bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic dysregulation of naive CD4+ T-cell activation genes in childhood food allergy
Authors: Martino David , Neeland Melanie , Dang Thanh , Cobb Joanna , Ellis Justine , Barnett Alice , Tang Mimi , Vuillermin Peter , Allen Katrina , Saffery Richard
Published: August 2018

Food allergy poses a significant clinical and public health burden affecting 2–10% of infants. Using integrated DNA methylation and transcriptomic profiling, we found that polyclonal activation of naive CD4+ T cells through the T cell receptor results in poorer lymphoproliferative responses in children with immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergy. Reduced expression of cell cycle-related targets of the E2F and MYC transcription factor networks, and remodeling of DNA methylation at metabolic (RPTOR,PIK3D,MAPK1,FOXO1) and inflammatory genes (IL1R,IL18RAP,CD82) underpins this suboptimal response. Infants who fail to resolve food allergy in later childhood exhibit cumulative increases in epigenetic disruption at T cell activation genes and poorer lymphoproliferative responses compared to children who resolved food allergy. Our data indicate epigenetic dysregulation in the early stages of signal transduction through the T cell receptor complex, and likely reflects pathways modified by gene–environment interactions in food allergy.
Linear mapping approximation of gene regulatory networks with stochastic dynamics
Authors: Cao Zhixing , Grima Ramon
Published: August 2018

The presence of protein–DNA binding reactions often leads to analytically intractable models of stochastic gene expression. Here we present the linear-mapping approximation that maps systems with protein–promoter interactions onto approximately equivalent systems with no binding reactions. This is achieved by the marriage of conditional mean-field approximation and the Magnus expansion, leading to analytic or semi-analytic expressions for the approximate time-dependent and steady-state protein number distributions. Stochastic simulations verify the method’s accuracy in capturing the changes in the protein number distributions with time for a wide variety of networks displaying auto- and mutual-regulation of gene expression and independently of the ratios of the timescales governing the dynamics. The method is also used to study the first-passage time distribution of promoter switching, the sensitivity of the size of protein number fluctuations to parameter perturbation and the stochastic bifurcation diagram characterizing the onset of multimodality in protein number distributions.
Element- and momentum-resolved electronic structure of the dilute magnetic semiconductor manganese doped gallium arsenide
Authors: Nemšák Slavomír , Gehlmann Mathias , Kuo Cheng-Tai , Lin Shih-Chieh , Schlueter Christoph , Mlynczak Ewa , Lee Tien-Lin , Plucinski Lukasz , Ebert Hubert , Di Marco Igor , Minár Ján , Schneider Claus M. , Fadley Charles S.
Published: August 2018

The dilute magnetic semiconductors have promise in spin-based electronics applications due to their potential for ferromagnetic order at room temperature, and various unique switching and spin-dependent conductivity properties. However, the precise mechanism by which the transition-metal doping produces ferromagnetism has been controversial. Here we have studied a dilute magnetic semiconductor (5% manganese-doped gallium arsenide) with Bragg-reflection standing-wave hard X-ray angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, and resolved its electronic structure into element- and momentum- resolved components. The measured valence band intensities have been projected into element-resolved components using analogous energy scans of Ga 3d, Mn 2p, and As 3d core levels, with results in excellent agreement with element-projected Bloch spectral functions and clarification of the electronic structure of this prototypical material. This technique should be broadly applicable to other multi-element materials.
Insights into degradation mechanism of N-end rule substrates by p62/SQSTM1 autophagy adapter
Authors: Kwon Do Hoon , Park Ok Hyun , Kim Leehyeon , Jung Yang Ouk , Park Yeonkyoung , Jeong Hyeongseop , Hyun Jaekyung , Kim Yoon Ki , Song Hyun Kyu
Published: August 2018

p62/SQSTM1 is the key autophagy adapter protein and the hub of multi-cellular signaling. It was recently reported that autophagy and N-end rule pathways are linked via p62. However, the exact recognition mode of degrading substrates and regulation of p62 in the autophagic pathway remain unknown. Here, we present the complex structures between the ZZ-domain of p62 and various type-1 and type-2 N-degrons. The binding mode employed in the interaction of the ZZ-domain with N-degrons differs from that employed by classic N-recognins. It was also determined that oligomerization via the PB1 domain can control functional affinity to the R-BiP substrate. Unexpectedly, we found that self-oligomerization and disassembly of p62 are pH-dependent. These findings broaden our understanding of the functional repertoire of the N-end rule pathway and provide an insight into the regulation of p62 during the autophagic pathway.
The tumor suppressor menin prevents effector CD8 T-cell dysfunction by targeting mTORC1-dependent metabolic activation
Authors: Suzuki Junpei , Yamada Takeshi , Inoue Kazuki , Nabe Shogo , Kuwahara Makoto , Takemori Nobuaki , Takemori Ayako , Matsuda Seiji , Kanoh Makoto , Imai Yuuki , Yasukawa Masaki , Yamashita Masakatsu
Published: August 2018

While menin plays an important role in preventing T-cell dysfunction, such as senescence and exhaustion, the regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. We found that menin prevents the induction of dysfunction in activated CD8 T cells by restricting the cellular metabolism. mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling, glycolysis, and glutaminolysis are augmented by menin deficiency. Rapamycin treatment prevents CD8 T-cell dysfunction in menin-deficient CD8 T cells. Limited glutamine availability also prevents CD8 T-cell dysfunction induced by menin deficiency, and its inhibitory effect is antagonized by α-ketoglutarate (α-KG), an intermediate metabolite of glutaminolysis. α-KG-dependent histone H3K27 demethylation seems to be involved in the dysfunction in menin-deficient CD8 T cells. We also found that α-KG activates mTORC1-dependent central carbon metabolism. These findings suggest that menin maintains the T-cell functions by limiting mTORC 1 activity and subsequent cellular metabolism.
Porous SnO2 nanoparticles based ion chromatographic determination of non-fluorescent antibiotic (chloramphenicol) in complex samples
Authors: Muhammad Nadeem , Rahman Abdul , Younis Muhammad Adnan , Subhani Qamar , Shehzad Khurram , Cui Hairong , Zhu Yan
Published: August 2018

Nowadays, there are rising concerns about the extensive use of the antibiotics such as chloramphenicol (CAP), has threatened the human life in the form of various vicious diseases. The limited selectivity and sensitivity of confirmatory techniques (UV and electrochemical) and non-fluorescence property of CAP make its determination a challenging task in the modern pharmaceutical analysis. In order to redeem the selective, sensitive and cost-effective fluorescence methodology, here by the dual role of synthesized porous SnO2 nanoparticles were exploited; (i) a porous sorbent in a µ-QuEChERS based sample preparation and as (ii) a stimulant for the transformation of non-fluorescent analytes namely CAP and p-nitrophenol (p-NP) into their respective fluorescent product. We report a green, simple, selective and cost effective ion chromatographic method for CAP sensitive determination in three complex matrices including milk, human urine and serum. The synthesized sorbent not only selectively adsorbed and degraded the matrix/interferences but also selectively reduced the non-fluorescent antibiotic CAP into a fluorescent species. This developed ion chromatographic method exhibited good selectivity, linearity (r2 ≥ 0.996) and limit of detection (LOD) was in the range 0.0201–0.0280 µg/kg. The inter- and intraday precisions were also satisfactory having a relative standard deviation (RSDs) less than 14.96% and excellent recoveries of CAP in the range of 78.3–100.2% were retrieved in various complex samples.
Time-reversal invariant resonant backscattering on a topological insulator surface driven by a time-periodic gate voltage
Authors: Deng Ming-Xun , Ma R. , Luo Wei , Shen R. , Sheng L. , Xing D. Y.
Published: August 2018

We study the scattering of the Dirac electrons by a point-like nonmagnetic impurity on the surface of a topological insulator, driven by a time-periodic gate voltage. It is found that, due to the doublet degenerate crossing points of different Floquet sidebands, resonant backscattering can happen for the surface electrons, even without breaking the time-reversal (TR) symmetry of the topological surface states (TSSs). The energy spectrum is reshuffled in a way quite different from that for the circularly polarized light, so that new features are exhibited in the Friedel oscillations of the local charge and spin density of states. Although the electron scattering is dramatically modified by the driving voltage, the 1/ρ scale law of the spin precession persists for the TSSs. The TR invariant backscattering provides a possible way to engineer the Dirac electronic spectrum of the TSSs, without destroying the unique property of spin-momentum interlocking of the TSSs.
Finding hens in a haystack: Consistency of movement patterns within and across individual laying hens maintained in large groups
Authors: Rufener C. , Berezowski J. , Maximiano Sousa F. , Abreu Y. , Asher L. , Toscano M. J.
Published: August 2018

We sought to objectively quantify and compare the recorded movement and location patterns of laying hens within a commercial system. Using a custom tracking system, we monitored the location within five zones of a commercial aviary for 13 hens within a flock of 225 animals for a contiguous period of 11 days. Most hens manifested a hen-specific pattern that was (visually) highly consistent across days, though, within that consistency, manifested stark differences between hens. Three different methods were used to classify individual daily datasets into groups based on their similarity: (i) Linear Discriminant Analysis based on six summary variables (transitions into each zone) and total transitions; (ii) Hierarchical Clustering, a naïve clustering analysis technique, applied to summary variables and iii) Hierarchical Clustering applied to dissimilarity matrices produced by Dynamic Time Warping. The three methods correctly classified more than 85% of the hen days and provided a unique means to assess behaviour of a system indicating a considerable degree of complexity and structure. We believe the current effort is the first to document these location and movement patterns within a large, complex commercial system with a large potential to influence the assessment of animal welfare, health, and productivity.
Cardiovascular Interactions between Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 and Angiotensin II
Authors: Pi Min , Ye Ruisong , Han Xiaobin , Armstrong Benjamin , Liu Xue , Chen Yuanjian , Sun Yao , Quarles L. Darryl
Published: August 2018

Both the activation of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) and elevations of circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 (FGF-23) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in chronic kidney disease. To investigate potential cross-talk between RAAS and FGF-23, we administered angiotensin II (Ang II) to wild-type rodents and the Hyp mouse model of excess FGF-23. Ang II administration for four weeks to wild-type rodents resulted in significant increases in systolic blood pressure and LVH. Unexpectedly, FGF-23 circulating levels were increased by 1.5–1.7 fold in Ang II treated animals. In addition, Ang II treatment increased expression of FGF-23 message levels in bone, the predominant tissue for FGF-23 production, and induced expression of FGF-23 and its co-receptor α-Klotho in the heart, which normally does not express FGF-23 or α-Klotho in physiologically relevant levels. Hyp mice with elevated FGF-23 exhibited increased blood pressure and LVH at baseline. Ang II administration to Hyp mice resulted further increments in blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy, consistent with additive cardiovascular effects. These findings suggest that FGF-23 may participate in unexpected systemic and paracrine networks regulating hemodynamic and myocardial responses.
Automatic hyoid bone detection in fluoroscopic images using deep learning
Authors: Zhang Zhenwei , Coyle James L. , Sejdić Ervin
Published: August 2018

The displacement of the hyoid bone is one of the key components evaluated in the swallow study, as its motion during swallowing is related to overall swallowing integrity. In daily research settings, experts visually detect the hyoid bone in the video frames and manually plot hyoid bone position frame by frame. This study aims to develop an automatic method to localize the location of the hyoid bone in the video sequence. To automatically detect the location of the hyoid bone in a frame, we proposed a single shot multibox detector, a deep convolutional neural network, which is employed to detect and classify the location of the hyoid bone. We also evaluated the performance of two other state-of-art detection methods for comparison. The experimental results clearly showed that the single shot multibox detector can detect the hyoid bone with an average precision of 89.14% and outperform other auto-detection algorithms. We conclude that this automatic hyoid bone tracking system is accurate enough to be widely applied as a pre-processing step for image processing in dysphagia research, as well as a promising development that may be useful in the diagnosis of dysphagia.
Linear and Volumetric Mandibular Asymmetries in Adult Patients With Different Skeletal Classes and Vertical Patterns: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study
Authors: Mendoza Luz Victoria , Bellot-Arcís Carlos , Montiel-Company José María , García-Sanz Verónica , Almerich-Silla José Manuel , Paredes-Gallardo Vanessa
Published: August 2018

This study aimed to quantify the height of the mandibular condyle and ramus, condylar volume, and the asymmetry index in adult patients of different sex, skeletal class and vertical pattern using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), and to determine whether there were differences between these groups. The study used CBCT scans of 159 patients with a mean age of 32.32 ± 8.31 years. InVivoDental® software was used to perform both linear (condylar, ramal, and total height) and condylar volume measurements. Linear and volumetric asymmetries were calculated. There were not significant differences between right and left sides. The mean value obtained for condyle height was 7.27 mm, ramus height 42.3 mm, total height 49.6 mm and condyle volume 1907.1 mm3, with significant differences between men and women. Significantly higher values were found for condylar volume in hypodivergent patterns (p = 0.001) and for the asymmetry index of the condylar volume in Class II patients (p < 0.05). The prevalence of relevant asymmetry was high for condyle height and volume (73.1% y 75.6% respectively). Higher height and volume values were found among men, Class III, and hypodivergent patients. Linear and volumetric asymmetries were more prevalent among men, Class III and hyperdivergent patterns.
Synthesis of biogenic silver nanoparticles using Althaea officinalis as reducing agent: evaluation of toxicity and ecotoxicity
Authors: Rheder Diogo Torres , Guilger Mariana , Bilesky-José Natália , Germano-Costa Taís , Pasquoto-Stigliani Tatiane , Gallep Tatiane Balbo Batista , Grillo Renato , Carvalho Cleoni dos Santos , Fraceto Leonardo Fernandes , Lima Renata
Published: August 2018

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are known mainly because of their bactericidal properties. Among the different types of synthesis, there is the biogenic synthesis, which allows the synergy between the nanocomposites and substances from the organism employed for the synthesis. This study describes the synthesis of AgNPs using infusion of roots (AgNpR) and extract (AgNpE) of the plant Althaea officinalis. After the synthesis through reduction of silver nitrate with compounds of A. officinalis, physico-chemical analyzes were performed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, nanoparticles tracking analysis (NTA), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Toxicity was evaluated through Allium cepa assay, comet test with cell lines, cell viability by mitochondrial activity and image cytometry and minimal inhibitory concentration on pathogenic microorganisms. Biochemical analyzes (CAT - catalase, GPx - glutathione peroxidase e GST - glutationa S-transferase) and genotoxicity evaluation in vivo on Zebrafish were also performed. AgNpE and AgNpR showed size of 157 ± 11 nm and 293 ± 12 nm, polydispersity of 0.47 ± 0.08 and 0.25 ± 0.01, and zeta potential of 20.4 ± 1.4 and 26.5 ± 1.2 mV, respectively. With regard to toxicity, the AgNpE were the most toxic when compared with AgNpR. Biochemical analyzes on fish showed increase of CAT activity in most of the organs, whereas GPx showed few changes and the activity of GST decreased. Also regarding to bactericidal activity, both nanoparticles were effective, however AgNpR showed greater activity. Althaea officinalis can be employed as reducing agent for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, although it is necessary to consider its potential toxicity and ecotoxicity.
Gravity measurements below 10−9 g with a transportable absolute quantum gravimeter
Authors: Ménoret Vincent , Vermeulen Pierre , Le Moigne Nicolas , Bonvalot Sylvain , Bouyer Philippe , Landragin Arnaud , Desruelle Bruno
Published: August 2018

Gravimetry is a well-established technique for the determination of sub-surface mass distribution needed in several fields of geoscience, and various types of gravimeters have been developed over the last 50 years. Among them, quantum gravimeters based on atom interferometry have shown top-level performance in terms of sensitivity, long-term stability and accuracy. Nevertheless, they have remained confined to laboratories due to their complex operation and high sensitivity to the external environment. Here we report on a novel, transportable, quantum gravimeter that can be operated under real world conditions by non-specialists, and measure the absolute gravitational acceleration continuously with a long-term stability below 10 nm.s−2 (1 μGal). It features several technological innovations that allow for high-precision gravity measurements, while keeping the instrument light and small enough for field measurements. The instrument was characterized in detail and its stability was evaluated during a month-long measurement campaign.
Net-Net Auto Machine Learning (AutoML) Prediction of Complex Ecosystems
Authors: Barreiro Enrique , Munteanu Cristian R. , Cruz-Monteagudo Maykel , Pazos Alejandro , González-Díaz Humbert
Published: August 2018

Biological Ecosystem Networks (BENs) are webs of biological species (nodes) establishing trophic relationships (links). Experimental confirmation of all possible links is difficult and generates a huge volume of information. Consequently, computational prediction becomes an important goal. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are Machine Learning (ML) algorithms that may be used to predict BENs, using as input Shannon entropy information measures (Shk) of known ecosystems to train them. However, it is difficult to select a priori which ANN topology will have a higher accuracy. Interestingly, Auto Machine Learning (AutoML) methods focus on the automatic selection of the more efficient ML algorithms for specific problems. In this work, a preliminary study of a new approach to AutoML selection of ANNs is proposed for the prediction of BENs. We call it the Net-Net AutoML approach, because it uses for the first time Shk values of both networks involving BENs (networks to be predicted) and ANN topologies (networks to be tested). Twelve types of classifiers have been tested for the Net-Net model including linear, Bayesian, trees-based methods, multilayer perceptrons and deep neuronal networks. The best Net-Net AutoML model for 338,050 outputs of 10 ANN topologies for links of 69 BENs was obtained with a deep fully connected neuronal network, characterized by a test accuracy of 0.866 and a test AUROC of 0.935. This work paves the way for the application of Net-Net AutoML to other systems or ML algorithms.
Comparison of radiation dermatitis between hypofractionated and conventionally fractionated postoperative radiotherapy: objective, longitudinal assessment of skin color
Authors: Yamazaki Hideya , Takenaka Tadashi , Aibe Norihiro , Suzuki Gen , Yoshida Ken , Nakamura Satoaki , Masui Koji , Kimoto Takuya , Sasaki Naomi , Nishimura Tsuyoshi , Nakashima Akihiro , Goto Mariko , Yamada Kei
Published: August 2018

This study aimed to quantitatively compare radiation dermatitis due to hypofractionated (Hypo) and conventionally fractionated (Conv) external-beam radiotherapy in patients who underwent postoperative radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery. Skin color changes, in terms of L* (brightness, white-black), a* (red-green), and b* (yellow-blue) values, due to external-beam radiotherapy were examined at alternate fractions using an objective method. Twenty-six patients were included in the Hypo group (42.56 Gy/16 fractions) and 46 in the Conv group (50 Gy/25 fractions). Radiotherapy decreased the L* value (darker) and increased the a* value (redder) gradually. These color alterations progressed linearly according to elapsed fractions and were similar between Hypo and Conv per fraction. The Hypo group showed significantly milder alterations in L* and a* values than the Conv group. The maximal dosage was significantly correlated to alterations in L* and a* values. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4 assessment did not show a statistically significant difference between the Hypo (Grade 0:1:2 = 2:24:1) and Conv (1:39:6, p = 0.25) groups. The results of our objective analysis revealed that patients undergoing Hypo show milder color alteration than those undergoing Conv and that the maximal dosage is a useful predicator of color alteration.
Development of an oxidative stress in vitro assay in zebrafish (Danio rerio) cell lines
Authors: Lungu-Mitea Sebastian , Oskarsson Agneta , Lundqvist Johan
Published: August 2018

The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key regulator of cellular defense against oxidative stress and correlated with classical toxicological endpoints. In vitro methods using fish cell lines for the assessment of aquatic toxicity are needed for mechanistic studies and as an alternative to in vivo. We describe an in vitro assay to study oxidative stress using zebrafish cell lines. Transfection efficiency of twelve commercially available transfection reagents were tested in the zebrafish cell lines ZFL, ZF4, and Pac2. The most efficient reagent for each cell line was selected for further experiments. Cells were transiently transfected with an Nrf2-responsive luciferase plasmid. The assay was tested using the oxidative stress inducing chemicals tertbutylhydroquinone, hydrogen peroxide, and sulforaphane. Of the transfected cell lines, ZF4 and ZFL showed higher sensitivity. The latter were used to study potential oxidative stress induced by pesticides (diazinon, deltamethrin, atrazine, metazachlor, terbutylazine, diuron). Besides known inducers, Nrf2 activity was also significantly induced by diazinon, deltametrin, diuron, and metazachlor. Activation of Nrf2 by metazachlor is a novel finding. The described assay could be a valuable tool for research in toxicology to study the stress response of both pure chemicals and environmental water samples.
Atomic number dependence of Z contrast in scanning transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Yamashita Shunsuke , Kikkawa Jun , Yanagisawa Keiichi , Nagai Takuro , Ishizuka Kazuo , Kimoto Koji
Published: August 2018

Annular dark-field (ADF) imaging by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) is a common technique for material characterization with high spatial resolution. It has been reported that ADF signal is proportional to the nth power of the atomic number Z, i.e., the Z contrast in textbooks and papers. Here we first demonstrate the deviation from the power-law model by quantitative experiments of a few 2D materials (graphene, MoS2 and WS2 monolayers). Then we elucidate ADF signal of single atoms using simulations to clarify the cause of the deviation. Two major causes of the deviation from the power-law model will be pointed out. The present study provides a practical guideline for the usage of the conventional power-law model for ADF imaging.
Antibodies against adenovirus fiber and penton base proteins inhibit adenovirus vector-mediated transduction in the liver following systemic administration
Authors: Tomita Kyoko , Sakurai Fuminori , Iizuka Shunsuke , Hemmi Masahisa , Wakabayashi Keisaku , Machitani Mitsuhiro , Tachibana Masashi , Katayama Kazufumi , Kamada Haruhiko , Mizuguchi Hiroyuki
Published: August 2018

Pre-existing anti-adenovirus (Ad) neutralizing antibodies (AdNAbs) are a major barrier in clinical gene therapy using Ad vectors and oncolytic Ads; however, it has not been fully elucidated which Ad capsid protein-specific antibodies are involved in AdNAb-mediated inhibition of Ad infection in vivo. In this study, mice possessing antibodies specific for each Ad capsid protein were prepared by intramuscular electroporation of each Ad capsid protein-expressing plasmid. Ad vector-mediated hepatic transduction was efficiently inhibited by more than 100-fold in mice immunized with a fiber protein-expressing plasmid or a penton base-expressing plasmid. An Ad vector pre-coated with FX before administration mediated more than 100-fold lower transduction efficiencies in the liver of warfarinized mice immunized with a fiber protein-expressing plasmid or a penton base-expressing plasmid, compared with those in the liver of warfarinized non-immunized mice. These data suggest that anti-fiber protein and anti-penton base antibodies bind to an Ad vector even though FX has already bound to the hexon, and inhibit Ad vector-mediated transduction. This study provides important clues for the development of a novel Ad vector that can circumvent inhibition with AdNAbs.
High-field nonlinear optical response and phase control in a dielectric laser accelerator
Authors: Cesar D. , Custodio S. , Maxson J. , Musumeci P. , Shen X. , Threlkeld E. , England R. J. , Hanuka A. , Makasyuk I. V. , Peralta E. A. , Wootton K. P. , Wu Z.
Published: August 2018

Advances in ultrafast laser technology and nanofabrication have enabled a new class of particle accelerator based upon miniaturized laser-driven photonic structures. However, developing a useful accelerator based on this approach requires control of the particle dynamics at field intensities approaching the damage limit. We measure acceleration in a fused silica dielectric laser accelerator driven by fields of up to 9 GV m−1 and observe a record 1.8 GV m−1 in the accelerating mode. At these intensities the dielectric is driven beyond its linear response and self-phase modulation changes the phase velocity of the accelerating mode, reducing the average gradient to 850 MeV m−1. We show that free-space optics can be used to compensate this dephasing and demonstrate that tailoring the laser phase and amplitude can facilitate optimization of the beam dynamics. This could enable MeV scale energy gain in a single stage and pave the way towards applications in scientific, industrial, and medical fields.
Carbonate: an alternative dopant to stabilize new perovskite phases; synthesis and structure of Ba3Yb2O5CO3 and related isostructural phases Ba3Ln2O5CO3 (Ln = Y, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm and Lu)
Authors: Deakin Joshua , Trussov Ivan , Gibbs Alexandra , Kendrick Emma , Slater Peter R.
Published: August 2018

Carbonate incorporation allows the synthesis of new layered perovskites, Ba3Ln2O5CO3 (Ln = Yb, Y, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm and Lu).
NIR light-activated upconversion semiconductor photocatalysts
Authors: Tian Qingyong , Yao Weijing , Wu Wei , Jiang Changzhong
Published: August 2018

The latest developments of NIR light-activated upconversion photocatalysts, and the in-depth mechanisms, prospects and remaining challenges with respect to fundamental investigations and solar energy conversion applications are discussed comprehensively.
1D alloy ultrafine Pt–Fe nanowires as efficient electrocatalysts for alcohol electrooxidation in alkaline media
Authors: Song Pingping , Xu Hui , Wang Jin , Zhang Yangping , Gao Fei , Guo Jun , Shiraishi Yukihide , Du Yukou
Published: August 2018

Ultrafine Pt–Fe Nanowires (NWs): Owing to anisotropy, high surface area and excellent conductivity of the ultrafine Pt–Fe NWs, they are more beneficial for the improvement of catalytic activity and stability enhancement compared with commercial Pt/C, thus opening a new way to promote fuel cell reactions.
High-performance, color-tunable fiber shaped organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Ko Keum-Jin , Lee Hock Beng , Kim Hyun Myung , Lee Gil Ju , Shin So-Ra , Kumar Neetesh , Song Young Min , Kang Jae-Wook
Published: August 2018

Hollow-fiber shaped OLED with unprecedentedly high luminance efficiency and emission color tunability.
Insight into the electronic and thermodynamic properties of NbSi2 from first-principles calculations
Authors: Wang Shuanglun , Pan Yong , Wu Yuanpeng , Lin Yuanhua
Published: August 2018

The electronic and thermodynamic properties of NbSi2 with four structures (C40, C11b, C54 and C49) were studied in terms of first-principle calculations.
Facile hydrothermal synthesis of ternary Ni–Co–Se/carbon nanotube nanocomposites as advanced electrodes for lithium storage
Authors: Ding Jingguo , Xu Hui , Chen Xiaobo
Published: August 2018

A Ni–Co–Se/CNT composite exhibits outstanding Li-ion storage performance with respect to high reversible Li-storage capacity, high cyclability and high rate performance.
Ultrafast interligand electron transfer in cis-[Ru(4,4′-dicarboxylate-2,2′-bipyridine)2(NCS)2]4− and implications for electron injection limitations in dye sensitized solar cells
Authors: Pettersson Rimgard Belinda , Föhlinger Jens , Petersson Jonas , Lundberg Marcus , Zietz Burkhard , Woys Ann Marie , Miller Stephen A. , Wasielewski Michael R. , Hammarström Leif
Published: August 2018

Using IR absorption anisotropy, interligand energy transfer in N712 is shown to occur on a sub-ps time scale, and is thus unlikely to limit injection in DSSCs.
Sorting machineries: how platelet-dense granules differ from α-granules
Authors: Chen Yuanying , Yuan Yefeng , Li Wei
Published: August 2018

Platelets respond to vascular injury via surface receptor stimulation and signaling events to trigger aggregation, procoagulant activation, and granule secretion during hemostasis, thrombosis, and vascular remodeling. Platelets contain three major types of secretory granules including dense granules (or δ-granules, DGs), α-granules (AGs), and lysosomes. The contents of platelet granules are specific. Platelet DGs store polyphosphate and small molecules such as ADP, ATP, Ca2+, and serotonin, while AGs package most of the proteins that platelets release. The platelet DGs and AGs are regarded as being budded from the endosomes and the trans-Golgi network (TGN), respectively, and then matured from multivesicular bodies (MVBs). However, the sorting machineries between DGs and AGs are different. Inherited platelet disorders are associated with deficiency of DGs and AGs, leading to bleeding diathesis in patients with Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome (HPS), gray platelet syndrome (GPS), and arthrogryposis, renal dysfunction, and cholestasis syndrome (ARC). Here, we reviewed the current understanding about how DGs differ from AGs in structure, biogenesis, and function. In particular, we focus on the sorting machineries that are involved in the formation of these two types of granules to provide insights into their diverse biological functions.
Properties of recycled ceramic aggregates specified in WT-1 2014 Aggregates - Technical Requirements
Authors: Andrzejuk Wojciech , Sałuch Mateusz , Zegardło Bartosz , Szczygielska Elżbieta , Żukiewicz-Sobczak Wioletta , Sobczak Paweł , Wołyńczuk Klaudia
Published: August 2018

The article presents the results of research on primary recycling properties of ceramic aggregates conducted following the procedures outlined in WT-1 2014 Aggregates - Technical Requirements. The material for the tests was obtained from a company producing sanitary ceramic products. Damaged ceramic products, coming from the factory waste heaps, were transported to the laboratory and crushed. This enabled producing aggregate that was later subjected to tests carried out on the aggregates commonly used in the production of mineral-asphalt mixes applied in making road surfaces. The factors that were examined include the following: the flow rate of fine aggregates (angularity of fine aggregate), fine particles content - methylene blue test, light-weight impurities content, frost resistance, bulk density of grains as well as water absorption determined by pycnometric method. The test results showed that the properties of the recycled aggregates are similar to those included in traditional aggregates used for the production of mineral-asphalt mixes. On the basis of the conducted analyses, the waste ceramic aggregate was recommended for use.
Properties of meandrical geotextiles designed for the protection of soil against erosion
Authors: Grzybowska-Pietras Joanna , Nguyen Giang , Przybyło Stanisława , Rom Monika , Broda Jan
Published: August 2018

Changes in climatic conditions in the world often affect the variability of water relations and soil erosion. Observed phenomena lead to removal of the most valuable soil surface layer from slopes, washout of minerals, deterioration of slope structure and also destruction of protective vegetation. Geotextiles are used to protect slopes from effects of erosion. Depending on the type of used raw material as well as production technology, geotextiles are used for long-term or temporary protection (biodegradable). Biodegradable geotextiles under influence of atmospheric factors undergo gradual decomposition. The substances released as a result of decomposition cause soil fertilization, which promotes development of protective vegetation. The aim of the research is to assess impact of exploitation time on selected physical, mechanical and hydraulic properties of innovative geotextiles in form of meandrically arranged Kemafil ropes made of wool and recycled fibers installed on slope in Jasienica Economic Zone in Międzyrzecze. The research was carried out in the Laboratory of Geosynthetics and Textile Products of the University of Bielsko-Biala in accordance with the applicable European standards. Nonwovens used for production of geotextiles were tested before installation, as well as after 6 and 12 months from their installation. Geotextiles reduce speed of rainwater flowing down from the surface of slope and store its excess. Waste raw materials used for production of geotextiles enable products effectively protecting slope against water erosion.
Synergy of pluralism - an urban form in the modern housing environment
Authors: Januszewski Wojciech
Published: August 2018

The present text aims to outline current contemporary formal trends in housing urban planning on the examples of characteristic realizations of recent decades. The paradigm of contemporary urbanism is the sustainable urban planning. The idea is usually interpreted in the spirit of the so-called compact city. This, however, allows for a variety of formal interpretations. A characteristic feature of contemporary urban planning is the lack of doctrinal formal assumptions. The formulation of general principles is avoided, and the proposed solutions are of individual nature. The form becomes a means of artistic expression and spatial articulation rather than a carrier of a social idea. It is also a tool for positioning the complex as a product in the market game. The study covers the problems of new phenemomena such as transformations of the urban block, functional hybrids and hybrids of nature and urbanity.
Energy, economical and ecological analysis of a single-family house using photovoltaic installation
Authors: Krawczak Ewelina
Published: August 2018

According to European Union politics, Poland is expected to achieve at least 15% of the final energy consumption from renewable sources and to reduce 20% of greenhouse gases reduction in comparison to 1990. Among a variety of sources, (i.e. wind, biomass, geothermal, solar) energy conversion is one of the most promising solutions. The solar energy is clean and free. PV installations do not produce CO2gas to the atmosphere and can be installed to any size based on individual energy demands. Besides, the investment costs for such systems drops every year. Above mentioned reasons cause a strong interest in small photovoltaic installations, and an increasing number of energy prosumers. Selling electricity to the grid in the present renewable energy legislation is not profitable. For this reason energy produced from PV installations should be consumed directly where is produced. This paper shows the results of the computer simulations and analysis of annual, winter and summer half year energy yield of photovoltaic system for a single-family house. Following orientations were taken into account: east-west, south. Effect of tilt angle of the modules integrated with building façade was investigated. Economic and ecological aspects were analysed. DDS-Cad and PVSyst software were used for modelling and simulations.
Provins as an example of a “live museum”
Authors: Kuśnierz-Krupa Dominika
Published: August 2018

The article concerns the history, revalorisation and accessibility of the cultural heritage in the historic town of Provins, located to the southwest of Paris. The town was founded in the early medieval period, and in the 12th and 13th century it was one of the most prominent fair towns in Champagne. Many valuable monuments of that period have survived until the present time, such as the urban layout, the defensive walls, the Cesar tower supposedly relating to the legendary origins of the town dating back to the Roman period, churches and relics of residential buildings. In 2001, the above mentioned buildings were appreciated and distinguished by the UNESCO Committee which inscribed Provins in the World Heritage List. This distinction is not merely a matter of pride for the local authorities, but also an obligation to properly maintain the historic heritage, to revalorise it constantly and to educate the community regarding the protection of the town heritage. It must be stated that the authorities perfectly fulfil their responsibilities, which is worth presenting in this article to set an example of proper cultural heritage management for other historic towns.
Estimated potential for energy savings in heating residential buildings in Poland
Authors: Lis Piotr
Published: August 2018

In the face of a constant increase in demand for energy, one of the important sources will be its saving and efficient use. The search for the greatest opportunities in this area should focus on the areas where the highest energy consumption occurs. The dominant role here is played by the communal and living sector, to the extent that it is the sub-sector of buildings with a majority share of residential buildings. The article presents the expected energy effects of measures reducing energy consumption for heating residential buildings in the whole country. The author used statistical data of the Central Statistical Office available in the database of this institution. These data were identified and searched for as suitable for the purposes of this article and were used as a basis for calculations and analyses. The calculations show that only thanks to simple actions such as improvement of thermal insulation of envelope components it is possible to reduce energy consumption for heating of residential buildings by over 70% in relation to the situation in 2011. The potential energy effect will also translate into an economic and environmental effect. Qualitative measures such as improving the performance of the heating and ventilation system of a building and/or changing the energy carrier will also reduce energy consumption for this purpose, but they are not the subject of this study.
Reconstruction of the tower in defensive walls in Świebodzice
Authors: Małachowicz Anna
Published: August 2018

Fortification of Świebodzice, as presented in the eighteenthcentury drawings of Friedrich Bernhard Wernher, comprised one ring of walls, three gates in the form of towers with a passage on the ground floor, a rectangular gatehouse matching the height of the adjacent wall, and at least 8 rectangular towers. The entire fortification was surrounded by a moat. These architectural forms are in accordance with the oldest view over the city presented in the seventeenth-century oil painting [1]. The walls were crowned with rectangular battlements. Elements known from iconography were confirmed during research and inventory works initiated in 2007. The project, which was an aim of revitalizing the part of defensive walls along Piłsudskiego street in Świebodzice, was not only to make this relic accessible to the public (there is an observation deck in the defensive tower), but also to repair deformations formed as a result of the first restoration and because of the didactic exposition of wooden elements in the wall crowning (these elements were popular in medieval fortifications).
QuickSun 830A module solar simulator. Study of mini PV modules
Authors: Pociask-Bialy Malgorzata , Maciejko Radoslaw
Published: August 2018

QS830A module solar simulator is applied to measure electrical parameters of standard PV modules based on mono/polycrystalline silicon solar cells, large format photovoltaic (PV) modules 150 cm x 220 cm, with effective measurements time of 2 ms / 4 ms, flush pulse duration 3 ms / 10 ms (one flash tube / two flash tubes), and non-uniformity less than 2%. In order to comply with the Class AAA tolerances of the standard IEC 60904-9 Edition 2.0 of QuickSun 830A simulators (Endeas Oy, Finland), proprietary optical system behind the light source filament has been developed for filtering spectrum and improving irradiance nonuniformity simultaneously. Non-uniformity parameter for 14% of total modules testing area, i.e. 0.65 m2, will be appointed in this work.
Coverage of energy for the preparation of hot tap water by installing solar collectors in a singlefamily building
Authors: Starakiewicz Aleksander
Published: August 2018

The paper presents the results of experimental studies on the consumption of hot water, energy obtained from the solar installation in the production process and the degree of coverage of usable and final energy with solar collectors. Thermal energy measurements from solar collectors cover the measurement period from 2011 to 2017. During this period, the annual final energy obtained from solar collectors ranged from 1033-1576 kWh. Monthly and annual demand for usable and final energy for the demand for hot water is presented depending on the amount of hot water used. Monthly actual consumption of hot water in the measurement period ranged from 3.57-9.16 m3. During this period, the number of residents has changed from 3 to 5 people. Annual coverage of energy useful for heat and energy by solar panels in the years 2011-2017 fluctuated from 38.0%-63.9% and 25.2%-42.3% for final energy. Monthly energy coverage ranged from 5.5% to over 100%. Covering energy above 100% in practice means getting a higher temperature of hot water in the outlet valve than expected.
Approach to conservation of irregular stone masonry based on archaeological excavations in the Black Sea basin
Authors: Terlikowski Wojciech , Wasilewski Kacper , Sobczyńska Ewa , Gregoriou-Szczepaniak Martyna
Published: August 2018

The article presents and describes the methodology of conservation of masonry structures that are architectural monuments discovered as part of the work carried out during archaeological excavations. The authors' experiences presented in the article result from many years of cooperation between the Faculty of Civil Engineering at Warsaw University of Technology, the National Museum in Warsaw and the Antiquity of Southeastern Europe Research Center at the University of Warsaw. Examples of preserved masonry structures come from excavations located in the Black Sea area - from the archaeological site in Tyritake in Kerch on the Crimean Peninsula and Tanais near Rostov-on-Don in Russia. Works on masonry structures located in the area of archaeological excavations are characterized by a unique specificity covering both formal issues, resulting from international standards and agreements regulating the conservation of historic buildings, as well as technical and environmental issues. The basic technical issues include ensuring the safety of further excavation works, protection of masonry structures against the destructive effects of atmospheric conditions and preparing the structure for possible exhibition in archaeological parks organized on the site of excavations. Environmental issues relate to local, social and economic conditions. The article presents the procedures that should be used in the conservation of these types of structures and presents the specific technological and material solutions used in the presented objects.
Sustainable management of sewage sludge
Authors: Turlej Tymoteusz , Banaś Marian
Published: August 2018

The structure of municipal sewage sludge management in Poland, along with the change in legal regulations, has changed radically. The management of sewage sludge is of key importance for environmental pollution and limiting the negative impact on human health. This article presents current legal policies in Poland, methods of commonly used sewage sludge management in European countries, discusses the selection of an appropriate method for the disposal of municipal sewage sludge and an analysis of the current state of sewage sludge management in Poland. In addition, the difficulties associated with the adaptation of sewage sludge management for the requirements of sustainable development are discussed. The article contains foundations, challenges and concerns related to the thermal transformation of municipal sediments. Also forecast and directions of activities in sewage sludge management in Poland are presented.
Photovoltaic installation for a roofed car park in Egypt as an example of effective use of solar energy
Authors: Wichliński Michał , Staszkiewicz Janusz
Published: August 2018

Photovoltaic installations are becoming an increasingly important player in the global renewable energy production market. The biggest disadvantage of photovoltaic installations is their high price, and relatively low efficiency. Photovoltaic cells achieve a theoretical efficiency of 30%, but in real conditions this efficiency is much lower at roughly 15%. Photovoltaic installations are particularly recommended in locations where the amount of solar radiation is high and where photovoltaic installations will be able to work at full capacity for most of the year. The paper presents an analysis of the work of a photovoltaic installation built for a roofed car park located in eastern Cairo, the capital of Egypt. The installation is built for a car park located at the Schlumberger company. The installation is built of 1344 Hanwha Q.Power L-G325 silicon polycrystalline cell modules, each module has a power of 325 Wp, and the total area of the installation is 2,611 m2. Effective irradiance on collectors is 1922 kWh/m2. The array’s nominal produced energy was 840 MWh/year, the amount of electricity injected into the grid was 587 MWh/year, which means that the calculated performance ratio was 0.62.