bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemodialysis-related changes in phenotypical features of monocytes
Authors: Liakopoulos Vassilios , Jeron Andreas , Shah Aneri , Bruder Dunja , Mertens Peter R. , Gorny Xenia
Published: September 2018

Hemodialysis (HD) patients exhibit chronic inflammation and leukocyte activation. We investigated the surface-marker profile of monocytes by flow cytometry to assess the chronic effect of uremia and the acute effect of dialysis on their phenotypical and functional features in 16 healthy controls (CON) and 15 HD patients before and after a polysulfone-based dialysis session. Median fluorescence intensities were analyzed indicating expression of CD14, CD16, integrins (CD11b, CD18), chemokine receptors (CCR2, CX3CR1), scavenger receptors (CD36, CD163) and Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2). Before and after dialysis, HD patients harbour 0.9-fold less CD14++CD16− (Mo1), 1.8-fold more CD14++CD16+ (Mo2) and CD14+CD16++ (Mo3) monocytes than CON. HD patients’ Mo1 showed elevated expression of CD11b (1.7-fold), CD18 (1.2-fold) and CD36 (2.1-fold), whereas CD163 expression was reduced in Mo1 and Mo2 (0.6-fold) compared to CON. These markers remained unaffected by dialysis. CX3CR1 expression on Mo2 and Mo3 was lower in HD patients before (0.8-fold) and further diminished after dialysis (0.6-fold). Stimulation of monocytes resulted in diminished responses in HD patients compared to CON. In conclusion, a systematic analysis of the expression of particular surface markers on distinct monocyte subsets may help to distinguish between uremia and/or dialysis induced effects and to evaluate the functionality of monocytes and biocompatibility of HD.
Large muscles are beneficial but not required for improving thermogenic capacity in small birds
Authors: Milbergue Myriam S. , Blier Pierre U. , Vézina François
Published: September 2018

It is generally assumed that small birds improve their shivering heat production capacity by developing the size of their pectoralis muscles. However, some studies have reported an enhancement of thermogenic capacity in the absence of muscle mass variation between seasons or thermal treatments. We tested the hypothesis that an increase in muscle mass is not a prerequisite for improving avian thermogenic capacity. We measured basal (BMR) and summit (Msum) metabolic rates of black capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) acclimated to thermoneutral (27 °C) and cold (−10 °C) temperatures and obtained body composition data from dissections. Cold acclimated birds consumed 44% more food, and had 5% and 20% higher BMR and Msum, respectively, compared to individuals kept at thermoneutrality. However, lean dry pectoralis and total muscle mass did not differ between treatments, confirming that the improvement of thermogenic capacity did not require an increase in skeletal muscle mass. Nevertheless, within temperature treatments, Msum was positively correlated with the mass of all measured muscles, including the pectoralis. Therefore, for a given acclimation temperature individuals with large muscles do benefit from muscle size in term of heat production but improving thermogenic capacity during cold acclimation likely requires an upregulation of cell functions.
Reduction in the levels of CoQ biosynthetic proteins is related to an increase in lifespan without evidence of hepatic mitohormesis
Authors: Rodríguez-Hidalgo María , Luna-Sánchez Marta , Hidalgo-Gutiérrez Agustín , Barriocanal-Casado Eliana , Mascaraque Cristina , Acuña-Castroviejo Darío , Rivera Margarita , Escames Germaine , López Luis C.
Published: September 2018

Mitohormesis is an adaptive response induced by a mild mitochondrial stress that promotes longevity and metabolic health in different organisms. This mechanism has been proposed as the cause of the increase in the survival in Coq7+/− (Mclk1+/−) mice, which show hepatic reduction of COQ7, early mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress. Our study shows that the lack of COQ9 in Coq9Q95X mice triggers the reduction of COQ7, COQ6 and COQ5, which results in an increase in life expectancy. However, our results reveal that the hepatic CoQ levels are not decreased and, therefore, neither mitochondrial dysfunction or increased oxidative stress are observed in liver of Coq9Q95X mice. These data point out the tissue specific differences in CoQ biosynthesis. Moreover, our results suggest that the effect of reduced levels of COQ7 on the increased survival in Coq9Q95X mice may be due to mitochondrial mechanisms in non-liver tissues or to other unknown mechanisms.
The Shape of Native Plant Cellulose Microfibrils
Authors: Kubicki James D. , Yang Hui , Sawada Daisuke , O’Neill Hugh , Oehme Daniel , Cosgrove Daniel
Published: September 2018

Determining the shape of plant cellulose microfibrils is critical for understanding plant cell wall molecular architecture and conversion of cellulose into biofuels. Only recently has it been determined that these cellulose microfibrils are composed of 18 cellulose chains rather than 36 polymers arranged in a diamond-shaped pattern. This study uses density functional theory calculations to model three possible habits for the 18-chain microfibril and compares the calculated energies, structures, 13C NMR chemical shifts and WAXS diffractograms of each to evaluate which shape is most probable. Each model is capable of reproducing experimentally-observed data to some extent, but based on relative theoretical energies and reasonable reproduction of all variables considered, a microfibril based on 5 layers in a 34443 arrangement is predicted to be the most probable. A habit based on a 234432 arrangement is slightly less favored, and a 6 × 3 arrangement is considered improbable.
Multilayer graphene shows intrinsic resistance peaks in the carrier density dependence
Authors: Hirahara Taiki , Ebisuoka Ryoya , Oka Takushi , Nakasuga Tomoaki , Tajima Shingo , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Yagi Ryuta
Published: September 2018

Since the advent of graphene, a variety of studies have been performed to elucidate its fundamental physics, or to explore its practical applications. Gate-tunable resistance is one of the most important properties of graphene and has been studied in 1–3 layer graphene in a number of efforts to control the band gap to obtain a large on-off ratio. On the other hand, the transport property of multilayer graphene with more than three layers is less well understood. Here we show a new aspect of multilayer graphene. We found that four-layer graphene shows intrinsic peak structures in the gate voltage dependence of its resistance at zero magnetic field. Measurement of quantum oscillations in magnetic field confirmed that the peaks originate from the specific band structure of graphene and appear at the carrier density for the bottoms of conduction bands and valence bands. The intrinsic peak structures should generally be observed in AB-stacked multilayer graphene. The present results would be significant for understanding the physics of graphene and making graphene FET devices.
Flow-induced platelet activation in components of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit
Authors: Fuchs Gabriel , Berg Niclas , Broman L. Mikael , Prahl Wittberg Lisa
Published: September 2018

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used for rescue in severe respiratory and/or circulatory failure. The patient’s blood is pumped over artificial surfaces in the ECMO circuit. A platelet activation model was applied to study the potential thrombogenicity of ECMO circuit components: the centrifugal blood pump, cannulae, and tubing connectors. Based on the accumulated effect of the scalar form of the stress acting on the platelet over time, the activation model enables assessment of platelet activation and pinpoints regions of elevated activation risk in a component. Numerical simulations of the flow in different components of the ECMO circuit was carried out where the activation level is a function of the impact of local stress and its history along the path that the platelets follow. The results showed that the pump carried the largest risk for platelet activation followed by the reinfusion cannula and lastly the connectors. Pump thrombogenicity was mainly due to long residence time and high shear-rate while the connector showed a high level of non-stationary shear-rate that in turn may contribute to the formation of aggregates through direct platelet activation or through high shear-rate modulation of the vWF multimers.
Subfossil trees suggest enhanced Mediterranean hydroclimate variability at the onset of the Younger Dryas
Authors: Pauly Maren , Helle Gerhard , Miramont Cécile , Büntgen Ulf , Treydte Kerstin , Reinig Frederick , Guibal Frédéric , Sivan Olivier , Heinrich Ingo , Riedel Frank , Kromer Bernd , Balanzategui Daniel , Wacker Lukas , Sookdeo Adam , Brauer Achim
Published: September 2018

Nearly 13,000 years ago, the warming trend into the Holocene was sharply interrupted by a reversal to near glacial conditions. Climatic causes and ecological consequences of the Younger Dryas (YD) have been extensively studied, however proxy archives from the Mediterranean basin capturing this period are scarce and do not provide annual resolution. Here, we report a hydroclimatic reconstruction from stable isotopes (δ18O, δ13C) in subfossil pines from southern France. Growing before and during the transition period into the YD (12 900–12 600 cal BP), the trees provide an annually resolved, continuous sequence of atmospheric change. Isotopic signature of tree sourcewater (δ18Osw) and estimates of relative air humidity were reconstructed as a proxy for variations in air mass origin and precipitation regime. We find a distinct increase in inter-annual variability of sourcewater isotopes (δ18Osw), with three major downturn phases of increasing magnitude beginning at 12 740 cal BP. The observed variation most likely results from an amplified intensity of North Atlantic (low δ18Osw) versus Mediterranean (high δ18Osw) precipitation. This marked pattern of climate variability is not seen in records from higher latitudes and is likely a consequence of atmospheric circulation oscillations at the margin of the southward moving polar front.
Effect of short-term high-temperature exposure on the life history parameters of Ophraella communa
Authors: Chen Hongsong , Zheng Xingwen , Luo Min , Guo Jianying , Solangi Ghulam Sarwar , Wan Fanghao , Zhou Zhongshi
Published: September 2018

Extreme heat in summer is frequent in parts of China, and this likely affects the fitness of the beetle Ophraella communa, a biological control agent of invasive common ragweed. Here, we assessed the life history parameters of O. communa when its different developmental stages were exposed to high temperatures (40, 42 and 44 °C, with 28 °C as a control) for 3 h each day for 3, 5, 5, and 5 days, respectively (by stage). The larval stage was the most sensitive stage, with the lowest survival rate under heat stress. Egg and pupal survival significantly decreased only at 44 °C, and these two stages showed relative heat tolerance, while the adult stage was the most tolerant stage, with the highest survival rates. High temperatures showed positive effects on the female proportion, but there was no stage-specific response. Treated adults showed the highest fecundity under heat stress and a similar adult lifespan to that in the control. High temperatures decreased the F1 egg hatching rate, but the differences among stages were not significant. Negative carry-over effects of heat stress on subsequent stages and progenies’ survival were also observed. Overall, heat effects depend on the temperature and life stage, and the adult stage was the most tolerant stage. Ophraella communa possesses a degree of heat tolerance that allows it to survive on hot days in summer.
Selective phenol recovery via simultaneous hydrogenation/dealkylation of isopropyl- and isopropenyl-phenols employing an H2 generator combined with tandem micro-reactor GC/MS
Authors: Kumagai Shogo , Asakawa Masaki , Kameda Tomohito , Saito Yuko , Watanabe Atsushi , Watanabe Chuichi , Teramae Norio , Yoshioka Toshiaki
Published: September 2018

The pyrolysis of bisphenol A (BPA), an essential process ingredient used in industry and many everyday life products, helps produce low-industrial-demand chemicals such as isopropenyl- and isopropyl-phenols (IPP and iPrP). In this study, tandem micro-reactor gas chromatography/mass spectrometry combined with an H2 generator (H2-TR-GC/MS) was employed for the first time to investigate the selective recovery of phenol via simultaneous hydrogenation/dealkylation of IPP and iPrP. After investigating the iPrP dealkylation performances of several zeolites, we obtained full iPrP conversion with over 99% phenol selectivity using the Y-zeolite at 350 °C. In contrast, when applied to IPP, the zeolite acid centres caused IPP polymerisation and subsequent IPP-polymer cracking, resulting in many byproducts and reduced phenol selectivity. This challenge was overcome by the addition of 0.3 wt% Ni on the Y-zeolite (0.3Ni/Y), which enabled the hydrogenation of IPP into iPrP and subsequent dealkylation into phenol (full IPP conversion with 92% phenol selectivity). Moreover, the catalyst deactivation and product distribution over repetitive catalytic use were successfully monitored using the H2-TR-GC/MS system. We believe that the findings presented herein could allow the recovery of phenol-rich products from polymeric waste with BPA macro skeleton.
The clinical importance of a cytokine network in the acute phase of sepsis
Authors: Matsumoto Hisatake , Ogura Hiroshi , Shimizu Kentaro , Ikeda Mitsunori , Hirose Tomoya , Matsuura Hiroshi , Kang Sujin , Takahashi Kanae , Tanaka Toshio , Shimazu Takeshi
Published: September 2018

Sepsis remains a major cause of death. Cytokines interact closely with each other and play a crucial role in the progression of sepsis. We focussed on the associations of a cytokine network with prognosis and disease severities in sepsis. This retrospective study included 31 patients with sepsis and 13 healthy controls. Blood samples were collected from patients on days 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 11 and 15 and from healthy controls. Levels of PAI-1, IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12/IL-23p40, IL-17A, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-4 and IL-10 were measured. SOFA, JAAM DIC and ISTH DIC scores were evaluated at the same times blood samples were taken. Network analysis revealed a network formed by PAI-1, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1 and IL-10 on days 1, 2 and 4 throughout the acute phase of sepsis. There were positive correlations of each cytokine and the combined score (IL-6 + IL-8 + IL-10 + MCP-1) with the SOFA, JAAM DIC and ISTH DIC scores throughout the acute phase. A Cox proportional hazards model focussed on the acute phase showed that the above combined score was significantly related with patient prognosis, suggesting that the cytokine network of IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1 and IL-10 could play a pivotal role in the acute phase of sepsis.
Cleaner shrimp are a sustainable option to treat parasitic disease in farmed fish
Authors: Vaughan David B. , Grutter Alexandra S. , Hutson Kate S.
Published: September 2018

Chemical use is widespread in aquaculture to treat parasitic diseases in farmed fish. Cleaner fish biocontrols are increasingly used in fish farming as an alternative to medicines. However, cleaner fish are susceptible to some of their clients’ parasites and their supply is largely dependent on wild harvest. In comparison, cleaner shrimp are not susceptible to fish ectoparasites and they can be reliably bred in captivity. The effectiveness of shrimp in reducing parasites on farmed fish remained unexplored until now. We tested four cleaner shrimp species for their ability to reduce three harmful parasites (a monogenean fluke, a ciliate protozoan, and a leech) on a farmed grouper. All shrimp reduced parasites on fish and most reduced the free-living early-life environmental stages – a function not provided by cleaner fish. Cleaner shrimp are sustainable biocontrol candidates against parasites of farmed fish, with the peppermint cleaner shrimp reducing parasites by up to 98%.
Seasonal and spatial variability of the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the human-impacted Seine River in France
Authors: Marescaux Audrey , Thieu Vincent , Borges Alberto Vieira , Garnier Josette
Published: September 2018

Carbon evasion from rivers is an important component of the global carbon cycle. The intensification of anthropogenic pressures on hydrosystems requires studies of human-impacted rivers to identify and quantify the main drivers of carbon evasion. In 2016 and 2017, four field campaigns were conducted in the Seine River network characterized by an intensively cropped and highly populated basin. We measured partial pressures of carbon dioxide (pCO2) in streams or rivers draining land under different uses at different seasons. We also computed pCO2 from an existing data set (pH, water temperature and total alkalinity) going back until 1970. Here we report factors controlling pCO2 that operate at different time and space scales. In our study, the Seine River was shown to be supersaturated in CO2 with respect to the atmospheric equilibrium, as well as a source of CO2. Our results suggest an increase in pCO2 from winter to summer in small streams draining forests (from 1670 to 2480 ppm), croplands (from 1010 to 1550 ppm), and at the outlet of the basin (from 2490 to 3630 ppm). The main driver of pCO2 was shown to be dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations (R2 = 0.56, n = 119, p < 0.05) that are modulated by hydro-climatic conditions and groundwater discharges. DOC sources were linked to land use and soil, mainly leaching into small upstream streams, but also to organic pollution, mainly found downstream in larger rivers. Our long-term analysis of the main stream suggests that pCO2 closely mirrors the pattern of urban water pollution over time. These results suggest that factors controlling pCO2 operate differently upstream and downstream depending on the physical characteristics of the river basin and on the intensity and location of the main anthropogenic pressures. The influence of these controlling factors may also differ over time, according to the seasons, and mirror long term changes in these anthropogenic pressures.
Comparison of initial oral microbiomes of young adults with and without cavitated dentin caries lesions using an in situ biofilm model
Authors: Rupf Stefan , Laczny Cedric C. , Galata Valentina , Backes Christina , Keller Andreas , Umanskaya Natalia , Erol Arzu , Tierling Sascha , Lo Porto Christina , Walter Jörn , Kirsch Jasmin , Hannig Matthias , Hannig Christian
Published: September 2018

Dental caries is caused by acids released from bacterial biofilms. However, thein vivoformation of initial biofilms in relation to caries remains largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to compare the oral microbiome during the initial phase of bacterial colonization for individuals with (CC) and without (NC) cavitated dentin caries lesions. Bovine enamel slabs on acrylic splints were worn by the volunteers (CC: 14, NC: 13) forin situbiofilm formation (2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 1 ml saliva as reference). Sequencing of the V1/V2 regions of the 16S rRNA gene was performed (MiSeq). The relative abundances of individual operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were compared between samples from the CC group and the NC group. Random forests models were furthermore trained to separate the groups. While the overall heterogeneity did not differ substantially between CC and NC individuals, several individual OTUs were found to have significantly different relative abundances. For the 8 h samples, most of the significant OTUs showed higher relative abundances in the CC group, while the majority of significant OTUs in the saliva samples were more abundant in the NC group. Furthermore, using OTU signatures enabled a separation between both groups, with area-under-the-curve (AUC) values of ~0.8. In summary, the results suggest that initial oral biofilms provide the potential to differentiate between CC and NC individuals.
Mucosal microbiota of intestinal polyps reveals putative biomarkers of colorectal cancer
Authors: Mangifesta Marta , Mancabelli Leonardo , Milani Christian , Gaiani Federica , de’Angelis Nicola , de’Angelis Gian Luigi , van Sinderen Douwe , Ventura Marco , Turroni Francesca
Published: September 2018

The human intestine retains a complex microbial ecosystem, which performs crucial functions that impact on host health. Several studies have indicated that intestinal dysbiosis may impact on the establishment of life-threatening intestinal diseases such as colorectal cancer. An adenomatous polyp is the result of abnormal tissue growth, which is benign but is considered to be associated with a high risk of developing colorectal cancer, based on its grade of dysplasia. Development of diagnostic tools that are based on surveying the gut microbiota and are aimed at early detection of colorectal cancer represent highly desirable target. For this purpose, we performed a pilot study in which we applied a metataxonomic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing approach to unveil the composition of microbial communities of intestinal polyps. Moreover, we performed a meta-analysis involving the reconstructed microbiota composition of adenomatous polyps and publicly available metagenomics datasets of colorectal cancer. These analyses allowed the identification of microbial taxa such as Faecalibacterium, Bacteroides and Romboutsia, which appear to be depleted in cancerogenic mucosa as well as in adenomatous polyps, thus representing novel microbial biomarkers associated with early tumor formation. Furthermore, an absolute quantification of Fusubacterium nucleatum in polyps further compounded the important role of this microorganism as a valuable putative microbial biomarker for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
Nanoparticle-based Chemiluminescence for Chiral Discrimination of Thiol-Containing Amino Acids
Authors: Shahrajabian Maryam , Ghasemi Forough , Hormozi-Nezhad M. Reza
Published: September 2018

The ability to recognize the molecular chirality of enantiomers is extremely important owing to their critical role in drug development and biochemistry. Convenient discrimination of enantiomers has remained a challenge due to lack of unsophisticated methods. In this work, we have reported a simple strategy for chiral recognition of thiol-containing amino acids including penicillamine (PA), and cysteine (Cys). We have successfully designed a nanoparticle-based chemiluminescence (CL) system based on the reaction between cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe QDs) and the enantiomers. The different interactions of CdTe QDs with PA enantiomers or Cys enantiomers led to different CL intensities, resulting in the chiral recognition of these enantiomers. The developed method showed the ability for determination of enantiomeric excess of PA and Cys. It has also obtained an enantioselective concentration range from 1.15 to 9.2 mM for PA. To demonstrate the potential application of this method, the designed platform was applied for the quantification of PA in urine and tablet samples. For the first time, we presented a novel practical application of nanoparticle-based CL system for chiral discrimination.
Association between resistin and fibroblast growth factor 23 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Nakashima Akio , Yokoyama Keitaro , Kawanami Daiji , Ohkido Ichiro , Urashima Mitsuyoshi , Utsunomiya Kazunori , Yokoo Takashi
Published: September 2018

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is associated with cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus. Insulin resistance has recently been reported to increase FGF23 levels, and resistin is a peptide that mainly regulates insulin resistance. However, few studies have investigated the association between FGF23 and resistin. A total of 422 patients with diabetes mellitus were recruited for this cross-sectional study to examine the association between resistin and intact FGF23. The mean ( ± standard deviation) age was 63.1 ± 11.9 years, and the median HbA1c was 6.7% (range, 6.1–7.1%). The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 66.2 ± 23.1 mL/min/m2. Multiple regression analysis for resistin showed that logFGF23 (coefficient (Coef): 1.551; standard error (SE): 0.739; P = 0.036), C-peptide (Coef: 0.798; SE: 0.229; P = 0.001), ghrelin (Coef: 1.061; SE: 0.332; P = 0.001), intact parathyroid hormone (Coef: 0.022; SE: 0.099; P = 0.030), and eGFR (Coef: −0.091; SE: 0.017; P < 0.001) were all significantly associated with the resistin level. These associations were modified in patients with higher age, lower body mass index, and higher vitamin D levels. These results suggest that resistin is positively associated with serum FGF23 levels.
Polymerization led selective detection and removal of Zn2+and Cd2+ions: isolation of Zn- and Cd-MOFs and reversibility studies
Authors: Pandey Saurabh , Kumar Pramod , Gupta Rajeev
Published: September 2018

Two post-functionalized chemosensors display remarkable sensing of Zn2+and Cd2+ionsviagenerating corresponding metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), whereas nitrate and nitrite ions reverse the MOF-polymerization process.
Effect of structure variations on the quadruplex DNA binding ability of nickel Schiff base complexes
Authors: Davis Kimberley J. , Assadawi Nawal M. O. , Pham Son Q. T. , Birrento Monica L. , Richardson Christopher , Beck Jennifer L. , Willis Anthony C. , Ralph Stephen F.
Published: September 2018

The synthesis of two new series of nickel complexes is described, along with their ability to bind to duplex and quadruplex DNA structures.
The role of alkalinity in setting water quality metrics: phosphorus standards in United Kingdom rivers
Authors: Tappin Alan D. , Navarro-Rodriguez Alba , Comber Sean D. W. , Worsfold Paul J.
Published: September 2018

UK implementation of the European Union Water Framework Directive (for the 2015–2021 cycle) Ecological Status (ES) classification for river phosphorus is based on the calculation of reference conditions for reactive phosphorus (RP) using river alkalinity measurements.
Effect of aeration rates on hydraulic characteristics and pollutant removal in an up-flow biological aerated filter
Authors: Ren Jiehui , Cheng Wen , Wan Tian , Wang Min , Jiao Meng
Published: September 2018

Aeration rates could improve the pollutant removal by forming the suitable distribution of flow field, dissolved oxygen and microbial community.
Synthesis of γ-alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles and their potential for use as an adsorbent in the removal of methylene blue dye from industrial wastewater
Authors: Ali Shafqat , Abbas Yasir , Zuhra Zareen , Butler Ian S.
Published: September 2018

Non-toxic nanomaterials have gained significant importance recently in the treatment of industrial wastewater that sometimes contains organic dyes such as methylene blue.
Stereo- and regioselective photocycloaddition of extended alkenes using γ-cyclodextrin
Authors: Kashyap Akshay , Bokosike Treyvon K. , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Pattabiraman Mahesh
Published: September 2018

Photoexcitation of dibenzalacetones in homogeneous media and solid state yields a mixture of products with poor conversions. Reactivity of the substrate encapsulated within γ-cyclodextrin results in efficient 2 + 2 photocycloaddition between two reactants on both alkenes groups, yielding a single product with remarkable regio- and stereoselectivity at high conversions.
Syntheses of the plant auxin conjugate 2-O-(indole-3-acetyl)-myo-inositol IAInos
Authors: Silva Saúl , Ascenso Osvaldo S. , Lourenço Eva C. , Archer Margarida , Maycock Christopher D. , Ventura M. Rita
Published: September 2018

The two first chemical syntheses of IAInos (2-O-(indole-3-acetyl)-myo-inositol), an important plant hormone, are described.
A hierarchical zeolitic Murray material with a mass transfer advantage promotes catalytic efficiency improvement
Authors: Peng Zhao , Chen Li-Hua , Sun Ming-Hui , Zhao Heng , Wang Zhao , Li Yu , Li Li-Yuan , Zhou Jian , Liu Zhi-Cheng , Su Bao-Lian
Published: September 2018

A rationally designed hierarchical zeolitic Murray material exhibited highly enhanced mass transfer and terrific catalytic activity.
A novel off-on fluorescent chemosensor for Al3+derived from a 4,5-diazafluorene Schiff base derivative
Authors: Li Hui , Wang Jianzhi , Zhang ShuJiang , Gong ChenLiang , Wang Feng
Published: September 2018

A highly selective and sensitive“turn-on” fluorescent sensor for detecting Al3+derivated from 4,5-diazafluorene.
Design of nanostructured hybrid materials: twin polymerization of urethane-based twin prepolymers
Authors: Uhlig D. , Spange S. , Seifert A. , Nagel K. , Anders S. , Kroll L. , Stoll R. , Thielbeer F. , Müller P. , Schreiter K.
Published: September 2018

Organic–inorganic hybrid materials with urethane functionalities were obtained by simultaneous twin polymerization of twin prepolymers in combination with the twin monomer 2,2′-spirobi[4H-1,3,2-benzodioxasiline].
Retracted Article: PVT1 knockdown alleviates vancomycin-induced acute kidney injury by targeting miR-124 via inactivation of NF-κB signaling
Authors: Zhu Xiaoguang , Shi Jun , li Huicong , Chen Fang
Published: September 2018

PVT1 was highly expressed in the kidneys of VAN-induced AKI mice.
Synthesis of non-ionic bolaamphiphiles and study of their self-assembly and transport behaviour for drug delivery applications
Authors: Rashmi Rashmi , Singh Abhishek K. , Achazi Katharina , Schade Boris , Böttcher Christoph , Haag Rainer , Sharma Sunil K.
Published: September 2018

Non-ionic bolaamphiphiles as nanocarrier for biomedical applications.
Thermal transport characterization of carbon and silicon doped stanene nanoribbon: an equilibrium molecular dynamics study
Authors: Navid Ishtiaque Ahmed , Subrina Samia
Published: September 2018

Tunable thermal transport of doped stanene nanoribbon considering the impact of doping concentration, doping pattern, temperature and nanoribbon width.
Facile synthesis of size-controlled Fe2O3 nanoparticle-decorated carbon nanotubes for highly sensitive H2S detection
Authors: Kim Wooyoung , Lee Jun Seop , Jang Jyongsik
Published: September 2018

Fe2O3 uniformly dispersed on carbon nanotubes are synthesized using facile oxidative co-polymerization of monomers followed by heat treatment to apply electrode materials for a highly sensitive H2S chemical sensor system.
Bone regeneration in critically sized rat mandible defects through the endochondral pathway using hydroxyapatite-coated 3D-printed Ti6Al4V scaffolds
Authors: Wang Yan , Cai Xinjie , Huang Jing , Zhou Yi , Jiang Tao , Wang Yining
Published: September 2018

Bone regeneration in critically sized rat mandible defects through the endochondral pathway using hydroxyapatite-coated scaffolds.
Strategic design of triphenylamine- and triphenyltriazine-based two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks for CO2 uptake and energy storage
Authors: EL-Mahdy Ahmed F. M. , Kuo Cheng-Han , Alshehri Abdulmohsen , Young Christine , Yamauchi Yusuke , Kim Jeonghun , Kuo Shiao-Wei
Published: September 2018

Importance of monomer symmetry, planarity, and nitrogen content in the crystallinity, surface area, and CO2 uptake has been studied for two series of 2D-COFs.
A Cu3P nanowire enabling high-efficiency, reliable, and energy-efficient low-voltage electroporation-inactivation of pathogens in water
Authors: Huo Zheng-Yang , Zhou Jian-Feng , Wu Yutong , Wu Yin-Hu , Liu Hai , Liu Nian , Hu Hong-Ying , Xie Xing
Published: September 2018

A Cu3PNW–Cu electrode serves as an efficient and stable electrode for low-voltage electroporation-inactivation of pathogens in water with high energy efficiency.
Enhancing the thermoelectric performance of ZnO epitaxial films by Ga doping and thermal tuning
Authors: Zhou Zhi-Fang , Ren Guang-Kun , Tan Xing , Liu Rui , Liu Chan , Lin Yuan-Hua , Nan Ce-Wen
Published: September 2018

Ga doping combined with optimization of the deposition temperature could be a promising strategy for enhancing the thermoelectric properties of ZnO-based epitaxial films.
The multifaceted nature of catechol chemistry: bioinspired pH-initiated hyaluronic acid hydrogels with tunable cohesive and adhesive properties
Authors: Guo Zhongwei , Mi Shengli , Sun Wei
Published: September 2018

By regulating pH, a series of bioinspired, pH-initiated hyaluronic acid hydrogels that possess tunable cohesive and adhesive properties were developed based on catechol-related chemistry.
Hybrid organic–inorganic lead bromide perovskite supercrystals self-assembled with l-cysteine and their good luminescence properties
Authors: Wang Sangni , Zhou Liya , Huang Furong , Xin Youling , Jin Peng , Ma Qiuxia , Pang Qi , Chen Yibo , Zhang Jin Zhong
Published: September 2018

The assembled supercrystals induced by crosslinking of l-cysteine exhibit strong fluorescence, high stability and a PL lifetime of 642 ns.
Thin-shell CdSe/ZnCdS core/shell quantum dots and their electroluminescent device application
Authors: Wei Song , Liu Yue , Ma Mingyue , Wu Yao , Huang Lijian , Pan Daocheng
Published: September 2018

Thin-shell CdSe/2CdS0.5Zn0.5S core/shell quantum dots with a photoluminescence quantum yield of 82% were synthesized. A quantum dot light emitting diode with a current efficiency of 12.5 cd A−1was fabricated.
A Potential Bias in Subjective Ratings of Mental Effort
Authors: Moore Travis M. , Picou Erin M.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Subjective reports of listening effort are frequently inconsistent with behavioral and physiological findings. A potential explanation is that participants unwittingly substitute an easier question when faced with a judgment that requires computationally expensive analysis (i.e., heuristic response strategies). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether participants substitute the question “How did I perform?” when asked “How much effort did that take?”.

Method

Participants completed 2 sets of online surveys containing a text-based, multiple-choice synonym task. Expected performance and mental effort were manipulated across sets in 4 experiments, using a visual masking technique shown to correlate with speech-reception-testing in noise. Experiment 1 was designed to yield stable accuracy and differing effort across sets. Experiment 2 elicited differing accuracy and stable effort. Experiments 3 and 4 manipulated accuracy and performance in opposite directions. Participants included 273 adults (aged 19–68 years,
M
= 38.4 years).

Results

Experiment 1 revealed no influence of perceived performance on ratings of effort when accuracy was stable. Experiment 2 showed that ratings of effort differed inversely with ratings of performance (lower performance and increased effort). Experiments 3 and 4 also demonstrated that participants rated effort in a manner inversely related to performance, regardless of the effort inherent in the condition.

Conclusions

Participants likely substitute an easier question when asked to rate the multidimensional construct of mental effort. The results presented here suggest that perceived performance can serve as a ready heuristic and may explain the dissociation between subjective measures of listening effort and behavioral and physiological measures.
Comprehensive predictive control method for automated vehicles in dynamic traffic circumstances
Authors: Liu Wei , Li Zhiheng
Published: September 2018

Motion control problems remain to be fully solved for automated vehicles in dynamic traffic circumstances. Existing approaches usually first make a driving behaviour decision, then design a reference trajectory that may not match the vehicle dynamic constraints explicitly and finally adopt a local feedback control method to track the reference. Important commands may be lost or not well translated in the process of information exchange and transmission. Moreover, multiple methods specifically designed for different tasks may not cooperate well in one system. In this study, the authors propose a comprehensive predictive control method which can directly generate the control commands from the traffic circumstance and the vehicle dynamics, without involving any driving decision‐making modules and any predefined reference trajectories. Virtual potential fields are introduced to model the traffic circumstance including the road boundaries, lane markings and moving obstacle vehicles. A model predictive control problem is formulated with the overall potential function and constraints including the vehicle dynamics and the safety distances between the ego vehicle and other vehicles. Lane keeping, lane changing, car following and overtaking driving behaviours are simulated in different scenarios. Results show that this method is capable of controlling the automated vehicle in different traffic circumstances.
Active collision algorithm for autonomous electric vehicles at intersections
Authors: Bian Chentong , Yin Guodong , Xu Liwei , Zhang Ning
Published: September 2018

Various studies have been conducted on resisting network attacks on autonomous vehicles and vehicular networks. Invaded vehicles may cause severe damage and casualties; thus, it is essential to stop these vehicles to prevent traffic accidents and terrorist attacks. To improve traffic safety, an active collision algorithm based on trajectory planning is therefore proposed. The algorithm can be used to cause autonomous vehicles to collide with invaded vehicles at intersections. Several types of trajectory planning algorithms have been proposed for autonomous vehicles in recent years. However, a few of these algorithms consider active collisions with other vehicles. The main advantage and novelty of the proposed method are that it can be utilised to plan a suitable trajectory for active collision with invaded vehicles at intersections. This capability has rarely been discussed in the literature to date. The main contributions of this study are that the problem of active collision of autonomous vehicles at intersections is discussed and an effective active collision algorithm based on trajectory planning is proposed. The performance of the algorithm is demonstrated using simulation. The results show that the proposed algorithm is effective in enabling autonomous electric vehicles to collide with invaded vehicles at intersections.
Resident activity pattern recognition and comparison of six Sino‐American metropolises
Authors: Yang Chao , Ye Wen , Zhu Rongrong , Zhang Tianran
Published: September 2018

Travel decision making is driven by different activities. To better understand the traffic‐activity characteristics of different regions, representative activity patterns (RAPs) of six Sino‐American metropolises are recognised, and then these metropolises are clustered for each kind of RAP. Same year's National Household Travel Survey data of USA and Shanghai Household Travel Survey (SHTS) data are used in this study. Each resident's activity‐topic probability distribution could be obtained by latent Dirichlet allocation topic model, then residents’ RAPs of a region are recognised by affinity propagation clustering, for each region's weekdays and weekends, respectively. Based on RAPs recognition, the six metropolises are clustered within conspecific RAP according to the dissimilarity of pattern characteristics (the number of per capita activities, sex ratio etc.). At last, six metropolises are divided into three, two, five clusters in accordance with three kinds of work patterns, which are weekdays’ normal work pattern, weekdays’ late return (home) work pattern, and weekends’ work pattern. Regions in the same cluster have homologous demographic compositions and show similar activity characteristics.
Ultrathin colloidal crystal layer as transparent photonic films
Authors: Chen Cheng , Dong Zhi‐Qiang , Xu Yu , Wang Xiao‐Hui , Lu Hui , Qiu Yan‐Fei , Zhu Zhi‐Gang
Published: September 2018

The study employed a facile approach to fabricate a large‐area ordered robust colloidal crystal films. Poly(methyl methacrylate) colloids were dispersed and self‐assembled in poly(vinyl alcohol) solution, which was then cured to form a photonic film. Such films efficiently diffract electromagnetic waves of specific wavelengths, and whose photonic band gap could be tuned from ultraviolet to visible region by changing the size of the colloids. The presented films revealed sharp diffraction and high transparency, indicating the promising applications in coating or colour filter materials.
Molecular dynamics simulation on notch sensitivity of nanocrystalline Cu
Authors: Wu Hejun , Tong Shang , Zhou Jianqiu , Zhang Feng , Yang Baotong
Published: September 2018

A molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was performed on the nanocrystalline (NC) Cu with an edge notch under tensile loadings, with focus on the notch sensitivity. With the increase of notch size, the dominant deformation of material changes from the shear strain, which spreads throughout the entire sample, to a single shear band, which is induced by the stress concentration at the notch root. At the same time, the samples move from notch‐insensitivity to notch‐sensitivity. These findings offer significant guidelines for the application of NC Cu in engineering.
Optimization temperature in the room using air conditioner with finite element methods
Authors: Tulus Tulus , Simbolon Lamtiur , Sawaluddin Sawaluddin , Marpaung T.J.
Published: September 2018

Room temperature is one of the problems in everyday life that is often discussed. One of the tools in regulating the temperature is Air Conditioner (AC). As is known, that the AC work process in cooling the room is the process of heat transfer. This study aims to find out how the AC works in regulating the temperature in a room. In the process, this research is accomplished by implementing finite element method on the energy transfer equation. Where the energy transfer equation is the partial differential used for heat transfer. In the finite element method, the flow field is broken down into a set of small fluid elements (discrete domains). In the solution, use it in three-dimensional space, then select the linear interpolation function for the 3D element, and derive the matrix and vector elements by the Galerkin method to obtain global equations. Results from computer-assisted studies show the temperature distribution in the room of COMSOL Multiphysic 5.0. Simulation results with COMSOL show that there is a correlation between AC location and solar radiation indoors against indoor temperature.
Determination of ozone distribution in fish cold storage dedicated plasma ozone technology
Authors: Zahar Intan , Yuliani Yuliani , Yulianto Eko , Meliza Meliza , Susan Ade Ika , Sumariyah Sumariyah , Nur Muhammad
Published: September 2018

Research on the distribution of ozone in a cold storage has been done. This cold storage is equipped with an ozone piping system. Ozone inserts to the cold storage was generated by dielectric barrier discharge plasma. The reactor is made of two stainless steel mesh wire cylindrical electrodes and a barried by a pyrex tube. The pipes are hollowed so that ozone can be distributed into cold storage. The distribution of ozone in cold storage is determined by placing a petri dish in twenty-four different points. Ozone that inserted to storage (10 cubic meters) with a capacity of 40 grams/hour. The inserting of ozone into cold storage was done with four different lengths of time wich are 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. Ozone distribution in storage was almost the same at each measurement points. The most influential in the distribution is the time. We found that the distribution of ozone into storage with average ozone concentration of 4.3, 6.3, 4.6, and 4.0 ppm with time 30, 60, 90, 120 minutes respectively. Futhermore, we also dissolve the ozone into the water in the tank in the same storage with temperature (2-8)0C. We found that the concentration of dissolved ozone in the water without samples was always greater than that of the existing fish and shrimp samples, with various dissolution times between (30-120) minutes at 30 minutes intervals. Cold storage dedicated ozone was used to store fish used to store tuna, milkfish and shrimp. With ozone immersion of fish in ozone-soluble water can maintain fish quality for 16 days.
The influence of Cu doped on structure and mechanical properties of aluminium material
Authors: B S Anggoro , Handoko Erfan , Soegijono Bambang
Published: September 2018

Development of technology in industrial field specially automotive needs specific materials with good properties. Aluminum materials are as alternative to answer this challenge. Aluminum alloy that is being developed by Cu doped will be found the new material with good properties. In this report, we have synthesized AlCu alloy using hot mixing method. The composition of 95.1 to 96.2 wt % of Al and 3.8 to 4.9 wt% of Cu were synthesized by melting and mixing process at a temperature of 1100 °C. Analysis of the structure of x-ray diffraction data for Al-Cu showed a single phase of Al for all compositions. The mechanical properties such as hardness of highest vickers of alloy of 96.2% Al - 3.8% Cu is 80 kg/mm2 for cooling in room temperature.
Preliminary study of software tracker usage to analyze inhibitory style on free fall movie events
Authors: Susanti Seni , Mahen Ea Cahya Septia , Nuryantini Ade Yeti
Published: September 2018

This paper presents drag force analysis of free falling object using software tracker. We use video cupclips that have been embedded in this software. The video featured cupcakes to which hung a number of different paper clips were dropped simultaneously. We track the trajectory of free falling cupclips using the software to get the information of position, speed, and acceleration of each cupcake against time. From the data we get the value of drag forces and drag coefficients for each time. The result shows that the drag force value increased to almost constant value, otherwise the drag coefficient is reduced to almost constant values well. According to the results, the analyzed data has good agreement with the theory. Thus, software tracker can be used as media to learn drag force easily and inexpensively.
Effect of different permeability on electromagnetic properties of absorbing materials
Authors: Fahdiran Riser , Utami Yuliyanti Dwi , Handoko Erfan
Published: September 2018

In this study, we have simulated and investigated electromagnetic properties of six types materials using a single layer metal backed absorber model that were determined at microwave frequencies 8.2 up to12.4 GHz. The reflection loss was simulated for different thicknesses in the range of 0.85 to 1.05 mm based on the relative complex permeability and permittivity referring to transmission line theory. The optimal microwave absorbing properties was be resulted by A3 sample. The minimum RL of −23.84 dB can be obtained at 10.72 GHz with thin thickness of 0.95 mm. This method paves a new avenue to design magnetic and dielectric absorbing materials.
Insilico docking studies of daidzeion compounds as selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERMS) breast cancer
Authors: Suryani Yani , Taupiqurrohman Opik , Rikani Ai , Paujiah Epa
Published: September 2018

The aims of this study to analyze the potential of daidzein compounds as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) compared with 17-β estradiol. SERMs is a compound that can be used as a anticancer of breast cancer. The process of analysis is done computation, that is molecular docking. The research was conducted at Data Processing Laboratory of Department of Biology Faculty of Science and Technology, State Islamic University of Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung in December 2017 until February 2018. The result of analysis showed that daidzein compounds have excellent potential as SERMs. This is indicated by the very low energy value of binding affinity of Deidzein (-9.4 kcal / mol) compared to17-β estradiol (-8.9 kcal / mol). The smallest of energy binding affinity value indicates a very high binding ability.