bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solid stress-induced migration is mediated by GDF15 through Akt pathway activation in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Kalli Maria , Minia Angeliki , Pliaka Vaia , Fotis Christos , Alexopoulos Leonidas G. , Stylianopoulos Triantafyllos
Published: January 2019

Solid stress is a biomechanical abnormality of the tumor microenvironment that plays a crucial role in tumor progression. When it is applied to cancer cells, solid stress hinders their proliferation rate and promotes cancer cell invasion and metastatic potential. However, the underlying mechanisms of how it is implicated in cancer metastasis is not yet fully understood. Here, we used two pancreatic cancer cell lines and an established in vitro system to study the effect of solid stress-induced signal transduction on pancreatic cancer cell migration as well as the mechanism involved. Our results show that the migratory ability of cells increases as a direct response to solid stress. We also found that Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) expression and secretion is strongly upregulated in pancreatic cancer cells in response to mechanical compression. Performing a phosphoprotein screening, we identified that solid stress activates the Akt/CREB1 pathway to transcriptionally regulate GDF15 expression, which eventually promotes pancreatic cancer cell migration. Our results suggest a novel solid stress signal transduction mechanism bringing GDF15 to the centre of pancreatic tumor biology and rendering it a potential target for future anti-metastatic therapeutic innovations.
Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway safeguards epigenetic stability and homeostasis of mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Theka Ilda , Sottile Francesco , Cammisa Marco , Bonnin Sarah , Sanchez-Delgado Marta , Di Vicino Umberto , Neguembor Maria Victoria , Arumugam Karthik , Aulicino Francesco , Monk David , Riccio Andrea , Cosma Maria Pia
Published: January 2019

Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) are pluripotent and can differentiate into cells belonging to the three germ layers of the embryo. However, mESC pluripotency and genome stability can be compromised in prolonged in vitro culture conditions. Several factors control mESC pluripotency, including Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is essential for mESC differentiation and proliferation. Here we show that the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway safeguards normal DNA methylation of mESCs. The activity of the pathway is progressively silenced during passages in culture and this results into a loss of the DNA methylation at many imprinting control regions (ICRs), loss of recruitment of chromatin repressors, and activation of retrotransposons, resulting into impaired mESC differentiation. Accordingly, sustained Wnt/β-catenin signaling maintains normal ICR methylation and mESC homeostasis and is a key regulator of genome stability.
Association of prevalent vaginal microbiome of mother with occurrence of type I diabetes in child
Authors: Tejesvi Mysore V. , Nissi Ritva , Saravesi Karita , Pirttilä Anna Maria , Markkola Annamari , Talvensaari-Mattila Anne , Ruotsalainen Anna Liisa
Published: January 2019

Type I diabetes (T1D) is a rapidly increasing autoimmune disease especially in the Western countries and poses a serious global health problem. Incidence of T1D cannot be fully explained by genetic background, and environmental factors have been assumed to play a role. Environmental conditions and composition of human microbiome have been found to correlate with the incidence of T1D. We asked whether mothers’ prevalent vaginal microbiome could correlate with the incidence of T1D in child. To test this hypothesis, we collected samples of vaginal microbiomes from eight mothers that had at least one child with T1D (child age maximum of 11 years at the time of sampling), born with a vaginal delivery. Eight control mothers had child/children with vaginal delivery and no diabetic child/children. The microbiomes were studied by using 16S rRNA Ion Torrent high throughput sequencing. We found that composition of total and Lactobacillus microbiome was altered, and saw an indication that diversity of vaginal microbiomes of the mothers with a diabetic child could be higher. Based on these pilot observations, we strongly encourage a larger population study to verify whether mother vaginal microbiome diversity and composition are linked to the prevalence of T1D in children.
G9a-dependent histone methylation can be induced in G1 phase of cell cycle
Authors: Fukuda Mikiko , Sakaue-Sawano Asako , Shimura Chikako , Tachibana Makoto , Miyawaki Atsushi , Shinkai Yoichi
Published: January 2019

Epigenetic information (epigenome) on chromatin is crucial for the determination of cellular identity and for the expression of cell type-specific biological functions. The cell type-specific epigenome is maintained beyond replication and cell division. Nucleosomes of chromatin just after DNA replication are a mixture of old histones with the parental epigenome and newly synthesized histones without such information. The diluted epigenome is mostly restored within one cell cycle using the epigenome on the parental DNA and nucleosomes as replication templates. However, many important questions about the epigenome replication process remain to be clarified. In this study, we investigated the model system comprising of dimethylated histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me2) and its regulation by the lysine methyltransferase G9a. Using this epigenome model system, we addressed whether H3K9me2 can be induced in specific cell cycle stages, especially G1. Using cell cycle-specific degrons, we achieved G1 or late G1-to M phases specific accumulation of exogenous G9a in G9a deficient cells. Importantly, global levels of H3K9me2 were significantly recovered by both cell types. These data indicate that H3K9me2 may be plastic and inducible, even in the long-living, terminally-differentiated, post-mitotic, G0-G1 cell population in vivo. This knowledge is valuable in designing epigenome-manipulation-based treatments for diseases.
Hyperuricemia Predicts an Early Decline in Renal Function among Older People: A Community-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Tseng Wei-Cheng , Chen Yung-Tai , Lin Yao-Ping , Ou Shuo-Ming , Yang Chih-Yu , Lin Chi-Hung , Tarng Der-Cherng ,   The Taiwan Geriatric Kidney Disease (TGKD) Research Group, Tarng Der-Cherng , Tseng Wei-Cheng , Tsai Ming-Tsun , Ou Shuo-Ming , Yang Chih-Yu , Lin Yao-Ping , Chen Yu-Hsin , Chuang Yi-Fang , Chen Liang-Kung , Wang Kwua-Yun , Shih Chia-Jen , Chen Yung-Tai , Lin Yi-Sheng , Hung Szu-Chun , Kuo Ko-Lin , Hung Tung-Po , Hu Fen-Hsiang , Chen Nien-Jung , Chen Yu-Chi , Lin Chi-Hung , Tsai Tung-Hu , Hsieh Shie-Liang , Wei Yau-Huei , Hsu Chih-Cheng , Liu Jia-Sin , Chang Yu-Kang , Chiang Ming-Han
Published: January 2019

Whether elevated serum uric acid levels (SUA) predict renal dysfunction remains controversial in the elderly. Therefore, we investigated the association between SUA and early renal function decline defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reduction ≥30% over 2 years. From 2001 to 2010, we conducted a longitudinal cohort study comprising 44,078 participants aged ≥65 years in the Taipei City Elderly Health Examination Database. Participants were classified by 1-mg/dL increment of SUA. We used multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses to compare the risk of early renal function decline in different SUA groups. Compared to the reference SUA group of 5.0–5.9 mg/dL, hyperuricemic participants had increased risks of eGFR decline, starting at SUA ≥6.0 mg/dL (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00–1.45). The risk progressively elevated as SUA increased, with the highest in the SUA ≥10.0 mg/dL group (aOR = 3.20, CI = 2.39–4.28). Multivariable Cox regression further confirmed that hyperuricemia was 1.12-fold (CI = 1.03–1.22, SUA ≥6.0 mg/dL) to 1.6-fold (CI = 1.37–1.86, SUA ≥10.0 mg/dL) more likely to develop early eGFR decline. Hyperuricemia-associated increased risks for early eGFR decline were consistent across subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Collectively, SUA ≥6.0 mg/dL independently predicted early renal dysfunction with eGFR decline ≥30% over 2 years in older people.
Systematic characterization of position one variants within the lantibiotic nisin
Authors: Lagedroste Marcel , Reiners Jens , Smits Sander H. J. , Schmitt Lutz
Published: January 2019

Lantibiotics are a growing class of natural compounds, which possess antimicrobial activity against a broad range of Gram-positive bacteria. Their high potency against human pathogenic strains such as MRSA and VRE makes them excellent candidates as substitutes for classic antibiotics in times of increasing multidrug resistance of bacterial strains. New lantibiotics are detected in genomes and can be heterologously expressed. The functionality of these novel lantibiotics requires a systematic purification and characterization to benchmark them against for example the well-known lantibiotic nisin. Here, we used a standardized workflow to characterize lantibiotics consisting of six individual steps. The expression and secretion of the lantibiotic was performed employing the promiscuous nisin modification machinery. We mutated the first amino acid of nisin into all proteinaceous amino acids and compared their bactericidal potency against sensitive strains as well as strains expressing nisin resistance proteins. Interestingly, we can highlight four distinct groups based on the residual activity of nisin against sensitive as well as resistant L. lactis strains.
Contributions of modern Gobi Desert to the Badain Jaran Desert and the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Wang Xunming , Cai Diwen , Sun Jimin , Lu Huayu , Liu Wenbin , Qiang Mingrui , Cheng Hong , Che Huizheng , Hua Ting , Zhang Caixia
Published: January 2019

It is well known that the Gobi Desert is the dominant source area of the Badain Jaran Desert (BJD) and the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP). However, due to the absence of quantitative analyses, there are nearly no exact assessments of its actual contribution. Combinations of field investigations, wind tunnel experiments, and wind field analyses revealed that the potential erosion depth on modern Gobi Desert varied between 0.41 and 0.89 mm a−1. Results indicated it would take an average theoretical time of 80.8 ka and 4,475.9 ka to form the current dimensions of the BJD and CLP, respectively, which means the Gobi Desert may provide substantial sand sources to the modern BJD, while its contribution to the loess of modern CLP might be overestimated despite it was the key sources of the CLP in Quaternary.
Musculoskeletal study of cebocephalic and cyclopic lamb heads illuminates links between normal and abnormal development, evolution and human pathologies
Authors: Diogo Rui , Razmadze Daria , Siomava Natalia , Douglas Nora , Fuentes Jose S. M. , Duerinckx Andre
Published: January 2019

This paper is part of the emerging field of Evolutionary Developmental Pathology, dedicated to study the links between normal and abnormal development, evolution and human pathologies. We analyzed the head musculoskeletal system of several ‘natural mutant’ newborn lambs displaying various degrees of abnormality, from mild defects to cebocephaly and to cyclopia, and compared them with humans. Interestingly, muscle defects are less marked than osteological ones, and contrarily to the latter they tend to display left-right assymetries. In individuals with cebocephalic and even cyclopic skulls almost all head muscles are normal. The very few exceptions are some extraocular muscles and facial muscles that normally attach to osteological structures that are missing in the abnormal heads: such muscles are instead attached to the ‘nearest topological neighbor’ of the missing osteological structure, a pattern also found in cyclopic humans. These observations support Alberch’s ill-named “logic of monsters” - as a byproduct of strong developmental/topological constraints anatomical patterns tend to repeat themselves, even severe malformations displayed by distantly related taxa. They also support the idea that mammalian facial muscles reverted to an ancestral ‘nearest-neighbor’ muscle-bone type of attachment seen in non-vertebrate animals and in vertebrate limbs, but not in other vertebrate head muscles.
Ecosystem metabolism drives pH variability and modulates long-term ocean acidification in the Northeast Pacific coastal ocean
Authors: Lowe Alexander T. , Bos Julia , Ruesink Jennifer
Published: January 2019

Ocean acidification poses serious threats to coastal ecosystem services, yet few empirical studies have investigated how local ecological processes may modulate global changes of pH from rising atmospheric CO2. We quantified patterns of pH variability as a function of atmospheric CO2 and local physical and biological processes at 83 sites over 25 years in the Salish Sea and two NE Pacific estuaries. Mean seawater pH decreased significantly at −0.009 ± 0.0005 pH yr−1 (0.22 pH over 25 years), with spatially variable rates ranging up to 10 times greater than atmospheric CO2-driven ocean acidification. Dissolved oxygen saturation (%DO) decreased by −0.24 ± 0.036% yr−1, with site-specific trends similar to pH. Mean pH shifted from <7.6 in winter to >8.0 in summer concomitant to the seasonal shift from heterotrophy (%DO < 100) to autotrophy (%DO > 100) and dramatic shifts in aragonite saturation state critical to shell-forming organisms (probability of undersaturation was >80% in winter, but <20% in summer). %DO overwhelmed the influence of atmospheric CO2, temperature and salinity on pH across scales. Collectively, these observations provide evidence that local ecosystem processes modulate ocean acidification, and support the adoption of an ecosystem perspective to ocean acidification and multiple stressors in productive aquatic habitats.
A homozygous missense variant in the alkaline phosphatase gene ALPL is associated with a severe form of canine hypophosphatasia
Authors: Kyöstilä Kaisa , Syrjä Pernilla , Lappalainen Anu K. , Arumilli Meharji , Hundi Sruthi , Karkamo Veera , Viitmaa Ranno , Hytönen Marjo K. , Lohi Hannes
Published: January 2019

Inherited skeletal disorders affect both humans and animals. In the current study, we have performed series of clinical, pathological and genetic examinations to characterize a previously unreported skeletal disease in the Karelian Bear Dog (KBD) breed. The disease was recognized in seven KBD puppies with a variable presentation of skeletal hypomineralization, growth retardation, seizures and movement difficulties. Exome sequencing of one affected dog revealed a homozygous missense variant (c.1301T > G; p.V434G) in the tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase gene, ALPL. The identified recessive variant showed full segregation with the disease in a cohort of 509 KBDs with a carrier frequency of 0.17 and was absent from 303 dogs from control breeds. In humans, recessive and dominant ALPL mutations cause hypophosphatasia (HPP), a metabolic bone disease with highly heterogeneous clinical manifestations, ranging from lethal perinatal hypomineralization to a relatively mild dental disease. Our study reports the first naturally occurring HPP in animals, resembling the human infantile form. The canine HPP model may serve as a preclinical model while a genetic test will assist in breeding programs.
Differentiating between cancer and normal tissue samples using multi-hit combinations of genetic mutations
Authors: Dash Sajal , Kinney Nicholas A. , Varghese Robin T. , Garner Harold R. , Feng Wu-chun , Anandakrishnan Ramu
Published: January 2019

Cancer is known to result from a combination of a small number of genetic defects. However, the specific combinations of mutations responsible for the vast majority of cancers have not been identified. Current computational approaches focus on identifying driver genes and mutations. Although individually these mutations can increase the risk of cancer they do not result in cancer without additional mutations. We present a fundamentally different approach for identifying the cause of individual instances of cancer: we search for combinations of genes with carcinogenic mutations (multi-hit combinations) instead of individual driver genes or mutations. We developed an algorithm that identified a set of multi-hit combinations that differentiate between tumor and normal tissue samples with 91% sensitivity (95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 89–92%) and 93% specificity (95% CI = 91–94%) on average for seventeen cancer types. We then present an approach based on mutational profile that can be used to distinguish between driver and passenger mutations within these genes. These combinations, with experimental validation, can aid in better diagnosis, provide insights into the etiology of cancer, and provide a rational basis for designing targeted combination therapies.
Identification of 12 genetic loci associated with human healthspan
Authors: Zenin Aleksandr , Tsepilov Yakov , Sharapov Sodbo , Getmantsev Evgeny , Menshikov L. I. , Fedichev Peter O. , Aulchenko Yurii
Published: January 2019

Aging populations face diminishing quality of life due to increased disease and morbidity. These challenges call for longevity research to focus on understanding the pathways controlling healthspan. We use the data from the UK Biobank (UKB) cohort and observe that the risks of major chronic diseases increased exponentially and double every eight years, i.e., at a rate compatible with the Gompertz mortality law. Assuming that aging drives the acceleration in morbidity rates, we build a risk model to predict the age at the end of healthspan depending on age, gender, and genetic background. Using the sub-population of 300,447 British individuals as a discovery cohort, we identify 12 loci associated with healthspan at the whole-genome significance level. We find strong genetic correlations between healthspan and all-cause mortality, life-history, and lifestyle traits. We thereby conclude that the healthspan offers a promising new way to interrogate the genetics of human longevity.
A three-dimensional principal component analysis approach for exploratory analysis of hyperspectral data: identification of ovarian cancer samples based on Raman microspectroscopy imaging of blood plasma
Authors: Morais Camilo L. M. , Martin-Hirsch Pierre L. , Martin Francis L.
Published: January 2019

Three-dimensional principal component analysis (3D-PCA) for exploratory analysis of hyperspectral images.
Bi-enzyme functionalized electro-chemically reduced transparent graphene oxide platform for triglyceride detection
Authors: Bhardwaj Sheetal K. , Chauhan Ruchika , Yadav Premlata , Ghosh Subhasis , Mahapatro Ajit K. , Singh Jay , Basu Tinku
Published: January 2019

Recently, increased attention has been drawn to application of graphene and its derivatives for construction of biosensors, since they can be used to rapidly detect the presence of bio-analytes.
A Nd3+ sensitized upconversion nanosystem with dual photosensitizers for improving photodynamic therapy efficacy
Authors: Yang Man , Wang Han , Wang Zhaohui , Han Zhihao , Gu Yueqing
Published: January 2019

The efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) was greatly hindered by the use of a 980 nm laser with undesired overheating effects as well as low reactive oxygen species (ROS) yields.
Evaluating the mechanism of nucleation and growth of silver nanoparticles in a polymer membrane under continuous precursor supply: tuning of multiple to single nucleation pathway
Authors: Naik Apurva N. , Patra Sabyasachi , Sen Debasis , Goswami Asok
Published: January 2019

LaMer type nucleation curve has been experimentally studied for the first time for synthesis of membrane hosted silver nanoparticles under continuous precursor supply. Radiotracer has been uniquely used as a probe in this investigation.
A biocompatible redox MRI probe based on a Mn(ii)/Mn(iii) porphyrin
Authors: Pinto Sara M. A. , Calvete Mário J. F. , Ghica Mariana E. , Soler Sérgio , Gallardo Iluminada , Pallier Agnès , Laranjo Mariana B. , Cardoso Ana M. S. , Castro M. Margarida C. A. , Brett Christopher M. A. , Pereira Mariette M. , Tóth Éva , Geraldes Carlos F. G. C.
Published: January 2019

A water-soluble fluorinated MnIII/II porphyrin responds reversibly to ascorbate redox state as a turn-on MRI probe.
Mixed heavy metal removal from wastewater by using discarded mushroom-stick biochar: adsorption properties and mechanisms
Authors: Wang Xinhua , Li Xin , Liu Guangqing , He Yanfeng , Chen Chang , Liu Xiaoying , Li Gang , Gu Yiqin , Zhao Yuqing
Published: January 2019

The physicochemical and morphological properties and the sorption capacities of discarded mushroom-stick biochar (DMB) prepared at different pyrolysis temperatures from 300 °C to 800 °C were explored.
The role of DPPG in lung surfactant exposed to benzo[a]pyrene
Authors: Korchowiec Beata , Stachowicz-Kuśnierz Anna , Korchowiec Jacek
Published: January 2019

Lung surfactant subdomains enriched with DPPG limit the penetration of benzo[a]pyrene molecules into the bulk solution.
Nanoscale deformation in polymers revealed by single-molecule super-resolution localization–orientation microscopy
Authors: Wang Muzhou , Marr James M. , Davanco Marcelo , Gilman Jeffrey W. , Liddle J. Alexander
Published: January 2019

Mechanical deformation can be detected at the nanoscale by determining fluorophore orientation in single-molecule super-resolution optical microscopy.
Large-scale Co9S8@C hybrids with tunable carbon thickness for high-rate and long-term performances of an aqueous battery
Authors: An Cuihua , Wang Mengying , Li Weiqin , Xu Li , Wang Yijing
Published: January 2019

To realize high-rate and long-term performances of an aqueous rechargeable battery, the most effective approach is to build electrode materials with more reaction active sites and stable structures.
Synthesis of lactosamine-based building blocks on a practical scale and investigations of their assembly for the preparation of19F-labelled LacNAc oligomers
Authors: Romanò Cecilia , Oscarson Stefan
Published: January 2019

The synthesis of19F containing LacNAc oligomers through the strategic assembly of a small library of LacNAc/NTFAc disaccharide building blocks.
A rare chloride-bridged dysprosium chain with slow magnetic relaxation: a thermally activated mechanism via a second-excited state promoted by magnetic interactions
Authors: Ji Xiao-Qin , Ma Fang , Xiong Jin , Yang Jing , Sun Hao-Ling , Zhang Yi-Quan , Gao Song
Published: January 2019

Magnetic interactions induced by chloride bridges promote the slow magnetic relaxation in a dysprosium chain to pass through the second-excited state.
Manganese-mediated reductive amidation of esters with nitroarenes
Authors: Cheung Chi Wai , Shen Ni , Wang Shao-Peng , Ullah Asim , Hu Xile , Ma Jun-An
Published: January 2019

N-Aryl amides were synthesized via the manganese-mediated amidation of esters with nitroarenes without the need for additional catalysts or ligands.
Colloidal CdxZn1−xS nanocrystals as efficient photocatalysts for H2 production under visible-light irradiation
Authors: Xiang JingJing , Wang Hanbin , Wang Xina , Chen Xu , Wu Tianci , Wan Houzhao , Liu Yongzheng , Wang Hao
Published: January 2019

Colloidal CdxZn1−xS and Pt–CdxZn1−xS nanocrystals by simple organic solution method show efficient photocatalytic H2-evolution performance.
Overview of sesquiterpenes and chromones of agarwood originating from four main species of the genus Aquilaria
Authors: Gao Mei , Han Xiaomin , Sun Ying , Chen Hongjiang , Yang Yun , Liu Yangyang , Meng Hui , Gao Zhihui , Xu Yanhong , Zhang Zheng , Han Jianping
Published: January 2019

The main compounds in agarwood (sesquiterpenes and chromones) are classified and summarized based on their molecular skeletons and plant species.
Fabrication of three-dimensional polyetherimide bead foamsviasupercritical CO2/ethanol co-foaming technology
Authors: Feng Dong , Li Li , Wang Qi
Published: January 2019

Light-weight and three-dimensional PEI bead foam products with microcellular structure and good mechanical properties fabricated by self-designed mould assisted scCO2/ethanol co-foaming technology.
Effect of molecular weight distribution of PSSA on electrical conductivity of PEDOT:PSS
Authors: Kim Jooyoung , Park Chanil , Im Soeun , Lee Hongjoo , Kim Jung Hyun
Published: January 2019

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is the most successful conductive polymer.
Direct production of olefins via syngas conversion over Co2C-based catalyst in slurry bed reactor
Authors: Wang Xinxing , Lin Tiejun , Li Jie , Yu Fei , Lv Dong , Qi Xingzhen , Wang Hui , Zhong Liangshu , Sun Yuhan
Published: January 2019

Co2C-based catalyst exhibited a promising catalytic performance for direct production of olefins via syngas conversion in slurry bed reactor.
Fullerene derivative induced morphology of bulk heterojunction blends: PIPCP:PC61BM
Authors: Huang Tzu-Yen , Yan Hongping , Abdelsamie Maged , Savikhin Victoria , Schneider Sebastian A. , Ran Niva A. , Nguyen Thuc-Quyen , Bazan Guillermo C. , Toney Michael F.
Published: January 2019

The performance of organic solar cells depends on the morphology in bulk heterojunctions, including the polymer degree of crystallinity and the amount of each phase: aggregated donor, aggregated acceptor and molecularly mixed donor : acceptor phase.
Continuous flow synthesis of a pharmaceutical intermediate: a computational fluid dynamics approach
Authors: Armstrong Cameron T. , Pritchard Cailean Q. , Cook Daniel W. , Ibrahim Mariam , Desai Bimbisar K. , Whitham Patrick J. , Marquardt Brian J. , Chen Yizheng , Zoueu Jeremie T. , Bortner Michael J. , Roper Thomas D.
Published: January 2019

Computational fluid dynamic and experimental approaches have been compared in the prediction of reaction performance in the preparation of a pharmaceutical intermediate.
Polymerase-amplified release of ATP (POLARA) for detecting single nucleotide variants in RNA and DNA
Authors: Mohsen Michael G. , Ji Debin , Kool Eric T.
Published: January 2019

ATP-releasing nucleotides are employed to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms in a novel method that is sensitive, rapid, and isothermal.
Superior and anti-fatigue electro-strain in Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-based polycrystalline relaxor ferroelectrics
Authors: Yin Jie , Liu Gang , Lv Xiang , Zhang Yuxing , Zhao Chunlin , Wu Bo , Zhang Xingmin , Wu Jiagang
Published: January 2019

By composition engineering and subtle criticality confinement, a giant recoverable electro-strain (S > 0.7%) with reduced hysteresis is reported in BNT-based relaxor ferroelectrics, which can be kept at a high level (<2% variation) even after 105 fatigue cycles.
Flexible quintuple cation perovskite solar cells with high efficiency
Authors: Cao Bingbing , Yang Longkai , Jiang Shusen , Lin Hong , Wang Ning , Li Xin
Published: January 2019

Flexible quintuple cation perovskite solar cells with ultrathin-HfO2 passivated ITO substrates delivered a record efficiency of 19.11%.
Turn-off/on fluorescent sensors for Cu2+ and ATP in aqueous solution based on a tetraphenylethylene derivative
Authors: Geng Lai-Yao , Zhao Yang , Kamya Edward , Guo Jin-Tang , Sun Bin , Feng Ya-Kai , Zhu Mei-Fang , Ren Xiang-Kui
Published: January 2019

Two novel fluorescent sensors based on a tetraphenylethylene derivative (TPE-COOH) were designed and prepared for the rapid detection of cupric ion and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in 100% aqueous solution.
Exfoliation of borophenes from silver substrates assisted by Li/Mg atoms—a density functional theory study
Authors: Wang Yingping , Mu Yuewen , Li Si-Dian
Published: January 2019

Li/Mg atom adsorption or intercalation makes the exfoliation of monolayer borophenes from silver substrates much easier.
Nanoarchitectonics, now
Authors: Azzaroni Omar , Ariga Katsuhiko
Published: January 2019

Guest Editors Katsuhiko Ariga and Omar Azzaroni introduce this themed collection on soft materials nanoarchitectonics.
A novel nanocomposite of mesoporous silica supported Ni nanocrystals modified by ceria clusters with extremely high light-to-fuel efficiency for UV-vis-IR light-driven CO2 reduction
Authors: Jiang Zhongkai , Li Yuanzhi , Zhang Qian , Yang Yi , Wu Shaowen , Wu Jichun , Zhao Xiujian
Published: January 2019

The unique nanocomposite demonstrates extremely high production rates of H2 and CO as well as light-to-fuel efficiency.
A cyclic peptide reproducing the α1 helix of VEGF-B binds to VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 and inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth
Authors: Assareh Elham , Mehrnejad Faramarz , Mansouri Kamran , Esmaeili Rastaghi Ahmad Reza , Naderi-Manesh Hossein , Asghari S. Mohsen
Published: January 2019

Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their receptors (VEGFRs) are pivotal regulators of angiogenesis. The VEGF–VEGFR system is therefore an important target of anti-angiogenesis therapy. Based on the X-ray structure of VEGF-B/VEGFR-1 D2, we designed a cyclic peptide (known as VGB1) reproducing the α1 helix and its adjacent region to interfere with signaling through VEGFR-1. Unexpectedly, VGB1 bound VEGFR-2 in addition to VEGFR-1, leading to inhibition of VEGF-stimulated proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and 4T1 murine mammary carcinoma cells, which express VGEFR-1 and VEGFR-2, and U87 glioblastoma cells that mostly express VEGFR-2. VGB1 inhibited different aspects of angiogenesis, including proliferation, migration and tube formation of endothelial cells stimulated by VEGF-A through suppression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and AKT (Protein Kinase B) phosphorylation. In a murine 4T1 mammary carcinoma model, VGB1 caused regression of tumors without causing weight loss in association with impaired cell proliferation (decreased Ki67 expression) and angiogenesis (decreased CD31 and CD34 expression), and apoptosis induction (increased TUNEL staining and p53 expression, and decreased Bcl-2 expression). According to far-UV circular dichroism (CD) and molecular dynamic simulation data, VGB1 can adopt a helical structure. These results, for the first time, demonstrate that α1 helix region of VEGF-B recognizes both VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2.
Compact broadband circularly‐polarised antenna with a backed cavity for UHF RFID applications
Authors: Li JunLong , Liu Hui , Zhang Shuai , Zhang Yuan , He Sailing
Published: January 2019

A compact broadband circularly‐polarised (CP) antenna is designed with a novel method for universal ultra‐high‐frequency (UHF) radio‐frequency identification (RFID) readers. It is composed of a compact ring‐shaped patch which aims to decrease the size of the antenna. A quadrature 3 dB coupler placed below the ground plane creates 90° phase differences to generate the CP radiation of the antenna. To improve the performance of the proposed antenna and minimise its size, the authors use a coupling feeding method, an FR4 dielectric slab, and a metal cavity. The coupled feeding is implemented to eliminate the mismatching between the long probe and the ring‐shaped patch, and to improve the gain over the operating band. The introduction of an FR4 dielectric slab and a cavity can reduce the antenna size and improve the impedance matching and axial‐ratio (AR) bandwidth. The antenna with a backed cavity can increase the front‐to‐back ratio remarkably and improve the CP performance further. The measured results show that the antenna with a low profile (0.45λ0 × 0.45λ0 × 0.06λ0 at 915 MHz) has the impedance bandwidth of 30.2% (730–990 MHz) and 3 dB AR bandwidth of 24.2% (760–970 MHz). Both the impedance and the AR bandwidth cover the worldwide UHF RFID band.
Evaluating the suitability of groundwater for drinking purposes in the North Chengdu Plain, China
Authors: Mohamed Adam Khalifa , Dan Liu , Kai Song , Eldaw Elsiddig , Abualela Salma
Published: January 2019

Groundwater is a significant and crucial component for all development activities of any life support system. In this study, the hydrochemical analysis and water quality index method (WQI) were used to assess groundwater quality for drinking purposes. Twelve groundwater samples were collected and analyzed into fourteen parameters which were considered as important indicators for assessing groundwater quality. A comparative study of these parameters with that of the Chinese Groundwater Standard (GB/T14848-2017) was conducted. It can be depicted from the results that groundwater quality is categorized as very hard, fresh water and slightly alkaline in nature. The major sequence of dominant cations and anions in groundwater are Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+ and HCO-3 > SO2-4 > Cl- respectively. From the total 12 samples analyzed, the parameters of TH, NH+4, Fe and Mn of samples exceeded the limits set by (GB/T14848-2017) standard. Piper diagram illustrated that groundwater samples of the studied area are mostly of Ca-Mg-HCO3-SO4 type. WQI showed all samples fall between excellent to good category of water and suitable for drinking purposes. The quality of groundwater is mainly affected from anthropogenic activities and natural influence. The proposed method is reliable and effcient for groundwater pollution assessment and can be used in decision-making.
Rural Environmental Governance Mechanism under the Rural Revitalization Strategy
Authors: Deng DeXiang , Song Yang , Zhou Xi
Published: January 2019

Rural revitalization is a major strategy in the new era of socialism, and rural environmental governance has become the top priority for rural revitalization. This paper proposes the rural environmental governance mechanism of the rule of virtue and the rule of the people, and implements the rural environmental governance model with the villagers as the main body.
Numerical simulations of overflow experiments on a model dike
Authors: Tisler Witold , Gorczewska-Langner Wioletta , Ossowski Rafał , Cudny Marcin , Szymkiewicz Adam
Published: January 2019

Dike failure due to overtopping is one of the important factors, which should be considered in the dike designing process. Although the overflow is characterized by the relatively low risk of occurrence, in many cases dikes are totally destroyed or seriously damaged. An interesting phenomenon occurring during overflow is the trapping of air in pores of the unsaturated soil material. As the infiltration progresses from all sides, the air pressure in the unsaturated region increases, which may ultimately lead to damage of the dike structure. It happens when the air is expulsed in form of bursts and forms large macropores. Such a behaviour evidenced in laboratory experiments. In this study we attempt to simulate the evolution of stress field in the model dike subjected to overtopping. The results are in qualitative agreement with observations, showing that formation of the first macropores occurs in the direction perpendicular to the minor principal stress in the soil mass along the dike slope edge.
Analysis of limit state of load resistance and reliability of masonry structures made of AAC blocks
Authors: Joanna Kujda
Published: January 2019

The paper presents analysis of limit state of bearing capacity and reliability of masonry structures. A masonry made of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) with mortar for thin-layer joints was proposed. The basic calculations were carried out using the procedures available in the Eurocodes. A comprehensive analysis of the work of the masonry element was carried out. The numerical FEM model of the masonry member was made. A quantitative assessment of the safety of the structure was made by calculating the reliability index. During numerical simulation three parameter elastic-plastic model for material of masonry was used. All parameters were based on material experimental results. The analysis of masonry reliability was carried out using the probabilistic method. Masonry elements are widely used in construction, therefore their design should be based on a detailed analysis. Noteworthy is class execution of works of masonry structures and relatively high values of safety coefficient associated with it.
Water Content–Density Criteria for Determining Geomembrane–Fly Ash Interface Shear Strength
Authors: Zabielska-Adamska Katarzyna
Published: January 2019

The aim of the present paper was to determine shear strength at the interface between fly ash, as a material underlying artificial sealing layer of storage yards, and HDPE geomembranes. The fly ash was compacted at moisture contents ranging over optimum water contents ± 5% using the standard Proctor test. The shear strength and interaction tests were conducted in classic direct shear apparatus with a cylindrical shear box. For interface strength tests the bottom box frame was equipped with a polycarbonate platen, which enabled geomembrane fixing. The shear strength of the interface contact of fly ash–smooth HDPE geomembrane did not greatly depend on moisture at compaction; however, it was important for textured geomembrane. The lowest interface strength was obtained at the highest moisturew=wopt + 5%, and the greatest values at moisturesw≥wopt, for both geomembranes.
Speed models and criteria for assessing traffic performance on two-lane highways
Authors: Chodur Janusz , Ostrowski Krzysztof
Published: January 2019

In the widely used HCM and HBS assessment methods of the traffic performance of two-lane highways speed models are an essential element of the analytical methodology. Differences in the approach to analyses, as well as differing numbers of determinants taken into account and criteria used to assess traffic performance may all produce disparate results and reduce the practicality of the application of these methods. The paper compares the HCM and HBS speed models and demonstrates key differences in their approach to the impact of traffic volume, the share of heavy vehicles and longitudinal gradients of the road. The assessment of traffic performance by both methods also demonstrates significant differences in assessments, especially in more adverse road and traffic conditions. The paper will also show assumptions underlying the choice of research sites, methods of traffic research, databases and selected results of analyses as well as the impact of selected factors on speed and speed regression models.
Equivalent temperature for design of asphalt pavements in Poland
Authors: Pszczola Marek
Published: January 2019

The paper presents application of equivalent temperature for design of asphalt pavements. The calculation methods of equivalent temperature: the Shell method, the French method, the methods that use the AASHTO and the Asphalt Institute fatigue criteria were presented. The results of calculations of equivalent temperature for Polish climatic conditions were presented and discussed. It was shown that different asphalt pavement design methods and utilization of Polish climatic data resulted in various calculated values of equivalent temperature that could be used in the design process.
RCT – a tool for continuous road pavement diagnostics
Authors: Staniek Marcin
Published: January 2019

The paper addresses a road pavement diagnostics solution created as a sub-module of the S-mileSys platform developed as a part the S-mile project, implemented under the “Sustainable Logistic and Supply Chain” competition of the ERANET Transport III programme. The S-mileSys solution was conceived as a means to support transport companies and their clients in planning, organisation and delivery of freight transport related services, but also to support local authorities and road administration bodies in matters related to road infrastructure maintenance and traffic management within cities or agglomerations. In principle, as typical transfers are made in connection with freight transport, the process of continuous road pavement monitoring and assessment is performed in a manner which does not involve interference of either vehicle drivers or employees of transport companies or logistics centres. The measuring system’s operation is essentially based on identification of values of linear accelerations recorded while vehicles traverse the road network. ICT solutions are used to send characteristics describing the vehicle motion dynamics, determined by the road pavement condition, to the S-mileSys system’s server, where, based on analysis of linear acceleration signals in a three-dimensional description of space and by taking GPS positioning into consideration, the current road pavement condition is estimated.
Evaluation of airfield pavement micro and macrotexture in the light of skid resistance (friction coefficient) measurements
Authors: Wesołowski Mariusz , Blacha Krzysztof
Published: January 2019

Appropriate skid resistance properties of airfield pavements are extremely important in terms of the safety of air operations. When discussing skid resistance properties of airfield pavements, we should not limit the subject only to the friction coefficient, which determines the state of its roughness. Attention should be paid to the fact that a significant component of friction characteristics of a tyre/pavement contact surface is the pavement texture (microtexture and macrotexture). The authors of the article presented the currently applied study methods in the scope of evaluating the texture of road and airfield pavements. The paper also presents sample results of field tests, which were conducted on new airfield pavements (executed in the cement concrete and asphalt concrete technology), as well as their short analysis in relation to evaluating the skid resistance properties (friction coefficient). Particular attention was paid to the current requirements in this scope, imposed on airfield pavements and the assessment criteria of the obtained results. Moreover, the paper also presents a direction of further works conducted by the authors with a broader team, in the scope of developing the study method for the assessment of airfield pavement texture.
Flexible pavement rehabilitation with continuously reinforced concrete slab with HFRP bars - mechanistic analysis
Authors: Złotowska Magdalena , Nagórski Roman , Radziszewski Piotr , Sarnowski Michał , Tutka Paweł
Published: January 2019

Asphalt road pavements are subject to damage under the influence of loads from the traffic of vehicles and of the environmental factors. One of the ways to strengthen damaged flexible pavements is to apply a cement concrete overlay with continuous reinforcement. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the road structure with concrete overlay with continuous reinforcement HFRP composite bars, which is laid on the existing cracked asphalt layers of a typical flexible road of KR3 traffic category. In HFRP bars some of the basalt fibers have been replaced with carbon fibers with the addition of resin binders. This do the possibility of making concrete slabs with increased resistance for environmental aggression, with good mechanical properties, which is especially important in the case of road constructions. An analysis of fatigue life of the strengthened asphalt pavement with a concrete slab with continuous reinforcement of HFRP bars was carried out, implementing the mechanistic model of the pavement structure. The stress analysis in the structure under the action of static loading was determined by the Finite Element Method using the Abaqus/Standard program. The maximum value of stress caused by temperature gradient in the concrete slab was calculated from the Westergaard’s formula for infinite slab. It has been shown that strengthening the analyzed road pavement with a continuous reinforcement is a technology that ensures an increase in fatigue life and reinforcement with HFRP bars further increases durability due to the negative impact of environmental factors.
Effect of basalt powder addition on properties of mortar
Authors: Dobiszewska Magdalena , Pichór Waldemar , Szołdra Paulina
Published: January 2019

The study evaluates the use of waste basalt powder as a replacement of cement to enhance hydration of cement and mortar properties. The basalt powder is a waste resulting from preparation of aggregate used in asphalt mixture production. Previous studies have shown that analysed waste used as a fine aggregate replacement has a beneficial effect on some properties of mortar and concrete, i.e. compressive strength, flexural strength and freeze resistance. The present study shows the results of the research concerning the modification of cement paste and mortar with basalt powder. The modification consists in adding the powder waste as a partial replacement of cement. The percentages of basalt powder in this research are 0-40% and 0-20% by mass of cement in the pastes and mortars respectively. The experiments were carried out to determine the influence of basalt powder on cement hydration, as well as compressive and flexural strength. Results indicate that addition of basalt powder as a replacement of cement leads to deterioration of compressive strength. The flexural strength of mortar is improved in some cases. Waste basalt powder only slightly influences the cement hydration.
Maturity curve for estimating the in-place strength of high performance concrete
Authors: Mariak Aleksandra , Kurpińska Marzena , Wilde Krzysztof
Published: January 2019

The paper presents the maturity curve for estimating the in-place early-age compressive strength of concrete. The development of appropriate maturity curve is a complex process. It is important to correctly determine the datum temperature and activation energy, which can be obtained in mortar tests. This paper describes an investigation of the accuracy of the maturity method to estimate the strength when different way to rate constant and maturity function are analysed. High performance concrete used for construction of extradosed bridge was tested. The developed curve was implemented to predict the concrete strength at three construction stages, in summer, autumn and early spring.
A multi-criteria approach for selecting the utility function of the historical building "Stara Polana" located in Zakopane
Authors: Fedorczak- Cisak Małgorzata , Kowalska Alicja , Radziszewska – Zielina Elżbieta , Śladowski Grzegorz , Pachla Filip , Tatara Tadeusz
Published: January 2019

In this article, the authors present a proposal for a hybrid decision model in order to select a utility function for a historic building, taking into consideration the criteria of the Małopolska Certificate of Energy Efficient Building as well as additional criteria for the comfort of the users. The description of the criteria and the proposed decision-making model focus on the Stara Polana historical building, which is located in Zakopane.
IRT research on influence of long-term loads on defects in FRP strengthened RC beams
Authors: Górski Marcin , Krzywoń Rafał , Białozor Rafał , Białecki Ryszard , Adamczyk Wojciech , Ostrowski Ziemowit
Published: January 2019

It has been more than two decades, since FRP strengthening method was first time used in Poland. Therefore there is a natural need to develop an efficient quality assessment technique to verify design assumptions of strengthening in existing structures after many years. One of the promising non-destructive method of quality assessment is infrared thermography (IRT). In this paper, an initial study on recognition of delamination mainly in CFRP laminates using IRT was conducted as well as the influence of long-term loads on defects in CFRP strengthened RC beams was presented.