bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy plus Induction Chemotherapy in Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Cisplatin, Fluorouracil, and Docetaxel versus Gemcitabine and Cisplatin
Authors: Zeng Zhen , Yan Ruo-Nan , Tu Li , Wang Yu-Yi , Chen Pei-Ran , Luo Feng , Liu Lei
Published: October 2018

Induction chemotherapy treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes and toxicities between two induction chemotherapy regimens, with both followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The first strategy used docetaxel, cisplatin and fluorouracil for induction chemotherapy (TPF), and the second utilised gemcitabine and cisplatin (GP). A retrospective analysis was performed on eligible NPC patients attending our hospital between May 2009 and Dec 2014. A total of 113 patients were enrolled with 58 patients receiving TPF and 55 receiving GP induction chemotherapy. Ninety-four patients (83.2%) were alive after 36-months follow-up. The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) time were 48.3 and 39.7 months, respectively. The 3-year OS for the TPF regimen was 87.9% and 87.4% with GP chemotherapy (P = 0.928). The 3-year PFS of the TPF treatment was 84.5%, while it was 83.5% for the GP group (P = 0.551). Univariate analysis showed that lymph node metastasis was a significant PFS prognostic factor, while N3 stage was an independent predictor of PFS and distant failure-free survival (DMFS) in multivariate analysis. There were no significant differences in adverse toxicities or treatment efficacy between the chemotherapy regimens in the treatment of locoregionally advanced NPC.
Projections of the future disappearance of the Quelccaya Ice Cap in the Central Andes
Authors: Yarleque Christian , Vuille Mathias , Hardy Douglas R. , Timm Oliver Elison , De la Cruz Jorge , Ramos Hugo , Rabatel Antoine
Published: October 2018

We analyze the future state of Quelccaya Ice Cap (QIC), the world’s largest tropical ice cap with a summit elevation of 5680 m a.s.l., which, in terms of its elevation range (~5300–5680 m a.s.l.), is representative of many low-elevation glacierized sites in the tropical Andes. CMIP5 model projections of air temperature (Ta) at QIC indicate a warming of about 2.4 °C and 5.4 °C (respectively) for RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios by the end of the 21stcentury, resulting in a pronounced increase in freezing level height (FLH). The impact of this warming on the QIC was quantified using equilibrium-line altitude (ELA) projections. The change in the ELA was quantified based on an empirical ELA–FLH relationship, and calibrated with observations of the highest annual snowline altitude (SLA) derived from LANDSAT data. Results show that from the mid-2050s onwards, the ELA will be located above the QIC summit in the RCP8.5 scenario. At that time, surface mass balance at QIC and most tropical glaciers at similar elevations will become increasingly negative, leading to their eventual complete disappearance. Our analysis further corroborates that elevation-dependent warming (EDW) contributes significantly to the enhanced warming over the QIC, and that EDW at Quelccaya depends on the rate of anthropogenic forcing.
Human gut microbe co-cultures have greater potential than monocultures for food waste remediation to commodity chemicals
Authors: Perisin Matthew A. , Sund Christian J.
Published: October 2018

Food waste represents an underutilized resource for commodity chemical generation. Constituents of the human gut microbiota that are already adapted to a food waste stream could be repurposed for useful chemical production. Industrial fermentations utilizing these microbes maintain organisms in isolation; however, microbial consortia offer an attractive alternative to monocultures in that metabolic interactions may result in more efficient processes with higher yields. Here we computationally assess the ability of co-cultures vs. monocultures to anaerobically convert a Western diet to commodity chemicals. The combination of genome-scale metabolic models with flux-balance analysis predicts that every organism analyzed can benefit from interactions with another microbe, as evidenced by increased biomass fluxes in co-culture vs. monoculture. Furthermore, microbe combinations result in emergent or increased commodity chemical production including butanol, methane, formaldehyde, propionate, hydrogen gas, and urea. These overproducing co-cultures are enriched for mutualistic and commensal interactions. Using Clostridium beijerinckii co-cultures as representative examples, models predict cross-fed metabolites will simultaneously modify multiple internal pathways, evident by different internal metabolic network structures. Differences in degree and betweenness centrality of hub precursor metabolites were correlated to C. beijerinckii metabolic outputs, and thus demonstrate the potential of co-cultures to differentially direct metabolisms to useful products.
A double guidance mechanism, nitroaniline based microstructured optical fiber
Authors: Violakis Georgios , Pissadakis Stavros
Published: October 2018

A new type of all-solid, photonic bandgap fiber exhibiting a wavelength dependent guidance mechanism and second harmonic generation capabilities is presented. A silica glass microstructured optical fiber was infiltrated with 2-methyl 4-nitroaniline for creating the composite material optical fiber. This optical fiber was characterized over a broad wavelength range, revealing that a transition from photonic bandgap guidance to modified total internal reflection propagation occurs from short to longer wavelengths, attributed to the dispersion characteristics of the low Abbe number nitroaniline. Annealing post-processing was used for tuning the morphology of the solidified nitroaniline inside the capillaries of the silica glass microstructured optical fiber which increased the extinction ratio of the transmission bandgaps. This composite material optical fiber also exhibits second harmonic generation capabilities under 1064 nm laser excitation, with conversion characteristics dependent upon the packing of the nitroaniline inside the optical fiber capillaries. As the pump and generated light fall into different guidance regimes of the optical fiber, such a device could be potentially used as an all optical gate or light conversion device.
Inhibition of TBK1/IKKε Promotes Regeneration of Pancreatic β-cells
Authors: Xu Jin , Jia Yun-Fang , Tapadar Subhasish , Weaver Jessica D. , Raji Idris O. , Pithadia Deeti J. , Javeed Naureen , García Andrés J. , Choi Doo-Sup , Matveyenko Aleksey V. , Oyelere Adegboyega K. , Shin Chong Hyun
Published: October 2018

β-cell proliferation induction is a promising therapeutic strategy to restore β-cell mass. By screening small molecules in a transgenic zebrafish model of type 1 diabetes, we identified inhibitors of non-canonical IκB kinases (IKKs), TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and IκB kinase ε (IKKε), as enhancers of β-cell regeneration. The most potent β-cell regeneration enhancer was a cinnamic acid derivative (E)-3-(3-phenylbenzo[c]isoxazol-5-yl)acrylic acid (PIAA), which, acting through the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA), stimulated β-cell-specific proliferation by increasing cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity. A combination of PIAA and cilostamide, an inhibitor of β-cell-enriched cAMP hydrolyzing enzyme phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3, enhanced β-cell proliferation, whereas overexpression of PDE3 blunted the mitogenic effect of PIAA in zebrafish. PIAA augmented proliferation of INS-1β-cells and β-cells in mammalian islets including human islets with elevation in cAMP levels and insulin secretion. PIAA improved glycemic control in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice with increases in β-cell proliferation, β-cell area, and insulin content in the pancreas. Collectively, these data reveal an evolutionarily conserved and critical role of TBK1/IKKε suppression in expanding functional β-cell mass.
Pattern of reading eye movements during monovision contact lens wear in presbyopes
Authors: Zeri Fabrizio , Naroo Shehzad A. , Zoccolotti Pierluigi , De Luca Maria
Published: October 2018

Monovision can be used as a method to correct presbyopia with contact lenses (CL) but its effect on reading behavior is still poorly understood. In this study eye movements (EM) were recorded in fifteen presbyopic participants, naïve to monovision, whilst they read arrays of words, non-words, and text passages to assess whether monovision affected their reading. Three conditions were compared, using daily disposable CLs: baseline (near correction in both eyes), conventional monovision (distance correction in the dominant eye, near correction in the non-dominant eye), and crossed monovision (the reversal of conventional monovision). Behavioral measures (reading speed and accuracy) and EM parameters (single fixation duration, number of fixations, dwell time per item, percentage of regressions, and percentage of skipped items) were analyzed. When reading passages, no differences in behavioral and EM measures were seen in any comparison of the three conditions. The number of fixations and dwell time significantly increased for both monovision and crossed monovision with respect to baseline only with word and non-word arrays. It appears that monovision did not appreciably alter visual processing when reading meaningful texts but some limited stress of the EM pattern was observed only with arrays of unrelated or meaningless items under monovision, which require the reader to have more in-depth controlled visual processing.
Diversity of macaque microbiota compared to the human counterparts
Authors: Chen Zigui , Yeoh Yun Kit , Hui Mamie , Wong Po Yee , Chan Martin C. W. , Ip Margaret , Yu Jun , Burk Robert D. , Chan Francis K. L. , Chan Paul K. S.
Published: October 2018

Studies on the microbial communities in non-human primate hosts provide unique insights in both evolution and function of microbes related to human health and diseases. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon profiling, we examined the oral, anal and vaginal microbiota in a group of non-captive rhesus macaques (N = 116) and compared the compositions with the healthy communities from Human Microbiome Project. The macaque microbiota was dominated by Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria; however, there were marked differences in phylotypes enriched across body sites indicative of strong niche specialization. Compared to human gut microbiota where Bacteroides predominately enriched, the surveyed macaque anal community exhibited increased abundance of Prevotella. In contrast to the conserved human vaginal microbiota extremely dominated by Lactobacillus, the macaque vaginal microbial composition was highly diverse while lactobacilli were rare. A constant decrease of the vaginal microbiota diversity was observed among macaque samples from juvenile, adult without tubectomy, and adult with tubectomy, with the most notable distinction being the enrichment of Halomonas in juvenile and Saccharofermentans in contracepted adults. Both macaque and human oral microbiota were colonized with three most common oral bacterial genera: Streptococcus, Haemophilus and Veillonella, and shared relatively conserved communities to each other. A number of bacteria related to human pathogens were consistently detected in macaques. The findings delineate the range of structure and diversity of microbial communities in a wild macaque population, and enable the application of macaque as an animal model for future characterization of microbes in transmission, genomics and function.
Study of Bauschinger effect of acicular ferrite and polygonal ferrite through ex-situ interrupted bending tests in API X80 linepipe steels
Authors: Kim Dae Woong , Sohn Seok Su , Kim Wan-Keun , Kim Ki-Seok , Lee Sunghak
Published: October 2018

Linepipe steels complexly consisted of low-temperature transformation microstructures of bainitic ferrite, granular bainite, and acicular ferrite (AF) as well as polygonal ferrite (PF) which individually affect the Bauschinger effect occurring during the pipe-forming. In this study, microscopic analyses of electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) coupled with tension-compression and interrupted bending tests were performed for verification of the Bauschinger effect of AF and PF working as major microstructures in single-phase- and two-phase-rolled API X80 steels, respectively. With respect to microstructural effects on Bauschinger effect, the reduction in mobile dislocation density during the flattening was smaller in the AF than in the PF. However, the dislocation pile-up at low-angle substructures and high-angle grain boundaries was more frequently observed, thereby leading to the higher back stress and Bauschinger effect in the AF. Boundary kernel average misorientation (KAM) profile played a critical role in determining the Bauschinger effect because they were closely related with the back stress. Thus, the Bauschinger effect was higher in the single-phase-rolled steel than in the two-phase-rolled steel. The present ex-situ interrupted bending methods coupled with EBSD analyses are outstanding ones for the detailed explanation of Bauschinger effect and provide an important idea for the yield strength designs of linepipe steels.
Evidence of a Right Ear Advantage in the absence of auditory targets
Authors: Prete Giulia , D’Anselmo Anita , Brancucci Alfredo , Tommasi Luca
Published: October 2018

The Right Ear Advantage effect (REA) was explored in a white noise speech illusion paradigm: binaural white noise (WN) could be presented i) in isolation (WN condition), ii) overlapped to a voice pronouncing the vowel /a/ presented in the left ear (LE condition), iii) overlapped to a voice pronouncing the vowel /a/ presented in the right ear (RE condition). Participants were asked to report in which ear the voice has been perceived. The voice could be female or male, and it could be presented at 4 different intensities. Participants carried out the task correctly both in LE and in RE conditions. Importantly, in the WN condition the “right ear” responses were more frequent with respect to both the chance level and the “left ear” responses. A perceptual REA was confirmed both in LE and RE conditions. Moreover, when the voice was presented at low intensities (masked by WN), it was more frequently reported in the right than in the left ear (“illusory” REA). A positive correlation emerged between perceptual and illusory REA. Potential links of the REA effects with auditory hallucinations are discussed.
Tuning artificial intelligence on the de novo design of natural-product-inspired retinoid X receptor modulators
Authors: Merk Daniel , Grisoni Francesca , Friedrich Lukas , Schneider Gisbert
Published: October 2018

Instances of artificial intelligence equip medicinal chemistry with innovative tools for molecular design and lead discovery. Here we describe a deep recurrent neural network for de novo design of new chemical entities that are inspired by pharmacologically active natural products. Natural product characteristics are incorporated into a deep neural network that has been trained on synthetic low molecular weight compounds. This machine-learning model successfully generates readily synthesizable mimetics of the natural product templates. Synthesis and in vitro pharmacological characterization of four de novo designed mimetics of retinoid X receptor modulating natural products confirms isofunctional activity of two computer-generated molecules. These results positively advocate generative neural networks for natural-product-inspired drug discovery, reveal both opportunities and certain limitations of the current approach, and point to potential future developments.
A sensitive and fast responsive fluorescent probe for imaging hypoxic tumors
Authors: Zhang Lei , Shan Xue , Guo Leilei , Zhang Jikang , Ge Junliang , Jiang Qing , Ning Xinghai
Published: October 2018

A BBP possesses a unique fluorescence off–on feature, and can selectively monitor the early tumor formation and treatment response.
“ON–OFF–ON” fluorescent probes based on nitrogen-doped carbon dots for hypochlorite and bisulfite detection in living cells
Authors: Wang Ruoming , Wang Ruixia , Ju Dongyan , Lu Wei , Jiang Chunzhu , Shan Xueru , Chen Qian , Sun Guoying
Published: October 2018

A fluorescent probe based on N-CDs was synthesized by a solvothermal method to detect ClO− and HSO3− in cells through an “ON–OFF–ON” mode.
Thiazolidine chemistry revisited: a fast, efficient and stable click-type reaction at physiological pH
Authors: Bermejo-Velasco Daniel , Nawale Ganesh N. , Oommen Oommen P. , Hilborn Jöns , Varghese Oommen P.
Published: October 2018

We describe the fast reaction kinetics between 1,2-aminothiols and aldehydes that afforded a stable thiazolidine product under physiological pH. This efficient and biocompatible reaction offers enormous potential for the coupling of biomolecules.
Azacalixphyrins as NIR photoacoustic contrast agents
Authors: Lavaud Lucien , Pascal Simon , Metwally Khaled , Gasteau Damien , Da Silva Anabela , Chen Zhongrui , Elhabiri Mourad , Canard Gabriel , Jacquemin Denis , Siri Olivier
Published: October 2018

Newly designed aryl-substituted azacalixphyrins are promising contrast agents for photoacoustic imaging upon excitation in the 800–1000 nm NIR range.
Effect of annealing on nonlinear optical properties of 70% deuterated DKDP crystals at 355 nm
Authors: Cai Dongting , Lian Yafei , Chai Xiangxu , Zhang Lisong , Yang Liming , Xu Mingxia
Published: October 2018

Thermal annealing decreased the nonlinear absorption and refraction, which could lead to an improvement of the laser-induced damage threshold.
Direct solid state NMR observation of the105Pd nucleus in inorganic compounds and palladium metal systems
Authors: Hooper Thomas J. N. , Partridge Thomas A. , Rees Gregory J. , Keeble Dean S. , Powell Nigel A. , Smith Mark E. , Mikheenko Iryna P. , Macaskie Lynne E. , Bishop Peter T. , Hanna John V.
Published: October 2018

Although105Pd is a very challenging nucleus for solid state NMR, these initial observations demonstrate its potential for characterising catalytically relevant Pd metal systems.
Elucidating DNA binding of dithienylethenes from molecular dynamics and dichroism spectra
Authors: Linares Mathieu , Sun Haofan , Biler Michal , Andréasson Joakim , Norman Patrick
Published: October 2018

DNA intercalation and groove binding of two photoswitching dithienylethene derivatives have been studied and characterized by means of molecular dynamics and electronic circular dichroism.
Group 10 metal–thiocatecholate capped magnesium phthalocyanines – coupling chromophore and electron donor/acceptor entities and its impact on sulfur induced red-shifts
Authors: Bartlett Malcolm Alan , Sundermeyer Jörg
Published: October 2018

Four thiocatecholate groups at magnesium phthalocyanine can coordinate transition metals, strongly red-shifting the Q band and promoting charge-transfer to peripheral groups.
Promotion of antiferromagnetic exchange interaction in multinuclear copper(ii) complexes via fused oxamato/oxamidato ligands
Authors: Weheabby Saddam , Abdulmalic Mohammad A. , Atzori Matteo , Sessoli Roberta , Aliabadi Azar , Rüffer Tobias
Published: October 2018

Oligo-oxamate type preligands ensure a coplanar orientation of the coordination units of embedded transition metal ions and promote thereby intramolecular magnetic exchange couplings.
Visible-light promoted dithioacetalization of aldehydes with thiols under aerobic and photocatalyst-free conditions
Authors: Xing Zhimin , Yang Mingyang , Sun Haiyu , Wang Zemin , Chen Peng , Liu Lin , Wang Xiaolei , Xie Xingang , She Xuegong
Published: October 2018

A novel photocatalyst-free visible-light-mediated dithioacetalization of aldehydes and thiols has been developed.
Ph3P-mediated highly selective C(α)–P coupling of quinone monoacetals with R2P(O)H: convenient and practical synthesis of ortho-phosphinyl phenols
Authors: Shen Ruwei , Zhang Ming , Xiao Jing , Dong Chao , Han Li-Biao
Published: October 2018

The Ph3P-mediated C(α)–P coupling reaction of quinone monoacetals with secondary phosphine oxides is developed to provide an effective method for the synthesis of a wide array of ortho-phosphinyl phenols in good to excellent yields.
Determination of nitrate and ammonium ions in water samples by atmospheric pressure glow discharge microplasma molecular emission spectrometry coupled with chemical vapour generation
Authors: Zhu Zhenli , Guan Xuedi , Zheng Hongtao , Yang Chun , Xing Zhi , Hu Shenghong
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a low power atmospheric pressure glow discharge (APGD) microplasma source has been investigated for the determination of nitrate and ammonium ions with molecular emission spectrometry (MES) coupled with chemical vapor generation (CVG).
In situ differentiation and generation of functional liver organoids from human iPSCs in a 3D perfusable chip system
Authors: Wang Yaqing , Wang Hui , Deng Pengwei , Chen Wenwen , Guo Yaqiong , Tao Tingting , Qin Jianhua
Published: October 2018

We present a new strategy to engineer human iPSC-derived liver organoids by combining stem cell biology with a microfluidic chip system.
Carboxymethyl cellulose coated magnetic nanoparticles transport across a human lung microvascular endothelial cell model of the blood–brain barrier
Authors: Aguilera Gabriela , Berry Catherine C. , West Rachel M. , Gonzalez-Monterrubio Enrique , Angulo-Molina Aracely , Arias-Carrión Óscar , Méndez-Rojas Miguel Ángel
Published: October 2018

CMC coated magnetic nanoparticles cross through a densely packed Human Lung Microvascular Endothelial (HLMVE) cell barrier BBB model.
Study of forced degradation behaviour of cobicistat and atazanavir using LC/ESI/QTOF/MS; a combination of in-sourced and collision-induced dissociation for evaluation of the fragmentation patterns of degradation products
Authors: Baira Shandilya Mahamuni , Gunupudi Padmini , Abbaraju Vigjna , R. Srinivas , Talluri M. V. N. Kumar
Published: October 2018

The present study describes the LC/MS/MS characterization of degradation products of cobicistat and atazanavir.
DIPEAc promoted one-pot synthesis of dihydropyrido[2,3-d:6,5-d′]dipyrimidinetetraone and pyrimido[4,5-d]pyrimidine derivatives as potent tyrosinase inhibitors and anticancer agents: in vitro screening, molecular docking and ADMET predictions
Authors: Bhosle Manisha R. , Khillare Lalit D. , Mali Jyotirling R. , Sarkate Aniket P. , Lokwani Deepak K. , Tiwari Shailee V.
Published: October 2018

Efficient and rapid synthesis of 18 tyrosinase inhibitors with good to moderate anticancer activity and good oral drug like properties.
Nonribosomal antibacterial peptides that target multidrug-resistant bacteria
Authors: Liu Yuan , Ding Shuangyang , Shen Jianzhong , Zhu Kui
Published: October 2018

This review summarizes the development of nonribosomal antibacterial peptides from untapped sources that target multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Dynamic metabolic solutions to the sessile life style of plants
Authors: Knudsen Camilla , Gallage Nethaji Janeshawari , Hansen Cecilie Cetti , Møller Birger Lindberg , Laursen Tomas
Published: October 2018

Plants are sessile organisms. To compensate for not being able to escape when challenged by unfavorable growth conditions, pests or herbivores, plants have perfected their metabolic plasticity by having developed the capacity for on demand dynamic biosynthesis and storage of a plethora of phytochemicals.
Structural evolution and microwave dielectric properties of a novel Li3Mg2−x/3Nb1−2x/3TixO6 system with a rock salt structure
Authors: Zhang Xing , Tang Bin , Fang Zixuan , Yang Hongyu , Xiong Zhe , Xue Lanxin , Zhang Shuren
Published: October 2018

Phase transition from an orthorhombic superstructure to a cubic subcell structure has splendid advantages in dielectric properties of Li2O–MgO–Nb2O5–TiO2 quaternary solid solutions.
Organosilica-based ionogel derived nitrogen-doped microporous carbons for high performance supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Wang Peng , Tao Lumi , Luo Huan , Chen Dongyang , Xie Zailai
Published: October 2018

A new preparation process is developed to yield stable, yellowish and transparent organosilica ionogels, which after pyrolysis yields N-doped microporous carbon with remarkable capacity.
A direct route from white phosphorus and fluorous alkyl and aryl iodides to the corresponding trialkyl- and triarylphosphines
Authors: Ghosh Subrata K. , Cummins Christopher C. , Gladysz John A.
Published: October 2018

The title reaction is effected with samarium(ii) reductants that generate fluorous radicals that add to P4 with phosphorus–phosphorus bond cleavage.
Expedient synthesis of 3-hydroxypyrrolesviaBu3SnH-triggered ionic 5-exo-trig-cyclization of 5-chloro-3-azamuconoate derivatives
Authors: Agafonova Anastasiya V. , Smetanin Ilia A. , Rostovskii Nikolai V. , Khlebnikov Alexander F. , Novikov Mikhail S.
Published: October 2018

An unprecedented application of tributyltin hydride as a reagent for reductive ionic 1,5-cyclization of 3-azamuconoates into variously substituted 3-hydroxy-1H-pyrroles is described.
High purity and viability cell separation of a bacterivorous jakobid flagellate based on a steep velocity gradient induced soft inertial force
Authors: Deng Pan , Fu Cheng-Jie , Wu Zhigang
Published: October 2018

Aimed at separating living cells with high purity and viability from non-axenic microbial lab cultures or environmental samples, we developed a novel microfluidic separation technique with simple operation, high efficiency and robust performance.
Natural iron ore as a novel substrate for the biosynthesis of bioactive-stable ZnO@CuO@iron ore NCs: a magnetically recyclable and reusable superior nanocatalyst for the degradation of organic dyes, reduction of Cr(vi) and adsorption of crude oil aromatic compounds, including PAHs
Authors: Sajadi S. Mohammad , Kolo Kamal , Pirouei Mohammad , Mahmud Sarbast A. , Ali Jagar. A. , Hamad Samir M.
Published: October 2018

For the first time, stable ZnO@CuO@iron ore nanocomposites (NCs) were green synthesized using magnetic iron ore as a natural substrate through an eco-friendly, simple and cost-effective method.
Quantification and cytoprotection by vanillin, 4-methylguaiacol and 4-ethylguaiacol against AAPH-induced abnormal oxidative stress in HepG2 cells
Authors: Zhao Dongrui , Shi Dongmei , Sun Jinyuan , Li Hehe , Zhao Mouming , Sun Baoguo
Published: October 2018

Vanillin, 4-methylguaiacol, and 4-ethylguaiacol widely exist in Gujinggong Chinese baijiu and could protect HepG2 cells against oxidative stressviaactivating the Nrf2 pathway.
Synthesis, antitumor activity and molecular mechanism of doxorubicin conjugated trimethyl-chitosan polymeric micelle loading Beclin1 siRNA for drug-resisted bladder cancer therapy
Authors: Zhong Zhou , Cheng Zhong , Su Dongyuan , Xu Ting , Li Xiang , Wu Fengbo
Published: October 2018

Herein, we describe a convenient approach for the preparation of a polymeric micelle using doxorubicin (DOX) conjugated trimethyl-chitosan (TMC) with Beclin-1 siRNA (Si-Beclin1/DOX-TMC).
Surface design and preparation of multi-functional magnetic nanoparticles for cancer cell targeting, therapy, and imaging
Authors: Qu Jing , Tian Zhijie , Wang Qiuyue , Peng Si , Luo Jian-bin , Zhou Qing-han , Lin Juan
Published: October 2018

Multi-functional magnetic nanoparticles for targeted anticancer drug delivery and efficient MR imaging detection in theranostics.
Residue and risk assessment of fluopicolide and cyazofamid in grapes and soil using LC-MS/MS and modified QuEChERS
Authors: Xu Tianheng , Feng Xiaoxiao , Pan Lixiang , Jing Jing , Zhang Hongyan
Published: October 2018

The residue behavior of fluopicolide, cyazofamid and their metabolites (M-01, M-02 and CCIM) was evaluated in open field conditions.
Photoelectric and flexible poly(styrene-b-ethylene/butylene-b-styrene)-zinc porphyrin–graphene hybrid composite: synthesis, performance, and mechanism
Authors: Tang Shumei , Xu Yu , Su Gehong , Bao Jianjun , Zhang Aimin
Published: October 2018

Stretchable and flexible photoelectric materials are highly desirable for the development of artificial intelligence products.
Effect of thermal treatment of Pd decorated Fe/C nanocatalysts on their catalytic performance for formic acid oxidation
Authors: Li Weiping , Zhou Tianxiang , Le Zhilu , Liao Mengyin , Liu Hesheng , Na Bing , Wang Bin , Zhou Haiying , Yan Heng
Published: October 2018

The thermal treatment of bimetallic nanocatalysts plays an important role in determining their catalytic performance.
The further activation and functionalization of semicoke for CO2 capture from flue gases
Authors: Wang Xia , Zeng Wulan , Guo Qingjie , Geng Qijin , Yan Yongmei , Hu Xiude
Published: October 2018

To systematically study CO2 adsorption performance, semicoke from the low-rank lignite was further activated and functionalized for CO2 capture from flue gases.
Mechanistic study of the ligand controlled regioselectivity in iridium catalyzed C–H borylation of aromatic imines
Authors: Liu Yuhua , Chen Jipei , Zhan Kangsheng , Shen Yiqiang , Gao Hui , Yao Lingmin
Published: October 2018

DFT calculation indicates that in iridium catalyzed C–H borylation of aromatics, the ortho selectivity is proposed to be attributed to the electron donating effect of AQ ligand, while the meta selectivity is due to steric hindrance of TMP ligand.
Quercetin ameliorates podocyte injuryviainhibition of oxidative stress and the TGF-β1/Smad pathway in DN rats
Authors: Gao Fanfan , He Xin , Liang Shanshan , Liu Sixiu , Liu Hua , He Quan , Chen Lei , Jiang Hongli , Zhang Yali
Published: October 2018

This is the first study to demonstrate that quercetin ameliorates podocyte injuryviainhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway.
High capacity, power density and cycling stability of silicon Li-ion battery anodes with a few layer black phosphorus additive
Authors: Roy Kingshuk , Wahid Malik , Puthusseri Dhanya , Patrike Apurva , Muduli Subas , Vaidhyanathan Ramanathan , Ogale Satishchandra
Published: October 2018

The exceptionally high theoretical capacity of silicon as a Li-ion battery anode material is hard to realize and stabilize in practice due to huge volume changes during lithiation/de-lithiation. With the use of black phosphorus additive we could achieve tremendous stability due to strain management.
Revealing the role of the Rh valence state, La doping level and Ru cocatalyst in determining the H2 evolution efficiency in doped SrTiO3 photocatalysts
Authors: Murthy Dharmapura H. K. , Matsuzaki Hiroyuki , Wang Qian , Suzuki Yohichi , Seki Kazuhiko , Hisatomi Takashi , Yamada Taro , Kudo Akihiko , Domen Kazunari , Furube Akihiro
Published: October 2018

A transient absorption spectroscopy study is conducted to correlate carrier dynamics with photocatalytic H2 evolution efficiency in the La/Rh doped SrTiO3 photocatalyst.
In situ synthesis of n–n Bi2MoO6 & Bi2S3 heterojunctions for highly efficient photocatalytic removal of Cr(vi)
Authors: Qiao Xiu-Qing , Zhang Zhen-Wei , Li Qiu-Hao , Hou Dongfang , Zhang Qichun , Zhang Jian , Li Dong-Sheng , Feng Pingyun , Bu Xianhui
Published: October 2018

Two-dimensional (2D) n–n Bi2MoO6 & Bi2S3 heterojunction with core–shell structure exhibits unprecedented efficiency for photocatalytic reduction of Cr(vi) under visible light irradiation.
Benzothiadiazole–ethynylthiophenezoic acid as an acceptor of photosensitizer for efficient organic dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Mu Yanfei , Wu Heng , Dong Guangxing , Shen Zuochun , Li Sining , Zhang Min
Published: October 2018

We have elaborately tailored an organic photosensitizer displaying power conversion efficiency up to 12% under AM1.5G conditions.
Aloe vera mucilage derived highly tolerant underwater superoleophobic coatings
Authors: Shome Arpita , Rather Adil Majeed , Manna Uttam
Published: October 2018

An aloe vera mucilage (AVM) derived highly tolerant and stretchable fish-scale-mimicked coating is introduced by the strategic use of Michael addition reaction. The naturally derived and nature-inspired coating is capable of sustaining various challenging exposures—without compromising the embedded underwater superoleophobicity.
Comb-shaped sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) as a cation exchange membrane for electrodialysis in acid recovery
Authors: Wang Liang , Liu Minghui , Zhao Junhua , Lei Yinlin , Li Nanwen
Published: October 2018

A series of efficient, comb-shaped SPEEK membranes with alkyl chains are prepared and applied to electrodialysis in acid recovery.
Synchronisation of stochastic‐coupled intermittent control systems with delays and Lévy noise on networks without strong connectedness
Authors: Zhou Hui , Li Wenxue
Published: October 2018

This study considers the synchronisation of stochastic‐coupled systems with time‐varying delays and Lévy noise on networks without strong connectedness (SCSTLNC) through periodically intermittent control. Also, here, internal delays, coupling delay, white noise, and Lévy noise are considered in SCSTLNC. Then, to guarantee synchronisation of SCSTLNC, several useful criteria are obtained by applying some techniques of inequalities, such as a graph‐theoretic approach, a hierarchical approach, and the theory of asymptotically autonomous systems. The intensity of control is closely related to the coupling strength and the perturbed intensity of noise. In particular, the synchronisation of stochastic‐coupled oscillators with time‐varying delays and Lévy noise on networks without strong connectedness as a practical application of the authors' theoretical results are investigated. Finally, a numerical example of oscillator networks is provided to demonstrate the validity and feasibility of their analytical results.
Economic risk‐based bidding strategy for profit maximisation of wind‐integrated day‐ahead and real‐time double‐auctioned competitive power markets
Authors: Panda Rajesh , Tiwari Prashant Kumar
Published: October 2018

This study proposes a unique method of bidding strategy which is based on bi‐level optimisation model for analysing the profits of the generation companies (GENCOs) and distribution companies in the day‐ahead and real‐time competitive power markets. The bi‐level optimisation problem includes lower‐level and upper‐level problems. In the lower‐level problem, market clearing model is presented, in which market clearing problem is solved, locational marginal price is minimised at load buses, net generation cost is also minimised with a simultaneous increase in profit with optimal placement of wind generator by assessing the conditional value‐at‐risk (CVaR). In the upper level, the profit is maximised by selecting the proper bidding strategy based on double‐auctioned market mechanism. To check the effectiveness of the proposed strategy, Monte Carlo simulation and scenario‐based approach are used to generate the scenarios considering the random line outages, generator outages and load variations. The CVaR is used as a risk assessment tool for the uncertainties that would inadvertently affect the profit of the GENCOs. The proposed approach is applied to the modified IEEE 30‐bus system to show the effectiveness of the proposed model and its impact on the bidders and suppliers.
Vision‐based inter‐vehicle distance estimation for driver alarm system
Authors: Liu Zewei , Lu Dongming , Qian Weixian , Ren Kan , Zhang Jun , Xu Liwei
Published: October 2018

Determining the position of the vehicles on road is an important information in the driver assistance system which is used to increase driver's safety. The authors propose a robust real‐time vehicle detection and distance estimation method for vision‐based driving assistance system. They detect the vehicles in front of their own and estimate their three‐dimensional position by using a single monochrome camera. After detecting the preceding vehicles using the common method, they use a new method for distance measurement based on monocular camera to estimate the inter‐vehicle distance. The method also provides the longitudinal distance information for the driver alarm system. Finally, they utilise the Kalman framework to update the information of the vehicle which they detected before, the information includes horizontal distance, vertical distance and speed, and use these information to predict risk. Experimental results indicate that the system correctly detects vehicles in real time and effectively estimates the position of preceding vehicles.
Improved electro‐optic chaotic system with nonlinear electrical coupling
Authors: Liu Lingfeng , Liu Qian
Published: October 2018

Concealing the time delay signature and enhancing the complexity of electro‐optic (EO) chaotic system is important for practical applications. Therefore, in this study, the authors propose a new coupled EO chaotic system based on the classical one. In the new model, the electrical signals are mixed by using nonlinear coupling functions. Some simulation experiments are used to illustrate its chaotic performances and complexity. All results indicate that the new coupled model has a high complexity level, and can be competitive to other proposed EO systems. Furthermore, the time‐delay signature can be effectively concealed with a smaller gain coefficient than other systems. All these results demonstrate that this new system is more potential to be used in random number generation and chaotic secure communication.
Cooperative game theory approach for multi‐objective home energy management with renewable energy integration
Authors: Lokeshgupta Bhamidi , Sivasubramani Shanmugavelu
Published: October 2018

This study proposes a mathematical model of an intelligent multi‐objective home energy management (HEM) scheme with the integration of small‐scale renewable energy sources. The main aim of the proposed model is to handle the residential load demand in a smart way to minimise both the consumer's energy bill and the system peak demand simultaneously. To generate the best compromise solution of the proposed multi‐objective problem, a cooperative game theory approach is used in this study on the basis of super‐criterion and a Pareto optimal solution concept. In the cooperative game process, each HEM objective is assigned as a player and every player tries to maximise their own payoff. Bargaining model in the form of super criterion is considered in this game approach. Finally, all players can get win–win nature with collective negotiations. Generally, HEM method deals with various controllable devices having distinct operating characteristics. Because of this, the proposed HEM problem is modelled as a mixed‐integer problem. Consequently, a mixed‐integer non‐linear programming is applied in this game process to maximise the super‐criterion. To show the effectiveness of the proposed model, different case studies and various scenarios are carried out.
Kinematics of the outer halo of M 87 as mapped by planetary nebulae
Authors: Longobardi A. , Arnaboldi M. , Gerhard O. , Pulsoni C. , Söldner-Rembold I.
Published: October 2018

Aims. We present a kinematic study of a sample of 298 planetary nebulas (PNs) in the outer halo of the central Virgo galaxy M 87 (NGC 4486). The line-of-sight velocities of these PNs are used to identify subcomponents, to measure the angular momentum content of the main M 87 halo, and to constrain the orbital distribution of the stars at these large radii.

Methods. We use Gaussian mixture modelling to statistically separate distinct velocity components and identify the M 87 smooth halo component, its unrelaxed substructures, and the intra-cluster (IC) PNs. We compute probability weighted velocity and velocity dispersion maps for the smooth halo, and its specific angular momentum profile (λR) and velocity dispersion profile.

Results. The classification of the PNs into smooth halo and ICPNs is supported by their different PN luminosity functions. Based on a Kolmogorov–Smirnov (K–S) test, we conclude that the ICPN line-of-sight velocity distribution (LOSVD) is consistent with the LOSVD of the galaxies in Virgo subcluster A. The surface density profile of the ICPNS at 100 kpc radii has a shallow logarithmic slope, −αICL ≃ −0.8, dominating the light at the largest radii. Previous B − V colour and resolved star metallicity data indicate masses for the ICPN progenitor galaxies of a few ×108 M⊙. The angular momentum-related λR profile for the smooth halo remains below 0.1, in the slow rotator regime, out to 135 kpc average ellipse radius (170 kpc major axis distance). Combining the PN velocity dispersion measurements for the M 87 halo with literature data in the central 15 kpc, we obtain a complete velocity dispersion profile out to Ravg = 135 kpc. The σhalo profile decreases from the central 400 km s−1 to about 270 km s−1 at 2–10 kpc, then rises again to ≃300 ± 50 km s−1 at 50–70 kpc, to finally decrease sharply to σhalo ∼ 100 km s−1 at Ravg = 135 kpc. The steeply decreasing outer σhalo profile and the surface density profile of the smooth halo can be reconciled with the circular velocity curve inferred from assuming hydrostatic equilibrium for the hot X-ray gas. Because this rises to νc,X ∼ km s−1 at 200 kpc, the orbit distribution of the smooth M 87 halo is required to change strongly from approximately isotropic within Ravg ∼ 60 kpc to very radially anisotropic at the largest distances probed.

Conclusions. The extended LOSVD of the PNs in the M 87 halo allows the identification of several subcomponents: the ICPNs, the “crown” accretion event, and the smooth M 87 halo. In galaxies like M 87, the presence of these subcomponents needs to be taken into account to avoid systematic biases in estimating the total enclosed mass. The dynamical structure inferred from the velocity dispersion profile indicates that the smooth halo of M 87 steepens beyond Ravg = 60 kpc and becomes strongly radially anisotropic, and that the velocity dispersion profile is consistent with the X-ray circular velocity curve at these radii without non-thermal pressure effects.
Particle acceleration in coalescent and squashed magnetic islands
Authors: Xia Q. , Zharkova V.
Published: October 2018

Aims. Magnetic reconnection in large Harris-type reconnecting current sheets (RCSs) with a single X-nullpoint often leads to the occurrence of magnetic islands with multiple O- and X-nullpoints. Over time these magnetic islands become squashed, or coalescent with two islands merging, as has been observed indirectly during coronal mass ejection and by in-situ observations in the heliosphere and magnetotail. These points emphasise the importance of understanding the basic energising processes of ambient particles dragged into current sheets with magnetic islands of different configuration.

Methods. Trajectories of protons and electrons accelerated by a reconnection electric field are investigated using a test particle approach in RCSs with different 3D magnetic field topologies defined analytically for multiple X- and O-nullpoints. Trajectories, densities, and energy distributions are explored for 106 thermal particles dragged into the current sheets from different sides and distances.

Results. This study confirms that protons and electrons accelerated in magnetic islands in the presence of a strong guiding field are ejected from a current sheet into the opposite semiplanes with respect to the midplane. Particles are found to escape O-nullpoints only through the neighbouring X-nullpoints along (not across) the midplane following the separation law for electrons and protons in a given magnetic topology. Particles gain energy either inside O-nullpoints or in the vicinity of X-nullpoints that often leads to electron clouds formed about the X-nullpoint between the O-nullpoints. Electrons are shown to be able to gain sub-relativistic energies in a single magnetic island. Energy spectra of accelerated particles are close to power laws with spectral indices varying from 1.1 to 2.4. The more squashed the islands the larger the difference between the energy gains by transit and bounced particles, which leads to their energy spectra having double maxima that gives rise to fast-growing turbulence.

Conclusions. Particles are shown to gain the most energy in multiple X-nullpoints between O-nullpoints (or magnetic islands). This leads to the formation of electron clouds between magnetic islands. Particle energy gains are much larger in squashed islands than in coalescent ones. In summary, particle acceleration by a reconnection electric field in magnetic islands is much more effective than in an RCS with a single X-nullpoint.
Determination of physical parameters of particle-accelerating colliding-wind binaries based on generalized partition considerations
Authors: De Becker M.
Published: October 2018

The sub-set of massive binaries known to accelerate particles, the so-called category of particle-accelerating colliding-wind binaries (PACWBs), constitutes a valuable laboratory for investigating the non-thermal physics in stellar environments. In particular, their synchrotron emitter status allows us to derive some basic properties of their population of relativistic electrons. In this paper, considerations about energy partitions (not restricted to equipartition or minimum energy) are developed to derive relevant physical parameters of PACWBs in an appropriate assumption context. This approach was applied to three PACWBs with known stellar wind and orbital parameters, along with rather well-known radio properties. For long-period systems, a local magnetic field of the order of 0.1–10 mG was determined for a wide range of assumptions on partition parameters, while values of a few G are obtained for the shorter period system we investigated. Normalization parameters of the relativistic electron populations were also determined. Synchrotron self-absorption appears to be an unlikely turn-over process for long-period systems, while it may compete with free-free absorption for a shorter period object. Our results are discussed in the context of the energy budget of non-thermal processes in PACWBs, and prospects for high energy emission are also addressed. The sensitivity of this approach, applied for the first time to PACWBs, was also investigated through a critical discussion of the dependence of determined physical quantities on adopted and assumed parameters. Even though this method is certainly not adequate to reproduce the physics of PACWBs in detail, it offers the advantage of allowing for the determination of valuable average quantities provided a few fundamental parameters and measurements are known, without the need of any detailed hydrodynamic and radiative modelling. In the absence of any relevant measurement of non-thermal radiation in the high-energy domain, the method presented here constitutes the most straightforward and accessible approach to date to discuss physical parameters that are relevant for the non-thermal physics of PACWBs.
Contemporary aspects in the assessment of quality and treatment of swimming pool water
Authors: Dudziak Mariusz , Wyczarska-Kokot Joanna , Łaskawiec Edyta
Published: October 2018

Recent reports in the literature relate to the identification of various substances in the pool water, including low-molecular weight pharmaceuticals that can react with chlorine residues contributing to the formation of a large group of irritant and toxic compounds. These substances are not covered by standard monitoring. As part of this work, the authors present information on the methods for assessing the quality of the swimming pool water. Common processes used in swimming pool water treatment systems were described. Previous experience of the authors in the use of a detailed assessment of the quality of the swimming pool water on the basis of toxicity tests was presented. The authors have researched the application of pressure driven membrane filtration for the improvement of the efficiency of the swimming pool water treatment.
Ozone as one of the factors affecting the safety of water supply
Authors: Natonek Józef
Published: October 2018

Ozone, due to its strong oxidizing properties, is often used in high efficiency water treatment processes. It is not only used for water disinfection, but also for carboxylic acid, a product of its reaction, which highly contributes towards increasing biodegradability of organic substances in water, thus leading to higher quality of drinking water. This paper presents results of using mobile ozone devices as a way of local microorganisms elimination and sediments removal from WSS.