bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cereblon attenuates DNA damage-induced apoptosis by regulating the transcription-independent function of p53
Authors: Zhou Liang , Xu Guoqiang
Published: January 2019

Cereblon (CRBN) is the substrate receptor of the cullin 4-RING E3 ligase complex and has been employed for targeted protein degradation in the treatment of cancers. However, its normal physiological functions and molecular mechanism in the regulation of DNA damage response are largely unknown. Here we find that CRBN plays a protective role against DNA damage-induced apoptosis in cell lines and primary cells. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that although CRBN does not affect the ubiquitination and degradation of the tumor suppressor p53, it directly interacts with p53 and therefore, suppresses the interaction between p53 and anti-apoptotic regulators Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL. CRBN depletion enhances the interaction between p53 and Bcl-2/Bcl-XL, reduces mitochondrial membrane potential, increases the cleavage of caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1, and thus promotes DNA damage-induced apoptosis in cell lines and primary cells upon etoposide treatment. Moreover, Crbn knockout mice exhibit increased mortality upon etoposide challenge. Taken together, our data elucidate a novel molecular mechanism by which CRBN inhibits DNA damage response in vitro and in vivo. This work extends our understanding of the broad spectrum of physiological roles for CRBN and may suggest its potential application in the treatment of DNA damage-associated diseases.
SHROOM2 inhibits tumor metastasis through RhoA–ROCK pathway-dependent and -independent mechanisms in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Yuan Jing , Chen Lin , Xiao Jingshu , Qi Xue-Kang , Zhang Ji , Li Xu , Wang Zifeng , Lian Yi-Fan , Xiang Tong , Zhang Yuchen , Chen Ming-Yuan , Bei Jin-Xin , Zeng Yi-Xin , Feng Lin
Published: January 2019

SHROOM2 is a key mediator of RhoA–ROCK pathway that regulates cell motility and actin cytoskeleton organization. However, the functions of SHROOM2 beyond RhoA/ROCK signaling remain poorly understood. Here, we report that SHROOM2 not only participates in RhoA–ROCK-induced stress fiber formation and focal adhesion, but also had an unanticipated role in suppressing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor metastasis. Depletion of SHROOM2 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells enhances mesenchymal characteristics and reduces epithelial markers, concomitant with increased motility, enabling the development of invasion and tumor metastasis, which are largely ROCK-independent, as ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 did not cause EMT phenotype; furthermore, combination of ROCK inhibition and SHROOM2 depletion resulted in the most robust increases in cell migration and invasion, indicating that SHROOM2 and ROCK work synergistically rather than epistatic. Analysis of clinical samples suggested that SHROOM2 is downregulated in NPC and the expression of SHROOM2 in metastatic NPC was even lower than in the primary tumors. Our findings uncover a non-canonical role of SHROOM2 as a potent antagonist for EMT and NPC metastasis.
The pivotal role of protein acetylation in linking glucose and fatty acid metabolism to β-cell function
Authors: Zhang Yuqing , Zhou Feiye , Bai Mengyao , Liu Yun , Zhang Linlin , Zhu Qin , Bi Yufang , Ning Guang , Zhou Libin , Wang Xiao
Published: January 2019

Protein acetylation has a crucial role in energy metabolism. Here we performed the first large-scale profiling of acetylome in rat islets, showing that almost all enzymes in core metabolic pathways related to insulin secretion were acetylated. Label-free quantitative acetylome of islets in response to high glucose revealed hyperacetylation of enzymes involved in fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO), including trifunctional enzyme subunit alpha (ECHA). Acetylation decreased the protein stability of ECHA and its ability to promote FAO. The overexpression of SIRT3, a major mitochondrial deacetylase, prevented the degradation of ECHA via decreasing its acetylation level in β-cells. SIRT3 expression was upregulated in rat islets upon exposure to low glucose or fasting. SIRT3 overexpression in islets markedly decreased palmitate-potentiated insulin secretion, whereas islets from SIRT3 knockout mice secreted more insulin, with an opposite action on FAO. ECHA overexpression partially reversed SIRT3 deficiency-elicited insulin hypersecretion. Our study highlights the potential role of protein acetylation in insulin secretion.
CKIP-1 limits foam cell formation and inhibits atherosclerosis by promoting degradation of Oct-1 by REGγ
Authors: Fan Jiao , Liu Lifeng , Liu Qingyan , Cui Yu , Yao Binwei , Zhang Minghua , Gao Yabing , Fu Yesheng , Dai Hongmiao , Pan Jingkun , Qiu Ya , Liu Cui Hua , He Fuchu , Wang Yu , Zhang Lingqiang
Published: January 2019

Atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Macrophages uptake modified lipoproteins and transform into foam cells, triggering an inflammatory response and thereby promoting plaque formation. Here we show that casein kinase 2-interacting protein-1 (CKIP-1) is a suppressor of foam cell formation and atherosclerosis. Ckip-1 deficiency in mice leads to increased lipoprotein uptake and foam cell formation, indicating a protective role of CKIP-1 in this process. Ablation of Ckip-1 specifically upregulates the transcription of scavenger receptor LOX-1, but not that of CD36 and SR-A. Mechanistically, CKIP-1 interacts with the proteasome activator REGγ and targets the transcriptional factor Oct-1 for degradation, thereby suppressing the transcription of LOX-1 by Oct-1. Moreover, Ckip-1-deficient mice undergo accelerated atherosclerosis, and bone marrow transplantation reveals that Ckip-1 deficiency in hematopoietic cells is sufficient to increase atherosclerotic plaque formation. Therefore, CKIP-1 plays an essential anti-atherosclerotic role through regulation of foam cell formation and cholesterol metabolism.
FGL2 promotes tumor progression in the CNS by suppressing CD103+ dendritic cell differentiation
Authors: Yan Jun , Zhao Qingnan , Gabrusiewicz Konrad , Kong Ling-Yuan , Xia Xueqing , Wang Jian , Ott Martina , Xu Jingda , Davis R. Eric , Huo Longfei , Rao Ganesh , Sun Shao-Cong , Watowich Stephanie S. , Heimberger Amy B. , Li Shulin
Published: January 2019

Few studies implicate immunoregulatory gene expression in tumor cells in arbitrating brain tumor progression. Here we show that fibrinogen-like protein 2 (FGL2) is highly expressed in glioma stem cells and primary glioblastoma (GBM) cells. FGL2 knockout in tumor cells did not affect tumor-cell proliferation in vitro or tumor progression in immunodeficient mice but completely impaired GBM progression in immune-competent mice. This impairment was reversed in mice with a defect in dendritic cells (DCs) or CD103+DC differentiation in the brain and in tumor-draining lymph nodes. The presence of FGL2 in tumor cells inhibited granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-induced CD103+DC differentiation by suppressing NF-κB, STAT1/5, and p38 activation. These findings are relevant to GBM patients because a low level ofFGL2expression with concurrent highGM-CSFexpression is associated with higherCD8Bexpression and longer survival. These data provide a rationale for therapeutic inhibition of FGL2 in brain tumors.
Rapidly receding Arctic Canada glaciers revealing landscapes continuously ice-covered for more than 40,000 years
Authors: Pendleton Simon L. , Miller Gifford H. , Lifton Nathaniel , Lehman Scott J. , Southon John , Crump Sarah E. , Anderson Robert S.
Published: January 2019

Arctic temperatures are increasing faster than the Northern Hemisphere average due to strong positive feedbacks unique to polar regions. However, the degree to which recent Arctic warming is unprecedented remains debated. Ages of entombed plants in growth position preserved by now receding ice caps in Arctic Canada help to address this issue by placing recent conditions in a multi-millennial context. Here we show that pre-Holocene radiocarbon dates on plants collected at the margins of 30 ice caps in Arctic Canada suggest those locations were continuously ice covered for > 40 kyr, but are now ice-free. We use in situ 14C inventories in rocks from nine locations to explore the possibility of brief exposure during the warm early Holocene. Modeling the evolution of in situ 14C confirms that Holocene exposure is unlikely at all but one of the sites. Viewed in the context of temperature records from Greenland ice cores, our results suggest that summer warmth of the past century exceeds now any century in ~115,000 years.
A highly active Ni(II)-triadamantylphosphine catalyst for ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene synthesis
Authors: Kocen Andrew L. , Brookhart Maurice , Daugulis Olafs
Published: January 2019

Here we report that the tri-1-adamantylphosphine-nickel complex [Ad3PNiBr3]-[Ad3PH]+ upon activation with an alkylaluminoxane catalyzes the polymerization of ethylene to ultrahigh-molecular-weight, nearly linear polyethylene (Mn up to 1.68 × 106 g mol−1) with initial activities reaching 3.7 million turnovers per h−1 at 10 °C. Copolymerizations of ethylene with α-olefins such as 1-hexene and 1-octadecene, as well as tert-butyldimethyl(dec-9-en-1-yloxy)silane give the corresponding copolymers with no decrease in activity.
Platinum-trimer decorated cobalt-palladium core-shell nanocatalyst with promising performance for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Dai Sheng , Chou Jyh-Pin , Wang Kuan-Wen , Hsu Yang-Yang , Hu Alice , Pan Xiaoqing , Chen Tsan-Yao
Published: January 2019

Advanced electrocatalysts with low platinum content, high activity and durability for the oxygen reduction reaction can benefit the widespread commercial use of fuel cell technology. Here, we report a platinum-trimer decorated cobalt-palladium core-shell nanocatalyst with a low platinum loading of only 2.4 wt% for the use in alkaline fuel cell cathodes. This ternary catalyst shows a mass activity that is enhanced by a factor of 30.6 relative to a commercial platinum catalyst, which is attributed to the unique charge localization induced by platinum-trimer decoration. The high stability of the decorated trimers endows the catalyst with an outstanding durability, maintaining decent electrocatalytic activity with no degradation for more than 322,000 potential cycles in alkaline electrolyte. These findings are expected to be useful for surface engineering and design of advanced fuel cell catalysts with atomic-scale platinum decoration.
Most Earth-surface calcites precipitate out of isotopic equilibrium
Authors: Daëron M. , Drysdale R. N. , Peral M. , Huyghe D. , Blamart D. , Coplen T. B. , Lartaud F. , Zanchetta G.
Published: January 2019

Oxygen-isotope thermometry played a critical role in the rise of modern geochemistry and remains extensively used in (bio-)geoscience. Its theoretical foundations rest on the assumption that 18O/16O partitioning among water and carbonate minerals primarily reflects thermodynamic equilibrium. However, after decades of research, there is no consensus on the true equilibrium 18O/16O fractionation between calcite and water (18αcc/w). Here, we constrain the equilibrium relations linking temperature, 18αcc/w, and clumped isotopes (Δ47) based on the composition of extremely slow-growing calcites from Devils Hole and Laghetto Basso (Corchia Cave). Equilibrium 18αcc/w values are systematically ~1.5‰ greater than those in biogenic and synthetic calcite traditionally considered to approach oxygen-isotope equilibrium. We further demonstrate that subtle disequilibria also affect Δ47 in biogenic calcite. These observations provide evidence that most Earth-surface calcites fail to achieve isotopic equilibrium, highlighting the need to improve our quantitative understanding of non-equilibrium isotope fractionation effects instead of relying on phenomenological calibrations.
Runx/Cbfβ complexes protect group 2 innate lymphoid cells from exhausted-like hyporesponsiveness during allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Miyamoto Chizuko , Kojo Satoshi , Yamashita Motoi , Moro Kazuyo , Lacaud Georges , Shiroguchi Katsuyuki , Taniuchi Ichiro , Ebihara Takashi
Published: January 2019

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) have tissue-resident competence and contribute to the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. However, the mechanisms regulating prolonged ILC2-mediated TH2 cytokine production under chronic inflammatory conditions are unclear. Here we show that, at homeostasis, Runx deficiency induces excessive ILC2 activation due to overly active GATA-3 functions. By contrast, during allergic inflammation, the absence of Runx impairs the ability of ILC2s to proliferate and produce effector TH2 cytokines and chemokines. Instead, functional deletion of Runx induces the expression of exhaustion markers, such as IL-10 and TIGIT, on ILC2s. Finally, these ‘exhausted-like’ ILC2s are unable to induce type 2 immune responses to repeated allergen exposures. Thus, Runx confers competence for sustained ILC2 activity at the mucosa, and contributes to allergic pathogenesis.
The evolution of human population distance to water in the USA from 1790 to 2010
Authors: Fang Yu , Jawitz James W.
Published: January 2019

Human societies evolved alongside rivers, but how has the relationship between human settlement locations and water resources evolved over time? We conducted a dynamic analysis in the conterminous US to assess the coevolution of humans and water resources from 1790 to 2010. Here we show that humans moved closer to major rivers in pre-industrial periods but have moved farther from major rivers after 1870, demonstrating the dynamics of human reliance on rivers for trade and transport. We show that humans were preferentially attracted to areas overlying major aquifers since industrialization due to the emergent accessibility of groundwater in the 20th century. Regional heterogeneity resulted in diverse trajectories of settlement proximity to major rivers, with the attractiveness of rivers increasing in arid regions and decreasing in humid areas. Our results reveal a historical coevolution of human-water systems, which could inform water management and contribute to societal adaptation to future climate change.
Ultra-high on-chip optical gain in erbium-based hybrid slot waveguides
Authors: Rönn John , Zhang Weiwei , Autere Anton , Leroux Xavier , Pakarinen Lasse , Alonso-Ramos Carlos , Säynätjoki Antti , Lipsanen Harri , Vivien Laurent , Cassan Eric , Sun Zhipei
Published: January 2019

Efficient and reliable on-chip optical amplifiers and light sources would enable versatile integration of various active functionalities on the silicon platform. Although lasing on silicon has been demonstrated with semiconductors by using methods such as wafer bonding or molecular beam epitaxy, cost-effective mass production methods for CMOS-compatible active devices are still lacking. Here, we report ultra-high on-chip optical gain in erbium-based hybrid slot waveguides with a monolithic, CMOS-compatible and scalable atomic-layer deposition process. The unique layer-by-layer nature of atomic-layer deposition enables atomic scale engineering of the gain layer properties and straightforward integration with silicon integrated waveguides. We demonstrate up to 20.1 ± 7.31 dB/cm and at least 52.4 ± 13.8 dB/cm net modal and material gain per unit length, respectively, the highest performance achieved from erbium-based planar waveguides integrated on silicon. Our results show significant advances towards efficient on-chip amplification, opening a route to large-scale integration of various active functionalities on silicon.
The genome of broomcorn millet
Authors: Zou Changsong , Li Leiting , Miki Daisuke , Li Delin , Tang Qiming , Xiao Lihong , Rajput Santosh , Deng Ping , Peng Li , Jia Wei , Huang Ru , Zhang Meiling , Sun Yidan , Hu Jiamin , Fu Xing , Schnable Patrick S. , Chang Yuxiao , Li Feng , Zhang Hui , Feng Baili , Zhu Xinguang , Liu Renyi , Schnable James C. , Zhu Jian-Kang , Zhang Heng
Published: January 2019

Broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is the most water-efficient cereal and one of the earliest domesticated plants. Here we report its high-quality, chromosome-scale genome assembly using a combination of short-read sequencing, single-molecule real-time sequencing, Hi-C, and a high-density genetic map. Phylogenetic analyses reveal two sets of homologous chromosomes that may have merged ~5.6 million years ago, both of which exhibit strong synteny with other grass species. Broomcorn millet contains 55,930 protein-coding genes and 339 microRNA genes. We find Paniceae-specific expansion in several subfamilies of the BTB (broad complex/tramtrack/bric-a-brac) subunit of ubiquitin E3 ligases, suggesting enhanced regulation of protein dynamics may have contributed to the evolution of broomcorn millet. In addition, we identify the coexistence of all three C4 subtypes of carbon fixation candidate genes. The genome sequence is a valuable resource for breeders and will provide the foundation for studying the exceptional stress tolerance as well as C4 biology.
A programmable two-qubit solid-state quantum processor under ambient conditions
Authors: Wu Yang , Wang Ya , Qin Xi , Rong Xing , Du Jiangfeng
Published: January 2019

Quantum computers, which take advantage of the superposition and entanglement of physical states, could outperform their classical counterparts in solving problems with technological impact such as factoring large numbers and searching databases. A quantum processor executes algorithms by applying a programmable sequence of gates to an initialized state of qubits, which coherently evolves into a final state containing the result of the computation. Although quantum processors with a few qubits have been demonstrated on multiple quantum computing platforms, realization of solid-state programmable quantum processor under ambient conditions remains elusive. Here we report a programable quantum processor that can be programmed with fifteen parameters to realize arbitrary unitary transformations on two spin qubits in a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond. We implemented the Deutsch-Jozsa and Grover search algorithms with average success rates above 80%. The results pave the way to implement the programmable method in a large-scale quantum processor.
Establishment and Validation of Extra-transitional Zone Prostate Specific Antigen Density (ETzD), a Novel Structure-based Parameter for Quantifying the Oncological Hazard of Prostates with Enlarged Stroma
Authors: Kim Jung Jun , Suh Yoon Seok , Kim Tae Heon , Jeon Seong Soo , Lee Hyun Moo , Choi Han Yong , Kim Seonwoo , Lee Kyu-Sung
Published: January 2019

Extra-transitional zone density (ETzD), a novel parameter is proposed to stratify the deviation of prostate specific antigen (PSA) due to structural change according to stromal hyperplasia of prostate. ETzD was conducted on a concept to estimate the PSA density (PSAD) after hypothetical enucleation of the transitional zone of an enlarged prostate by a non-linear regression prediction model with intrinsic linearity, from the retrospective analysis of PSA change observed actual enucleation by laser. The performance to predict the presence and severity of malignancy was validated by two cohorts of 3,440 prostate biopsies and 2,783 radical prostatectomy specimens. The performance of ETzD was compared with conventional parameters. The receiver operative curve of area under curve (AUC) of ETzD to predict the presence of malignacy was 0.862 (95% CI; 0.843~0.881), better than PSA, PSAD or transitional zone PSAD (TzPSAD). The AUC of ETzD to predict an unfavorable cancer among prostate cancer patients was 0.736 (95% CI; 0.705~0.768), which performs better than PSA and comparable to PSAD or TzPSAD. In summary, the performance of ETzD as a universal parameter to quantify the oncological hazard of a prostate was validated and the superiority to conventional parameters was verified.
Low energy expenditure and resting behaviour of humpback whale mother-calf pairs highlights conservation importance of sheltered breeding areas
Authors: Bejder L. , Videsen S. , Hermannsen L. , Simon M. , Hanf D. , Madsen P. T.
Published: January 2019

Understanding the behaviour of humpback whale mother-calf pairs and the acoustic environment on their breeding grounds is fundamental to assessing the biological and ecological requirements needed to ensure a successful migration and survival of calves. Therefore, on a breeding/resting ground, Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia, we used animal-borne DTAGs to quantify the fine-scale behaviour and energetic expenditure of humpback whale mothers and calves, while sound recorders measured the acoustic environment. We show that: (i) lactating humpback whales keep their energy expenditure low by devoting a significant amount of time to rest, and their use of energy, inferred from respiration rates, is ~half than that of adults on their foraging grounds; (ii) lactating females mainly rest while stationary at shallow depths within reach of the hull of commercial ships, thus increasing the potential for ship strike collisions; (iii) the soundscape is dominated by biological sources; and (iv) even moderate increases of noise from vessels will decrease the communication range of humpback whales. Planned commercial infrastructure in Exmouth Gulf will cause a substantial increase in shipping traffic with the risk of ship strikes and acoustic disturbance potentially compromising energy reserves for the southern migration of humpback whales.
A target-induced and equipment-free biosensor for amplified visual detection of pesticide acetamiprid with high sensitivity and selectivity
Authors: Zeng Lingwen , Zhou Danhua , Wu Jinghua , Liu Chengshuai , Chen Junhua
Published: January 2019

An equipment-free and naked-eye biosensor was developed for amplified detection of pesticide acetamiprid using G-quadruplex as the signal reporter.
Characterization of microcircular wounds pressurized by a hybrid chip-on-dish method for live cell adhesion and mobility testing
Authors: Kim Tae Young , Han Dong Yeol , Lee Won Gu
Published: January 2019

Here we report a new analytical method that generates microscale circular wounds for cell adhesion and mobility testing, enabling the observation of radial wound generation from both ‘stretched’ and ‘compressed’ wound sites.
Phenylboronic acid-functionalized polyamidoamine-mediated miR-34a delivery for the treatment of gastric cancer
Authors: Song Zheyu , Liang Xiao , Wang Yudi , Han Haobo , Yang Jiebing , Fang Xuedong , Li Quanshun
Published: January 2019

In the present research, a tumor-targeted gene carrier, PPP, was constructed through the modification of phenylboronic acid onto the surface of a polyamidoamine dendrimer, and then miR-34a delivery was employed as a model to evaluate its anti-tumor efficacy.
Neuropilin-1 peptide-like ligands with proline mimetics, tested using the improved chemiluminescence affinity detection method
Authors: Puszko Anna K. , Sosnowski Piotr , Tymecka Dagmara , Raynaud Françoise , Hermine Olivier , Lepelletier Yves , Misicka Aleksandra
Published: January 2019

We report a SAR study on branched peptide-like ligands, which gives an important insight into structural requirements for VEGF-A165/NRP-1 complex inhibitors.
Switching of ionic conductivities in columnar liquid-crystalline anilinium salts: effects of alkyl chains, ammonium cations and counter anions on thermal properties and switching temperatures
Authors: Kuo Daniel , Soberats Bartolome , Kumar K. R. S. , Yoshio Masafumi , Ichikawa Takahiro , Ohno Hiroyuki , Zeng Xiangbing , Ungar Goran , Kato Takashi
Published: January 2019

Effects of molecular structures on the thermal switching behavior of ion conductivities for columnar anilinium liquid crystals have been examined.
Polarization-controlled unidirectional excitation of surface plasmon polaritons utilizing catenary apertures
Authors: Jin Jinjin , Li Xiong , Guo Yinghui , Pu Mingbo , Gao Ping , Ma Xiaoliang , Luo Xiangang
Published: January 2019

Controlling the propagation direction of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) at will using planar structures has been investigated in recent years.
Three dimensional nanoscale analysis reveals aperiodic mesopores in a covalent organic framework and conjugated microporous polymer
Authors: Stoppiello Craig T. , Isla Helena , Martínez-Abadía Marta , Fay Michael W. , Parmenter Christopher D. J. , Roe Martin J. , Lerma-Berlanga Belén , Martí-Gastaldo Carlos , Mateo-Alonso Aurelio , Khlobystov Andrei N.
Published: January 2019

Stable aperiodic channels of 20–50 nm in COF-5 and Aza-CMP shed light on polymer particle growth.
Monolayer black phosphorus by sequential wet-chemical surface oxidation
Authors: Wild Stefan , Lloret Vicent , Vega-Mayoral Victor , Vella Daniele , Nuin Edurne , Siebert Martin , Koleśnik-Gray Maria , Löffler Mario , Mayrhofer Karl J. J. , Gadermaier Christoph , Krstić Vojislav , Hauke Frank , Abellán Gonzalo , Hirsch Andreas
Published: January 2019

We report a straightforward chemical methodology for controlling the thickness of black phosphorus flakes down to the monolayer limit by layer-by-layer oxidation and thinning, using water as solubilizing agent.
Bacteria-supported iron scraps for the removal of nitrate from low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio wastewater
Authors: Liu Xiawei , Xu Jian , Huang Jiaolong , Huang Manqi , Wang Tao , Bao Shaopan , Tang Wei , Fang Tao
Published: January 2019

A cost-effective system for nitrate removal was developed with the key role of iron and genus Hydrogenophaga.
Effects of amphiphilic monomers and their hydrophilic spacers on polyacrylamide hydrogels
Authors: Liu Yudong , Li Zhiying , Xu Jianan , Wang Bao , Liu Fengya , Na Ruiqi , Guan Shaowei , Liu Fengqi
Published: January 2019

HA-gels with different hydrophilic spacers were synthesized. These hydrophilic spacers endow the gel with good tensile properties, excellent compression properties and self-recovery. We believe it is a meaningful discovery.
Influence of carbonization conditions on luminescence and gene delivery properties of nitrogen-doped carbon dots
Authors: Mickaël Claudel , Jiahui Fan , Mickaël Rapp , Françoise Pons , Luc Lebeau
Published: January 2019

Carbon dots prepared from citric acid and bPEI600 using various activation modes were evaluated as gene delivery reagents.
Obtaining high mechanical performance silk fibers by feeding purified carbon nanotube/lignosulfonate composite to silkworms
Authors: Xu Hao , Yi Wenhui , Li Dongfan , Zhang Ping , Yoo Sweejiang , Bai Lei , Hou Jin , Hou Xun
Published: January 2019

Silkworm fibers have attracted widespread attention for their superb glossy texture and promising mechanical performance.
A DNA-modified hydrogel for simultaneous purification, concentration and detection of targeted cfDNA in human serum
Authors: Jiang Xinglu , Zhao Chenggui , Fan Xiaobo , Xu Wei , Zhang Rui , Xu Hongbo , Wu Guoqiu
Published: January 2019

A cost-effective device based on DNA-modified polyacrylamide hydrogel was designed to simultaneously catch, purify, concentrate, and detect targeted cfDNA by electrophoresis at low concentrations with high specificity and selectivity.
Force–conductance spectroscopy of a single-molecule reaction
Authors: Mejía Leopoldo , Franco Ignacio
Published: January 2019

We demonstrate how simultaneous measurements of conductance and force can be used to monitor the step-by-step progress of a mechanically activated cis-to-trans isomerization single-molecule reaction, including events that cannot be distinguished using force or conductance alone.
Tunable, self-healing and corrosion inhibiting dynamic epoxy–polyimine network built by post-crosslinking
Authors: Mo Ruibin , Hu Jin , Huang Haowei , Sheng Xinxin , Zhang Xinya
Published: January 2019

A dynamic network is designed based on a commercial epoxy resin and linear polyimine, possessing the abilities of self-healing, reprocessing and anti-corrosion.
Zwitterionic copolymer additive architecture affects membrane performance: fouling resistance and surface rearrangement in saline solutions
Authors: Kaner Papatya , Dudchenko Alexander V. , Mauter Meagan S. , Asatekin Ayse
Published: January 2019

We compare the effect of random and comb-shaped zwitterionic copolymer additives on the performance of PVDF-based ultrafiltration membranes.
Thermal vacuum de-oxygenation and post oxidation of TiO2 nanorod arrays for enhanced photoelectrochemical properties
Authors: Huang Chao , Bian Juncao , Guo Yao , Huang Miaoyan , Zhang Rui-Qin
Published: January 2019

Black TiO2−x NRAs fabricated using a thermal vacuum de-oxygen method yielded an almost doubled photocurrent due to the reduced band gap, lowered charge transport and transfer resistance and improved solar conversion efficiency. Post oxidation process further boosted the NRAs' PEC performance.
Magnetic double-network hydrogels for tissue hyperthermia and drug release
Authors: Tang Jingda , Qiao Yancheng , Chu Yanhui , Tong Zongfei , Zhou Yifan , Zhang Wenlei , Xie Shejuan , Hu Jian , Wang Tiejun
Published: January 2019

A mechanically strong, ion-resistant and magnetoactive double network hydrogel has been developed and used for biomedical applications.
B-Site doped lead halide perovskites: synthesis, band engineering, photophysics, and light emission applications
Authors: Luo Binbin , Li Fei , Xu Ke , Guo Yan , Liu Ying , Xia Zhiguo , Zhang Jin Z.
Published: January 2019

Lead halide perovskite (LHP) semiconductors with the general chemical formula ABX3 are now being widely investigated for a variety of applications including but not limited to high-efficiency photovoltaics (PVs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
Prediction of phonon-mediated superconductivity in two-dimensional Mo2B2
Authors: Yan Luo , Bo Tao , Liu Peng-Fei , Wang Bao-Tian , Xiao Yong-Guang , Tang Ming-Hua
Published: January 2019

We predict two new molybdenum boride monolayers as phonon-mediated superconductors with superconducting transition temperatures of 3.9 and 0.2 K.
Correction: 19F multiple-quantum coherence NMR spectroscopy for probing protein–ligand interactions
Authors: Zawadzka-Kazimierczuk Anna , Somlyay Mate , Kaehlig Hanspeter , Iakobson George , Beier Petr , Konrat Robert
Published: January 2019

Correction for ‘19F multiple-quantum coherence NMR spectroscopy for probing protein–ligand interactions’ by Anna Zawadzka-Kazimierczuk et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 40687–40692.
Evaluation of average cross‐polarised scattered field from a PEMC cylinder of the random radius with uniform/normal distribution
Authors: Masood Fahad , Fiaz Muhammad Arshad
Published: January 2019

The average scattered field from a random perfect electromagnetic conductor (PEMC) is investigated. First, a very small cylinder is considered and analytical expressions for average scattered field are written using a small approximation of cylindrical wave functions. It is shown that co‐polarised average scattered field from a very small PEMC cylinder depends on only zeroth‐order scattering coefficient, whereas higher‐order coefficients also contribute to cross‐polarised average scattered field. Moreover, the average scattered field from a very small PEMC cylinder can be written in terms of average scattered field of a very small perfect electric conductor (PEC) cylinder. The second case deals with small and large radii. In this case, it is not possible to write down analytical expressions for the average field, the numerical average is done. For small PEMC cylinder, it has been observed that average co‐polarised scattered field is equal to the scattered field from a cylinder with a mean radius. This is not true in case of cross‐polarised scattered field and the difference can be seen for most of the scattering angles. In case of large PEC/PEMC cylinders, it is observed that the average scattered field is almost equal to the scattered field from a cylinder with a mean radius.
DOA estimation method for multi‐path targets based on TR MIMO radar
Authors: Liu Meng‐bo , Hu Guo‐ping , Shi Jun‐peng , Zhou Hao
Published: January 2019

To reduce the large errors for direction of arrival (DOA) estimation in the multipath condition, a DOA estimation method for multipath targets based on time reversal (TR) multi‐input multi‐output (MIMO) radar is proposed. First, the proposed algorithm combines the focusing characteristic of TR technology with the waveform diversity and symmetry characteristic of MIMO radar, obtaining the virtual sub‐arrays of echo signal. Then, the authors multiplex the rows and columns and apply forward–backward spatial smoothing algorithm to remove the coherence of the virtual sub‐arrays, effectively improving the DOA estimation accuracy for multipath targets. Simulation results verify the validity of the proposed method.
Study on characteristics of wind power transmission system with series compensation
Authors: Li Yan , Chi Yongning , Tang Haiyan , Liu Chao
Published: January 2019

Renewable energy develops very fast in China, and China has become the largest and fastest growing country of wind and PV power in the world. However, the distribution of the wind/solar energy and load center is disharmonious, with the major wind fields and the solar fields being distributed in the area which is short of load, and making large‐scaled, long‐distance wind and PV power transmission is imperative. The problem of the stability of the large‐scale wind and PV power grid integrated system into the high impedance weak grid is becoming more and more important. In order to shorten the electrical distance for wind power integration, the use of series compensation technology is an economically viable approach. In this study, the characteristics of the wind power transmission system with series compensation are introduced. On the basis of the analysis, the characteristics of the wind power transmission under the series compensation are analysed. Finally, after the wind power base integration, the different impedance characteristics/the order of the impact are studied.
The China-Mongolia-Russia economic corridor and Mongolia’s energy sector
Authors: Sodovyn Batkhuyag , Saneev Boris
Published: January 2019

The paper examines the existing and expected energy ties among the People’s Republic of China, Mongolia and Russia in terms of the development of Mongolia’s energy sector and the country itself, and in light of the cooperation among the three countries. Consideration is also given to the basic conditions that are a good prerequisite for this cooperation, such as large reserves of power-generating fuel and geographical location of these countries.
Energy security problems at the regional level: situation analysis and main trends
Authors: Smirnova Elena , Senderov Sergey
Published: January 2019

The paper is devoted to the problem of assessing the state of energy security at the regional level, analysing the main trends and the scale of changes in the state of energy security in the regions of Russia. Regions of Russia with an unsatisfactory state of energy security have been identified, and the dynamics of changes in the state of energy security in all regions of Russia during the period from 2012 to 2016 are shown. Factors and reasons for the formation of negative and positive trends in this aspect were analysed.
Impact of gas supply system development scenarios on natural gas demand in the Baikal region
Authors: Izhbuldin Alexander
Published: January 2019

The paper presents a methodology and results of studies on assessment of natural gas demand, its competitive price, gas cost and potential gas demand for different scenarios of gas supply system development in the Baikal region. The options of gas pipeline systems of different capacities from the Kovykta gas-condensate field and the non-pipeline gas supply systems are focused on.
The Influence of Rice Husk on the Physical Properties of Portland Pozzoland Cement at the Cement Industry Scale
Authors: Maryoto Agus , Heri Sudibyo Gathot
Published: January 2019

This study aims to determine the effect of rice husk as a source of substitute fuel on the manufacture of cement at the industry scale. The parameters tested include the physical properties of the cement consisting of the Blain fineness test, false set, cement setting time, and mortar compressive strength at 3, 7, and 28 days. The average values for the results of these tests on cement produced using rice husks as a substitute fuel were 380 m2/kg, 81%, 132 minutes, 253 minutes, and 225, 298, and 379 kg/cm2, respectively. Based on the test results, we have shown that rice husk ash has a good effect on the characteristics of cement type I which still meet the standards of SNI-2049-2015.
The influence of the usage of Idpe plastic waste as fine aggregate in light concrete bricks
Authors: Nursyamsi Nursyamsi , Indrawan Ivan , Ramadhan Prasetyo
Published: January 2019

It has been a long time that red bricks become the raw material for wall compilers. As the era develops, the bricks that are light, easy to compile and not time-consuming in manufacturing are invented. The composition materials for the building blocks are cement, sand and water. In this study, the use of sand in the bricks is reduced with LDPE plastic pellets. The reason for the use of LDPE plastic pellets as substitution of plastic materials is that LDPE plastic pellets have smaller density than sand does, so that it is expected that the brick becomes lighter although consists of the same composition and it can also reduce environmental problems as LDPE plastic waste is difficult to be decomposed by nature but gradually produced by humans that results in excessive waste The LDPE plastic pellets utilized are used LDPE plastics that are recycled into plastic pellets. The sample in this study consists of cylinder with diameter of 15 cm and height of 30 cm as sample of trial mixes test, concrete bricks with size of 40 cm x 20 cm x 10 cm, cube with size of 5 cm x 5 cm x 5 cm and briquette. The trial mixes samples will be treated for 7 days and the brick, cube and briquette samples will be treated for 28 days prior to testing. Furthermore, the sample will be tested with visual, content weight, absorption, compressive strength and drag strength tests. The data analysis uses SNI 03-0349-1989 reference on Concrete Bricks as The Matching Composition for Walls. This study used a mixture of cement, sand and water with ratio of 1: 6: 0.24, this composition was obtained from experiments on several specified compositions. The composition of substitute of plastic pellets used is 20% to the sand, the composition of this substitution is obtained from the experiments on several specified compositions. From the visual appearance, the content weight and absorption, both of normal brick and 20% LDPE pellets are included in the quality I, while the compressive strength test against the sample of normal brick results in quality I and 20% LDPE pellets brick results in quality III.
Design and FE Modeling of UPVC Corrugated Hollow Roofing Sheet
Authors: Setyanto Djoko
Published: January 2019

The corrugated roofing sheet of UPVC polymer material is the potential material to replace common roof materials that has been developed in Indonesia. This study describes the design of the roof profile and analysis of the roof structure to static load. The resulting roof profile is a hollow corrugated roofing sheet with five crests and four valleys. The effective width is 860 mm, 10 mm cavity thick, and 45 mm peak height. The finite element model of the hollow UPVC corrugated sheets roof structure shows that the roof structure is capable of withstanding the static load/ mass of 133 kg equivalent of two applicators and capable of withstanding the wind lift force equivalent to 99 km/ h.
Evaluation of Pervious Concrete Utilizing Recycled HDPE as Partial Replacement of Coarse Aggregate with Acrylic as Additive
Authors: Lopez Neslyn , Collado Emilia , Diacos Lois Alexandra , Morente Harold Dave
Published: January 2019

Pervious concrete is an eco-friendly alternative and is beneficial to providing good rainwater drainage in order to prevent flooding. But the application is limited to lower trafficked roadways and often times disregarded due to its low strength capabilities. This study investigates on the effect of High-denstiy Polyethylene as partial replacement of coarse aggregates on the physical and mechanical properties of Acrylic Polymer Pervious Concrete (AcPPC). Two different coarse aggregate sizes were evaluated which are ½” and ¾” with varying ratios of 10%, 20%, and 30%. It was determined that the partial replacement of recycled HDPE caused an increase in the porosity and permeability of the AcPPC. However, it decreased the AcPPC’s compressive and flexural strength. Only the ½” 10% HDPE modified Pervious Concrete with 15% Acrylic Additive (PCHA) achieved a compressive strength that is within the range of the acceptable compressive strength for pervious concrete. While for the flexural strength, both the ½” 10% PCHA and ¾” 10% PCHA was within the standard values for flexural strength of pervious concrete. Thus, making the ½” 10% PCHA as the optimum mix in this study. The application of PCHA is limited to typical application of a pervious concrete.
Review of creep modelling for predicting of long-term behavior of glued-laminated bamboo structures
Authors: Ngudiyono  , Suhendro Bambang , Awaludin Ali , Triwiyono Andreas
Published: January 2019

Glued-laminated bamboo has been widely used to substitute timber as a building material. This material classified as a viscoelastic material because it exhibiting properties that are common to both solid and liquid. Under long-term constant loading, the glued-laminated bamboo structures will experience creep deformation. The mechanical, power law and finite element models are common methods that used to predict the creep for viscoelastic material, some of them have advantages and disadvantages. In this manuscript, modelling of long-term creep is reviewed. The fundamental concepts of creep modelling, the influence of variable load level, and humidity were discussed to develop for computational applications. By using FEA program, a subroutine has been developed by previous researchers to accommodate the effect of orthotropic properties. In the future, the subroutine will be used and developed for numerical creep analysis of glued-laminated bamboo.
Informal housing construction workers’ perceptions toward the improvement of effective leadership and performance
Authors: Wijayaningtyas Maranatha , Lukiyanto Kukuh
Published: January 2019

Practically, as other construction projects, the workforce in housing construction projects is still dominated by informal workers who belong to a group and controlled by a leader. Accordingly, developer companies consider that informal worker leaders play an important role in improving the informal workers’ performance in housing construction projects. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the effective leadership style that can improve the performance of informal workers in housing construction projects based on the workers’ perceptions. The implications of this research can be used to improve the informal workers’ performance both of national and multinational developer companies so they can perform more effectively in completing housing construction projects. The research used qualitative method with phenomenological approach to reveal an assessment based on perceptions and perspectives of informal construction workers. Finally, it was found that the effective leadership style according to the informal workers’ perceptions is the transactional leadership which includes being liked by the workers, concerning and appreciating, as well as being consistent with commitments. Thus, effective performance and leadership will be achieved as informal construction workers will work hard under this leadership style.
Identification of Stakeholders to Establishing Construction Safety Culture in Indonesia
Authors: Latief Yusuf , Suraji Akhmad , Sagita Leni , Machfudiyanto Rossy Armyn
Published: January 2019

The involvement of the government in terms of occupational safety and health through the laws and regulations issued, it is a reference for the stakeholders in the construction industry in carrying out its role and expected performance of safety and health will be better with the existing laws and regulations. these laws and regulations. However, the reality is not in accordance with expectations. The level of work accidents occurring in the construction industry is still relatively high. This study aims to identify stakeholders in building a safety culture in the construction sector. The method used in this research is using survey questionnaire and interview to safety expert. The result of this research is to build safety culture in construction sector is divided into two external and internal stakeholders where the Minister of Manpower, Director General of Supervision of Labor and Occupational Safety and Health Supervisory Supervisory Director is a stakeholder who has the power and interest that most influence in establishing safety culture in the construction sector
Investigating causal factors of road damage: a case study
Authors: Hatmoko Jati Utomo Dwi , Setiadji Bagus Hario , Wibowo Mohammad Agung
Published: January 2019

High rainfall leads to flood vulnerability and potentially leads to the failure of road pavement which affects the economic loss for the people. However, such road pavement failures need to be studied more deeply to be able to distinguish whether the failure is solely due to flood natural disaster or other factors, such as overloading and poor construction quality. This research is urgently needed because up to now there is no tool for assessing pavement failure as a tool of decision-making system that is able to distinguish road pavement failure causal factors into category of natural disaster or human negligence factors in accordance with the definition of building failure in Indonesia Law no. 2 year 2017. Assessment of the causal factor of failure is very important because it is closely related to the determination of the parties who must be legally responsible. This research intends to develop methods for assessing the damage and failure of pavement as a tool of rapid and accurate decision-making system to determine the factors of pavement failure. To obtain accurate results, a case study was taken on Kendal Timur road to enable a deep evaluation of the factors that causing failure on the road. The results showed that many factors involved in causing the failure of the road, such as un-functional drainage channel, uncontrolled overload due to the closing of weigh stations around the road, and also low quality of road maintenance work so that repeating similar road damages occurred in the not-too-distant future. Based on functional and structural failure analysis, as much as 71%, 10% and 19% of the road were in failed, critical and not-failed conditions, respectively.