bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-situ high-speed X-ray imaging of piezo-driven directed energy deposition additive manufacturing
Authors: Wolff Sarah J. , Wu Hao , Parab Niranjan , Zhao Cang , Ehmann Kornel F. , Sun Tao , Cao Jian
Published: January 2019

Powder-blown laser additive manufacturing adds flexibility, in terms of locally varying powder materials, to the ability of building components with complex geometry. Although the process is promising, porosity is common in a built component, hence decreasing fatigue life and mechanical strength. The understanding of the physical phenomena during the interaction of a laser beam and powder-blown deposition is limited and requires in-situ monitoring to capture the influences of process parameters on powder flow, absorptivity of laser energy into the substrate, melt pool dynamics and porosity formation. This study introduces a piezo-driven powder deposition system that allows for imaging of individual powder particles that flow into a scanning melt pool. Here, in-situ high-speed X-ray imaging of the powder-blown additive manufacturing process of Ti-6Al-4V powder particles is the first of its kind and reveals how laser-matter interaction influences powder flow and porosity formation.
On the causes of Arctic sea ice in the warm Early Pliocene
Authors: Clotten Caroline , Stein Ruediger , Fahl Kirsten , Schreck Michael , Risebrobakken Bjørg , De Schepper Stijn
Published: January 2019

Scattered and indirect evidence suggests that sea ice occurred as far south as the Iceland Sea during the Early Pliocene, when the global climate was warmer than present. However, conclusive evidence as well as potential mechanisms governing sea ice occurrence outside the Arctic Ocean during a time with elevated greenhouse gas concentrations are still elusive. Here we present a suite of organic biomarkers and palynological records from the Iceland Sea and Yermak Plateau. We show that sea ice appeared as early as ~4.5 Ma in the Iceland Sea. The sea ice either occurred seasonally or was transported southward with the East Greenland Current. The Yermak Plateau mostly remained free of sea ice and was influenced dominantly by Atlantic water. From ~4.0 Ma, occurrence of extended sea ice conditions at both the Yermak Plateau and Iceland Sea document a substantial expansion of sea ice in the Arctic. The expansion occurred contemporaneous with increased northward heat and moisture transport in the North Atlantic region, which likely led to a fresher Arctic Ocean that favors sea ice formation. This extensive sea ice cover along the pathway of the East Greenland Current gradually isolated Greenland from warmer Atlantic water in the Late Pliocene, providing a positive feedback for ice sheet expansion in Greenland.
Flax latitudinal adaptation at LuTFL1 altered architecture and promoted fiber production
Authors: Gutaker Rafal M. , Zaidem Maricris , Fu Yong-Bi , Diederichsen Axel , Smith Oliver , Ware Roselyn , Allaby Robin G.
Published: January 2019

After domestication in the Near East around 10,000 years ago several founder crops, flax included, spread to European latitudes. On reaching northerly latitudes the architecture of domesticated flax became more suitable to fiber production over oil, with longer stems, smaller seeds and fewer axillary branches. Latitudinal adaptations in crops typically result in changes in flowering time, often involving the PEBP family of genes that also have the potential to influence plant architecture. Two PEBP family genes in the flax genome,LuTFL1andLuTFL2, vary in wild and cultivated flax over latitudinal range with cultivated flax receivingLuTFL1alleles from northerly wild flax populations. Compared to a background of population structure of flaxes over latitude, theLuTFL1alleles display a level of differentiation that is consistent with selection for an allele III in the north. We demonstrate through heterologous expression inArabidopsis thalianathatLuTFL1is a functional homolog ofTFL1inA.thalianacapable of changing both flowering time and plant architecture. We conclude that specialized fiber flax types could have formed as a consequence of a natural adaptation of cultivated flax to higher latitudes.
Quantitative monitoring of the cytoplasmic release of NCp7 proteins from individual HIV-1 viral cores during the early steps of infection
Authors: Zgheib Sarwat , Lysova Iryna , Réal Eleonore , Dukhno Oleksii , Vauchelles Romain , Pires Manuel , Anton Halina , Mély Yves
Published: January 2019

Fluorescence microscopy imaging of individual HIV-1 viruses necessitates a specific labeling of viral structures that minimally perturbs the infection process. Herein, we used HIV-1 pseudoviruses containing NCp7 fused to a tetracystein (TC) tag, labeled by a biarsenical fluorescein derivative (FlAsH) to quantitatively monitor the NCp7 protein concentration in the viral cores during the early stages of infection. Single particle imaging of individual pseudoviruses with defined ratios of TC-tagged to non tagged NCp7 proteins, together with theoretical modeling of energy transfer between FlAsH dyes, showed that the high packaging of TC-tagged proteins in the viral cores causes a strong fluorescence quenching of FlAsH and that the fluorescence intensity of individual viral complexes is an appropriate parameter to monitor changes in the amount of NCp7 molecules within the viral particles during infection. Interestingly, we observed a dramatic fluorescence increase of individual FlAsH-labeled pseudoviruses containing 100% TC-tagged NCp7 proteins in infected cells at 8 and 16 h post-infection. This effect was significantly lower for pseudoviruses expressing TC-tagged integrase. Therefore, this fluorescence increase is likely related to the cytoplasmic viral transformation and the release of NCp7 molecules from the viral complexes. This loss of quenching effect is largely reduced when reverse transcriptase is inhibited, showing that NCp7 release is connected to viral DNA synthesis. A spatial analysis further revealed that NCp7-TC release is more pronounced in the perinuclear space, where capsid disassembly is thought to be completed. Quantification of NCp7-TC content based on fluorescence quenching presented in this study evidences for the first time the cytoplasmic release of NCp7 during the remodeling of HIV-1 viral particles on their journey toward the nucleus. The developed approach can be applied to quantify dye concentrations in a wide range of nano-objects by fluorescence microscopy techniques.
USP19 deubiquitinates EWS-FLI1 to regulate Ewing sarcoma growth
Authors: Gierisch Maria E. , Pedot Gloria , Walser Franziska , Lopez-Garcia Laura A. , Jaaks Patricia , Niggli Felix K. , Schäfer Beat W.
Published: January 2019

Ewing sarcoma is the second most common pediatric bone and soft tissue tumor presenting with an aggressive behavior and prevalence to metastasize. The diagnostic translocation t(22;11)(q24;12) leads to expression of the chimeric oncoprotein EWS-FLI1 which is uniquely expressed in all tumor cells and maintains their survival. Constant EWS-FLI1 protein turnover is regulated by the ubiquitin proteasome system. Here, we now identified ubiquitin specific protease 19 (USP19) as a regulator of EWS-FLI1 stability using an siRNA based screening approach. Depletion of USP19 resulted in diminished EWS-FLI1 protein levels and, vice versa, upregulation of active USP19 stabilized the fusion protein. Importantly, stabilization appears to be specific for the fusion protein as it could not be observed neither for EWSR1 nor for FLI1 wild type proteins even though USP19 binds to the N-terminal EWS region to regulate deubiquitination of both EWS-FLI1 and EWSR1. Further, stable shUSP19 depletion resulted in decreased cell growth and diminished colony forming capacity in vitro, and significantly delayed tumor growth in vivo. Our findings not only provide novel insights into the importance of the N-terminal EWSR1 domain for regulation of fusion protein stability, but also indicate that inhibition of deubiquitinating enzyme(s) might constitute a novel therapeutic strategy in treatment of Ewing sarcoma.
Network Analysis Reveals TNF as a Major Hub of Reactive Inflammation Following Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Zhu Weiping , Chen Xuning , Ning Le , Jin Kan
Published: January 2019

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to reactive inflammation and other harmful events that limit spinal cord regeneration. We propose an approach for studying the mechanisms at the levels of network topology, gene ontology, signaling pathways, and disease inference. We treated inflammatory mediators as toxic chemicals and retrieved the genes and interacting proteins associated with them via a set of biological medical databases and software. We identified >10,000 genes associated with SCI. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) had the highest scores, and the top 30 were adopted as core data. In the core interacting protein network, TNF and other top 10 nodes were the major hubs. The core members were involved in cellular responses and metabolic processes, as components of the extracellular space and regions, in protein-binding and receptor-binding functions, as well as in the TNF signaling pathway. In addition, both seizures and SCI were highly associated with TNF levels; therefore, for achieving a better curative effect on SCI, TNF and other major hubs should be targeted together according to the theory of network intervention, rather than a single target such as TNF alone. Furthermore, certain drugs used to treat epilepsy could be used to treat SCI as adjuvants.
Depletion of B cell-activating factor attenuates hepatic fat accumulation in a murine model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Nakamura Yoshiko , Abe Masanori , Kawasaki Keitarou , Miyake Teruki , Watanabe Takao , Yoshida Osamu , Hirooka Masashi , Matsuura Bunzo , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: January 2019

Obesity-induced adipose-tissue dysfunction is a critical contributor to the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). B cell-activating factor (BAFF) is an adipokine related to impaired insulin sensitivity, and the serum BAFF concentration is associated with NAFLD severity. In this study, we aimed to determine the direct in vivo role of BAFF in the development of insulin resistance, adipocyte dysfunction, and hepatic steatosis using BAFF−/− mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). HFD-fed BAFF−/− mice exhibited significantly improved insulin sensitivity despite their increased weight gain and adiposity relative to HFD-fed wild-type mice. Moreover, inflammation, especially the accumulation of CD11c+ adipose-tissue macrophages, and fibrosis of epididymal adipose tissue were reduced, contributing to healthy adipose-tissue expansion in obese BAFF−/− mice. In line with metabolically healthy obesity, hepatic steatosis also decreased, and we observed attenuated de novo lipogenesis in both the livers and hepatocytes of BAFF−/− mice. Our data revealed that BAFF serves as a potential stimulator of unhealthy adipose-tissue expansion by triggering inflammation and fibrosis and ultimately leading to enhanced insulin resistance and NAFLD. Therefore, these results suggest that BAFF is a promising target for diabetes and NAFLD treatment.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Aged Macrophages and Lung during Primary Streptococcus pneumoniae Infection is Improved with Pirfenidone
Authors: Plataki Maria , Cho Soo Jung , Harris Rebecca M. , Huang Hua-Rong , Yun Ha Seon , Schiffer Kristen T. , Stout-Delgado Heather W.
Published: January 2019

Pneumococcal infections remain a leading cause of death in older adults, with the most serious cases occurring in persons ≥65 years of age. There is an urgent need to investigate molecular pathways underlying these impairments and devise new therapeutics to modulate innate immunity. The goal of our current study is to understand the impact of chronological aging on mitochondrial function in response to Streptococcus pneumoniae, a causative agent of bacterial pneumonia. Using chronologically aged murine models, our findings demonstrate that decreased ATP production is associated with dysregulated mitochondrial complex expression, enhanced oxidative stress, diminished antioxidant responses, and decreased numbers of healthy mitochondria in aged adult macrophages and lung in response to S. pneumoniae. Pre-treatment of aged macrophages with pirfenidone, an anti-fibrotic drug with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, improved mitochondrial function and decreased cellular oxidative stress responses. In vivo administration of pirfenidone decreased superoxide formation, increased healthy mitochondria number, improved ATP production, and decreased inflammatory cell recruitment and pulmonary oedema in aged mouse lung during infection. Taken together, our data shed light on the susceptibility of older persons to S. pneumoniae and provide a possible therapeutic to improve mitochondrial responses in this population.
Empirical Models of Shear-Wave Radiation Pattern Derived from Large Datasets of Ground-Shaking Observations
Authors: Kotha Sreeram Reddy , Cotton Fabrice , Bindi Dino
Published: January 2019

Shear-waves are the most energetic body-waves radiated from an earthquake, and are responsible for the destruction of engineered structures. In both short-term emergency response and long-term risk forecasting of disaster-resilient built environment, it is critical to predict spatially accurate distribution of shear-wave amplitudes. Although decades’ old theory proposes a deterministic, highly anisotropic, four-lobed shear-wave radiation pattern, from lack of convincing evidence, most empirical ground-shaking prediction models settled for an oversimplified stochastic radiation pattern that is isotropic on average. Today, using the large datasets of uniformly processed seismograms from several strike, normal, reverse, and oblique-slip earthquakes across the globe, compiled specifically for engineering applications, we could reveal, quantify, and calibrate the frequency-, distance-, and style-of-faulting dependent transition of shear-wave radiation between a stochastic-isotropic and a deterministic-anisotropic phenomenon. Consequent recalibration of empirical ground-shaking models dramatically improved their predictions: with isodistant anisotropic variations of ±40%, and 8% reduction in uncertainty. The outcomes presented here can potentially trigger a reappraisal of several practical issues in engineering seismology, particularly in seismic ground-shaking studies and seismic hazard and risk assessment.
Identification of Key Signaling Pathways Orchestrating Substrate Topography Directed Osteogenic Differentiation Through High-Throughput siRNA Screening
Authors: Ozdemir Tugba , Bowers Daniel T. , Zhan Xiang , Ghosh Debashis , Brown Justin L.
Published: January 2019

Fibrous scaffolds are used for bone tissue engineering purposes with great success across a variety of polymers with different physical and chemical properties. It is now evident that the correct degree of curvature promotes increased cytoskeletal tension on osteoprogenitors leading to osteogenic differentiation. However, the mechanotransductive pathways involved in this phenomenon are not fully understood. To achieve a reproducible and specific cellular response, an increased mechanistic understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving the fibrous scaffold mediated bone regeneration must be understood. High throughput siRNA mediated screening technology has been utilized for dissecting molecular targets that are important in certain cellular phenotypes. In this study, we used siRNA mediated gene silencing to understand the osteogenic differentiation observed on fibrous scaffolds. A high-throughput siRNA screen was conducted using a library collection of 863 genes including important human kinase and phosphatase targets on pre-osteoblast SaOS-2 cells. The cells were grown on electrospun poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) scaffolds with a diameter of 0.938 ± 0.304 µm and a flat surface control. The osteogenic transcription factor RUNX2 was quantified with an in-cell western (ICW) assay for the primary screen and significant targets were selected via two sample t-test. After selecting the significant targets, a secondary screen was performed to identify osteoinductive markers that also effect cell shape on fibrous topography. Finally, we report the most physiologically relevant molecular signaling mechanisms that are involved in growth factor free, fibrous topography mediated osteoinduction. We identified GTPases, membrane channel proteins, and microtubule associated targets that promote an osteoinductive cell shape on fibrous scaffolds.
Monolithic multiple colour emission from InGaN grown on patterned non-polar GaN
Authors: Gong Y. , Jiu L. , Bruckbauer J. , Bai J. , Martin R. W. , Wang T.
Published: January 2019

A novel overgrowth approach has been developed in order to create a multiple-facet structure consisting of only non-polar and semi-polar GaN facets without involving any c-plane facets, allowing the major drawbacks of utilising c-plane GaN for the growth of III-nitride optoelectronics to be eliminated. Such a multiple-facet structure can be achieved by means of overgrowth on non-polar GaN micro-rod arrays on r-plane sapphire. InGaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) are then grown on the multiple-facet templates. Due to the different efficiencies of indium incorporation on non-polar and semi-polar GaN facets, multiple-colour InGaN/GaN MQWs have been obtained. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements have demonstrated that the multiple-colour emissions with a tunable intensity ratio of different wavelength emissions can be achieved simply through controlling the overgrowth conditions. Detailed cathodoluminescence measurements and excitation-power dependent PL measurements have been performed, further validating the approach of employing the multiple facet templates for the growth of multiple colour InGaN/GaN MQWs. It is worth highlighting that the approach potentially paves the way for the growth of monolithic phosphor-free white emitters in the future.
The EZH2 SANT1 domain is a histone reader providing sensitivity to the modification state of the H4 tail
Authors: Weaver Tyler M. , Liu Jiachen , Connelly Katelyn E. , Coble Chris , Varzavand Katayoun , Dykhuizen Emily C. , Musselman Catherine A.
Published: January 2019

SANT domains are found in a number of chromatin regulators. They contain approximately 50 amino acids and have high similarity to the DNA binding domain of Myb related proteins. Though some SANT domains associate with DNA others have been found to bind unmodified histone tails. There are two SANT domains in Enhancer of Zeste 2 (EZH2), the catalytic subunit of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), of unknown function. Here we show that the first SANT domain (SANT1) of EZH2 is a histone binding domain with specificity for the histone H4 N-terminal tail. Using NMR spectroscopy, mutagenesis, and molecular modeling we structurally characterize the SANT1 domain and determine the molecular mechanism of binding to the H4 tail. Though not important for histone binding, we find that the adjacent stimulation response motif (SRM) stabilizes SANT1 and transiently samples its active form in solution. Acetylation of H4K16 (H4K16ac) or acetylation or methylation of H4K20 (H4K20ac and H4K20me3) are seen to abrogate binding of SANT1 to H4, which is consistent with these modifications being anti-correlated with H3K27me3 in-vivo. Our results provide significant insight into this important regulatory region of EZH2 and the first characterization of the molecular mechanism of SANT domain histone binding.
Mechanical milling: a sustainable route to induce structural transformations in MoS2 for applications in the treatment of contaminated water
Authors: Cantarella Maria , Gorrasi Giuliana , Di Mauro Alessandro , Scuderi Mario , Nicotra Giuseppe , Fiorenza Roberto , Scirè Salvatore , Scalisi Maria Elena , Brundo Maria Violetta , Privitera Vittorio , Impellizzeri Giuliana
Published: January 2019

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have received much attention in recent years, because of their unusual properties associated with their ultra-thin thickness and 2D morphology. Besides graphene, a new 2D material, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), has attracted immense interest in various applications. On the other hand, ball-milling process provides an original strategy to modify materials at the nanometer scale. This methodology represents a smart solution for the fabrication of MoS2 nanopowders extremely-efficient in adsorbing water contaminants in aqueous solution. This work reports a comprehensive morphological, structural, and physicochemical investigation of MoS2 nanopowders treated with dry ball-milling. The adsorption performances of the produced nanopowders were tested using methylene blue (MB) dye and phenol in aqueous solution. The adsorption capacity as a function of ball-milling time was deeply studied and explained. Importantly, the ball-milled MoS2 nanopowders can be easily and efficiently regenerated without compromising their adsorption capacity, so to be reusable for dye adsorption. The eventual toxic effects of the prepared materials on microcrustacean Artemia salina were also studied. The present results demonstrate that ball-milling of MoS2 offers a valid method for large-scale production of extremely efficient adsorbent for the decontamination of wastewaters from several pollutants.
Bilateral engagement of the occipito-temporal cortex in response to dance kinematics in experts
Authors: Orlandi Andrea , Proverbio Alice Mado
Published: January 2019

Previous evidence has shown neuroplastic changes in brain anatomy and connectivity associated with the acquisition of professional visuomotor skills. Reduced hemispherical asymmetry was found in the sensorimotor and visual areas in expert musicians and athletes compared with non-experts. Moreover, increased expertise with faces, body, and objects resulted in an enhanced engagement of the occipito-temporal cortex (OTC) during stimulus observation. The present study aimed at investigating whether intense and extended practice with dance would result in an enhanced symmetric response of OTC at an early stage of action processing. Expert ballet dancers and non-dancer controls were presented with videos depicting ballet steps during EEG recording. The observation of the moving dancer elicited a posterior N2 component, being larger over the left hemisphere in dancers than controls. The source reconstruction (swLORETA) of the negativity showed the engagement of the bilateral inferior and middle temporal regions in experts, while right-lateralized activity was found in controls. The dancers also showed an early P2 and enhanced P300 responses, indicating faster stimulus processing and subsequent recognition. This evidence seemed to suggest expertise-related increased sensitivity of the OTC in encoding body kinematics. Thus, we speculated that long-term whole-body practice would result in enriched and refined action processing.
An inhomogeneous across-slab conduit controlled by intraslab stress heterogeneity in the Nankai subduction zone
Authors: Otsubo Makoto , Miyakawa Ayumu , Katayama Ikuo , Okazaki Keishi
Published: January 2019

Nonvolcanic, deep low-frequency tremors and slow-slip events occur simultaneously in the transition zone from locked to continuously creeping fault in the down-dip portion of the Nankai Trough subduction zone, southwestern Japan. The occurrence of these slow earthquakes is discontinuous along the trench and attributed to the effect of high pore pressures at the plate boundary. Here, we show that spatial variations in intraslab stress may control fluid migration from the subducted Philippine Sea slab to the plate boundary. The triaxial normal faulting stress, detected by stress tensor inversion using focal mechanisms in the slab, controls anisotropically permeability that trends NNW–SSE subhorizontally from the subducted Philippine Sea slab to the plate boundary. The inhomogeneous permeability controlled by spatial stress heterogeneities in the subducted Philippine Sea slab controls the intraslab fluid pathway. This hypothesis is consistent with the spatial heterogeneity of slow earthquakes and 3He/4He ratio distributions.
A polyethylenimine-based diazeniumdiolate nitric oxide donor accelerates wound healing
Authors: Zhang Yan , Tang Keyu , Chen Bin , Zhou Su , Li Nan , Liu Chuwei , Yang Jianyong , Lin Run , Zhang Tao , He Weiling
Published: January 2019

A polyethylenimine based diazeniumdiolate nitric oxide donor was prepared to accelerate wound healing.
Tuning the reduction potential of quinones by controlling the effects of hydrogen bonding, protonation and proton-coupled electron transfer reactions
Authors: Shi Raymond R. S. , Tessensohn Malcolm E. , Lauw Sherman J. L. , Foo Nicolette A. B. Y. , Webster Richard D.
Published: January 2019

An all-organic cell consisting of modified forms of vitamin E and vitamin K exhibited a large cell voltage, which was optimized via the use of diethyl malonate that served as a weak acid and hydrogen bond donor.
Unlocking high-potential non-persistent radical chemistry for semi-aqueous redox batteries
Authors: Tian Yuheng , Wu Kuang-Hsu , Cao Liuyue , Saputera Wibawa H. , Amal Rose , Wang Da-Wei
Published: January 2019

Stabilizing non-persistent radical opens the gate to low-cost high-potential cathode for all-organic aqueous redox batteries with fast reversible rate capability.
The influence of external electric fields on charge reorganization energy in organic semiconductors
Authors: Huang Weicong , Shi Hu , Liu Hongguang , Corminboeuf Clémence
Published: January 2019

Charge reorganization energies (λ) of inter-ring carbon–carbon (IRCC) bond connected conjugated polycyclics are shown to exhibit an electric-field-driven anisotropic character.
Catalyst-controlled cascade synthesis of bridged bicyclic tetrahydrobenz[b]azepine-4-ones
Authors: Kroc Michelle A. , Markiewicz Maciej , Pace Wiktoria H. , Wink Donald J. , Anderson Laura L.
Published: January 2019

A new cascade reaction provides convergent access to novel bridged bicyclic medium-sized N-heterocycles.
Epitaxial growth of single-crystalline-film scintillators based on Tb3+-doped and Tb3+–Ce3+-codoped Gd1–xLuxAlO3 (x = 0–1) mixed perovskites
Authors: Gorbenko V. , Zorenko T. , Paprocki K. , Riva F. , Douissard P. A. , Martin T. , Zorenko Yu.
Published: January 2019

The paper is dedicated to the development of scintillating screens based on the single crystalline films of singly Tb3+ and doubly Tb3+–Ce3+ doped Gd1–xLuxAlO3 (x = 0–1) perovskites grown onto YAlO3 substrates using the liquid phase epitaxy method.
Engineering PPy decorated MnCo2O4 urchins for quasi-solid-state hybrid capacitors
Authors: Hu Pengfei , Zhao Depeng , Liu Hengqi , Chen Kunfeng , Wu Xiang
Published: January 2019

In this work, three dimensional PPy decorated MnCo2O4 urchins on Ni foam are fabricated via a hydrothermal strategy and an electro-polymerization process.
1H NMR study of molecular order and dynamics in the liquid crystal CB-C9-CB
Authors: Aluculesei Alina , Cachitas Hugo , Carvalho José , Vaca Chavez Fabian , Figueirinhas João L. , Sebastião Pedro José , Cruz Carlos , Tamba Maria Gabriela , Kohlmeier Alexandra , Mehl Georg H.
Published: January 2019

The first study combining proton NMR spectroscopy and relaxometry in the nematic and Ntb phases of the CB-C9-CB dimer.
Reaction of chloride anion with atomic oxygen in aqueous solutions: can cold plasma help in chemistry research?
Authors: Gorbanev Yury , Van der Paal Jonas , Van Boxem Wilma , Dewilde Sylvia , Bogaerts Annemie
Published: January 2019

The reaction between atomic oxygen and chloride anion in aqueous solutions exposed to cold plasma was investigated experimentally and computationally.
Empirical modeling of material composition and size in MOFs prepared with ligand mixtures
Authors: Llabrés-Campaner Pedro J. , Zaragozá Ramón José , Aurell María José , Ballesteros Rafael , Abarca Belén , García-España Enrique , Rodrigo Guillermo , Ballesteros-Garrido Rafael
Published: January 2019

Mixed MOF-5/IRMOF-3 case study: from micrometers to millimeters.
Rapid and selective lithium recovery from desalination brine using an electrochemical system
Authors: Kim Seoni , Joo Hwajoo , Moon Taegyun , Kim Seung-Hyun , Yoon Jeyong
Published: January 2019

A λ-MnO2-based electrochemical system enables rapid and energy-efficient lithium recovery from desalination brine with high selectivity.
Deep eutectic solvent (DES) as both solvent and catalyst for oxidation of furfural to maleic acid and fumaric acid
Authors: Ni Yong , Bi Zhihao , Su Hui , Yan Lifeng
Published: January 2019

Efficient conversion of furfural to valuable chemicals is attracting attention because it is one of the bulk feedstocks in biomass refinery.
Confinement-entitled morphology and ion transport in ion-containing polymers
Authors: Park Moon Jeong
Published: January 2019

Designs of future polymer electrolytes are linked to confinements through end-group chemistry, precise sequencing of ions, single-ion transport, and crystalline ion channels.
Quantitative micro-Raman analysis of micro-particles in drug delivery
Authors: Di Mascolo Daniele , Coclite Alessandro , Gentile Francesco , Francardi Marco
Published: January 2019

Raman spectroscopy and multivariate analysis of data enable us to extract quantitative release profiles from microparticles in drug delivery.
Investigation of the photoelectrochemical properties of layered manganese oxide
Authors: Khosravi Mehdi , Feizi Hadi , Bagheri Robabeh , Song Zhenlun , Haghighi Behzad , Najafpour Mohammad Mahdi
Published: January 2019

The photoelectrochemical properties of layered manganese oxide were investigated.
The fate of cellulose nanocrystal stabilised emulsions after simulated gastrointestinal digestion and exposure to intestinal mucosa
Authors: Mackie Alan , Gourcy Simon , Rigby Neil , Moffat Jonathan , Capron Isabel , Bajka Balazs
Published: January 2019

The intestinal mucus layer prevents cellulose nanocrystals from reaching the epithelium and can modulate lipid and bile absorption.
Water super-repellent behavior of semicircular micro/nanostructured surfaces
Authors: Tie Lu , Guo Zhiguang , Liang Yongmin , Liu Weimin
Published: January 2019

Based on the thermodynamic analysis, four exact wetting states of the semicircular micro/nanostructured surfaces are considered.
Tetrahydroquinolines by the multicomponent Povarov reaction in water: calix[n]arene-catalysed cascade process and mechanistic insights
Authors: Rezende Terezinha Ruth Marques , Varejão Jodieh Oliveira Santana , Sousa Anna Luísa Lacerda de Almeida , Castañeda Sandra Milena Bonilla , Fernandes Sergio Antonio
Published: January 2019

A new calixarene-catalyzed cascade process, via the Povarov reaction, for the synthesis of tetrahydroquinolines is described, and the proposed reaction mechanism was validated.
Self-assembly of positively charged polymer patchy micelles in organic solutions and the reversible ultrasound responsivity of the assemblies
Authors: Zhao Ya , Fan Weijing , Zhao Hanying
Published: January 2019

Positively charged patchy micelles in organic solutions can self-assemble into vesicles with positively charged walls and the vesicles dissociate into transient nanostructures under sonication.
Ga-doped Ca12Al14O33mayenite oxide ion conductors: synthesis, defects, and electrical properties
Authors: Yi Huaibo , Lv Yun , Wang Yanhui , Fang Xue , Mattick Victoria , Xu Jungu
Published: January 2019

The bulk conductivity of Ca12Al14O33can be apparently enhanced by Ga-doping on the Al sites.
Characteristics of water quality and bacterial communities in three water supply pipelines
Authors: Liu Dongpo , Jin Juntao , Liang Sichen , Zhang Jinsong
Published: January 2019

Factory water interacts with pipelines resulting in water quality deterioration. To stop this happening and to improve the selection of water supply pipes, it is important to study the water quality, the inner wall of the pipeline, and the microbial community.
Capacitive storage at nitrogen doped amorphous carbon electrodes: structural and chemical effects of nitrogen incorporation
Authors: Hoque Md. Khairul , Behan James A. , Stamatin Serban N. , Zen Federico , Perova Tatiana S. , Colavita Paula E.
Published: January 2019

Nitrogen incorporation into carbon increases metallic character and capacitance, however high concentrations are instead disruptive and decrease interfacial capacitance.
Liquid flow-induced electricity in carbon nanomaterials
Authors: Pei Junxian , Huang Jun , Huang Zhi , Liu Kang
Published: January 2019

This review summarizes the recent progresses in electricity generation from liquid flow with carbon nanomaterials, including basic phenomenon, underlying mechanisms and current developments.
An efficient carbon-based ORR catalyst from low-temperature etching of ZIF-67 with ultra-small cobalt nanoparticles and high yield
Authors: Guo Jian , Gadipelli Srinivas , Yang Yuchen , Li Zhuangnan , Lu Yue , Brett Dan J. L. , Guo Zhengxiao
Published: January 2019

Low-temperature etching of ZIF-67 is proposed for ultra-small cobalt/cobalt-oxide nanoparticles in nitrogen-doped graphene-networks as an efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction.
Metal-free electrocatalyst for reducing nitrogen to ammonia using a Lewis acid pair
Authors: Shi Li , Li Qiang , Ling Chongyi , Zhang Yehui , Ouyang Yixin , Bai Xiaowan , Wang Jinlan
Published: January 2019

Metal-free Lewis acid catalyst is developed as a high-efficiency electrocatalyst to enable nitrogen reduction under ambient conditions. A new nitrogen activation mechanism via the pull–pull effect between Lewis acid sites and nitrogen is also proposed.
Trimethine cyanine dyes as deep-red fluorescent indicators with high selectivity to the internal loop of the bacterial A-site RNA
Authors: Sato Yusuke , Yajima Sayaka , Taguchi Akifumi , Baba Kyosuke , Nakagomi Mayu , Aiba Yuri , Nishizawa Seiichi
Published: January 2019

We report that TO-PRO-3 functions as a deep-red fluorescent indicator for the internal loop structure of the bacterial (Escherichia coli) A-site, which enables the assessment of A-site binding capability of various test compounds including blue and even-green-emitting compounds.
Ferrocenecarboxylic acid: a functional modulator for UiO-66 synthesis and incorporation of Pd nanoparticles
Authors: Deng Zheng , Peng Xinsheng , Zeng Yu-Jia
Published: January 2019

FcCOOH was found to be an efficient modulator for UiO-66 synthesis and a functional group for incorporation of Pd nanoparticles.
Total sulfur determination in petroleum fuels for routine quality control by sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after dilution treatment
Authors: Lu Chien-Wei , Hung Huan-Yi , Sung Hsin-Chen , Sheu Yiong-Shing , Lin Wen-Lung , Wu Shu-Pao
Published: January 2019

An accurate, sensitive, and fast method is developed to determine the total sulfur content in petroleum fuels by means of sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SF-ICP-MS).
A physical approach to modelling large-scale galactic magnetic fields
Authors: Shukurov Anvar , Rodrigues Luiz Felippe S. , Bushby Paul J. , Hollins James , Rachen Jörg P.
Published: January 2019

Context.A convenient representation of the structure of the large-scale galactic magnetic field is required for the interpretation of polarization data in the sub-mm and radio ranges, in both the Milky Way and external galaxies.

Aims.We develop a simple and flexible approach to construct parametrised models of the large-scale magnetic field of the Milky Way and other disc galaxies, based on physically justifiable models of magnetic field structure. The resulting models are designed to be optimised against available observational data.

Methods.Representations for the large-scale magnetic fields in the flared disc and spherical halo of a disc galaxy were obtained in the form of series expansions whose coefficients can be calculated from observable or theoretically known galactic properties. The functional basis for the expansions is derived as eigenfunctions of the mean-field dynamo equation or of the vectorial magnetic diffusion equation.

Results.The solutions presented are axially symmetric but the approach can be extended straightforwardly to non-axisymmetric cases. The magnetic fields are solenoidal by construction, can be helical, and are parametrised in terms of observable properties of the host object, such as the rotation curve and the shape of the gaseous disc. The magnetic field in the disc can have a prescribed number of field reversals at any specified radii. Both the disc and halo magnetic fields can separately have either dipolar or quadrupolar symmetry. The model is implemented as a publicly available software packageGALMAGwhich allows, in particular, the computation of the synchrotron emission and Faraday rotation produced by the model’s magnetic field.

Conclusions.The model can be used in interpretations of observations of magnetic fields in the Milky Way and other spiral galaxies, in particular as a prior in Bayesian analyses. It can also be used for a simple simulation of a time-dependent magnetic field generated by dynamo action.
An integrated process involved coagulation and anaerobic sequencing batch reactor (ASBR) to remove organic substances in mechanical dewatering wastewater from municipal garbage
Authors: Wang Rui , Shang Wentao , Cai Senlin , Sun Feiyun
Published: January 2019

Mechanical dewatering wastewater (MDW) from municipal garbage is a mixture that is quickly separated from raw domestic waste by high-pressure extrusion without a sump fermentation process. Alkali treatment-coagulation sedimentation-ASBR treatment technology was adopted in this study to treat SS and organic matter. The results showed that the optimum pH of the alkali treatment was 9.0, polyaluminum chloride (PAC) was the best coagulant for the coagulation and sedimentation of MDW. The optimal working condition were gotten with a Ca(OH)2 dosage of 200 mg/L, a pH of 10.0, and a PAC dosage of 800 mg/L, under the intermittent stirring mode of 250 r/min for 1 min and then 50 r/min for 10 min. Perfect domestication effect of the ASBR was achieved under medium temperature for 28 days. The optimum conditions for ASBR were determined as follows: temperature was 35 °C, and organic loading rate (OLR) was 6 kg COD/ (L·d). Analysis of the microbial community structure succession showed that the success rate of anaerobic microorganisms in medium temperature ASBR was fast and adaptable. This study provides technical support for the actual application.
Effects of CeO2 nanoparticles on the algal composition and photosynthetic activity of phototrophic biofilm
Authors: Miao Lingzhan , Li Tengfei
Published: January 2019

The influences of CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) on phototrophic biofilm were explored in terms of the algal composition and photosynthetic activity. Biofilms were cultivated in an artificial flume and exposure experiments were conducted with two levels of CeO2 NPs (0.05 and 0.5 mg/L) for 10 days. Results showed that 0.05 mg/L CeO2 NPs treatment altered the algal composition of biofilms, while the total Chl a and the photosynthetic activity maintained at the similar level as the control test. 5 mg/L CeO2 NPs not only changed the algal composition of biofilms, but also significantly decreased the photosynthetic activity, suggesting that high concentration of CeO2 NPs might lead to serious consequences to the primary production and nutrient cycling in aquatic environments.
Finite Element Analysis of Shield Pipe Structure and Stress Cone Position of 10kV Cable Intermediate Joint
Authors: Shang Bo-yu , Fang Rui-ming
Published: January 2019

The shielding tube and stress cone of the intermediate joint of XLPE cable accessory make the potential distribution along the insulation surface linearized to optimize the electric field and. By establishing the finite element model of the intermediate joint of 10kV cable accessory, the electric field distribution of different structure shielding tube and stress cone in different position of the joint is simulated and analyzed. The results show that the structure of shield tube and the position of stress cone are also a parameter characteristic which can not be ignored in the design, and they have a great influence on the distribution of the field strength of the intermediate joint. On the basis of finite element analysis, the optimum shape of shield tube and the best position of stress cone are obtained by comparing and analyzing the variation law of electric field intensity.
Analysis of China's Financial Development and Its Impact on Energy Efficiency
Authors: Zhou Yi-Wei , Chou Li-Chen
Published: January 2019

This paper combs the literature related to financial development and energy research. Reviewing the relevant literature, we find that few studies in China have paid attention to the changes of efficiency and energy productivity in the financial industry as well as their correlation. The interlinkage between green finance and energy efficiency is still a topic that has been less discussed. In addition, considering the untouched issues in these studies, this paper proposes the application of Metafrontier performance theory.
Numerical analysis of settlement of a high-rise building using two constitutive soil models
Authors: Chomacki Leszek
Published: January 2019

One of the basic roles of foundations is to safely transfer loads from the structure to the subsoil in a controlled manner. Often a key parameter in deciding whether the foundation was designed correctly is the value of settlement of the building and the ground around it. This paper attempts to numerically reproduce the measured settlement of a high-rise building using geotechnical parameters already available. For this purpose, numerical calculations were carried out using two constitutive soil models: the elastic-perfectly plastic model with Mohr-Coulomb plastic criteria (MC) model and the Hardening Soil (HS) model. The resulting settlement values were compared with surveying measurements taken during and after the building’s construction. In the summary the results obtained with the use of different constitutive models, the calculation process and the adopted soil parameters are analysed and discussed.
The effects of vehicle restraint systems on road safety
Authors: Budzynski Marcin , Wilde Krzysztof , Jamroz Kazimierz , Chroscielewski Jacek , Witkowski Wojciech , Burzynski Stanislaw , Bruski Dawid , Jelinski Lukasz , Pachocki Łukasz
Published: January 2019

Key to understanding the needs and tools of road infrastructure management for preventing runoff-road crashes or minimising their consequences, is to identify the hazards and sources of hazards caused by wrong or improper use of road safety devices and identify errors in the design, structure, construction and operation of road safety devices. Studying such an extended scope of the problem required fieldwork and surveys with road authorities, designers, road safety auditors and road maintenance services. An outline of new guidelines could only be developed after understanding the effects of restraint systems, the design, additional elements, type of road and safety barrier location on a road or engineering structure and the road and traffic conditions on their functionality and safety. The paper will present the preliminary results of this research (research project – ROSE). One way to understand the functionality of road safety devices is to build numerical models and conduct simulation tests of virtual crash tests. The article presents the scope of work conducted as part of an effort to develop new vehicle restraint system guidelines.
Lighting requirements for pedestrian crossings – positive contrast
Authors: Tomczuk Piotr , Jamroz Kazimierz , Mackun Tomasz , Chrzanowicz Marcin
Published: January 2019

For many years now in Poland there has been a large number of road accidents at pedestrian crossings during night periods [5, 11]. One of the technical solutions that can improve this condition is the use of proper lighting for pedestrian crossings. The designated pedestrian crossing should be visible in different weather conditions and at different times of the day. In case of night vision restrictions use artificial lighting of pedestrian crossings. At the same time, lighting of pedestrian crossings should ensure: proper conditions for the driver to recognise the traffic situation and observe the pedestrian's silhouette, and for the pedestrian to observe the surroundings, pedestrian crossings and upcoming vehicles. The article gives an opinion on the proposal of lighting requirements for dedicated luminaires, realizing positive luminance contrast, used in the area of pedestrian crossings together with the proposed measurement grids. Quantitative requirements have been formulated taking into account the gradation of lighting classes resulting from the current lighting standard.
The effects of selected factors on regional road fatalities – analysis of the Łódź region
Authors: Wachnicka Joanna , Budzyński Marcin , Kustra Wojciech , Gobis Anna
Published: January 2019

Analysis of regional accident records shows that a country’s national road safety programme does not have the same effect in each of its regions. What may be a serious problem in one region may be of marginal significance in another. Polish and international experience shows that main risk groups and types of accidents related to the level of development and quality of the road network differ from region to region. The conclusion is that a centrally run road safety policy does not always produce the expected outcomes. This suggests that more can be achieved with a combination of strategic (national) road safety management and tactical (regional) and operational (local) road safety efforts. Poland’s regional road safety programmes were found to lack an analysis of the effects of selected factors on safety or fatality forecast based on mathematical models. This calls for a scientific tool to support regional road safety management. The article uses the example of the region of Łódź to present the main road safety problems, analyse safety based on risk assessment, present the effects of selected factors on road user safety and forecast fatalities for different scenarios of treatments.
Investigations of driver’s speed at unsignalised pedestrian crossings
Authors: Ziolkowski Robert
Published: January 2019

Pedestrian crossings are critical places for road accidents involving pedestrians and motor vehicles. Due to the relation between speed and injury severe the driver’s speed has a crucial impact on pedestrian safety. In Poland the traffic-related death rate of unprotected road users is extremely high comparing to other countries of European Union even though the traffic law regulations require from drivers special attention and slowing down while approaching to the intersection and/or zebra pedestrian crossing area. The goal of the paper is to investigate driver’s speed while approaching to the pedestrian crossings located in mid-block areas and in inlet sections of unsignalised intersections and roundabouts. For this purpose the spot speed measurements in free flow traffic conditions were conducted using radar speed gun. Speed was recorded at a distance of 100m and 50m from the crossing as well as at the zebra crossing location. As a result driver’s speed behaviour based on statistical analysis and depending on the type, localization and distance from the pedestrian crossing was analysed and evaluated.