bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering the vasculature of decellularized rat kidney scaffolds using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells
Authors: Ciampi Osele , Bonandrini Barbara , Derosas Manuela , Conti Sara , Rizzo Paola , Benedetti Valentina , Figliuzzi Marina , Remuzzi Andrea , Benigni Ariela , Remuzzi Giuseppe , Tomasoni Susanna
Published: May 2019

Generating new kidneys using tissue engineering technologies is an innovative strategy for overcoming the shortage of donor organs for transplantation. Here we report how to efficiently engineer the kidney vasculature of decellularized rat kidney scaffolds by using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSCs)-derived endothelial cells (hiPSC-ECs). In vitro, hiPSC-ECs responded to flow stress by acquiring an alignment orientation, and attached to and proliferated on the acellular kidney sections, maintaining their phenotype. The hiPSC-ECs were able to self-organize into chimeric kidney organoids to form vessel-like structures. Ex vivo infusion of hiPSC-ECs through the renal artery and vein of acellular kidneys resulted in the uniform distribution of the cells in all the vasculature compartments, from glomerular capillaries to peritubular capillaries and small vessels. Ultrastructural analysis of repopulated scaffolds through transmission and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated the presence of continuously distributed cells along the vessel wall, which was also confirmed by 3D reconstruction of z-stack images showing the continuity of endothelial cell coverage inside the vessels. Notably, the detection of fenestrae in the endothelium of glomerular capillaries but not in the vascular capillaries was clear evidence of site-specific endothelial cell specialisation.
Top-down Effects on Empathy for Pain in Adults with Autistic Traits
Authors: Meng Jing , Shen Lin , Li Zuoshan , Peng Weiwei
Published: May 2019

While empathic responses of individuals with autism-spectrum disorder have been reported to be modulated by top-down attention, it remains unclear whether empathy for pain in typically developing individuals with autistic traits also involves such top-down modulation mechanisms. This study employed the autism-spectrum quotient (AQ) to quantify autistic traits in a group of 1,231 healthy adults. Two subset groups (High-AQ and Low-AQ groups) were randomly selected from the highest and lowest 10% AQ scores respectively. We explored whether participants in both groups would differ in their response to others’ pain when their attention was directed toward (A-P tasks) or away (A-N tasks) from pain cues in auditory and visual experimental modalities. Compared to Low-AQ individuals, High-AQ individuals exhibited more suppressed N1 and P2 amplitudes in response to painful vocal cues in auditory A-N tasks. This suggests suppressed attentional and emotional processes of empathy for pain when High-AQ individuals have their attention directed away from others’ pain cues. No significant difference was found between both groups in the auditory A-P task, nor in the visual A-P and A-N tasks. These results suggest that top-down attention modulation of cortical empathic responses to others’ vocal pain is influenced by autistic traits.
Fast and efficient microfluidic cell filter for isolation of circulating tumor cells from unprocessed whole blood of colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Ribeiro-Samy Silvina , Oliveira Marta I. , Pereira-Veiga Thais , Muinelo-Romay Laura , Carvalho Sandra , Gaspar João , Freitas Paulo P. , López-López Rafael , Costa Clotilde , Diéguez Lorena
Published: May 2019

Liquid biopsy offers unique opportunities for low invasive diagnosis, real-time patient monitoring and treatment selection. The phenotypic and molecular profile of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can provide key information about the biology of tumor cells, contributing to personalized therapy. CTC isolation is still challenging, mainly due to their heterogeneity and rarity. To overcome this limitation, a microfluidic chip for label-free isolation of CTCs from peripheral blood was developed. This device, the CROSS chip, captures CTCs based on their size and deformability with an efficiency of 70%. Using 2 chips, 7.5 ml of whole blood are processed in 47 minutes with high purity, as compared to similar technologies and assessed by in situ immunofluorescence. The CROSS chip performance was compared to the CellSearch system in a set of metastatic colorectal cancer patients, resulting in higher capture of DAPI+/CK+/CD45− CTCs in all individuals tested. Importantly, CTC enumeration by CROSS chip enabled stratification of patients with different prognosis. Lastly, cells isolated in the CROSS chip were lysed and further subjected to molecular characterization by droplet digital PCR, which revealed a mutation in the APC gene for most patient samples analyzed, confirming their colorectal origin and the versatility of the technology for downstream applications.
All Inkjet-Printed Graphene-Silver Composite Ink on Textiles for Highly Conductive Wearable Electronics Applications
Authors: Karim Nazmul , Afroj Shaila , Tan Sirui , Novoselov Kostya S. , Yeates Stephen G.
Published: May 2019

Inkjet-printed wearable electronic textiles (e-textiles) are considered to be very promising due to excellent processing and environmental benefits offered by digital fabrication technique. Inkjet-printing of conductive metallic inks such as silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) are well-established and that of graphene-based inks is of great interest due to multi-functional properties of graphene. However, poor ink stability at higher graphene concentration and the cost associated with the higher Ag loading in metal inks have limited their wider use. Moreover, graphene-based e-textiles reported so far are mainly based on graphene derivatives such as graphene oxide (GO) or reduced graphene oxide (rGO), which suffers from poor electrical conductivity. Here we report inkjet printing of highly conductive and cost-effective graphene-Ag composite ink for wearable e-textiles applications. The composite inks were formulated, characterised and inkjet-printed onto PEL paper first and then sintered at 150 °C for 1 hr. The sheet resistance of the printed patterns is found to be in the range of ~0.08–4.74 Ω/sq depending on the number of print layers and the graphene-Ag ratio in the formulation. The optimised composite ink was then successfully printed onto surface pre-treated (by inkjet printing) cotton fabrics in order to produce all-inkjet-printed highly conductive and cost-effective electronic textiles.
Author Correction: Biomarkers of vascular injury in relation to myocardial infarction risk: A population-based study
Authors: Pletsch-Borba Laura , Grafetstätter Mirja , Hüsing Anika , González Maldonado Sandra , Kloss Manja , Groß Marie-Luise , Johnson Theron , Sookthai Disorn , Bugert Peter , Kaaks Rudolf , Kühn Tilman
Published: May 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Rapid Scotch Whisky Analysis and Authentication using Desorption Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionisation Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Smith Barry L. , Hughes David M. , Badu-Tawiah Abraham K. , Eccles Rebecca , Goodall Ian , Maher Simon
Published: May 2019

Whisky, as a high value product, is often adulterated, with adverse economic effects for both producers and consumers as well as potential public health impacts. Here we report the use of DAPCI-MS to analyse and chemically profile both genuine and counterfeit whisky samples employing a novel ‘direct from the bottle’ methodology with zero sample pre-treatment, zero solvent requirement and almost no sample usage. 25 samples have been analysed from a collection of blended Scotch whisky (n = 15) and known counterfeit whisky products (n = 10). Principal component analysis has been applied to dimensionally reduce the data and discriminate between sample groups. Additional chemometric modelling, a partial least squares regression, has correctly classified samples with 92% success rate. DAPCI-MS shows promise for simple, fast and accurate counterfeit detection with potential for generic aroma profiling and process quality monitoring applications.
HIV Infection Induces Extracellular Cathepsin B Uptake and Damage to Neurons
Authors: Cantres-Rosario Yisel M. , Ortiz-Rodríguez Sarah C. , Santos-Figueroa Aemil G. , Plaud Marines , Negron Karla , Cotto Bianca , Langford Dianne , Melendez Loyda M.
Published: May 2019

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders prevail in 20–50 percent of infected individuals. Macrophages transmigrate through the blood brain barrier during HIV-1 infection, triggering neuronal dysfunction. HIV-infected macrophages secrete cathepsin B (CATB), and serum amyloid p component (SAPC), inducing neuronal apoptosis by an unknown mechanism.We hypothesized that HIV infection facilitates CATB/SAPC secretion from macrophages followed by neuronal internalization, promoting dysfunction. SK-N-SH neuronal cells were exposed to active recombinant histidine-tagged cathepsin B (His-CATB). His-CATB entry was tracked by intracellular flow cytometry, and neuronal dysfunction was verified by western blot. Macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) were tested for the presence of CATB and SAPC. Neurons internalized His-CATB, an effect that was partially decreased by pre-treatment with anti-CATB antibody. Pre-treatment with CATB and SAPC antibodies decreased cleavage of caspase-3 and restored synaptophysin in neurons. Neurons exposed to macrophage-conditioned media differentially internalized His-CATB, dependent on the HIV replication levels. Finally, CATB and SAPC were secreted in EVs. We report for the first time that CATB is secreted from macrophages both free and in EVs, and is internalized by neurons. Moreover, HIV-replication levels modulate the amount of CATB neuronal uptake, and neuronal dysfunction can be decreased with CATB antibodies. In conclusion, the CATB/SAPC complex represents a novel target against HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
Validation of the Korean Stroop Test in Diagnosis of Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy
Authors: Yoon Eileen L. , Jun Dae Won , Jeong Jae Yoon , Kim Tae Yeob , Song Do Seon , Ahn Sang Bong , Kim Hee Yeon , Jung Young Kul , Song Myeong Jun , Kim Sung Eun , Kim Hyoung Su , Jeong Soung Won , Kim Sang Gyune , Lee Tae Hee , Cho Yong Kyun , Kim Jae-kwan , Ryu Hokyoung
Published: May 2019

The burden of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is significant, but no universal criteria for diagnosis have been established. We aimed to validate the Korean Stroop Test for MHE screening. Chronic hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis patients were recruited prospectively from 13 centers. The Korean Stroop Test consisted of two Stroop-off states (color and word) and two Stroop-on states (inhibition and switching). Accuracy adjusted psychomotor speed (rate correct score) of these tests were analyzed. Sex- and age- adjusted rate correct scores of these tests were rated as the Korean Stroop Score (K-Stroop score). MHE was diagnosed when Portosystemic Encephalopathy Syndrome Test (PHES) scores were below −4. A total of 220 liver cirrhosis patients and 376 healthy controls were enrolled. Prevalence of MHE was 20.6% in cirrhosis patients. Rate correct scores and the K-Stroop score showed significant differences between healthy controls, cirrhosis patients without MHE, and cirrhosis patients with MHE. The rate correct score of the K-Stroop score was 0.74 (95% Confidence Interval: 0.66–0.83, P < 0.001). Female gender and the K-Stroop score were significant for MHE diagnosis. The Korean Stroop Test is simple and valid for screening of MHE.
Low frequency 3D ultra-wide vibration attenuation via elastic metamaterial
Authors: D’Alessandro Luca , Ardito Raffaele , Braghin Francesco , Corigliano Alberto
Published: May 2019

The design of innovative metamaterials with robust and reliable performances is attracting increasing interest in the scientific community because of their unique properties and for their unexplored potential. In particular, dynamical properties of periodic structures are widely studied specifically for their bandgap opening characteristic, which enables the design of structures with unprecedented dynamical behaviour. In the present work an ultra-wide three-dimensional bandgap is presented, with extremely low frequency range of operation. Numerical simulations and analytical models are proposed to prove the claimed properties, together with experiments carried out on a prototype built by means of additive manufacturing.
The Microbiome of the Maculinea-Myrmica Host-Parasite Interaction
Authors: Di Salvo Marco , Calcagnile Matteo , Talà Adelfia , Tredici Salvatore Maurizio , Maffei Massimo E. , Schönrogge Karsten , Barbero Francesca , Alifano Pietro
Published: May 2019

Maculinea(=Phengaris) are endangered butterflies that are characterized by a very complex biological cycle.Maculinealarvae behave as obligate parasites whose survival is strictly dependent on both particular food plants and species-specificMyrmicaants. In this interaction,Maculineacaterpillars induceMyrmicaworkers to retrieve and rear them in the nest by chemical and acoustic deception. Social insect symbiotic microorganisms play a key role in intraspecific and interspecific communication; therefore, it is possible that theMaculineacaterpillar microbiome might be involved in the chemical cross-talk by producing deceptive semiochemicals for host ants. To address this point, the microbiota ofMaculinea alconat different larval stages (phytophagous early larvae, intermediate larvae, carnivorous late larvae) was analyzed by using 16S rRNA-guided metabarcoding approach and compared to that of the host antMyrmica scabrinodis. Structural and deduced functional profiles of the microbial communities were recorded, which were used to identify specific groups of microorganisms that may be involved in the chemical cross-talk. One of the most notable features was the presence in all larval stages and in the ants of two bacteria,Serratia marcescensandS.entomophila, which are involved in the chemical cross-talk between the microbes and their hosts.
Scalable Epitaxial Growth of WSe2 Thin Films on SiO2/Si via a Self-Assembled PtSe2 Buffer Layer
Authors: Wu Pei-Chen , Yang Chun-Liang , Du Yuanmin , Lai Chih-Huang
Published: May 2019

The growth of large-area epitaxial transition metal dichalgogenides (TMDCs) are of central importance for scalable integrated device applications. Different methods have been developed to achieve large-sized high quality films. However, reliable approaches for centimeter-sized or even wafer-level epitaxial growth of TMDCs are still lacking. Here we demonstrate a new method to grow inch-sized epitaxial WSe2 films on SiO2/Si substrates at a much lower temperature with high repeatability and scalability. High quality crystalline films are achieved through direct selenization of a tungsten film with platinum as the underlayer. The self-assembled PtSe2 buffer layer, formed during selenization, assists epitaxial growth of WSe2. Using fabricated WSe2 films, excellent performance memory devices are demonstrated. As a member of the TMDC family, our findings based on WSe2 may also be applied to other TMDC materials for large-scale production of high quality TMDC films for various applications.
Novel lactic acid bacteria strains as inoculants on alfalfa silage fermentation
Authors: Nascimento Agarussi Mariele Cristina , Gomes Pereira Odilon , Paula Rosinea Aparecida de , Silva Vanessa Paula da , Santos Roseira João Paulo , Fonseca e Silva Fabyano
Published: May 2019

The effects of new strains of lactic acid bacteria on alfalfa silage fermentation were evaluated. The experiment was performed using a completely randomized design (with three replicates) based on a 6 × 6 factorial assay with 6 inoculants (I): Control (CTRL), Commercial inoculant (CI),Lactobacillus pentosus14.7SE (LPE),Lactobacillus plantarum3.7E (LP),Pediococcus pentosaceus14.15SE (PP), andLactobacillus plantarum3.7E + Pediococcus pentosaceus14.15SE (LP + PP), and six fermentation periods (P): 1, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 56 days. Alfalfa was wilted for 6 h in the field, which increased the dry matter content to 368 g/kg as fed. The CP and yeast population decreased during the fermentation process. Silage inoculated with the PP strain had the lowest pH values beginning at 14 d of fermentation and the lowest acetic acid concentration on the last day of fermentation. New strains more efficiently regulated enterobacteria and mold populations at days 56 and 28, respectively. Silages inoculated with the PP strain had a higher coefficient ofin vitrodry matter digestibility than LP silages. All of the tested novel strains resulted in positive effects on at least one chemical property of the silage during the fermentation process. However, the adding ofP.pentosaceuscan be indicated as the better for silage quality considering the tested treatments in the present study.
Physiological responses of the abalone Haliotis discus hannai to daily and seasonal temperature variations
Authors: Kang Hee Yoon , Lee Young-Jae , Song Woo-Young , Kim Tae-Ik , Lee Won-Chan , Kim Tae Young , Kang Chang-Keun
Published: May 2019

Organisms inhabiting tidal mixing-front zones in shallow temperate seas are subjected to large semidiurnal temperature fluctuations in summer. The ability to optimize energy acquisition to this episodic thermal oscillation may determine the survival, growth and development of these ectotherms. We compared the physiological and molecular responses ofHaliotis discus hannaicultivated in suspended cages to fluctuating or stable temperature conditions. Several physiological indicators (respiration, excretion rates and O:N) were measured in both conditions, and alterations in the proteome during thermal fluctuations were assessed. No summer mortality was observed in abalone cultivated in fluctuating temperatures compared with that at stable high temperatures. Metabolic rates increased sharply during stable warm summer conditions and fluctuated in accordance with short-term temperature fluctuations (20–26 °C). Ammonia excretion rates during acute responses were comparable in both conditions. When abalone were exposed to fluctuating temperatures, enzyme activities were downregulated and structure-related protein expression was upregulated compared with that at an acclimation temperature (26 °C), highlighting that exposure to low temperatures during fluctuations alters molecular processes. Our results reveal that modulation of physiological traits and protein expression during semidiurnal thermal fluctuations may buffer abalone from the lethal consequences of extreme temperatures in summer.
Compound-specific recording of gadolinium pollution in coastal waters by great scallops
Authors: Le Goff Samuel , Barrat Jean-Alix , Chauvaud Laurent , Paulet Yves-Marie , Gueguen Bleuenn , Ben Salem Douraied
Published: May 2019

Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs), routinely used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), end up directly in coastal seawaters where gadolinium concentrations are now increasing. Because many aquatic species could be sensitive to this new pollution, we have evaluated the possibility of using shellfish to assess its importance. Gadolinium excesses recorded by scallop shells collected in Bay of Brest (Brittany, France) for more than 30 years do not reflect the overall consumption in GBCAs, but are largely controlled by one of them, the gadopentetate dimeglumine. Although its use has been greatly reduced in Europe over the last ten years, gadolinium excesses are still measured in shells. Thus, some gadolinium derived from other GBCAs is bioavailable and could have an impact on marine wildlife.
Enhancement of catalytic activity by UV-light irradiation in CeO2 nanocrystals
Authors: Wu Tai-Sing , Syu Leng-You , Lin Chao-Nan , Lin Bi-Hsuan , Liao Yi-Hsiu , Weng Shih-Chang , Huang Yuh-Jeen , Jeng Horng-Tay , Lu Shih-Yuan , Chang Shih-Lin , Soo Yun-Liang
Published: May 2019

Ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation on CeO2 nanocrystals catalysts has been observed to largely increase the material’s catalytic activity and reactive surface area. As revealed by x-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) analysis, the concentration of subvalent Ce3+ ions in the irradiated ceria samples progressively increases with the UV-light exposure time. The increase of Ce3+ concentration as a result of UV irradiation was also confirmed by the UV-vis diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence spectra that indicate substantially increased concentration of oxygen vacancy defects in irradiated samples. First-principle formation-energy calculation for oxygen vacancy defects revealed a valence-hole-dominated mechanism for the irradiation-induced reduction of CeO2 consistent with the experimental results. Based on a Mars-van Krevelen mechanism for ceria catalyzed oxidation processes, as the Ce3+ concentration is increased by UV-light irradiation, an increased number of reactive oxygen atoms will be captured from gas-phase O2 by the surface Ce3+ ions, and therefore leads to the observed catalytic activity enhancement. The unique annealing-free defect engineering method using UV-light irradiation provides an ultraconvenient approach for activity improvement in nanocrystal ceria for a wide variety of catalytic applications.
Maternal cosmetics use during pregnancy and risks of adverse outcomes: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Huixia , Zheng Jianfei , Wang Hua , Huang Guangwen , Huang Qun , Feng Na , Xiao Juan
Published: May 2019

To probe into the associations between maternal personal cosmetics use during pregnancy and risk of adverse outcomes, and explore the potential dose-response relationships, we carried out a prospective cohort study involving 9710 pregnant women in Zhuzhou City and Xiangtan City in Hunan province during 2016–2017. A structured questionnaire was used to collection information for the pregnant women and their pregnancy outcomes. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by binary or multinomial logistic regressions. The study population included 4652 (47.9%) cosmetics non-users and 5058 (52.1%) cosmetics users. Cosmetics use was associated with an increased risk of small for gestational age (SGA) (aOR = 1.23, 95%CI 1.04 to 1.44), compared with cosmetics non-users. A positive dose-response relationship between frequency of cosmetics use and SGA was observed, although a borderline association was found at low use frequency (1–2 times per week; aOR = 1.18, 95%CI 0.99 to 1.40) and moderate use frequency (3–4 times per week; aOR = 1.23, 95%CI 0.92 to 1.64). High-frequency of cosmetics use (≥5 times per week) was significantly correlated with a higher risk of SGA (aOR = 1.83, 95%CI 1.25 to 2.69). No significant association between personal cosmetics use and the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, macrosomia, or large for gestational age was observed. The present study suggests that personal cosmetics use will increase the risk of SGA, but further research is required to determine which cosmetic products may account for the higher risk of SGA.
Mechanistic Study of TTF-1 Modulation of Cellular Sensitivity to Cisplatin
Authors: Phelps Cody A. , Lindsey-Boltz Laura , Sancar Aziz , Mu David
Published: May 2019

The lung lineage master regulator gene, Thyroid Transcription Factor-1 (TTF-1, also known as NKX2-1), is used as a marker by pathologists to identify lung adenocarcinomas since TTF-1 is expressed in 60 ~ 70% of lung ADs. Much research has been conducted to investigate roles of TTF-1 in lung cancer biology. But, how it modulates cellular chemosensitivity remains poorly characterized. Our study shows that TTF-1 sensitizes theKRAS-mutated A549 and NCI-H460 lung cancer cells to cisplatin, a common chemotherapy used to treat lung cancer. This chemosensitization activity does not appear to be mediated by a TTF-1-imposed alteration on nucleotide excision repair. Mechanistically, TTF-1 induced a reduction in p-AKT (S473), which in turn activated glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) and reduced β-catenin. Intriguingly, in theEGFR-mutated NCI-H1975 and HCC827 cells,TTF-1desensitized these cells to cisplatin; concomitantly, TTF-1 conferred an increase in p-AKT. Finally, the conditioned media ofTTF-1-transefected cells sensitizedTTF-1−cells to cisplatin, implicating that theTTF-1-driven chemosensitization activity may be dually pronged in both intracellular and extracellular compartments. In short, this study highlights the enigmatic activities of TTF-1 in lung cancer, and calls for future research to optimally manage chemotherapy of patients with TTF-1+lung ADs.
Poor control of interference from negative content hampers the effectiveness of humour as a source of positive emotional experiences
Authors: Papousek Ilona , Lackner Helmut K. , Weber Bernhard , Perchtold Corinna M. , Fink Andreas , Weiss Elisabeth M.
Published: May 2019

The brain-based ability to direct attention away from interfering negative information may co-determine to which degree one may benefit from humour as a source of positive emotional experiences. This should be particularly relevant when it comes to humour that implicates a target the joke makes fun of, which inherently entails rivalry between positive and negative emotional representations. One hundred healthy individuals completed a pictorial negative affective priming task and a nonverbal humour processing task. In line with the notion that during the elaborative processing of malicious jokes, interference from negative emotional representations hampers the experience of amusement, participants took more time to judge their amusement evoked by malicious compared to benign jokes. Lesser ability to distract attention from interfering negative emotional representations was associated with slower judgements of amusement following the processing of malicious jokes, as well as with lower amusement ratings. The time it took participants to comprehend the punch-lines was not affected, neither was the immediate, short-lived pleasure after having comprehended the humour, measured by characteristic transient cardiac activation. The findings suggest that the effective use of humour as a source of positive emotional experiences requires the ability to overcome the dark side of typical humour.
Fabrication of an immunosensor for quantitative detection of breast cancer biomarker UBE2C
Authors: Jayanthi V. S. P. K. Sankara Aditya , Das Asim Bikas , Saxena Urmila
Published: May 2019

Antibodies crosslinking on PANI modified electrode to design a highly selective immunosensor to detect UBE2C.
GSH/pH dual-responsive biodegradable camptothecin polymeric prodrugs combined with doxorubicin for synergistic anticancer efficiency
Authors: Li Jun , Hu Zu-E. , Yang Xian-Ling , Wu Wan-Xia , Xing Xiu , Gu Bo , Liu Yan-Hong , Wang Na , Yu Xiao-Qi
Published: May 2019

GSH and pH dual-responsive camptothecin polymeric prodrugs combined doxorubicin for synergistic drug delivery to highly improved selectivity and synergy benefiting from good long-term stability, better internalization and sensitive dual-responsibility.
Bimetallic Ni–Co composites anchored on a wool ball-like carbon framework as high-efficiency bifunctional electrodes for rechargeable Zn–air batteries
Authors: Kong Fantao , Qiao Yu , Zhang Chaoqi , Li Ruijing , Cheng Tingting , Kong Aiguo , Shan Yongkui
Published: May 2019

A novel hydrothermal–pyrolysis strategy is proposed to synthesize high-efficiency NiCo@N–C bi-functional electrocatalysts for oxygen transformation.
Secondary product creation potential (SPCP): a metric for assessing the potential impact of indoor air pollution on human health
Authors: Carslaw Nicola , Shaw David
Published: May 2019

Secondary Product Creation Potential (SPCP): a new metric for ranking the impact of volatile organic compounds on indoor air chemistry and human health.
Roles of extracellular polymeric substances in the bactericidal effect of nanoscale zero-valent iron: trade-offs between physical disruption and oxidative damage
Authors: Hu Ying , Wang Jian , Sun Hongwei , Wang Shaohui , Liao Xiaomei , Wang Jun , An Taicheng
Published: May 2019

Increased EPS encountered trade-offs between enhanced membrane disruption and decreased oxidative damage to mitigate the bactericidal effect of nZVI.
Bright and fast scintillation of organolead perovskite MAPbBr3 at low temperatures
Authors: Mykhaylyk Vitaliy B. , Kraus Hans , Saliba Michael
Published: May 2019

Scintillators detect ionising radiation by converting energy deposited in them to a proportional number of photons. They are omnipresent in large-scale technical applications around us. Here, we report excellent scintillation properties of perovskites at low temperatures providing the potential for a new generation of cryogenic scintillators. One intriguing option would be replacing current medical scintillation detectors with cryogenic perovskites that could achieve higher imaging resolutions, for example for diagnosing early-stage brain cancer.
Dopamine-melanin nanoparticles scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and activate autophagy for osteoarthritis therapy
Authors: Zhong Gang , Yang Xueyuan , Jiang Xianfang , Kumar Anil , Long Huiping , Xie Jin , Zheng Li , Zhao Jinmin
Published: May 2019

Anti-oxidative agents hold great potential in osteoarthritis (OA) therapy.
Chiroptical phenolic resins grown on chiral silica-bonded amine residues
Authors: Tsunega Seiji , Kongpitak Patcharapon , Jin Ren-Hua
Published: May 2019

Chiral silica bonded covalently with amine residues as an asymmetric medium to asymmetrically mediate the polymerization of resorcinol and formaldehyde to give chiroptical phenolic resins.
Copper-containing hybrid compounds based on extremely rare [V2Mo6O26]6– POM as water oxidation catalysts
Authors: Buvailo Halyna I. , Makhankova Valeriya G. , Kokozay Vladimir N. , Omelchenko Irina V. , Shishkina Svitlana V. , Jezierska Julia , Pavliuk Mariia V. , Shylin Sergii I.
Published: May 2019

Hybrid Cu/V/Mo compounds with rare [α-V2Mo6O26]6– and oxides prepared by their thermal degradation were used as catalysts for water oxidation.
A nanostructured nickel/carbon matrix as an efficient oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalyst for rechargeable zinc–air batteries
Authors: Cui Chengqiang , Ge Xiaoming , An Tao , Li Bing , Wuu Delvin , Tham Nguk Neng , Zhang Kai , He Yunbo , Liu Zhaolin
Published: May 2019

An oxygen evolution electrode (OEE) is essential to improve the rechargeablility of Zn–air batteries.
Copper molybdenum sulfide nanoparticles embedded on graphene sheets as advanced electrodes for wide temperature-tolerant supercapacitors
Authors: Sahoo Surjit , Krishnamoorthy Karthikeyan , Pazhamalai Parthiban , Mariappan Vimal Kumar , Kim Sang-Jae
Published: May 2019

A novel copper molybdenum sulfide-graphene (Cu2MoS4-rGO) hybrid is investigated as an electrode for temperature tolerant supercapacitor.
Centimeter-scale 2D perovskite (PEA)2PbBr4 single crystal plates grown by a seeded solution method for photodetectors
Authors: Ge Chaoyang , Zhai Wenhao , Tian Cheng , Zhao Shiqi , Guo Tong , Sun Shuren , Chen Weixi , Ran Guangzhao
Published: May 2019

We report a seeded solution method for the growth of centimeter-scale (PEA)2PbBr4 single crystals and their application in photodetectors.
Theoretical and experimental studies on hydrogen migration in dissociative ionization of the methanol monocation to molecular ions H3+ and H2O+
Authors: Wu Hua , Xue Yuanxin , Wen Junqing , Wang Hui , Fan Qingfei , Chen Guoxiang , Zhu Jin , Qu Fanghui , Guo Jiale
Published: May 2019

Hydrogen migration processes of methanol monocation CH3OH+ to H3+, COH+, H2O+ and CH2+ were studied theoretically and experimentally.
Beneficial use of ultrasound irradiation in synthesis of beta–clinoptilolite composite used in heavy oil upgrading process
Authors: Safari Sahar , Khoshbin Reza , Karimzadeh Ramin
Published: May 2019

Beta–clinoptilolite composite synthesized in the presence of ultrasound irradiation exhibited high stability in heavy oil upgrading process while producing equal amount of light fuels and lower amount of coke compared to beta zeolite catalyst.
Performance enhanced electromagnetic wave absorber from controllable modification of natural plant fiber
Authors: Guo Lin , An Qing-Da , Xiao Zuo-Yi , Zhai Shang-Ru , Cui Li , Li Zhong-Cheng
Published: May 2019

Novel carbon rods derived from plant fiber with excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance have been facilely accomplished via two different modifications.
Global ab initio exploration of potential energy surfaces for radical generation in the initial stage of benzene oxidation
Authors: Li Hai-Bei , Jia Qingqing
Published: May 2019

The radical generation mechanism during benzene oxidation was systematically explored by GRRM strategy, which illustrates that the bridging peroxide C6H6O2 is important for free radical generation at a relatively low temperature.
Carboxylato-pillar[6]arene-based fluorescent indicator displacement assays for the recognition of monoamine neurotransmitters
Authors: Paudics Adrien , Kubinyi Miklós , Bitter István , Bojtár Márton
Published: May 2019

The complexation of three cationic fluorescent dye guests with the anionic host carboxylato-pillar[6]arene (WP6) was investigated by optical and NMR spectroscopy.
Upcycling aromatic polymers through C–H fluoroalkylation
Authors: Lewis Sally E. , Wilhelmy Bradley E. , Leibfarth Frank A.
Published: May 2019

This work provides a platform C–H functionalization method that introduces fluoroalkyl groups onto commercial aromatic polymers and post-consumer plastic waste that improve their material properties.
Experiment stands corrected: accurate prediction of the aqueous pKavalues of sulfonamide drugs using equilibrium bond lengths
Authors: Caine Beth A. , Bronzato Maddalena , Popelier Paul L. A.
Published: May 2019

We show here for the first time that strongly correlated linear relationships exist between equilibrium bond lengths of the sulfonamide group and aqueous pKavalues.
Agent-assisted VSSe ternary alloy single crystals as an efficient stable electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Hu Peng , Long Guankui , Chaturvedi Apoorva , Wang Shancheng , Tan Kejie , He Yongming , Zheng Lu , Liu Guowei , Ke Yujie , Zhou Yang , Jiang Hui , Liu Zheng , Zhang Mingtao , Long Yi
Published: May 2019

New ternary VSSe alloy single crystals were synthesized and used as an excellent HER electrocatalyst due to the pure conductive phase and abundant active sites.
Capture and elimination of Staphylococcus aureus based on Langmuir–Blodgett MnO2 nanowire monolayer promotes infected wound healing
Authors: Chen Bolei , Ji Fang , Wang Chang , Gao Yue , Zhou Zhen , Li Zhi , Cao Huiming , Hao Liteng , Liu Guangliang , Liu Jingfu , Liang Yong
Published: May 2019

An antibacterial membrane, consisting of PDMS and TBBPA coated with a human immunoglobulin G modified MnO2 nanowire monolayer, was applied to capture and eliminate Staphylococcus aureus and promote infected wound healing.
Rate-controlled nano-layered assembly mechanism of melamine-induced melamine–uric acid stones and its inhibition and elimination methods
Authors: Dong Wenya , Zhang Yuzhen , Hu Ping , Xu Hongwu , Fan Jie , Su Jiansheng , Li Fang , Chen Yun , Li Ping , Wang Shilong , Coe Fredric L. , Wu Qingsheng
Published: May 2019

The formation of kidney stones induced by melamine is a rate-controlled nano-scale supramolecular layered assembly process.
Sustained release of a synthetic structurally-tailored glycopolymer modulates endothelial cells for enhanced endothelialization of materials
Authors: Jiang Shuaibing , Wu Jingxian , Hang Yingjie , Liu Qi , Li Dan , Chen Hong , Brash John L.
Published: May 2019

GAG-mimicking polymers were prepared by a novel method allowing close control of structure and can be used as potent synthetic bioactive modifiers to promote endothelialization of materials.
Co-delivery of d-(KLAKLAK)2 peptide and doxorubicin using a pH-sensitive nanocarrier for synergistic anticancer treatment
Authors: Lim Chaemin , Won Woong Roeck , Moon Junseong , Sim Taehoon , Shin Yuseon , Kim Jae Chang , Lee Eun Seong , Youn Yu Seok , Oh Kyung Taek
Published: May 2019

Currently, one of the most important challenges in the development of nanotechnology-based anticancer treatments is the failure of nanoparticles to escape from the endo-lysosomal compartment.
Vibrationally induced color shift tuning of photoluminescence in Ce3+-doped garnet phosphors
Authors: Lin Yuan-Chih , Erhart Paul , Karlsson Maths
Published: May 2019

A critical challenge in the field of phosphor converted white light emitting diodes (pc-WLEDs) pertains to understanding and controlling the variation of emission color with device temperature.
Paintable temperature-responsive cholesteric liquid crystal reflectors encapsulated on a single flexible polymer substrate
Authors: Khandelwal Hitesh , van Heeswijk Ellen P. A. , Schenning Albert P. H. J. , Debije Michael G.
Published: May 2019

Temperature-responsive photonic cholesteric liquid crystal reflectors deposited on flexible single substrates, encapsulated by protective polymer layers generated by photo-enforced stratification.
Effects of algae contamination on the hydrophobicity of high‐voltage composite insulators
Authors: Yang Shifang , Jia Zhidong , Ouyang Xiaogang
Published: May 2019

Algae colonisation has been observed on silicone rubber insulators around the world especially in a subtropical climate because the moderate temperature and moisture could aggravate the growth of algae upon silicone rubber material. The surface of these insulators easily forms a water film, and the originally excellent hydrophobicity is decreased or even destroyed. This study explores the regularity of the hydrophobicity changes and the underlying mechanism. Based on the solid layer method, silicone rubber samples were found with algae and inorganics quantitatively, and their contact angles were measured after reservation under different humidity levels. The results showed that although inorganic ash could accelerate the hydrophobic recovery process, algae colonisation decisively decreased the hydrophobicity, especially in moist climates. After an extensive investigation of biological contaminants, it was found that the appearance of algae was independent of inorganics, but algae could accelerate the accumulation of inorganics through water absorptivity and the viscosity of secretions. The water absorption ability of algae was compared with that of inorganic ash and sugar, and their difference was deduced to be due to the environmental adaptability of the algae organisms, which was reflected mainly in a dry climate. The microscopy analysis of bio‐contaminants was conducted through SEM.
Enhanced primary frequency control from EVs: a fleet management strategy to mitigate effects of response discreteness
Authors: Zecchino Antonio , D'Arco Salvatore , Endegnanew Atsede G. , Korpås Magnus , Marinelli Mattia
Published: May 2019

Electric vehicle (EV) chargers can be controlled to support the grid frequency by implementing a standard‐compliant fast primary frequency control (PFC). This study addresses potential effects on power systems due to control discreteness in aggregated EVs when providing frequency regulation. Possible consequences of a discrete response, as reserve provision error and induced grid frequency oscillations, are first identified by a theoretical analysis both for large power systems and for microgrids. Thus, an EV fleet management solution relying on shifting the droop characteristic for the individual EVs is proposed. The PFC is implemented in a microgrid with a power‐hardware‐in‐the‐loop approach to complement the investigation with experimental validation. Both the analytical and the experimental results demonstrate how the controller performance is influenced by the response granularity, and that related oscillations can be prevented either by reducing the response granularity or by applying appropriate shifts on the droop characteristics for individual EVs.
Analysis of magnetic field distribution in induction machine with combined star‐delta stator winding
Authors: Chomat M , Schreier L , Bendl J
Published: May 2019

An induction machine with combined star‐delta stator winding is analysed by means of numerical simulations based on lump parameter and finite element method (FEM) models. The use of combined star‐delta winding may lead to suppressing selected higher spatial harmonics of the magnetic flux density in the air gap and, thus, to lowering the energy losses and improving the energy efficiency of the machine.
Approaches to the structuring of the information model of the life cycle stages of a construction object
Authors: Gusakova Elena , Ovchinnikov Alexey , Volkov Andrey
Published: May 2019

In the context of the general trend to accelerate change, the actual goal of scientific research in the field of construction is to analyze and design the stages of the life cycle of a construction object. The object of the study becomes the information model of the life cycle of the building. It is studied and modeled based on the concept of real estate development and using the methods of project analysis of the construction project. The widest possibilities for obtaining and analyzing data on the state of a construction object, as well as the possibilities of systematizing information flows and information modeling of different periods of its life cycle, are realized in the approach of BIM modeling of buildings and structures. With the help of BIM-modeling tools, mandatory stages and possible phases of the life cycle of a building object can be represented as hierarchically and sequentially related information flows, in which the attributes of each stage of the life cycle are formed under the influence of the preceding stages and of special factors for the considered stage. As a result, the project documentation should reflect the decisions aimed at providing the necessary conditions and opportunities for subsequent periods of the life cycle of the construction object, as well as the most adapted for the predicted changes and transformations for all future stages and phases. The analysis of characteristics and the developed structure of simple and complex construction works allows determining for each stage and phase of the life cycle of a construction object: interconnection of information flows, composition and content of the information model of the building required for the work of specialists.
Resource allocation problem in project management
Authors: Burkova Irina , Titarenko Boris , Hasnaoui Amir , Titarenko Roman
Published: May 2019

Resource allocation problems in project management are notoriously complex. Therefore the development of efficient algorithms for solving various specific cases is a real problem. This paper shows a specific case of the problem, where a program has a particular structure. The resource allocation problem in such a program is reduced to classical Johnson’s problem or job-shop scheduling problem. Effective solution methods, by way of reducing to maximum flow problems, are suggested for some types of resources. For other cases, heuristic rules are developed, with a description of the situations in which these rules allow good enough solutions to be obtained.
Numerical optimization of the transfer function of the intelligent building management system
Authors: Sadchikov Pavel , Khomenko Tatyana , Ternovaya Galina
Published: May 2019

The paper deals with structural-parametric models for describing dynamic processes of technical systems of an intelligent building. The task of searching for the transfer function of the synthesized elements and devices of its information-measuring and control systems based on the Mason method is formalized. The components of the transfer function are presented in the form of characteristic polynomials in the structural scheme of the energy-information model of the circuit. The results of a comparative analysis of search methods for multiple real and complex conjugate polynomial roots are presented. To organize their search, an iterative method of unconditional optimization of Fletcher-Reeves was chosen. This conjugate gradient method allows to solve the problem of numerical optimization in a finite number of steps and shows the best convergence in comparison with the methods of the fastest descent, with the same order of difficulty of performing the steps of the algorithm.
Approaches to the assessment the innovation-and-investment projects within the system of “Smart City” criteria
Authors: Miroshnikova Tatyana , Taskaeva Natalia
Published: May 2019

The article clarifies the understanding of modern approaches to risk management in construction organizations. The authors have formed a classification of the sources of risks in construction and the reasons causing the uncertainty of the conditions of operation of construction companies. The researchers identified factors that require control in the construction industry. The authors offer, that “smart city” assumes six criteria, including smart economy, smart mobility, smart environment, smart people, smart living, smart governance. The consideration of the tendency to innovations and the assessment of innovation-and-investment risks within the concept “Smart city” was carried out for the Russian practice for the first time. The risk assessment is offered to be carried out with the use of the modern approach. The proposed approach to improve risk management, according to which all the basic processes of risk management should be carried out at each stage of the life cycle of a construction object. The authors propose to use certain methods of qualitative and quantitative risk assessment, enshrined in the risk management standard, at the appropriate stages of the life cycle of a construction object in terms of their advantages. This will increase the effectiveness of risk management and minimize the impact of risk factors identified by researchers on the performance of construction organizations. Research of risk management systems allowed us to determine the priorities and problems of construction companies in the field of risk management and increase its efficiency.
A new approach to the mathematical model of thermal energy balance
Authors: Kitaytseva Elena
Published: May 2019

Formation of balance of thermal energy and the heat carrier for a thermal network is carried out for the purpose of increase of efficiency of work of the heat supplying organization. The standard approach proposes to write off the difference between the released and realized heat energy for heat losses. The article proposes a new approach to the formation of the balance of thermal energy and coolant. It includes statistical analysis of telemetry data relating to the released thermal energy. Heat consumption was estimated by contractual load for heating, ventilation and hot water supply. In the mathematical model of the thermal balance for each term weight coefficients were introduced. To obtain the numerical values of these coefficients, the method of least squares was used. The results of checking the adequacy of mathematical models that take into account or neglect thermal losses are presented. The obtained coefficients for the mathematical model of heat balance were used for the mathematical model of mass balance. The results can be used to predict the cost of production and transmission of heat energy and coolant, to assess the efficiency of the heat network and the formation of tariff applications for the future.