bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TREM2 acts as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting the PI3K/Akt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Tang Wenqing , Lv Bei , Yang Biwei , Chen Yukai , Yuan Feifei , Ma Lijie , Chen She , Zhang Si , Xia Jinglin
Published: January 2019

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is involved in nonmalignant pathological processes. However, TREM2’s function in malignant diseases, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. In the present study, we report that TREM2 is a novel tumor suppressor in HCC. TREM2 expression was obviously decreased in hepatoma cells (especially metastatic HCC cells), and in most human HCC tissues (especially extrahepatic metastatic tumors). Reduced tumor TREM2 expression was correlated with poor prognosis of HCC patients, and with aggressive pathological features (BCLC stage, tumor size, tumor encapsulation, vascular invasion, and tumor differentiation). TREM2 knockdown substantially promoted cell growth, migration, and invasion in vitro and in vivo, while TREM2 overexpression produced the opposite effect. TREM2 suppressed HCC metastasis by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, accompanied by abnormal expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers. Further study revealed that downregulation of TREM2 in HCC was regulated by miR-31-5p. Moreover, by directly interacting with β-catenin, TREM2 attenuated oncogenic and metastatic behaviors by inhibiting Akt and GSK3β phosphorylation, and activating β-catenin. TREM2 suppressed carcinogenesis and metastasis in HCC by targeting the PI3K/Akt/β-catenin pathway. Thus, we propose that TREM2 may be a candidate prognostic biomarker in malignant diseases and TREM2 restoration might be a prospective strategy for HCC therapy.
Targeting the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor in MTAP-deficient renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Xu Jihao , Chang Wen-Hsin , Fong Lon Wolf R. , Weiss Robert H. , Yu Sung-Liang , Chen Ching-Hsien
Published: January 2019

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has emerged as a metabolic disease characterized by dysregulated expression of metabolic enzymes. Patients with metastatic RCC have an unusually poor prognosis and near-universal resistance to all current therapies. To improve RCC treatment and the survival rate of patients with RCC, there is an urgent need to reveal the mechanisms by which metabolic reprogramming regulates aberrant signaling and oncogenic progression. Through an integrated analysis of RCC metabolic pathways, we showed that methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) and its substrate methylthioadenosine (MTA) are dysregulated in aggressive RCC. A decrease in MTAP expression was observed in RCC tissues and correlated with higher tumor grade and shorter overall survival. Genetic manipulation of MTAP demonstrated that MTAP expression inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion and migration of RCC cells. Interestingly, we found a decrease in the protein methylation level with a concomitant increase in tyrosine phosphorylation after MTAP knockout. A phospho-kinase array screen identified the type 1 insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) as the candidate with the highest upregulation in tyrosine phosphorylation in response to MTAP loss. We further demonstrated that IGF1R phosphorylation acts upstream of Src and STAT3 signaling in MTAP-knockout RCC cells. IGF1R suppression by a selective inhibitor of IGF1R, linsitinib, impaired the cell migration and invasion capability of MTAP-deleted cells. Surprisingly, an increase in linsitinib-mediated cytotoxicity occurred in RCC cells with MTAP deficiency. Our data suggest that IGF1R signaling is a driver pathway that contributes to the aggressive nature of MTAP-deleted RCC.
Author Correction: Exosomes—the enigmatic regulators of bone homeostasis
Authors: Gao Minhao , Gao Weiyang , Papadimitriou J. M. , Zhang Changqing , Gao Junjie , Zheng Minghao
Published: January 2019

In the original publication of this article [1] there is an error in the formatting of figure 6. The updated figure 6 is published in this correction article. The publisher regrets the error.
Demonstration of a two-dimensional $${\cal P}{\cal T}$$-symmetric crystal
Authors: Kremer Mark , Biesenthal Tobias , Maczewsky Lukas J. , Heinrich Matthias , Thomale Ronny , Szameit Alexander
Published: January 2019

With the discovery of $${\cal P}{\cal T}$$
P
T
-symmetric quantum mechanics, it was shown that even non-Hermitian systems may exhibit entirely real eigenvalue spectra. This finding did not only change the perception of quantum mechanics itself, it also significantly influenced the field of photonics. By appropriately designing one-dimensional distributions of gain and loss, it was possible to experimentally verify some of the hallmark features of $${\cal P}{\cal T}$$
P
T
-symmetry using electromagnetic waves. Nevertheless, an experimental platform to study the impact of $${\cal P}{\cal T}$$
P
T
-symmetry in two spatial dimensions has so far remained elusive. We break new grounds by devising a two-dimensional $${\cal P}{\cal T}$$
P
T
-symmetric system based on photonic waveguide lattices with judiciously designed refractive index landscape and alternating loss. With this system at hand, we demonstrate a non-Hermitian two-dimensional topological phase transition that is closely linked to the emergence of topological mid-gap edge states.
AAV2.7m8 is a powerful viral vector for inner ear gene therapy
Authors: Isgrig Kevin , McDougald Devin S. , Zhu Jianliang , Wang Hong Jun , Bennett Jean , Chien Wade W.
Published: January 2019

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has been successfully used to deliver gene therapy to improve auditory function in mouse models of hereditary hearing loss. Many forms of hereditary hearing loss have mutations which affect the cochlear hair cells, the mechanosensory cells which allow for sound detection and processing. While most conventional AAVs infect inner hair cells (IHCs) with various efficiencies, they infect outer hair cells (OHCs) and supporting cells at lower levels in the cochlea. Here we examine the infection patterns of two synthetic AAVs (AAV2.7m8 and AAV8BP2) in the mouse inner ear. AAV2.7m8 infects both IHCs and OHCs with high efficiency. In addition, AAV2.7m8 infects inner pillar cells and inner phalangeal cells with high efficiency. Our results suggest that AAV2.7m8 is an excellent viral vector for inner ear gene therapy targeting cochlear hair cells and supporting cells, and it will likely greatly expand the potential applications for inner ear gene therapy.
Light- and bias-induced structural variations in metal halide perovskites
Authors: Kim Dohyung , Yun Jae Sung , Sharma Pankaj , Lee Da Seul , Kim Jincheol , Soufiani Arman M. , Huang Shujuan , Green Martin A. , Ho-Baillie Anita W. Y. , Seidel Jan
Published: January 2019

Organic–inorganic metal halide perovskites have gained considerable attention for next-generation photovoltaic cells due to rapid improvement in power conversion efficiencies. However, fundamental understanding of underlying mechanisms related to light- and bias-induced effects at the nanoscale is still required. Here, structural variations of the perovskites induced by light and bias are systematically investigated using scanning probe microscopy techniques. We show that periodically striped ferroelastic domains, spacing between 40 to 350 nm, exist within grains and can be modulated significantly under illumination as well as by electric bias. Williamson-Hall analysis of X-ray diffraction results shows that strain disorder is induced by these applied external stimuli. We show evidence that the structural emergence of domains can provide transfer pathways for holes to a hole transport layer with positive bias. Our findings point to potential origins of I–V hysteresis in halide perovskite solar cells.
The functional synergism of microRNA clustering provides therapeutically relevant epigenetic interference in glioblastoma
Authors: Bhaskaran Vivek , Nowicki Michal O. , Idriss Mahmoud , Jimenez Miguel A. , Lugli Gianmarco , Hayes Josie L. , Mahmoud Ahmad Bakur , Zane Rachel E. , Passaro Carmela , Ligon Keith L. , Haas-Kogan Daphne , Bronisz Agnieszka , Godlewski Jakub , Lawler Sean E. , Chiocca E. Antonio , Peruzzi Pierpaolo
Published: January 2019

MicroRNA deregulation is a consistent feature of glioblastoma, yet the biological effect of each single gene is generally modest, and therapeutically negligible. Here we describe a module of microRNAs, constituted by miR-124, miR-128 and miR-137, which are co-expressed during neuronal differentiation and simultaneously lost in gliomagenesis. Each one of these miRs targets several transcriptional regulators, including the oncogenic chromatin repressors EZH2, BMI1 and LSD1, which are functionally interdependent and involved in glioblastoma recurrence after therapeutic chemoradiation. Synchronizing the expression of these three microRNAs in a gene therapy approach displays significant anticancer synergism, abrogates this epigenetic-mediated, multi-protein tumor survival mechanism and results in a 5-fold increase in survival when combined with chemotherapy in murine glioblastoma models. These transgenic microRNA clusters display intercellular propagation in vivo, via extracellular vesicles, extending their biological effect throughout the whole tumor. Our results support the rationale and feasibility of combinatorial microRNA strategies for anticancer therapies.
Isolation and characterization of Sphingomonadaceae from fouled membranes
Authors: de Vries Hendrik J. , Beyer Florian , Jarzembowska Monika , Lipińska Joanna , van den Brink Paula , Zwijnenburg Arie , Timmers Peer H. A. , Stams Alfons J. M. , Plugge Caroline M.
Published: January 2019

Membrane filtration systems are widely applied for the production of clean drinking water. However, the accumulation of particles on synthetic membranes leads to fouling. Biological fouling (i.e., biofouling) of reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes is difficult to control by existing cleaning procedures. Improved strategies are therefore needed. The bacterial diversity on fouled membranes has been studied, especially to identify bacteria with specialized functions and to develop targeted approaches against these microbes. Previous studies have shown that Sphingomonadaceae are initial membrane colonizers that remain dominant while the biofilm develops. Here, we characterized 21 Sphingomonadaceae isolates, obtained from six different fouled membranes, to determine which physiological traits could contribute to colonization of membrane surfaces. Their growth conditions ranged from temperatures between 8 and 42 oC, salinity between 0.0 and 5.0% w/v NaCl, pH from 4 and 10, and all isolates were able to metabolize a wide range of substrates. The results presented here show that Sphingomonadaceae membrane isolates share many features that are uncommon for other members of the Sphingomonadaceae family: all membrane isolates are motile and their tolerance for different temperatures, salt concentrations, and pH is high. Although relative abundance is an indicator of fitness for a whole group, for the Sphingomonadaceae it does not reveal the specific physiological traits that are required for membrane colonization. This study, therefore, adds to more fundamental insights in membrane biofouling.
Single dose of a rVSV-based vaccine elicits complete protection against severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus
Authors: Dong Fangfang , Li Dandan , Wen Dan , Li Suhua , Zhao Chaoyue , Qi Yue , Jangra Rohit K. , Wu Cuiping , Xia Dequan , Zhang Xing , Deng Fei , Chandran Kartik , Zou Zhen , Yuan Fei , Zheng Aihua
Published: January 2019

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia virus (SFTSV) is an emerging tick-borne phlebovirus that causes lethal human disease, for which there are no licensed antiviral vaccines or therapies. Herein, we developed a live attenuated recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV)-based vaccine candidate expressing the SFTSV Gn/Gc glycoproteins (rVSV-SFTSV/AH12-GP). High titers of cross-protective, broadly neutralizing antibodies were elicited by a single dose of rVSV-SFTSV/AH12-GP in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice against multiple strains of SFTSV and the related but distinct phlebovirus Heartland virus (HRTV). Remarkably, complete protection against lethal challenge with SFTSV was conferred in young and old immunocompromised mice irrespective of any pre-existing vector-specific immunity. Collectively, these results suggest that a rVSV vector expressing SFTSV glycoproteins is a promising candidate vaccine against two emerging phleboviruses associated with severe human diseases.
Effective CRISPR/Cas9-mediated correction of a Fanconi anemia defect by error-prone end joining or templated repair
Authors: van de Vrugt Henri J. , Harmsen Tim , Riepsaame Joey , Alexantya Georgina , van Mil Saskia E. , de Vries Yne , Bin Ali Rahmen , Huijbers Ivo J. , Dorsman Josephine C. , Wolthuis Rob M. F. , te Riele Hein
Published: January 2019

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a cancer predisposition syndrome characterized by congenital abnormalities, bone marrow failure, and hypersensitivity to aldehydes and crosslinking agents. For FA patients, gene editing holds promise for therapeutic applications aimed at functionally restoring mutated genes in hematopoietic stem cells. However, intrinsic FA DNA repair defects may obstruct gene editing feasibility. Here, we report on the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated correction of a disruptive mutation in Fancf. Our experiments revealed that gene editing could effectively restore Fancf function via error-prone end joining resulting in a 27% increased survival in the presence of mitomycin C. In addition, templated gene correction could be achieved after double strand or single strand break formation. Although templated gene editing efficiencies were low (≤6%), FA corrected embryonic stem cells acquired a strong proliferative advantage over non-corrected cells, even without imposing genotoxic stress. Notably, Cas9 nickase activity resulted in mono-allelic gene editing and avoidance of undesired mutagenesis. In conclusion: DNA repair defects associated with FANCF deficiency do not prohibit CRISPR/Cas9 gene correction. Our data provide a solid basis for the application of pre-clinical models to further explore the potential of gene editing against FA, with the eventual aim to obtain therapeutic strategies against bone marrow failure.
External ballistics of Pleistocene hand-thrown spears: experimental performance data and implications for human evolution
Authors: Milks Annemieke , Parker David , Pope Matt
Published: January 2019

The appearance of weaponry - technology designed to kill - is a critical but poorly established threshold in human evolution. It is an important behavioural marker representing evolutionary changes in ecology, cognition, language and social behaviours. While the earliest weapons are often considered to be hand-held and consequently short-ranged, the subsequent appearance of distance weapons is a crucial development. Projectiles are seen as an improvement over contact weapons, and are considered by some to have originated only with our own species in the Middle Stone Age and Upper Palaeolithic. Despite the importance of distance weapons in the emergence of full behavioral modernity, systematic experimentation using trained throwers to evaluate the ballistics of thrown spears during flight and at impact is lacking. This paper addresses this by presenting results from a trial of trained javelin athletes, providing new estimates for key performance parameters. Overlaps in distances and impact energies between hand-thrown spears and spearthrowers are evidenced, and skill emerges as a significant factor in successful use. The results show that distance hunting was likely within the repertoire of hunting strategies of Neanderthals, and the resulting behavioural flexibility closely mirrors that of our own species.
Selective control of molecule charge state on graphene using tip-induced electric field and nitrogen doping
Authors: Pham Van Dong , Ghosh Sukanya , Joucken Frédéric , Pelaez-Fernandez Mario , Repain Vincent , Chacon Cyril , Bellec Amandine , Girard Yann , Sporken Robert , Rousset Sylvie , Dappe Yannick J. , Narasimhan Shobhana , Lagoute Jérôme
Published: January 2019

The combination of graphene with molecules offers promising opportunities to achieve new functionalities. In these hybrid structures, interfacial charge transfer plays a key role in the electronic properties and thus has to be understood and mastered. Using scanning tunneling microscopy and ab initio density functional theory calculations, we show that combining nitrogen doping of graphene with an electric field allows for a selective control of the charge state in a molecular layer on graphene. On pristine graphene, the local gating applied by the tip induces a shift of the molecular levels of adsorbed molecules and can be used to control their charge state. Ab initio calculations show that under the application of an electric field, the hybrid molecule/graphene system behaves like an electrostatic dipole with opposite charges in the molecule and graphene sub-units that are found to be proportional to the electric field amplitude, which thereby controls the charge transfer. When local gating is combined with nitrogen doping of graphene, the charging voltage of molecules on nitrogen is greatly lowered. Consequently, applying the proper electric field allows one to obtain a molecular layer with a mixed charge state, where a selective reduction is performed on single molecules at nitrogen sites.
Action and mechanism of the colistin resistance enzyme MCR-4
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Hou Mengyun , Xu Yongchang , Srinivas Swaminath , Huang Man , Liu Lizhang , Feng Youjun
Published: January 2019

Colistin is the last-resort antibiotic against lethal infections with multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. A rainbow coalition of mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes raises global health concerns. Here, we describe the action and mechanism of colistin resistance imparted by MCR-4, a recently-identified member from the broader MCR family. We found that MCR-4 originates from the silenced variant of Shewanella frigidimarina via progressive evolution and forms a phylogenetically-distinct group from the well-studied MCR-1/2 family. Domain-swapping experiments further confirmed that MCR-1 and MCR-4 transmembrane and catalytic domains are not functionally-interchangeable. However, structural and functional analyses demonstrated that MCR-4 possesses a similar PE lipid substrate-recognizable cavity and exploits an almost-identical ping-pong catalysis mechanism. MCR-4 also can alleviate colistin-triggered accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Taken together, this finding constitutes a functional proof that MCR-4 proceeds in a distinct evolutionary path to fulfill a consistent molecular mechanism, resulting in phenotypic colistin resistance.
Time-resolved electrostatic force microscopy using tip-synchronized charge generation with pulsed laser excitation
Authors: Araki Kento , Ie Yutaka , Aso Yoshio , Ohoyama Hiroshi , Matsumoto Takuya
Published: January 2019

Nanoscale observation of charge distribution and electric polarization is crucial for understanding and controlling functional materials and devices. In particular, the importance of charge dynamics is well recognized, and direct methods to observe charge generation, transfer, and recombination processes are required. Here, we describe tip-synchronized time-resolved electrostatic force microscopy. Numerical modeling clarifies that the tip-synchronized method provides temporal resolution with the timescale of the cantilever oscillation cycle. This method enables us to resolve sub-microsecond charge migration on the surface. The recombination of photo-excited carriers in a bilayer organic photovoltaic thin film is observed as a movie with a 0.3 µs frame step time resolution. Analysis of the images shows that the carrier lifetime is 2.3 µs near the donor/acceptor interface. The tip-synchronized method increases the range of time-resolved electrostatic force microscopy, paving the way for studies of nanoscale charge dynamics.
Advances in diagnostic methods for keloids and biomarker-targeted fluorescent probes
Authors: Kang Sangrim , Hur Junho K. , Kim Dokyoung
Published: January 2019

A focused review of keloid diagnosis, keloid biomarkers, and recently reported fluorescent probes.
Inhibitory effect of Athelia rolfsii exopolysaccharides on organ damage in lead-exposed Kunming strain mice
Authors: Li Bingdong , Li Hongmei , Gao Yawen , Fan Chunting , Min Weihong
Published: January 2019

Herein, Athelia rolfsii exopolysaccharides (AEPS) were used to alleviate organ damage in lead-exposed mice.
Controllable co-assembly of organic micro/nano heterostructures from fluorescent and phosphorescent molecules for dual anti-counterfeiting
Authors: Yang Chunchen , Gu Long , Ma Chaoqun , Gu Mingxing , Xie Xiaoji , Shi Huifang , Ma Huili , Yao Wei , An Zhongfu , Huang Wei
Published: January 2019

Two types of branched organic heterostructures with both a fluorescer and a metal-free ultralong phosphor were prepared for dual anti-counterfeiting applications.
A multifunctional mesoporous silica–gold nanocluster hybrid platform for selective breast cancer cell detection using a catalytic amplification-based colorimetric assay
Authors: Li Mingqiang , Lao Yeh-Hsing , Mintz Rachel L. , Chen Zhuanggui , Shao Dan , Hu Hanze , Wang Hong-Xia , Tao Yu , Leong Kam W.
Published: January 2019

Breast cancer detection: The biosensor based on HER2 antibodies attached to MSN–AuNC hybrids is sensitive, selective, economical and simple to operate.
A metal- and base-free domino protocol for the synthesis of 1,3-benzoselenazines, 1,3-benzothiazines and related scaffolds
Authors: Putta V. P. Rama Kishore , Gujjarappa Raghuram , Tyagi Ujjawal , Pujar Prasad P. , Malakar Chandi C.
Published: January 2019

Efficient and operationally simple protocols have been demonstrated for the synthesis of the title compounds using easily available starting materials under mild conditions, giving a broad range of rarely reported molecules in excellent yields.
Cobalt-catalyzed direct transformation of aldehydes to esters: the crucial role of an enone as a mediator
Authors: Jiang Biao-Lin , Lin Yang , Wang Meng-Liang , Liu Dian-Sheng , Xu Bao-Hua , Zhang Suo-Jiang
Published: January 2019

An oxidative esterification of aldehydes with alkanols catalyzed by an in situ generated low-valent cobalt system has been developed using an enone as a mild oxidant.
Enantiodivergent synthesis of 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethanes via asymmetric [3 + 2]-cycloaddition
Authors: Liu Bing , Li Wenbo , Wu Hai-Hong , Zhang Junliang
Published: January 2019

The present work provides efficient access to chiral 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethanes (DPPEs) directly from diphosphine oxide alkenes and azomethine ylides via asymmetric [3 + 2] cycloaddition. Both enantiomers of the products can be obtained in good to excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities (up to >20 : 1 dr and 99% ee).
Carbene-catalyzed oxidative acylation promoted by an unprecedented oxidant CCl3CN
Authors: Wu Zijun , Jiang Di , Wang Jian
Published: January 2019

An unprecedented example of a NHC-catalyzed acylation reaction is promoted by CCl3CN as an oxidant.
Synthesis of novel rambutan-like graphene@aluminum composite spheres and non-destructive terahertz characterization
Authors: Yang Zhongbo , Feng Shuanglong , Yao Wei , Han Jiaguang , Wang Huabin
Published: January 2019

Synthesis of novel rambutan-like graphene@aluminum composite spheres by MPCVD, and the evaluation of shell thickness by a non-destructive terahertz technique.
Immobilization adjusted clock reaction in the urea–urease–H+ reaction system
Authors: Yang Dan , Fan Junhe , Cao Fengyi , Deng Zuojun , Pojman John A. , Ji Lin
Published: January 2019

The reported immobilization shifts the bell-shaped reactivity-pH curve to lower pHs and enables the clock reaction to occur from a very low initial pH, where the free enzyme had already lost its activity.
DMSO-mediated palladium-catalyzed cyclization of two isothiocyanates via C–H sulfurization: a new route to 2-aminobenzothiazoles
Authors: Yao Guangkai , Wang Bing-Feng , Yang Shuai , Zhang Zhi-Xiang , Xu Han-Hong , Tang Ri-Yuan
Published: January 2019

DMSO-initiated coupling of two isothiocyanates; Pd-catalyzed C–H sulfurization.
Template-free synthesis of salmon pink tube-shaped structure carbon nitride with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Cao Youzhi , Jing Xinbo , Chen Yajuan , Kang Wenjie , Wang Shufen , Wang Wei
Published: January 2019

Designing a highly active and stable photocatalyst to directly solve environmental pollution is desirable for solar energy conversion.
An integrated transparent, UV-filtering organohydrogel sensor via molecular-level ion conductive channels
Authors: Pan Xiaofeng , Wang Qinhua , Guo Runsheng , Ni Yonghao , Liu Kai , Ouyang Xinhua , Chen Lihui , Huang Liulian , Cao Shilin , Xie Mingying
Published: January 2019

Transparent, UV-filtered, anti-freezing, and moisture-retention organohydrogel-based sensors are prepared by incorporating ions/microparticles into a binary solvent system.
Shear alignment and 2D charge transport of tilted smectic liquid crystalline phases – XRD and FET studies
Authors: Wurzbach Iris , Rothe Christian , Bruchlos Kirsten , Ludwigs Sabine , Giesselmann Frank
Published: January 2019

In the tilted smectic phases of terthiophenes, shear alignment macroscopically aligns the tilt direction of the director leading to a substantial in-plane anisotropy of charge carrier mobility in organic field effect transistor (OFET) experiments.
Prospects for experimental realization of two-dimensional aluminium allotropes
Authors: Lukačević Igor , Varga Pajtler Maja , Mužević Matko , Gupta Sanjeev K.
Published: January 2019

Theory reveals how 2D aluminum could be synthesized.
Mg–Mg-bonded compounds with N,N′-dipp-substituted phenanthrene-diamido and o-phenylene-diamino ligands
Authors: Ma Meimei , Wang Huanhuan , Wang Juju , Shen Lingyi , Zhao Yanxia , Xu Wen-Hua , Wu Biao , Yang Xiao-Juan
Published: January 2019

Two Mg–Mg-bonded compounds were synthesized by using phenanthrene-diimine and o-phenylenediamine ligands; their UV-Vis and fluorescence spectra and reactivity were studied.
Expression of concern: One-pot synthesis of O-doped BN nanosheets as a capacitive deionization electrode for efficient removal of heavy metal ions from water
Authors: Keltie Sam
Published: January 2019

Expression of concern for ‘One-pot synthesis of O-doped BN nanosheets as a capacitive deionization electrode for efficient removal of heavy metal ions from water’ by Ming Ming Chen et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2017, 5, 17029–17039.
Expression of concern: Mesoporous amorphous FeOF nanococoons for high-rate and long-life rechargeable sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Keltie Sam
Published: January 2019

Expression of concern for ‘Mesoporous amorphous FeOF nanococoons for high-rate and long-life rechargeable sodium-ion batteries’ by Shi Yan Fu et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2015, 3, 16716–16727.
Creating a potential diagnostic for prostate cancer risk stratification (InformMDx™) by translating novel scientific discoveries concerning cAMP degrading phosphodiesterase-4D7 (PDE4D7)
Authors: Henderson Dave J.P. , Houslay Miles D. , Bangma Chris H. , Hoffmann Ralf
Published: January 2019

Increased PSA-based screening for prostate cancer has resulted in a growing number of diagnosed cases. However, around half of these are ‘indolent’, neither metastasizing nor leading to disease specific death. Treating non-progressing tumours with invasive therapies is currently regarded as unnecessary over-treatment with patients being considered for conservative regimens, such as active surveillance (AS). However, this raises both compliance and protocol issues. Great clinical benefit could accrue from a biomarker able to predict long-term patient outcome accurately at the time of biopsy and initial diagnosis. Here we delineate the translation of a laboratory discovery through to the precision development of a clinically validated, novel prognostic biomarker assay (InformMDx™). This centres on determining transcript levels for phosphodiesterase-4D7 (PDE4D7), an enzyme that breaks down cyclic AMP, a signalling molecule intimately connected with proliferation and androgen receptor function. Quantifiable detection of PDE4D7 mRNA transcripts informs on the longitudinal outcome of post-surgical disease progression. The risk of post-surgical progression increases steeply for patients with very low ‘PDE4D7 scores’, while risk decreases markedly for those patients with very high ‘PDE4D7 scores’. Combining clinical risk variables, such as the Gleason or CAPRA (Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment) score, with the ‘PDE4D7 score’ further enhances the prognostic power of this personalized, precision assessment. Thus the ‘PDE4D7 score’ has the potential to define, more effectively, appropriate medical intervention/AS strategies for individual prostate cancer patients.
States prediction for solar power and wind speed using BBA‐SVM
Authors: Li Zhen‐Long , Xia Jing , Liu An , Li Peng
Published: January 2019

For solar power and wind speed prediction, the uncertainty and randomness of prediction model or parameters make it a challenging task to optimise the accurate output. This study presents a novel backward bat algorithm (BBA) for the parameter tuning of the support vector machine (SVM). Then, the BBA‐SVM approach is used to predict the solar power and wind speed output in different situations. The salient feather of the novel BBA‐SVM is that an improved flying principle is developed by adopting the backward flying mechanism, which enhances the randomly searching ability and thus avoids the local optimum effectively. Compared to traditional SVM methods, the BBA‐SVM gains higher training accuracy, shorter training time, and better prediction performance. Take the solar power output in a sunny day as the validation case, the real data sets from Australia are adopted for comparative simulations, demonstrating the priority of the BBA‐SVM against some other SVMs like the grid searching SVM, bat algorithm SVM, and generic algorithm aided BBA‐SVM.
Electric bus fast charging station resource planning considering load aggregation and renewable integration
Authors: Cheng Yu , Wang Wang , Ding Zhaohao , He Zhiyao
Published: January 2019

As the progress of electrification for the public transportation sector is accelerated, it becomes more and more important to integrated planning charging infrastructure for public transportation, while emerging technologies such as distributed renewable generation and energy storage system should be accounted. Here, an integrated resource planning framework is proposed where both planning investment cost and operational cost are considered. An aggregation strategy is also proposed to optimise the charging decisions for electric bus on different routes, which could effectively improve the planning and operation efficiency. To address the uncertainties involved in this process, a scenario‐based chance‐constrained programming approach is adopted. A numerical case study is also included to demonstrate the effectiveness of this proposed resource planning model.
A systematic metallicity study of DustPedia galaxies reveals evolution in the dust-to-metal ratios
Authors: De Vis P. , Jones A. , Viaene S. , Casasola V. , Clark C. J. R. , Baes M. , Bianchi S. , Cassara L. P. , Davies J. I. , De Looze I. , Galametz M. , Galliano F. , Lianou S. , Madden S. , Manilla-Robles A. , Mosenkov A. V. , Nersesian A. , Roychowdhury S. , Xilouris E. M. , Ysard N.
Published: January 2019

Observations of evolution in the dust-to-metal ratio allow us to constrain the dominant dust processing mechanisms. In this work, we present a study of the dust-to-metal and dust-to-gas ratios in a sub-sample of ~500 DustPedia galaxies. Using literature and MUSE emission line fluxes, we derived gas-phase metallicities (oxygen abundances) for over 10 000 individual regions and determine characteristic metallicities for each galaxy. We study how the relative dust, gas, and metal contents of galaxies evolve by using metallicity and gas fraction as proxies for evolutionary state. The global oxygen abundance and nitrogen-to-oxygen ratio are found to increase monotonically as galaxies evolve. Additionally, unevolved galaxies (gas fraction >60%, metallicity 12 + log(O∕H) < 8.2) have dust-to-metal ratios that are about a factor of 2.1 lower (a factor of six lower for galaxies with gas fraction >80%) than the typical dust-to-metal ratio (Md∕MZ ~ 0.214) for more evolved sources. However, for high gas fractions, the scatter is larger due to larger observational uncertainties as well as a potential dependence of the dust grain growth timescale and supernova dust yield on local conditions and star formation histories. We find chemical evolution models with a strong contribution from dust grain growth describe these observations reasonably well. The dust-to-metal ratio is also found to be lower for low stellar masses and high specific star formation rates (with the exception of some sources undergoing a starburst). Finally, the metallicity gradient correlates weakly with the HI-to-stellar mass ratio, the effective radius and the dust-to-stellar mass ratio, but not with stellar mass.
Power consumption in the Eastern regions of Russia: prediction issues
Authors: Korneev Anatoliy , Korneev Konstantin
Published: January 2019

The paper deals with the economic development of Russia and its Eastern regions for a long-term horizon under periodically emerging crises. A macro-forecast of the economic development of Russia is offered and power consumption levels for the country and its Eastern regions are forecasted.
The information system for the regional energy balance formation
Authors: Muzychuk Roman
Published: January 2019

A study of the energy efficiency of the fuel and energy complex of the regions has a great attention. For an integrated introduction of trends and patterns in the energy sector, approaches we use based on the analysis of the fuel and energy balance (FEB). The function of FEB is to show the availability and use of energy resources in a certain territory and determination of indices of energy efficiency. The article presents an approach to the formation of fuel and energy balances based on the available statistical information.
Methodical approach to the estimation of possible energy production by wind and solar power plants using weather station data
Authors: Shakirov Vladislav
Published: January 2019

The expediency of using several sources of information on climate factors for estimating the potential of wind and solar energy is substantiated. Specific features of the methodology and developed software for estimating the generation of energy by wind power plants based on weather stations open access data are considered. The possibility of taking into account the results of aerodynamic modeling of the flow of the terrain by the wind flow is realized. The methodology is implemented in the form of a computer program called Wind-MCA. It includes a module for analyzing wind power potential, a module for analyzing wind turbines, an economic analysis module, and a multi-criteria analysis module. Specific features of the methodology and developed software for estimating the generation of energy by solar power plants based on data on the transparency of the atmosphere, temperature and cloudiness are considered. The technique is implemented in the form of a computer program called Sun-MCA. The estimation of the wind energy and solar energy potential of several settlements in the central zone of the Baikal region is carried out taking into account the climate change in the region.
Two-step procedure for multi-criteria choice of generating-capacity structure in remote areas
Authors: Nefedov Aleksandr , Shakirov Vladislav
Published: January 2019

The paper dwells upon the problem of multi-criteria choice of ways to develop generating capacities to supply power to remote consumers. We herein propose a two-step multi-criteria analysis method: choosing promising power-generation technology first, and then specifying the generating-capacity structure. The paper describes the structure of the proposed multi-criteria methods: the interval TOPSIS method for Step 1; for Step 2, an upgraded analytic hierarchy process based on identifying the structure of the decision maker’s preferences. We demonstrate the use of this method with evidence from the Penzhinsky District, Kamchatka Krai. Thermal power plants, hydroelectric power plants, diesel power plants, as well as solar and wind power are analyzed as power sources. Step 1 includes: analyzing the potential power-supply loads in a specific area; formulating alternative power-generation technology; formulating goals and criteria; criterion-based evaluation of alternative options using objective and subjective models; multi-criteria evaluation of alternatives; analyzing the sensitivity of results and the selection of promising technology. Step 2 includes: formulating goals and criteria on the basis of the selected power-generation technologies; formulating the available alternatives; criterion-based evaluation of alternatives; multi-criteria evaluation and final decision-making.
Coal industry of East Siberia - prospects for development
Authors: Takaishvili Liudmila , Sokolov Aleksander
Published: January 2019

The paper presents the analysis of the current state of coal industry in East Siberia: coal production, processing and delivery. The coal reserves are characterized. The deposits promising for coal production development are presented. The possibilities of increasing coal production and export are studied. The projects on the development of deposits are evaluated. The promising areas for using East Siberian coals, which determine the prospects for coal production development, are described.
The Effect of Resins on Rheological and ageing Characteristics of Bitumen for Pavement
Authors: Hermadi Madi , Pravianto Willy
Published: January 2019

Bitumen consists of thousands of hydrocarbon molecule types with each molecule contributes to the overall bitumen characteristics. Therefore, it is important to identify the influence of each chemical component of bitumen that altogether constructs the bitumen characteristics. This is likely to be completed by evaluating and modifying bitumen components to produce a new type of bitumen with better characteristics. The realistic way to do this is by analysing it in groups or fractions; one group or fraction comprises bitumen molecules with similar characteristics. This paper aims to address this issue by describing the effect of resins on rheological characteristics of bitumen at various ageing process stages. The materials used in this study were Buton rock asphalt or natural rock asphalt from Buton Island in Indonesia which was from Lawele region and petroleum bitumen penetration grade 80/100 from a refinery in Kemaman Malaysia. The materials were tested to identify their charactheristics and the resins components were also extracted and tested with Corbett method. Each extracted resin (from Buton rock asphalt bitumen and petroleum bitumen) was blended in proportions of 0%, 5%, and 10% with the Kemaman petroleum bitumen as a bitumen medium. The blended bitumen samples were also tested for their rheological characteristics using Dynamic Shear Rheometer. Each sample was tested at five different temperature levels (46°C, 52°C, 58°C, 64°C and 70°C) and at un-aged, artificial short-term aged (RTFOT-aged), and artificial long-term aged (PAV-aged) conditions. The results indicated that the source of resins had a significant value of 0.065 or larger than the 0.05 critical point value. There was no difference in the effect of the experiments using either Buton rock asphalt or petroleum bitumen on the complex shear modulus G*. At fresh condition, there was no effect of adding resins on the bitumen rheological characteristics except for the elastic modulus (G’). However, the effect increased over the RTFOT-ageing and PAV-aging level because of the normal ageing process.
The sustainability of public transport operation based on financial point of view
Authors: Budiarto Arif
Published: January 2019

One of the keys to be successful in transport modeling is indicated by how large the transfence of private users to public transports. The public transport role to solve the problem of traffic jam in urban areas is indisputable. It is undeniable that public transport is a very efficient mode in using road space. For that reason, the sustainability of public transport becomes a necessity that must be achieved. When there is no possible way to minimize the operating cost, the only way is by raising the revenue. The revenue really depends on the number of passengers and not by raising fare, as the fare has been set by the government. This paper attempts to analyze the financial resilience on public transport in Surakarta City i.e. Batik Solo Trans (BST) based on the data of users demand on public transport. This study found that the total of real passengers per year was very few that there were only 87, 908 passengers and the financial loss related to the BST operation was Rp. 291,302,006.00 per year. If it happens continuesly, the sustainability is difficult to maintain, unless the Surakarta Municipal Government is willing to cover the loss. The operation of BST will reach break even point if the number of passengers reach 161,056 people per year.
Assessment of compressive strength of peat soil with sawdust and Rice Husk Ash (RHA) with hydrated lime as additive
Authors: Hamzah Noorfaizah , Mat Yusof Nur ‘Ain , Mohd Rahimi Muhammad Ihsan Haziq
Published: January 2019

Construction activities on peat soils are found to be extremely difficult as the soil is profound as soft soil and has low shear strength and high moisture content. Due to alternating swelling and shrinkage nature, it causes serious damage to the structure above it. This happens due to repetition of drying and wetting of soil. Stabilization of soil is commonly applied to improve the mechanical properties of soil prior to soil engineering works. This soil improvement method is advantageous and effective one by using waste materials. Waste in our country is divided in various types and it includes domestic wastes, industrial wasters, agricultural wastes etc. Because of difficulties to diminish these wastes without affect to environment and surroundings, it can be used as a stabilizing agent in the soil. Therefore, this experimental study carried out to evaluate the effect of Rice Husk Ash (RHA) and sawdust on engineering properties of the peat soil. The properties such as compaction and unconfined compressive strength are determined separately with sawdust and added of RHA in peat soil at a variety of percentages (2.5%, 5% etc.) in addition small amount of constant rate of lime with 2% of the dry soil weight. By obtaining the results, it can deduce a promising and improving result in stabilizing the soil with sawdust and Rice Husk Ash in both economic and strength capacity. This will not only solve the waste disposal problem but also enhance the strength characteristics of soil significantly.
Construction cleared land impact on air quality deterioration: quantification of soil borne dustfall and suspended particulate generation
Authors: Yuwono Arief Sabdo , Iskandar  , Fauzan Muhammad , Buana Elsy Gustika , Ra’up Agung Abdul , Herwati Ety
Published: January 2019

Impact of land clearing during construction that generate dustfall and suspended particulate in ambient air is awfully obvious to observe. According to Indonesian standard as stipulated in Government Regulation (PP) no. 41/1999 pertaining to Air Pollution Control, dustfall and suspended particulate are two important parameters of ambient air quality. However, it remains a problem on how to predict the quantity of dustfall and suspended particulate that is potentially generated during construction land clearing due to lack of prediction method. In this research, a simple way to predict this number has been developed by applying mathematical expressions that are based on a series of laboratory and field experiments covering 15 soil types in Java and Sumatra Islands of Indonesia in 2013-2017. The mathematical formulas can now be implemented directly as a part of an environmental impact assessment, especially in the part of impact prediction of land clearing on air quality change. The formula consists of four parameters, i.e. soil types, local wind velocity, soil moisture content, and percentage of land cover. By inputting these four parameters in the mathematical equation simultaneously, one could directly obtain the quantity of dustfall and suspended particulate generation due to any human activity, such as construction land clearing. The quantity of the generated dustfall is expressed in [ton/km2/month], whereas the suspended particulate generation is expressed in [ug/Nm3] in compliance with the national standard of air quality, i.e. PP No.41/1999. Currently, calculation of the generated dustfall and suspended particulate could be carried out faster and even simpler by using a programmed spreadsheet containing all equations, limitations and terms of conditions that have been compiled during the last five year research campaign.
Fundamental factors on the behaviour of bagasse ash stabilized organic soil
Authors: Hatmoko John Tri , Suryadharma Hendra
Published: January 2019

A series of experimental programs was undertaken to investigate mechanical behaviour of bagasse ash stabilized organic soil. Preliminary experiment was done to verify the chemical and physical characteristics of bagasse ash and organic soil. The following experiment was then performed to study the improvement of unconfined compression strength of bagasse ash stabilized organic soil. In this research, three different organic soils and four different bagasse ashes were used. The soil was mixed with 10, 20 and 30% bagasse ash, then a set of unconfined compression tests were performed. In general, the results indicate that the unconfined compression strength of stabilized soil improve proportional to the percentage of bagasse ash. And, the quick lime content (CaO), ratio between quick lime and silica (CaO/SiO2), and ratio between quick lime and the sum of silica and alumina {CaO/(SiO2+Al2O3)} were the fundamental factors affecting the improvement of bagasse ash stabilized soil unconfined compression strength. The significant improvement occurs on 0.25 < (CaO/SiO2) < 1.00, and 0.20< (CaO/(SiO2+Al3O3) < 0.67. In contrast, organic content decreased unconfined compression, and maximum dry density (MDD) of stabilized soil. The addition of bagasse to the organic soil, however, does not significantly improve the unconfined compression strength, then addition of 6, 8, and 10% calcium carbide residue (CCR) was performed to the bagasse ash stbilized organic soil to get better engineering performance of stabilized soil. For 9% CCR, qu improve from 93 to 208 kPa.