bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer mortality does not differ by antiarrhythmic drug use: A population-based cohort of Finnish men
Authors: Kaapu Kalle J. , Rantaniemi Lauri , Talala Kirsi , Taari Kimmo , Tammela Teuvo L. J. , Auvinen Anssi , Murtola Teemu J.
Published: July 2018

In-vitro studies have suggested that the antiarrhythmic drug digoxin might restrain the growth of cancer cells by inhibiting Na+/K+-ATPase. We evaluated the association between cancer mortality and digoxin, sotalol and general antiarrhythmic drug use in a retrospective cohort study. The study population consists of 78,615 men originally identified for the Finnish Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer. Information on antiarrhythmic drug purchases was collected from the national prescription database. We used the Cox regression method to analyze separately overall cancer mortality and mortality from the most common types of cancer. During the median follow-up of 17.0 years after the baseline 28,936 (36.8%) men died, of these 8,889 due to cancer. 9,023 men (11.5%) had used antiarrhythmic drugs. Overall cancer mortality was elevated among antiarrhythmic drug users compared to non-users (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.34–1.53). Similar results were observed separately for digoxin and for sotalol. However, the risk associations disappeared in long-term use and were modified by background co-morbidities. All in all, cancer mortality was elevated among antiarrhythmic drug users. This association is probably non-causal as it was related to short-term use and disappeared in long-term use. Our results do not support the anticancer effects of digoxin or any other antiarrhythmic drug.
AMPA receptor trafficking and its role in heterosynaptic plasticity
Authors: Antunes G. , Simoes-de-Souza F. M.
Published: July 2018

Historically, long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), the best-characterized forms of long-term synaptic plasticity, are viewed as experience-dependent and input-specific processes. However, cumulative experimental and theoretical data have demonstrated that LTP and LTD can promote compensatory alterations in non-stimulated synapses. In this work, we have developed a computational model of a tridimensional spiny dendritic segment to investigate the role of AMPA receptor (AMPAR) trafficking during synaptic plasticity at specific synapses and its consequences for the populations of AMPAR at nearby synapses. Our results demonstrated that the mechanisms of AMPAR trafficking involved with LTP and LTD can promote heterosynaptic plasticity at non-stimulated synapses. These alterations are compensatory and arise from molecular competition. Moreover, the heterosynaptic changes observed in our model can modulate further activity-driven inductions of synaptic plasticity.
Author Correction: Changes in Distribution of Dry Eye Disease by the New 2016 Diagnostic Criteria from the Asia Dry Eye Society
Authors: Inomata Takenori , Shiang Tina , Iwagami Masao , Sakemi Fumika , Fujimoto Keiichi , Okumura Yuichi , Ohno Mizu , Murakami Akira
Published: July 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Preservation of explicit learning of visuomotor sequences during Parkinson’s disease progression
Authors: Kitahara Eriko , Shimo Yasushi , Mori Hideo , Nagaoka Masanori
Published: July 2018

While motor learning approaches are effective in rehabilitating Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, many studies reported deficits in sequential motor learning in these patients. We hypothesised that preserved explicit learning of visuomotor sequences in PD patients contributed to the effectiveness of motor learning approaches. However, there are very few studies analysing explicit learning of visuomotor sequences during the progression of PD. We investigated this phenomenon in 23 patients with moderate to severe PD (Hoehn–Yahr stages II-IV) and 17 age-matched controls using sequential button-press tasks (2 × 5 task). We found (1) no significant differences in numbers of errors in the 2 × 5 task among control and PD groups. (2) There was a significant difference in response times while exploring correct sequences (ERT) among control and PD groups; ERTs in stage-IV patients tended to be longer than those of control and stage-II groups. (3) All four groups significantly improved their performance (i.e., reduced ERTs in the 2 × 5 task) with sequence repetition, although stage-III:IV patients were slower. Thus, even patients with severe PD can learn visual sequences and can translate them into visuomotor sequences (explicit visuomotor sequence learning), albeit slower than controls, providing evidence for effective motor learning approaches during rehabilitation of patients with advanced PD.
Knockdown Indian Hedgehog (Ihh) does not delay Fibular Fracture Healing in genetic deleted Ihh mice and pharmaceutical inhibited Ihh Mice
Authors: Li Shengchun , Xiang Chuan , Wei Xiaochun , Li Hongbin , Li Kai , Sun Xiaojuan , Wang Shaowei , Zhang Min , Deng Jin , Wang Xiaodu , Li Pengcui , Li Ruifang , Zhang Yanxiang , Wei Lei
Published: July 2018

The objective of this study was to determine if Ihh is required for fracture healing. Fibular fracture was created in adult Col2a1-CreERT2; Ihhfl/fl mice. Ihhfl/fl mice received Tamoxifen (TM) to delete Ihh. WT mice received Cyclopamine to inhibit Hh pathway. Callus tissue properties and Ihh pathway were analyzed at 1, 2, and 3 weeks post-fracture by X-ray, micro-CT, mechanical test, RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Deleted Ihh was evidenced by the occurrence of growth plate closure in the Ihhfl/fl mice by X-ray 3 weeks after TM treatment. All mice showed fracture healing at 3 weeks post-operation. Histology analysis indicated that, compared to the control, cartilage area was less in fracture sites from Ihh deficient animals by either genetic deletion or drug inhibition at 1 and 2 weeks post-fracture. Ihh immunostaining and its mRNA level were diminished in the fracture callus in Ihh reduced mice. There was no significant difference in BV/TV, BMD and mechanical test. Interruption to Ihh pathway by either genetic or pharmaceutical approach didn’t affect fibular fracture healing in these mice. This surprised finding implicates that the deleted Ihh does not affect fracture healing in this model.
Data-driven analysis of motor activity implicates 5-HT2A neurons in backward locomotion of larval Drosophila
Authors: Park Jeonghyuk , Kondo Shu , Tanimoto Hiromu , Kohsaka Hiroshi , Nose Akinao
Published: July 2018

Rhythmic animal behaviors are regulated in part by neural circuits called the central pattern generators (CPGs). Classifying neural population activities correlated with body movements and identifying the associated component neurons are critical steps in understanding CPGs. Previous methods that classify neural dynamics obtained by dimension reduction algorithms often require manual optimization which could be laborious and preparation-specific. Here, we present a simpler and more flexible method that is based on the pre-trained convolutional neural network model VGG-16 and unsupervised learning, and successfully classifies the fictive motor patterns in Drosophila larvae under various imaging conditions. We also used voxel-wise correlation mapping to identify neurons associated with motor patterns. By applying these methods to neurons targeted by 5-HT2A-GAL4, which we generated by the CRISPR/Cas9-system, we identified two classes of interneurons, termed Seta and Leta, which are specifically active during backward but not forward fictive locomotion. Optogenetic activation of Seta and Leta neurons increased backward locomotion. Conversely, thermogenetic inhibition of 5-HT2A-GAL4 neurons or application of a 5-HT2 antagonist decreased backward locomotion induced by noxious light stimuli. This study establishes an accelerated pipeline for activity profiling and cell identification in larval Drosophila and implicates the serotonergic system in the modulation of backward locomotion.
Arsenic–silicon priming of rice (Oryza sativa L.) seeds influence mineral nutrient uptake and biochemical responses through modulation of Lsi-1, Lsi-2, Lsi-6 and nutrient transporter genes
Authors: Khan Ehasanullah , Gupta Meetu
Published: July 2018

Silicon (Si) has attracted substantial attention because of its beneficial effect on plants during abiotic stress, including stress due to arsenic (As). We here report that priming rice seeds with As and Si together, helped the plant to sustain As stress for longer period. We examined Si induced tolerance against As in rice seedlings at short (7 d) and long (15 d) exposure periods under As(III) and Si treatments since their germinating stage. Results showed that the expression of As(III) transporter genes OsLsi1, OsLsi2 and OsLsi6 was more in As(III) + Si treatment as compared to control and Si treatment, but lower than As(III) alone treatments. The gene expression was maximum in shoot and root at 15 d over 7 d under both As(III) and As(III) + Si treatment, which ultimately leads to decreased accumulation of As in the presence of Si. Morphological characters, antioxidant capacity, oxidative stress marker (MDA), stress modulators (cysteine, proline), and enzymes related with ascorbate-glutathione cycle significantly altered during As(III) + Si treatment at both exposure periods. Further, macro and micronutrient contents also improved with Si, and differentially regulated 12 key genes (NR, NiR, AMT, NR, GS, GOGAT, PT, PHT1, PHT2, APase, KAT1 and HAK10) related with NPK transport and utilization. Results highlight that Si priming of seeds along with As(III) influences growth positively of As-stressed rice.
Stability of Circulating Exosomal miRNAs in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Sanz-Rubio David , Martin-Burriel Inmaculada , Gil Ana , Cubero Pablo , Forner Marta , Khalyfa Abdelnaby , Marin Jose M.
Published: July 2018

Exosomes are nano-vesicles present in the circulation that are involved in cell-to-cell communication and regulation of different biological processes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are part of their cargo and are potential biomarkers. Methods of exosome isolation and the inter-individual and intra-individual variations in circulating miRNA exosomal cargo have been poorly investigated. This study aims for comparing two exosome isolation methods and to assess the stability of eleven plasma exosomal miRNAs over time. In addition to evaluate miRNA variability of both kits, the effect of freezing plasma before exosome isolation or freezing isolated exosomes on miRNA stability was also evaluated. MiRNA levels were tested in 7 healthy subjects who underwent four different blood extractions obtained in 4 consecutive weeks. One of the isolation kits displayed generally better amplification signals, and miRNAs from exosomes isolated after freezing the plasma had the highest levels. Intra-subject and inter-subject coefficients of variance were lower for the same isolation kit after freezing plasma. Finally, miRNAs that showed an acceptable expression level were stable across the consecutive extractions. This study shows for the first time the stability over time of miRNAs isolated from circulating plasma exosomes, establishing a key step in the use of exosomal miRNAs as biomarkers.
Methyl quantum tunneling in ionic liquid [DMIm][TFSI] facilitated by Bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide lithium salt
Authors: Do Changwoo , Sun Xiao-Guang , Jafta Charl J. , Dai Sheng , Ohl Michael , Mamontov Eugene
Published: July 2018

We probe, for the first time, quantum tunneling in the methyl groups of the ionic liquid [DMIm][TFSI] facilitated by the presence of Bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide lithium salt. The observation of tunneling is made possible by crystallization, rather than vitrification, of [DMIm][TFSI] at low temperature. Neutron scattering measurements detect quantum tunneling excitations at ~27 μeV at temperatures below 30 K in the presence of LiTFSI at a concentration of 1 mol/kg, but not in salt-free [DMIm][TFSI]. This indicates that the methyl rotational potential barrier is reduced by the presence of LiTFSI, thus bringing the tunneling excitations into the measurable range. The salt-induced reduction of the rotational barrier is corroborated by quasi-elastic scattering data associated with stochastic re-orientation of methyl groups measured between 40 and 60 K.
High-resolution hydrometeorological data from a network of headwater catchments in the tropical Andes
Authors: Ochoa-Tocachi Boris F. , Buytaert Wouter , Antiporta Javier , Acosta Luis , Bardales Juan D. , Célleri Rolando , Crespo Patricio , Fuentes Paola , Gil-Ríos Junior , Guallpa Mario , Llerena Carlos , Olaya Dimas , Pardo Pablo , Rojas Gerver , Villacís Marcos , Villazón Mauricio , Viñas Paúl , De Bièvre Bert
Published: July 2018

This article presents a hydrometeorological dataset from a network of paired instrumented catchments, obtained by participatory monitoring through a partnership of academic and non-governmental institutions. The network consists of 28 headwater catchments (<20 km2) covering three major biomes in 9 locations of the tropical Andes. The data consist of precipitation event records at 0.254 mm resolution or finer, water level and streamflow time series at 5 min intervals, data aggregations at hourly and daily scale, a set of hydrological indices derived from the daily time series, and catchment physiographic descriptors. The catchment network is designed to characterise the impacts of land-use and watershed interventions on the catchment hydrological response, with each catchment representing a typical land use and land cover practice within its location. As such, it aims to support evidence-based decision making on land management, in particular evaluating the effectiveness of catchment interventions, for which hydrometeorological data scarcity is a major bottleneck. The data will also be useful for broader research on Andean ecosystems, and their hydrology and meteorology.
A quasi-experimental study of impacts of Tanzania’s wildlife management areas on rural livelihoods and wealth
Authors: Bluwstein Jevgeniy , Homewood Katherine , Lund Jens Friis , Nielsen Martin Reinhardt , Burgess Neil , Msuha Maurus , Olila Joseph , Sankeni Sironka Stephen , Millia Supuku Kiroiya , Laizer Hudson , Elisante Filemon , Keane Aidan
Published: July 2018

Since the 2000s, Tanzania’s natural resource management policy has emphasised Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), designed to promote wildlife and biodiversity conservation, poverty alleviation and rural development. We carried out a quasi-experimental impact evaluation of social impacts of WMAs, collecting data from 24 villages participating in 6 different WMAs across two geographical regions, and 18 statistically matched control villages. Across these 42 villages, we collected participatory wealth ranking data for 13,578 households. Using this as our sampling frame, we conducted questionnaire surveys with a stratified sample of 1,924 household heads and 945 household heads’ wives. All data were collected in 2014/15, with a subset of questions devoted to respondents’ recall on conditions that existed in 2007, when first WMAs became operational. Questions addressed household demographics, land and livestock assets, resource use, income-generating activities and portfolios, participation in natural resource management decision-making, benefits and costs of conservation. Datasets permit research on livelihood and wealth trajectories, and social impacts, costs and benefits of conservation interventions in the context of community-based natural resource management.
Antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) charged with HDAC inhibitor for targeted epigenetic modulation
Authors: Cini Elena , Faltoni Valentina , Petricci Elena , Taddei Maurizio , Salvini Laura , Giannini Giuseppe , Vesci Loredana , Milazzo Ferdinando Maria , Anastasi Anna Maria , Battistuzzi Gianfranco , De Santis Rita
Published: July 2018

A new weapon is added to the ADC arsenal, a thiol based HDAC inhibitor. Low toxic, hits the target and stops tumor growth in many mouse models.
Base excision repair initiated rolling circle amplification-based fluorescent assay for screening uracil-DNA glycosylase activity using Endo IV-assisted cleavage of AP probes
Authors: Wang Jingfeng , Wang Yu , Liu Su , Wang Haiwang , Zhang Xue , Song Xiaolei , Huang Jiadong
Published: July 2018

A simple, robust and cost effective biosensing platform for the ultrasensitive detection of UDG activity was established based on base excision repair-initiated primer generation for RCA with Endo IV-assisted signal amplification.
Trifluoromethane modification of thermally activated delayed fluorescence molecules for high-efficiency blue organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Yokoyama Masayuki , Inada Ko , Tsuchiya Youichi , Nakanotani Hajime , Adachi Chihaya
Published: July 2018

Highly efficient blue and green thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) molecules bearing trifluoromethane-modified carbazole groups were developed.
Copper-catalysed cross-coupling of alkyl Grignard reagents and propargylic ammonium salts: stereospecific synthesis of allenes
Authors: Guisán-Ceinos Manuel , Martín-Heras Victor , Soler-Yanes Rita , Cárdenas Diego J. , Tortosa Mariola
Published: July 2018

A robust and convenient method to prepare enantiomerically enriched allenes using propargylic salts is reported. High yields and excellent chirality transfer are observed.
A highly active diradical cobalt(iii) catalyst for the cycloisomerization of alkynoic acids
Authors: Leconte Nicolas , du Moulinet d'Hardemare Amaury , Philouze Christian , Thomas Fabrice
Published: July 2018

A well-defined diradical cobalt(iii) complex derived of the N,N′-bis(2-aminophenyl)-o-phenylenediamine catalyses the cycloisomerization of alkynoic acids.
Controlled synthesis of CeVO4 hierarchical hollow microspheres with tunable hollowness and their efficient photocatalytic activity
Authors: Ding Jinjin , Liu Xuan , Wang Miao , Liu Quan , Sun Tongming , Jiang Guoqing , Tang Yanfeng
Published: July 2018

CeVO4 hierarchical hollow microspheres assembled from nanoscaled building units (nanoparticles, nanocubes and nanoflakes) were synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal approach using l-Asp as the morphology-directing agent.
Optimizing crystallinity and porosity of hierarchical Ni(OH)2 through conformal transformation of metal–organic framework template for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Zhang Haobing , Xu Ben , Xiao Zhenyu , Mei Hao , Zhang Liangliang , Han Yinfeng , Sun Daofeng
Published: July 2018

Conformal hydrolysis of MOFs (metal–organic frameworks) yields high-performance supercapacitor electrodes.
Photoinduced Curtius rearrangements of fluorocarbonyl azide, FC(O)N3: a QM/MM nonadiabatic dynamics simulation
Authors: Xie Bin-Bin , Cui Cheng-Xing , Fang Wei-Hai , Cui Ganglong
Published: July 2018

Upon either photolysis or pyrolysis, carbonyl azide can eliminate molecular nitrogen along with the formation of isocyanate.
New monolayer ternary In-containing sesquichalcogenides BiInSe3, SbInSe3, BiInTe3, and SbInTe3 with high stability and extraordinary piezoelectric properties
Authors: Yin Huabing , Zheng Guang-Ping , Wang Yuanxu , Yao Bingjian
Published: July 2018

We predicted several novel monolayers consisting of ternary sesquichalcogenides with extraordinary piezoelectric properties, which may be alternatives to the conventional piezoelectric materials such as PZT.
Direct kinetics study of CH2OO + methyl vinyl ketone and CH2OO + methacrolein reactions and an upper limit determination for CH2OO + CO reaction
Authors: Eskola Arkke J. , Döntgen Malte , Rotavera Brandon , Caravan Rebecca L. , Welz Oliver , Savee John D. , Osborn David L. , Shallcross Dudley E. , Percival Carl J. , Taatjes Craig A.
Published: July 2018

Reactions of Criegee intermediate CH2OO with unsaturated carbonyl compounds form secondary ozonide products.
Ferrocifens labelled with an infrared rhenium tricarbonyl tag: synthesis, antiproliferative activity, quantification and nano IR mapping in cancer cells
Authors: Wang Yong , Heinemann Franz , Top Siden , Dazzi Alexandre , Policar Clotilde , Henry Lucas , Lambert François , Jaouen Gérard , Salmain Michèle , Vessieres Anne
Published: July 2018

Cyrhetrenyl [η5-C5H4Re(CO)3] tag allows localization of a cytotoxic iron/rhenium dimetallic complex in the nucleus of a single MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell.
Supported gold- and silver-based catalysts for the selective aerobic oxidation of 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid and 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid
Authors: Schade Oliver R. , Kalz Kai F. , Neukum Dominik , Kleist Wolfgang , Grunwaldt Jan-Dierk
Published: July 2018

The oxidation of HMF is performed using highly active heterogeneous gold- and, for the first time, silver-based catalysts.
Microfluidics for electrophysiology, imaging, and behavioral analysis ofHydra
Authors: Badhiwala Krishna N. , Gonzales Daniel L. , Vercosa Daniel G. , Avants Benjamin W. , Robinson Jacob T.
Published: July 2018

Microfluidic devices allow scalable and customizable solutions for multi-modal interrogation of these soft, deformableHydra.
Calprotectin influences the aggregation of metal-free and metal-bound amyloid-β by direct interaction
Authors: Lee Hyuck Jin , Savelieff Masha G. , Kang Juhye , Brophy Megan Brunjes , Nakashige Toshiki G. , Lee Shin Jung C. , Nolan Elizabeth M. , Lim Mi Hee
Published: July 2018

CP-Ser [S100A8(C42S)/S100A9(C3S) oligomer] interacts with metal-free and metal-bound Aβ40peptides and modulates their aggregation in the absence and presence of metal ions.
Separating and enhancing the green and red emissions of NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+ by sandwiching them into photonic crystals with different bandgaps
Authors: Liu Baoqi , Meng Zhipeng , Wu Suli , Wu Yue , Zhang Shufen
Published: July 2018

Rational control of the multiple emission outputs and achieving single-band and strong luminescence of Ln3+ doped upconversion nanoparticles is highly desirable for their applications in sensor and display fields.
Diaminomalenonitrile-decorated cholesterol-based supramolecular gelator: aggregation, multiple analyte (hydrazine, Hg2+ and Cu2+) detection and dye adsorption
Authors: Panja Atanu , Ghosh Kumaresh
Published: July 2018

A low molecular weight gelator (LMWG) containing a diaminomalenonitrile functional group 1 forms supramolecular gels from DMF–H2O and 1,2-dichlorobenzene. The DMF/H2O gel is multi-analyte responsive (Hg2+, Cu2+ and hydrazine) with practical applications in dye adsorption from water.
Ureas as safe carbonyl sources for the synthesis of carbamates with deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as efficient and recyclable solvent/catalyst systems
Authors: Dindarloo Inaloo Iman , Majnooni Sahar
Published: July 2018

A simple, efficient and eco-friendly one-pot synthesis of primary,N-mono- andN-disubstituted carbamates is developed from ureas.
Tunable spin states in the two-dimensional magnet CrI3
Authors: Zheng Fawei , Zhao Jize , Liu Zheng , Li Menglei , Zhou Mei , Zhang Shengbai , Zhang Ping
Published: July 2018

The recent discovery of ferromagnetic single-layer CrI3 creates ample opportunities for studying the fundamental properties and the spintronic applications of atomically thin magnets.
Plasmon-driven water splitting enhancement on plasmonic metal–insulator–semiconductor hetero-nanostructures: unraveling the crucial role of interfacial engineering
Authors: Li Chuanping , Wang Ping , Li Haijuan , Wang Minmin , Zhang Jie , Qi Guohua , Jin Yongdong
Published: July 2018

The crucial role of interfacial engineering in plasmon-driven water splitting enhancement is revealed on α-Fe2O3–Au@SiO2 heterostructured photoanodes.
Non-covalent polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-polyoxometalates as inorganic–organic–inorganic hybrid materials for visible-light photocatalytic splitting of water
Authors: Prabu Rajendran , Peramaiah Karthik , Palanisami Nallasamy , Pescarmona Paolo P. , Neppolian Bernaurdshaw , Shanmugan Swaminathan
Published: July 2018

Hydrophilic to hydrophobic conversion of polyoxometalate by integration of POSS-NH2vianon-covalent interactions for sustainable photocatalytic hydrogen production reactions.
Synthesis of Pd-loaded mesoporous SnO2 hollow spheres for highly sensitive and stable methane gas sensors
Authors: Yang Liping , Wang Zhou , Zhou Xinyuan , Wu Xiaofeng , Han Ning , Chen Yunfa
Published: July 2018

This work reports a simple, rapid, effective and reliable CH4 sensor based on Pd-loaded SnO2 hollow spheres with high surface area and porosity, which is of great importance to gas sensing performance.
Synthesis of trifluoromethyl-containing isoindolinones from tertiary enamides via a cascade radical addition and cyclization process
Authors: Yu Hui , Jiao Mingdong , Fang Xiaowei , Xuan Pengfei
Published: July 2018

Radical trifluoromethylation and cyclization of tertiary enamides was developed and trifluoromethyl-containing isoindolinones were obtained in moderate to good yields.
CeO2-modified P2–Na–Co–Mn–O cathode with enhanced sodium storage characteristics
Authors: Wang Yanzhi , Tang Jiantao
Published: July 2018

The CeO2 modification significantly enhances the maximum discharge capacity and cycling stability of a P2–Na0.67Co0.25Mn0.75O2 cathode.
Facile access to regio- and stereoselective synthesis of highly functionalized spiro[indoline-3,2′-pyrrolidines] incorporating a pyrene moiety: experimental, photophysical and theoretical approach
Authors: Hussein Essam M. , Moussa Ziad , El Guesmi Nizar , Ahmed Saleh A.
Published: July 2018

The regio- and stereochemical polar [3 + 2] cycloaddition of azomethine ylides with (E)-3-aryl-1-(pyren-1-yl)prop-2-en-1-ones as dipolarophiles, was studied using experimental and theoretical methods.
Programmable one-pot synthesis of heparin pentasaccharides enabling access to regiodefined sulfate derivatives
Authors: Dey Supriya , Wong Chi-Huey
Published: July 2018

We report the design of building blocks with optimized reactivities for the programmable one-pot synthesis of heparin pentasaccharides with regiodefined sulfation patterns.
Is there a causal link between intracellular Na elevation and metabolic remodelling in cardiac hypertrophy?
Authors: Aksentijevic Dunja , O'Brien Brett A. , Eykyn Thomas R. , Shattock Michael J.
Published: July 2018

Alterations in excitation–contraction coupling and elevated intracellular sodium (Nai) are hallmarks of pathological cardiac remodelling that underline contractile dysfunction. In addition, changes in cardiac metabolism are observed in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure (HF) that lead to a mismatch in ATP supply and demand, contributing to poor prognosis. A link between Nai and altered metabolism has been proposed but is not well understood. Many mitochondrial enzymes are stimulated by mitochondrial calcium (Camito) during contraction, thereby sustaining production of reducing equivalents to maintain ATP supply. This stimulation is thought to be perturbed when cytosolic Nai is high due to increased Camito efflux, potentially compromising ATPmito production and leading to metabolic dysregulation. Increased Nai has been previously shown to affect Camito; however, whether Nai elevation plays a causative role in energetic mismatching in the hypertrophied and failing heart remains unknown. In this review, we discuss the relationship between elevated Nai, NaK ATPase dysregulation and the metabolic phenotype in the contexts of pathological hypertrophy and HF and their link to metabolic flexibility, capacity (reserve) and efficiency that are governed by intracellular ion homeostasis. The development of non-invasive analytical techniques using nuclear magnetic resonance able to probe metabolism in situ in the functioning heart will enable a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of Nai overload in cardiac pathophysiology. They will lead to novel insights that help to explain the metabolic contribution towards these diseases, the incomplete rescue observed with current therapies and a rationale for future energy-targeted therapies.
iLDPC coded RCM scheme with optimised interleaver
Authors: Cui Yongqiang , Chen Shaoping , Xiong Zixiang , Wang Xiaolei , Li Dawei
Published: July 2018

In this study, an irregular low‐density parity‐check (iLDPC) coded rate compatible modulation (iLDPC‐RCM) is proposed. A particularly designed interleaver is inserted between LDPC and RCM such that a fast convergence and a low bit‐error rate (BER) can be achieved. The combination of strong error correction capability of irregular LDPC code and the seamless adaptation of RCM enables the proposed scheme to achieve a robust and spectrally efficient transmission over time‐varying channels. In addition, a joint belief propagation algorithm is proposed to lower the BER of iLDPC‐RCM and speed up the convergence of iterative decoding. Simulation results show that the proposed iLDPC‐RCM improves the BER and throughput performance while maintaining an acceptable computational complexity at the same time, validating its advantages over the regular LDPC coded RCM with the same coding rate.
NOMA inspired multicasting in cognitive radio networks
Authors: Bhattacharjee Sangeeta , Acharya Tamaghna , Bhattacharya Uma
Published: July 2018

This study outlines a non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) scheme for cooperative multicasting in a cognitive radio network. The network consists of a common base station (BS), which serves a primary user multicast group (PU‐MG) and a secondary user MG (SU‐MG). The SU‐MG is located in between the BS and the PU‐MG. Their proposed spectrum sharing protocol comprises of three transmission phases. The first phase is utilised by the BS for multicasting both PUs' and SUs' signals, using NOMA transmission. In the second phase, to overcome fading impairments, the BS exploits spatial diversity among SUs, by seeking their cooperation to relay PUs' message signal. The BS, as an incentive, leases a time slot in the third phase, exclusively for supporting multicast to SU‐MG over PUs' licenced spectrum. Analytical expressions for outage probabilities of both PU‐MG and SU‐MG are derived and validated using simulations. Furthermore, outage performance of PUs and ergodic capacity of SUs are compared with a prominent recent scheme.
Transiting planet candidate from K2 with the longest period
Authors: Giles H. A. C. , Osborn H. P. , Blanco-Cuaresma S. , Lovis C. , Bayliss D. , Eggenberger P. , Collier Cameron A. , Kristiansen M. H. , Turner O. , Bouchy F. , Udry S.
Published: July 2018

Context. We present the transit and follow-up of a single transit event from Campaign 14 of K2, EPIC248847494b, which has a duration of 54 h and a 0.18% depth.

Aims. Using photometric tools and conducting radial velocity follow-up, we vet and characterise this very strong candidate.

Methods. Owing to the long, unknown period, standard follow-up methods needed to be adapted. The transit was fitted using Namaste, and the radial velocity slope was measured and compared to a grid of planet-like orbits with varying masses and periods. These used stellar parameters measured from spectra and the distance as measured by Gaia.

Results. Orbiting around a sub-giant star with a radius of 2.70 ± 0.12 RSol, the planet has a radius of 1.11−0.07+0.07 RJup and a period of 3650−1130+1280 days. The radial velocity measurements constrain the mass to be lower than 13 MJup, which implies a planet-like object.

Conclusions. We have found a planet at 4.5 AU from a single-transit event. After a full radial velocity follow-up campaign, if confirmed, it will be the longest-period transiting planet discovered.
The effect of various conditions on the ultrafiltration process of bisphenol A using nanocomposite membranes modified with carbon nanotubes
Authors: Adamczak Michał , Kamińska Gabriela , Bohdziewicz Jolanta
Published: July 2018

This study presents effect of various conditions on BPA retention during ultrafiltration process. Polyethersulphone was selected as material for membrane preparation, while membranes were prepared with inverse phase method. Single-walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with carboxyl groups were employed for membrane modification. Tests were carried out for one substance – BPA, with use of three differently types of membranes. Presence of carbon nanotubes influences on membrane properties, like porosity, or contact angle of membranes. It was also found that retention of BPA was depended on its concentration, and also pH of the solution.
Experimental investigations of thermal performance improvement of aluminum ceiling panel for heating and cooling by covering its surface with paint
Authors: Amanowicz Łukasz , Wojtkowiak Janusz
Published: July 2018

Due to the low emissivity of raw metal surface (i.e. aluminum), the specific heating or cooling performance of non-painted surfaces is powered mainly on the natural convection and is relatively small. It can be sufficient for low energy buildings but not for the traditional ones. To increase the heat exchange through the radiation one can cover the raw surface with paint to increase its emissivity. To investigate the influence of paint cover on the heating and cooling performance of the ceiling-oriented flat aluminum surface the experimental investigations were done. The experiment was conducted on the aluminum ceiling panel with heat exchange surface of the dimensions 0.32 ⨯ 3.0 m. Heating performance of painted surface increased from 2.3 to 2.8 times and cooling performance increased from 1.5 to 1.7 times in the comparison to the non-painted one.
Optical particulate matter sensors in PM2.5 measurements in atmospheric air
Authors: Badura Marek , Batog Piotr , Drzeniecka-Osiadacz Anetta , Modzel Piotr
Published: July 2018

Monitoring systems are needed to obtain information about particulate matter (PM) concentrations and to make such information accessible to the public. Small, low-cost, optical sensors could be used to improve the spatial and temporal resolution of PM data. The paper presents results of collocated comparison of four low-cost PM sensors and TEOM analyser, conducted from 20-08-2017 to 24-12-2017 in Wrocław, Poland. Plantower PMS7003 and Nova Fitness SDS011 sensors proved to be the best in terms of precision and were linearly correlated with TEOM data. Alphasense OPC-N2 sensors exhibited only moderate precision and linearity. Winsen ZH03A sensors had low repeatability between units and only one copy demonstrated good operation possibilities. All tested sensors had a bias in relation to PM2.5 concentrations obtained from TEOM.
Immobilization of Anammox biomass in sodium alginate
Authors: Banach Anna , Pudlo Aneta , Ziembińska-Buczyńska Aleksandra
Published: July 2018

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is a process of ammonium and nitrite conversion into nitrogen gas. Nowadays, anammox is applied into many wastewater treatment plants worldwide. However, anammox bacteria are characterized by a slow growth rate, which may cause problems in maintaining the biomass in the system. The promising technique which can help to maintain the biomass in the reactor and effectively prevent loss of anammox bacteria from a system is immobilization. Selection and optimization of the appropriate immobilization technique for investigated biomass is crucial for conducting an effective process. One of the ways for bacteria immobilization is gel entrapment. The main goal of the study was to test sodium alginate as an immobilization medium for anammox biomass. In the present study procedure of immobilization in sodium alginate was optimised, then the mechanical and chemical properties of the obtained pellets were investigated. Series of batch experiments revealed that immobilized anammox biomass was able to remove ammonia and nitrite nitrogen effectively. The calculated specific anammox activity (SAA) for immobilized anammox biomass was 0.18 g N·gVSS-1·d-1, while for non-immobilized biomass was 0.36 g N·gVSS-1·d-1.
Assessment of selected physicochemical properties of restorated water of the Mogileriskie Lake
Authors: Beiieć Krzysztof , Szejniuk Bożena , Michalska Magdalena
Published: July 2018

Excessive supply of nutrients contributes to gradual eutrophication of water. This process can happen fast, especially in shallow lakes which are more prone to degradation. This also causes deterioration of settlement conditions of many organisms and limits economic use of water. Eutrophication can lead to gradual shallowing and shrinking of water reservoirs and subsequently disappearance of lakes. Therefore, appropriate diagnosis and reduction of the amount of pollutantsflowing into lakes are crucial for the water quality improvement and prevention from further degradation. The Mogileńskie Lake, like many other town lakes was supplied with sewage. As a consequence, the reservoir stopped being an attractive urban element, and became an object cumbersomeaud dangerous to the residents health. For this reason the lake has been subjected to many protection and reclamation processes.The water samples were taken 10 times from 3 sampling points between September 2014 and June 2015. The contents of total phosphorus, phosphorates, total nitrogen, nitrates, nitrites, and ammonium nitrogen was measured in the tested water. The results obtained from the water analyzed for biogenic elements, and their compounds indicate low effectiveness of the carried out reclamation. According to many authors, the choice of artificial aeration as a reclamation process for the Mogileńskie Lake was a mistake.This cleaning method does not provide the expected results when used for shallow and polymictic lakes, especially in combination with an invasive method of dredging and the controversial deposing of the extracted residues in the direct proximity of the lake.
Properties of ashes formed after the combustion of sewage sludge
Authors: Bezak-Mazur Elżbieta , Widłak Małgorzata , Gawdzik Jarosław , Stoińska Renata , Zapała-Sławeta Justyna , Ciopińska Joanna
Published: July 2018

The objective of the research presented in the paper was to analyze the ash formed in the process of incineration in the thermal sewage sludge treatment facility being a part of Sitkówka-Nowiny wastewater treatment plant, located in the vicinity of Kielce. The research involved the investigation of heavy metal and total phosphorus content, leachability of certain ions and X-ray phase analysis. The comparison of the obtained results with those available in literature revealed similarities in the crystallographic structure of ashes from different treatment plants. Then, the differences observed in the content of heavy metals in particular ashes are related to the composition of sewage flowing into treatment plants. Attention was also paid to a significant sulphate content revealed in the leachability analysis, found both in the ash from Sitkówka-Nowiny treatment plant and in the ash analyses results available in the literature sources. High sulphate concentration can limit the use of ash for construction purposes.
Ultra-low-temperature district heating systems – a way to maximise the ecological and economical effect of an investment?
Authors: Ciapała Bartłomiej , Jurasz Jakub , Janowski Mirosław
Published: July 2018

One of the most challenging aspects of a new district heating (DH) design is its general performance, which will determine the ecological and economic impacts of the investment. Choosing the lowest applicable temperatures which are distributed via ultra-low-temperature district heating (ULTDH) systems may yield the desired results. The article elaborates the economic and ecological aspects of the application of ULTDH. The results of the analysis indicate that the capacity factor may be significantly improved, while the overall ecological effects of the investment are strongly dependent on the previously used heat source and the source of electric power.
Reducing energy consumption of air-conditioning systems in moderate climates by applying indirect evaporative cooling
Authors: Cichoń Aleksandra , Pacak Anna , Pandelidis Demis , Anisimov Sergey
Published: July 2018

This paper investigates the potential of applying an indirect evaporative cooler for heat recovery in air conditioning systems in moderate climates. The counter-flow indirect evaporative heat and mass exchanger is compared with commonly used recuperation unit in terms of achieved energy. The performance analysis of the indirect evaporative exchanger is carried out with original ε-NTU-model considering condensation from treated air. It was found that the indirect evaporative exchanger employed as a heat recovery device, allows to obtain higher performance than conventional recuperator. Additional energy savings potential is related with utilizing the potential of water evaporation to pre-cool the outdoor air. It is also stated that there is a high potential of reusing condensate that forms in product channels of the indirect evaporative exchanger and in the vapour-compression unit and delivering it to the working part of the indirect evaporative exchanger.
Analysis of temperature, air humidity and wind conditions for the needs of outdoor thermal comfort
Authors: Dec Ewelina , Babiarz Bożena , Sekret Robert
Published: July 2018

On the thermal comfort of a man staying outdoor during the summer affect mostly meteorological factors, physical activity and the type of clothing. The work analyzed external air parameters, such as: temperature, relative humidity and wind speed, occuring in years 1997‒2016. Meteorological data recorded at the RzeszÓw-Jasionka station allowed to determine, among others, the occurrence of maximum daily and hourly temperatures of outdoor, the daytime and hourly air relative humidity, the hourly wind speed, as well as the relationship between these parameters. In recent years, it has been observed the increase of the number of hot and very hot days which indicates a warming of the climate. The duration of series of days with maximum daily temperature above 30°C is also prolonged, which is not comfortable for a person staying outside. During summer, during hot and very hot days, the average relative humidity remained below 70%. The daily course of this factor was characterized by the opposite tendency with respect to temperature. The wind speed in the summer season varies from 0 to 6 m/s. On a daily basis, the increase in wind speed occurred in the afternoon hours which is consistent with the temperature characteristics. The occurrence of wind during the hottest hours causes a pleasant cooling of the organism.
Analysis of granulometric dust accumulating in supply and exhaust ventilation filters
Authors: Derbiszewski Bogdan , Kurek Anna
Published: July 2018

The research aim was to analyse and compare the composition of granulometric dust which accumulates in air filters located in central air handling units supporting the production rooms and at the same time the degree and a kind of contamination fraction of atmospheric air in a part of Wrocław situated outside the city centre. Samples were taken in different seasons of the year, such as March and October. The size of pollution particles extracted from ventilation filters was measured with the use of ANALYSETTE 22MicroTec plus laser particle sizer produced by FRITSCH. The results of measurements were generated with MaScontrol software for particle size analysis. In computing research results, the Fraunhofer diffraction theory was used. The comparison of the examined air particles’ size in an air supply canal allowed to determine the outside air dust size in Szczepin district on Długa street in Wrocław. Moreover, the influence of the year season on the size of contaminants accumulating in filters was also determined in the course of research works.
Termomodernization analyses of terraces located above existing apartments
Authors: Dohojda Marek , Podawca Konrad , Witkowska-Dobrev Joanna
Published: July 2018

The paper discusses the principles of terraces design assessment with different types of insulation. It presents and compares layer systems and choice of materials in the existing terraces and modernized. Special attention was paid to the need to ensure adequate thermal insulation in areas adjacent to the balconies and terraces as well as terraces. See also the main principles of good design such structures, taking into account issues of temperature and humidity, as well as making the modernization of the terraces.
Ceiling mounted radiant panels – calculations of heat output in heating and cooling application
Authors: Drojetzki Lawrence , Wojtkowiak Janusz
Published: July 2018

This paper describes calculations of heat exchange between a radiant heating and cooling ceiling panel and the surrounding space. The calculations were created on the basis of empirical equations published in literature and experimental research of radiant ceiling panels carried out at the Institute of Environmental Engineering of the Poznan University of Technology. Changes in heating or cooling output vs. air and panel surface temperature difference were investigated. Based on the calculation results, the influence of the colour, gloss and shape of the panels surface on the heating or cooling capacity was indicated. Performed calculations show that the proportion of radiation in the whole heat exchange for the matte black ceiling panel reach 50% for cooling and 75% for heating mode for the considered temperatures. Comparing two rectangular, square and circular panels with the same area, it has been shown that the shape of the surface affects the heat exchange due to the difference in convectional flows in the boundary layers for different cases. Possible explanations of the discrepancies between the theoretical model and experimental results were presented.
Analysis of moisture conditions in the lowland areas using high resolution spectral data from the Sentinel-2 satellite and the GIS tools
Authors: Grzywna Henryk , Dąbek PaweŁ B. , Olszewska Beata
Published: July 2018

Research concerning agricultural drought issue mainly focuses on the methods based on long-term atmospheric data, temperature, precipitation and evaporation measurements. On the other hand, the scientific bibliography shows the possibilities of using spectral data for description the state of plants. The general availability and increasing resolution of the spectral and temporal data create a chance for monitoring and forecasting deficiencies of soil moisture based on spectral images. Paper presents the results of analysis of the moisture conditions in soil-plant environment in the lowland catchment area using the spectral data obtained from the Sentinel-2 European Space Agency satellite for period February-November 2016. These spectral data were used for the calculation the Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI) which provided information about moisture conditions in the soil-plant environment. Then, the values of NDVI index were compared with the data obtained from the field investigations. The analyses have showed the spatial and temporal variability of moisture conditions in the soil-plant environment determined on the background of the spectral indicators and the existence of some dependences between climatic and spectral indicators characterizing soil-plant environment.