bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meningococcus serogroup C clonal complex ST-10217 outbreak in Zamfara State, Northern Nigeria
Authors: Kwambana-Adams Brenda A. , Amaza Rahab C. , Okoi Catherine , Rabiu Murtala , Worwui Archibald , Foster-Nyarko Ebenezer , Ebruke Bernard , Sesay Abdul K. , Senghore Madikay , Umar Abdullahi S. , Usman Rabi , Atiku Adamu , Abdullahi Garba , Buhari Yahaya , Sani Rabiu , Bako Husaini U. , Abdullahi Bashir , Yarima Alliyu I. , Sikiru Badaru , Moses Aderinola Olaolu , Popoola Michael O. , Ekeng Eme , Olayinka Adebola , Mba Nwando , Kankia Adamu , Mamadu Ibrahim N. , Okudo Ifeanyi , Stephen Mary , Ronveaux Olivier , Busuttil Jason , Mwenda Jason M. , Abdulaziz Mohammed , Gummi Sulaiman A. , Adedeji Adebayo , Bita Andre , Omar Linda , Djingarey Mamoudou Harouna , Alemu Wondimagegnehu , D’Alessandro Umberto , Ihekweazu Chikwe , Antonio Martin
Published: September 2018

After the successful roll out of MenAfriVac, Nigeria has experienced sequential meningitis outbreaks attributed to meningococcus serogroup C (NmC). Zamfara State in North-western Nigeria recently was at the epicentre of the largest NmC outbreak in the 21st Century with 7,140 suspected meningitis cases and 553 deaths reported between December 2016 and May 2017. The overall attack rate was 155 per 100,000 population and children 5–14 years accounted for 47% (3,369/7,140) of suspected cases. The case fatality rate (CFR) among children 5–9 years was 10%, double that reported among adults ≥ 30 years (5%). NmC and pneumococcus accounted for 94% (172/184) and 5% (9/184) of the laboratory-confirmed cases, respectively. The sequenced NmC belonged to the ST-10217 clonal complex (CC). All serotyped pneumococci were PCV10 serotypes. The emergence of NmC ST-10217 CC outbreaks threatens the public health gains made by MenAfriVac, which calls for an urgent strategic action against meningitis outbreaks.
Genome-wide discovery of DNA polymorphisms by whole genome sequencing differentiates weedy and cultivated rice
Authors: Chai Chenglin , Shankar Rama , Jain Mukesh , Subudhi Prasanta K.
Published: September 2018

Analyzing the genome level DNA polymorphisms between weedy and cultivated rice is crucial to elucidate the molecular basis of weedy and agronomic traits, which in turn can enhance our ability to control weedy rice and its utilization for rice improvement. Here, we presented the genome-wide genetic variations between a weedy rice accession PSRR-1 and two cultivated rice accessions, Bengal and Nona Bokra, belonging to japonica and indica subspecies, respectively. The total number of SNPs and InDels in PSRR/Bengal was similar to that of Nona Bokra/Bengal, but was three times greater than that of PSRR/Nona Bokra. There were 11546 large-effect SNPs/InDels affecting 5673 genes, which most likely differentiated weedy rice from cultivated rice. These large effect DNA polymorphisms were mostly resulted in stop codon gain and least by start codon loss. Analysis of the molecular functions and biological processes of weedy rice specific SNPs/InDels indicated that most of these genes were involved in protein modification/phosphorylation, protein kinase activity, and protein/nucleotide binding. By integrating previous QTL mapping results with the DNA polymorphisms data, the candidate genes for seed dormancy and seed shattering were narrowed down. The genomic resource generated in this study will facilitate discovery of functional variants for weedy and agronomic traits.
Faithful animal modelling of human glioma by using primary initiating cells and its implications for radiosensitization therapy
Authors: Frosina Guido , Ravetti Jean Louis , Corvò Renzo , Fella Mauro , Garrè Maria Luisa , Levrero Fabrizio , Marcello Diana , Marubbi Daniela , Morana Giovanni , Mussap Michele , Neumaier Carlo Emanuele , Profumo Aldo , Raso Alessandro , Rosa Francesca , Vagge Stefano , Vecchio Donatella , Verrico Antonio , Zona Gianluigi , Daga Antonio
Published: September 2018

It has been reported that the ATM kinase inhibitor KU60019 preferentially radiosensitizes orthotopic high grade gliomas (HGG) driven by established U87 and U1242 cell lines bearing specificTP53mutations. We wished to determine whether those results could be extended to tumors driven by primary glioma initiating cells (GIC) that closely mimic clinical tumors. Orthotopic HGG were developed in immunodeficient non-obese diabetic-severe combined immunodeficient (NOD-SCID) mice by intracranial injection of primary GIC isolated from the adult glioblastoma COMI (acronym of patient’s name) and the pediatric anaplastic astrocytoma 239/12. Similar to the clinical tumors of origin, the orthotopic tumors COMI and 239/12 displayed different growth properties with a voluminous expansive lesion that exerted considerable mass effect on the adjacent structures and an infiltrating, gliomatosis-like growth pattern with limited compressive attitude, respectively. Significant elongations of median animal survival bearing the adult COMI tumor was observed after one KU60019 convection enhanced delivery followed by total 7.5 Gy of ionizing radiation delivered in fifteen 0.5 Gy fractions, as compared to animals treated with vehicle + ionizing radiation (105 vs 89 days; ratio: 0.847; 95% CI of ratio 0.4969 to 1.198; P:0.0417). Similarly, a trend to increased median survival was observed with the radiosensitized pediatric tumor 239/12 (186 vs 167 days; ratio: 0.8978; 95% CI of ratio: 0.5352 to 1.260; P: 0.0891). Our results indicate that radiosensitization by KU60019 is effective towards different orthotopic gliomas that faithfully mimic the clinical tumors and that multiple GIC-based animal models may be essential to develop novel therapeutic protocols for HGG transferable to the clinics.
A Bioluminescent Cell Assay to Quantify Prion Protein Dimerization
Authors: Wüsten Katharina Annick , Reddy Pasham Parameshwar , Smiyakin Andrej , Bernis Maria Eugenia , Tamgüney Gültekin
Published: September 2018

The prion protein (PrP) is a cell surface protein that in disease misfolds and becomes infectious causing Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans, scrapie in sheep, and chronic wasting disease in deer and elk. Little is known regarding the dimerization of PrP and its role in disease. We developed a bioluminescent prion assay (BPA) to quantify PrP dimerization by bimolecular complementation of split Gaussia luciferase (GLuc) halves that are each fused to PrP. Fusion constructs between PrP and N- and C-terminal GLuc halves were expressed on the surface of RK13 cells (RK13-DC cells) and dimerized to yield a bioluminescent signal that was decreased in the presence of eight different antibodies to PrP. Dimerization of PrP was independent of divalent cations and was induced under stress. Challenge of RK13-DC cells with seven different prion strains did not lead to detectable infection but was measurable by bioluminescence. Finally, we used BPA to screen a compound library for compounds inhibiting PrP dimerization. One of the most potent compounds to inhibit PrP dimerization was JTC-801, which also inhibited prion replication in RML-infected ScN2a and SMB cells with an EC50 of 370 nM and 220 nM, respectively. We show here that BPA is a versatile tool to study prion biology and to identify anti-prion compounds.
Heme-dependent Inactivation of 5-Aminolevulinate Synthase from Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Ikushiro Hiroko , Nagami Atsushi , Takai Tomoko , Sawai Taiki , Shimeno Yuki , Hori Hiroshi , Miyahara Ikuko , Kamiya Nobuo , Yano Takato
Published: September 2018

The biosynthesis of heme is strictly regulated, probably because of the toxic effects of excess heme and its biosynthetic precursors. In many organisms, heme biosynthesis starts with the production of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) from glycine and succinyl-coenzyme A, a process catalyzed by a homodimeric enzyme, pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP)-dependent 5-aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS). ALAS activity is negatively regulated by heme in various ways, such as the repression of ALAS gene expression, degradation of ALAS mRNA, and inhibition of mitochondrial translocation of the mammalian precursor protein. There has been no clear evidence, however, that heme directly binds to ALAS to negatively regulate its activity. We found that recombinant ALAS from Caulobacter crescentus was inactivated via a heme-mediated feedback manner, in which the essential coenzyme PLP was rel eased to form the inactive heme-bound enzyme. The spectroscopic properties of the heme-bound ALAS showed that a histidine-thiolate hexa-coordinated ferric heme bound to each subunit with a one-to-one stoichiometry. His340 and Cys398 were identified as the axial ligands of heme, and mutant ALASs lacking either of these ligands became resistant to heme-mediated inhibition. ALAS expressed in C. crescentus was also found to bind heme, suggesting that heme-mediated feedback inhibition of ALAS is physiologically relevant in C. crescentus.
Homoarginine/ADMA ratio and homoarginine/SDMA ratio as independent predictors of cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular events in lower extremity arterial disease
Authors: Jud Philipp , Hafner Franz , Verheyen Nicolas , Meinitzer Andreas , Gary Thomas , Brodmann Marianne , Seinost Gerald , Hackl Gerald
Published: September 2018

Endothelial dysfunction plays a key role in development of atherosclerosis and lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD). Homoarginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) are sensitive markers for endothelial dysfunction and independent risk factors for cardiovascular death. However, homoarginine may influence the proatherogenic effects of ADMA and SDMA suggesting homoarginine/ADMA ratio or homoarginine/SDMA ratio as further predictors for cardiovascular mortality. Therefore, we investigated the predictive value of homoarginine/ADMA ratio and homoarginine/SDMA ratio related to cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular events in claudicant patients with LEAD. 151 patients with intermittent claudication were included in a prospective observational study (observation time 7.7 ± 2.5 years) with cardiovascular mortality as main outcome parameter and the occurrence of cardiovascular events as secondary outcome parameter. Homoarginine, ADMA and SDMA were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography at baseline. Low homoarginine/ADMA ratio and homoarginine/SDMA ratio were independently associated with higher cardiovascular mortality (HR 2.803 [95% CI 1.178–6.674], p = 0.020; HR 2.782 [95% CI 1.061–7.290], p = 0.037, respectively) and higher incidence of cardiovascular events (HR 1.938 [95% CI 1.015–3.700], p = 0.045; HR 2.397 [95% CI 1.243–4.623], p = 0.009, respectively). We observed that homoarginine/ADMA ratio and homoarginine/SDMA ratio are independent predictors for long-term cardiovascular mortality and events in claudicant patients with LEAD.
Learning deficits in rats overexpressing the dopamine transporter
Authors: Bernhardt Nadine , Lieser Maike Kristin , Hlusicka Elizabeth-Barroeta , Habelt Bettina , Wieske Franziska , Edemann-Callesen Henriette , Garthe Alexander , Winter Christine
Published: September 2018

With its capacity to modulate motor control and motivational as well as cognitive functions dopamine is implicated in numerous neuropsychiatric diseases. The present study investigated whether an imbalance in dopamine homeostasis as evident in the dopamine overexpressing rat model (DAT-tg), results in learning and memory deficits associated with changes in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Adult DAT-tg and control rats were subjected to the Morris water maze, the radial arm maze and a discrimination reversal paradigm and newly generated neurons in hippocampal circuitry were investigated post mortem. DAT-tg rats were found to exhibit a striking inability to acquire information and deploy spatial search strategies. At the same time, reduced integration of adult-born neurons in hippocampal circuitry was observed, which together with changes in striatal dopamine signalling might explain behavioural deficits.
Lower serum calcium levels are a risk factor for a decrease in eGFR in a general non-chronic kidney disease population
Authors: Mizushiri Satoru , Daimon Makoto , Murakami Hiroshi , Kamba Aya , Osonoi Sho , Yamaichi Masato , Matsumura Koki , Tanabe Jutaro , Matsuhashi Yuki , Yanagimachi Miyuki , Tokuda Itoyo , Kurauchi Shizuka , Sawada Kaori
Published: September 2018

Association between serum calcium (Ca) levels and kidney dysfunction progression in a non-chronic kidney disease (CKD) population has not been well elucidated, especially in consideration for classical metabolic risk conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes, and those related to Ca metabolism. Among participants of the population-based Iwaki study of Japanese people, those with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≧60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and age ≧40 years, and who attended the study consecutively in 2014 and 2015 were enrolled (gender (M/F): 218/380; age: 58.9 ± 10.2). Regression analysis showed a significant correlation between serum Ca levels and a change in eGFR in the 1-year period (∆eGFR) after adjustment with multiple factors including those related to Ca metabolism (β = 0.184, p < 0.001). When subjects were stratified into tertiles based on their serum Ca levels (higher >9.6 mg/dL, middle 9.4–9.6 mg/dL, lower <9.4 mg/dL), lower serum Ca levels were a significant risk for a rapid decliner of eGFR designated as the lower one third of ∆eGFR (<−4.40 ml/min/1.73 m2) (odds ratio 2.41, 95% confidence interval 1.47–3.94). Lower serum Ca levels are a significant risk for rapid decrease in eGFR, independent of previously reported metabolic risk factors in this general population with non-CKD, or eGFR ≧60 ml/min/1.73 m2.
Comparison of interleukin-2-inducible kinase (ITK) inhibitors and potential for combination therapies for T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Mamand Sami , Allchin Rebecca L. , Ahearne Matthew J. , Wagner Simon D.
Published: September 2018

Patients with peripheral T-cell lymphomas generally have poor clinical outcomes with conventional chemotherapy. Recent advances have demonstrated that a large subgroup of PTCL are derived from follicular helper (Tfh) T-cells. These cases show a characteristic pattern of gene expression, which includes high-level protein expression of interleukin-2-inducible kinase (ITK). ITK is a member of the TEC family of kinases and normally has essential functions in regulating T-cell receptor signalling and T-cell differentiation. Here we report a side-by-side comparison of four ITK inhibitors. We investigate effects on apoptosis, phosphorylation of signaling molecules, calcium flux and migration. In line with a specific mechanism of action ONO7790500 and BMS509744 did not inhibit MEK1/2 or AKT phosphorylation although other ITK inhibitors, ibrutinib and PF-06465469, did have this effect. Specific ITKi had modest effects on apoptosis alone but there was definite synergy with doxorubicin, pictilisib (PI3Ki) and idelalisib (PI3Kδi). ITKi repressed migration of Jurkat cells caused by CXCL12 and the CXCR4 antagonist, plerixafor enhanced this effect. Overall ITKi may have several mechanisms of action that will be therapeutically useful in PTCL including reduction in survival and perturbation of trafficking.
Global-scale multidecadal variability missing in state-of-the-art climate models
Authors: Kravtsov S. , Grimm C. , Gu S.
Published: September 2018

Reliability of future global warming projections depends on how well climate models reproduce the observed climate change over the twentieth century. In this regard, deviations of the model-simulated climate change from observations, such as a recent “pause” in global warming, have received considerable attention. Such decadal mismatches between model-simulated and observed climate trends are common throughout the twentieth century, and their causes are still poorly understood. Here we show that the discrepancies between the observed and simulated climate variability on decadal and longer timescale have a coherent structure suggestive of a pronounced Global Multidecadal Oscillation. Surface temperature anomalies associated with this variability originate in the North Atlantic and spread out to the Pacific and Southern oceans and Antarctica, with Arctic following suit in about 25–35 years. While climate models exhibit various levels of decadal climate variability and some regional similarities to observations, none of the model simulations considered match the observed signal in terms of its magnitude, spatial patterns and their sequential time development. These results highlight a substantial degree of uncertainty in our interpretation of the observed climate change using current generation of climate models.
Inexpensive simple extraction of trace PAHs from water using PS-DVB monolithic beads
Authors: Chunhakorn Visakha , Ratchathamma Phitchayapa , Whitlow Harry J. , Chienthavorn Orapin
Published: September 2018

A new simple and sensitive analytical technique based on polystyrene-divinyl benzene (PS-DVB) monolithic bead extraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopic detection (GC-MS) was developed for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water.
Highly fluorescent, monolithic semiconductor nanorod clusters for ultrasensitive biodetection
Authors: Yuan Yali , Adriani Giulia , Xu Yang , Chan Yinthai
Published: September 2018

Signal amplified, ultrasensitive fluorescence detection of the tetanus toxoidviahighly fluorescent, monolithic semiconductor nanorod clusters.
Efficient electrochemical transformation of CO2 to C2/C3 chemicals on benzimidazole-functionalized copper surfaces
Authors: Zhong Shenghong , Yang Xiulin , Cao Zhen , Dong Xinglong , Kozlov Sergey M. , Falivene Laura , Huang Jing-Kai , Zhou Xiaofeng , Hedhili Mohamed N. , Lai Zhiping , Huang Kuo-Wei , Han Yu , Cavallo Luigi , Li Lain-Jong
Published: September 2018

Benzimidazole (BIMH)-modified copper foil enhances the selective conversion of CO2 to C2/C3 products via providing highly active Hδ+.
Secondary inner filter effect allows extremely efficient pure white light emission by spatially separated organic fluorophores
Authors: Aggarwal Himanshu , Kumar Rajesh , Srivastava Aasheesh
Published: September 2018

White light emission with 70 ± 3% efficiency under dilute conditions was obtained via the secondary inner filter effect between 2-(1-pyrenyl)benzimidazole (PyBIM) and pyrelene monoimide (PMI).
Efficient and durable N2 reduction electrocatalysis under ambient conditions: β-FeOOH nanorods as a non-noble-metal catalyst
Authors: Zhu Xiaojuan , Liu Zaichun , Liu Qin , Luo Yonglan , Shi Xifeng , Asiri Abdullah M. , Wu Yuping , Sun Xuping
Published: September 2018

β-FeOOH nanorods act as an efficient electrocatalyst for the conversion of N2 to NH3 in 0.5 M LiClO4, achieving a high NH3 yield of 23.32 μg h−1 mgcat.−1 and a faradaic efficiency of 6.7%.
UPS and UV spectroscopies combined to position the energy levels of TiO2 anatase and rutile nanopowders
Authors: Maheu Clément , Cardenas Luis , Puzenat Eric , Afanasiev Pavel , Geantet Christophe
Published: September 2018

Positioning of absolute energy levels and the quantitative description of occupied levels obtained for TiO2 nanopowders, combining UPS and UV-Vis spectroscopies.
A systematic study on polymerization and photocatalytic performance by investigating Ag2O·x(MoO3) (x = 1, 2, 3, 4) photocatalysts
Authors: Liu Xintong , Li Wenjun , Wang Fangzhi , Li Hongda , Ren Chaojun , Zhao Yanjun
Published: September 2018

Polymerized Ag2O·x(MoO3) samples showed superior photocatalytic performance, and polymerization could be a potential strategy to enhance the photocatalytic activity.
Development of a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) method for the chemical characterization of water-soluble isoprene epoxydiol (IEPOX)-derived secondary organic aerosol
Authors: Cui Tianqu , Zeng Zhexi , dos Santos Erickson O. , Zhang Zhenfa , Chen Yuzhi , Zhang Yue , Rose Caitlin A. , Budisulistiorini Sri H. , Collins Leonard B. , Bodnar Wanda M. , de Souza Rodrigo A. F. , Martin Scot T. , Machado Cristine M. D. , Turpin Barbara J. , Gold Avram , Ault Andrew P. , Surratt Jason D.
Published: September 2018

A developed non-thermal analytical method effectively resolves and quantifies major IEPOX-SOA components in PM2.5.
Use of rhodamine-allyl Schiff base in chemodosimetric processes for total palladium estimation and application in live cell imaging
Authors: Bhanja Anup Kumar , Mishra Snehasis , Kar Ketaki , Naskar Kaushik , Maity Suvendu , Das Saha Krishna , Sinha Chittaranjan
Published: September 2018

An allyl-rhodamine Schiff base shows excellent palladium sensitivity (LOD, 95 nM) irrespective of Pd(0,ii,iv) and practical applicability is judged in living cells of RAW 264.7 (macrophage) cells.
A water-processable cellulose-based resist for advanced nanofabrication
Authors: Dore Camilla , Osmond Johann , Mihi Agustín
Published: September 2018

Hydroxypropyl cellulose is used as a nanoimprinting resist to fabricate photonic architectures with water as a solvent.
Protic additives determine the pathway of CdSe nanocrystal growth
Authors: Kirkwood Nicholas , Boldt Klaus
Published: September 2018

Small amounts of protic additives determine the structure of the reaction intermediate in nanocrystal synthesis and thus the reaction mechanism and outcome.
Amplified antimicrobial action of chlorhexidine encapsulated in PDAC-functionalized acrylate copolymer nanogel carriers
Authors: Al-Awady Mohammed J. , Weldrick Paul J. , Hardman Matthew J. , Greenway Gillian M. , Paunov Vesselin N.
Published: September 2018

We demonstrate a strong enhancement of the antimicrobial action of chlorhexidine which is attributed to the electrostatic adhesion of the cationic nanocarriers on the microbial cell walls which leads to their accumulation and local delivery of chlorhexidine directly on to the microbial cell membrane.
Sulfonate-functionalized tetraphenylethylenes for selective detection and wash-free imaging of Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus)
Authors: Naik Viraj G. , Hiremath Sharanabasava D. , Das Avijit , Banwari Dishant , Gawas Ram U. , Biswas Malabika , Banerjee Mainak , Chatterjee Amrita
Published: September 2018

Two sulfonate functionalized tetraphenylethylene (TPE) derivatives were synthesized and used as probes for the detection and imaging of Gram-positive bacteria (e.g. Staphylococcus aureus).
Ammonia decomposition over Ni catalysts supported on perovskite-type oxides for the on-site generation of hydrogen
Authors: Okura Kaname , Miyazaki Kazunari , Muroyama Hiroki , Matsui Toshiaki , Eguchi Koichi
Published: September 2018

Ni/SrZrO3 and Ni/BaZrO3 catalysts showed high activity for ammonia decomposition since these supports promoted the nitrogen desorption step.
Synthesis and photoluminescence characteristics of high color purity Ba3Y4O9:Eu3+red-emitting phosphors with excellent thermal stability for warm W-LED application
Authors: Liang Jia , Sun Liangling , Annadurai G. , Devakumar Balaji , Wang Shaoying , Sun Qi , Qiao Jialei , Guo Heng , Li Bin , Huang Xiaoyong
Published: September 2018

High color purity Ba3Y4O9:Eu3+red-emitting phosphors with excellent thermal stability were developed for warm W-LED application.
Quantitation of ERK1/2 inhibitor cellular target occupancies with a reversible slow off-rate probe
Authors: Lebraud Honorine , Surova Olga , Courtin Aurélie , O'Reilly Marc , Valenzano Chiara R. , Nordlund Pär , Heightman Tom D.
Published: September 2018

Target engagement is a key concept in drug discovery and its direct measurement can provide a quantitative understanding of drug efficacy and/or toxicity.
A general electrochemical strategy for the Sandmeyer reaction
Authors: Liu Qianyi , Sun Beiqi , Liu Zheng , Kao Yi , Dong Bo-Wei , Jiang Shang-Da , Li Feng , Liu Guoquan , Yang Yang , Mo Fanyang
Published: September 2018

Herein we report a general electrochemical strategy for the Sandmeyer reaction.
Formation and suppression of defects during heat treatment of BiVO4 photoanodes for solar water splitting
Authors: Lamers Marlene , Fiechter Sebastian , Friedrich Dennis , Abdi Fatwa F. , van de Krol Roel
Published: September 2018

Heat treatment under different atmospheres influences defect formation and suppression in BiVO4, which significantly affect its carrier dynamics.
Unraveling the structure–sensitivity of the photocatalytic decomposition of N2O on CeO2: a DFT+U study
Authors: Song Weiyu , Wang Lu , Gao Yang , Deng Jianlin , Jing Meizan , Zheng Huiling , Liu Jian , Zhao Zhen , Gao Manglai , Wei Yuechang
Published: September 2018

The photocatalytic activity of N2O dissociation on CeO2 strongly depends on the exposed surface termination, with the (110) surface being much more reactive than the (111) surface.
Bifunctional donor polymers bearing amino pendant groups for efficient cathode interlayer-free polymer solar cells
Authors: Liu Xuan , Fu Ping , Tu Dandan , Yang Qing , Yu Shuwen , Guo Xin , Li Can
Published: September 2018

A new series of amino-functionalized polymers PBDT-Nx was synthesized and used as bifunctional donor materials for light harvesting and cathode modification at the same time, exhibiting remarkable photovoltaic behaviors with highest efficiency for cathode interlayer-free polymer solar cells to date.
High catalytic activity of oxygen-vacancy-rich tungsten oxide nanowires supported by nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Wondimu Tadele Hunde , Chen Guan-Cheng , Chen Hsueh-Yu , Kabtamu Daniel Manaye , Bayeh Anteneh Wodaje , Wang Kai-Chin , Huang Hsin-Chih , Wang Chen-Hao
Published: September 2018

The synergy effect of oxygen vacancy-rich WOxNWs and N-rGO support enhances the activity of WOxNWs/N-rGO.
Covering effect of conductive glass: a facile route to tailor the grain growth of hybrid perovskites for highly efficient solar cells
Authors: Shen Deli , Mao Haijuan , Li Yafeng , Abate Antonio , Wei Mingdeng
Published: September 2018

A feasible and facile method to control the nucleation and growth process of perovskite grains is introduced for conductive glass to assist the perovskite film annealing process, and a maximum PCE of 18.08% can be achieved in the ultimately formed perovskite solar cell.
Heteroatom-doped carbon materials and their composites as electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction
Authors: Cui Huijuan , Guo Yibo , Guo Limin , Wang Liang , Zhou Zhen , Peng Zhangquan
Published: September 2018

We review heteroatom-doped carbon materials and composites as electrocatalysts for CO2 electrochemical reduction to various high-value fuels and chemicals.
Pharmaceutical crystallization in surface-modified nanocellulose organogels
Authors: Banerjee Manali , Saraswatula Sisira , Willows Laura Grace , Woods Hannah , Brettmann Blair
Published: September 2018

This study shows that it is possible to shift the polymorph of pharmaceuticals through crystallization in a nanocellulose gel. This is a demonstration of using natural materials that are readily surface modified to form a tailored environment for drug crystallization.
Enhanced osteoinductivity of porous biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic beads with high content of strontium-incorporated calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite
Authors: Deng Yanglong , Liu Minjun , Chen Xuening , Wang Menglu , Li Xiangfeng , Xiao Yumei , Zhang Xingdong
Published: September 2018

Further biomimicking natural bone and enhancing osteoinductivity to meet the requirements of regenerative medicine is the key development direction of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramics.
Metal–organic framework nanoparticles for arsenic trioxide drug delivery
Authors: Ettlinger Romy , Sönksen Marthe , Graf Monika , Moreno Natalia , Denysenko Dmytro , Volkmer Dirk , Kerl Kornelius , Bunzen Hana
Published: September 2018

As2O3was introduced as an anion into MOF nanoparticlesviaa postsynthetic ligand exchange; material cytotoxicity was investigatedin vitro.
Highly stable thiol–ene systems: from their structure–property relationship to DLP 3D printing
Authors: Chen Li , Wu Qingyang , Wei Guo , Liu Ren , Li Zhiquan
Published: September 2018

Highly stable secondary thiol–ene systems with low shrinkage were successfully applied to DLP 3D printing to fabricate objects with a vertical resolution of 50 μm.
Electronic properties of isoindigo-based conjugated polymers bearing urea-containing and linear alkyl side chains
Authors: Charron Brynn P. , Ocheje Michael U. , Selivanova Mariia , Hendsbee Arthur D. , Li Yuning , Rondeau-Gagné Simon
Published: September 2018

A side-chain engineering study has been performed with isoindigo-based conjugated polymers to modulate their physical and electronic properties through the incorporation of urea-containing and saturated linear side chains.
Exploring the binding interaction between copper ions and Candida rugosa lipase
Authors: Qu Wenjun , Yuan Dong , Zhao Lining , Zong Wansong , Liu Rutao
Published: September 2018

Copper ions enter the central group of the catalytic center of CRL and bind with CRL, resulting in a conformational change of the lipase. This in turn causes an increase in the enzyme activity.
The effect of oxidative stress upon intestinal sugar transport: anin vitrostudy using human intestinal epithelial (Caco-2) cells
Authors: Andrade Nelson , Silva Cláudia , Martel Fátima
Published: September 2018

The transporters involved in the intestinal absorption of glucose and fructose (SGLT1, GLUT2 and GLUT5) have different sensitivities to oxidative stress levels, SGLT1 being the most sensitive and GLUT5 the least.
Influence of tides, bathymetry, lithology and regional flows on the salinization process in nature area the Rammegors
Authors: America Ilja , de Louw Perry , Bier George , van der Zee Sjoerd
Published: September 2018

Nature area Rammegors, which has recently been transformed from a fresh inner-dyke nature area to a salt tidal area. Due to this transformation, salt water is infiltrating in a fresh waterlens. This salinisation process is investigated in more detail by two- and three dimensional models together with mearsurements in the area. Zeeland project FRESHEM has provided detailed isohaline maps of the area and Deltares is making transient isohaline maps based on measurements made by an ERT-cable which is situated in Rammegors. These data has been and will be used to investigate which factors; bathymetry, lithology, tides or regional groundwater flow, will have the largest impact on the salinization process in Rammegors. This investigation shows that discretization size has an influence on the speed and spatial distribution of salt plumes. Lithology has the largest influence on the salinization process, followed by bathymetry. Spring and neap tides do differ from the normal tides situation only when bathymetry is not taken into account.
Modeling Seawater Intrusion to Coastal Aquifers in South Coast of Laizhou Bay, China
Authors: Chang Yawen , Hu Bill X. , Li Xue
Published: September 2018

In this study, a two-dimensional SEAWAT 2000 model is developed to simulate the seawater intrusion to coastal aquifers and brine water/fresh water interaction in the south of Laizhou Bay, Shandong Province, China and forecast the seawater intrusion and brine water/freshwater interface development in the coming years. The model profile is perpendicular to the coastal line, about 40 km long and 110 m in depth, and consists of two interfaces, freshwater-saline water interface and brine water-saline water-seawater interface. The parameters of aquifers in the SEAWAT-2000 model are calibrated by trial-error method repeatedly to fit the head and salinity measurements. Based on the historical groundwater and brine water exploration and natural precipitation condition, the prediction results indicate that equivalent freshwater head in shallow freshwater-saline water area will decrease year by year and decline 2.0 m in the forecasting period, caused by groundwater over-pumping for irrigating farmlands. The groundwater head in the brine-saline water area will also decrease about 1.8 m in forecasting period. A larger depression cone appears in the brine area, with smaller funnels in other areas. The salinity in the brine area finally drops below 105g/l. In the meanwhile, the salinity increases in other areas, damage fresh groundwater resources.
Land subsidence by peat oxidation leads to enhanced salinization through boils in Dutch polders
Authors: de Louw Perry G.B. , Bootsma Huite , Kooi Henk , Kramer Mark , Erkens Gilles
Published: September 2018

Peat oxidation in deep Dutch polders leads – in addition to subsidence - to the development of new saline boils, enhancing the salinization of these polders. This on-going process is studied in detail in the Middelburg-Tempelpolder. The objective of the study was to get more in-depth knowledge about this process and to assess it for the present situation and for future landscapes (after 10, 50, 100 and 500 years).
300 years of coastal salinization research in Germany – the Homann (1718) map of the Christmas Flood of 1717
Authors: Houben Georg J.
Published: September 2018

The Christmas Flood of 1717 was one of the most destructive storm floods in the North Sea region and affected large parts of the shores of Germany, the Netherlands and Germany (e.g. Jakubowski-Tiessen 1992). It occurred in the night from the 24th to the 25th of December 1717, when a strong northwesterly storm front pushed massive volumes of water into the funnel-shaped German Bight. Adding to the astronomical high tide occurring this night, water levels rose up to 4 m higher than the mean tidal high water mark. This lead to widespread overtopping and breaching of the dikes, which had been neglected in the preceding years due to extended periods of war and unrest. Since the event happened at night, the population was unable to react. About 9,000 people in Germany lost their lives and around 2,500 in the Netherlands. The small German town of Jever alone lost 1,700 people. In the village of Stollhamm, located on the peninsula of Butjadingen, which was exposed to the flood from two sides, 582 out of a population of 1,200 perished and only a third of the houses were not destroyed. In Eastern Frisia, 922 houses were completely destroyed and 1,672 damaged. In all of the affected regions in Germany, at least 3,000 houses were completely destroyed. Agriculture was severely affected by the salinization of large tracts of agricultural land and the loss of 2,300 horses, 9,500 cows, 2,800 sheep and 1,800 pigs was recorded in Eastern Frisia. In the following years, famines and epidemic plagues took a further toll on the population. Many people emigrated. It took several decades to reconstruct the dikes and to restore the livelihoods of the population.
Major groundwater reservoir nr 112 in the coast of Gdańsk Bay
Authors: Kordalski Zbigniew , Sadurski Andrzej
Published: September 2018

The main groundwater reservoirs (MGR) in Poland have been established during last 9 years and finished in 2017 yr. (Mikołajków, Sadurski edit.). The most reach in groundwater resources hydrogeological structures in the country where deliminated and the scope of limited and forbidden human activities for their protection where established. Area of main groundwater reservoir nr 112 , named - Żuławy Gdańskie - comprises predominantly City of Gdańsk and area of Gdańsk and Pruszcz Gdański Counts and slightly exceeds 100 km2. The area undertaken for the investigation and modelling was 363.8 km2. The aim of MGR delimitation and hydrogeological documentation was the water resources protection based on physical planning proper, responsible water management (Herbich et al., 2009). The methods of hydrogeological researches, groundwater resources calculation and delimitation of MGR is presented in the paper.
Salt water intrusion in the breakthrough valley of the river Aa between the Flemish coastal plain and the Saint Omer basin (France)
Authors: Lebbe Luc , Depret Devlin , Claus Jasper , Devriese Gert Jan
Published: September 2018

The salinity distribution in a breakthrough valley has been studied based on field observations and using a numerical model. The studied valley is located in Northern France between the Saint Omer basin and the Flemish coastal plain. The field campaign starts with the installation of observation wells. In these observations wells the electrical conductivity is logged versus depth with an electro-magnetic device. These wells also allow the necessary measurements to deduce the fresh water heads. Some of the wells are used for the performance of a pumping test. The lateral variation of the electrical conductivity of the water in the drainage canals is measured. With a numerical model the evolution of the flow and distribution of the fresh and salt water are simulated. Two simulations are made with the same schematization of the groundwater reservoir consisting of quaternary marine sediments, silt and clay and with the same hydraulic and solute parameters and boundary conditions but with two different initial salinity distributions. The results of both simulations show that the salinity distribution in the quaternary marine sediments depends not only on the lateral variation of the watertable but also on the shape of the incision of the palaeo-valley into the clay of Ypresian age. The salinity distribution in the lower part of the quaternary marine sediments depends first and foremost on the shape of the incision of the palaeo-valley into the clay of Ypresian age whereas the salinity distribution in the upper part of the quaternary marine sediments depends first and foremost on the lateral variation of the watertable.
Hydrogeological researches in the 4D cartography program in the coastal zone of the southern Baltic
Authors: Lidzbarski Mirosław , Tarnawska Ewa
Published: September 2018

The aim of the pilot programme of the 4D cartography in the coastal zone of the southern Baltic is to develop appropriate forecasts concerning the southern Baltic coastline alterations with reference to the geological structure of the coast and anticipated changes of climate. The effects of these changes on the infrastructure, aquatic plant habitats as well as major fresh water reservoirs responsible for water supply for both municipal and industrial purposes will also be thoroughly analysed.
Modeling groundwater flow and salinity evolution near TSF Żelazny Most. Part I – groundwater flow
Authors: Świdziński Waldemar
Published: September 2018

Tailings which are by-product of the extraction of various metals (copper, gold, silver, molybdenum, etc.) are often stored in so called Tailings Storage Facilities (TSF), where they are deposited as a soil-water mixture by spigotting. In many cases the water discharged together with tailings to the TSF is rich in salts and other chemical compounds imposing negative pressure to the groundwater environment. Even in the case of total or partial lining of such facilities and well-developed drainage systems to control leaching, some portion of contaminated water often seeps either through the surrounding dams or the bed into adjacent groundwater bodies. Numerical models can be very helpful tools to assess the extent of the contamination and particularly to predict its potential development in the future. This paper and the companion one describe such a numerical model developed for Żelazny Most Tailings Storage Facility (south-west Poland), one of the world’s largest tailings sites. In the first part general information about the facility is provided and a 3D hydrogeological numerical model of the structure is described. Groundwater flow pattern near the facility obtained from numerical simulations is confronted with the measurements from a comprehensively developed monitoring system. Part II will be focused on the modelling of chloride transport in groundwater.
Ocean Wave-Structure Interaction of Two Wave Energy Converters in Malaysian Water
Authors: ChengYee Ng , Adha Tuhaijan Siti Nor , Kurian Velluruzhathil John , Loon Lim Wai
Published: September 2018

Due to rapid urbanization and industrialization, the consumption of electricity in the world is expected to increase, thus leads to the fast development of the renewable energy industry. In 2016, 24.5% of the electricity is produced by renewable energy. There are several types of renewable energy, e.g. solar, wind, and ocean wave. The ocean wave energy is identified to have the greatest potential for electricity generation. There are various types of wave energy converter (WEC) that have been designed for harnessing the wave energy, e.g. the oscillating water column, salter duck, point absorber, water dagon etc. Due to the smaller dimension, the point absorber is the most suitable WEC to be deployed in an array configuration, whereby each isolated WEC interacts and alters the vicinity of the wave formation by absorbing, radiating, and diffracting the wave. Subsequently, the wave interference will also affect the WEC’s performance. The objective of the present study is to investigate the optimum separation distance, d, that would resulting to an optimum performance between two WECs in an array configuration using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. The analysis considered an isolated WEC and two WECs, i.e. the heaving point absorbers with three point catenary mooring lines. The influence of the separation distance towards diffraction and response amplitude operator (RAO) of an array of two WECs was evaluated. The optimum production of the wave energy by the heaving point absorber is observed to be highly dependant on the relative heave motion of the two WECs [1]. In the present study, it shows that the optimum distance between two WECs in an array configuration is 20 m, whereby the maximum heave RAO were identified.
Wave current interaction: Effect on force prediction for fixed offshore structures
Authors: Latheef Mohamed , Abdulla Nasir , Jupri Mohd Faieez Mohd
Published: September 2018

MetOcean conditions in the South China Sea (SCS) indicates that unlike other locations such as the North Sea, the magnitude of the currents can be relatively large. In addition, these currents are strongly sheared. The present study focused on the typical design problem of calculating the ultimate base shear and overturning moments for slender fixed structureswiththe inclusion of the interaction between the currents and the wave field. It has been found that the loads on average can be around 15% larger when this interaction is accounted for in the calculation of the loads, highlighting the importance. In addition, the level of these amplifications were found to be dependent on the sea state steepness and the relative water depth. While no clear trend was found (changed case by case) in the present work, incorporating the vertical structure of the current was found to change the pattern of the amplification of the loads.
Development of ANN Model for the Prediction of VIV Fatigue Damage of Top-tensioned Riser
Authors: Wong Eileen Wee Chin , Choi Han Suk , Kim Do Kyun , Hashim Fakhruldin Mohd
Published: September 2018

Marine riser experiences vortex-induced vibration (VIV) caused by current, leading to fatigue damage if VIV is not considered in design of riser. Estimation of VIV fatigue damage is essential in designing feasible and operable riser. A simplified approach for predicting fatigue damage is required to reduce the computation time to analyze the fatigue damage. This study aims to explore the applicability of artificial neural network (ANN) approach in developing top-tensioned riser fatigue damage prediction model. A total of 2100 riser model is generated with different combination of four main input parameters: riser outer diameter, wall thickness, top tension and uniform current velocity. The modal analysis is performed using OrcaFlex and VIV fatigue damage of the riser is computed using SHEAR7. The four input parameters and corresponding fatigue damage results make up the database for training a 2-layer neural network. Weight and bias values acquired from the training of ANN are used to develop the VIV fatigue damage prediction model of the riser. The results show ANN approach is suitable for prediction of the riser fatigue damage due to VIV. The proposed approach requires further refinements and extension to more input features to improve the accuracy and usefulness of the developed prediction model.
Subsea Equipment Decommissioning Using Fiber Rope
Authors: Choi Han-Suk , Kim Do Kyun , Kim Seungman , Cheon Eun-Jee , Kim Kyoung-Su
Published: September 2018

A comparative study of lifting lines for subsea equipment decommissioning was conducted to evaluate the applicability of fiber ropes. Generally, conventional steel wire ropes are used for subsea equipment decommissioning operations, but there are some disadvantages in using steel wires as the lifting lines at deepwater depth. To overcome the disadvantages, fiber ropes are proposed for using as lifting lines. The comparative methods to evaluate the performance of both lifting lines include three sections of calculations, payload capacity, and horizontal offset due to current, critical length of lifting line. Moreover, dynamic analysis using Orcaflex was performed to compare the dynamic forces occurring in the lifting lines during subsea equipment decommissioning. The results showed that the fiber ropes had advantages in payload capacity, critical length of lifting line and lower dynamic forces occurred compared to the steel wire ropes at deepwater depth.
Construction Technology Used for the Reclamation of Seri Tanjung Pinang (Phase 2)
Authors: Hassan Nik Mohd Kamel Nik , Kamel Nik Abdullah Mu'az Nik Mohd , Pauzi Muhammad Fauzan , Teh Hee Min
Published: September 2018

The second phase of Seri Tanjung Pinang (STP2) aims to be an exemplar water front development that encapsulates the best of island living in Penang, Malaysia. STP2 offers a range of residential, commercial and leisure facilities to both local and international investors. Based on the geographical area, STP2 is divided into three packages, which are Package 2A (foreshore of Gurney Drive and the western region of the sand island), Package 2B (the southeast region of the sand island) and Package 2C (the northeast region of the sand island). It is an extension of the fully developed STP1 (Phase I) consisting of 240 acres of land reclamation works. Reclamation of the 253-acre STP2 Package 2A commenced in 2016 and is still underway, and reclamation of the remaining packages with the reclamation size of 507-acres shall kick off at a later stage. The main intention of this paper is to address the construction technology adopted since the commencement of the STP2 Package 2A reclamation. Prior to introduction to the various construction technologies used, the background of this reclamation project is first described. The overall construction sequence for the reclamation is also provided. The construction technologies applied for this project including turbidity control measures, delivery modes for construction materials, perimeter bund construction, placement of filled materials, soil improvement, sheet pile installation and construction of revetment, are respectively detailed in this paper.
A Structured Review on the Improvement of GBI-RNC
Authors: Raf'ee Sayang Syazanna , Liew Mohd Shahir , Zawawi Noor Amila , Danyaro Kamaluddeen Usman
Published: September 2018

This paper presents the reviews of studies with regards to the development of Green Building Index- Residential New Construction (GBI-RNC). GBI-RNC is considered since the development of Residential Construction is expected to increase every year since Malaysia is considered as a developing country. The Carbon Emission of Residential Construction is evident thus one of the ways to control and commit to Carbon Emission reduction is by promoting Sustainable Development. Even though GBI-RNC has been introduced to the industry since 2009, participation increased just slightly by the year and to reach a rating more than ‘Certified’ are low. Furthermore, a national green rating system is proposed by JKR, to assist with all residential government projects. Therefore, this paper shall present the suggested modifications that should be made to GBI-RNC to improve its elements and gain more influence to maintain as the most used green rating system for residential construction.