bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microscale heat transfer and thermal extinction of a wire-grid polarizer
Authors: Im Seongmin , Sim Eunji , Kim Donghyun
Published: October 2018

We explore heat transfer and thermal characteristics of a wire-grid polarizer (WGP) on a microscale by investigating the effect of various geometrical parameters such as wire-grid period, height, and a fill factor. The thermal properties arise from heat transfer by light absorption and conduction in wire-grids. Fill factor was found to be the most dominant geometrical parameter. For TM polarized light, a higher fill factor with thicker wire-grids increased the temperature. The local temperature was found to rise up to Tmax = 354.5 K. TE polarization tended to produce lower temperature. Thermal extinction due to polarimetric extinction by a WGP was also evaluated and highest extinction was observed to be 4.78 dB, which represents a temperature difference ΔT = 54.3 °C. We expect the results to be useful for WGPs in polarization-sensitive thermal switching applications.
Applications of the new ESPEN definition of malnutrition and SARC-F in Chinese nursing home residents
Authors: Yang Ming , Huang Zhaojing , Chen Jing , Jiang Jiaojiao , Zuo Yun , Hao Qiukui
Published: October 2018

We aimed to compare the predictive capacity of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and malnutrition combined with sarcopenia for mortality in nursing home residents. We conducted a prospective study in four nursing homes in China. Nutrition status and sarcopenia were measured according to the new European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) definition and SARC-F, respectively. The study population was divided into four groups: malnutrition with sarcopenia (MN+/SA+), malnutrition without sarcopenia (MN+/SA−), sarcopenia without malnutrition (MN−/SA+), and normal nutrition without sarcopenia (MN−/SA−). The participants were followed up for 12 months. We included 329 participants. Thirty-eight participants (11.6%) had MN+/SA+, 38 participants (11.6%) had MN+/SA−, and 93 participants (28.3%) had MN−/SA+. The 1-year mortality was 18.3%, 21.5%, 18.4%, and 47.4% in the MN−/SA−, MN−/SA+, MN+/SA−, and MN+/SA+ groups, respectively. Compared to participants with MN−/SA−, participants with MN+/SA+ were at a significantly higher risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 3.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.71–5.95); however, MN−/SA+ (adjusted HR: 1.24, 95% CI 0.69–2.22) and MN+/SA− (adjusted HR: 0.95, 95% CI 0.41–2.19) were not predictors of mortality. In conclusion, the coexistence of malnutrition and sarcopenia is a significant predictor of mortality in a study population of Chinese nursing home residents.
Beauvericin inhibits melanogenesis by regulating cAMP/PKA/CREB and LXR-α/p38 MAPK–mediated pathways
Authors: Lee Seung Eun , Park See-Hyoung , Oh Sae Woong , Yoo Ju Ah , Kwon Kitae , Park Se Jung , Kim Jangsoon , Lee Hak Sung , Cho Jae Youl , Lee Jongsung
Published: October 2018

Melanogenesis is the process of production of melanin pigments that are responsible for the colors of skin, eye, and hair and provide protection from ultraviolet radiation. However, excessive levels of melanin formation cause hyperpigmentation disorders such as freckles, melasma, and age spots. Liver X receptors (LXR) are nuclear oxysterol receptors belonging to the family of ligand-activated transcription factors and physiological regulators of lipid and cholesterol metabolism. In the skin, activation of LXRs stimulates differentiation of keratinocytes and augments lipid synthesis in sebocytes. However, the function of LXRs in melanogenesis has not been clearly elucidated. In addition, although beauvericin, a well-known mycotoxin primarily isolated from several fungi, has various biological properties, its involvement in melanogenesis has not been reported. Therefore, in this study, we examined the effects of beauvericin on melanogenesis and its molecular mechanisms. Beauvericin decreased melanin content and tyrosinase activity without any cytotoxicity. Beauvericin also reduced protein levels of MITF, tyrosinase, TRP1, and TRP2. In addition, beauvericin suppressed cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling and upregulated expression of LXR-α, resulting in the suppression of p38 MAPK. Our results indicate that beauvericin attenuates melanogenesis by regulating both cAMP/PKA/CREB and LXR-α/p38 MAPK pathways, consequently leading to a reduction of melanin levels.
Identification of novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitors designed by pharmacophore-based virtual screening, molecular docking and bioassay
Authors: Jang Cheongyun , Yadav Dharmendra K. , Subedi Lalita , Venkatesan Ramu , Venkanna Arramshetti , Afzal Sualiha , Lee Eunhee , Yoo Jaewook , Ji Eunhee , Kim Sun Yeou , Kim Mi-hyun
Published: October 2018

In this study, pharmacophore based 3D QSAR models for human acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors were generated, with good significance, statistical values (r2training = 0.73) and predictability (q2training = 0.67). It was further validated by three methods (Fischer’s test, decoy set and Güner-Henry scoring method) to show that the models can be used to predict the biological activities of compounds without costly and time-consuming synthesis. The criteria for virtual screening were also validated by testing the selective AChE inhibitors. Virtual screening experiments and subsequentin vitroevaluation of promising hits revealed a novel and selective AChE inhibitor. Thus, the findings reported herein may provide a new strategy for the discovery of selective AChE inhibitors. The IC50value of compounds5cand6apresented selective inhibition of AChE without inhibiting butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) at uM level. Molecular docking studies were performed to explain the potent AChE inhibition of the target compounds studies to explain high affinity.
Clinical usefulness of C-reactive protein to albumin ratio in predicting 30-day mortality in critically ill patients: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Oh Tak Kyu , Song In-Ae , Lee Jae Ho
Published: October 2018

This study aimed to examine the prognostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin (ALB) ratio among patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in predicting 30-day mortality rate. This retrospective cohort study was conducted by examining the medical records of adult patients who were admitted to the ICU at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2016. Data from 6,972 individuals were included in the final analysis, and 547 of these individuals (7.1%) died within 30 days after their ICU admission. The multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that an increase of 1 for the CRP/ALB ratio was associated with an 11% increase in the risk of 30-day mortality (hazard ratio: 1.11, 95% confidence interval: 1.09–1.14, P < 0.001). However, the area under curve of CRP/ALB ratio in receiver operating characteristic analysis was lower than that of Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II, Charlson comorbidity index, or serum albumin alone. Although an elevated CRP/ALB ratio on ICU admission was an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality rate, the predictive power of CRP/ALB ratio was lower than that of albumin alone, APACHE II, and Charlson comorbidity index.
Baseline resistance-guided therapy does not enhance the response to interferon-free treatment of HCV infection in real life
Authors: Real Luis M. , Macías Juan , Pérez Ana B. , Merino Dolores , Granados Rafael , Morano Luis , Delgado Marcial , Ríos María J. , Galera Carlos , Deltoro Miguel G. , Merchante Nicolás , García Federico , Pineda Juan A.
Published: October 2018

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) response to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) may be influenced by the presence of resistance-associated substitutions (RASs). This study aimed to assess if NS5A baseline RAS-guided treatment enhances the rate of sustained viral response (SVR) in naïve HCV-infected patients in clinical practice. All HCV-infected patients who initiated treatment with interferon (IFN)-free DAA-based regimens between March 2016 and May 2017 in 17 Spanish hospitals and who had evaluable SVR 12 weeks (SVR12) after the end of therapy were included. Patients had to be DAA naïve, with the exception of sofosbuvir with/without IFN. In one hospital, participants received therapy guided by the presence of NS5A-RASs (RGT population). Patients enrolled in the remaining hospitals, without baseline RASs testing, constituted the control population. A total of 120 and 512 patients were included in the RGT and control populations, respectively. Nine (7.5%) individuals in the RGT population showed baseline NS5A-RASs. All of them achieved SVR12. The SVR12 rate in the RGT population was 97.2% (three relapses) whereas it was 98.8% (six relapses) in the control population (p = 0.382). Our findings suggest that testing for baseline NS5A-RASs in naïve HCV-infected patients does not enhance the rate of SVR to DAA-based IFN-free therapy in clinical practice.
Biomechanical Evaluation of Wasp and Honeybee Stingers
Authors: Das Rakesh , Yadav Ram Naresh , Sihota Praveer , Uniyal Piyush , Kumar Navin , Bhushan Bharat
Published: October 2018

In order to design a painless and mechanically durable micro syringe-needle system for biomedical applications, the study of insect stingers is of interest because of their elegant structures and functionalities. In the present work, the structure, mechanical properties and the mechanical behavior during insertion of wasp and honeybee stingers have been investigated. The non-invasive imaging tool, micro-computed tomography has been employed to reveal the 3D-structures of wasp and honeybee stingers. A quasi-static nanoindentation instrument was used to measure the nanomechanical properties. Both wasp and honeybee stingers have graded mechanical properties, decreasing along their longitudinal direction starting from the base. The computed tomography images and the measured material properties from nanoindentation were fed into a computational framework to determine the mechanical behavior of the stingers during penetration. The computation results predicted the penetration angle of +10° for the wasp stinger and −6° for the honeybee stinger, which mimics the practical insertion mechanism of both stingers. Based on this understanding, a wasp and honeybee stringer inspired micro syringe-needle design has also been proposed.
Multiple uncertainties require a change of conservation practices for saproxylic beetles in managed temperate forests
Authors: Augustynczik Andrey L. D. , Yousefpour Rasoul , Hanewinkel Marc
Published: October 2018

In Europe, intensive forest management has severely compromised the habitat of forest insects, especially saproxylic beetles, due to the removal of deadwood and veteran trees. The loss of insect diversity may disrupt ecosystem functioning and affect the provision of important ecosystem goods and services in the future. Here we propose a novel approach for the implementation of conservation policies, by optimally allocating forest reserves and deadwood islands under multiple sources of uncertainty and minimizing economic risk. We use the saproxylic beetleLucanus cervusas umbrella species, requiring that deadwood islands were spaced within its dispersal capacity. We show that current management and conservation practices are increasingly inefficient under changing environmental conditions and that the consideration of uncertainty requires a major expansion of conservation areas. Moreover, our results indicate that a strong diversification of management regimes, with a focus on selection forest systems, is required to reduce economic risk of forest management. We conclude that the integration of uncertainty into conservation planning may reduce the trade-off between production and conservation objectives in forest landscapes and is key to increase the efficiency of forest management in the future.
Attenuation of hypertension by C-fiber stimulation of the human median nerve and the concept-based novel device
Authors: Bang Se Kyun , Ryu Yeonhee , Chang Suchan , Im Chae Kwang , Bae Jong Han , Gwak Young Seob , Yang Chae Ha , Kim Hee Young
Published: October 2018

High blood pressure (BP) is a highly controllable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases; however, awareness of this condition and the rates of controlled hypertension are low. Experimental animal studies have shown that stimulation of the median nerve or PC6 acupoint over the wrist has effects on cardiovascular activities, including reductions in systolic and diastolic BPs. A proof-of-concept study was conducted in humans to investigate whether stimulation of median nerve near PC6 acupoint decreased high BP, identify the optimal stimulation parameters for the BP-lowering effects of median nerve stimulation, and determine the specific peripheral nerves or types of afferent fibers mediating the BP-lowering effects. Median nerve stimulation was carried out bilaterally or unilaterally with different stimulation parameters, and the BP and heart rate were monitored. The afferent mechanisms underlying the effects of median nerve stimulation on hypertension were investigated via microneurography, A-fiber blocking experiments, and localized chemical or electrical stimulation. Bilateral median nerve stimulation at either low or high frequencies produced profound but transient reductions in systolic BP, which were elicited when median nerve stimulation was unilaterally applied at interelectrode distances of 2 and 4 cm. Systolic BP was also reduced by electrical stimulation of the thumb on the palm side. Although microneurographic recordings revealed the excitation of both A- and C-fibers following median nerve stimulation, the median nerve-mediated reductions in BP were not affected by A-fiber blockade, and they were mimicked by the activation of C-fibers with capsaicin. The present results indicate that activation of C-fibers in the median nerve generates BP-lowering effects in humans. Based on our clinical study, an optimized median nerve stimulator was built and combined with a wrist BP monitor for simultaneous BP measurements and median nerve stimulation.
Organic sulfur fingerprint indicates continued injection fluid signature 10 months after hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Luek Jenna L. , Harir Mourad , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe , Mouser Paula J. , Gonsior Michael
Published: October 2018

Ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry used to identify unique organic sulfur signatures in hydraulic fracturing wastewaters likely associated with alcohol ethoxysulfate surfactants.
Physical magnification of objects
Authors: Boyden Edward S.
Published: October 2018

For hundreds of years, scientists have magnified images of objects to reveal their detailed composition and structure. Now, scientists are beginning to physically magnify objects themselves.
Efficient hole transfer from monolayer WS2 to ultrathin amorphous black phosphorus
Authors: Bellus Matthew Z. , Yang Zhibin , Zereshki Peymon , Hao Jianhua , Lau Shu Ping , Zhao Hui
Published: October 2018

Transient absorption measurement reveals ultrafast charge transfer from crystalline to amorphous two-dimensional semiconductors.
Realizing the extraction of carbon from WC forin situformation of W/WC heterostructures with efficient photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution
Authors: Kou Zongkui , Wang Tingting , Pu Zonghua , Wu Lin , Xi Kai , Mu Shichun
Published: October 2018

As a proof of concept, in this work we realize the extraction of carbon atoms from carbide lattices by rationally controlling the reaction between carbides and Cl2.
Anti-EGFR lipid micellar nanoparticles co-encapsulating quantum dots and paclitaxel for tumor-targeted theranosis
Authors: Kang Seong Jae , Jeong Hwa Yeon , Kim Min Woo , Jeong In Ho , Choi Moon Jung , You Young Myoung , Im Chan Su , Song In Ho , Lee Tae Sup , Park Yong Serk
Published: October 2018

Tumor-targeted theranostic nanoparticles prepared by considering nano-bio interactions exhibited improved tumor imaging and efficient inhibition of tumor growth.
An ultra-flexible plasmonic metamaterial film for efficient omnidirectional and broadband optical absorption
Authors: Zhang Hui , Feng Lei , Liang Yuzhang , Xu Ting
Published: October 2018

An omnidirectional and broadband optical absorber has long been pursued for its wide application in optics, sensing and energy fields.
Polyoxometalate-coupled MXene nanohybridviapoly(ionic liquid) linkers and its electrode for enhanced supercapacitive performance
Authors: Chen Shu , Xiang Yuanfang , Banks M. Katherine , Peng Chang , Xu Weijian , Wu Ruoxi
Published: October 2018

A novel and effective strategy for preparing polyoxometalate-coupled MXene nanohybridsviapoly(ionic liquid) linkers is presented for enhanced supercapacitive performance.
Gas–solid aldol condensation reaction in confined space of metal organic framework for formaldehyde detection
Authors: Wu Qi-Long , Nie Man-Xiu , Liu Qian , Feng Jian Rui , Ren Jian-Wei , Zhao Jiong-Peng , Liu Fu-Chen
Published: October 2018

In the gas–solid nanoreactor Tb(acac)3(H2O)2@ZIF-8, fluoresce of TbIII was quenched for the aldol condensation reaction of the acac ligands and HCHO gas. Thus the nanoreactor could serve as an efficient HCHO gas probe.
Effects of nanobubbles on peptide self-assembly
Authors: Wang Yujiao , Shen Zhiwei , Guo Zhen , Hu Jun , Zhang Yi
Published: October 2018

Nanobubbles promote peptide self-assembly and induces the formation of twisted fibrils in solution.
2D bismuthene fabricated via acid-intercalated exfoliation showing strong nonlinear near-infrared responses for mode-locking lasers
Authors: Yang Qi-Qi , Liu Rui-Tong , Huang Chao , Huang Yi-Fan , Gao Lin-Feng , Sun Bing , Huang Zhi-Peng , Zhang Lei , Hu Chen-Xia , Zhang Ze-Qi , Sun Chun-Lin , Wang Qiang , Tang Yu-Long , Zhang Hao-Li
Published: October 2018

Acid intercalation-exfoliated 2D Bi shows strong nonlinear NIR responses associated with multi-timescale carrier dynamics and is used for mode-locking lasers.
High efficiency focusing vortex generation and detection with polarization-insensitive dielectric metasurfaces
Authors: Ou Kai , Li Guanhai , Li Tianxin , Yang Hui , Yu Feilong , Chen Jin , Zhao Zengyue , Cao Guangtao , Chen Xiaoshuang , Lu Wei
Published: October 2018

High-efficiency and polarization-independent focused vortex beam generators and detectors are realized and demonstrated with all dielectric metasurfaces in near-infrared regime.
Dynamic Diels–Alder reactions of maleimide–furan amphiphiles and their fluorescence ON/OFF behaviours
Authors: Li Fen , Li Xiaohui , Zhang Xin
Published: October 2018

Dynamic Diels–Alder additions of maleimide–furan amphiphiles lead to reversible fluorescence ON/OFF behaviours and exchange of furan moieties.
A highly sensitive and selective chemosensor for Pb2+ based on quinoline–coumarin
Authors: Meng Xianjiao , Cao Duanlin , Hu Zhiyong , Han Xinghua , Li Zhichun , Ma Wenbing
Published: October 2018

A highly sensitive and selective fluorescent chemosensor 1 was synthesized and used for naked eye detection of Pb2+.
Synthesis of interconnected mesoporous ZnCo2O4 nanosheets on a 3D graphene foam as a binder-free anode for high-performance Li-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Xu , Chen Qi , Zhao Pei , Wang Miao
Published: October 2018

Mesoporous ZnCo2O4 nanomaterials grown on a three-dimensional (3D) graphene film (GF) coated on Ni foam (NF) have been synthesized via an effective chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method combined with a subsequent hydrothermal route.
East Indian sandalwood (Santalum album L.) oil confers neuroprotection and geroprotection inCaenorhabditis elegans viaactivating SKN-1/Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Mohankumar A. , Shanmugam G. , Kalaiselvi D. , Levenson C. , Nivitha S. , Thiruppathi G. , Sundararaj P.
Published: October 2018

East Indian Sandalwood Oil (EISO) has diverse beneficial effects and has been used for thousands of years in traditional folk-medicine for treatment of different human ailments.
Ash deposition behavior of a high-alkali coal in circulating fluidized bed combustion at different bed temperatures and the effect of kaolin
Authors: Liu Yanquan , Cheng Leming , Ji Jieqiang , Wang Qinhui , Fang Mengxiang
Published: October 2018

This work reports the influence of combustion temperature on the ash deposition of Zhundong coal in a CFB, and evaluates the effect of kaolin.
Retracted Article: FOXC1 silencing promotes A549 cell apoptosis through inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/hedgehog/Gli2 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Pei , Ma Hongbing , Li Yong , Chen Dong , Li Xiaohui , Gao Xiang
Published: October 2018

Lung cancer begins in the lung and is a leading cause of premature death.
Enhanced electrocatalytic performance of platinum nanoparticles on thiolated polyaniline-multiwalled carbon nanotubes for methanol oxidation
Authors: Su Zhaohong , Li Chaorong , Cheng Yongbing , Gui Qingwen , Xiong Yuanfu , Tan Yueming , Jiang Hongmei , Liu Xiaoying
Published: October 2018

Pt nanoparticles (PtNPs) well-dispersed on thiolated polyaniline (TPANI)-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared for enhanced electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol in acidic media.
Histidine-based copper tetrapeptides as enantioselective catalysts for aldol reactions
Authors: Sharifa Zaithun Begum , Emilia AbdulMalek , Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed Tahir , Karen Anne Crouse , Mohd Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman
Published: October 2018

P5 with the sequence H2N-PGHD-CONH.
Rational design of near-infrared dyes based on boron dipyrromethene derivatives for application in organic solar cells
Authors: Zhang Man , Jin Ruifa
Published: October 2018

A series of novel pyrrolopyrrole boron dipyrromethene derivatives have been designed as high-efficiency red/near-infrared-active donor materials and charge transport materials in OSC applications.
Structure and reducibility of yttrium-doped cerium dioxide nanoparticles and (111) surface
Authors: Aleksandrov Hristiyan A. , Koleva Iskra Z. , Neyman Konstantin M. , Tabakova Tatyana T. , Vayssilov Georgi N.
Published: October 2018

Energetics and mutual locations of Y3+ ion dopants and O vacancies in CeO2 nanomaterials relevant to catalysis have been studied.
Infiltration of biomineral templates for nanostructured polypyrrole
Authors: Göppert A. , Cölfen H.
Published: October 2018

The insufficient infiltration of pyrrole into the CaCO3structure of biomineral templates was improved using three universally applicable approaches.
Controllably realizing elastic/plastic bending based on a room-temperature phosphorescent waveguiding organic crystal
Authors: Liu Hao , Bian Zhengyi , Cheng Qinyu , Lan Linfeng , Wang Yue , Zhang Hongyu
Published: October 2018

The room-temperature phosphorescent DBBZL crystals could exhibit reversible bending and irreversible bending based on one crystal. These flexible crystals exhibit good waveguiding property in straight state, elastic bending state and plastic bending state, demonstrating the application of flexibility.
Transition-metal free C–C bond cleavage/borylation of cycloketone oxime esters
Authors: Zhang Jin-Jiang , Duan Xin-Hua , Wu Yong , Yang Jun-Cheng , Guo Li-Na
Published: October 2018

An efficient transition-metal free C–C bond cleavage/borylation of cycloketone oxime esters has been described. In this reaction, the B2(OH)4 reagent not only served as the boron source but also acted as an electron donor source through formation of a complex with a DMAc-like Lewis base.
Hetero-metallic active sites coupled with strongly reductive polyoxometalate for selective photocatalytic CO2-to-CH4 conversion in water
Authors: Xie Shuai-Lei , Liu Jiang , Dong Long-Zhang , Li Shun-Li , Lan Ya-Qian , Su Zhong-Min
Published: October 2018

Two reductive polyoxometalate (POM)-based heterogeneous photo-catalysts display highly selective CO2-to-CH4 conversion in water.
Photomechanochromic vs. mechanochromic fluorescence of a unichromophoric bimodal molecular solid: multicolour fluorescence patterning
Authors: Hsu Li-Yun , Maity Subhendu , Matsunaga Yuki , Hsu Ying-Feng , Liu Yi-Hung , Peng Shie-Ming , Shinmyozu Teruo , Yang Jye-Shane
Published: October 2018

The multicolour fluorescence responses to external mechanical forces vs. internal photomechanical stresses of a molecular solid are demonstrated and compared.
Fast detection and structural identification of carbocations on zeolites by dynamic nuclear polarization enhanced solid-state NMR
Authors: Xiao Dong , Xu Shutao , Brownbill Nick J. , Paul Subhradip , Chen Li-Hua , Pawsey Shane , Aussenac Fabien , Su Bao-Lian , Han Xiuwen , Bao Xinhe , Liu Zhongmin , Blanc Frédéric
Published: October 2018

A fast NMR data acquisition strategy is explored to detect and characterize carbocations on solid zeolites.
Preparation of pocket shaped microfiltration membranes with binary porous structures
Authors: Yu Bing , Luo Yongli , Zhang Xinfeng , Usman Muhammad , Ahmed Adeel , Shen Youqing , Cong Hailin
Published: October 2018

Pocket-shaped microfiltration membranes with binary porous structures were prepared on needles by combining the breath figure (BF) method and the colloidal crystal template (CCT) method.
A cobalt sulfide cluster-based catholyte for aqueous flow battery applications
Authors: Freeman Matthew B. , Wang Le , Jones Daniel S. , Bejger Christopher M.
Published: October 2018

A water-soluble Co6S8 molecular cluster was prepared and electrochemically analyzed as a potential active material for redox flow battery applications.
Synergistic core–shell interactions enable ultra-low overpotentials for enhanced CO2 electro-reduction activity
Authors: Ahmad Rafia , Singh Abhishek Kumar
Published: October 2018

Optimizing the catalytic activity of a multi-component system to achieve ultra-low overpotentials for CO2 electro-reduction on non-noble metal catalysts.
Microporous metal–organic frameworks with open metal sites and π-Lewis acidic pore surfaces for recovering ethylene from polyethylene off-gas
Authors: Ye Yingxiang , Ma Zhenlin , Chen Liangji , Lin Haizhen , Lin Quanjie , Liu Lizhen , Li Ziyin , Chen Shimin , Zhang Zhangjing , Xiang Shengchang
Published: October 2018

By employing electron-deficient ligands to fabricate MOFs, we could not only improve gas uptake capacity, but also stabilize the framework robustness.
Narrow band gap and high mobility of lead-free perovskite single crystal Sn-doped MA3Sb2I9
Authors: Ju Dianxing , Jiang Xiaomei , Xiao Hang , Chen Xi , Hu Xiaobo , Tao Xutang
Published: October 2018

Lead free Sn-doped MA3Sb2I9 single crystals have been obtained with a significant red-shifted light absorption peak and two-fold enhancement of the carrier mobility than that of MA3Sb2I9.
The influence of the π-bridging unit of fused-ring acceptors on the performance of organic solar cells
Authors: Jiang Pengcheng , Ming Shouli , Jia Qing-Qing , Liu Yahui , Lu Hao , Li Miao , Xu Xinjun , Li Hai-Bei , Bo Zhishan
Published: October 2018

Only one methylene difference in the π-bridging unit of FREAs exerts great influence on their absorption coefficients and photovoltaic performances.
Specific expression of lncRNA RP13-650J16.1 and TCONS_00023979 in prostate cancer
Authors: Zhou Xiaochen , Chen Qiong , Wang Haolin , Zhang Cheng , Fu Bin , Wang Gongxian
Published: October 2018

The aim of the present study was to explore the expression profile and the potential regulatory mechanism of two long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) (RP13-650J16.1 and TCONS_00023979) in prostate cancer (PCa). Expression profile of lncRNAs in PCa and paracancerous tissues were investgated by the high-throughput gene chip technology. Specific siRNA of RP13-650J16.1 or TCONS_00023979 was transfected into DU145 cells. Then, the relative expression of RP13-650J16.1, receptor-associated coactivator 3 (RAC3), promyelocytic leukemia (PML), and TCONS_00023979 was detected by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting. MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation of DU145 cells. The migration ability of DU145 cells was measured by Transwell chambers. Single cell proliferation and clonogenic ability were detected by plate clone formation assay. RP13-650J16.1 and RAC3 expression was up-regulated, and TCONS_00023979 and PML expression was down-regulated in PCa tissues. Silencing RP13-650J16.1 could decrease RAC3 expression, and knockout of TCONS_00023979 also reduced PML expression. Moreover, the ability of proliferation, migration, and colony formation of DU145 cells was decreased after transfected with si-RP13-650J16.1, while these abilities were increased after transfected with si-TCONS_00023979. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that RP13-650J16.1 might be an oncogene and TCONS_00023979 might be an antioncogene in PCa.
The role of perineural invasion in penile cancer: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Qi Feng , Zhou Ruhua , Wang Shangqian , Wang Yamin , Wang Yi , Chen Chen , Wang Yichun , Yang Jie , Song Ninghong
Published: October 2018

The significance of perineural invasion (PNI) present in penile cancer (PC) is controversial. In order to clarify the predictive role of PNI in the inguinal lymph node (ILN) metastases (ILNM) and oncologic outcome of patients, we performed this meta-analysis and systematic review. The search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted for appropriate studies, up to 20 January 2018. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) were applied to evaluate the difference in ILNM and oncologic outcome between patients present with PNI and those who were absent. A total of 298 in 1001 patients present with PNI were identified in current meta-analysis and systematic review. Significant difference was observed in ILNM between PNI present and absent from patients with PC (OR = 2.98, 95% CI = 2.00–4.45). Patients present with PNI had a worse cancer-specific survival (CSS) (HR = 3.58, 95% CI = 1.70–7.55) and a higher cancer-specific mortality (CSM) (HR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.06–3.82) than those cases without PNI. This meta-analysis and systematic review demonstrated the predictive role of PNI in ILNM, CSS, and CSM for PC patients.
The potential roles of circRNAs in osteoarthritis: a coming journey to find a treasure
Authors: Li Hui-Zi , Lin Zhong , Xu Xiang-He , Lin Nan , Lu Hua-Ding
Published: October 2018

Osteoarthritis (OA), a common joint disease in elderly, causes serious social and economic burdens worldwide. Previous studies indicated that some differentially expressed circular RNAs (circRNAs) participated in the initiation and progression of OA. These findings suggested that circRNAs may act as promising diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for OA. In this review, we summarize the biogenesis and biological functions of circRNAs and explore the underlying roles of circRNAs in OA, which may enlighten further studies and contribute to the early diagnosis and intervention of OA.
ANRIL promotes chemoresistance via disturbing expression of ABCC1 by regulating the expression of Let-7a in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Feng Lifeng , Liu Pengfei , Duan Wei
Published: October 2018

Increasing evidence indicates that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus (ANRIL) has been involved in various diseases and promotes tumorigenesis and cancer progression as an oncogenic gene. However, the effect of ANRIL on chemoresistance remains still unknown in colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we investigated ANRIL expression in 63 cases of colorectal cancer specimens and matched normal tissues. Results revealed that ANRIL was up-regulated in tumor tissues samples from patients with CRC and CRC cell lines. Increased ANRIL expression in CRC was associated with poor clinical prognosis. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that ANRIL was associated with overall survival of patients with colorectal cancer, and patients with high ANRIL expression tended to have unfavorable outcome. In vitro experiments revealed that ANRIL knockdown significantly inhibited CRC cell proliferation, improved the sensitivity of chemotherapy and promoted apoptosis. Further functional assays indicated that ANRIL overexpression significantly promoted cell chemoresistance by regulating ATP-binding cassette subfamily C member 1 through binding Let-7a. Taken together, our study demonstrates that ANRIL could act as a functional oncogene in CRC, as well as a potential therapeutic target to inhibit CRC chemoresistance.
Association between the polymorphisms of CALM1 gene and osteoarthritis risk: a meta-analysis based on observational studies
Authors: Yang Haoyu , Hu Zhiyong , Zhuang Chao , Liu Ruiping , Zhang Yunkun
Published: October 2018

The existing studies on the association between polymorphisms of Calmodulin 1 (CALM1) gene and the risk of osteoarthritis (OA, a complex multifactorial disease and a major degenerative form of arthritis) in different populations have yielded conflicting findings. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis by systematically searching PubMed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar, and assessing this association by calculating pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Subgroup analyses stratified by ethnicity, OA type, and genotype were also conducted. Six studies (2752 cases and 3259 controls) involving six single nucleotide polymorphisms were included. Our data suggested that the T allele and genotype TT of the rs12885713 polymorphism, and the C allele of the rs2300496 polymorphism in the CALM1 gene all increased the risk of OA. The pooled results revealed no significant association between the CALM1 rs3213718 polymorphism and the risk of OA. Stratification analyses by ethnicity and OA type showed that the rs12885713 polymorphism increased the risk of OA among Asians and in knee OA, respectively. In conclusion, the rs12885713 and rs2300496 polymorphisms of the CALM1 gene may both increase the risk of OA. Owing to the limitations of the present study, this finding should be further confirmed in future well-designed studies.
Blebbistatin modulates prostatic cell growth and contrapctility through myosin II signaling
Authors: Chen Ping , Xu De-qiang , Xu Sheng-li , Xiao He , Wan Sheng-hong , Wang Xing-huan , DiSanto Michael E. , Zhang Xin-hua
Published: October 2018

To investigate the effect of blebbistatin (BLEB, a selective myosin inhibitor) on regulating contractility and growth of prostate cells and to provide insight into possible mechanisms associated with these actions. BLEB was incubated with cell lines of BPH-1 and WPMY-1, and intraprostatically injected into rats. Cell growth was determined by flow cytometry, and in vitro organ bath studies were performed to explore muscle contractility. Smooth muscle (SM) myosin isoform (SM1/2, SM-A/B, and LC17a/b) expression was determined via competitive reverse transcriptase PCR. SM myosin heavy chain (MHC), non-muscle (NM) MHC isoforms (NMMHC-A and NMMHC-B), and proteins related to cell apoptosis were further analyzed via Western blotting. Masson’s trichrome staining was applied to tissue sections. BLEB could dose-dependently trigger apoptosis and retard the growth of BPH-1 and WPMY-1. Consistent with in vitro effect, administration of BLEB to the prostate could decrease rat prostatic epithelial and SM cells via increased apoptosis. Western blotting confirmed the effects of BLEB on inducing apoptosis through a mechanism involving MLC20 dephosphorylation with down-regulation of Bcl-2 and up-regulation of BAX and cleaved caspase 3. Meanwhile, NMMHC-A and NMMHC-B, the downstream proteins of MLC20, were found significantly attenuated in BPH-1 and WPMY-1 cells, as well as rat prostate tissues. Additionally, BLEB decreased SM cell number and SM MHC expression, along with attenuated phenylephrine-induced contraction and altered prostate SMM isoform composition with up-regulation of SM-B and down-regulation of LC17a, favoring a faster contraction. Our novel data demonstrate BLEB regulated myosin expression and functional activity. The mechanism involved MLC20 dephosphorylation and altered SMM isoform composition.
Swarm‐based automation of electrical power distribution and transmission system support
Authors: Dähling Stefan , Kolen Sonja , Monti Antonello
Published: October 2018

The increasing amount of distributed energy resources installed in distribution systems imposes new challenges on the operation and control of both distribution and transmission systems. At the same time, most distributed energy resources have the potential to support grid operation, e.g. as reactive power suppliers. To exploit these capabilities, a flexible and scalable control approach capable of dealing with large numbers of heterogeneous components is required. Many approaches are either distribution or transmission oriented and neglect the interests or constraints of the other side. Furthermore, the drawbacks of classical centralised control are often ignored. This study presents SwarmGrid‐X, an agent‐based control concept that considers the structure, demands and capabilities of components in the distribution system and the power requirements of the transmission system at the point of common coupling. Agents control components autonomously and determine control decisions in a decentralised way. They cooperate in swarms to achieve a common system goal while information and power flow are kept as local as possible. The cooperative nature of SwarmGrid‐X transforms the distribution system into a cyber‐physical power system. This study explains how SwarmGrid‐X enables cyber‐physical interactions of components to automate electrical power distribution and support the transmission system.
Predictive control model to manage power flow on a hybrid wind‐photovoltaic and diesel microgeneration power plant with additional storage capacity
Authors: dos Santos Costa António José Arsénio , Valério Duarte , da Costa Branco Paulo José
Published: October 2018

This study proposes and evaluates a predictive control model for the management of the power flow in a hybrid microgeneration power plant with additional storage capacity. The plant integrates a photovoltaic array, a wind turbine, a diesel generator, and a lithium ion battery bank. One objective of the proposed predictive control model is to maximise the use of power from renewable resources looking for the weather predictions and thus minimise the use of fossil power from the diesel generator and corresponding CO2 emissions. Another aim is to maximise the duration of lithium ion batteries, since extending their lifetime is crucial for the system's economic viability, and since battery disposal brings environmental concerns as well. A numerical evaluation is performed about the evolution of power dispatch decisions and of the batteries state of charge, depending on the available power storage capacity. Model predictive control proves to be a suitable strategy in this system.
Stochastic collective model of public transport passenger arrival process
Authors: Kieu Le Minh , Cai Chen
Published: October 2018

It is essential to understand how transit passengers arrive at stops, as it enables transit operators and researchers to anticipate the number of waiting passengers at stops and their waiting time. However, the literature focuses more on predicting the total passenger demand, rather than simulating individual passenger arrivals to transit stops. When an arrival process is required especially in public transport planning and operational control, existing studies often assume a deterministic uniform arrival or a homogeneous Poisson process to model this passenger arrival process. This study generalises the homogeneous Poisson process (HPP) to a more general non‐HPP (NHPP) in which the arrival rate varies as a function of time. The proposed collective NHPP (cNHPP) simulates the passenger arrival using less time regions than the HPP, takes less time to compute, while providing more accurate simulations of passenger arrivals to transit stops. The authors first propose a new time‐varying intensity function of the transit passenger arrival process and then a maximum likelihood estimation method to estimate the process. A comparison study shows that the proposed cNHPP is capable of capturing the continuous and stochastic fluctuations of passenger arrivals over time.
Hybrid machine learning and optimisation method to solve a tri‐level road network protection problem
Authors: Kaviani Arash , Thompson Russell G. , Rajabifard Abbas , Sarvi Majid
Published: October 2018

In this study, the authors employ machine learning to develop a new solution method for solving a tri‐level network protection problem. In the upper‐level, the planner aims to minimise the impact of the interdictor's attempt to disrupt a road network through protection activities. At the middle‐level, however, the interdictor seeks to maximise the network's cost function, that is total travel time while the user equilibrium assignment models the road users behaviour at the lower‐level. The proposed solution algorithm combines implicit enumeration with machine learning for faster performance. In so doing, four machine learning methods are evaluated among which the artificial neural network model shows the best performance and thereby to be exploited. Principal component analysis is also employed as part of the data pre‐processing to perform dimensionality reduction. The proposed solution algorithm exhibits a reasonable level of tractability when employed to solve large problems in which a real‐world network is under investigation. Although it cannot guarantee global optimality, it is argued that this is an essential compromise for the application of the network optimisation problems on extensive real‐world networks and the large solution space that they generate.
Value‐based deep reinforcement learning for adaptive isolated intersection signal control
Authors: Wan Chia‐Hao , Hwang Ming‐Chorng
Published: October 2018

Under efficiency improvement of road networks by utilizing advanced traffic signal control methods, intelligent transportation systems intend to characterize a smart city. Recently, due to significant progress in artificial intelligence, machine learning‐based framework of adaptive traffic signal control has been highly concentrated. In particular, deep Q‐learning neural network is a model‐free technique and can be applied to optimal action selection problems. However, setting variable green time is a key mechanism to reflect traffic fluctuations such that time steps need not be fixed intervals in reinforcement learning framework. In this study, the authors proposed a dynamic discount factor embedded in the iterative Bellman equation to prevent from a biased estimation of action‐value function due to the effects of inconstant time step interval. Moreover, action is added to the input layer of the neural network in the training process, and the output layer is the estimated action‐value for the denoted action. Then, the trained neural network can be used to generate action that leads to an optimal estimated value within a finite set as the agents' policy. The preliminary results show that the trained agent outperforms a fixed timing plan in all testing cases with reducing system total delay by 20%..
Advanced accident prediction models and impacts assessment
Authors: Galatioto Fabio , Catalano Mario , Shaikh Nabeel , McCormick Ecaterina , Johnston Ryan
Published: October 2018

This study presents an innovative set of models for accident prediction which are at the core of a web‐based platform for road safety simulation and predictions. Specifically, insights into road hazard prediction are given comparing the latest developments of machine learning research to econometric modelling. The paper provides an overview of the above web‐platform as well as the description of its built‐in models and the early findings of comparing machine learning and econometric methods with respect to crash severity prediction. The original specification of the proposed predictive models embeds, on top of traditional predictors, complex inputs, sporadically or never encountered in previous studies, related to demographics, land use, roadway geometry, traffic control and accident circumstances (special conditions on the road, etc.). The final outcome reveals high accuracy at national level in forecasting the number of casualties from a road crash and its severity. The related models have proved less effective, instead, in those contexts where road collision phenomena turn out exceptional, thus moving away from the national mean behaviour. Finally, the comparison between statistical parametric and machine learning methods, at this early stage is limited to crash severity classification and has pointed out a clear superiority of the parametric approach.
Diffie–Hellman process and its use in secure and authenticated VC networks
Authors: Panagiotopoulos Ilias , Dimitrakopoulos George
Published: October 2018

The automotive companies nowadays are working on the development and deployment of the future intelligent transportation systems and connected‐autonomous driving addressing any security and privacy concerns of users. In the field of connectivity, vehicular networks are constructed to manage communications among nearby vehicles and between vehicles and road‐side infrastructure units and trusted agencies or certificate authorities. The above cooperative systems applications bring the promise of improved road safety and optimised road traffic. For the successful deployment of vehicular communications (VCs), it is essential to make sure that ‘life‐critical safety’ information cannot be modified by external or internal within the network attackers. On this basis, lack of such security and privacy in vehicular networks is one of the key hindrances to the widespread implementations of connected‐autonomous‐driving applications. Moreover, specific operational parameters (highly moving vehicles, frequently and fast changed connectivity) make the problem very novel and challenging. For the present study, a protocol for data privacy and authenticated VC interactions, based on the Diffie–Hellman algorithm, is applied. The above analysis aims to improve the security and enhance the efficiency of VCs toward the deployment of Internet of vehicles technology in the transport area.
Impact assessments of intelligent transport system performance in a freight transport corridor
Authors: Mbiydzenyuy Gideon
Published: October 2018

Transport network infrastructure including the use of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) is fundamental to the mobility of people and shipments. This study aims at understanding how different ITS measures may impact multiple traffic engineering goals with respect to a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The ordering of KPIs is determined by the preferences of the decision maker. A Multi‐Criteria Decision Analysis framework is proposed for impact assessments of ITS measures. Data about KPIs is derived with the help of traffic data gathered from the Gothenburg Region. Comparing the contributions of ITS measures to different goals suggest that the management of flow and speed in a road network is crucial for improving capacity utilisation. The goal assessments are then projected onto different use‐cases in terms of socio‐economic impacts. The result indicates that corridor section traffic management, transport management (focusing on transit traffic) and urban gate‐way will generate socio‐economic effects, respectively, in a decreasing order. Urban gateway is particularly interesting because it is the least intrusive and less costly use‐case.
Dynamic traffic diversion model based on dynamic traffic demand estimation and prediction
Authors: Peng‐peng Jiao , Yi‐gang Li , Dong‐yue Li
Published: October 2018

Traffic diversion is an effective measure to solve the incidental traffic congestion in urban expressway traffic system. By adopting the macroscopic traffic flow model METANET, this study analyses the state change of traffic flow on the road network and establishes the dynamic traffic diversion model, inducing the redistribution of traffic demand. Considering the changes in the amount of origin–destination (O –D) demand, diversion rate is introduced into the basic theory of dynamic O –D model, and then established a dynamic traffic flow model based on dynamic demand change. The genetic algorithm is used to solve the non‐linearity problem of the objective function in the traffic diversion model. This study sets up five cases for numerical analyses, and gets the optimal diversion scheme.