bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping the Dynamic Functions and Structural Features of AcrB Efflux Pump Transporter Using Accelerated Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Jamshidi Shirin , Sutton J. Mark , Rahman Khondaker Miraz
Published: July 2018

Multidrug efflux pumps confer resistance to their bacterial hosts by pumping out a diverse range of compounds, including most antibiotics. Being more familiar with the details of functional dynamics and conformations of these types of pumps could help in discovering approaches to stop them functioning properly. Computational approaches, particularly conventional molecular dynamics simulations followed by diverse post simulation analysis, are powerful methods that help researchers by opening a new window to study phenomena that are not detectable in as much detailin vitroorin vivoas they arein silico. In this study, accelerated molecular dynamics simulations were applied to study the dynamics of AcrB efflux pump transporters in interaction with PAβN and tetracycline as an inhibitor and a substrate, respectively, to compare the differences in the dynamics and consequently the mechanism of action of the pump. The different dynamics for PAβN -bound form of AcrB compared to the TET-bound form is likely to affect the rotating mechanism typically observed for AcrB transporter. This shows the dynamics of the active AcrB transporter is different in a substrate-bound state compared to an inhibitor-bound state. This advances our knowledge and helps to unravel the mechanism of tripartite efflux pumps.
Fatty liver is associated with blood pathways of inflammatory response, immune system activation and prothrombotic state in Young Finns Study
Authors: Taipale Tuukka , Seppälä Ilkka , Raitoharju Emma , Mononen Nina , Lyytikäinen Leo-Pekka , Illig Thomas , Waldenberger Melanie , Juonala Markus , Hutri-Kähönen Nina , Oksala Niku , Kähönen Mika , Raitakari Olli , Lehtimäki Terho
Published: July 2018

Fatty liver (FL) disease is the most common type of chronic liver disease. We hypothesized that liver’s response to the process where large droplets of triglyceride fat accumulate in liver cells is reflected also in gene pathway expression in blood. Peripheral blood genome wide gene expression analysis and ultrasonic imaging of liver were performed for 1,650 participants (316 individuals with FL and 1,334 controls) of the Young Finns Study. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed for the expression data. Fourteen gene sets were upregulated (false discovery rate, FDR < 0.05) in subjects with FL. These pathways related to extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover, immune response regulation, prothrombotic state and neural tissues. After adjustment for known risk factors and biomarkers of FL, we found i) integrin A4B1 signaling, ii) leukocyte transendothelial migration, iii) CD40/CD40L and iv) netrin-1 signaling pathways to be upregulated in individuals with FL (nominal p < 0.05). From these all but not ii) remained significantly upregulated when analyzing only subjects without history of heavy alcohol use. In conclusion, FL was associated with blood gene sets of ECM turnover, inflammatory response, immune system activation and prothrombotic state. These may form a systemic link between FL and the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Phosphate Removal in Relation to Structural Development of Humic Acid-Iron Coprecipitates
Authors: Chen Kai-Yue , Hsu Liang-Ching , Chan Ya-Ting , Cho Yen-Lin , Tsao Fang-Yu , Tzou Yu-Min , Hsieh Yi-Cheng , Liu Yu-Ting
Published: July 2018

Precipitation of Fe-hydroxide (FH) critically influences the sequestration of PO4 and organic matter (OM). While coatings of pre-sorbed OM block FH surfaces and decrease the PO4 adsorption capacity, little is known about how OM/Fe coprecipitation influences the PO4 adsorption. We aimed to determine the PO4 adsorption behaviors on humic acid (HA)-Fe coprecipitates in relation to surface and structural characteristics as affected by HA types and C/(C + Fe) ratios using the Fe and P X-ray absorption spectroscopy. With increasing C/(C + Fe) ratios, the indiscernible changes in the proportion of near-surface C for coprecipitates containing HA enriched in polar functional groups implied a relatively homogeneous distribution between C and Fe domains. Wherein PO4 adsorbed on FH dominated the P inventory on coprecipitates, yielding PO4 sorption properties nearly equivalent to that of pure FH. Structural disruptions of FH caused by highly associations with polar functional groups of HA enhanced the C solubilisation. While polar functional groups were limited, coprecipitates consisted of core FH with surface outgrowth of HA. Although surface-attached HA that was vulnerable to solubilisation provided alternatively sites for PO4 via ternary complex formation with Fe bridges, it also blocked FH surfaces, leading to a decrease in PO4 adsorption.
MifM-instructed translation arrest involves nascent chain interactions with the exterior as well as the interior of the ribosome
Authors: Fujiwara Keigo , Ito Koreaki , Chiba Shinobu
Published: July 2018

Bacillus subtilis MifM is a monitoring substrate of the YidC pathways of protein integration into the membrane and controls the expression of the YidC2 (YqjG) homolog by undergoing regulated translational elongation arrest. The elongation arrest requires interactions between the MifM nascent polypeptide and the ribosomal components near the peptidyl transferase center (PTC) as well as at the constriction site of the ribosomal exit tunnel. Here, we addressed the roles played by more N-terminal regions of MifM and found that, in addition to the previously-identified arrest-provoking elements, the MifM residues 41–60 likely located at the tunnel exit and outside the ribosome contribute to the full induction of elongation arrest. Mutational effects of the cytosolically exposed part of the ribosomal protein uL23 suggested its involvement in the elongation arrest, presumably by interacting with the extra-ribosomal portion of MifM. In vitro translation with reconstituted translation components recapitulated the effects of the mutations at the 41–60 segment, reinforcing the importance of direct molecular interactions between the nascent chain and the ribosome. These results indicate that the nascent MifM polypeptide interacts extensively with the ribosome both from within and without to direct the elongation halt and consequent up-regulation of YidC2.
β-barrel Oligomers as Common Intermediates of Peptides Self-Assembling into Cross-β Aggregates
Authors: Sun Yunxiang , Ge Xinwei , Xing Yanting , Wang Bo , Ding Feng
Published: July 2018

Oligomers populated during the early amyloid aggregation process are more toxic than mature fibrils, but pinpointing the exact toxic species among highly dynamic and heterogeneous aggregation intermediates remains a major challenge. β-barrel oligomers, structurally-determined recently for a slow-aggregating peptide derived from αB crystallin, are attractive candidates for exerting amyloid toxicity due to their well-defined structures as therapeutic targets and compatibility to the “amyloid-pore” hypothesis of toxicity. To assess whether β-barrel oligomers are common intermediates to amyloid peptides - a necessary step toward associating β-barrel oligomers with general amyloid cytotoxicity, we computationally studied the oligomerization and fibrillization dynamics of seven well-studied fragments of amyloidogenic proteins with different experimentally-determined aggregation morphologies and cytotoxicity. In our molecular dynamics simulations, β-barrel oligomers were only observed in five peptides self-assembling into the characteristic cross-β aggregates, but not the other two that formed polymorphic β-rich aggregates as reported experimentally. Interestingly, the latter two peptides were previously found nontoxic. Hence, the observed correlation between β-barrel oligomers formation and cytotoxicity supports the hypothesis of β-barrel oligomers as the common toxic intermediates of amyloid aggregation.
Neuroimaging results suggest the role of prediction in cross-domain priming
Authors: Amado Catarina , Kovács Petra , Mayer Rebecca , Ambrus Géza Gergely , Trapp Sabrina , Kovács Gyula
Published: July 2018

The repetition of a stimulus leads to shorter reaction times as well as to the reduction of neural activity. Previous encounters with closely related stimuli (primes) also lead to faster and often to more accurate processing of subsequent stimuli (targets). For instance, if the prime is a name, and the target is a face, the recognition of a persons’ face is facilitated by prior presentation of his/her name. A possible explanation for this phenomenon is that the prime allows predicting the occurrence of the target. To the best of our knowledge, so far, no study tested the neural correlates of such cross-domain priming with fMRI. To fill this gap, here we used names of famous persons as primes, and congruent or incongruent faces as targets. We found that congruent primes not only reduced RT, but also lowered the BOLD signal in bilateral fusiform (FFA) and occipital (OFA) face areas. This suggests that semantic information affects not only behavioral performance, but also neural responses in relatively early processing stages of the occipito-temporal cortex. We interpret our results in the framework of predictive coding theories.
Publisher Correction: IMSindel: An accurate intermediate-size indel detection tool incorporating de novo assembly and gapped global-local alignment with split read analysis
Authors: Shigemizu Daichi , Miya Fuyuki , Akiyama Shintaro , Okuda Shujiro , Boroevich Keith A. , Fujimoto Akihiro , Nakagawa Hidewaki , Ozaki Kouichi , Niida Shumpei , Kanemura Yonehiro , Okamoto Nobuhiko , Saitoh Shinji , Kato Mitsuhiro , Yamasaki Mami , Matsunaga Tatsuo , Mutai Hideki , Kosaki Kenjiro , Tsunoda Tatsuhiko
Published: July 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Cellular Uptake and Bioavailability of Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction in SIRT1-Inhibited Human Diploid Fibroblasts
Authors: Jaafar Faizul , Abdullah Asmaa , Makpol Suzana
Published: July 2018

Tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) is palm vitamin E that consists of tocopherol and tocotrienol. TRF is involved in important cellular regulation including delaying cellular senescence. A key regulator of cellular senescence, Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is involved in lipid metabolism. Thus, SIRT1 may regulate vitamin E transportation and bioavailability at cellular level. This study aimed to determine the role of SIRT1 on cellular uptake and bioavailability of TRF in human diploid fibroblasts (HDFs). SIRT1 gene in young HDFs was silenced by small interference RNA (siRNA) while SIRT1 activity was inhibited by sirtinol. TRF treatment was given for 24 h before or after SIRT1 inhibition. Cellular concentration of TRF isomers was determined according to the time points of before and after TRF treatment at 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Our results showed that all tocotrienol isomers were significantly taken up by HDFs after 24 h of TRF treatment and decreased 24 h after TRF treatment was terminated but remained in the cell up to 72 h. The uptake of α-tocopherol, α-tocotrienol and β-tocotrienol was significantly higher in senescent cells as compared to young HDFs indicating higher requirement for vitamin E in senescent cells. Inhibition of SIRT1 gene increased the uptake of all tocotrienol isomers but not α-tocopherol. However, SIRT1 inhibition at protein level decreased tocotrienol concentration. In conclusion, SIRT1 may regulate the cellular uptake and bioavailability of tocotrienol isomers in human diploid fibroblast cells while a similar regulation was not shown for α-tocopherol.
Visual discrimination of polymorphic nestlings in a cuckoo-host system
Authors: Attisano Alfredo , Sato Nozomu J. , Tanaka Keita D. , Okahisa Yuji , Kuehn Ralph , Gula Roman , Ueda Keisuke , Theuerkauf Jörn
Published: July 2018

Mimicry by avian brood parasites favours uniformity over variation within a breeding attempt as host defence against parasitism. In a cuckoo-host system from New Caledonia, the arms race resulted in both host (Gerygone flavolateralis) and parasite (Chalcites lucidus) having nestlings of two discrete skin colour phenotypes, bright and dark. In our study sites, host nestlings occurred in monomorphic and polymorphic broods, whereas cuckoo nestlings only occurred in the bright morph. Irrespective of their brood colour, host parents recognised and ejected parasite nestlings but never ejected their own. We investigated whether host parents visually recognised their own nestlings by using colour, luminance and pattern of multiple body regions. We found that the parasite mimicked multiple visual features of both host morphs and that the visual difference between host morphs was larger than the difference between the parasite and the mimicked host morph. Visual discrimination alone may result in higher chances of recognition errors in polymorphic than in monomorphic host broods. Host parents may rely on additional sensorial cues, not only visual, to assess nestling identity. Nestling polymorphism may be a trace of evolutionary past and may only have a marginal role in true-recognition of nestlings in the arms race in New Caledonia.
Honey bees overwintering in a southern climate: longitudinal effects of nutrition and queen age on colony-level molecular physiology and performance
Authors: Ricigliano Vincent A. , Mott Brendon M. , Floyd Amy S. , Copeland Duan C. , Carroll Mark J. , Anderson Kirk E.
Published: July 2018

Honey bee colony nutritional ecology relies on the acquisition and assimilation of floral resources across a landscape with changing forage conditions. Here, we examined the impact of nutrition and queen age on colony health across extended periods of reduced forage in a southern climate. We measured conventional hive metrics as well as colony-level gene expression of eight immune-related genes and three recently identified homologs of vitellogenin (vg), a storage glycolipoprotein central to colony nutritional state, immunity, oxidative stress resistance and life span regulation. Across three apiary sites, concurrent longitudinal changes in colony-level gene expression and nutritional state reflected the production of diutinus (winter) bees physiologically altered for long-term nutrient storage. Brood production by young queens was significantly greater than that of old queens, and was augmented by feeding colonies supplemental pollen. Expression analyses of recently identified vg homologs (vg-like-A, -B, and -C) revealed distinct patterns that correlated with colony performance, phenology, and immune-related gene transcript levels. Our findings provide new insights into dynamics underlying managed colony performance on a large scale. Colony-level, molecular physiological profiling is a promising approach to effectively identify factors influencing honey bee health in future landscape and nutrition studies.
Inhibition and Eradication of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms by Host Defence Peptides
Authors: Chen Hongwei , Wubbolts Richard W. , Haagsman Henk P. , Veldhuizen Edwin J. A.
Published: July 2018

P. aeruginosa is a notorious biofilm producer that causes a wide variety of acute and chronic infections. In this study the in vitro anti-biofilm activity of 13 Host Defence Peptides from different species was tested against P. aeruginosa biofilms. Most HDPs were able to prevent biofilm attachment, due to their antimicrobial effect on planktonic bacteria in the starting inoculum. Activity of HDPs against pre-formed biofilms was also observed, although mainly at short incubation times. Several HDPs were able to kill bacteria in the biofilm (colony counting of biofilm associated bacteria) but only CRAMP eradicated the whole biofilm (crystal violet staining). These results were quantitatively confirmed by confocal microscopy studies using a live/dead stain of the biofilms. Furthermore, for chicken CATH-2 (one of the more potent HDPs) it was shown that the peptide could indeed penetrate the biofilm structures and kill bacteria within the biofilm. These studies highlight the potency but also the limitations of HDPs as new potential anti-biofilm agents.
Information Certainty Determines Social and Private Information Use in Ants
Authors: Stroeymeyt Nathalie , Giurfa Martin , Franks Nigel R.
Published: July 2018

Decision-making in uncertain environments requires animals to evaluate, contrast and integrate various information sources to choose appropriate actions. In consensus-making groups, quorum responses are commonly used to combine private and social information, leading to both robust and flexible decisions. Here we show that in house-hunting ant colonies, individuals fine-tune the parameters of their quorum responses depending on their private knowledge: informed ants evaluating a familiar new nest rely relatively more on social than private information when the certainty of their private information is low, and vice versa. This indicates that the ants follow a highly sophisticated ‘copy-when-uncertain’ social learning strategy similar to that observed in a few vertebrate species. Using simulations, we further show that this strategy improves colony performance during emigrations and confers well-informed individuals more weight in the decision process, thus representing a novel mechanism for the emergence of leadership in collective decision-making.
Generalized Mechanism of Field Emission from Nanostructured Semiconductor Film Cathodes
Authors: Wang Ru-Zhi , Zhao Wei , Yan Hui
Published: July 2018

Considering the effect of both the buffer layer and substrate, a series of ultrathin multilayered structure cathodes (UTMC) is constructed to simulate the field emission (FE) process of nanostructured semiconductor film cathodes (NSFCs). We find a generalized FE mechanism of the NSFCs, in which there are three distinct FE modes with the change of the applied field. Our results clearly show significant differences of FE between conventional emitters and nanofilm emitters, which the non-Fowler-Nordheim characteristics and the resonant FE will be inevitable for NSFCs. Moreover, the controllable FE can be realized by fine-tuning the quantum structure of NSFCs. The generalized mechanism of NSFCs presented here may be particularly useful for design high-speed and high-frequency vacuum nano-electronic devices.
Structural superlubricity in graphite flakes assembled under ambient conditions
Authors: Deng He , Ma Ming , Song Yiming , He Qichang , Zheng Quanshui
Published: July 2018

Structural superlubricity was observed by a running-in process with retracting speed enlarged under ambient conditions.
Electrochemical determination of lead in human blood serum and urine by anodic stripping voltammetry using glassy carbon electrodes covered with Ag–Hg and Ag–Bi bimetallic nanoparticles
Authors: Valera Danny , Sánchez Mireya , Domínguez José R. , Alvarado José , Espinoza-Montero Patricio J. , Carrera Patricio , Bonilla Pablo , Manciati Carla , González Gema , Fernández Lenys
Published: July 2018

The evaluation and application of glassy carbon electrodes modified with bimetallic nanoparticle deposits.
Transition metal-free, chemoselective arylation of thioamides yielding aryl thioimidates orN-aryl thioamides
Authors: Villo Piret , Kervefors Gabriella , Olofsson Berit
Published: July 2018

A highlyS-selective arylation of thioamides provided efficient access to aryl thioimidates.
Photophysical properties of free-base and manganese(iii) N-confused porphyrins
Authors: Wang Li-Li , Peng Su-Hong , Wang Hui , Ji Liang-Nian , Liu Hai-Yang
Published: July 2018

Peripheral substituents have an important impact on the dynamics of the excited states of both free-base and manganese(iii) N-confused porphyrins.
Amorphous graphene: a constituent part of low density amorphous carbon
Authors: Bhattarai Bishal , Biswas Parthapratim , Atta-Fynn Raymond , Drabold D. A.
Published: July 2018

An 800-atom model of nano-porous carbon obtained from anab initiomethod. The topology is warped/wrapped amorphous graphene.
MXene nanoribbons as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction with fast kinetics
Authors: Yang Xiaowei , Gao Nan , Zhou Si , Zhao Jijun
Published: July 2018

MXenes, a new class of two-dimensional materials, arouse great interest due to their diverse chemistries, superior electrical conductivity and stability.
Inert competitive adsorption for the inhibition of oligomerization of alkenes during alcohol dehydration
Authors: Vinter Katherine P. , Dauenhauer Paul J.
Published: July 2018

Inert competitive adsorbents inhibit secondary undesired reactions.
The new diphosphanylphosphido complexes of tungsten(vi) and molybdenum(vi). Their synthesis, structures and properties
Authors: Wiśniewska A. , Grubba R. , Ponikiewski Ł. , Zauliczny M. , Pikies J.
Published: July 2018

We report on the reactivity of R2P–P(Li)–PR′2 (R = tBu, iPr, R′ = NEt2, iPr) towards diimido complexes [(dippN)2MCl2·dme] (M = Mo, W and dipp = 2,6-iPr2C6H3).
The crystal structure and luminescence properties of a novel green-yellow emitting Ca1.5Mg0.5Si1−xLixO4−δ:Ce3+ phosphor with high quantum efficiency and thermal stability
Authors: Ji Weiwei , Xia Zhiguo , Liu Ke , Ali Khan Sayed , Hao Luyuan , Xu Xin , Yin Liangjun , Molokeev Maxim S. , Agathopoulos Simeon , Yang Wenyun , Ma Xiaobai , Sun Kai , da Silva Ivan
Published: July 2018

The CMSL:0.005Ce sample cracked into a soft fine powder when the temperature decreased to ∼330 °C.
Mechanistic insights into the iridium catalysed hydrogenation of ethyl acetate to ethanol: a DFT study
Authors: Yan Xiuli , Yang Xinzheng
Published: July 2018

The mechanism of the hydrogenation of ethyl acetate to ethanol catalysed by iridium complexes with two cascade catalytic cycles.
Emerging investigator series: it's not all about the ion: support for particle-specific contributions to silver nanoparticle antimicrobial activity
Authors: Stabryla Lisa M. , Johnston Kathryn A. , Millstone Jill E. , Gilbertson Leanne M.
Published: July 2018

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and other ionizing engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are candidates for the development of antimicrobial agents due to their efficacy, multiple modes of bacterial inactivation, and tunability with respect to both the magnitude and mechanisms of antimicrobial activity.
Carboxyl-functionalized nanochannels based on block copolymer hierarchical structures
Authors: Musteata Valentina-Elena , Chisca Stefan , Meneau Florian , Smilgies Detlef-M. , Nunes Suzana P.
Published: July 2018

Hierarchical isotropic porous structures with spherical micrometer-sized cavities, interconnected by hexagonally ordered nanochannels, were prepared based on the phase separation of polystyrene-b-poly(t-butyl acrylate) block copolymers, following a nucleation and growth mechanism.
Preparation of a fermentation solution of grass fish bones and its calcium bioavailability in rats
Authors: Tang Shuwei , Dong Shiyuan , Chen Ming , Gao Ruichang , Chen Shengjun , Zhao Yuanhui , Liu Zunying , Sun Bowen
Published: July 2018

In this study, with grass fish bones as the substrate, after flavourzyme treatment, and fermentation with Leuconostoc mesenteroides, a fermentation solution with a high content of soluble calcium was obtained.
Epigallocatechin gallate induces GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle through both PI3K- and AMPK-dependent pathways
Authors: Ueda-Wakagi Manabu , Hayashibara Kaori , Nagano Tomoya , Ikeda Masaki , Yuan Sihao , Ueda Shuji , Shirai Yasuhito , Yoshida Ken-ichi , Ashida Hitoshi
Published: July 2018

EGCg promotes GLUT4 translocation through both PI3K- and AMPK-dependent pathways and then promotes glycogen accumulation in soleus muscle.
Near infrared to visible light organic up-conversion devices with photon-to-photon conversion efficiency approaching 30%
Authors: Yang Dezhi , Zhou Xiaokang , Ma Dongge , Vadim Agafonov , Ahamad Tansir , Alshehri Saad M.
Published: July 2018

High performance organic up-conversion devices are developed by integrating near infrared polymer photodetectors and tandem organic light emitting diodes.
Tetraphenylethene– and diphenyldibenzofulvene–anthracene-based fluorescence sensors possessing photo-induced electron transfer and aggregation-induced emission enhancement characteristics for detection of water
Authors: Ooyama Yousuke , Sagisaka Rizumu , Enoki Toshiaki , Tsunoji Nao , Ohshita Joji
Published: July 2018

RS-1 and RS-2 have been developed as PET/AIEE hybrid fluorescence sensors for detection of water in the low and high water content regions in solvents.
Nucleation of hematite nanocrystals revealed by a single nanosecond laser pulse method
Authors: Liu Zhikun , Liu C. Richard
Published: July 2018

A nucleation pathway of hematite nanocrystals is revealed, which can be controlled by the energy of the first laser pulse.
Topologically protected interface phonons in two-dimensional nanomaterials: hexagonal boron nitride and silicon carbide
Authors: Jiang Jin-Wu , Wang Bing-Shen , Park Harold S.
Published: July 2018

We perform both lattice dynamics analysis and molecular dynamics simulations to demonstrate the existence of topologically protected phonon modes in two-dimensional, monolayer hexagonal boron nitride and silicon carbide sheets.
A fluorescence-enhanced chemosensor based on multifarene[2,2] and its recognition of metal cations
Authors: Huang Yin-Hui , Jin Xian-Yi , Zhao Yong-Yi , Cong Hang , Tao Zhu
Published: July 2018

A selective and sensitive fluorescent chemosensor based on an anthracene-functionalized triazole-linked multifarene[2,2] was successfully synthesized and investigated with regard to the recognition of metal ions.
Periodic polymers based on a self-accelerating click reaction
Authors: Xiang Lue , Li Zi , Liu Jian'an , Chen Jiqiang , Zhang Minghui , Wu Ying , Zhang Ke
Published: July 2018

Self-accelerating click chemistry was used to prepare sequence-controlled periodic polymers with ultrahigh molecular weights or a cyclic molecular topology.
Oxidation of active sp3C–H bonds initiated consecutive intermolecular/intramolecular cyclization between glycine derivatives ando-vinylphenols: construction of a polycyclic benzofuroquinoline skeleton
Authors: Jia Xiaodong , Hou Wentao , Chen Qian , Yuan Yu , Sun Jing , He Kaixuan
Published: July 2018

The construction of the polycyclic benzofuroquinoline skeleton was realized through a consecutive cyclization.
Effect of ionic size compensation by Ag+ incorporation in homogeneous Fe-substituted ZnO: studies on structural, mechanical, optical, and magnetic properties
Authors: Bajpai Gaurav , Srivastava Tulika , Patra N. , Moirangthem Igamcha , Jha S. N. , Bhattacharyya D. , Riyajuddin Sk , Ghosh Kaushik , Basaula Dharma R. , Khan Mahmud , Liu Shun-Wei , Biring Sajal , Sen Somaditya
Published: July 2018

Substituting an ion of different size from that of the host element introduces lattice strain and defects.
Enhanced Li+ charge storage in naphthalene diimide/vanadium pentoxide intercalates
Authors: de Araújo Silva Francisco , Cicolani Renato Salviato , Lima Gilberto , Huguenin Fritz , Jean-François Demets Grégoire
Published: July 2018

N,N′-Bis(4-aminophenyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalene diimide (NDI-ph) was intercalated into lamellar vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) in different amounts to prepare hybrid intercalates.
Development of a rapid and simple tetracycline detection system based on metal-enhanced fluorescence by europium-doped AgNP@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles
Authors: Li Pei , Kumar Sathish , Park Ki Soo , Park Hyun Gyu
Published: July 2018

Tetracycline (Tc) selectively binds with europium (Eu3+) which emits red fluorescence (615 nm) upon excitation at 400 nm.
Heteroatom-doped nanoporous carbon from recyclable Pueraria lobata and its dual activities for oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution reactions
Authors: Lu Wen-Chao , Zhu Zi-Chun , Hou Bei-Hua , Zhang Hai-Xia , Liao Min-Ji , Wu Zhen-Yu , Chen Ping
Published: July 2018

The bulk preparation of an N, P and Fe Tri-doped nano-porous carbon sample using recyclable Pueraria powder, which exhibits dual activities.
The theoretical chemical calculations clarify the mechanism of beta-alkylation of 1-phenylethanol with benzyl alcohol catalyzed by iron(ii) acetylacetonate methods
Authors: Feng Wei , Zhao Junfeng , Wei Aiwen , Zhang Dandan , Liu Huiling , Huang Xuri , Sun Kai
Published: July 2018

Iron(ii) acetylacetonate was suggested to be a better catalyst of the β-alkylation of 1-phenylethanol with benzyl alcohol to form 1,3-diphenyl-1-propanol.
Dietary polyphenol canolol from rapeseed oil attenuates oxidative stress-induced cell damage through the modulation of the p38 signaling pathway
Authors: Xia Xiaoyang , Xiang Xia , Huang Fenghong , Zheng Mingming , Cong Renhuai , Han Ling , Zhang Zhen
Published: July 2018

Canolol extracted from rapeseed oil attenuated oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and cellular redox status imbalance by inhibition of p38 phosphorylation.
Improvement of sylvite flotation from halite by starvation feeding the collector octadecylamine
Authors: Li Shoujiang , Xu Bo , Chen Peng , Zhao Yunliang , Nie Guihua , Song Shaoxian
Published: July 2018

The flotation rate of halite increased much faster than that of sylvite on increasing the ODA dosage. Sylvite locked with halite which allowed the halite to float upward along with the sylvite. Starvation feeding the collector improved the separation of sylvite from halite.
Stable polymer brushes with effectively varied grafting density synthesized from highly crosslinked random copolymer thin films
Authors: Kang Hyungoo , An Sol , Lee Woo Jung , Kang Ga Ryang , Kim Sangwon , Hur Su-Mi , Paeng Keewook , Kim Myungwoong
Published: July 2018

Crosslinkable epoxy copolymers enable achieving highly stable P(S-b-MMA) brushes with controlled grafting density for close examination of phase separation behaviors.
Biomass-mediated ZSM-5 zeolite synthesis: when self-assembly allows to cross the Si/Al lower limit
Authors: Pereira Marcelo Maciel , Gomes Elisa Silva , Silva Alessandra Vieira , Pinar Ana Belen , Willinger Marc-Georg , Shanmugam Sangaraju , Chizallet Céline , Laugel Guillaume , Losch Pit , Louis Benoît
Published: July 2018

Biomass-mediated syntheses of ZSM-5 zeolites allowed crossing low Si/Al barrier, inducing high acidity, hence remarkably improving catalyst performance.
Nano-confinement of block copolymers in high accuracy topographical guiding patterns: modelling the emergence of defectivity due to incommensurability
Authors: Gottlieb Steven , Kazazis Dimitrios , Mochi Iacopo , Evangelio Laura , Fernández-Regúlez Marta , Ekinci Yasin , Perez-Murano Francesc
Published: July 2018

Nanometer accurate fabrication of topographical guiding patternsviaEUV-IL helps to improve exisiting energy modelling of confined block copolymers.
Synthesis of highly-active Fe–N–C catalysts for PEMFC with carbide-derived carbons
Authors: Ratso Sander , Ranjbar Sahraie Nastaran , Sougrati Moulay Tahar , Käärik Maike , Kook Mati , Saar Rando , Paiste Päärn , Jia Qingying , Leis Jaan , Mukerjee Sanjeev , Jaouen Frédéric , Tammeveski Kaido
Published: July 2018

We study the physico-chemical properties and electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction of two Fe–N–C catalysts based on carbide derived carbon.
Transition metal inverse-hybrid perovskites
Authors: Gebhardt Julian , Rappe Andrew M.
Published: July 2018

Including transition-metals into inverse-hybrid perovskites predicted to yield non-toxic alternatives to hybrid-perovskite photovoltaics.
All-solid-state interpenetrating network polymer electrolytes for long cycle life of lithium metal batteries
Authors: Tong Yongfen , Lyu Hailong , Xu Yuzhong , Prasad Thapaliya Bishnu , Li Peipei , Sun Xiao-Guang , Dai Sheng
Published: July 2018

All-solid-state interpenetrating network polymer electrolytes (INSPEs) were fabricated by a simultaneous reaction of 3-armed poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate and bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BPDE) with polyether diamine (ED2003) in the presence of LiTFSI, exhibiting high ionic conductivities at room temperature and remarkable stability towards lithium metal.
High-performance capacitors based on NaNbO3 nanowires/poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanocomposites
Authors: Pan Zhongbin , Yao Lingmin , Ge Guanglong , Shen Bo , Zhai Jiwei
Published: July 2018

Nanocomposite films loaded with small NaNbO3 nanowires exhibit a high discharge energy density of 12.26 J cm−3 at 410 MV m−1, superior power density of 2.01 MW cm−3, and ultra-fast discharge speed of 146 ns.
Electrocatalytic activity of electrochemically dealloyed PdCu3 intermetallic compound towards oxygen reduction reaction in acidic media
Authors: Gunji Takao , Noh Seung Hyo , Ando Fuma , Tanabe Toyokazu , Han Byungchan , Ohsaka Takeo , Matsumoto Futoshi
Published: July 2018

A structurally ordered phase of PdCu3 nanoparticles (NPs)/carbon black (CB), in which PdCu3 has a Cu3Au-type structure, was prepared by co-reduction of Pd and Cu precursors using ethylene glycol as a reducing agent and an annealing procedure.
Derivatives of coordination compounds for rechargeable batteries
Authors: Tang Hao , Zheng Mingbo , Hu Qin , Chi Yao , Xu Bingyan , Zhang Songtao , Xue Huaiguo , Pang Huan
Published: July 2018

Research progress on coordination compound derivatives as electrode materials of rechargeable batteries is summarized and evaluated.
Ultrathin VS2 nanoplate with in-plane and out-of-plane defects for an electrochemical supercapacitor with ultrahigh specific capacitance
Authors: Guo Zenglong , Yang Lei , Wang Wei , Cao Lixin , Dong Bohua
Published: July 2018

We report the rational design and synthesis of ultrathin VS2 TMD nanoplate with in-plane and out-of-plane defects for supercapacitor applications.
Dense thiol arrays for metal–organic frameworks: boiling water stability, Hg removal beyond 2 ppb and facile crosslinking
Authors: Li Mu-Qing , Wong Yan-Lung , Lum Tsz-Shan , Sze-Yin Leung Kelvin , Lam Paul K. S. , Xu Zhengtao
Published: July 2018

An efficient, wide-scope synthesis of thiol-equipped MOF solids offers ever stronger binding for mercury pollutants and broader horizons for functionalization of porous materials.
Alginic acid-derived mesoporous carbon (Starbon®) as template and reducing agent for the hydrothermal synthesis of mesoporous LiMn2O4 grafted with carbonaceous species
Authors: Kim Sanghoon , De bruyn Mario , Alauzun Johan G. , Louvain Nicolas , Brun Nicolas , Macquarrie Duncan J. , Stievano Lorenzo , Boury Bruno , Monconduit Laure , Mutin P. Hubert
Published: July 2018

A mesoporous LiMn2O4 grafted with carbonaceous species was synthesized using a mesoporous carbon Starbon®.
3-(Phenylsulfonyl)propionitrile as a higher voltage bifunctional electrolyte additive to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zuo Xiaoxi , Deng Xiao , Ma Xiangdong , Wu Jinhua , Liang Huiyin , Nan Junmin
Published: July 2018

The effects of 3-(phenylsulfonyl)propionitrile (PSPN) as a higher voltage bifunctional additive in the electrolyte on the formation of a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on both LiCoO2 cathodes and graphite anodes are investigated using the half-cell method.
Kinetically controlled synthesis of MOF nanostructures: single-holed hollow core–shell ZnCoS@Co9S8/NC for ultra-high performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Aslam Muhammad Kashif , Shah Syed Shoaib Ahmad , Li Sha , Chen ChangGuo
Published: July 2018

With the growing energy demand for a low carbon economy, it is important to develop new materials that can enhance the effectiveness of energy storage and energy conversion systems.
Sandwich-like CNTs/Si/C nanotubes as high performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Ruiping , Shen Chao , Dong Yue , Qin Jinlei , Wang Qi , Iocozzia James , Zhao Shiqiang , Yuan Kunjie , Han Cuiping , Li Baohua , Lin Zhiqun
Published: July 2018

The unique sandwich-like CNTs/Si/C nanotubes show superior cycling and rate performances.
The promoting effect on pre-osteoblast growth under electrical and magnetic double stimulation based on PEDOT/Fe3O4/PLGA magnetic-conductive bi-functional scaffolds
Authors: Li Ping , Zhang Shupei , Li Kun , Wang Jingxi , Liu Meili , Gu Xuenan , Fan Yubo
Published: July 2018

The growth promoting effects of PEDOT/Fe3O4/PLGA fibrous scaffolds under electrical–magnetic double stimulation has great practical potential for bone tissue engineering.
Small molecular hole-transporting materials (HTMs) in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs): structural diversity and classification
Authors: Jhulki Samik , Moorthy Jarugu Narasimha
Published: July 2018

Hole-transporting materials (HTMs) are integral to the construction of a wide variety of state-of-the-art semiconductor devices today.
Cyanovinylene-based copolymers synthesized by tin-free Knoevenagel polycondensation for high efficiency polymer solar cells
Authors: Cao Congcong , Xiao Manjun , Yang Xiye , Zhang Jie , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: July 2018

Cyanovinylene-based copolymers were synthesized by a green, environmentally friendly, and tin-free Knoevenagel polycondensation and used in OPV devices as a donor material. A PCE of 8.54% was obtained with the device based on PdC8ThDT:ITIC.
Polarimetric MDS of pedestrian
Authors: Kang Wenwu , Zhang Yunhua , Dong Xiao
Published: July 2018

Radar observation and signature identification of human motions have a variety of applications in social security and rescue operations. Both simulation and real radar experiment are conducted to investigate the polarimetric micro‐Doppler signatures (MDSs) of a pedestrian. In the simulation, the motion‐captured dataset developed by Carnegie Mellon University motion graphic laboratory is first used, then both Feldberechnung bei Korpern mit beliebiger Oberflache (FEKO) and MATLAB are used to calculate the radar scattering of pedestrian’ arms, based on which, horizontal‐horizontal (HH) and horizontal‐vertical (HV) polarimetric MDSs are analysed. Simulation results clearly show that in the time–frequency diagram, HH micro‐Doppler (m‐D) of arms is rising, whereas HV m‐D is falling, which is verified by practical Ka‐band radar experiment on a pedestrian. The work shows that by using polarimetric radar the m‐D signature of human motion can be much well detected and identified which can be further explored for classification of different people.
MEMS microwave power sensor with thermovoltage compensation and transformation
Authors: Li Chenglin , Liao Xiaoping , Yan Hao
Published: July 2018

An MEMS microwave power sensor with thermovoltage compensation and transformation is presented. The sensor obtains a thermovoltage which is linear to the input power, thanks to the Seebeck effect. However, the thermovoltage decreases as the frequency of input power increases due to the loss. The novelty is that the variation of thermovoltage has been compensated by an algorithm, and a transformation line is obtained to transform the thermovoltage to measured power displayed on liquid crystal display. The result indicates that the relative error is smaller than 1.5%. This system has practical applications in precise power measuring instruments.
A new method for unveiling open clusters inGaia
Authors: Castro-Ginard A. , Jordi C. , Luri X. , Julbe F. , Morvan M. , Balaguer-Núñez L. , Cantat-Gaudin T.
Published: July 2018

Context. The publication of theGaiaData Release 2 (GaiaDR2) opens a new era in astronomy. It includes precise astrometric data (positions, proper motions, and parallaxes) for more than 1.3 billion sources, mostly stars. To analyse such a vast amount of new data, the use of data-mining techniques and machine-learning algorithms is mandatory.

Aims. A great example of the application of such techniques and algorithms is the search for open clusters (OCs), groups of stars that were born and move together, located in the disc. Our aim is to develop a method to automatically explore the data space, requiring minimal manual intervention.

Methods. We explore the performance of a density-based clustering algorithm, DBSCAN, to find clusters in the data together with a supervised learning method such as an artificial neural network (ANN) to automatically distinguish between real OCs and statistical clusters.

Results. The development and implementation of this method in a five-dimensional space (l,b,ϖ,μα*,μδ) with the Tycho-Gaia Astrometric Solution (TGAS) data, and a posterior validation usingGaiaDR2 data, lead to the proposal of a set of new nearby OCs.Conclusions. We have developed a method to find OCs in astrometric data, designed to be applied to the fullGaiaDR2 archive.
The influence of temperature on the solubilization of phosphorus from the sewage sludge using Bacillus megaterium bacteria
Authors: Ciopińska Joanna , Bezak-Mazur Elżbieta , Stoińska Renata
Published: July 2018

This paper presents the results of research on the influence of temperature on the course of phosphorus solubilization from sewage sludge using Bacillus megaterium bacteria. The research was performed on a sanitized sewage sludge from a biological-mechanical treatment plant, to which phosphorus bacteria were applied. The experiment was conducted in two different temperature conditions, i.e. 21 and 36°C throughout the period of 23 days. During this time, parameters such as pH value and the total count of mesophilic bacteria were measured. The performed analyzes revealed that phosphorus solubilization occurs in both cases, however, at 36°C the process occurs much faster.
RPAS and GIS for landfill analysis
Authors: Daugela Ignas , Sužiedelyte Visockiene Jurate , Česlovas Aksamitauskas Vladislovas
Published: July 2018

Using remote sensing methods to capture environmental contamination is very relevant not only to Lithuania, but also to the whole of Europe. The article examines the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) and its components, in particular aircraft (UAV) mounted camera sensors. From the type of sensor depends what can be identified in the photo. The article presents the geographic informational (GIS) modeling system CALMIM with which the experimental modeling of the landfill territory has been performed. UAV aerial photos captured, modeling described and data analysis carried out.
Effects of a new water disinfection technology on water quality
Authors: Jachimowski Artur
Published: July 2018

The article assesses the effects of use of ultraviolet radiation and electrolytically generated sodium hypochlorite on the quality of drinking water produced at “Raba” plant of the Municipal Water and Sewerage Company in Cracow as well as in the water supply network. The analysis included selected microbiological indicators, total organic carbon, water chlorination products from the group of trihalomethanes and free chlorine. The research conducted indicated that disinfectant change caused quantitative changes in THMs and free chlorine in water supplied to the water supply network. After an upgrade of the chlorination plant in 2014, an increase in water disinfection by-products at most of the tested points of the water supply network was observed. A sudden decrease in free chlorine in the distribution system was also observed in that period, whereas a bacteriological water analysis confirmed the effectiveness of use of the new water disinfection technology.
Stability assessment of the chemical composition of the water used to supply the circuits in selected power plants of TAURON Group
Authors: Karpiński Marcin , d’Obyrn Kajetan , Kmiecik Ewa , Tomaszewska Barbara
Published: July 2018

Electricity production in Poland is carried out mainly in conventional power plants, and the necessary resources include fuel and water. Significant water intake and production of sewage necessitate the application of technological solutions limiting the negative impact on the water environment. For this reason, Tauron Group's power plants for replenishing losses in cooling circuits use beside surface water, water from inactive mining plants. Due to the increased content of chlorides and sulphates in relation to surface water, mine water show significant corrosion properties. However, they are characterized by a relatively stable chemical composition mainly dependent on the physicochemical properties of the geological environment. The surface water quality is affected by many factors, such as seasons, thaws, rainfall, or the presence of pollutants from sewage disposal. The relative stability of the chemical composition of mine water allows for easier determination of chemical dosage during treatment process. The paper presents a stability assessment of the chemical composition of waters used to supplement circuits based on data from 2007–2017.
Analysis of the impact of electric vehicles on the power grid
Authors: Kasprzyk Leszek , Pietracho Robert , Bednarek Karol
Published: July 2018

The paper presents problems related to the impact of electric vehicles connected to the power grid on energy parameters. Basic methods of control in power grids were discussed and results of the simulation were presented with regards to the power distribution, voltage drops and losses in the transmission lines. The simulation was conducted based on the example of CIGRE 11, to which electric vehicle charging stations were connected in several selected points, with the possibility of energy release into the grid. The obtained results were compared for the simulation conducted in two variants – without the connected electric vehicles and with them. The obtained results were analyzed and commented upon.
Analysis of the scope of thermo-modernization for a residential building in order to transform it into a low-energy building
Authors: Knapik Maciej
Published: July 2018

The article presents the problem of thermo-modernization and the reduction of energy demand for heating purposes in existing residential buildings. The thermo-modernization process has to adapt the existing building to the standard of a building with low energy demand and applicable regulations. Low-energy constructions are a result of introduction of new solutions in building design process. Their main objective is to achieve a significant reduction in demand for renewable primary energy, necessary to cover the needs of these buildings, mostly related to their heating, ventilation and domestic hot water. The article presents the results of the analysis and calculation of selected thermo-modernization variants. The results showed that thermo-modernization process of existing residential buildings is justified both energetically and economically.
Effect of sedimentation time on the granulometric composition of suspended solids in the backwash water from biological activated carbon filters
Authors: Komorowska-Kaufman Małgorzata , Ciesielczyk Filip , Pruss Alina , Jesionowski Teofil
Published: July 2018

The paper presents the results of analyzes of the granulometric composition of suspended solids in backwash water from biological activated carbon (BAC) filters and its changes during sedimentation. Backwash water samples were taken during backwashing of two pilot filters after different filtration time. It was found that regardless of the concentration of suspended solids in the collected backwash water, particle sizes vs. their percentage volume contributions for all samples were similar. Particle sizes were in the range of 2–100 μm. However, the two-hour sedimentation for most of the samples proved to be effective (total suspended solids removal up to 93%), which is caused by self-coagulation of the sample.
Parametric analysis of Li-ion battery based on laboratory tests
Authors: Kopczyński Artur , Liu Zhiyin , Krawczyk Paweł
Published: July 2018

The study of Li-ion battery based on laboratory tests was presented and analysed taking into consideration various aspects. The tests with different charging and discharging currents were carried out. Moreover, some additional tests with the use of temperature chamber were applied. The results derived from laboratory tests allowed to obtain the characteristics of the electromotive force of two types of Li-ion cylindrical cell batteries. Subsequently, the influence of temperature on battery useful capacity was analysed. Therefore, the characteristics of internal resistance for studied batteries were determined based on obtained results and according to battery non-linear modelling [1, 2]. Finally, the possibilities for further development of the presented research have been considered.