bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Body composition during early infancy and its relation with body composition at 4 years of age in Jimma, an Ethiopian prospective cohort study
Authors: Admassu Bitiya , Wells Jonathan C. K. , Girma Tsinuel , Belachew Tefera , Ritz Christian , Owino Victor , Abera Mubarek , Wibaek Rasmus , Michaelsen Kim F. , Kæstel Pernille , Friis Henrik , Andersen Gregers S.
Published: September 2018

Background/Objectives

Low and high birth weight and rapid weight gain during infancy are associated with childhood obesity. Associations of birth and infancy body composition (BC) growth with childhood BC remain unknown in low-income countries. We aimed to investigate the associations of fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) at birth and its accretion during early infancy with FM and FFM at the age of 4 years.

Methods

In the infant Anthropometry and Body Composition (iABC) cohort, BC was assessed at six consecutive time points from birth to 6 months and at 4 years of age by air displacement plethysmography. Multiple linear regression models were used to determine the association between FM and FFM at birth and their accretion rates during infancy and FM index (FMI) and FFM index (FFMI) at 4 years in 314 children.

Results

One kilogram higher FFM at birth was associated with a 1.07 kg/m2 higher FFMI (95% CI 0.60, 1.55) at 4 years while a one SD increment in FFM accretion rate from 0 to 6 months was associated with a 0.24 kg/m2 increment in FFMI (95% CI 0.11, 0.36) and with a 0.20 kg/m2 higher FMI at 4 years (β = 0.20; 95% CI 0.04, 0.37). FFM at birth did not predict FMI at 4 years. FM at birth was associated with 1.17 kg/m2 higher FMI at 4 years (95% CI 0.13, 2.22) whereas FM accretion from 0 to 4 months was associated with an increase in FMI of 0.30 kg/m2 (95% CI 0.12, 0.47). FM at birth did not predict FFMI at 4 years, and neither did FM accretion from 0 to 4 months.

Conclusions

A higher FFM in early infancy predicted higher FFMI at 4 years while a higher FM accretion during early infancy predicted higher FMI at 4 years. Follow-up studies are merited to explore associations of childhood BC with cardio-metabolic risk later in life.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: MEK inhibitors induce apoptosis via FoxO3a-dependent PUMA induction in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Lin Lin , Ding Dapeng , Jiang Yanmei , Li Yan , Li Shijun
Published: September 2018

Mutations in BRAF are common to many cancers, including CRC. The MEK inhibitors are being investigated in BRAF-mutant CRC. In this study, we aimed to investigate how MEK inhibitor suppresses growth of BRAF-mutated CRC cells as well as its potential mechanisms. Our findings indicated that MEK inhibitor promote PUMA expression via ERK/FoxO3a signaling pathway. In addition, PUMA induction is essential for MEK inhibitor-induced apoptosis. Moreover, PUMA induction is required for MEK inhibitors to induced apoptosis in combination with cisplatin, dabrafenib, or Gefitinib. Knockdown of PUMA suppressed the anticancer effect of the MEK inhibitor in vivo. Our findings indicate a novel role for PUMA as a regulator of the antitumor effects of MEK inhibitor, suggesting that PUMA induction may modulate MEK inhibitor sensitivity.
DNA methylation age is accelerated in alcohol dependence
Authors: Rosen Allison D. , Robertson Keith D. , Hlady Ryan A. , Muench Christine , Lee Jisoo , Philibert Robert , Horvath Steve , Kaminsky Zachary A. , Lohoff Falk W.
Published: September 2018

Alcohol dependence (ALC) is a chronic, relapsing disorder that increases the burden of chronic disease and significantly contributes to numerous premature deaths each year. Previous research suggests that chronic, heavy alcohol consumption is associated with differential DNA methylation patterns. In addition, DNA methylation levels at certain CpG sites have been correlated with age. We used an epigenetic clock to investigate the potential role of excessive alcohol consumption in epigenetic aging. We explored this question in five independent cohorts, including DNA methylation data derived from datasets from blood (n = 129, n = 329), liver (n = 92, n = 49), and postmortem prefrontal cortex (n = 46). One blood dataset and one liver tissue dataset of individuals with ALC exhibited positive age acceleration (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0069, respectively), whereas the other blood and liver tissue datasets both exhibited trends of positive age acceleration that were not significant (p = 0.83 and p = 0.57, respectively). Prefrontal cortex tissue exhibited a trend of negative age acceleration (p = 0.19). These results suggest that excessive alcohol consumption may be associated with epigenetic aging in a tissue-specific manner and warrants further investigation using multiple tissue samples from the same individuals.
A gene co-expression module implicating the mitochondrial electron transport chain is associated with long-term response to lithium treatment in bipolar affective disorder
Authors: Stacey David , Schubert K. Oliver , Clark Scott R. , Amare Azmeraw T. , Milanesi Elena , Maj Carlo , Leckband Susan G. , Shekhtman Tatyana , Kelsoe John R. , Gurwitz David , Baune Bernhard T.
Published: September 2018

Lithium is the first-line treatment for bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) but two-thirds of patients respond only partially or not at all. The reasons for this high variability in lithium response are not well understood. Transcriptome-wide profiling, which tests the interface between genes and the environment, represents a viable means of exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying lithium response variability. Thus, in the present study we performed co-expression network analyses of whole-blood-derived RNA-seq data from n = 50 lithium-treated BPAD patients. Lithium response was assessed using the well-validated ALDA scale, which we used to define both a continuous and a dichotomous measure. We identified a nominally significant correlation between a co-expression module comprising 46 genes and lithium response represented as a continuous (i.e., scale ranging 0–10) phenotype (cor = −0.299, p = 0.035). Forty-three of these 46 genes had reduced mRNA expression levels in better lithium responders relative to poorer responders, and the central regulators of this module were all mitochondrially-encoded (MT-ND1, MT-ATP6, MT-CYB). Accordingly, enrichment analyses indicated that genes involved in mitochondrial functioning were heavily over-represented in this module, specifically highlighting the electron transport chain (ETC) and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) as affected processes. Disrupted ETC and OXPHOS activity have previously been implicated in the pathophysiology of BPAD. Our data adds to previous evidence suggesting that a normalisation of these processes could be central to lithium’s mode of action, and could underlie a favourable therapeutic response.
TRIM52 plays an oncogenic role in ovarian cancer associated with NF-kB pathway
Authors: Yang Weihong , Liu Li , Li Caixia , Luo Ning , Chen Rong , Li Li , Yu Fudong , Cheng Zhongping
Published: September 2018

Emerging evidence suggests that the members of the tripartite motif (TRIM) family play a crucial role in cancer development and progression. The purpose of the study was to explore TRIM52's role in tumorigenesis and its potential molecular mechanism in ovarian cancer. The study demonstrated that knockdown of TRIM52 in SKOV3 and CAOV3 cells inhibited ovarian cancer cell invasion, migration, and proliferation, and induced cell apoptosis. On the contrary, overexpression of TRIM52 in HO8910 cells showed contrary results. Further, overexpression of TRIM52 enhanced the expression of phosphorylated IKKβ and IKBα proteins and nuclear protein P65, which implied the activation of NF-kB signal pathway. Knockdown of TRIM52 downregulated the mRNA and protein levels of NF-kB signal downstream effectors of the NF-kB pathway, including MMP9, Bcl2, IL8, and TNFα, but upregulated caspase-3 expression. These results suggested that activation of the NF-kB pathway is involved in TRIM52-mediated regulation in ovarian cancer. The nude mice study further confirmed that knockdown of TRIM52 blocked tumor growth, inhibited cell proliferation, and promoted cell apoptosis. Our data strongly suggested that TRIM52 plays an oncogenic role in ovarian cancer development associated with the NF-kB signal pathway and may be a potential target for cancer therapy.
SARS-Coronavirus Open Reading Frame-3a drives multimodal necrotic cell death
Authors: Yue Yuan , Nabar Neel R. , Shi Chong-Shan , Kamenyeva Olena , Xiao Xun , Hwang Il-Young , Wang Min , Kehrl John H.
Published: September 2018

The molecular mechanisms underlying the severe lung pathology that occurs during SARS-CoV infections remain incompletely understood. The largest of the SARS-CoV accessory protein open reading frames (SARS 3a) oligomerizes, dynamically inserting into late endosomal, lysosomal, and trans-Golgi-network membranes. While previously implicated in a non-inflammatory apoptotic cell death pathway, here we extend the range of SARS 3a pathophysiologic targets by examining its effects on necrotic cell death pathways. We show that SARS 3a interacts with Receptor Interacting Protein 3 (Rip3), which augments the oligomerization of SARS 3a helping drive necrotic cell death. In addition, by inserting into lysosomal membranes SARS 3a triggers lysosomal damage and dysfunction. Consequently, Transcription Factor EB (TFEB) translocates to the nucleus increasing the transcription of autophagy- and lysosome-related genes. Finally, SARS 3a activates caspase-1 either directly or via an enhanced potassium efflux, which triggers NLRP3 inflammasome assembly. In summary, Rip3-mediated oligomerization of SARS 3a causes necrotic cell death, lysosomal damage, and caspase-1 activation—all likely contributing to the clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV infection.
Four putative SWI2/SNF2 chromatin remodelers have dual roles in regulating DNA methylation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yang Dong-Lei , Zhang Guiping , Wang Lili , Li Jingwen , Xu Dachao , Di Cuiru , Tang Kai , Yang Lan , Zeng Liang , Miki Daisuke , Duan Cheng-Guo , Zhang Huiming , Zhu Jian-Kang
Published: September 2018

DNA methylation is a conserved epigenetic mark that is critical for many biological processes in plants and mammals. In Arabidopsis, the antagonistic activities of RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) and ROS1-dependent active DNA demethylation are key for the dynamic regulation of locus-specific DNA methylation. However, the molecular factors that coordinate RdDM and active demethylation are largely unknown. Here we report that CLSY4 and its three paralogous SWI2/SNF2-type chromatin-remodeling proteins function in both RdDM and DNA demethylation in Arabidopsis. We initially identified CLSY4 in a genetic screen for DNA demethylation factors and subsequently demonstrated that it also is important in RdDM. Comprehensive genetic analyses using single and high order mutants of CLSY family proteins revealed their roles as double agents in the balance between methylation and demethylation reactions. The four CLSY proteins collectively are necessary for the canonical RdDM pathway; at the same time, each CLSY likely mediates DNA demethylation at specific loci where DNA methylation depends on RdDM. These results indicate that the four chromatin-remodeling proteins have dual functions in regulating genomic DNA methylation, and thus provide new insights into the dynamic regulation of DNA methylation in a model multicellular eukaryotic organism.
A flexible high speed pulse chopper system for an inverted neutron time-of-flight option on backscattering spectrometers
Authors: Appel Markus , Frick Bernhard , Magerl Andreas
Published: September 2018

We present the design and simulation of a high resolution inverted time-of-flight option for a neutron spectrometer with crystal analysers in backscattering, with specific reference to the IN16B spectrometer at the Institut Laue-Langevin, Grenoble. While the conventional configuration with Si 111 crystals provides sub-μeV resolution in an energy range limited to ±30 μeV, the novel BATS option (BATS: Backscattering and Time-of-flight Spectrometer) extends the energy window to 340 μeV with only a slightly increased resolution of 1.2 μeV. Moreover, the observation window can be shifted to inelastic energy transfers. To bring this about, a novel fast chopper system with disks of large diameter and complex slit pattern is used, offering high flexibility in resolution and repetition rate. The chopper system consists out of two counter rotating disk chopper pairs. It provides 7 different pulse lengths, three pulse repetition rates up to 237 Hz and can operate with Si 111 or Si 311 crystal analysers. The latter option is a unique feature which covers a Q-range up to 3.7 Å−1 with a resolution of 6.8 μeV. Extensive ray-tracing simulations have been used to validate the design of the pulse chopper system, set limits on the sample size, and assess the achievable energy resolutions of the different chopper configurations.
Macrofungal species distributions depend on habitat partitioning of topography, light, and vegetation in a temperate mountain forest
Authors: Chen Yun , Yuan Zhiliang , Bi Shuai , Wang Xueying , Ye Yongzhong , Svenning Jens-Christian
Published: September 2018

The habitat partitioning hypothesis provides a conceptual framework for explaining the maintenance of plant and animal diversity. Its central tenet assumes environmental conditions are spatially structured, and that this structure is reflected in species distributions through associations with different habitats. Studies confirming habitat partitioning effects have focused primarily on spatial distributions of plants and animals, with habitat partitioning hypothesis under explored for macrofungi. Here, we examined the sporocarps of macrofungi in a 5-ha forest dynamics plot in China. We used four different methods to define microhabitats for habitat partitioning analyses based on topography, understory light availability, plant community, or a combination of these factors, and analyzed the effect of microhabitat partitioning on epigeous macrofungal community. Our results showed that the characteristics of the macrofungal assemblages varied among the habitats. A total of 85 species examined were associated with one or more of the habitat types (85/125, 68%). The factors related to the sporocarp composition differed among the various microhabitats. Our findings suggest that different microhabitats favor occurrence of different macrofungal species, and sporocarps -environment relation varied among the different microhabitats at this temperate mountain forest locality. These findings shed new light to the biodiversity conservation in macrofungi in temperate deciduous broad-leaved forest and point to the potential importance of microhabitat partitioning for sporocarp formation.
Modeling clock-related metabolic syndrome due to conflicting light and food cues
Authors: Woller Aurore , Gonze Didier
Published: September 2018

Most organisms possess a light- and food- entrainable circadian clock system enabling their adaptation to daily environmental changes in sunlight and food availability. The mammalian circadian system is composed of multiple clocks throughout the body. These local clocks are entrained by nutrient, neural, endocrine and temperature cues and drive diverse physiological functions including metabolism. In particular, the clock of the pancreatic β cell rhythmically regulates the transcription of genes involved in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Perturbations of this fine-tuned oscillatory network increase the susceptibility to diseases. Besides chronic jet lag and shift work, common perturbations are ill-timed eating patterns which can lead to metabolic troubles (such as hypoinsulinemia). We have built a mathematical model describing the clock-dependent pancreatic regulation of glucose homeostasis in rodents. After calibrating the model using experimental data, we have investigated the effect of restricting food access to the normal rest phase. Our simulations show that the conflict between the light-dark cycle and the feeding-fasting cycle creates a differential phase shift in the expression of core clock genes (consistent with experimental observations). Our model further predicts that this induces a non-concomitance between nutrient cues and clock-controlled cues driving metabolic outputs which results in hypoinsulinemia, hyperglycemia as well as in a loss of food anticipation.
Identification of differentially methylated region (DMR) networks associated with progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Hotta Kikuko , Kitamoto Aya , Kitamoto Takuya , Ogawa Yuji , Honda Yasushi , Kessoku Takaomi , Yoneda Masato , Imajo Kento , Tomeno Wataru , Saito Satoru , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: September 2018

The progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is affected by epigenetics. We performed differentially methylated region (DMR) and co-methylation analyses to identify DMR networks associated with the progression of NAFLD. DMRs displaying differences in multiple consecutive differentially methylated CpGs between mild and advanced NAFLD were extracted. The average values of topological overlap measures for the CpG matrix combining two different DMRs were calculated and two DMR networks that strongly correlated with the stages of fibrosis were identified. The annotated genes of one network included genes involved in transcriptional regulation, cytoskeleton organization, and cellular proliferation. The annotated genes of the second network were primarily associated with metabolic pathways. The CpG methylation levels in these networks were strongly affected by age and fasting plasma glucose levels, which may be important co-regulatory factors. The methylation status of five DMRs in the second network was reversible following weight loss. Our results suggest that CpG methylation in DMR networks is regulated concomitantly via aging and hyperglycemia and plays important roles in hepatic metabolic dysfunction, fibrosis, and potential tumorigenesis, which occur during the progression of NAFLD. By controlling weight and blood glucose levels, the methylation of DMRs in the second network may be reduced.
Changes in the midgut diverticula epithelial cells of the European cave spider, Meta menardi, under controlled winter starvation
Authors: Lipovšek Saška , Novak Tone , Janžekovič Franc , Brdelak Nina , Leitinger Gerd
Published: September 2018

The European cave spider, Meta menardi, is among the most common troglophile species inhabiting the cave entrance zone in Europe, where prey is scarce in winter. Spiders feed only if prey is available; otherwise, they are subjected to long-term winter starvation. We carried out a four-month winter starvation of M. menardi under controlled conditions to analyze ultrastructural changes in the midgut diverticula epithelial cells at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the starvation period. We used light microscopy, TEM and quantified reserve lipids and glycogen. The midgut diverticula epithelium consisted of secretory cells, digestive cells and adipocytes. During starvation, gradual vacuolization of some digestive cells, and some necrotic digestive cells and adipocytes appeared. Autophagic structures, autophagosomes, autolysosomes and residual bodies were found in all three cell types. Spherites and the energy-reserve compounds were gradually exploited, until in some spherites only the membrane remained. Comparison between spring, autumn and winter starvation reveals that, during the growth period, M. menardi accumulate reserve compounds in spherites and protein granules, and energy-supplying lipids and glycogen, like many epigean, overwintering arthropods. In M. menardi, otherwise active all over the year, this is an adaptive response to the potential absence of prey in winter.
Glucosylceramide modifies the LPS-induced inflammatory response in macrophages and the orientation of the LPS/TLR4 complex in silico
Authors: Mobarak Edouard , Håversen Liliana , Manna Moutusi , Rutberg Mikael , Levin Malin , Perkins Rosie , Rog Tomasz , Vattulainen Ilpo , Borén Jan
Published: September 2018

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is activated by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which drives the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Earlier studies have indicated that cholesterol- and glycosphingolipid-rich subregions of the plasma membrane (lipid domains) are important for TLR4-mediated signaling. We report that inhibition of glucosylceramide (GluCer) synthase, which resulted in decreased concentrations of the glycosphingolipid GluCer in lipid domains, reduced the LPS-induced inflammatory response in both mouse and human macrophages. Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of the TLR4 dimer complex (with and without LPS in its MD-2 binding pockets) in membranes (in the presence and absence of GluCer) showed that: (1) LPS induced a tilted orientation of TLR4 and increased dimer integrity; (2) GluCer did not affect the integrity of the LPS/TLR4 dimer but reduced the LPS-induced tilt; and (3) GluCer increased electrostatic interactions between the membrane and the TLR4 extracellular domain, which could potentially modulate the tilt. We also showed that GCS inhibition reduced the interaction between TLR4 and the intracellular adaptor protein Mal. We conclude that the GluCer-induced effects on LPS/TLR4 orientation may influence the signaling capabilities of the LPS/TLR4 complex by affecting its interaction with downstream signaling proteins.
Transcriptomic analyses of cacao cell suspensions in light and dark provide target genes for controlled flavonoid production
Authors: Gallego Adriana M. , Rojas Luisa F. , Parra Oriana , Rodriguez Héctor A. , Mazo Rivas Juan C. , Urrea Aura Inés , Atehortúa Lucía , Fister Andrew S. , Guiltinan Mark J. , Maximova Siela N. , Pabón-Mora Natalia
Published: September 2018

Catechins, including catechin (C) and epicatechin (E), are the main type of flavonoids in cacao seeds. They play important roles in plant defense and have been associated with human health benefits. Although flavonoid biosynthesis has been extensively studied using in vitro and in vivo models, the regulatory mechanisms controlling their accumulation under light/dark conditions remain poorly understood. To identify differences in flavonoid biosynthesis (particularly catechins) under different light treatments, we used cacao cell suspensions exposed to white-blue light and darkness during 14 days. RNA-Seq was applied to evaluate differential gene expression. Our results indicate that light can effectively regulate flavonoid profiles, inducing a faster accumulation of phenolic compounds and shifting E/C ratios, in particular as a response to switching from white to blue light. The results demonstrated that HY5, MYB12, ANR and LAR were differentially regulated under light/dark conditions and could be targeted by overexpression aiming to improve catechin synthesis in cell cultures. In conclusion, our RNA-Seq analysis of cacao cells cultured under different light conditions provides a platform to dissect key aspects into the genetic regulatory network of flavonoids. These light-responsive candidate genes can be used further to modulate the flavonoid production in in vitro systems with value-added characteristics.
Subtropical adaptation of a temperate plant (Brassica oleracea var. italica) utilizes non-vernalization-responsive QTLs
Authors: Lin Yann-rong , Lee Jou-yi , Tseng Meng-chun , Lee Chieh-ying , Shen Chian-he , Wang Chun-shan , Liou Chia-ching , Shuang Lan-shuan , Paterson Andrew H. , Hwu Kae-kang
Published: September 2018

While many tropical plants have been adapted to temperate cultivation, few temperate plants have been adapted to the tropics. Originating in Western Europe,Brassica oleraceavernalization requires a period of low temperature andBoFLC2 regulates the transition to floral development. InB. oleraceagermplasm selected in Taiwan, a non-vernalization pathway involvingBoFLC3rather thanBoFLC2 regulates curd induction. In 112 subtropical breeding lines, specific haplotype combinations ofBoFLC3andPAN(involved in floral organ identity and a positional candidate for additional curd induction variation) adaptB. oleraceato high ambient temperature and short daylength. Duplicated genes permitted evolution of alternative pathways for control of flowering in temperate and tropical environments, a principle that might be utilized via natural or engineered approaches in other plants. New insight into regulation of Brassica flowering exemplifies translational agriculture, tapping knowledge of botanical models to improve food security under projected climate change scenarios.
A boron imidazolate framework with mechanochromic and electrocatalytic properties
Authors: Wen Tian , Zheng Yao , Xu Chaochen , Zhang Jian , Jaroniec Mietek , Qiao Shi-Zhang
Published: September 2018

An alkaline-stable anionic Cd(ii) boron imidazolate framework (BIF-89) not only exhibits unique mechanochromic behavior, but also shows an enhanced oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalytic activity due to the presence of uncoordinated −COO groups able to capture Fe at the atomic level.
Coaxial struts and microfractured structures of compressible thermoelectric foams for self-powered pressure sensors
Authors: Oh Jinwoo , Kim Jong-Ho , Park Kyung Tae , Jo Kiyoung , Lee Jong-Chan , Kim Heesuk , Son Jeong Gon
Published: September 2018

Long-term operation of wearable pressure sensors requires the use of self-powered human-based energy sources.
Purine-substituted imidazolium mesomeric betaines and their tautomeric N-heterocyclic carbenes. Formation of a cyclic borane adduct
Authors: Zhang Jiaxi , Hübner Eike G. , Namyslo Jan C. , Nieger Martin , Schmidt Andreas
Published: September 2018

A purin-6-yl substituted imidazolium betaine underwent trapping reactions of its tautomericN-heterocyclic carbene with sulfur, selenium, and triethylborane.
Use of poly(methyl methacrylate) with an unsaturated chain end as a macroinitiator precursor in organocatalyzed living radical block polymerization
Authors: Chang Jun Jie , Xiao Longqiang , Wang Chen-Gang , Niino Hiroshi , Chatani Shunsuke , Goto Atsushi
Published: September 2018

PMMA–PBA block copolymers were synthesized through a one-pot AFCT and organocatalyzed LRP from a PMMA containing an unsaturated chain end.
Enantioselective isoquinuclidine synthesis via sequential Diels–Alder/visible-light photoredox C–C bond cleavage: a formal synthesis of the indole alkaloid catharanthine
Authors: Kim Simon J. , Batey Robert A.
Published: September 2018

An enantioselective formation of isoquinuclidines useful for alkaloid synthesis is achieved through an organocatalyzed Diels–Alder reaction of dihydropyridines with acrolein and a subsequent photoredox catalyzed oxidative deformylation reaction.
Scope and advances in the catalytic propargylic substitution reaction
Authors: Roy Rashmi , Saha Satyajit
Published: September 2018

Direct nucleophilic displacement of the alpha-hydroxy of the propargylic alcohol is one of the sought-after methods in the current scenario. An updated summary of the recent developments in this field is presented here.
Environmentally sustainable route to SiO2@Au–Ag nanocomposites for biomedical and catalytic applications
Authors: Sapkota Kanti , Chaudhary Prerna , Han Sung Soo
Published: September 2018

A facile, sustainable, operationally simple and mild method for the synthesis of SiO2@Au–Ag nanocomposites (NCs) using Nephrolepis cordifolia tuber extract is described and its catalytic, antibacterial and cytotoxic properties were investigated.
Flexible solid-state supercapacitor based on tin oxide/reduced graphene oxide/bacterial nanocellulose
Authors: Liu Keng-Ku , Jiang Qisheng , Kacica Clayton , Derami Hamed Gholami , Biswas Pratim , Singamaneni Srikanth
Published: September 2018

A novel, simple and scalable method for the incorporation of tin oxide (SnO2) and graphene oxide (GO) into bacterial nanocellulose during its growth for the fabrication of a flexible, scalable and environmental-friendly energy storage device was reported.
Molecular mechanism of phosphoinositides' specificity for the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir2.2
Authors: Meng Xuan-Yu , Kang Seung-gu , Zhou Ruhong
Published: September 2018

We investigated the binding mechanism of PI(4,5)P2 and variants on the inwardly rectifying potassium channel, Kir2.2. Our results not only demonstrated the molecular origin for their binding specificity, but also revealed the major driving forces.
Facet-controlled morphology of cobalt disulfide towards enhanced oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Singh Vikram , Tiwari Aarti , Nagaiah Tharamani C.
Published: September 2018

A simple and cost-effective approach has been explored to design monophasically pure and facet-controlled CoS2 octahedra with intrinsic carbon for enhanced oxygen reduction electrocatalysis under acidic conditions.
Boosting ethanol electrooxidation via photothermal effect over palladium/reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Wu Yongmeng , Han Shuhe , Huang Yi , Shi Yanmei , Zhang Bin
Published: September 2018

A photothermal effect strategy to combine the model thermal material, namely, reduced graphene oxide with active species (Pd) was developed to greatly improve the activity and stability of the alcohol electrooxidation reaction.
Steroids prevent early recurrence of atrial fibrillation following catheter ablation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lei Ming , Gong Mengqi , Bazoukis George , Letsas Konstantinos P. , Korantzopoulos Panagiotis , Li Guangping , Bisleri Gianluigi , Glover Benedict , Li Ka Hou Christien , Tse Gary , Baranchuk Adrian , Liu Tong
Published: September 2018

Previous studies have reported that steroids may reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after catheter ablation, but data regarding this issue have been controversial. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies to ascertain the association of steroids and AF recurrence after ablation. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane online databases were searched from inception to December 2017. The primary outcome of the meta-analysis was short-term or long-term AF recurrence following a single ablation procedure with or without the use of steroids. Both fixed- and random-effects models were used to calculate the overall effect estimates. Eight studies (four RCTs and four observational studies), with a total 992 patients, were included in the present study. Our meta-analysis shows that steroid use was associated with reduced AF occurrence at 3 months (odd ratio (OR) = 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.31–0.90, P=0.02) and 12–14 months (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.47–0.95, P=0.02) after radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation (RFCA). No clear benefit was observed for AF recurrence at 2–3 days, 1 or 24 months of follow-up. Steroid use was associated with decreased risk of early AF recurrence 3 and 12–14 months after ablation. No clear relationship was observed for 2–3 days, 1 and 24 months of follow-up and further data are needed to clarify these results.
Effects of polarimetric dispersion on future spaceborne P‐band ultra‐wideband SAR
Authors: Li Jinhui , Ji Yifei , Zhang Yongsheng , Zhang Qilei , Huang Haifeng , Dong Zhen
Published: September 2018

Spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) polarimetric application, operating at P‐band, is significantly influenced by ionospheric Faraday rotation (FR). Various researches have been published to evaluate the FR effect on polarimetric scattering matrix, nevertheless all of which are based on the narrow‐band hypothesis and ignore the polarimetric dispersion (PD) effect caused by FR for its high disturbance within the bandwidth. The existent model is no longer well applicable to the future P‐band ultra‐wideband system with benefits of the high‐resolution detection of the subsurface or obscured targets. A novel analytical model of PD based on the frequency‐domain range pulse compression is proposed and analysed in this Letter, and the simulation results indicate the spaceborne P‐band ultra‐wideband SAR system is seriously influenced by the PD effect.
Dynamic sliding mode controller design for networked control systems with random packet loss and event driven quantisation
Authors: Xi Zhiyu
Published: September 2018

This study addresses the sliding mode controller design for a networked control system with quantisation and random packet loss. A logarithmic quantiser is adopted in order to guarantee the coarsest density and decrease the possibility of unsuccessful transmission. The quantisation process is designed as an event driven to reduce the amount of data to be transmitted over the channel. A sliding mode controller is adopted to suppress the measurement noise and error caused by the features of a wireless communication channel. The existence of quasi‐sliding mode in the sense of mean‐square and closed loop stability in the sense of mean square are claimed. Simulations are carried out to support the algorithms proposed.
Circuit‐based flux linkage measurement method with the automated resistance correction for SRM sensorless position control
Authors: Liang Yan , Chen Hao
Published: September 2018

The accuracy of flux linkage measurement is significantly important for a number of sensorless control methods for switched reluctance motor (SRM). This study proposes a novel flux linkage measurement circuit with the automated resistance correction, which comprises only circuit components. During the SRM sensorless operation, the dependence of resistance on temperature leads to the errors in flux linkage measurement and position estimation. The developed scheme is based on the zero‐crossing property which asserts that the flux linkage and current pass through zero simultaneously. Hence, the flux linkage error captured at the time when the current falls to zero represents the resistance error and is used for resistance correction. The proposed circuit has been successfully implemented and tested on a sensorless SRM system. Experiment results indicate that the proposed system in sensorless control can be operated stably at different load torques and at the condition of given speed mutation and load mutation, and the speed range in steady state with rated load torque is 0–160 r/min. The overall estimated position error remains within an acceptable margin of 2%. Hence, it significantly improves the sensorless position estimation and thus SRM performance.
Interactions between flow and vegetation: Translating knowledge from academic research to daily water management
Authors: Penning Ellis
Published: September 2018

Rivers and streams cannot be viewed without the vegetation growing in and alongside it. The riverine ecosystem is strongly organized by the presence of plants in interaction with flow and morphological processes. This creates challenges for water management, as a profound knowledge of these interactions is needed when management decisions must be made. At the same time other aspects of water management, such as societal-economic demands, might compromise the depth at which these processes can be studied and incorporated in the daily management of these systems.
The challenge of restoring dynamics by river engineering: where to find the truth about river flow - in the computer, in the lab or in the field?
Authors: Schleiss Anton J.
Published: September 2018

Rivers are probably the most complex features which we can be found in the environment. They have been and are still the driving force for shaping landscapes and biotopes on our planet. The behavior of river systems is a result of the complex interaction between flow, sediments, morphology and habitats. “Nature is not to be trifled with, she is always true, always earnest, always severe; she is always right, and the faults and errors are always those of man.” (Goethe) Hydraulic engineers responsible for the planning of river training and restoration works as well as scientists doing river research should bear well in mind this quotation from Goethe. Reliable and sustainable protection against floods can only be assured by hydraulic structures that preserve the natural character of a watercourse during flood events which is often difficult to identify. Accordingly, modern river engineering must take a river's natural forces and behavior into account. For example, attempts to straighten a meander that has developed naturally may be dangerous: in extreme flood conditions, if not earlier, the apparently tamed river will recall and reoccupy the space to which it is entitled [1]. “The world is like a river, running along in its bed, this way and that, forming sand bars by chance and then being forced by these to take a different course. Whereas this all proceeds smoothly and easily and gradually, the river engineers have great difficulties when they seek to counteract this natural behavior.” (Goethe)
Improving bedload transport determination by grain-size fraction using the Swiss plate geophone recordings at the Erlenbach stream
Authors: Rickenmann Dieter , Steeb Nicolas , Badoux Alexandre
Published: September 2018

Direct bedload samples were taken with a large metal basket at the steep Erlenbach stream in Switzerland. These measurements were compared with the signal of the Swiss impact plate geophone system to derive information about bedload transport. The so-called amplitude histogram (AH) method was developed in an earlier study to estimate the bedload flux for different grain-size classes at the Erlenbach. A new analysis of a larger set of measurements was made here to improve the performance of the AH method. The approach relies on an identification of the transported grain sizes through their dependency on the signal amplitude. As a new element we introduce here the impulse rate, which is found to affect the number of impulses recorded for each amplitude class. As compared to the original method, the new version of the AH method shows a slightly improved performance for total calculated bedload mass, and results in a clearly better agreement between calculated and measured characteristic grain sizes.
Experiments with sediment replenishment in a residual flow reach: Comparison of field datawith laboratory experiments
Authors: Stähly Severin , Maître Anthony , Franca Mário J. , Robinson Christopher T. , Schleiss Anton J.
Published: September 2018

Hydropower is an important pillar of the electricity production in Switzerland and its extension is planned in the next decades. Therefore, a more sustainable management of hydropower plants is needed. Sediment replenishment combined with artificially-triggered flood pulses are gaining increasing interest to restore residual flow reaches. In the Sarine river in Switzerland, such a measure was conducted. Mimicking laboratory experiments for the first time, four deposits, totaling 1000 m3 of sediment, were added to the river downstream of Rossens dam. Some 489 pebbles were equipped with RFID PIT tags and distributed among them. After the flood pulse passed, 57% of the tags were re-located. The maximum detected travel distance of a pebble was 284 m. Some deposits were eroded, while others resisted. Due to a limited submergence, mainly lateral erosion was observed. Nevertheless, erosion of deposits as well as deposition of eroded material in clusters resulted in the same scheme as observed in laboratory experiments which could be validated with this field experiment.
Bulk scaling of flow characteristics in the interior of sparse, emergent and rigid vegetation patch
Authors: Maji Soumen , Hanmaiahgari Prashanth Reddy
Published: September 2018

Vegetation has an important role on erosion and sedimentation of rivers, river bank and marshy lands, etc. This effect depends on type of flow characteristics present in a vegetation patch. However, it’s a great challenge to find out the flow characteristics in the interior of vegetation patch. The objective of this study is to determine the appropriate scaling of flow characteristics throughout the interior of an emergent and sparse vegetation patch for a given flowrate and depth, which can be used to predict the flow field in a similar vegetation conditions. In this study uniform acrylic cylinders were planted in a structured array to create a vegetation patch. Two different flow conditions by varying aspect ratio for a given Reynolds number were used in this laboratory study. Nortek ADV was used for measuring point velocities in the interior of the vegetation patch. Mean flow and turbulence quantities at all the measuring locations in the interior of the patch were scaled appropriately so that they collapse on a single curve. The local maximum velocity is found to be an appropriate scaling parameter for normalizing the streamwise velocity profiles, further the scaled velocity in the interior of the patch found to be following a power law. Lateral and vertical velocities in the interior of the patch are appropriately scaled by velocity vector across the section. Average bulk lateral velocity and scaled shear stress in a sparse and emergent vegetation patch can be described by linear equations in terms of scaled depth.
Targeted water releases to flush fine sediment out of a bypassed reach of the Durance River downstream of four dams
Authors: Loire Rémi , Piégay Hervé , Malavoi Jean-René , Bêche Leah , Dumoutier Quentin , Mosseri Julie
Published: September 2018

The Durance River is a highly regulated, gravel-bed river with a naturally high fine sediment load in southern France. EDF operates eight dams along the regulated main stream channel (218 km from the Serre-Ponçon Dam to the confluence with the Rhône River), that divert water to 16 hydroelectric power plants via a canal. Flow regulation has contributed to fine sediment accumulation (clogging) in the Durance River. In addition to a recent increase in minimum flows has implemented targeted water releases at four out of eight dams to simulate floods and reduce clogging to restore river function for fishes and invertebrates, The timing of these releases is defined for each dam based on the spawning period of target fish species. During the release, TSS, O2, T, H, and conductivity are measured continuously. Before and after each release, clogging (superficial/interstitial) is measured. This monitoring program showed that several of the releases were not effective on surface clogging inducing a loss of water or resulted in effects contrary to those sought, although this was not reflected in the biological results. These results indicate that two parameters must be taken into account to determine a priori the need to carry out releases: the hydrology observed during the year and the initial level of clogging. Artificial flood releases are increasingly being used a management tool to mitigate hydropower impacts on river hydromorphology and ecology. This experimentation shows that it is necessary to carry out these types of operations in an adaptive management context. At this time, the results obtained do not lead to clear conclusions regarding their efficacy, mostly as a result of strong interannual variation in hydroclimatic conditions, which have a strong influence on initial conditions and resulting outcomes. Furthermore, it is important to incorporate this field measurements and not rely solely on turbidity gauging stations to evaluate efficacy.
Prediction of Bridge Pier Scour Depth and Field Scour Depth Monitoring
Authors: Lee Fong-Zuo , Lai Jihn-Sung , Lin Yuan-Bin , Chang Kuo-Chun , Liu Xiaoqin , Huang Cheng-Chia
Published: September 2018

In practice, it is a major challenge in real-time simulation and prediction of bridge pier scour depth, especially using 3-D numerical model. The simulation time spend too much to use 3-D numerical model simulation and inefficiently to predict bridge pier scour depth in real-time. With heavy rainfall during flood season in Taiwan, abundant sediment with flash flood from upstream watershed is transported to downstream river reaches and transportation time is limited within one day. The flood flow tends to damage bridge structures and affect channel stabilization in fluvial rivers. In addition, the main factors affecting the erosional depth around bridge piers and river bed stabilization are hydrological and hydrographic characteristics in river basin, the scouring and silting of river bed section near the bridge piers, the bridge geometry and protection works of bridge piers. Therefore, based on the observed rainfall data provided by the Central Weather Bureau and the hydrological conditions provided by the Water Resources Agency during flood event as the boundary condition, we develop an effective simulation system for scour depth of bridge piers. The scour depth at the bridge pier is observed by the National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering for model calibration. In this study, an innovative scour monitoring system using vibration-based Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) sensors was applied. This vibration-based MEMS sensor was packaged inside a stainless sphere with the proper protection of the full-filled resin, which can measure free vibration signals to detect scouring/deposition processes at the bridge pier. It has demonstrated that the measurement system for monitoring bridge scour depth evolution is quite successful in the field.
Design optimization of permeable sediment traps for fluvial bed load transport
Authors: Roth Anita , Jafarnejad Mona , Schwindt Sebastian , Schleiss Anton
Published: September 2018

Sediment traps are crucial elements for flood protection in mountain rivers with high sediment transport capacity. Existing structures often interrupt the channel connectivity. Ideally, a sediment trap should be permeable for bed load during non-hazardous floods and ensure sediment retention during hazardous discharges. A new sediment trap concept, fulfilling these requirements was recently developed and tested in a laboratory flume. A guiding channel trough the deposition area is combined with a slot check dam having an upstream bar screen with bottom clearance. This study aims to validate the proposed concept with a finer sediment mixture on an experimental set-up. Furthermore, we provide improved recommendations for bar screen design regarding minimal bar spacing and the range of applicable clearance heights. Optimal bar spacing and clearance heights of the bar screen are determined through individual tests of the bar screen with steady discharges and varying sediment supply intensity. The best performing bar screen configuration is subsequently tested in combination with a slot check dam using a flood hydrograph to simulate the influence of quasi-unsteady discharge. The proposed concept corresponds to a combined mechanical-hydraulic control and works well for a large range of grain sizes, if the bar screen is correctly adapted.
Development and Tests of a 3D Fish-Tracking Videometry System for an Experimental Flume
Authors: Detert Martin , Schütz Cornelia , Czerny Rebekka
Published: September 2018

To design effective and efficient fish passage facilities at hydropower plants, the knowledge of swim behaviour of fish is essential. Therefore, living wild fish were investigated at different fish guidance structures in an experimental flume in a test section of 11 m length and 2.5 m width at water depths of about 0.6 m. Besides analysis of time data and manual recordings of the fish behaviour, video recordings of the fish movements can allow more detailed analysis of fish behaviour in different hydraulic situations. Thus, a videometry system was installed consisting of eleven synchronous cameras with overlapping views lined-up under dry conditions outside the flume. A 3D tracking algorithm was developed and implemented to analyse the video data. Core of the code is a motion-based multiple object tracking method, in which several objects can be tracked in 2D pixel-frame coordinates at the same time. After undistorting and stereo-calibrating the cameras, the 2D tracks are transferred to a 3D metric-space according to their epipolar geometry. Within this paper video data from a single experimental run of 15 min with three fishes with lengths of 100–150 mm are analysed exemplarily. The path-time diagram gives a distinct ‘big picture’ of the fish movement, which helps to identify preferred and disliked regions. However, due to imperfect actual camera setup, a 3D view in the near field of the cameras and an automated separation of individual tracks in a group of fish remains challenging.