bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizing the Complex Two N‐Wave Ionospheric Signature of the 2016 Kaikoura Earthquake
Authors: Li Justin D. , Rude Cody M. , Pankratius Victor
Published: December 2018

Major earthquakes (>∼6.5 Mw) can generate observable waves which propagate not only through the Earth but also through the Earth's ionosphere. These traveling ionospheric disturbances can be observed using multifrequency GPS receivers to measure the ensuing perturbations in the Total Electron Content of the ionosphere. Assisted by a statistical approach we developed to indicate the occurrence of a significant TEC perturbation from the normal background behavior, we detect a traveling ionospheric disturbance generated by the 2016 7.8 Mw Kaikoura earthquake occurring in New Zealand on the 13th of November. The disturbance was detected ∼8 min after the earthquake, propagating toward the equator at ∼1 km/s with a peak‐to‐peak amplitude of ∼0.22 Total Electron Content units. The coseismic waveform exhibits complex structure unlike that of the expected N‐wave for coseismic ionospheric disturbances, with observations of oscillations with 4‐min periodicity and of two N‐waves. This observed complexity in the ionosphere likely reflects the impact of the complex, multifault structure of the earthquake.
Vertical Motions Prior to the Intensification of Simulated Typhoon Hagupit (2008)
Authors: Chen Shumin , Li Weibiao , Wen Zhiping , Lu Youyu , Zhou Mingsen , Qian Yu‐Kun , Chen Guixing
Published: December 2018

Signals prior to tropical cyclone (TC) intensification are important for improving TC intensity forecasts. The existence of such signals has been noted in previous studies of satellite‐borne observations and lightning. Vertical motions can enhance TCs via the transportation of heat to the warm core; thus, we hypothesized they might signal TC intensification. This study separately examined the processes of updrafts and downdrafts, which are both concentrated within the eyewall surrounding the warm core. The analysis focused on the intensification of Typhoon Hagupit (2008). Numerical experiments were conducted using the Weather Research and Forecasting model to elucidate the changing structure of the vertical motions and their effects on the timing of TC intensification. A control (CTL) simulation and an idealized No‐Land experiment both reproduced the storm structure well, whereas a Half‐Bogus (Half‐Moisture) experiment generated less‐organized TC core structures (weakened moisture convection). Upward motions were found to signal TC intensification with lead times of 1.67–4.50 hr in all experiments. Downward motions apparently signaled TC intensification with lead times of 0.67–4.50 hr in the Half‐Bogus and Half‐Moisture experiments. However, the lead‐lag relationship between downward motion and TC intensification was unclear in the CTL and No‐Land experiments because of the large amount of water vapor in the enhanced eyewall. Thermodynamic analysis showed the latent heat consumed in the downdrafts in the CTL and No‐Land experiments was much greater than in the two other experiments, which resulted in the smallest heating contribution in the downdrafts and a weak relationship with TC intensification.
An Observational Analysis of Ocean Surface Waves in Tropical Cyclones in the Western North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Zhang Lin , Oey Leo
Published: December 2018

Knowledge of ocean surface waves in tropical cyclones (TCs) is necessary to calculate air‐sea exchanges of momentum and enthalpy for improved TC predictions. Here we use 24 years (1992–2015) of TC and significant wave height (SWH) observations in the western North Pacific to analyze storm‐following waves within the TC. The SWH was composited according to the TC translation speed, Uh, and TC intensity based on Vm, the maximum 10‐m wind speed. The results show that SWH is largely symmetrical for slow‐moving TCs when Uh is less than 3 m/s and is asymmetric for faster‐moving storms with larger waves in the right‐front quadrant referenced to the TC heading. For a class of TCs translating at a medium Uh between 3 and 7 m/s, a little less than the waves' group speed, near resonance leads to strong asymmetry with over 50% of waves with SWH exceeding 7–8 m on the right‐front quadrant. As Vm intensifies to 50 m/s and greater, extreme waves develop and become saturated: SWH ≈ 10–11 m, corresponding to when, as shown in previous studies, the momentum exchange coefficient CD levels off while the enthalpy exchange coefficient Ck may increase. Over 80% of the saturated waves then reside in the right‐front quadrant, indicating the quadrant's dominant influence on CD and Ck. The medium‐translating TCs were found to have a greater propensity for intensification than other types of TCs. Our results suggest a link between TC intensity, translation, and wave saturation and asymmetry in the right‐front quadrant.
Sibling Supervision: A Risk Factor for Unintentional Childhood Injury in Rural Uganda?
Authors: Swanson Marissa H. , Johnston Anna , Rouse Jenni B. , Schwebel David C.
Published: December 2018

Unintentional childhood injuries are a significant public health concern in low- and middle-income countries. Effective supervision reduces child injury risk, yet older siblings may be less effective than adults in preventing supervisee injury. This study examined self-reported caregiver expectations and beliefs regarding sibling supervision, and sixth-grade students’ self-reported experiences with sibling supervision, among families in rural Uganda. One hundred forty-four caregivers and 206 students were recruited to complete self-report questionnaires assessing parental expectations and student experiences with sibling supervision. Binary logistic regression assessed predictors of supervisee injury history. Caregivers in 82% of households expected children under Age 2 to be supervised by older siblings on a daily basis. Frequency and duration of expected sibling supervision increased with supervisor age. Students endorsed supervising younger siblings in 5 risky situations an average of 13 times total in the past week. Approximately half of students and supervisees experienced at least 1 medically attended injury in the past year. Student history of injury increased supervisee risk of injury 2.25 times. Students endorsed corporal punishment as an effective disciplinary strategy at higher rates than caregivers. Sibling supervision is a widespread practice in rural Uganda, and supervisee injuries are common. Interventions to improve supervision may reduce child injury risk.

Implications for Impact Statement

Adult caregivers widely expect older siblings to provide supervision to younger siblings in rural Eastern Uganda. Sixth graders routinely provide child supervision and fail to prevent serious injury to supervisees. Interventions are needed to improve the quality of child supervision in low- and middle-income countries.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: YAP1-induced MALAT1 promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis by sponging miR-126-5p in colorectal cancer
Authors: Sun Zhenqiang , Ou Chunlin , Liu Jinbo , Chen Chen , Zhou Quanbo , Yang Shuaixi , Li Guiyuan , Wang Guixian , Song Junmin , Li Zhen , Zhang Zhiyong , Yuan Weitang , Li Xiayu
Published: December 2018

Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) exerts significant effects in various malignancies. However, the oncogenic role of YAP1 remains controversial, and the mechanism by which YAP1 regulates non-coding RNAs is still largely unknown. The present study aimed to assess the effect of YAP1 on the malignant behaviors of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and explore the underlying regulatory mechanism of the YAP1–MALAT1–miR-126-5p axis. YAP1 was highly expressed in CRC tissues as assessed by GSE20916 and its expression was negatively correlated with overall survival in 83 CRC cases. Meanwhile, YAP1 promoted proliferation, invasion, and migration in colon cancer cells, in vitro and in vivo. MALAT1 was obviously expressed, with differential expression of 11 lncRNAs in HCT116 cells after transfection with siYAP1 or si-Ctl. Based on bioinformatics prediction, immunoprecipitation (IP), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), the interaction of YAP1 with TCF4/β-catenin was regulated by MALAT1. Bioinformatics prediction, dual luciferase assay, RNA-IP, and RNA pull-down assay demonstrated that YAP1-induced MALAT1 promoted the expression of metastasis-associated molecules such as VEGFA, SLUG, and TWIST, by sponging miR-126-5p in CRC. These findings indicated that the YAP1–MALAT1–miR-126-5p axis could control angiogenesis and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in CRC, providing potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CRC.
Transcriptome 3′end organization by PCF11 links alternative polyadenylation to formation and neuronal differentiation of neuroblastoma
Authors: Ogorodnikov Anton , Levin Michal , Tattikota Surendra , Tokalov Sergey , Hoque Mainul , Scherzinger Denise , Marini Federico , Poetsch Ansgar , Binder Harald , Macher-Göppinger Stephan , Probst Hans Christian , Tian Bin , Schaefer Michael , Lackner Karl J. , Westermann Frank , Danckwardt Sven
Published: December 2018

Diversification at the transcriptome 3′end is an important and evolutionarily conserved layer of gene regulation associated with differentiation and dedifferentiation processes. Here, we identify extensive transcriptome 3′end-alterations in neuroblastoma, a tumour entity with a paucity of recurrent somatic mutations and an unusually high frequency of spontaneous regression. Utilising extensive RNAi-screening we reveal the landscape and drivers of transcriptome 3′end-diversification, discovering PCF11 as critical regulator, directing alternative polyadenylation (APA) of hundreds of transcripts including a differentiation RNA-operon. PCF11 shapes inputs converging on WNT-signalling, and governs cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis and neurodifferentiation. Postnatal PCF11 down-regulation induces a neurodifferentiation program, and low-level PCF11 in neuroblastoma associates with favourable outcome and spontaneous tumour regression. Our findings document a critical role for APA in tumorigenesis and describe a novel mechanism for cell fate reprogramming in neuroblastoma with potentially important clinical implications. We provide an interactive data repository of transcriptome-wide APA covering > 170 RNAis, and an APA-network map with regulatory hubs.
Human genome-wide measurement of drug-responsive regulatory activity
Authors: Johnson Graham D. , Barrera Alejandro , McDowell Ian C. , D’Ippolito Anthony M. , Majoros William H. , Vockley Christopher M. , Wang Xingyan , Allen Andrew S. , Reddy Timothy E.
Published: December 2018

Environmental stimuli commonly act via changes in gene regulation. Human-genome-scale assays to measure such responses are indirect or require knowledge of the transcription factors (TFs) involved. Here, we present the use of human genome-wide high-throughput reporter assays to measure environmentally-responsive regulatory element activity. We focus on responses to glucocorticoids (GCs), an important class of pharmaceuticals and a paradigmatic genomic response model. We assay GC-responsive regulatory activity across >108 unique DNA fragments, covering the human genome at >50×. Those assays directly detected thousands of GC-responsive regulatory elements genome-wide. We then validate those findings with measurements of transcription factor occupancy, histone modifications, chromatin accessibility, and gene expression. We also detect allele-specific environmental responses. Notably, the assays did not require knowledge of GC response mechanisms. Thus, this technology can be used to agnostically quantify genomic responses for which the underlying mechanism remains unknown.
TGNap1 is required for microtubule-dependent homeostasis of a subpopulation of the plant trans-Golgi network
Authors: Renna Luciana , Stefano Giovanni , Slabaugh Erin , Wormsbaecher Clarissa , Sulpizio Alan , Zienkiewicz Krzysztof , Brandizzi Federica
Published: December 2018

Defining convergent and divergent mechanisms underlying the biogenesis and function of endomembrane organelles is fundamentally important in cell biology. In all eukaryotes, the Trans-Golgi Network (TGN) is the hub where the exocytic and endocytic pathways converge. To gain knowledge in the mechanisms underlying TGN biogenesis and function, we characterized TGNap1, a protein encoded by a plant gene of unknown function conserved with metazoans. We demonstrate that TGNap1 is a TGN protein required for the homeostasis of biosynthetic and endocytic traffic pathways. We also show that TGNap1 binds Rab6, YIP4 and microtubules. Finally, we establish that TGNap1 contributes to microtubule-dependent biogenesis, tracking and function of a TGN subset, likely through interaction with Rab6 and YIP4. Our results identify an important trafficking determinant at the plant TGN and reveal an unexpected reliance of post-Golgi traffic homeostasis and organelle biogenesis on microtubules in plants.
Implication for alphavirus host-cell entry and assembly indicated by a 3.5Å resolution cryo-EM structure
Authors: Chen Lihong , Wang Ming , Zhu Dongjie , Sun Zhenzhao , Ma Jun , Wang Jinglin , Kong Lingfei , Wang Shida , Liu Zaisi , Wei Lili , He Yuwen , Wang Jingfei , Zhang Xinzheng
Published: December 2018

Alphaviruses are enveloped RNA viruses that contain several human pathogens. Due to intrinsic heterogeneity of alphavirus particles, a high resolution structure of the virion is currently lacking. Here we provide a 3.5 Å cryo-EM structure of Sindbis virus, using block based reconstruction method that overcomes the heterogeneity problem. Our structural analysis identifies a number of conserved residues that play pivotal roles in the virus life cycle. We identify a hydrophobic pocket in the subdomain D of E2 protein that is stabilized by an unknown pocket factor near the viral membrane. Residues in the pocket are conserved in different alphaviruses. The pocket strengthens the interactions of the E1/E2 heterodimer and may facilitate virus assembly. Our study provides structural insights into alphaviruses that may inform the design of drugs and vaccines.
Spike-timing-dependent plasticity learning of coincidence detection with passively integrated memristive circuits
Authors: Prezioso M. , Mahmoodi M. R. , Bayat F. Merrikh , Nili H. , Kim H. , Vincent A. , Strukov D. B.
Published: December 2018

Spiking neural networks, the most realistic artificial representation of biological nervous systems, are promising due to their inherent local training rules that enable low-overhead online learning, and energy-efficient information encoding. Their downside is more demanding functionality of the artificial synapses, notably including spike-timing-dependent plasticity, which makes their compact efficient hardware implementation challenging with conventional device technologies. Recent work showed that memristors are excellent candidates for artificial synapses, although reports of even simple neuromorphic systems are still very rare. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate coincidence detection using a spiking neural network, implemented with passively integrated metal-oxide memristive synapses connected to an analogue leaky-integrate-and-fire silicon neuron. By employing spike-timing-dependent plasticity learning, the network is able to robustly detect the coincidence by selectively increasing the synaptic efficacies corresponding to the synchronized inputs. Not surprisingly, our results indicate that device-to-device variation is the main challenge towards realization of more complex spiking networks.
miR-122 removal in the liver activates imprinted microRNAs and enables more effective microRNA-mediated gene repression
Authors: Valdmanis Paul N. , Kim Hak Kyun , Chu Kirk , Zhang Feijie , Xu Jianpeng , Munding Elizabeth M. , Shen Jia , Kay Mark A.
Published: December 2018

miR-122 is a highly expressed liver microRNA that is activated perinatally and aids in regulating cholesterol metabolism and promoting terminal differentiation of hepatocytes. Disrupting expression of miR-122 can re-activate embryo-expressed adult-silenced genes, ultimately leading to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here we interrogate the liver transcriptome at various time points after genomic excision of miR-122 to determine the cellular consequences leading to oncogenesis. Loss of miR-122 leads to specific and progressive increases in expression of imprinted clusters of microRNAs and mRNA transcripts at the Igf2 and Dlk1-Dio3 loci that could be curbed by re-introduction of exogenous miR-122. mRNA targets of other abundant hepatic microRNAs are functionally repressed leading to widespread hepatic transcriptional de-regulation. Together, this reveals a transcriptomic framework for the hepatic response to loss of miR-122 and the outcome on other microRNAs and their cognate gene targets.
Hierarchical quantum classifiers
Authors: Grant Edward , Benedetti Marcello , Cao Shuxiang , Hallam Andrew , Lockhart Joshua , Stojevic Vid , Green Andrew G. , Severini Simone
Published: December 2018

Quantum circuits with hierarchical structure have been used to perform binary classification of classical data encoded in a quantum state. We demonstrate that more expressive circuits in the same family achieve better accuracy and can be used to classify highly entangled quantum states, for which there is no known efficient classical method. We compare performance for several different parameterizations on two classical machine learning datasets, Iris and MNIST, and on a synthetic dataset of quantum states. Finally, we demonstrate that performance is robust to noise and deploy an Iris dataset classifier on the ibmqx4 quantum computer.
Serum alkaline phosphatase relates to cardiovascular risk markers in children with high calcium-phosphorus product
Authors: Xargay-Torrent Sílvia , Espuña-Capote Núria , Montesinos-Costa Mercè , Prats-Puig Anna , Carreras-Badosa Gemma , Díaz-Roldán Ferran , De Zegher Francis , Ibáñez Lourdes , Bassols Judit , López-Bermejo Abel
Published: December 2018

Although alkaline phosphatase (ALP) correlates with cardiovascular risk in adults, there are no studies in children. We evaluated the association between serum ALP levels, calcium-phosphorus product (Ca*P) and cardiovascular risk markers in healthy children. Children aged 7.9 ± 1.4 (n = 379) were recruited in this cross-sectional study. The main outcome measures were systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). Additional assessments were body-mass index (BMI), waist circumference, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and fasting lipids, ALP, serum calcium, phosphorus and Ca*P. ALP was directly correlated with BMI (p < 0.0001), waist circumference (p < 0.0001), SBP (p < 0.0001), cIMT (p = 0.005), HOMA-IR (p < 0.0001), and fasting triglycerides (p = 0.0001). Among them, in children with Ca*P values above the median the associations were BMI (r = 0.231; p = 0.001), waist (r = 0.252; p < 0.0001), SBP (r = 0.324; p < 0.0001), cIMT (r = 0.248; p = 0.001) and HOMA-IR (r = 0.291; p < 0.0001)]. ALP independently associated with SBP (β = 0.290, p < 0.001) and cIMT (β = 0.179, p = 0.013) in children with higher Ca*P, after adjusting for confounding variables. Circulating ALP is associated with a more adverse cardiovascular profile in children with higher Ca*P. We suggest that serum ALP and Ca*P levels could contribute to the assessment of risk for cardiovascular disease in children.
Nanopore-based detection and characterization of yam viruses
Authors: Filloux Denis , Fernandez Emmanuel , Loire Etienne , Claude Lisa , Galzi Serge , Candresse Thierry , Winter Stephan , Jeeva M. L. , Makeshkumar T. , Martin Darren P. , Roumagnac Philippe
Published: December 2018

We here assessed the capability of the MinION sequencing approach to detect and characterize viruses infecting a water yam plant. This sequencing platform consistently revealed the presence of several plant virus species, including Dioscorea bacilliform virus, Yam mild mosaic virus and Yam chlorotic necrosis virus. A potentially novel ampelovirus was also detected by a complimentary Illumina sequencing approach. The full-length genome sequence of yam chlorotic necrosis virus was determined using Sanger sequencing, which enabled determination of the coverage and sequencing accuracy of the MinION technology. Whereas the total mean sequencing error rate of yam chlorotic necrosis virus-related MinION reads was 11.25%, we show that the consensus sequence obtained either by de novo assembly or after mapping the MinION reads on the virus genomic sequence was >99.8% identical with the Sanger-derived reference sequence. From the perspective of potential plant disease diagnostic applications of MinION sequencing, these degrees of sequencing accuracy demonstrate that the MinION approach can be used to both reliably detect and accurately sequence nearly full-length positive-sense single-strand polyadenylated RNA plant virus genomes.
Photonic topological phases in dispersive metamaterials
Authors: Yu You-Zhong , Chern Ruey-Lin
Published: December 2018

We analyze the photonic topological phases in dispersive metamaterials which satisfy the degenerate condition at a reference frequency. The electromagnetic duality allows for the hybrid modes to be decoupled and described by the spin-orbit Hamiltonians with pseudospin 1, which result in nonzero spin Chern numbers that characterize the topological phases. In particular, the combined Hamiltonian of the hybrid modes complies with a fermionic-like pseudo time-reversal symmetry that ensures the Kramers degeneracy, leading to the topological protection of helical edge states. The transverse spin generated by the evanescent surface waves is perpendicular to the wave vector, which exhibits the spin-momentum locking as in the surface states for three-dimensional topological insulators. The topological properties of the helical edge states are further illustrated with the robust transport of a pair of counterpropagating surface waves with opposite polarization handedness at an irregular boundary of the metamaterial.
Manganese catalyzed α-methylation of ketones with methanol as a C1 source
Authors: Bruneau-Voisine Antoine , Pallova Lenka , Bastin Stéphanie , César Vincent , Sortais Jean-Baptiste
Published: December 2018

The direct α-methylation of ketones with methanol under hydrogen borrowing conditions using a well-defined manganese PN3P pre-catalyst was, for the first time, achieved.
Construction of functional coordination polymers derived from designed flexible bis(4-carboxybenzyl)amine
Authors: Zhang Xiutang , Chen Hongtai , Li Bin , Liu Guangzeng , Liu Xinzheng
Published: December 2018

A series of coordination polymers (CPs) have been constructed from bis(4-carboxybenzyl)amine and a series of bis(imidazole) linkers. Luminescence sensing measurements indicate that two zinc-based CPs both show highly selective and sensitive sensing for acetone and Cr2O72−/CrO42−.
Single crystal growth of BaZrO3 from the melt at 2700 °C using optical floating zone technique and growth prospects from BaB2O4 flux at 1350 °C
Authors: Xin Cong , Veber Philippe , Guennou Mael , Toulouse Constance , Valle Nathalie , Ciomaga Hatnean Monica , Balakrishnan Geetha , Haumont Raphael , Saint Martin Romuald , Velazquez Matias , Maillard Alain , Rytz Daniel , Josse Michael , Maglione Mario , Kreisel Jens
Published: December 2018

Growth of BaZrO3 crystals at 2700 °C in a mirror furnace and growth prospects at 1350 °C using BaB2O4 flux are reported.
Femtosecond infrared spectroscopy of chlorophyll f-containing photosystem I
Authors: Zamzam Noura , Kaucikas Marius , Nürnberg Dennis J. , Rutherford A. William , van Thor Jasper J.
Published: December 2018

Femtosecond time resolved infrared spectroscopy of far-red light grown photosystem I shows chlorophyll f contributions in light harvesting and charge separation.
Optical properties of pyridine adsorbed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Mokkath Junais Habeeb
Published: December 2018

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the molecular version of graphene, having edges saturated with hydrogen atoms, have recently emerged as a novel nanoplasmonic material.
Impact of morphology, side-chains, and crystallinity on charge-transport properties of π-extended double helicenes
Authors: Yavuz Ilhan , Lin Janice B. , Houk K. N.
Published: December 2018

We report a computational study on the effect of side-chain substitution, heteroaromatic substitution and unique crystal packing on the charge transport and mobility of three double helicene molecules.
Three viologen-derived Zn-organic materials: photochromism, photomodulated fluorescence, and inkless and erasable prints
Authors: Shi Qing , Wu Shi-Yu , Qiu Xing-Tai , Sun Yan-Qiong , Zheng Shou-Tian
Published: December 2018

Three zinc–viologen materials exhibit reversible photochromism, photomodulated fluorescence and the capability as inkless and erasable print media.
Transition metal-induced dehydrogenative coupling of zinc hydrides
Authors: Chen Min , Jiang Shengjie , Maron Laurent , Xu Xin
Published: December 2018

Transition metal-induced dehydrogenative homocoupling of zinc(ii) hydrides to a zinc–zinc bonded complex has been achieved.
Characterization and implications of solids associated with hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water from the Duvernay Formation, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Flynn Shannon L. , von Gunten Konstantin , Warchola Tyler , Snihur Katherine , Forbes Tori Z. , Goss Greg G. , Gingras Murray K. , Konhauser Kurt O. , Alessi Daniel S.
Published: December 2018

Identifying the solids in flowback and produced water will improve treatment and reduce environmental risks.
A triple tandem columns extraction chromatography method for isolation of highly purified neodymium prior to 143Nd/144Nd and 142Nd/144Nd isotope ratios determinations
Authors: Pin Christian , Gannoun Abdelmouhcine
Published: December 2018

A new separation scheme is presented for the isolation of Nd fractions highly purified from adjacent lanthanides, especially Ce and Pr, in preparation to demanding isotope ratios applications, e.g. determination of 142Nd/144Nd, or measurement of 143Nd/144Nd on very small samples by using NdO+ ion beams.
Natural gas vaporization in a nanoscale throat connected model of shale: multi-scale, multi-component and multi-phase
Authors: Jatukaran Arnav , Zhong Junjie , Abedini Ali , Sherbatian Atena , Zhao Yinuo , Jin Zhehui , Mostowfi Farshid , Sinton David
Published: December 2018

Production of hydrocarbons from shale is a complex process that necessitates the extraction of multi-component hydrocarbons trapped in multi-scale nanopores.
Design and characterization of a heterocyclic electrophilic fragment library for the discovery of cysteine-targeted covalent inhibitors
Authors: Keeley A. , Ábrányi-Balogh P. , Keserű G. M.
Published: December 2018

A fragment library of electrophilic small heterocycles was characterized through cysteine-reactivity and aqueous stability tests that suggested their potential as covalent warheads.
Air cathode of zinc–air batteries: a highly efficient and durable aerogel catalyst for oxygen reduction
Authors: Zhang Lijie , Yang Xianfeng , Cai Rongsheng , Chen Chengmeng , Xia Yanzhi , Zhang Huawei , Yang Dongjiang , Yao Xiangdong
Published: December 2018

Encapsulated Co3O4@Co nanoparticles assembled on N-doped r-GO aerogels with high ORR and ZAB performances are synthesized via a biomass conversion strategy.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of fluorinated analogues of ripostatin A
Authors: Shenderman Vladyslav , Prusov Evgeny V.
Published: December 2018

A last stage click-chemistry approach to synthesize the heterocycle-containing derivatives of fluorinated ripostatin A was developed.
Effect of metal chlorides on glucose mutarotation and possible implications on humin formation
Authors: Ramesh Pranav , Kritikos Athanasios , Tsilomelekis George
Published: December 2018

An in situ Raman spectroscopic kinetic study of the glucose mutarotation reaction in the presence of Lewis acids is presented herein. The effect of Lewis acids on humin formation reactions is also discussed.
Antisense oligonucleotides targeting angiotensinogen: insights from animal studies
Authors: Wu Chia-Hua , Wang Ya , Ma Murong , Mullick Adam E. , Crooke Rosanne M. , Graham Mark J. , Daugherty Alan , Lu Hong S.
Published: December 2018

Angiotensinogen (AGT) is the unique substrate of all angiotensin peptides. We review the recent preclinical research of AGT antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), a rapidly evolving therapeutic approach. The scope of the research findings not only opens doors for potentially new therapeutics of hypertension and many other diseases, but also provides insights into understanding critical physiological and pathophysiological roles mediated by AGT.
Age Effects on Concurrent Speech Segregation by Onset Asynchrony
Authors: Stuckenberg Maria V. , Nayak Chaitra V. , Meyer Bernd T. , Völker Christoph , Hohmann Volker , Bendixen Alexandra
Published: December 2018

Purpose

For elderly listeners, it is more challenging to listen to 1 voice surrounded by other voices than for young listeners. This could be caused by a reduced ability to use acoustic cues—such as slight differences in onset time—for the segregation of concurrent speech signals. Here, we study whether the ability to benefit from onset asynchrony differs between young (18–33 years) and elderly (55–74 years) listeners.

Method

We investigated young (normal hearing,
N
= 20) and elderly (mildly hearing impaired,
N
= 26) listeners' ability to segregate 2 vowels with onset asynchronies ranging from 20 to 100 ms. Behavioral measures were complemented by a specific event-related brain potential component, the object-related negativity, indicating the perception of 2 distinct auditory objects.

Results

Elderly listeners' behavioral performance (identification accuracy of the 2 vowels) was considerably poorer than young listeners'. However, both age groups showed the same amount of improvement with increasing onset asynchrony. Object-related negativity amplitude also increased similarly in both age groups.

Conclusion

Both age groups benefit to a similar extent from onset asynchrony as a cue for concurrent speech segregation during active (behavioral measurement) and during passive (electroencephalographic measurement) listening.
Gaia Data Release 2
Authors: Marrese P. M. , Marinoni S. , Fabrizio M. , Altavilla G.
Published: December 2018

Context. Although the Gaia catalogue on its own is a very powerful tool, it is the combination of this high-accuracy archive with other archives that will truly open up amazing possibilities for astronomical research. The advanced interoperation of archives is based on cross-matching, leaving the user with the feeling of working with one single data archive. The data retrieval should work not only across data archives but also across wavelength domains. The first step for a seamless access to the data is the computation of the cross-match between Gaia and external surveys.

Aims. We describe the adopted algorithms and results of the pre-computed cross-match of the Gaia Data Release 2 (DR2) catalogue with dense surveys (Pan-STARRS1 DR1, 2MASS, SDSS DR9, GSC 2.3, URAT-1, allWISE, PPMXL, and APASS DR9) and sparse catalogues (HIPPARCOS2, Tycho-2, and RAVE 5).

Methods. A new algorithm is developed specifically for sparse catalogues. Improvements and changes with respect to the algorithm adopted for DR1 are described in detail.

Results. The outputs of the cross-match are part of the official Gaia DR2 catalogue. The global analysis of the cross-match results is also presented.
Aamks: the platform for assessing fire safety of humans in buildings
Authors: Kre´nski Karol , Fliszkiewicz Mateusz
Published: December 2018

We introduce an open-source software for fire risk assessment named Aamks. We provide a brief overview of the following aspects of the platform: the motivation for creating Aamks, the architecture of the platform, the user interface, the intended workflow for conducting fire safety analyses, the probabilistic approach to fire risk assessment, the geometry processing, the reasoning from the topology of the building (i.e. automatic planning of exit routes), the interactions amongst the moving evacuees, the impact of smoke on humans and finally the results and the visualization.
Analysis of minimum ignition temperature of pellet dust layer and cloud due to adding BC and ABC fire extinguishing powders
Authors: Kukfisz Bożena
Published: December 2018

The paper describes the impact of adding fire extinguishing powders acting based on oxygen or flame on values of minimum ignition temperatures of the layer and cloud of pellet dust, and as a consequence the impact or lack of impact on values of maximum admissible temperature on external surfaces of electrical appliances working in their atmospheres. Tests were conducted of the minimum ignition temperature of layer and cloud of the agro armakow pellet dust and the agro jesień pellet dust, with and without additives of fire extinguishing powders BC Jet, BC LB2, ABC 90 and Ogniotex 103 at concentrations ranging from 5 to 70% by weight of powder contents in the mixture. Based on obtained test results it has been ascertained that type ABC powders appear to be much more effective than those type BC, because they have a much bigger impact on increasing the minimum ignition temperature of the layer and the cloud of analysed dust types. Adding only 15% of ABC 90 extinguishing powder to the agro jesień pellet has caused an increase in the minimum ignition temperature of dust layer by 80°C. The BC LB2 powder with agro armakow pellet dust has not been found to cause any changes, even at its concentration as high as 70%. The most optimum additive of powder to the biomass dust was 10% by weight of ABC powder in the mixture. At this concentration the highest increase was recorded in the maximum admissible temperature on the outer surface of electrical appliances from 235°C to 273°C.
Analysis of susceptibility of peat on its spontaneous heating and self-ignition properties
Authors: Półka Marzena
Published: December 2018

The objective of the paper was to review and to assess the propensity of selected peat dusts to self-ignite. A comparison was carried out of the impact that the volume of dust storage exerts on values of the self-ignition temperature. The necessity of increasing peat share in generation of energy forced the investors to re-design or create from scratch a new technology. Due to differences between combustion of the fuel - biomass and coal - also the safety issues required a completely new approach. Therefore, this article presents factors that affect spontaneous heating and self-ignition of peat on its self-ignition properties when stored in bulk. The values of experimentally determined temperatures of self-ignition for peat are included. The research was performed in compliance with methods specified in PN-EN 15188:2009. The were used three types of dusts having varying crushing levels and level acidity. Based on the analysis of results, it was determined that analysing the self-ignition tendency of the examined dusts is of informative nature and it can differ from the actual conditions prevailing when stockpiling the examined peat dusts.
Comparison of Risk Categorization Methods in a Multisimulation Framework
Authors: Krasuski Adam , Kuziora Łukasz
Published: December 2018

In this article, we discuss various methods for risk categorization. We consider a statistical decision theory-based method, risk matrices, derivation of the risk acceptance level from fire data, and a comparative study. The values of risk used in the categorization process derive from multisimulation - a probabilistic fire risk assessment method. Following the theoretical description of the methods, a case study of a five story hotel building 20.000 m2is elaborated and discussed as proof of concept. Based on the case study we reveal the shortcomings of the methods compared.
Determining the causes of failure of the distillation column for the esterification of n-butanol with acetic acid
Authors: Parzych Sławomir , Gucwa Marek
Published: December 2018

The aim of the work is to determine the causes of corrosion of the distillation column from material 1.4571 (316Ti) in which acetic acid was produced. The column underwent a rapid and significant wear in a very short time during exploitation. To determine the causes of the failure, samples for testing were cut out of the components of the used distillation column. In the first test chemical analysis of the individual elements was carried out in order to specify the type of steel out of which they were made. The next step was to examine the structure of these elements and to perform microanalysis of the chemical composition of ferrite and austenite. After the completion and analysis of all necessary tests, conclusions were formulated to explain the causes of material consumption.
Increased effectiveness of firefighting during internal fires with the use of positive pressure attack
Authors: Łapicz Marcin , Makowski Radosław , Jędrzejas Jarosław
Published: December 2018

Internal fire carries a real threat to health and life, not only of the injured people inside but also rescuers. This is due to the impact of toxic gases, as well as the possibility of dynamic and at the same time dangerous fire phenomena. Despite the constant progress of knowledge about internal fires and the phenomena governing them, as well as the development of technologies and tactics to fighting them, it is still difficult to locate a fire. Researches carried out over the last years, aimed at improving the effectiveness and quality of firefighting activities in residential areas, have now created the most effective and safe technique known as positive pressure attack. It is based on carrying out extinguishing activities inside a fire-covered room under the cover of air generated by mechanical-positive pressure ventilation. Appropriate execution of this technique is possible only through systematic practical exercises supported by thorough theoretical knowledge in the field of fire development dynamics. Taking into account the latest achievements of specialized research centers in the world, this paper presents and characterizes the most important components of the positive pressure attack aimed at increasing the safety and effectiveness of firefighting operations.
Mathematical modeling of thermal fire effect on tanks with oil products
Authors: Semerak Mykhailo , Pozdeev Sergii , Yakovchuk Roman , Nekora Olga , Sviatkevych Oleksandr
Published: December 2018

The aim of the work is the development of mathematical models for research that allows to determine the ultimate indicators of the thermal effect on tanks with oil products in a fire. A calculation method was developed to implement the calculation for various scenarios for the development of a fire in a tank with oil. After the calculations, the results of mathematical modeling of the temperature on the walls of the reservoir in the conditions of a fire in neighboring reservoirs in the form of temperature distributions were obtained. Analysis of the temperature distributions showed that the most dangerous scenario is when the fire occurs according to scheme No. 3 in the case of burning an oil torch at a temperature of 1500 K. In each case, the maximum temperature of heating the tank wall is almost unaffected by the oil, which is confirmed by the curves of the maximum temperature curves heating of the reservoir wall, depending on the time of fire impact on adjacent tanks. The maximum temperature of the reservoir wall was determined at the place of its connection with the oil product, it is preserved.
Modeling of the process of the extinguishing gas concentration changes in the protected compartment
Authors: Kubica Przemysław , Boroń Sylwia
Published: December 2018

The article discusses the aspect of the fire safety of rooms protected by Fixed Gaseous Extinguishing System (FGE-system). On the basis of a literature study, including the analysis of design standards, it was claimed that analytical models of gas outflow from the compartment ignore some parameters that can affect the process of extinguishing gas concentration changes in time. Correct prediction of the gas flow process may affect the retention time value, which is an important determinant of the fire safety of rooms protected by FGE-system. The density of extinguishing gas was indicated as a parameter with a large potential for extending the retention time. It was noted that the density of gas depends on atmospheric conditions like temperature, pressure and humidity, which are omitted in the standard models. In the research part, the concentration distribution of nitrogen and nitrogen-argon mixtures were analyzed using three methods. Obtained experimental data were compared with analytical calculations using a standard model (model N) and a new proposed model extended by an impact of the atmospheric conditions (model PK). Model PK showed greater accuracy of determining the process of extinguishing gas concentration changes. The new proposed model might be a valuable tool for further analysis of gas flow through the room.
Simulation process of the heat transfer in multilayered structures
Authors: Starodub Yuriy , Veselivskyy Roman , Vasylenko Oleksandr
Published: December 2018

The mathematical model of heat transfer in a metal- expanded polystyrene- metal system is considered in the paper, taking into account the stratification and specificity of heat sources that appear in the process of thermal destruction of expanded polystyrene. Specificity of heat sources is based on the transition of expanded polystyrene from solid to gaseous state during the heating of the prototype in the furnace behind the temperature regime of a standard fire. Considered the problem of the process of nonstationary heat conduction, the simulation was performed taking into account the transition time of expanded polystyrene into the gaseous phase, and also taking into account the time of action of additional heat sources using a numerical scheme based on the finite difference method modelling. The time of the loss of the heat-insulating capacity of the three-layered wall system was determined. A comparative analysis of the results of theoretical and experimental studies to assess their fire resistance was carried out.
The application of CFD software in the explosive hazardous area classification
Authors: Krauze Andrzej
Published: December 2018

This article is devoted to the practical application of CFD Computational Fluid Dynamics software, as a tool helpful in the explosive hazardous area classification. The practical examples will be discussed, which show that use of computer software for the simulation of gas emissions or the simulation of vapors of flammable liquids, allows not only visualization, but also improvement the quality of following conclusions received during the explosive hazardous area classification. The Computational Fluid Dynamics is a branch of physics which deals with solving transport equations for given boundary conditions using numerical methods. The solution is found by dividing the analyzed space into a specified number of small control volumes (cells). At the same time, time period is divided into short steps. Then, for each of the cells at each time step, the transport equations are converted into the system of linear equations. Such systems are solved using appropriate numerical algorithms.
The effectiveness of selected decontamination techniques in the process of decontamination of chemical protection suits used by chemical rescue units in Fire Service
Authors: Salamonowicz Zdzisław , Matuszkiewicz Rafał , Ciuka-Witrylak Małgorzata , Baranowski Dariusz , Chrzęstek Jacek , Biedugnis Stanisław
Published: December 2018

The paper presents research of the process of decontamination of chemical protection suits. The results of the research show the effectiveness of selected decontamination techniques. In experiments took into account the influence of the contaminant, the time of decontamination, the type of the decontamination agent and the use of mechanical support in removing the contaminant. The research has shown how to minimize the negative action of hazardous substances on protective clothing and show the problem of the possibility of secondary contamination. They demonstrate the impact of each factors on the quality of decontamination and showed that small changes in the process of decontamination significantly affect the safety of the rescuer. The key to effective decontamination is the synergy effect of the studied parameters. This approach will allow efficient and effective execution of the decontamination process, minimize the risk of contact between rescuers and the contaminant and prevent secondary contamination.
The use of a cone calorimeter for the preliminary determination of the extinguishing efficiency of bulk materials
Authors: Król Bernard , Konecki Marek , Klakus Mariusz , Ościłowska Barbara
Published: December 2018

Determining the extinguishing effectiveness of extinguishing agents against solid fires is difficult. This is mainly due to the large variety of combustible materials. These difficulties also concern the determination of the effectiveness of various extinguishing agents for gas, fat and metal fires. However, extinguishing tests for liquid fires are defined very precisely. The tests of the effectiveness of powder materials, such as extinguishing powders, are based on relatively simple and methods used to extinguishers testing. It does not eliminate the very significant impact of the human factor on the test effect. A cone calorimeter was used for comparative evaluation of the extinguishing efficiency of bulk materials. For this purpose, bulk materials e.g. salt, sand and dry chemicals were applied to the surface of standard pine wood samples and the differences in their flammability were examined. Based on the analysis of HRR, weight loss curves and time to achieve flame combustion, it was found that a cone calorimeter can be used to pre-assess the effectiveness of extinguishing the dry powders and dry chemicals for solid fires. There were clear differences between chemical and only physical effects.
Peculiarities of Injection Molding Conducting Composites
Authors: Mahyoedin Yovial , Sahari Jaafar , Mukhtar Andanastuti , Mohammad Norhamidi , Iqbal
Published: December 2018

The investigations in this study focused on the characteristic of feedstock in an effort to understand the mechanism of injection molded in composite material. A composite, which has 75% wt. filler, consist of graphite (G), carbon black (CB) and polypropylene copolymer (PP). Twin-screw co-rotating extruder used for mixing materials. The conductivity of the molded parts measured using a four-point probe test procedure. The results showed that the injection molding conducting composites, which aggregated into larger clusters, tended to disperse unevenly into the PP, resulting in fewer particle-particle contacts and, consequently, a lower-conductivity composite in some part of the molded.
The in-plane electrical conductivity: the rotation parameters effect on producing graphite/epoxy composites
Authors: Suherman Hendra , Hamdani Andro , Septe Edi , Yovial  , Irmayani
Published: December 2018

The rotation parameters used to produce graphite/ epoxy composites material is greatly determine the properties of in-plane electrical conductivity. However, the appropriate rotation parameters are different for each composition, conductive materials, and matrix used. In this study, variations of rotation parameters (250 rpm, 350 rpm and 450 rpm) and rotation time (5 min, 10 min and 15 min) with constant molding parameter such as molding temperature (150 0C), molding time (120 minutes) and molding pressure (50 kg / cm2) have been used to produce graphite/epoxy composites. The results showed that the highest in-plane electrical conductivity 65 S/cm on the resulting graphite/epoxy composites.