bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional differences in thermal adaptation of a cold-water fish Rhynchocypris oxycephalus revealed by thermal tolerance and transcriptomic responses
Authors: Yu Dan , Zhang Zhi , Shen Zhongyuan , Zhang Chen , Liu Huanzhang
Published: July 2018

Understanding how populations adapt to different thermal environments is an important issue for biodiversity conservation in the context of recent global warming. To test the hypothesis that populations from southern region are more sensitive to climate change than northern region in cold-water species, we determined the thermal tolerance of two geographical populations of a cold-water fish, Rhynchocypris oxycephalus: the Hangzhou population from southern region and the Gaizhou population from northern region, then compared their transcriptomic responses between a control and a high temperature treatment. The results showed that the thermal tolerance range and thermal tolerance polygon area of Hangzhou population were narrower than the Gaizhou population, indicating populations from southern region were possibly more vulnerable. Further transcriptomic analysis revealed that the Gaizhou population expressed more temperature responding genes than the Hangzhou population (583 VS. 484), corresponding with their higher thermal tolerance, while some of these genes (e.g. heat shock protein) showed higher expression in the Hangzhou population under control condition, suggesting individuals from southern region possibly have already responded to the present higher environmental temperature pressure. Therefore, these results confirm the prediction that populations from southern region are more sensitive to global warming, and will be important for their future conservation.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for MSM in low HIV incidence places: should high risk individuals be targeted?
Authors: Wong Ngai Sze , Kwan Tsz Ho , Tsang Owen T. Y. , Lee Man Po , Yam Wing Cheong , Lam Wilson , Leung Wai Shing , Chan Jacky M. C. , Ho Kai Man , Lee Shui Shan
Published: July 2018

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) targeting high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM) has been shown to be a cost-effective HIV control measure. However, the approach could be a challenge in low HIV incidence places with a low proportion of high-risk MSM. To examine the impact of PrEP in such setting in Asia, we developed an epidemic model and conducted cost-effectiveness analysis using empirical multicentre clinical and HIV sequence data from HIV-infected MSM in Hong Kong, in conjunction with behavioural data of local MSM. Without PrEP, the HIV incidence (per 100 person-years) would increase from 1.1 to 1.6 between 2011 and 2021. PrEP could avert 3–63% of total new infections in a five-year period (2017–2021), the variability of which depends on the implementation strategies and combination with test-and-treat. However, under current market drug price in 2016, the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained (QALYG) of PrEP (USD1583136/QALYG) is almost 3 times higher than test-and-treat intervention alone (USD396874/QALYG). Assuming 93% fall of PrEP drug price and in combination with test-and-treat, putting 30% of MSM on non-targeting PrEP would be more feasible, cost-effective (USD268915/QALYG), and could avert more new infections (40%). PrEP could contribute to HIV epidemic control in a low incidence place.
The antioxidant activities of alkalic-extractable polysaccharides from Coprinus comatus on alcohol-induced liver injury in mice
Authors: Zhao Huajie , Zhang Jianjun , Liu Xinchao , Yang Qihang , Dong Yuhan , Jia Le
Published: July 2018

The aim of this work was to provide a preliminary characterization of alkalic-extractable polysaccharides (ALPS) from Coprinus comatus, to explore its in vivo antioxidant activities and protective effects on alcohol-induced liver injury. ALPS showed strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities and markedly low serum enzyme activities, hepatic and serum lipid levels, as well as low hepatic lipid peroxidation levels; moreover, ALPS improved the alcohol metabolism system. These results were also confirmed by an analysis of histopathological section observations. ALPS, in both α- and β-configurations, as analysed by fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), was mainly composed of rhamnose (Rha), fucose (Fuc), ribose (Rib), xylose (Xyl), mannose (Man), galactose (Gal) and glucose (Glu) with mass percentages of 0.52%, 1.02%, 0.80%, 0.92%, 3.05%, 2.96% and 90.73%, respectively. These results may offer support for the use of ALPS as a functional food or natural drug source that can prevent and treat alcohol-induced liver injury.
Fitting mathematical models of biochemical pathways to steady state perturbation response data without simulating perturbation experiments
Authors: Santra Tapesh
Published: July 2018

Fitting Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) models of signal transduction networks (STNs) to experimental data is a challenging problem. Computational parameter fitting algorithms simulate a model many times with different sets of parameter values until the simulated STN behaviour match closely with experimental data. This process can be slow when the model is fitted to measurements of STN responses to numerous perturbations, since this requires simulating the model as many times as the number of perturbations for each set of parameter values. Here, I propose an approach that avoids simulating perturbation experiments when fitting ODE models to steady state perturbation response (SSPR) data. Instead of fitting the model directly to SSPR data, it finds model parameters which provides a close match between the scaled Jacobian matrices (SJM) of the model, which are numerically calculated using the model’s rate equations and estimated from SSPR data using modular response analysis (MRA). The numerical estimation of SJM of an ODE model does not require simulating perturbation experiments, saving significant computation time. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated by fitting ODE models of the Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathway using simulated and real SSPR data.
Bacterial diversity among the fruit bodies of ectomycorrhizal and saprophytic fungi and their corresponding hyphosphere soils
Authors: Liu Yaping , Sun Qibiao , Li Jing , Lian Bin
Published: July 2018

Macro-fungi play important roles in the soil elemental cycle in terrestrial ecosystems. Many researchers have focused on the interactions between mycorrhizal fungi and host plants, whilst comparatively few studies aim to characterise the relationships between macro-fungi and bacteria in situ. In this study, we detected endophytic bacteria within fruit bodies of ectomycorrhizal and saprophytic fungi (SAF) using high-throughput sequencing technology, as well as bacterial diversity in the corresponding hyphosphere soils below the fruit bodies. Bacteria such as Helicobacter, Escherichia-Shigella, and Bacillus were found to dominate within fruit bodies, indicating that they were crucial in the development of macro-fungi. The bacterial richness in the hyphosphere soils of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EcMF) was higher than that of SAF and significant difference in the composition of bacterial communities was observed. There were more Verrucomicrobia and Bacteroides in the hyphosphere soils of EcMF, and comparatively more Actinobacteria and Chloroflexi in the hyphosphere of SAF. The results indicated that the two types of macro-fungi can enrich, and shape the bacteria compatible with their respective ecological functions. This study will be beneficial to the further understanding of interactions between macro-fungi and relevant bacteria.
Surgical Occlusion Setup in Correction of Skeletal Class III Deformity Using Surgery-First Approach: Guidelines, Characteristics and Accuracy
Authors: Liao Yu-Fang , Lo Shu Hsien
Published: July 2018

The aims of this study were to establish guidelines for the surgical occlusion setup of surgery-first orthognathic surgery, and evaluate the resulting characteristics and accuracy. Skeletal Class III patients (N = 53) underwent Le Fort I osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split osteotomy. Study models before orthognathic surgery were set according to the guidelines. Occlusion was measured and computer-aided surgical simulation was used to evaluate the characteristics and accuracy of the surgical occlusion. The mean age of participants was 25 ± 6 years with 24 males and 29 females. The occlusion was set as positive overjet (4.4 ± 2.0 mm) and overbite (1.4 ± 1.8 mm), Class II or I molar relation, and posterior cross bite (overjet: 4.9 ± 2.0 mm and 4.4 ±1.9 mm, respectively for the right and left second molars) and open bite (overbite: −2.0 ± 1.6 mm and −1.9 ± 1.3 mm, respectively for the right and left second molars). Normal jaw relationship and symmetry were noted after virtual surgery. None of the patients required new occlusal setup. Our data contribute the use of the surgery-first approach for skeletal Class III patients by establishing guidelines for a surgical occlusion setup in three dimensions.
Multiple-Locus Variable Number Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA) and Tandem Repeat Sequence Typing (TRST), helpful tools for subtyping Staphylococcus lugdunensis
Authors: Dahyot Sandrine , Lebeurre Jérémie , Argemi Xavier , François Patrice , Lemée Ludovic , Prévost Gilles , Pestel-Caron Martine
Published: July 2018

Staphylococcus lugdunensis is an emergent virulent coagulase-negative Staphylococcus that is increasingly responsible for severe infections. In an attempt to generate informative sequence data for subtyping S. lugdunensis, we selected and sequenced seven polymorphic variable number of tandem repeats (VNTRs) to develop two new methods: a classic length-based multiple-locus VNTR analysis (MLVA) method and a tandem repeat sequence typing (TRST) method. We assessed their performances compared to two existing methods, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and multivirulence-locus sequence typing (MVLST) for 128 isolates from diverse clinical settings and geographical origins. The clustering achieved by the four methods was highly congruent, with MLVA discriminating within clonal complexes as defined by MLST. Indeed, MLVA was highly discriminant compared to MLST and MVLST in terms of number of genotypes as well as diversity indexes. Sequencing of the seven VNTRs showed that they were stable, and analysis of sequence polymorphisms provided superior discriminatory power. The typeability, reproducibility, and epidemiological concordance of these new methods were excellent. Of note, no link between clustering and clinical settings was identified. This study demonstrates that MLVA and TRST provide valuable information for molecular epidemiological study of S. lugdunensis, and represent promising tools to distinguish between strains of homogenous lineages in this clonal species.
The human phrenic nerve serves as a morphological conduit for autonomic nerves and innervates the caval body of the diaphragm
Authors: Verlinden Thomas J. M. , van Dijk Paul , Herrler Andreas , de Gier - de Vries Corrie , Lamers Wouter H. , Köhler S. Eleonore
Published: July 2018

Communicating fibres between the phrenic nerve and sympathetic nervous system may exist, but have not been characterized histologically and immunohistochemically, even though increased sympathetic activity due to phrenic nerve stimulation for central sleep apnoea may entail morbidity and mortality. We, therefore, conducted a histological study of the phrenic nerve to establish the presence of catecholaminergic fibres throughout their course. The entire phrenic nerves of 35 formalin-fixed human cadavers were analysed morphometrically and immunohistochemically. Furthermore, the right abdominal phrenic nerve was serially sectioned and reconstructed. The phrenic nerve contained 3 ± 2 fascicles in the neck that merged to form a single fascicle in the thorax and split again into 3 ± 3 fascicles above the diaphragm. All phrenic nerves contained catecholaminergic fibres, which were distributed homogenously or present as distinct areas within a fascicle or as separate fascicles. The phrenicoabdominal branch of the right phrenic nerve is a branch of the celiac plexus and, therefore, better termed the “phrenic branch of the celiac plexus”. The wall of the inferior caval vein in the diaphragm contained longitudinal strands of myocardium and atrial natriuretic peptide-positive paraganglia (“caval bodies”) that where innervated by the right phrenic nerve.
Comparative transcriptomics provides insight into the molecular basis of species diversification of section Trigonopedia (Cypripedium) on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Guo Yan-Yan , Zhang Yong-Qiang , Zhang Guo-Qiang , Huang Lai-Qiang , Liu Zhong-Jian
Published: July 2018

Deceptive pollination is key to the species richness of Orchidaceae. However, the genetic basis of species diversification is still under study. SectionTrigonopediais a monophyletic clade of genusCypripediumdistributed in the southwest of China. The species of this section are pollinated by different flies. Pollinator differentiation makes sectionTrigonopediaan ideal group for studying the genetic basis underlying species diversification. Here, we sequenced the transcriptomes of eight species of the genusCypripedium, including six co-flowering species of sectionTrigonopediaand two species outside this section as an outgroup. We reconstructed the phylogeny of the section with the combined 1572 single-copy genes extracted from the eight species and produced a highly resolved tree of the section. Furthermore, we combined substitution rate estimation and differential expression analysis to identify candidate genes, including genes related to floral scent synthesis and environmental adaptation, involved in species differentiation. Field investigations showed that these species have adapted to different habitats. We propose that the species diversification in this section is initiated by floral scent differentiation, followed by habitat differentiation, finally leading to speciation. This study sheds novel light on the diversification of closely related orchid species in the Qinghai-Tibetan region.
Metabolic network-based predictions of toxicant-induced metabolite changes in the laboratory rat
Authors: Pannala Venkat R. , Wall Martha L. , Estes Shanea K. , Trenary Irina , O’Brien Tracy P. , Printz Richard L. , Vinnakota Kalyan C. , Reifman Jaques , Shiota Masakazu , Young Jamey D. , Wallqvist Anders
Published: July 2018

In order to provide timely treatment for organ damage initiated by therapeutic drugs or exposure to environmental toxicants, we first need to identify markers that provide an early diagnosis of potential adverse effects before permanent damage occurs. Specifically, the liver, as a primary organ prone to toxicants-induced injuries, lacks diagnostic markers that are specific and sensitive to the early onset of injury. Here, to identify plasma metabolites as markers of early toxicant-induced injury, we used a constraint-based modeling approach with a genome-scale network reconstruction of rat liver metabolism to incorporate perturbations of gene expression induced by acetaminophen, a known hepatotoxicant. A comparison of the model results against the global metabolic profiling data revealed that our approach satisfactorily predicted altered plasma metabolite levels as early as 5 h after exposure to 2 g/kg of acetaminophen, and that 10 h after treatment the predictions significantly improved when we integrated measured central carbon fluxes. Our approach is solely driven by gene expression and physiological boundary conditions, and does not rely on any toxicant-specific model component. As such, it provides a mechanistic model that serves as a first step in identifying a list of putative plasma metabolites that could change due to toxicant-induced perturbations.
Photobiomodulation of extracellular matrix enzymes in human nucleus pulposus cells as a potential treatment for intervertebral disk degeneration
Authors: Hwang Min Ho , Son Hyeong Guk , Lee Jae Won , Yoo Chang Min , Shin Jae Hee , Nam Hyo Geun , Lim Hyun Jung , Baek Seung Min , Park Jeong Hun , Kim Joo Han , Choi Hyuk
Published: July 2018

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is associated with imbalances between catabolic and anabolic responses, regulated by extracellular matrix (ECM)-modifying enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Potential contributing factors, such as interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, derived from infiltrated, activated macrophages within IVD tissues, can trigger abnormal production of ECM-modifying enzymes and progression of IVD degeneration. Novel therapies for regulating ECM-modifying enzymes can prevent or ameliorate IVD degeneration. Photobiomodulation (PBM), known to regulate wound repair, exhibits regenerative potential by modulating biological molecules. This study examined the effects of PBM, administered at various wavelengths (630, 525, and 465 nm) and energy densities (16, 32, and 64 J/cm2), on the production of ECM-modifying enzymes in replicated degenerative IVD. Our results showed that PBM selectively inhibited the production of ECM-modifying enzymes in a dose- and wavelength-dependent manner, suggesting that it could be a novel tool for treating symptomatic IVD degeneration.
Copper nanoclusters with strong fluorescence emission as a sensing platform for sensitive and selective detection of picric acid
Authors: Zhang Wen Jie , Liu Shi Gang , Han Lei , Ling Yu , Liao Liu Li , Mo Shi , Luo Hong Qun , Li Nian Bing
Published: July 2018

The detection of picric acid has been developed based on a combined effect of molecular interactions and inner filter effect.
Quench ionic flash nano precipitation as a simple and tunable approach to decouple growth and functionalization for the one-step synthesis of functional LnPO4-based nanoparticles in water
Authors: Pinkerton Nathalie M. , Hadri Khadidja , Amouroux Baptiste , Behar Leah , Mingotaud Christophe , Destarac Mathias , Kulai Ihor , Mazières Stéphane , Chassaing Stefan , Marty Jean-Daniel
Published: July 2018

A novel, one-step method for the synthesis of functional, organic–inorganic hybrid nanoparticles is reported.
Design and synthesis of ortho-phthalaldehyde phosphoramidite for single-step, rapid, efficient and chemoselective coupling of DNA with proteins under physiological conditions
Authors: Ma Yanli , Lv Zhehao , Li Tingyu , Tian Tian , Lu Lianyu , Liu Wenli , Zhu Zhi , Yang Chaoyong
Published: July 2018

We report the design and synthesis of OPA phosphoramidite for automatic synthesis of OPA-labelled DNA for rapid and efficient coupling of DNA with proteins under physiological conditions.
Anthranilamide (aam)-substituted diboron: palladium-catalyzed selective B(aam) transfer
Authors: Kamio Shintaro , Kageyuki Ikuo , Osaka Itaru , Hatano Sayaka , Abe Manabu , Yoshida Hiroto
Published: July 2018

An unsymmetrical diboron bearing an anthranilamide (aam) substituent was synthesized and was converted into arylboranes via Pd-catalyzed selective B(aam) transfer.
First-principles database driven computational neural network approach to the discovery of active ternary nanocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Kang Joonhee , Noh Seung Hyo , Hwang Jeemin , Chun Hoje , Kim Hansung , Han Byungchan
Published: July 2018

An elegant machine-learning-based algorithm was applied to study the thermo-electrochemical properties of ternary nanocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
Imaging photogenerated charge carriers on surfaces and interfaces of photocatalysts with surface photovoltage microscopy
Authors: Chen Ruotian , Fan Fengtao , Dittrich Thomas , Li Can
Published: July 2018

Recent advances in imaging and characterizing charge separation on surfaces and interfaces of photocatalysts by surface photovoltage spectroscopy were reviewed and highlighted.
Correction: Two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) for biomedical applications
Authors: Huang Kai , Li Zhongjun , Lin Jing , Han Gang , Huang Peng
Published: July 2018

Correction for ‘Two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) for biomedical applications’ by Kai Huang et al., Chem. Soc. Rev., 2018, 47, 5109–5124.
Catalytic transfer hydrogenation of biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural into 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan over tunable Zr-based bimetallic catalysts
Authors: Wei Junnan , Cao Xuejuan , Wang Ting , Liu Huai , Tang Xing , Zeng Xianhai , Sun Yong , Lei Tingzhou , Liu Shijie , Lin Lu
Published: July 2018

ZrBa-SBA is highly efficient for the MPV reduction of HMF to BHMF, as the etherification of BHMF was suppressed.
Insight into the dissolution–crystallization strategy towards macro/meso/microporous Silicalite-1 zeolites and their performance in the Beckmann rearrangement of cyclohexanone oxime
Authors: Zhang Yanfei , Xu Lanjian , Zhang Jie , Li Peidong , Yuan Yangyang , Guo Hongchen , Zhang Xiaomin , Xu Lei
Published: July 2018

A dissolution–crystallization strategy was investigated to synthesize macro/meso/microporous Silicalite-1.
Magnetic properties of transition metal dimers probed by inelastic neutron scattering
Authors: Ansbro Simon , Moreno-Pineda Eufemio , Yu Wen , Ollivier Jacques , Mutka Hannu , Ruben Mario , Chiesa Alessandro
Published: July 2018

We characterise the spin dynamics of two molecular transition metal dimers, by combining inelastic neutron scattering and magnetic measurements.
Cobalt(ii) acyl intermediates in carbon–carbon bond formation and oxygenation
Authors: Reinig Regina R. , Fought Ellie L. , Ellern Arkady , Windus Theresa L. , Sadow Aaron D.
Published: July 2018

Tetrahedral cobalt(ii) hydrocarbyl and CO reversibly form acylcobalt, coupling to give α-hydroxyketone compounds, or oxygenation with O2to cobalt(ii) carboxylates.
Effect of oral CoQ10supplementation along with precooling strategy on cellular response to oxidative stress in elite swimmers
Authors: Emami Ali , Bazargani-Gilani Behnaz
Published: July 2018

High intensity and prolonged swimming trainings in a hot and humid environment lead to stimulated and increased production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS).
Enhanced pH and thermal stability, solubility and antioxidant activity of resveratrol by nanocomplexation with α-lactalbumin
Authors: Liu Yuexiang , Fan Yuting , Gao Luyu , Zhang Yuzhu , Yi Jiang
Published: July 2018

The health-promoting benefits of resveratrol (RES) have attracted significant attention.
Directed evolution of excited state lifetime and brightness in FusionRed using a microfluidic sorter
Authors: Manna Premashis , Hung Sheng-Ting , Mukherjee Srijit , Friis Pia , Simpson David M. , Lo Maria N. , Palmer Amy E. , Jimenez Ralph
Published: July 2018

Directed evolution of fluorescent proteins with lifetime and brightness selections leads to improved variants.
Iron oxide decorated N-doped carbon derived from poly(ferrocene-urethane) interconnects for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Premkumar Viji , Chandrasekaran Naveen , Madasamy Kanagaraj , Kathiresan Murugavel , Kanagavalli Pandiyaraj , Senthil Kumar Shanmugam
Published: July 2018

We report the synthesis of mixed iron oxide particles decorated on nitrogen-doped carbon by forming covalent polyurethane linkages between ferrocene and phloroglucinol.
Hot off the Press
Authors: Hill Robert A. , Sutherland Andrew
Published: July 2018

A personal selection of 32 recent papers is presented covering various aspects of current developments in bioorganic chemistry and novel natural products such as pepluanol C from Euphorbia peplus.
Diffusion controlled multilayer electrocatalysts via graphene oxide nanosheets of varying sizes
Authors: Gu Minsu , Choi Jaewon , Lee Taemin , Park Minju , Shin Ik-Soo , Hong Jinkee , Lee Hyun-Wook , Kim Byeong-Su
Published: July 2018

Controlling the architecture of hybrid nanomaterial electrodes is critical for understanding their fundamental electrochemical mechanisms and applying these materials in future energy conversion and storage systems.
Nanoparticle localization in blood vessels: dependence on fluid shear stress, flow disturbances, and flow-induced changes in endothelial physiology
Authors: Gomez-Garcia M. Juliana , Doiron Amber L. , Steele Robyn R. M. , Labouta Hagar I. , Vafadar Bahareh , Shepherd Robert D. , Gates Ian D. , Cramb David T. , Childs Sarah J. , Rinker Kristina D.
Published: July 2018

Hemodynamic factors drive nanoparticle distributionin vivoandin vitroin cell-based flow models.
Stokes and anti-Stokes Raman scattering in mono- and bilayer graphene
Authors: Cong Xin , Wu Jiang-Bin , Lin Miao-Ling , Liu Xue-Lu , Shi Wei , Venezuela P. , Tan Ping-Heng
Published: July 2018

The 2D mode of graphene exhibits significant frequency discrepancies between its Stokes and anti-Stokes components, making it possible to probe the nonlinear phonon dispersion of the iTO branch near K.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of cyclic derivatives of combretastatin A-4 containing group 14 elements
Authors: Blasco Víctor , Murga Juan , Falomir Eva , Carda Miguel , Royo Santiago , Cuñat Ana C. , Sanz-Cervera Juan F. , Marco J. Alberto
Published: July 2018

Tricyclic compounds bearing group 14 elements have been synthesized. Effects on tumor cells, the cell cycle and VEGFR-2 have been measured.
Synthesis of highly substituted 2-spiropiperidines
Authors: Griggs Samuel D. , Thompson Nathan , Tape Daniel T. , Fabre Marie , Clarke Paul A.
Published: July 2018

Highly substituted novel 2-spiropiperidines, which are scaffolds suitable for drug discovery or natural products synthesis, were synthesized in a simple one-pot or two-pot procedure.
A fast-response and highly specific Si-Rhodamine probe for endogenous peroxynitrite detection in living cells
Authors: Tang Junma , Li Qiang , Guo Zhiqian , Zhu Weihong
Published: July 2018

Peroxynitrite (ONOO−) is involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes.
Correction: Directed nucleophilic addition of phenoxides to cyclopropenes
Authors: Yamanushkin Pavel , Lu-Diaz Michael , Edwards Andrew , Aksenov Nicolai A. , Rubina Marina , Rubin Michael
Published: July 2018

Correction for ‘Directed nucleophilic addition of phenoxides to cyclopropenes’ by Pavel Yamanushkin et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2017, 15, 8153–8165.
Highly syndioselective coordination (co)polymerization of isopropenylstyrene
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Dou Yanli , Li Shihui , Cui Dongmei
Published: July 2018

Coordination (co)polymerization ofpara-isopropenylstyrene (pIPSt) andmeta-isopropenylstyrene (mIPSt), initiated by scandium (Sc) based catalysts, afforded new type of products, bearing pendant isopropenyl groups with perfect syndiotacity (rrrr> 99%).
Heat-sensitive structural phase transitions of hybrid halide perovskite with double dielectric ON/OFF switches
Authors: Zhang Tie , Chen Cheng , Zhang Wan-Ying , Ye Qiong , Fu Da-Wei
Published: July 2018

A novel one-dimensional perovskite-type hybrid compound (trimethylamine N-oxide)CdCl3 exhibited the sensitivity of dielectric switches at high and low temperatures.
Carbon nanodots in ZIF-8: synthesis, tunable luminescence and temperature sensing
Authors: Wang Yufei , Wang Bolun , Shi Huaizhong , Zhang Chenghui , Tao Chunyao , Li Jiyang
Published: July 2018

A new hybrid material CNDs@ZIF-8 with tunable luminescence and temperature-responsive photoluminescence has been synthesized by a low temperature-calcination method. An approximate white light has been achieved by combining the blue emission of ZIF-8 framework and the high yellow emission of CNDs.
Simultaneous enhancement of electrical conductivity and interlaminar fracture toughness of carbon fiber/epoxy composites using plasma-treated conductive thermoplastic film interleaves
Authors: Li Wei , Xiang Dong , Wang Lei , Harkin-Jones Eileen , Zhao Chunxia , Wang Bin , Li Yuntao
Published: July 2018

The electrical conductivity and interlaminar fracture toughness of carbon fiber/epoxy composites are simultaneously enhanced by plasma-treated MWCNT-doped PA12 film interleaves. This work is important for the LSP and EMI properties of CFRP.
Tamoxifen attenuates dialysate-induced peritoneal fibrosis by inhibiting GSK-3β/β-catenin axis activation
Authors: Yan Pengpeng , Tang Huanna , Chen Xiaoying , Ji Shuiyu , Jin Wei , Zhang Jiaming , Shen Jia , Deng Hao , Zhao Xiang , Shen Quanquan , Huang Hongfeng
Published: July 2018

Peritoneal fibrosis is a severe complication arising from long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD). Tamoxifen (Tamo) has been clinically proven effective in a series of fibrotic diseases, such as PD-associated encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS), but the mechanisms underlying Tamoxifen’s protective effects are yet to be defined. In the present study, C57BL/6 mice received intraperitoneal injections of either saline, 4.25% high glucose (HG) PD fluid (PDF) or PDF plus Tamoxifen each day for 30 days. Tamoxifen attenuated thickening of the peritoneum, and reversed PDF-induced peritoneal expression of E-cadherin, Vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), Snail, and β-catenin. Mouse peritoneal mesothelial cells (mPMCs) were cultured in 4.25% glucose or 4.25% glucose plus Tamoxifen for 48 h. Tamoxifen inhibited epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as well as phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), nuclear β-catenin, and Snail induced by exposure to HG. TWS119 reversed the effects of Tamoxifen on β-catenin and Snail expression. In conclusion, Tamoxifen significantly attenuated EMT during peritoneal epithelial fibrosis, in part by inhibiting GSK-3β/β-catenin activation.
Differential expression of NPM, GSTA3, and GNMT in mouse liver following long-term in vivo irradiation by means of uranium tailings
Authors: Yi Lan , Mu Hongxiang , Hu Nan , Sun Jing , Yin Jie , Dai Keren , Long Dingxin , Ding Dexin
Published: July 2018

Uranium tailings (UT) are formed as a byproduct of uranium mining and are of potential risk to living organisms. In the present study, we sought to identify potential biomarkers associated with chronic exposure to low dose rate γ radiation originating from UT. We exposed C57BL/6J mice to 30, 100, or 250 μGy/h of gamma radiation originating from UT samples. Nine animals were included in each treatment group. We observed that the liver central vein was significantly enlarged in mice exposed to dose rates of 100 and 250 μGy/h, when compared with nonirradiated controls. Using proteomic techniques, we identified 18 proteins that were differentially expressed (by a factor of at least 2.5-fold) in exposed animals, when compared with controls. We chose glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT), glutathione S-transferase A3 (GSTA3), and nucleophosmin (NPM) for further investigations. Our data showed that GNMT (at 100 and 250 μGy/h) and NPM (at 250 μGy/h) were up-regulated, and GSTA3 was down-regulated in all of the irradiated groups, indicating that their expression is modulated by chronic gamma radiation exposure. GNMT, GSTA3, and NPM may therefore prove useful as biomarkers of gamma radiation exposure associated with UT. The mechanisms underlying those changes need to be further studied.
Obesity-mediated regulation of cardiac protein acetylation: parallel analysis of total and acetylated proteins via TMT-tagged mass spectrometry
Authors: Romanick Samantha S. , Ulrich Craig , Schlauch Karen , Hostler Andrew , Payne Jordanna , Woolsey Rebekah , Quilici David , Feng Yumei , Ferguson Bradley S.
Published: July 2018

Lysine residues undergo diverse and reversible post-translational modifications (PTMs). Lysine acetylation has traditionally been studied in the epigenetic regulation of nucleosomal histones that provides an important mechanism for regulating gene expression. Histone acetylation plays a key role in cardiac remodeling and function. However, recent studies have shown that thousands of proteins can be acetylated at multiple acetylation sites, suggesting the acetylome rivals the kinome as a PTM. Based on this, we examined the impact of obesity on protein lysine acetylation in the left ventricle (LV) of male c57BL/6J mice. We reported that obesity significantly increased heart enlargement and fibrosis. Moreover, immunoblot analysis demonstrated that lysine acetylation was markedly altered with obesity and that this phenomenon was cardiac tissue specific. Mass spectral analysis identified 2515 proteins, of which 65 were significantly impacted by obesity. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis® (IPA) further demonstrated that these proteins were involved in metabolic dysfunction and cardiac remodeling. In addition to total protein, 189 proteins were acetylated, 14 of which were significantly impacted by obesity. IPA identified the Cardiovascular Disease Pathway as significantly regulated by obesity. This network included aconitate hydratase 2 (ACO2), and dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase (DLD), in which acetylation was significantly increased by obesity. These proteins are known to regulate cardiac function yet, the impact for ACO2 and DLD acetylation remains unclear. Combined, these findings suggest a critical role for cardiac acetylation in obesity-mediated remodeling; this has the potential to elucidate novel targets that regulate cardiac pathology.
District heating simulation in the aspect of heat supply safety
Authors: Babiarz Bożena , Kut Paweł
Published: July 2018

District heating systems as strategic objects from the point of view of state security must ensure reliability and security in supply of heat to their customers [1, 2]. Thanks to computer simulation methods, district heating companies can analyse the operation of the heating networks at the design and operation stage. Computer simulations also offer a wide range of possibilities in the aspect of optimization of the district heating operation as well as prediction and analysis of network failure effects [3-6]. The paper concerns the simulation of a district heating network. The methods for the simulation of heating networks were characterized and simulations of district heating system were carried out. The effects of the failure were analysed at different values of outside temperatures and for different durations of failure. The value of compensation for undelivered heat was also determined. Simulations were carried out for an actual district heating system located in Rzeszow.
Green energy in municipal planning documents
Authors: Bazan-Krzywoszańska Anna , Skiba Marta , Mrówczyńska Maria , Sztubecka Małgorzata , Bazuń Dorota , Kwiatkowski Mariusz
Published: July 2018

Urbanization causes many changes to the land management system. It is estimated that cities are responsible for 75% of the total energy consumption, and in 2045 they will be inhabited by about 70% of the world's population. These are the reasons why they should be reflected upon with regard to the problem of environmental protection, and further by means of energy production from renewable energy sources, an efficient public transport system, or securing green areas in a city space. In protecting the natural environment, urban development policy should, according to the guidelines of the European Union, be adapted to the requirements for the reduction of the need for heat, electricity and gaseous fuels. The EU directives indicate the need to increase the share of renewable energy in final consumption (in the first stage, up to 15%) and to reduce CO2 emissions by 20%. The aim of the article is an attempt to determine how to implement green energy into cities through planning documents. Material for analysis was obtained from standardized interviews carried out with the inhabitants of Zielona Góra and the documents which are the base to the implementation of the Urban Energy Audit (EAM). Policy concerning the introduction of green energy to cities should primarily be determining tasks to carry out at a national (centralized) and local (decentralized) level. Tools to implement this vision at a local level shall be, inter alia, municipal planning documents.
Modelling the relationship between LID practices and the runoff of rainwater through the example of rainfall data for Krakow
Authors: Bąk Joanna
Published: July 2018

The progressing process of urbanization causes areas that were once previously green to turn into areas with a high rate of runoff. For this reason, all activities aimed at the alternative management of rainwater in the city are extremely important. The aim of the work is to compare the share of rainwater management in urban catchments to various alternative forms of management of these waters (including rain gardens and green roofs). The paper compares the outflows from the sample catchment with different runoff coefficients and after the implementation of various Low Impact Development (LID) practices to the catchment. The calculations were carried out using the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) program version 5.1.012 with LID controls developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). The rainfall data used to carry out the simulation was derived over the last three years from the meteorological station in Krakow.
GIS estimated potential of rooftop PVs in urban areas - case study Wrocław (Poland)
Authors: Dąbek Paweł B. , Jurasz Jakub
Published: July 2018

The authors attempted to determine the amount of a roof's surface required for the installation of PVs panels, in terms of the type of building, roof shape, slope, exposition and potential shading of the structure. The area selected for the study was the city of Wrocław, Poland. Photovoltaics are perceived to be a viable option for reducing the environmental impact of energy production while simultaneously increasing local energy security. Exploiting the potential of cities in generating energy from photovoltaics is increasingly evident; in particular, to provide the individual needs of cities, estates or buildings. Due to the diversity of the construction of buildings' roofs, as well as the impact of neighbouring buildings, determining the technical potential at the stage of preliminary analyses is necessary. For these aims, it seems almost obvious to use high-resolution LiDAR data and a GIS spatial analysis. The LiDAR data in the form of a classified points cloud (12 pt/m2) and the Database of Topographic Object from which information on the building class was taken was used. A digital surface model of roofs with a spatial resolution of 1 m was created from the LiDAR data. A slope and a roof exposition models were created, and the roofs were finally counted in 90 categories. The authors have also analysed the conditions for the shading of their own and neighbouring objects with regard to the vertical and horizontal angle of the sunlight for Wrocław, Poland, on characteristic dates: the March and September equinox, the summer and winter solstice, and analysing the period from 8 am to 4 pm in one hour intervals. Analyses of the available areas were made regarding the building's class.
The directions in development for small towns in Podkarpacie considering the contemporary needs of their inhabitants
Authors: Kobylarczyk Justyna
Published: July 2018

The article presents three challenges. It focuses on the issue of small towns in the Podkarpacie region, which until recently was perceived as an area of stagnation. Today its potential is becoming increasingly recognised as a result of, among others, landscape values, pro-health and environmental conditions, natural resources, the good condition of the natural environment and the low pollution of air and waters.The second trend concerns small urban centres which, because of limited access to services, including important centres and jobs, are more difficult to promote as significant for the development of city tourism. Very often, they remain in the shadow of larger urban centres, unable to specialise in a given function. The opinion of their residents on housing conditions as well as the needs directed to an inhabited area is another important issue for determining the directions of development for small towns, which is another research problem of the paper.The article presents the results of sociological research carried out in selected urban centres. They concern the assessment of the quality of the residential environment made by respondents - the residents. Their opinion undoubtedly influences the determination of the directions in development for the cities indicated for research
An assessment of the potential for shower water heat recovery
Authors: Kordana Sabina
Published: July 2018

The recovery of heat from greywater is one of the methods for reducing the energy demand on buildings. The process may be accomplished, e.g. using a Drain Water Heat Recovery (DHWR) unit installed at the shower drain. The paper analyzes the rationale for a DWHR unit being installed within a joint drain system of two separate shower installations. To this end, Net Present Values (NPV) and Profitability Indexes (PI) were calculated for the different parameters of a building shower operation. The study showed that the profitability of such investment depends not only on the installation's operation parameters but also on the type of energy carrier.
An assessment of water quality in dam reservoirs, considering their aggressive properties
Authors: Koszelnik Piotr , Kaleta Jadwiga , Bartoszek Lilianna
Published: July 2018

The paper presents the water classification of four small retention reservoirs on the basis of selected physical and chemical indicators, such as: conductivity, pH level, dissolved oxygen, calcium hardness, general hardness and alkalinity. Three reservoirs (Ożanna, Kamionka and Cierpisz) are within the limits in terms of average values for the second class of water quality. Water in the Nowa Wieś reservoir does not qualify as second quality class of surface water. These reservoirs have had very irregular seasonal variations of water quality. Unambiguous correlations have not been established. Aggressive properties of water have been tested on the basis of Langelier (IL) or Ryznar (IR) indexes and calcium carbonate saturation [pHs]. Waters in the Ożanna and Nowa Wieś reservoirs do not have aggressive properties. Both the Kamionka and Cierpisz reservoirs are characterized by corrosive and leaching aggressiveness.
The potential fire and explosion hazards in biomass co-firing with conventional fossil fuels based on data obtained during testing
Authors: Kukfisz Bozena
Published: July 2018

The use of biomass, in particular in power engineering, has created new hazards for mankind and for the environment; including fire and explosion hazards. A description was provided of the use of biomass in power engineering in existing boilers fired by hard coal [1- 10]. Literature and experimental values were outlined for selected parameters of ignitability and explosiveness of selected biomass parameters, and a comparison was presented of the ignitability and the explosiveness parameters for selected biomass dust, a mixture of coal and biomass and for coal dust (according to PN-EN 14034, PN-EN 50281-2-1:2002 and PN-EN 13821:2004). Based on an analysis of the obtained results, it was ascertained that performing analyses of explosive parameters separately, or with a share of coal and biomass, is an incorrect practice due to the fact that in literature on this subject or in the databases of Internet sources, the quoted values are purely indicative in nature and may differ from the conditions actually prevailing in the given technological process during biomass co-firing. A review of the value of the Kst explosiveness factor showed that dust of biomass mixtures may be categorised to dust with strong explosiveness parameters, and their value is higher than coal dust which is comprised within them. Consequently the testing of post-filtering dust is clearly justified.
Protection issues in selected European historic towns and their contemporary development
Authors: Kuśnierz-Krupa Dominika
Published: July 2018

The presented article is aimed at presenting a few selected examples of small European historic towns whose properly protected cultural heritage considerably contributes to their development in the 21st century. The issue of protection and revalorisation of Polish towns, particularly the smaller ones, is relevant nowadays. Historic heritage seems to be a burden for local authorities and residents because very often they are not aware of how it could contribute to the multidirectional development of their towns. The local inhabitants and authorities of small historic towns in Western European countries respect their heritage much more than Poles, as they associate it with the idea of sustainable development, “place specificity”, and finally, with an opportunity for development, treating cultural heritage as a basis for economic progress and building new and modern infrastructure. It is worth drawing attention here, that sustainable development denotes changing the reality in such a way that the development would optimally satisfy the needs of modern man, without violating the needs of future generations. The testimony to the potential of the cultural heritage of historic towns in the context of their modern development is borne by the towns whose authorities and inhabitants were able to utilise their past for building their future. As examples one could name here French (e.g. Auxerre, Provins,) or German towns (e.g. Heppenheim, Lorsch).
An assessment of the financial efficiency of a heat recovery system from graywater in a hotel
Authors: Mazur Aleksandra
Published: July 2018

The purpose of the article is to determine the profitability of investing in a graywater heat recovery system in a hotel facility located in south-eastern Poland whichis dependent on three heat sources for the domestic hot water preparation system, i.e. gas boiler, biomass boiler and electric heater. There were also various options for accommodation use: 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% occupancy of the hotel. The research was focused on the most frequently used methods for the absolute assessment of the effectiveness of investment projects enabling the creation of an objective criterion. Thus, both the simple method - Simple Pay Back Period SPBP and dynamic methods based on the discount account were used in calculations: Net Present Value NPV, Internal Rate of Return IRR, Profitability Index PI, Discounted Pay Back Period DPBP. The analysis also includes the annual increase in the purchase price of energy carriers. The conducted research has shown that in most cases the installation of the DWHR (Drain Water Heat Recovery) system is beneficial and profitable to the investor.
The impact of using of a DWHR heat exchanger on operating costs for a hot water preparation system and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions entering the atmosphere
Authors: Mazur Aleksandra
Published: July 2018

The article analyzes the annual operating costs for several hot water preparation systems and their impact on the environment; also estimating the emission of pollutants, mainly carbon dioxide CO2, which enters the atmosphere as a result of the use of heating installations. The article also investigated the impact of installing a DWHR heat exchanger on a sewage system, draining graywater from the shower on the annual operating costs incurred by users of hot water supply installations. For each heat source an alternative variant was adopted, in which the installation was additionally equipped with a heat exchanger. The amount of annual savings resulting from the installation of a vertical DWHR heat exchanger was determined, depending on the heat source for the hot water preparation system and the duration of the shower bath per one inhabitant. For the same dependencies, the level of reduction of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere was also determined, as a positive effect of using the installation with a heat exchanger.