien Hotel
Authors: Yamada Koki , Iba Chiemi , Uno Tomoko , Fukui Kazuma , Ogura Daisuke
Published: June 2020

The former Koshien Hotel is an historic Japanese architectural structure, where two different tuffs called Nikkaseki and Tatsuyamaishi were used to build the exterior. Despite its cultural significance, the building’s exterior is deteriorating in many ways, with water permeation being the main factor. In this study, the hygrothermal properties of both Nikkaseki and Tatsuyamaishi were measured in order to examine the correlation between deterioration mechanisms and the tuff characteristics in detail. The basic physical properties, pore size distribution, vapor permeability, hydraulic conductivity, and sorption isotherm were measured. The results of a comparison of two tuffs led us to hypothesize that the main reason behind Nikkaseki’s deterioration is expansive freezing, while that of Tatsuyamaishi is caused by repeating dehydration or dry-wet cycles.
Assessing the building envelope performance during occupancy
Authors: Deltour Jade , Heijmans Nicolas , De Sloover Karel
Published: June 2020

In order to achieve carbon neutrality in the building field as expected by the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, it is important to not only be able to calculate energy performance during design but also to be able to measure the actual energy performance of buildings during occupancy. However, there is currently no approved methodology for assessing the energy performance of the building envelope of an occupied building independently of its occupants, its systems and the climate. We applied a mathematical method to determine the heat loss coefficient (HLC) of the building envelope, from data collected in occupied buildings. The paper describes the in-situ measurement protocol and the mathematical models that contributes to address this challenge. Our methodology is demonstrated on a new semi-detached house, more insulated than the regulatory level, located in Brussels from a full year of monitoring data. For this case study, the results are promising. Indeed, some mathematical models show results of the same range value for the occupied insitu HLC and the reference HLC, obtained from in-situ measurements but without occupancy. However, more case studies should be evaluated, in order to validate the methodology.
Detailed monitoring as an essential tool for achieving energy performance targets in operation conditions: the HIKARI case study
Authors: Guyot Dimitri , Giraud Florine , Simon Florian , Corgier David , Marvillet Christophe , Tremeac Brice
Published: June 2020

The case study is the HIKARI project, the first net zero energy city block in Europe, gathering offices, housing and shops. The three mixed-use buildings composing the 12 000 m² block pool their energy through shared innovative energy production systems coupled with large capacity energy storage units. HIKARI is fully monitored with more than 10 000 measurement points collected for several years of operating conditions. Through the identification and analysis of an energy consumption drift caused by the malfunctioning of a particular system, we demonstrate the importance of adopting a global approach when conceiving a building, especially if low energy targets are to be reached. The analysis of the monitoring results also highlights the value of detailed monitoring for identifying malfunctions, for assessing the relevance of the technical choices made during the design phase, and as an essential tool for achieving the objective of energy performance under operating conditions.