bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ulinastatin is effective in reducing mortality for critically ill patients with sepsis: a causal mediation analysis
Authors: Xu Qiancheng , Yan Qian , Chen Shanghua
Published: September 2018

Ulinastatin has been found to have anti-inflammatory effect for patients with sepsis. However, its clinical effects were conflicting. The study aimed to investigate the cost-effectiveness of ulinastatin and to perform mediation analysis to explore the proportion of the total effects that can be explained by inflammatory responses. This is a retrospective study involving critically ill patients with sepsis from January 2014 to July 2017. A total of 263 patients were included in the study, involving 179 patients in the ulinastatin group and 84 in the control group. Ulinastatin group showed significantly lower 28-day mortality rate than that in the control group (31% vs. 55%; p < 0.001). Both total (46330 [26000,83500] vs. 19870 [8747,41140] RMB; p < 0.01) and drug cost (18210 [9492,31920] vs. 7230 [2675,19270] RMB; p < 0.01) were significantly higher in the ulinastatin group than the control group. In multivariable model, the adjusted odds ratio for ulinastatin was 0.304 (95% CI: 0.152 to 0.592; p = 0.001). The mediation analysis showed that the use of ulinastatin was able to reduce the probability of death by 23.5%. The average causal mediation effect of delta C-reactive protein (CRP) was 8%, accounting for 35% of the total effect.
Uptake dynamics in the Lactose permease (LacY) membrane protein transporter
Authors: Kimanius D. , Lindahl E. , Andersson M.
Published: September 2018

The sugar transporter Lactose permease (LacY) of Escherichia coli has become a prototype to understand the underlying molecular details of membrane transport. Crystal structures have trapped the protein in sugar-bound states facing the periplasm, but with narrow openings unable to accommodate sugar. Therefore, the molecular details of sugar uptake remain elusive. In this work, we have used extended simulations and metadynamics sampling to explore a putative sugar-uptake pathway and associated free energy landscape. We found an entrance at helix-pair 2 and 11, which involved lipid head groups and residues Gln 241 and Gln 359. Furthermore, the protein displayed high flexibility on the periplasmic side of Phe 27, which is located at the narrowest section of the pathway. Interactions to Phe 27 enabled passage into the binding site, which was associated with a 24 ± 4 kJ/mol binding free energy in excellent agreement with an independent binding free energy calculation and experimental data. Two free energy minima corresponding to the two possible binding poses of the lactose analog β-D-galactopyranosyl-1-thio-β-D-galactopyranoside (TDG) were aligned with the crystal structure-binding pocket. This work outlines the chemical environment of a putative periplasmic sugar pathway and paves way for understanding substrate affinity and specificity in LacY.
Diversity and Functional Evolution of Terpene Synthases in Dictyostelid Social Amoebae
Authors: Chen Xinlu , Köllner Tobias G. , Shaulsky Gad , Jia Qidong , Dickschat Jeroen S. , Gershenzon Jonathan , Chen Feng
Published: September 2018

Dictyostelids, or social amoebae, have a unique life style in forming multicellular fruiting bodies from unicellular amoeboids upon starvation. Recently, dictyostelids were found to contain terpene synthase (TPS) genes, a gene type of secondary metabolism previously known to occur only in plants, fungi and bacteria. Here we report an evolutionary functional study of dictyostelid TPS genes. The number of TPS genes in six species of dictyostelids examined ranges from 1 to 19; and the model species Dictyostelium purpureum contains 12 genes. Using in vitro enzyme assays, the 12 TPS genes from D. purpureum were shown to encode functional enzymes with distinct product profiles. The expression of the 12 TPS genes in D. purpureum is developmentally regulated. During multicellular development, D. purpureum releases a mixture of volatile terpenes dominated by sesquiterpenes that are the in vitro products of a subset of the 12 TPS genes. The quality and quantity of the terpenes released from D. purpureum, however, bear little resemblance to those of D. discoideum, a closely related dictyostelid. Despite these variations, the conserved clade of dictyostelid TPSs, which have an evolutionary distance of more than 600 million years, has the same biochemical function, catalyzing the formation of a sesquiterpene protoillud-7-ene. Taken together, our results indicate that the dynamic evolution of dictyostelid TPS genes includes both purifying selection of an orthologous group and species-specific expansion with functional divergence. Consequently, the terpenes produced by these TPSs most likely have conserved as well as species-adaptive biological functions as chemical languages in dictyostelids.
Effect of Vitis vinifera hydroalcoholic extract against oxaliplatin neurotoxicity: in vitro and in vivo evidence
Authors: Micheli Laura , Mattoli Luisa , Maidecchi Anna , Pacini Alessandra , Ghelardini Carla , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo
Published: September 2018

Oxaliplatin treatment is associated with the development of a dose-limiting painful neuropathy impairing patient’s quality of life. Since oxidative unbalance is a relevant mechanism of oxaliplatin neurotoxicity, we assessed the potential antioxidant properties of Vitis vinifera extract in reducing oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy as a valuable therapeutic opportunity. A hydroalcoholic extract of Vitis vinifera red leaf was characterized and tested in primary rat astrocyte cells treated with oxaliplatin (100 μM). Oxaliplatin lethality in the human adenocarcinoma cell line HT-29 was evaluated in the absence and presence of the extract. In vivo, pain hypersensitivity was measured in a rat model of neuropathy induced by oxaliplatin and ex vivo molecular targets of redox balance were studied. Vitis vinifera extract (50 μg mL−1, 4 h incubation) significantly reduced the oxaliplatin-dependent superoxide anion increase and lipid peroxidation in rat astrocytes but did not interfere with the mortality elicited by oxaliplatin in HT-29 cancer cells. In oxaliplatin-treated rats, a repeated daily administration of the Vitis vinifera extract (300 mg kg−1, p.o.) significantly prevented mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity to noxious and non noxious stimuli. mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2 were normalized in spinal cord and DRGs. Moreover, in the spinal cord, the extract significantly decreased the activation of astrocytes. Vitis vinifera reduced oxidative damages and relieved pain without influencing oxaliplatin anti-cancer activity.
A polymorphism in the fatty acid desaturase-2 gene is associated with the arachidonic acid metabolism in pigs
Authors: Gol Sofia , Pena Ramona N. , Rothschild Max F. , Tor Marc , Estany Joan
Published: September 2018

Arachidonic acid (C20:4) is related to a wide range of biological effects including lipid homeostasis. The fatty acid desaturase-2 (FADS2) gene encodes for the delta-6-desaturase, which is involved in the biosynthesis of C20:4 from linoleic acid (C18:2). The purpose of this study was to characterise mutations in the promoter of the porcine FADS2, evaluating in particular the effect of one haplotype tagging polymorphism (rs321384923A > G) on the biosynthesis pathway of C20:4. A total of 1,192 Duroc barrows with records on fatty acid composition in muscle and subcutaneous fat were genotyped. Pigs carrying the A allele showed, irrespective of fat content, both enhanced FADS2 expression and higher C20:4 in muscle and exhibited increased ratios of C20:4 to C18:2 and of C20:4 to eicosadienoic acid (C20:2) in both muscle and adipose tissue. Despite the inverse relationship observed between C20:4 and fat content, the rs321384923 polymorphism had no impact on lean weight. It is concluded that the haplotype encompassing the rs321384923 polymorphism at the porcine FADS2 affects the n-6 fatty acid profile by specifically modifying the desaturation efficiency of C18:2 to C20:4 rather than by concomitant variations in C18:2 following changes in fat content.
Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 is essential for development and maintenance of a functional TEC compartment
Authors: Singarapu Nandini , Ma Keyue , Reeh Kaitlin A. G. , Shen Jianjun , Lancaster Jessica N. , Yi Song , Xie Huafeng , Orkin Stuart H. , Manley Nancy R. , Ehrlich Lauren I. R. , Jiang Ning , Richie Ellen R.
Published: September 2018

Thymic epithelial cells (TEC) are essential for thymocyte differentiation and repertoire selection. Despite their indispensable role in generating functional T cells, the molecular mechanisms that orchestrate TEC development from endodermal progenitors in the third pharyngeal pouch (3rd PP) are not fully understood. We recently reported that the T-box transcription factor TBX1 negatively regulates TEC development. Although initially expressed throughout the 3rd PP, Tbx1 becomes downregulated in thymus-fated progenitors and when ectopically expressed impairs TEC progenitor proliferation and differentiation. Here we show that ectopic Tbx1 expression in thymus fated endoderm increases expression of Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) target genes in TEC. PRC2 is an epigenetic modifier that represses gene expression by catalyzing trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone H3. The increased expression of PRC2 target genes suggests that ectopic Tbx1 interferes with PRC2 activity and implicates PRC2 as an important regulator of TEC development. To test this hypothesis, we used Foxn1Cre to delete Eed, a PRC2 component required for complex stability and function in thymus fated 3rd PP endoderm. Proliferation and differentiation of fetal and newborn TEC were disrupted in the conditional knockout (EedCKO) mutants leading to severely dysplastic adult thymi. Consistent with PRC2-mediated transcriptional silencing, the majority of differentially expressed genes (DEG) were upregulated in EedCKO TEC. Moreover, a high frequency of EedCKO DEG overlapped with DEG in TEC that ectopically expressed Tbx1. These findings demonstrate that PRC2 plays a critical role in TEC development and suggest that Tbx1 expression must be downregulated in thymus fated 3rd PP endoderm to ensure optimal PRC2 function.
Modeling of mesenchymal hybrid epithelial state and phenotypic transitions in EMT and MET processes of cancer cells
Authors: He Peng , Qiu Kang , Jia Ya
Published: September 2018

Based on the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms between microRNA-200 and transcription factor ZEB in an individual cancer cell, a minimal dynamic model is proposed to study the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) processes of cancer cells. It is shown that each cancer cell can exit in any of three phenotypic states: the epithelial (E) state, the mesenchymal (M) state, and the epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) hybrid state, and the state of cancer cell can interconvert between different states. The phase diagram shows that there are monostable, bistable, and tristable phenotypic states regions in a parameters plane. It is found that different pathway in the phase diagram can correspond to the EMT or the MET process of cancer cells, and there are two possible EMT processes. It is important that the experimental phenomenon of E/M hybrid state appearing in the EMT process but rather in the MET process can be understood through different pathways in the phase diagram. Our numerical simulations show that the effects of noise are opposite to these of time delay on the expression of transcription factor ZEB, and there is competition between noise and time delay in phenotypic transitions process of cancer cells.
Transcriptomic analysis reveal an efficient osmoregulatory system in Siberian sturgeon Acipenser baeri in response to salinity stress
Authors: Guo Baoying , Tang Zurong , Wu Changwen , Xu Kaida , Qi Pengzhi
Published: September 2018

Sturgeons are euryhaline fish species that have developed specific mechanisms of osmotic and ion regulation to adapt to waters of varying salinity. For the aim to elucidate the osmoregulation strategy behind its high salinity tolerance of sturgeons, the transcriptomes of gills in Siberian sturgeon Acipenser baeri under salinity stress (30 ppt) were sequenced using deep-sequencing platform Illumina/HiSeq-2500 and differential expression genes (DEGs) were identified. A total of 167, 501, 278 clean reads were obtained and 280, 238 unigenes were composed of those clean reads with the mean length of 520nt, and the N50 of 630 bp. Unigenes Sequence alignment was implemented via KEGG, KOG, NT, NR, PFAM, Swiss-Prot, and GO databases. 62, 242 unigenes (22.21%) were annoated in at least one database. 11380 significantly differentially expressed unigenes were found, 6969 of which were up-regulated and 4411 were down-regulated by salinity stress. Amongst the top 20 KEGG pathways with the most amount of annotation sequences, some pathways such as glycerophospholipid metabolism, fatty-acid biosynthesis, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation have been comprehensively proved to be relevant to osmoregulation. Despite of these, three possible osmoregulation-related signaling pathways as lipid metabolism related pathways, tight junction pathway and thyroid hormone signaling pathway have been widely analyzed in the current study. In all DEGs, some of the typical genes involved in osmoregulation, including calcium-transporting ATPase 4 (ATP2B4), Na+/K+-ATPase alpha subunit (α-NKA), potassium-transporting ATPase alpha chain 1 (ATP4A) and Ras GTPase-activating protein (RasGAP) etc were also identified. RNA-seq results were validated with quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), the 12 selected genes showed a consistent direction in both DGE library and qPCR analysis, proving that the RNA-seq results are reliable. The present results would be helpful to elucidate the osmoregulation mechanism of aquatic animals adapting to salinity challenge.
En Face and Cross-sectional Corneal Tomograms Using Sub-micron spatial resolution Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Chen Yu-Tung , Tsai Chia-Ying , Chiu Yu-Kuang , Hsu Ting-Wei , Chen Lily Wei , Chen Wei-Li , Huang Sheng-Lung
Published: September 2018

Accurate diagnosis of corneal pathology and morphological identification of different corneal layers require clear delineation of corneal three-dimensional structures and en face or cross-sectional imaging of palisade of Vogt (POV), neovascularization (NV) or corneal nerves. Here we report a prototype of full-field optical coherence tomography (FF-OCT) system with isotropic sub-micron spatial resolution in the en face and cross-sectional views. It can also provide three-dimensional reconstructed images and a large field of view (FOV) by stitching tomograms side by side. We validated the imaging power of this prototype in in vivo rat and rabbit eyes, and quantified anatomical characteristics such as corneal layer thickness, endothelial cell density and the intensity profile of different layers. This FF-OCT delineated the ridge-like structure of POV, corneal nerve bundles, and conjunctival vessels in rat eyes. It also clearly identified the vessel walls and red blood cells in rabbit model of corneal NV. The findings provided by this FF-OCT are expected to facilitate corneal disease diagnosis and treatment.
The lantibiotic nukacin ISK-1 exists in an equilibrium between active and inactive lipid-II binding states
Authors: Fujinami Daisuke , -Mahin Abdullah-Al , Elsayed Khaled M. , Islam Mohammad R. , Nagao Jun-ichi , Roy Urmi , Momin Sabrina , Zendo Takeshi , Kohda Daisuke , Sonomoto Kenji
Published: September 2018

The lantibiotic nukacin ISK-1 exerts antimicrobial activity through binding to lipid II. Here, we perform NMR analyses of the structure of nukacin ISK-1 and the interaction with lipid II. Unexpectedly, nukacin ISK-1 exists in two structural states in aqueous solution, with an interconversion rate on a time scale of seconds. The two structures differ in the relative orientations of the two lanthionine rings, ring A and ring C. Chemical shift perturbation induced by the titration of lipid II reveals that only one state was capable of binding to lipid II. On the molecular surface of the active state, a multiple hydrogen-bonding site formed by amino acid residues in the ring A region is adjacent to a hydrophobic surface formed by residues in the ring C region, and we propose that these sites interact with the pyrophosphate moiety and the isoprene chain of the lipid II molecule, respectively.
Publisher Correction: Scaffold hopping from natural products to synthetic mimetics by holistic molecular similarity
Authors: Grisoni Francesca , Merk Daniel , Consonni Viviana , Hiss Jan A. , Tagliabue Sara Giani , Todeschini Roberto , Schneider Gisbert
Published: September 2018

The original PDF and HTML versions of this Article contained errors in Eqs. (4) and (6). In Eq. (4), the not equal symbol displayed incorrectly as #, and in Eq. (6), the greater than symbol was displayed in place of the less than symbol. This has been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Multilayer sensing platform: gold nanoparticles/prussian blue decorated graphite paper for NADH and H2O2 detection
Authors: Wang Meng , Kan Xianwen
Published: September 2018

An exfoliated graphite paper based multilayer sensing platform was fabricated and applied for sensitive detection of NADH and H2O2.
3D scaffolds for brain tissue regeneration: architectural challenges
Authors: Mahumane Gillian Dumsile , Kumar Pradeep , du Toit Lisa Claire , Choonara Yahya Essop , Pillay Viness
Published: September 2018

Critical analysis of experimental studies on 3D scaffolds for brain tissue engineering.
Exploring a high capacity O3-type cathode for sodium-ion batteries and its structural evolution during an electrochemical process
Authors: Zhang Xueping , Jiang Kezhu , Guo Shaohua , Mu Xiaowei , Zhang Xiaoyu , He Ping , Han Min , Zhou Haoshen
Published: September 2018

An O3-layered oxide of NaFe0.25Mn0.25Ni0.25Ti0.25O2 was successfully synthesized and studied as a cathode material for SIBs.
Ag nanosheets for efficient electrocatalytic N2 fixation to NH3 under ambient conditions
Authors: Huang Hehan , Xia Li , Shi Xifeng , Asiri Abdullah M. , Sun Xuping
Published: September 2018

An Ag nanosheet acts as a highly active electrocatalyst for N2-to-NH3 fixation. In 0.1 M HCl, this catalyst attains a high Faradaic efficiency of 4.8% and a NH3 yield rate of 4.62 × 10−11 mol s−1 cm−2 at −0.60 V vs. RHE.
A tetrameric perylene diimide non-fullerene acceptor via unprecedented direct (hetero)arylation cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Payne Abby-Jo , Song Jiali , Sun Yanming , Welch Gregory C.
Published: September 2018

This study reports on the synthesis of an indancenodithiophene perylene diimide tetramer via unique direct (hetero)arylation reactivity.
A single-step, electrochemical synthesis of nitrogen doped blue luminescent phosphorene quantum dots
Authors: Ozhukil Valappil Manila , Ahlawat Monika , Pillai Vijayamohanan K. , Alwarappan Subbiah
Published: September 2018

A one-step electrochemical preparation of nitrogen doped, blue luminescent phosphorene quantum dots from black phosphorus using a nitrogen-laden solvent and supporting electrolyte.
AlN gradient interlayer design for the growth of high-quality AlN epitaxial film on sputtered AlN/sapphire substrate
Authors: Tan Bo , Hu Jiahui , Zhang Jun , Zhang Yi , Long Hanling , Chen Jingwen , Du Shida , Dai Jiangnan , Chen Changqing , Xu Jintong , Liu Fuhao , Li Xiangyang
Published: September 2018

In this study, we proposed a novel method to grow high-quality AlN films on sputtered AlN/sapphire substrates by designing an AlN gradient interlayer (GIL-AlN).
The effect of fluorine doping on the photocatalytic properties of hematite for water splitting
Authors: Zhu Yongxiang , Xu Jie , Jiang Hui , Niu Dongfang , Zhang Xinsheng , Hu Shuozhen
Published: September 2018

Fluorine-doped hematite samples with different concentrations were successfully synthesized through a hydrothermal method to improve the water splitting properties.
Influence of conjugation length on ultrafast electronic tunneling in organic semiconductor thin films
Authors: Duong Vincent V. , Ayzner Alexander L.
Published: September 2018

Electron delocalization in conjugated organic molecules is a rate-limiting step in maximizing the photo conversion efficiency of next generation photovoltaics and molecular electronics.
Unimolecular decomposition kinetics of the stabilised Criegee intermediates CH2OO and CD2OO
Authors: Stone Daniel , Au Kendrew , Sime Samantha , Medeiros Diogo J. , Blitz Mark , Seakins Paul W. , Decker Zachary , Sheps Leonid
Published: September 2018

Decomposition kinetics of stabilised CH2OO and CD2OO Criegee intermediates have been investigated as a function of temperature (450–650 K) and pressure (2–350 Torr) using flash photolysis coupled with time-resolved cavity-enhanced broadband UV absorption spectroscopy.
Tuning the interlayer cations of birnessite-type MnO2 to enhance its oxidation ability for gaseous benzene with water resistance
Authors: Liu Yang , Zong Wenjing , Zhou Hao , Wang Dingsong , Cao Ranran , Zhan Jingjing , Liu Lifen , Jang Ben W.-L.
Published: September 2018

The Cu–MnO2 catalyst exhibited good resistance to high-temperature deactivation and water poisoning as well as good stability during long-term testing.
Correction: Hydrodeoxygenation of guaiacol over bimetallic Fe-alloyed (Ni, Pt) surfaces: reaction mechanism, transition-state scaling relations and descriptor for predicting C–O bond scission reactivity
Authors: Liu Xiaoyang , An Wei , Wang Yixing , Turner C. Heath , Resasco Daniel E.
Published: September 2018

Correction for ‘Hydrodeoxygenation of guaiacol over bimetallic Fe-alloyed (Ni, Pt) surfaces: reaction mechanism, transition-state scaling relations and descriptor for predicting C–O bond scission reactivity’ by Xiaoyang Liu et al., Catal. Sci. Technol., 2018, 8, 2146–2158.
Mechanistic insights into chloride ion detection from the atmospheric-pressure afterglow of an argon inductively coupled plasma
Authors: Lesniewski Joseph E. , McMahon William P. , Jorabchi Kaveh
Published: September 2018

Detection of chloride ion from chlorinated compounds is influenced by cluster ion formation in the afterglow of an ICP.
Focused ion beam milling of self-assembled magnetic superstructures: an approach to fabricate nanoporous materials with tunable porosity
Authors: Håkonsen Verner , Singh Gurvinder , He Jianying , Zhang Zhiliang
Published: September 2018

Focused ion beam milling of self-assembled magnetic superstructures is demonstrated as a novel approach to fabricate porous materials with tunable porosity. During exposure to the ion beam, nanoparticles in the superstructure are subjected to combined milling and melting, thus merging together into a porous network.
Tin sulfide modified separator as an efficient polysulfide trapper for stable cycling performance in Li–S batteries
Authors: Moorthy Brindha , Kwon Soonho , Kim Joo-Hyung , Ragupathy P. , Lee Hyuck Mo , Kim Do Kyung
Published: September 2018

Lithium–sulfur batteries (Li–S) are considered the most promising systems for next-generation energy storage devices due to their high theoretical energy density and relatively low cost.
Development of cholate conjugated hybrid polymeric micelles for FXR receptor mediated effective site-specific delivery of paclitaxel
Authors: Mehnath Sivaraj , Arjama Mukherjee , Rajan Mariappan , Jeyaraj Murugaraj
Published: September 2018

The aim of the present study was to explore the tumor targeting potential of a cholic acid (CA) conjugated polymeric micelle system for the effective delivery of paclitaxel (PTX).
Computational investigation of the α2β1integrin–collagen triple helix complex interaction
Authors: Bezerra K. S. , Lima Neto J. X. , Oliveira J. I. N. , Albuquerque E. L. , Caetano E. W. S. , Freire V. N. , Fulco U. L.
Published: September 2018

In this paper, quantum biochemistry methods have been used to describe important protein–protein interactions for the complex integrin–collagen.
Tryptophol and derivatives: natural occurrence and applications to the synthesis of bioactive compounds
Authors: Palmieri Alessandro , Petrini Marino
Published: September 2018

This report presents some fundamental aspects related to the natural occurrence and bioactivity of tryptophol as well as the synthesis of tryptophols and their utilization for the preparation of naturally occurring alkaloid metabolites embedding the indole system.
N-Rich carbon-coated Co3S4 ultrafine nanocrystals derived from ZIF-67 as an advanced anode for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Jiang Yunling , Zou Guoqiang , Hong Wanwan , Zhang Yang , Zhang Yu , Shuai Honglei , Xu Wei , Hou Hongshuai , Ji Xiaobo
Published: September 2018

N-rich carbon-coated Co3S4 ultrafine nanocrystals derived from ZIF-67 were employed as anodes of sodium-ion batteries with enhanced sodium storage performance.
Controllable and reversible DNA translocation through a single-layer molybdenum disulfide nanopore
Authors: Si Wei , Zhang Yin , Sha Jingjie , Chen Yunfei
Published: September 2018

A challenge that remains to be solved in the high-throughput and low-cost nanopore DNA sequencing is that DNA translocates through the nanopore too quickly to be sequenced with enough accuracy.
Aryne triggered dearomatization reaction of isoquinolines and quinolines with chloroform
Authors: Tan Jiajing , Liu Binbin , Su Shuaisong
Published: September 2018

The direct dearomatization reaction of isoquinolines and quinolines with chloroform has been accomplished through in situ electrophilic aryne activation and nucleophile formation.
A theoretical study of formaldehyde adsorption and decomposition on a WC (0001) surface
Authors: Wang Dandan , Fan Yingying , Sun Zhonghui , Han Dongxue , Niu Li
Published: September 2018

WC is a material capable of HCHO adsorption and dissociation, indicating its potential application in HCHO sensing and elimination.
Facile preparation of UiO-66 /PAM monolithsviaCO2-in-water HIPEs and their applications
Authors: Dong Yong , Cao Liqin , Li Jing , Yang Yongxia , Wang Jide
Published: September 2018

A novel UiO-66/PAM composite monolith with high performance was synthesized through a HIPE template.
A novel surface plasmon resonance sensor based on a functionalized graphene oxide/molecular-imprinted polymer composite for chiral recognition of l-tryptophan
Authors: Xu Xiaoyan , Zhang Yi , Wang Bingfeng , Luo Lin , Xu Zhenlin , Tian Xingguo
Published: September 2018

Novel SPR sensor for chiral recognition of l-tryptophan using a functionalized graphene oxide/molecularly-imprinted polymer composite as a recognition element.
Unraveling the osteogenesis of magnesium by the activity of osteoblasts in vitro
Authors: Wang Ying , Geng Zhen , Huang Yongcan , Jia Zhaojun , Cui Zhenduo , Li Zhaoyang , Wu Shuilin , Liang Yanqin , Zhu Shengli , Yang Xianjin , Lu William Weijia
Published: September 2018

Magnesium (Mg) alloys, having a unique combination of strength and degradation, are being explored for various craniofacial and orthopedic applications.
Macromolecular crowding for materials-directed controlled self-assembly
Authors: Hata Yuuki , Sawada Toshiki , Serizawa Takeshi
Published: September 2018

This review summarizes recent progress in research on macromolecular crowding for controlled self-assembly in the field of bio-related materials chemistry.
Massive red-shifting of Ce3+ emission by Mg2+ and Si4+ doping of YAG:Ce transparent ceramic phosphors
Authors: Du Qiping , Feng Shaowei , Qin Haiming , Hua Hui , Ding Hui , Jia Lin , Zhang Zhijun , Jiang Jun , Jiang Haochuan
Published: September 2018

Massive red-shifting from 533 nm to 598 nm of YMASG:Ce transparent ceramics is accomplished for the first time.
Network pharmacology-based identification of major component of Angelica sinensis and its action mechanism for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Niu Xiaowei , Zhang Jingjing , Ni Jinrong , Wang Runqing , Zhang Weiqiang , Sun Shaobo , Peng Yu , Bai Ming , Zhang Zheng
Published: September 2018

Background: To decipher the mechanisms of Angelica sinensis for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) using network pharmacology analysis. Methods: Databases were searched for the information on constituents, targets, and diseases. Cytoscape software was used to construct the constituent–target–disease network and screen the major targets, which were annotated with the DAVID (Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery) tool. The cardioprotective effects of Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP), a major component of A. sinensis, were validated both in H9c2 cells subjected to simulated ischemia by oxygen and glucose deprivation and in rats with AMI by ligation of the left anterior coronary artery. Results: We identified 228 major targets against AMI injury for A. sinensis, which regulated multiple pathways and hit multiple targets involved in several biological processes. ASP significantly decreased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced cell death both in vitro and in vivo. In ischemia injury rats, ASP treatment reduced infarct size and preserved heart function. ASP enhanced activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) activity, which improved ER-protein folding capacity. ASP activated the expression of p-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α). Additionally, ASP attenuated levels of proinflammatory cytokines and maintained a balance in the oxidant/antioxidant levels after AMI. Conclusion:In silico analysis revealed the associations between A. sinensis and AMI through multiple targets and several key signaling pathways. Experimental data indicate that ASP protects the heart against ischemic injury by activating ATF6 to ameliorate the detrimental ER stress. ASP’s effects could be mediated via the activation of AMPK-PGC1α pathway.
Tanshinone IIA promotes the apoptosis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis by up-regulating lncRNA GAS5
Authors: Li Guoqing , Liu Ying , Meng Fanru , Xia Zhongbin , Wu Xia , Fang Yuxuan , Zhang Chunwang , Liu Dan
Published: September 2018

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic autoimmune joint disease characteristic of elevated proliferation and infiltration of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Here, we aimed to explore the mechanisms of the Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA)-induced apoptosis of FLS from patients with RA (termed RAFLS). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and Annexin V staining revealed that RAFLS viability decreased and apoptosis increased after Tan IIA treatment. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) GAS5 expression was significantly decreased in the synovial tissues and RAFLS, while Tan IIA treatment resulted in an up-regulation of GAS5. Consistently, knockdown of GAS5 using siRNA inhibited RAFLS apoptosis. Mechanistically, GAS5 knockdown down-regulated the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9 in the RAFLS cells and activated the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway. These data indicate that Tan IIA promotes RAFLS apoptosis by up-regulating lncRNA GAS5, with enhanced expression of cleaved caspase-3/caspase-9 and inhibited PI3K/AKT signaling.
Semiconductor loss calculation of DC–DC modular multilevel converter for HVDC interconnections
Authors: Zhao Shanshan , Chen Yu , Peng Li
Published: September 2018

DC–DC modular multilevel converter (DC–DC MMC) is an attractive candidate for high‐voltage DC (HVDC) interconnections since it can provide the required voltage matching, galvanic isolation and flexible power control abilities. The semiconductor loss of such a DC–DC MMC is a major concern for both system evaluation and parameter design. However, it cannot be measured directly since it is out of the precision range of the high‐voltage measuring equipment, and thus, mathematical analysis is considered as a feasible alternative. This paper proposes an accurate off‐line loss calculation method for DC–DC MMC modulated by fundamental frequency modulation. Based on the characteristics of the modulation, the switching moments along with the instantaneous voltage and current can be calculated exactly, and the conduction loss and switching loss of each submodule can be expressed in a mathematical way. The calculation results are compared with the simulation results from a comprehensive switched model and show good accuracy performance within a relative error of  ± 2% under different operating conditions.
QVP‐based relay selection to improve secrecy for rateless‐codes in delay‐constrained systems
Authors: Jain Sonam , Bose Ranjan
Published: September 2018

Rateless codes (RCs) have the ability of successfully recovering the message from any subset of the fixed number of encoded symbols, making them a good candidate for delay‐tolerant systems. However, most of the applications are delay‐constrained. In this study, quality of violation probability (QVP) is used as the performance metric which includes reliability, secrecy, considering delay‐constraint conditions. The performance of the RC in the presence of an eavesdropper is studied, and a relay selection technique is used to minimise the QVP in a system with regenerative relays. The authors derive an expression for the QVP when adequate mutual information (MI) is obtained at the receiver, and compares it to the energy accumulation (EA) receiver. Further, based on the direct link channel state information available, relay selection scheme is analysed. They observe that MI accumulation reduces QVP significantly in comparison to the EA. It is also observed that initially on increasing the maximum number of allowed channel usages, the QVP gets reduced and later gets saturated. They observe an improvement in outage probability and intercept probability due to diversity gain. A closed‐form expression of QVP for relay selection is determined for the EA and the MI accumulation receiver.
Deep learning‐based grasp‐detection method for a five‐fingered industrial robot hand
Authors: Chao Ya , Chen Xingchen , Xiao Nanfeng
Published: September 2018

To improve the accuracy of robotic grasp in some uncertain environments, a deep learning‐based object‐detection method for a five‐fingered industrial robot hand model is proposed in this study. The authors first design a five‐fingered industrial robot hand model with 21‐degrees of freedom (DOF). Based on the sensor data of a 5DT data glove, the industrial robot hand can be controlled in real time. They use the object‐detection network's faster regions convolutional neural network and single shot multibox detector to locate the grasp objects. To optimise the robotic grasp detection, two grasp‐predictor methods, direct grasp predictor and multi‐modal grasp predictor, are applied to obtain the best graspable region. In the simulation designed in this study, cooperating with a 6‐DOF robot arm, the five‐fingered industrial robot hand can detect an object accurately and grasp it steadily.
Determining minimum number and optimal placement of PMUs for fault observability in one‐terminal algorithms
Authors: Hamedani Golshan Mohammad Esmail , Hosseini Dolatabadi Seyyed Hamid , Tabatabaei Seyyed Masoud
Published: September 2018

One‐terminal algorithms utilise only measurements at one end of the transmission lines for fault location, and thus, the required number of phasor measurement units (PMUs) is less compared to two‐end algorithms. There have not been major studies in terms of reducing required number of PMUs to implement fault location algorithms based on single terminal data. This study develops a fault observability rule using the basic theories of power system observability. Then, this rule is used in some optimisation problems for determining the minimum number and optimal placement of PMUs to attempt the complete system observability in normal condition and complete or relative fault observability simultaneously. Moreover, here, a novel fault location algorithm is proposed, which uses one‐terminal voltage and current data. To enhance the accuracy of fault location, the novel algorithm utilises positive bus impedance matrix of the network along with the voltage and current equations of the faulted line. The performance of the proposed fault location algorithm and optimal placement method of PMUs for power system and fault observability is investigated on 39‐bus test system.
Wireless digital traffic signs of the future
Authors: Toh Chai K. , Cano Juan‐Carlos , Fernandez‐Laguia Carlos , Manzoni Pietro , Calafate Carlos T.
Published: September 2018

Traffic signs have come a long way since the first automobile was invented. They have long served the purpose of warning and guiding drivers and also enforcing the traffic laws governing speed, parking, turns, and stopping. In this study, the authors discuss the issues and challenges facing current traffic signs, and how it will evolve into a next‐generation traffic sign architecture using advanced wireless communications technologies. With technological advances in the areas of wireless communications and embedded electronics and software, we foresee that, in the future, digital traffic sign posts will be capable of transmitting the traffic sign information wirelessly to road users, and this will transform our roads into intelligent roads, where signs will appear promptly and automatically on in‐vehicle displays to alert the driver. There is no longer the need to watch out for traffic signs since the detection will be automatic and performed wirelessly. This transformation will lessen burden on the drivers, so that they can then focus more on the traffic ahead while driving. Also, this evolution into wireless digital sign posts will fit well with the vision of future smart cities, where smart transportation technologies will be present to transform how we drive and commute, yielding greater safety, ease, and assistance to drivers.
Influence of Dip Angle on Non-Anti-Symmetry Response of Tunnels in Bedding Rock Mass Due to Seismic qSV Wave Propagation
Authors: Hu H Y , Zhou X J , Chen T
Published: September 2018

By considering the transverse isotropic constitutive law of the bedding rock mass and using the wave method to analyze a high-speed railway tunnel in a bedding rock mass, we studied the influence of dip angle on non-anti-symmetry response of tunnels in bedding rock mass due to seismic qsv wave propagation. The results show that the non-anti-symmetry of tunnel seismic response does not obey linear relationship with the change of rock dip, and the variation law is segmental; the moment of seismic response is anti-symmetric strictly when the rock layer is vertical or horizontal, and it is non-anti-symmetrical when the rock layer is inclined; within each segmented interval, the non-anti-symmetry of seismic response increases first and then decreases with the increase of dip angle. This indicates that the influence of dip angle on the non-anti-symmetry of tunnel seismic response is significant.
A Research for Deviation Estimation Analysis for Driven Piles Foundation: A Case of Penang Second Marine Bridge
Authors: Huang Kang
Published: September 2018

The aim of this preliminary research is to study the accept tolerance of driven piles with position’s deviation. More than five thousand driven piles were installed in the approach bridge, which adopted two classes, i.e.Φ1.6m steel pipe pile and Φ1.0m spun pile. The original position acceptance criteria was deviation tolerance less than 75mm. This was not reasonable enough to take into account the marine construction conditions. According to a detailed comparison of the existed different standards and simplified calculation with representativeness, The recommended acceptance criteria could be adjusted to 150mm. This study makes up for the lack of Malaysia pile foundation technical specification especially for large diameter driven piles and it will effectively promote the practical application of ones in Southeast Asia infrastructure works.
Wind Directional Effect on a Single Storey House Using Educational Wind Tunnel
Authors: Zaini S S , Rossli N , Majid T A , Deraman S N C , Razak N A
Published: September 2018

Wind tunnel testing of single-storey isolated building with 1: 100 scale down model was carried out in an open circuit wind tunnel without roughness elements facilities. The gable roof building model with 30˚ roof pitch was studied for wind directions of 0˚, 30˚, 45˚, 60˚ and 90˚. Pressure measurements were performed on all the walls and the roof (Zone 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) of the building model with wind speed of 12 m/s. The results showed that the high suctions were generally induced by the 90˚ wind direction for Zone 1 and 60˚ and 90˚ wind directions for Zone 2. Mostly, high suction was also observed in case of 45˚ and 60˚ wind direction in Zone 3. In zone 4 and zone 5, high suction was generally induced by the 0˚ wind direction.
The Framework of Combining Artificial Intelligence and Construction 3D Printing in Civil Engineering
Authors: Tan Kang
Published: September 2018

Construction 3D printing is becoming a significant force driving the transformation of civil engineering industry, but facing many problems for its immaturity. At the same time, the development of artificial intelligence and other advanced technology, especially BIM and virtual reality technology, provides new methods for solving these problems. Based on the defects of construction 3D printing and the advantages of these technology, this paper proposes a framework that combines artificial intelligence with construction 3D printing in five aspects: materials for 3D printing, automation design for 3D printing, digital construction for 3D printing, robots for 3D printing and BIM platform system for 3D printing. BIM platform system associates with the other aspects to work together efficiently during the life cycle of construction.
Fuzzy Based Bridge Structural Health Rating of Existing Bridges using Accelerometer Sensors: Case of Zamora Bridge
Authors: Lau John Victor J. , Bassig Charmaine Aila Mai L. , Celino Earl Justin C. , Carreon John Paul D.
Published: September 2018

This study presents the development of a fuzzy-based procedure for condition assessment and bridge rating in structural health monitoring of existing bridges. A sample bridge, Zamora Bridge, was assessed to determine its structural health through fuzzy-based analysis utilizing accelerometer sensors installed in the bridge. Sensors were installed on superstructure and substructure components to record the three-dimensional accelerations of each element. Accelerations were then compared to the designed acceleration of the member to obtain structural ratings. Using fuzzy logic, the resultant rating set for the bridge has been evaluated based on specific ratings and importance factor for elements of the bridge. The final rating for the bridge can be evaluated by converting the collective fuzzy rating that defines the membership value. Comparison between the data of fuzzy based analysis for structural health assessment and visual bridge inspection for condition rating verified the reliability of the findings of this study.
Building Retrofit to Improve Energy Performance from Office to Accommodation. Case study: Tower Building, Nottingham, UK
Authors: Ardiani Nissa Aulia , Suhendri  , Koerniawan Mochamad Donny , Budiarto Rachmawan
Published: September 2018

Designed in Brutalism style by architect Andrew Renton, Tower Building has 17 floors for academic and lecturers’ office function. As the highest point in University of Nottingham, this tower has been built for almost five decades. The aim of this project is to propose the tower retrofit from current function to accommodation purpose. Improvement in terms of function and building energy performance by applying sustainable building technologies are the objectives of the retrofit. The advanced plan of building retrofit was proposed after assessing the current building performance and determined the problems. The proposed building design was based on building performance simulation result, literature, and precedent studies. Thereafter, several technologies and design ideas were applied for further investigation, to examine how is the strategies works in the building retrofit. Integrated double skin façade with BIPV, bio composite material for internal wall, double low-e glass for external wall, as well as green lung to improve natural ventilation and create public space were proposed for the building.
Long-term Application of Carbon Fiber Composite Cable Tendon in the Prestressed Concrete Bridge-Shinmiya Bridge in Japan
Authors: Nguyen Hue Thi , Masuya Hiroshi , Ha Tuan Minh , Fukada Saiji , Hanaoka Daishin , Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Koida Eiji
Published: September 2018

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (Carbon Fiber Composite Cable, CFCC) has the outstanding features in comparison with regular steel. In October 1988, CFCC was applied as the tensioning material in main girders of new Shinmiya Bridge in Ishikawa, Japan. This was the first bridge in Japan and in the world, which CFCC tendons were used in the prestressed concrete bridge to counter salt damage. To investigate the serviceability and durability of the main girders and CFCC, three full-scale test girders were fabricated in 1988. At the same time, a bending experiment was conducted on one girder to investigate the ultimate behavior, load carrying capacity of the PC girder, as well the strain behavior of the CFCC. Besides, two PC girders were placed next to the main girders of the bridge in the same conditions. One of them was used for a destructive test after six years of the construction time (1994). In this study, another test specimen that was exposed to the actual corrosive environment after nearly 30 years was subjected to a destructive test by bending load. The load carrying capacity of the girder was clarified, and the durability of the PC girders using CFCC tendon was confirmed.
Development of Implementation Guidlines for Maintenance, Repairation and Determine Material Spesifications for Mechanical Component Design in Government Own Green Building Based On Work Breakdown Structure
Authors: Aryaningrum Dwi Endah , Latief Yusuf , Riantini Leni Sagita , Susilo Budi
Published: September 2018

The development of green buildings has become a global issue as global climate change is gradually becoming a serious concern for the future. Government buildings can be categorized as buildings that must comply with green building requirements, because they consume energy, water and other resources with large quantities. The absence of guidelines in maintenance and repair of government buildings will have an impact on the security and comfort of building users. In addition, the absence of guidance regarding the material specifications used will also result in a material stock system for maintenance and repair being ineffective. This study discusses the development of implementation guidelines for maintenance, reparation and determine material specifications for mechanical components design in government own green buildings based on work breakdown structure. This research will detail starting from the sub work section, work package, alternative design, implementation requirements, activities, resources and material specifications. With the implementation guidelines for maintenance, reparation and determine material specifications for mechanical components design in government own green buildings based on work breakdown structure (WBS) expected maintenance and reparation of government buildings can be implemented maximally, according to specifications and functions.
Numerical Simulation of Temperature Distribution in the Glass Fiber Epoxy Composites during Microwave Curing
Authors: Zhang X , Chang X L , Ma R L , Zhang L , Chen X D , Zhang Q
Published: September 2018

A three-dimensional coupled model of electromagnetic field, temperature field and curing degree field was established. Based on this model, the simulation of microwave curing process of glass fiber epoxy ring was realized, and the temperature distribution at different time was obtained. Numerical results indicate that the temperature difference within the composite ring is mainly formed in the initial stage during microwave curing.