bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency of disturbance alters diversity, function, and underlying assembly mechanisms of complex bacterial communities
Authors: Santillan Ezequiel , Seshan Hari , Constancias Florentin , Drautz-Moses Daniela I. , Wuertz Stefan
Published: February 2019

Disturbance is known to affect the ecosystem structure, but predicting its outcomes remains elusive. Similarly, community diversity is believed to relate to ecosystem functions, yet the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we tested the effect of disturbance on the structure, assembly, and ecosystem function of complex microbial communities within an engineered system. We carried out a microcosm experiment where activated sludge bioreactors operated in daily cycles were subjected to eight different frequency levels of augmentation with a toxic pollutant, from never (undisturbed) to every day (press-disturbed), for 35 days. Microbial communities were assessed by combining distance-based methods, general linear multivariate models, α-diversity indices, and null model analyses on metagenomics and 16S rRNA gene amplicon data. A stronger temporal decrease in α-diversity at the extreme, undisturbed and press-disturbed, ends of the disturbance range led to a hump-backed pattern, with the highest diversity found at intermediate levels of disturbance. Undisturbed and press-disturbed levels displayed the highest community and functional similarity across replicates, suggesting deterministic processes were dominating. The opposite was observed amongst intermediately disturbed levels, indicating stronger stochastic assembly mechanisms. Trade-offs were observed in the ecosystem function between organic carbon removal and both nitrification and biomass productivity, as well as between diversity and these functions. Hence, not every ecosystem function was favoured by higher community diversity. Our results show that the assessment of changes in diversity, along with the underlying stochastic–deterministic assembly processes, is essential to understanding the impact of disturbance in complex microbial communities.
Bioactive glycoalkaloides isolated from Solanum melongena fruit peels with potential anticancer properties against hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Fekry Mostafa I. , Ezzat Shahira M. , Salama Maha M. , Alshehri Ohoud Y. , Al-Abd Ahmed M.
Published: February 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is progressively increasing tumor with lack of accurate prognosis and inadequate systemic treatment approaches. Solanum sp. (such as Solanum melongena) is a folk herb which is reported to possess anticancer properties. In a continuity for our interest in pursuing the anticancer activity of compounds isolated from the fruit peels of Solanum melongena, the HPLC profiling and ESI-MS assessment for the methanolic extract evidenced the presence of bioactive glycoalkaloids (solasonine, solasodine and solamargine). These glycoalkaloids were isolated, purified and proved to possess in vitro cytotoxicity against human liver cancer cell lines (Huh7 and HepG2). Herein, we investigated the potential mechanism of action of these compounds using DNA content flow-cytometry and apoptosis/necrosis differential anaylsis using annexin-V/FITC staining. Solasonine, solasodine and solamargine inducd significant antiproliferative effect against liver cancer cells (Huh7 and HepG2) which was attributed to cell cycle arrest at S-phase. Solamargine, solasodine and solasonine induced significant apoptosis in Huh7 cells. Only solamargine-induced cell cycle arrest, was reflected as apoptotic cell killing effect against HepG2 cells. In conclusion, glycoalkaloids derived from Solanum melongena and particularly, solamargine are promising antiproliferative agents with potential anticancer effects.
Early stages of aggregation of engineered α-synuclein monomers and oligomers in solution
Authors: Li Xi , Dong Chunhua , Hoffmann Marion , Garen Craig R. , Cortez Leonardo M. , Petersen Nils O. , Woodside Michael T.
Published: February 2019

α-Synuclein is a protein that aggregates as amyloid fibrils in the brains of patients with Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. Small oligomers of α-synuclein are neurotoxic and are thought to be closely associated with disease. Whereas α-synuclein fibrillization and fibril morphologies have been studied extensively with various methods, the earliest stages of aggregation and the properties of oligomeric intermediates are less well understood because few methods are able to detect and characterize early-stage aggregates. We used fluorescence spectroscopy to investigate the early stages of aggregation by studying pairwise interactions between α-synuclein monomers, as well as between engineered tandem oligomers of various sizes (dimers, tetramers, and octamers). The hydrodynamic radii of these engineered α-synuclein species were first determined by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. The rate of pairwise aggregation between different species was then monitored using dual-color fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy, measuring the extent of association between species labelled with different dyes at various time points during the early aggregation process. The aggregation rate and extent increased with tandem oligomer size. Self-association of the tandem oligomers was found to be the preferred pathway to form larger aggregates: interactions between oligomers occurred faster and to a greater extent than interactions between oligomers and monomers, indicating that the oligomers were not as efficient in seeding further aggregation by addition of monomers. These results suggest that oligomer-oligomer interactions may play an important role in driving aggregation during its early stages.
Genome-wide Identification, Expression Profiling and Evolutionary Analysis of Auxin Response Factor Gene Family in Potato (Solanum tuberosum Group Phureja)
Authors: Song Shuangwei , Hao Liaoyang , Zhao Pan , Xu Ya , Zhong Naiqin , Zhang Hongji , Liu Ning
Published: February 2019

Auxin response factors (ARFs) play central roles in conferring auxin-mediated responses through selection of target genes in plants. Despite their physiological importance, systematic analysis of ARF genes in potato have not been investigated yet. Our genome-wide analysis identified 20 StARF (Solanum tuberosum ARF) genes from potato and found that they are unevenly distributed in all the potato chromosomes except chromosome X. Sequence alignment and conserved motif analysis suggested the presence of all typical domains in all but StARF18c that lacks B3 DNA-binding domain. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that potato ARF could be clustered into 3 distinct subgroups, a result supported by exon-intron structure, consensus motifs, and domain architecture. In silico expression analysis and quantitative real-time PCR experiments revealed that several StARFs were expressed in tissue-specific, biotic/abiotic stress-responsive or hormone-inducible manners, which reflected their potential roles in plant growth, development or under various stress adaptions. Strikingly, most StARFs were identified as highly abiotic stress responsive, indicating that auxin signaling might be implicated in mediating environmental stress-adaptation responses. Taken together, this analysis provides molecular insights into StARF gene family, which paves the way to functional analysis of StARF members and will facilitate potato breeding programs.
Particle Diffusometry: An Optical Detection Method for Vibrio cholerae Presence in Environmental Water Samples
Authors: Clayton Katherine N. , Moehling Taylor J. , Lee Dong Hoon , Wereley Steven T. , Linnes Jacqueline C. , Kinzer-Ursem Tamara L.
Published: February 2019

There is a need for a rapid, robust, and sensitive biosensor to identify low concentrations of pathogens in their native sample matrix without enrichment or purification. Nucleic acid-based detection methods are widely accepted as the gold standard in diagnostics, but robust detection of low concentrations of pathogens remains challenging. Amplified nucleic acids produce more viscous solutions, which can be measured by combining these products with fluorescent particles and measuring the change in the particle diffusion coefficient using a technique known as particle diffusometry. Here, we utilize Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae) as a proof-of-concept for our detection system due to its inherently low concentration in environmental water samples. We demonstrate that particle diffusometry can be used to detect down to 1 V. cholerae cell in molecular-grade water in 20 minutes and 10 V. cholerae cells in pond water in just 35 minutes in 25 µL reaction volumes. The detection limit in pond water is environmentally relevant and does not require any enrichment or sample preparation steps. Particle diffusometry is 10-fold more sensitive than current gold standard fluorescence detection of nucleic acid amplification. Therefore, this novel measurement technique is a promising approach to detect low levels of pathogens in their native environments.
Dense genotyping-by-sequencing linkage maps of two Synthetic W7984×Opata reference populations provide insights into wheat structural diversity
Authors: Gutierrez-Gonzalez Juan J. , Mascher Martin , Poland Jesse , Muehlbauer Gary J.
Published: February 2019

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) genetic maps are a key enabling tool for genetic studies. We used genotyping-by-sequencing-(GBS) derived markers to map recombinant inbred line (RIL) and doubled haploid (DH) populations from crosses of W7984 by Opata, and used the maps to explore features of recombination control. The RIL and DH populations, SynOpRIL and SynOpDH, were composed of 906 and 92 individuals, respectively. Two high-density genetic linkage framework maps were constructed of 2,842 and 2,961 cM, harboring 3,634 and 6,580 markers, respectively. Using imputation, we added 43,013 and 86,042 markers to the SynOpRIL and SynOpDH maps. We observed preferential recombination in telomeric regions and reduced recombination in pericentromeric regions. Recombination rates varied between subgenomes, with the D genomes of the two populations exhibiting the highest recombination rates of 0.26–0.27 cM/Mb. QTL mapping identified two additive and three epistatic loci associated with crossover number. Additionally, we used published POPSEQ data from SynOpDH to explore the structural variation in W7984 and Opata. We found that chromosome 5AS is missing from W7984. We also found 2,332 variations larger than 100 kb. Structural variants were more abundant in distal regions, and overlapped 9,196 genes. The two maps provide a resource for trait mapping and genomic-assisted breeding.
Changes in species richness and composition of boreal waterbird communities: a comparison between two time periods 25 years apart
Authors: Pöysä Hannu , Holopainen Sari , Elmberg Johan , Gunnarsson Gunnar , Nummi Petri , Sjöberg Kjell
Published: February 2019

Global measures of biodiversity indicate consistent decline, but trends reported for local communities are more varied. Therefore, we need better understanding of mechanisms that drive changes in diversity of local communities and of differences in temporal trends between components of local diversity, such as species richness and species turnover rate. Freshwater ecosystems are vulnerable to multiple stressors, and severe impacts on their biodiversity have been documented. We studied species richness and composition of local boreal waterbird communities in 1990/1991 and 2016 at 58 lakes distributed over six regions in Finland and Sweden. The study lakes represented not only local trophic gradients but also a latitudinal gradient in the boreal biome. While species richness tended to be lower in 2016 than in 1990/1991, species turnover was relatively high. Within foraging guilds, local species richness of diving ducks and surface feeding waterbirds decreased, whereas that of large herbivores increased. The number of species gained in local communities was higher in lakes with rich vegetation than in lakes with sparse vegetation. Conservation of boreal freshwater ecosystems would benefit from recognizing that large-scale environmental changes can affect local diversity via processes operating at finer scales.
Early Stage Alpha-Synuclein Amyloid Fibrils are Reservoirs of Membrane-Binding Species
Authors: Skamris Thomas , Marasini Carlotta , Madsen Kenneth L. , Foderà Vito , Vestergaard Bente
Published: February 2019

The presence of αSN fibrils indisputably associates with the development of synucleinopathies. However, while certain fibril morphologies have been linked to downstream pathological phenotypes, others appear less harmful, leading to the concept of fibril strains, originally described in relation to prion disease. Indeed, the presence of fibrils does not associate directly with neurotoxicity. Rather, it has been suggested that the toxic compounds are soluble amyloidogenic oligomers, potentially co-existing with fibrils. Here, combining synchrotron radiation circular dichroism, transmission electron microscopy and binding assays on native plasma membrane sheets, we reveal distinct biological and biophysical differences between initial and matured fibrils, transformed within the timespan of few days. Immature fibrils are reservoirs of membrane-binding species, which in response to even gentle experimental changes release into solution in a reversible manner. In contrast, mature fibrils, albeit macroscopically indistinguishable from their less mature counterparts, are structurally robust, shielding the solution from the membrane active soluble species. We thus show that particular biological activity resides transiently with the fibrillating sample, distinct for one, but not the other, spontaneously formed fibril polymorph. These results shed new light on the principles of fibril polymorphism with consequent impact on future design of assays and therapeutic development.
A comparison of different GRACE solutions in terrestrial water storage trend estimation over Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Jing Wenlong , Zhang Pengyan , Zhao Xiaodan
Published: February 2019

The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) terrestrial water storage anomalies (TWSA) estimations provide valuable information for the monitoring of land water resources changes. Multiple parameters and strategies for inversion of the water storage changes have been explored. The explorations on differences between GRACE solutions in local regions and basins are fundamental and important. This study focuses on comparisons of TWSA trends between different GRACE solutions over Tibetan Plateau (TP), both storage and flux among solutions were compared. Results show that great discrepancies exist in TWSA between GRACE solutions derived from the standard spherical harmonic approach (SSH) and the mascon approach. Three SSH-based GRACE solutions (JPL, CSR, and GFZ) detect no significant TWSA changes for the whole area of Tibetan Plateau, whereas JPL mascon solution (JPL-M) and CSR mascon solution (CSR-M) gave decreasing trends of 3.10 km3/yr and 3.77 km3/yr, respectively. This difference also exists in the Yangtze River-Yellow River basin (YYR basin) in the TP. Although five solutions derived consistent TWSA trends in northwest river basin (NWR basin) and southwest river basin (SWR basin) in the TP, the variations between different solutions are 2.88 km3/yr and 4.75 km3/yr for NWR and SWR basin respectively, which could not be neglected. The JPL-M solution, as a result, would overestimate both TWSA decreasing and increasing trends comparing with other GRACE solutions. The results of this study are expected to provide references for the studies of water resource dynamics over Tibetan Plateau and the surrounding areas based on GRACE TWSA products.
Interference phase-contrast imaging technology without beam separation
Authors: Nishiwaki Seiji , Narumi Kenji , Korenaga Tsuguhiro
Published: February 2019

Interferometers are widely used in science and industry to measure small displacements, changes in refractive index, and surface irregularities. In all interferometers, including phase-contrast microscopes and DICs (differential interference contrast microscopes), light from a single source is split into two beams that travel along different optical paths. They are then recombined to produce interference. The fundamental operation of beam separation makes device configuration more complex and adds to the bulk of the equipment. In this study we propose a new method of observing phase-contrast images without beam separation by using self-interference inside a grating coupler structure disposed on the observation plane. We experimentally demonstrate that the self-interference principle can generate phase-contrast images using a simple configuration. From measurements using a multilevel phase plate, we confirm its phase-contrast depth resolution to approach one- tenth of a wavelength.
Selective Resonance Photoionization of Odd Mass Zirconium Isotopes Towards Efficient Separation of Radioactive Waste
Authors: Fujiwara Takashige , Kobayashi Tohru , Midorikawa Katsumi
Published: February 2019

We achieve a considerable improvement in proposed schemes for the selective photoionization of odd mass zirconium isotopes. The technique implements intermediate-state alignment for isotope-selective laser excitation by broadband pulsed lasers, which incorporates the spectroscopic selection rules for the absorption of polarized light. The improvement includes newly found intermediate levels, where J = 0 character as a third excited-state intermediate, in cooperation with four-step photoexcitation (J = 2–1–1–0 scheme). Isotope selectivity (separation coefficient for 91Zr: >2400) has been identified in addition to a significant enhancement of ionization efficiency (30×) compared with previous research. A search for suitable third intermediate levels has covered over autoionizing Rydberg states in a singly ionized Zr II region (up to 58 000 cm−1). The measured autoionizing Rydberg states show high photoion yields but are not identified as favoured isotopic selectivity, as observed in the four-step photoionization. Prospects and future directions in laser even/odd-mass isotope separation are discussed.
Molecular signature of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cell subsets
Authors: Kuçi Selim , Kuçi Zyrafete , Schäfer Richard , Spohn Gabriele , Winter Stefan , Schwab Matthias , Salzmann-Manrique Emilia , Klingebiel Thomas , Bader Peter
Published: February 2019

In the current study we compared the molecular signature of expanded mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from selected CD271+ bone marrow mononuclear cells (CD271-MSCs) and MSCs derived from non-selected bone marrow mononuclear cells by plastic adherence (PA-MSCs). Transcriptome analysis demonstrated for the first time the upregulation of 115 and downregulation of 131 genes in CD271-MSCs. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the upregulated genes in CD271-MSCs are significantly enriched for extracellular matrix (tenascin XB, elastin, ABI family, member 3 (NESH) binding protein, carboxypeptidase Z, laminin alpha 2andnephroblastoma overexpressed) and cell adhesion (CXCR7, GPNMB, MYBPH, SVEP1, ARHGAP6, TSPEAR, PIK3CG, ABL2andNCAM1). CD271-MSCs expressed higher gene transcript levels that are involved in early osteogenesis/chondrogenesis/adipogenesis (ZNF145, FKBP5). In addition, increased transcript levels for early and late osteogenesis (DPT, OMD, ID4, CRYAB, SORT1), adipogenesis (CTNNB1, ZEB, LPL, FABP4, PDK4, ACDC), and chondrogenesis (CCN3/NOV, CCN4/WISP1, CCN5/WISP2 and ADAMTS-5) were detected. Interestingly, CD271-MSCs expressed increased levels of hematopoiesis associated genes (CXCL12, FLT3L, IL-3, TPO, KITL). Down-regulated genes in CD271-MSCs were associated with WNT and TGF-beta signaling, and cytokine/chemokine signaling pathways. In addition to their capacity to support hematopoiesis, these results suggest that CD271-MSCs may contain more osteo/chondro progenitors and/or feature a greater differentiation potential.
Giant electrocaloric response in smectic liquid crystals with direct smectic-isotropic transition
Authors: Klemenčič Eva , Trček Maja , Kutnjak Zdravko , Kralj Samo
Published: February 2019

Electrocaloric materials have become a viable technology for solid state heat management applications. We demonstrate both theoretically and experimentally that liquid crystals (LCs) can be exploited as efficient electrocaloric materials. Numerical and experimental investigations determine the conditions under which the strongest electrocaloric effect (ECE) responses are expected in LCs. Specifically, we show that a large ECE can be expected at the isotropic-nematic and in particular at the isotropic-smectic A phase transition. In our theoretical study, LC ordering is modelled using a Landau – de Gennes - Ginzburg mesoscopic approach. The simulation results are in qualitative agreement with our high precision electrocaloric measurements conducted on 8CB and 12CB liquid crystals. In the latter, we obtained ΔTEC ~ 6.5 K, corresponding to the largest response measured so far in LCs. The fluid property of LC electrocaloric heat cooling elements could lead to the development of devices with a higher coefficient of performance and thus better cooling power yield per mass of the ECE-based device.
Faecal bacterial and short-chain fatty acids signature in hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Granado-Serrano A. B. , Martín-Garí M. , Sánchez V. , Riart Solans M. , Berdún R. , Ludwig I. A. , Rubió L. , Vilaprinyó E. , Portero-Otín M. , Serrano J. C. E.
Published: February 2019

Gut microbiota has been suggested to affect lipid metabolism. The objective of this study was to characterize the faecal microbiota signature and both short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids (BA) profile of hypercholesterolemic subjects. Microbiota composition, SCFAs, BA and blood lipid profile from male volunteers with hypercholesterolemia (HC) and normocholesterolemia (NC) were determined by 16S rDNA sequencing, HPLC, GC and NMR, respectively. HC subjects were characterized by having lower relative abundance of Anaeroplasma (0.002% vs 0.219%, p-value = 0.026) and Haemophilus (0.041% vs 0.078%, p-value = 0.049), and higher of Odoribacter (0.51% vs 0.16%; p-value = 0.044). Correlation analysis revealed that Anaeroplasma and Haemophilus were associated to an unfavourable lipid profile: they correlated negatively to cholesterol and triglycerides related biomarkers and the ratio total to high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and positively to HDL size. Odoribacter displayed an opposite behaviour. Faecal SCFAs profile revealed higher abundance of isobutyric (2.76% vs 0.82%, p-value = 0.049) and isovaleric acid (1.32% vs 0.06%, p-value = 0.016) in HC. Isobutyric acid correlated positively with Odoribacter and lipid parameters indicative of an unfavourable profile. BA profile did not show differences between groups. It was concluded that HC subjects showed a particular faecal bacterial signature and SCFAs profile associated with their lipid profile.
Differential impact of trait, social, and attachment anxiety on the stare-in-the-crowd effect
Authors: Burra Nicolas , Massait Solene , Vrtička Pascal
Published: February 2019

Eye gaze conveys crucial information for social interactions, with straight versus averted gaze triggering distinct emotional and cognitive processes. The “stare-in-the-crowd” effect exemplifies such differential visual processing of gaze direction, in more recent reports also in interaction with head orientation. Besides aiming at replicating the “stare-in-the-crowd” effect by means of an eye gaze by head orientation interaction, the present study intended to for the first time testing its susceptibility to inter-individual differences in trait, social, and attachment anxiety. Our findings reveal a significant relation between the “stare-in-the-crowd” effect and social and attachment, but not trait anxiety, and therefore provide preliminary cues for personality influences on visual processing of eye gaze and head orientation.
Endogenous pore-forming protein complex targets acidic glycosphingolipids in lipid rafts to initiate endolysosome regulation
Authors: Guo Xiao-Long , Liu Ling-Zhen , Wang Qi-Quan , Liang Jin-Yang , Lee Wen-Hui , Xiang Yang , Li Sheng-An , Zhang Yun
Published: February 2019

Bacterial pore-forming toxin aerolysin-like proteins (ALPs) are widely distributed in animals and plants. However, functional studies on these ALPs remain in their infancy. βγ-CAT is the first example of a secreted pore-forming protein that functions to modulate the endolysosome pathway via endocytosis and pore formation on endolysosomes. However, the specific cell surface molecules mediating the action of βγ-CAT remain elusive. Here, the actions of βγ-CAT were largely attenuated by either addition or elimination of acidic glycosphingolipids (AGSLs). Further study revealed that the ALP and trefoil factor (TFF) subunits of βγ-CAT bind to gangliosides and sulfatides, respectively. Additionally, disruption of lipid rafts largely impaired the actions of βγ-CAT. Finally, the ability of βγ-CAT to clear pathogens was attenuated in AGSL-eliminated frogs. These findings revealed a previously unknown double binding pattern of an animal-secreted ALP in complex with TFF that initiates ALP-induced endolysosomal pathway regulation, ultimately leading to effective antimicrobial responses.
Chemical investigations of bitumen from Neolithic archaeological excavations in Italy by GC/MS combined with principal component analysis
Authors: Nardella Federica , Landi Noemi , Degano Ilaria , Colombo Marta , Serradimigni Marco , Tozzi Carlo , Ribechini Erika
Published: February 2019

An analytical protocol involving microwave assisted solvent extraction followed by GC/MS and principal component analysis (PCA) of the chromatographic data was used for the characterization of bituminous residues sampled from Neolithic objects recovered from excavations in Italy.
Determination and speciation of phosphorus in fertilizers and mineral supplements for cattle by X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy: a simple nondestructive method
Authors: Babos Diego Victor , Castro Jeyne Pricylla , Andrade Daniel Fernandes , Costa Vinicius Câmara , Pereira-Filho Edenir Rodrigues
Published: February 2019

X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy was used to determine phosphorus species in agricultural inputs.
Visible-light triggered selective reduction of nitroarenes to azo compounds catalysed by Ag@organic molecular cages
Authors: Chen Gong-Jun , Xin Wen-Ling , Wang Jing-Si , Cheng Jun-Yan , Dong Yu-Bin
Published: February 2019

A new Ag NP-loaded organic molecular cage, which can act as a highly efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the selective reduction of nitroarenes to azo compounds under visible light irradiation, is reported.
How to tailor flexible silicone elastomers with mechanical integrity: a tutorial review
Authors: Mazurek Piotr , Vudayagiri Sindhu , Skov Anne Ladegaard
Published: February 2019

The tutorial aims to equip the beginners in silicone research with the knowledge to formulate recipes and process elastomer networks, targeting specific properties related to soft applications such as stretchable electronics without compromising the mechanical integrity of the elastomer.
Identification of two novel peptides with antioxidant activity and their potential in inhibiting amyloid-β aggregation in vitro
Authors: Liu Yang , Lin Xiaoling , Li Qingyong , Wang Min , Zhou Mao , Wang Zhi , Peng Shuling , Ren Ruiwen , Yuan Erdong , Ren Jiaoyan
Published: February 2019

Two novel peptides WW4 and WW7 were evaluated for their antioxidant activity, membrane penetrance and inhibiting activity of amyloid-β protein (Aβ) aggregation.
Effect of cell culture models on the evaluation of anticancer activity and mechanism analysis of the potential bioactive compound, iturin A, produced by Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Zhao Haobin , Zhao Xixi , Lei Shuzhen , Zhang Yawen , Shao Dongyan , Jiang Chunmei , Sun Hui , Shi Junling
Published: February 2019

Compared to 2D culture, cells cultured in 3D culture were more resistant to iturin A from Bacillus.
Polaritonic manipulation based on the spin-selective optical Stark effect in the WS2 and Tamm plasmon hybrid structure
Authors: Zhang Wei Li , Li Xin Jie , Wang Shan Shan , Zheng Chu Yuan , Li Xiao Feng , Rao Yun Jiang
Published: February 2019

Valley-spin sensitive polaritonic manipulation is proposed based on the optical Stark effect in a WS2 microcavity with patterned potentials.
Improved oxygen evolution activity of IrO2 by in situ engineering of an ultra-small Ir sphere shell utilizing a pulsed laser
Authors: Zhong Wenwu , Lin Zhiping , Feng Shangshen , Wang Da , Shen Shijie , Zhang Qinghua , Gu Lin , Wang Zongpeng , Fang Baizeng
Published: February 2019

A core shell-structured IrO2@Ir with considerably improved oxygen evolution activity is developed through the in situ engineering of IrO2 by a pulsed laser.
Sulfonated carbon derived from the residue obtained after recovery of essential oil from the leaves ofCinnamomum longepaniculatumusing Brønsted acid ionic liquid, and its use in the preparation of ellagic acid and gallic acid
Authors: Liu Zaizhi , Qi Yanlong , Gui Mengling , Feng Chunte , Wang Xun , Lei Yang
Published: February 2019

A Brønsted acid ionic liquid, 3-methyl-1-(4-sulfonylbutyl) imidazolium hydrogensulfate ([HO3S(CH2)4mim]HSO4), was used for the first time for the preparation of a sulfonated carbon catalyst.
A novel approach coupling ferrous iron bio-oxidation and ferric iron chemo-reduction to promote biomineralization in simulated acidic mine drainage
Authors: Wang Ning , Fang Di , Zheng Guanyu , Liang Jianru , Zhou Lixiang
Published: February 2019

Controlled addition of ZVI into Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans-mediated biomineralization can markedly improve the formation of secondary Fe-minerals in AMD.
The effect of solution environment and the electrostatic factor on the crystallisation of desmotropes of irbesartan
Authors: Araya-Sibaja Andrea M. , Urgellés Mariola , Vásquez-Castro Felipe , Vargas-Huertas Felipe , Vega-Baudrit José Roberto , Guillén-Girón Teodolito , Navarro-Hoyos Mirtha , Cuffini Silvia L.
Published: February 2019

The experimental conditions necessary for stabilising irbesartan (IBS) tautomers in solution and selectively obtaining the desmotropic crystal forms are presented herein.
Catalytic radical difluoromethoxylation of arenes and heteroarenes
Authors: Lee Johnny W. , Zheng Weijia , Morales-Rivera Cristian A. , Liu Peng , Ngai Ming-Yu
Published: February 2019

The first visible light photocatalytic generation and utilization of the OCF2H radical for direct (hetero)aryl C–H difluoromethoxylation at room temperature.
Integration of yolk–shell units into a robust and highly reactive nanoreactor: a platform for cascade reactions
Authors: Guo Yingchun , Feng Lei , Wang Xiaomei , Zhang Xu
Published: February 2019

Integration of bifunctional yolk–shell units into a robust and highly reactive nanoreactor with excellent catalytic activity and recyclability.
Isopolymolybdate-based inorganic–organic hybrid compounds constructed by multidentate N-donor ligands: syntheses, structures and properties
Authors: Guo Haiyang , Gong Chunhua , Zeng Xianghua , Xu Hao , Zeng Qingdao , Zhang Junyong , Zhong Ziyi , Xie Jingli
Published: February 2019

Five isopolymolybdate-based hybrid compounds were achieved and their photocatalytic activities for dye degradation were explored.
Gas infall and possible circumstellar rotation in R Leonis
Authors: Fonfría J. P. , Santander-García M. , Cernicharo J. , Velilla-Prieto L. , Agúndez M. , Marcelino N. , Quintana-Lacaci G.
Published: February 2019

We present new interferometer molecular observations of R Leo taken at 1.2 mm with the Atacama Large Millimeter Array with an angular resolution up to ≃0.″026. These observations permitted us to resolve the innermost envelope of this star, which revealed a complex structure that involves extended continuum emission and molecular emission showing a non-radial gas velocity distribution. This molecular emission displays prominent red-shifted absorptions located immediately in front of the star, which are typical footprints of material infall. This emission also shows lateral gas motions compatible with a torus-like structure.
Review of Supercritical Hydrothermal Combustion
Authors: Xu Haitao , Wang Shuzhong , Ren Mengmeng , Yang Jianqiao , Cui Chengchao , Li Yanhui , Zhang Jie
Published: February 2019

Two major points in supercritical hydrothermal combustion were reviewed:(1) The structure of semi-batch reactors or continuous reactors used in different institutes and colleges. These investigations can be used to guide the design of reactors for later scholars and lay the foundation for the industrialization of supercritical hydrothermal combustion. (2) The research status of characterization of hydrothermal flame processes by various scholars. These investigations can be used to guide the process parameters of industrialization of supercritical hydrothermal combustion. The continuous reactor designed in each organization is very sophisticated, which can avoid the two major problems of reaction in the supercritical state: salt precipitation and corrosion. The ignition temperature, extinction temperature, and other characteristics of supercritical hydrothermal combustion studied by scholars are summarized and the laws are basically similar. The removal rate of different organic matters was also summarized under supercritical hydrothermal combustion, and the removal rate of more than 99% was basically achieved.
Effects of cesium-substituted silicotungstic acid doped with polybenzimidazole membrane for the application of medium temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells
Authors: Zay Ya Kyaw , Nbelayim Pascal , Tan Wai Kian , Kawamura Go , Muto Hiroyuki , Matsuda Atsunori
Published: February 2019

Inorganic-organic composite membranes were prepared by using partly cesium-substituted silicotungstic acid (CHS-WSiA) and polybenzimidazole (PBI, MRS0810H) for medium temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells (MT-PEFCs). Cesium hydrogen sulfate (CsHSO4, CHS) and silicotungstic acid (H4SiW12O40, WSiA) were milled to obtain 0.5CHS-0.5WSiA composites by dry and wet mechanical millings. N,Ndimethylacetamide (DMAc) was used as a disperse medium in the preparation of the inorganic solid acids by wet mechanical milling and also a casting agent for fabrication of membrane. Finally, flexible and homogeneous composite membranes with several phosphoric acid doping levels (PADLs) were obtained. The wet mechanical milling using DMAc was found to effectively promote good substitution of H+ ion in WSiA by Cs+ ion of CHS and promoted the formation of smaller grain sizes of composites, compared with dry milling. A high maximum power density of 378 mWcm-2 and a good constant current stability test were obtained from a single cell test using the PBI composite membrane containing 20 wt% of 0.5CHS-0.5WSiA from wet milling and phosphoric acid doping level (PADL) of 8 mol, at 150 °C under an anhydrous condition. Wet milling CHS-WSiA crystallites were highly dispersed in PBI to give homogenized membranes and played a significant role in the enhancemance of acidity by increasing the number of proton sites in the electrolyte membrane. After the addition of CHS-WSiA into PBI membrane, the acid and water retention properties were improved and incorporated as new proton conduction path by adsorbing phosphoric acid in these composite electrolyte membranes. These observations suggest that composite membranes with 8 mol of PADL are good promising PA dopedmembranes with effective electrochemical properties for the medium temperature fuel cells.
Very short-term forecasting of power demand of big dynamics objects
Authors: Parol Mirosław , Piotrowski Paweł , Piotrowski Mariusz
Published: February 2019

The issue of very short-term forecasting is gaining more and more importance. It covers both the subject of power demand forecasting and forecasting of power generated in renewable energy sources. In particular, for the reason of necessity of ensuring reliable electricity supplies to consumers, it is very important in small energy micro-systems, which are commonly called microgrids. Statistical analysis of data for a sample big dynamics low voltage object will be presented in this paper. The object, in paper author’s opinion, belongs to a class of objects with difficulties in forecasting, in case of very short-term horizon. Moreover, forecasting methods, which can be applied to this type of forecasts, will be shortly characterized. Then results of sample very short-term ex post forecasts of power demand provided by several selected forecasting methods will be presented, as well as some qualitative analysis of obtained forecasts will be carried out. At the end of the paper observations and conclusions concerning analyzed subject, i.e. very short-term forecasting of power demand of big dynamics objects, will be presented.
Similarity analysis of the patterns of the monthly electric energy demand time series
Authors: Pełka Paweł
Published: February 2019

The similarity analysis of the monthly electric energy demand time series sequence patterns are shown. The similarity-based forecasting models are allowed to be created because a strong relationship between input and output patterns exists. The chi-square test and the correlation tables were calculated for a few definitions of patterns.
Impact of wind turbines reliability models on the power generation system reliability
Authors: Marchel Piotr , Paska Józef , Terlikowski Paweł
Published: February 2019

In this paper we describe the methodology of determining the reliability indices for power generating subsystem. We analyse then influence of the considered wind power plant reliability modelling on system reliability. The proposed reliability model of wind power plant is two-state model as compromise between calculation time and accuracy. We have found an empirical relationship between the power system reliability index LOLE (Loss of Load Expectation) and reserve capacity margin for a given wind share. This allowed us to estimate the required minimal reserve capacity margin for a given level of power system security and for a known structure of system installed capacity.
The influence of the network asymmetry on the settings and sensitivity of an earth fault protection using higher harmonics
Authors: Marciniak Lubomir , Piątek Mateusz
Published: February 2019

Detection of high resistance earth faults in medium voltage networks is an important problem due to ineffectiveness of traditional earth fault protections. Such short circuits can be detected by the criterion of a reactive power of higher harmonics for zero sequence current and voltage. The main problem is determination of the power setting value in the protection, which depends on the asymmetry of phase-to-earth capacitances and higher harmonics in supply voltages, which are generated by non-linear loads. The intensive tests of the asymmetry of the zero sequence currents and voltages for harmonics and their reactive power have been carried out in 15 kV compensated network as a function of all relevant parameters, i.e.: maximum capacitance deviation of the network and protected line, percentage content of harmonics in supply voltages, capacitive current of the network and the line. It has been shown that third harmonics of the zero sequence voltage and current are the best suited for practical use, since the asymmetry reactive power of these components is the smallest among the considered harmonics and the protection sensitivity will be the highest.
Control Method of Slipstream Gas Source System of a Propeller
Authors: Shi Jinchun
Published: February 2019

For the slipstream gas source control system of propeller, there is no mature application in China. The traditional slipstream gas source system manually realizes the stable control of gas and flow through the self-operated pressure reducing device. But this mode can only be used in the condition of small pressure and low flow, cannot meet the actual need of high pressure and large flow, and cannot monitor and automatically control the energy consumption of compressed gas and heating equipment, resulting in great energy waste. Based on the actual engineering conditions, and according to the characteristics, user requirements and work flow of the slipstream gas source system, this paper describes a new control method for the slipstream gas source system of a propeller in detail, which solves the issue of automatic control in the whole process and realizes the key technical point, rapid stabilizing of airflow pressure and temperature.
The Design on the Comprehensive Utilization Exhibition System of New Energy Automatic Control System
Authors: Li Xiaofeng
Published: February 2019

In this paper, the construction of a set of comprehensive utilization of new energy system is put forward. The system can show the real time operation and simulated the actual system of the solar photovoltaic system, the solar-thermal systems and the air source heat pump water heater. And according to the running condition, energy saving and reduce carbon emissions for each new energy application situation can be calculated comparing to using traditional energy. Another reserved interface, which can be for the subsequent construction of other new energy systems (such as ground source heat pump system) is provided. This paper introduces the design scheme of the comprehensive utilization of new energy system.
A New Welding Robot for Intersected Weld of Pipes Used in Large Pressure Vessels
Authors: Xue Lianghao , Wei Min , Yang Tao
Published: February 2019

A self-designed new welding robot to be employed in the intersected weld of large pressure pipes is introduced in this paper. The welding robot can effectively serve as a substitute for a worker who would otherwise face a high labor intensity. The pose model of the welding tool is established to ensure that the welding tool maintains a good pose to make the molten pool run smoothly. The kinematics model of welding robot is established by Denavit-Hartenberg method, and the trajectory of welding tool is planned and determined. The designed of control system is communicated through PLC and touch screen, based on flexible modular mechanism, the welding tool pose can be adjusted according to the pressure vessel specification and the size of welding seam to ensure the welding quality of welding seam. Finally, the test unit for the designed robot system is set up, and experiments demonstrate that this welding robot could meet the intersected welding requirements of a large pressure vessels environment.
Automatic Program of Gravity tide Pre-processing
Authors: Tian Guie
Published: February 2019

In order to improve efficiency of pre-processing gravity observations, the theoretical tides are simulated on the basis of the foregone tidal parameters, and the simulating gravity observations are obtained by combining the local atmospheric gravity, the pole gravity and the length of day gravity. Based on the gravity observations, repairs the abnormal data such as jumps, steps and spikes in gravity observations. In this paper, the software FTsoft, which can automatically identify and repair data such as jumps, steps and spikes and other abnormal data, is designed and implemented on the Matlab platform, which improves the work efficiency. Comparing the results of treatment with FTsoft and Tsoft, it is found that the standard deviation of the result of Ftsoft is smaller than Tsoft, it further proved that Ftsoft is a effective method of pre-processing gravity tides.
Application of Support Vector Machine in Fault Diagnosis of Elevator Key Structures
Authors: Dou Yan , Guo Lanzhong , Li Yunbo , Zhu Yunfei
Published: February 2019

Elevator is an important equipment in special equipment, its operation reliability is related to the life safety of elevator passengers; when the elevator fails, how to timely accurate identification of fault types and judgment of fault causes are the key to engineering application and theoretical research. This paper mainly introduces the application of support vector machine in fault diagnosis of elevator key structures.
Identification of Core Technology of Digital SPC Exchange and Intelligentialize Prospect of Electronic Communication Equipment Industry
Authors: Zhang Yingxin
Published: February 2019

digital SPC switch belongs to the communication system equipment manufacturing class and belongs to the high-tech industry. Mastering the core technology of digital SPC switch is related to communication security and national information security. HuaWei has already mastered the core technology of digital SPC switch, and on this basis has accumulated the core technology capability to develop intelligently. In this paper, patent data is used to analyze the patent family of digital SPC switches at home and abroad, and based on this analysis and identification of core technologies, and finally, the intelligent development direction of the industry is predicted.
Impact on the Performance of Search and Rescue Team by Cloud-Based Services: A Case Study of TransAsia Flight GE235
Authors: Fu Yan-Kai , Lee Chia-Chiang , Huang Weilun
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study is to determine the significant gap between the suitable objective environmental conditions and the real performance outcomes when Taipei fire fighter officers and volunteer fire fighters handled the TransAsia GE235 incident. This study employs the “Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT)” model to investigate the search and rescue (SAR) team members’ adoption of cloud-based services to improve their SAR performance. This study uses the Partial Least Square (PLS) validation for the research hypotheses. The results show that the Taipei City Fire Department’s SAR team and the Volunteer Fire Fighter team have certain gaps in applying the cloud-based service to improve the incident SAR performance. It is revealed that resources, especially in training/education of the government official team, are significant to performance improvement. Finally, several management implications are presented to improve the SAR operation performance.
Research on the Nonlinear Computer Torque control of the MR Damper Based Above-knee Prosthesis
Authors: Fu Qiang , Pan Chunpeng , Xu Lei
Published: February 2019

Aiming at the motion track controlling of the semi-active magnetorheological damper based above-knee prosthesis (MRAKP), according to the LaSalle’s invariant set theorem, a kind of nonlinear compute torque (NCT) control law for the track controlling of the AKMR, is proposed to promote the robustness and performance of the intelligent above-knee prosthesis. The proposed NCT controller includes the feedforward control and the feedback control. The former one is used to compensate the nonlinear terms in the dynamic model of the MRAKP, such as the Coriolis force, the centripetal force, and the gravity. The feedback control, utilizing a nonlinear PD controller, adaptively adjusts the control gain coefficients and reduces the system error. On these bases, numerical simulations on the MRAKPare carried out to analyze the performance of the proposed NCT controller in ADAMS and simulink. For comparing, the track controlling performance of the PD controller and the CT+PD controller are also presented in the paper. Simulation results indicate that the proposed NCT controller for the MRAKP is able to adaptively adjust the control gain coefficients with lower track error and higher robustness than the conventional PD controller and the CT+PD controller.
Research on Innovative Design Method and Application of Architectural Façade Modeling
Authors: Zhong Feifeng
Published: February 2019

The author through in-depth investigation and access to a large number of literature, in-depth study of the famous architect or architectural firm of architectural innovation masterpiece and the latest innovation new architecture, study from the modeling design fundamental element, Shape structure, building details, building material innovation, material and construction technology, structural technology innovation and other aspects of the building facade modeling innovative design method and applications, it is hoped that it will have certain enlightening function to the future architectural designers in the architectural innovation design.