bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Confirmation of GLRA3 as a susceptibility locus for albuminuria in Finnish patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Sandholm Niina , Haukka Jani K , Toppila Iiro , Valo Erkka , Harjutsalo Valma , Forsblom Carol , Groop Per-Henrik
Published: August 2018

Urinary albumin excretion is an early sign of diabetic kidney disease, affecting every third individual with diabetes. Despite substantial estimated heritability, only variants in the GLRA3 gene have been genome-wide significantly associated (p-value < 5 × 10−8) with diabetic albuminuria, in Finnish individuals with type 1 diabetes; However, replication attempt in non-Finnish Europeans with type 1 diabetes showed nominally significant association in the opposite direction, suggesting a population-specific effect, but simultaneously leaving the finding controversial. In this study, the association between the common rs10011025 variant in the GLRA3 locus, and albuminuria, was confirmed in 1259 independent Finnish individuals with type 1 diabetes (p = 0.0013), and meta-analysis of all Finnish individuals yielded a genome-wide significant association. The association was particularly pronounced in subjects not reaching the treatment target for blood glucose levels (HbA1c > 7%; N = 2560, p = 1.7 × 10−9). Even though further studies are needed to pinpoint the causal variants, dissecting the association at the GLRA3 locus may uncover novel molecular mechanisms for diabetic albuminuria irrespective of population background.
Na/K-ATPase Y260 Phosphorylation–mediated Src Regulation in Control of Aerobic Glycolysis and Tumor Growth
Authors: Banerjee Moumita , Cui Xiaoyu , Li Zhichuan , Yu Hui , Cai Liquan , Jia Xuelian , He Daheng , Wang Chi , Gao Tianyan , Xie Zijian
Published: August 2018

We report here the identification of α1 Na/K-ATPase as a major regulator of the proto-oncogene Src kinase and the role of this regulation in control of Warburg effect and tumor growth. Specifically, we discovered Y260 in α1 Na/K-ATPase as a Src-specific phosphorylation and binding site and that Y260 phosphorylation is required for Src-mediated signal transduction in response to a number of stimuli including EGF. As such, it enables a dynamic control of aerobic glycolysis. However, such regulation appears to be lost or attenuated in human cancers as the expression of Na/K-ATPase α1 was significantly decreased in prostate, breast and kidney cancers, and further reduced in corresponding metastatic lesions in patient samples. Consistently, knockdown of α1 Na/K-ATPase led to a further increase in lactate production and the growth of tumor xenograft. These findings suggest that α1 Na/K-ATPase works as a tumor suppressor and that a loss of Na/K-ATPase-mediated Src regulation may lead to Warburg phenotype in cancer.
Preparation and characterization of Sn/La co-doped TiO2 nanomaterials and their phase transformation and photocatalytic activity
Authors: Zhu Xiaodong , Pei Lingxiu , Zhu Ranran , Jiao Yu , Tang Renyong , Feng Wei
Published: August 2018

The pure, tin (Sn)-doped, lanthanum (La)-doped and Sn/La co-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanomaterials were synthesized using sol-gel method followed by calcination at the temperature of 360 °C, 450 °C and 600 °C, respectively. The structures of the nanomaterials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric (TG), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectrum (EDS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectrum (XPS), Diffuse Reflectance Spectrum (DRS), Photoluminescence Spectrum (PL), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller Measurements (BET), respectively. The photocatalytic property of the photocatalysts under UV light was evaluated through the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB). The results show that the anatase-rutile phase transition is promoted by Sn-doping while La-doping retards the phase transition. However, La doping plays a major role in the process of phase transformation. The photocatalytic activity of pure TiO2 is affected by annealing temperature remarkably and the optimal annealing temperature is 450 °C. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 is enhanced significantly by Sn and La doping at three different temperatures. Sn/La-TiO2 exhibits the highest degradation rates and the fastest reaction rates probably owing to the synergistic effect of Sn4+ and La3+ ions in inhibiting the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. The formation of extra surface hydroxyl groups and additional surface area are also beneficial for the photocatalytic activity.
Acute Physical Activity Enhances Executive Functions in Children with ADHD
Authors: Benzing Valentin , Chang Yu-Kai , Schmidt Mirko
Published: August 2018

Acute physical activity of moderate to vigorous intensity has been shown to improve cognitive functions in children. However, the empirical evidence associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children is still limited, in particular regarding which specific cognitive functions benefit. This study investigated the effects of an acute bout of physical activity on multiple aspects of executive functions (inhibition, switching, and visual working memory) in children with ADHD. Forty-six children (8–12 years old; 82.6% boys) were randomly assigned to either 15 minutes of acute exergaming (physical activity of moderate intensity) or to a control condition (sedentary). Executive function performance in inhibition, switching and visual working memory were assessed before and after each condition, using a modified version of both the Flanker and the Color Span Backwards Task. The results revealed that participants in the exergaming group performed significantly faster than those in the control group in terms of both inhibition and switching, but there was no significant difference in the accuracy of the two tasks nor in visual working memory performance. These findings suggest that acute physical activity utilizing exergaming has the potential to improve specific aspects of executive functions (reaction times in inhibition and switching) in children with ADHD.
Complementary iTRAQ-based proteomic and RNA sequencing-based transcriptomic analyses reveal a complex network regulating pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit peel colour
Authors: Luo Xiang , Cao Da , Li Haoxian , Zhao Diguang , Xue Hui , Niu Juan , Chen Lina , Zhang Fuhong , Cao Shangyin
Published: August 2018

Peel colour is an important factor affecting the marketability of pomegranate fruits. Therefore, elucidating the genetic mechanism of fruit peel colour development may be useful for breeding pomegranate cultivars with enhanced fruit peel colours. In this study, we combined an iTRAQ-based proteome-level analysis with an RNA sequencing-based transcriptome-level analysis to detect the proteins and genes related to fruit peel colour development in pomegranate. We analysed the ‘Tunisia’ (red fruit) and ‘White’ (white fruit) pomegranate cultivars at two stages of fruit development. A total of 27 differentially abundant proteins (increased abundance) and 54 differentially expressed genes (16 up-regulated and 38 down-regulated) were identified from our proteomics and transcriptomics data. The identified proteins and genes contribute to pomegranate fruit peel colour by participating in the biosynthesis of anthocyanins, stilbenoids, diarylheptanoids, gingerols, flavonoids, and phenylpropanoids. Several candidate proteins and genes corresponded to enzymes related to general reactions (PAL, 4CL, DFR, LDOX/ANS, CHS, and F3′5′H) and glycosylation (GT1 and UGAT) of compounds and pigments related to the colour of pomegranate fruit peel. Complementary proteome- and transcriptome-level analyses revealed a complex molecular network controlling fruit peel colour. The candidate genes identified in this study may be useful for the marker-based breeding of new pomegranate cultivars.
A novel ZIC3 gene mutation identified in patients with heterotaxy and congenital heart disease
Authors: Li Shuolin , Liu Sida , Chen Weicheng , Yuan Yuan , Gu Ruoyi , Song Yangliu , Li Jian , Cao Yinyin , Lin Yixiang , Xu Jun , Wang Huijun , Ma Duan , Ma Xiaojing , Sheng Wei , Huang Guoying
Published: August 2018

Heterotaxy syndrome (HTX) is characterized by left-right (LR) asymmetry disturbances associated with severe heart malformations. However, the exact genetic cause of HTX pathogenesis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the pathogenic mechanism underlying heterotaxy syndrome. Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed for twenty-two candidate genes correlated with LR axis development in sixty-six HTX patients from unrelated families. Variants were filtered from databases and predicted in silico using prediction programs. A total of twenty-one potential disease-causing variants were identified in seven genes. Next, we used Sanger sequencing to confirm the identified variants in the family pedigree and found a novel hemizygous mutation (c.890G > T, p.C297F) in the ZIC3 gene in a male patient that was inherited from his mother, who was a carrier. The results of functional indicated that this ZIC3 mutation decreases transcriptional activity, affects the affinity of the GLI-binding site and results in aberrant cellular localization in transfected cells. Moreover, morpholino-knockdown experiments in zebrafish demonstrated that zic3 mutant mRNA failed to rescue the abnormal phenotype, suggesting a role for the novel ZIC3 mutation in heterotaxy syndrome.
Inflammation is a key contributor to ovarian cancer cell seeding
Authors: Jia Dongyu , Nagaoka Yoshiko , Katsumata Makoto , Orsulic Sandra
Published: August 2018

The incidence of ovarian cancer dramatically increases in early menopause but the factors contributing to cancer onset are unclear. Most ovarian cancers originate in the fallopian tube with subsequent implantation of malignant cells into the ovary. However, the events and conditions that lead to cancer cell implantation are unknown. To quantify which conditions are conducive to the seeding of cancer cells in an immunocompetent mouse model, we surgically implanted mouse ovarian cancer cells into the oviducts of syngeneic mice and simulated conditions associated with ovulatory wound repair, incessant ovulation, ovarian surface scarring, and aging. We found that the dominant site of cancer cell seeding was not the ovary but the nearby surgical wound site, which was associated with a strong and persistent inflammatory reaction. Conditions in the ovary associated with inflammation, such as acute ovulatory wound repair, active healing of the scarred ovarian surface, and mouse aging, contributed to increased seeding of the cancer cells to the surgical wound site and tissues surrounding the ovary. Changes in the ovary not accompanied by inflammation, such as completed ovulatory cycles and fully-healed scars on the ovarian surface, did not contribute to increased cancer cell seeding. We conclude that inflammation is the most likely mechanism by which ovulation and postmenopausal events contribute to the increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Development and Validation of the Computerised Adaptive Beat Alignment Test (CA-BAT)
Authors: Harrison Peter M. C. , Müllensiefen Daniel
Published: August 2018

Beat perception is increasingly being recognised as a fundamental musical ability. A number of psychometric instruments have been developed to assess this ability, but these tests do not take advantage of modern psychometric techniques, and rarely receive systematic validation. The present research addresses this gap in the literature by developing and validating a new test, the Computerised Adaptive Beat Alignment Test (CA-BAT), a variant of the Beat Alignment Test (BAT) that leverages recent advances in psychometric theory, including item response theory, adaptive testing, and automatic item generation. The test is constructed and validated in four empirical studies. The results support the reliability and validity of the CA-BAT for laboratory testing, but suggest that the test is not well-suited to online testing, owing to its reliance on fine perceptual discrimination.
Assessing animal affect: an automated and self-initiated judgement bias task based on natural investigative behaviour
Authors: Jones Samantha , Neville Vikki , Higgs Laura , Paul Elizabeth S. , Dayan Peter , Robinson Emma S. J. , Mendl Michael
Published: August 2018

Scientific methods for assessing animal affect, especially affective valence (positivity or negativity), allow us to evaluate animal welfare and the effectiveness of 3Rs Refinements designed to improve wellbeing. Judgement bias tasks measure valence; however, task-training may be lengthy and/or require significant time from researchers. Here we develop an automated and self-initiated judgement bias task for rats which capitalises on their natural investigative behaviour. Rats insert their noses into a food trough to start trials. They then hear a tone and learn either to stay for 2 s to receive a food reward or to withdraw promptly to avoid an air-puff. Which contingency applies is signalled by two different tones. Judgement bias is measured by responses to intermediate ambiguous tones. In two experiments we show that rats learn the task in fewer sessions than other automated variants, generalise responses across ambiguous tones as expected, self-initiate 4–5 trials/min, and can be tested repeatedly. Affect manipulations generate main effect trends in the predicted directions, although not localised to ambiguous tones, so further construct validation is required. We also find that tone-reinforcer pairings and reinforcement or non-reinforcement of ambiguous trials can affect responses to ambiguity. This translatable task should facilitate more widespread uptake of judgement bias testing.
The threshold for the McGurk effect in audio-visual noise decreases with development
Authors: Hirst Rebecca J. , Stacey Jemaine E. , Cragg Lucy , Stacey Paula C. , Allen Harriet A.
Published: August 2018

Across development, vision increasingly influences audio-visual perception. This is evidenced in illusions such as the McGurk effect, in which a seen mouth movement changes the perceived sound. The current paper assessed the effects of manipulating the clarity of the heard and seen signal upon the McGurk effect in children aged 3–6 (n = 29), 7–9 (n = 32) and 10–12 (n = 29) years, and adults aged 20–35 years (n = 32). Auditory noise increased, and visual blur decreased, the likelihood of vision changing auditory perception. Based upon a proposed developmental shift from auditory to visual dominance we predicted that younger children would be less susceptible to McGurk responses, and that adults would continue to be influenced by vision in higher levels of visual noise and with less auditory noise. Susceptibility to the McGurk effect was higher in adults compared with 3–6-year-olds and 7–9-year-olds but not 10–12-year-olds. Younger children required more auditory noise, and less visual noise, than adults to induce McGurk responses (i.e. adults and older children were more easily influenced by vision). Reduced susceptibility in childhood supports the theory that sensory dominance shifts across development and reaches adult-like levels by 10 years of age.
Accelerated triacylglycerol production without growth inhibition by overexpression of a glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase in the unicellular red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae
Authors: Fukuda Satoshi , Hirasawa Eri , Takemura Tokiaki , Takahashi Sota , Chokshi Kaumeel , Pancha Imran , Tanaka Kan , Imamura Sousuke
Published: August 2018

Microalgae accumulate triacylglycerols (TAGs), a promising feedstock for biodiesel production, under unfavorable environmental or stress conditions for their growth. Our previous analyses revealed that only transcripts of CmGPAT1 and CmGPAT2, both encoding glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase, were increased among fatty acid and TAG synthesis genes under TAG accumulation conditions in the red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae. In this study, to investigate the role of these proteins in TAG accumulation in C. merolae, we constructed FLAG-fused CmGPAT1 and CmGPAT2 overexpression strains. We found that CmGPAT1 overexpression resulted in marked accumulation of TAG even under normal growth conditions, with the maximum TAG productivity increased 56.1-fold compared with the control strain, without a negative impact on algal growth. The relative fatty acid composition of 18:2 in the TAGs and the sn−1/sn−3 positions were significantly increased compared with the control strain, suggesting that CmGPAT1 had a substrate preference for 18:2. Immunoblot analysis after cell fractionation and immunostaining analysis demonstrated that CmGPAT1 localizes in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). These results indicate that the reaction catalyzed by the ER-localized CmGPAT1 is a rate-limiting step for TAG synthesis in C. merolae, and would be a potential target for improvement of TAG productivity in microalgae.
Self-healing effects in a semi-ordered liquid for stable electronic conversion of high-energy radiation
Authors: Nullmeyer Bradley R. , Kwon Jae W. , Robertson J. David , Garnov Alexander Y.
Published: August 2018

Radiation damage in solid-state semiconductors has, until now, placed strict limitations on the acceptable decay energies of radioisotopes in radiovoltaic cells. Relegation to low-energy beta-emitting isotopes has minimized the power output from these devices and limited the technology’s ability to deliver greater energy densities and longer lifetimes than conventional batteries. We demonstrate the self-healing abilities of a liquid-phase semiconducting alloy which can withstand high-energy alpha radiation. Neutron diffraction of liquid selenium-sulfur shows the liquid phase repairing damage sustained in the irradiation of the solid phase. This self-healing behavior results in long-lived power output in a liquid selenium-sulfur alphavoltaic cell. To the best of our knowledge, this marks the only successful demonstration of resistance to high-energy radiation (>500 keV) in a semiconducting material. This new robustness can potentially allow increases to the available energy density in radiovoltaic cells near 1000 times the current state of the art.
Preattentive and Predictive Processing of Visual Motion
Authors: Schmitt Constanze , Klingenhoefer Steffen , Bremmer Frank
Published: August 2018

Interaction with the environment requires fast and reliable sensory processing. The visual system is confronted with a continuous flow of high-dimensional input (e.g. orientation, color, motion). From a theoretical point of view, it would be advantageous if critical information was processed independent of attentional load, i.e. preattentively. Here, we hypothesized that visual motion is such a critical signal and aimed for a neural signature of its preattentive encoding. Furthermore, we were interested in the neural correlates of predictability of linear motion trajectories based on the presence or absence of preceding motion. We presented a visual oddball paradigm and studied event-related potentials (ERPs). Stimuli were linearly moving Gabor patches that disappeared behind an occluder. The difference between deviant and standard trials was a trajectory change which happened behind the occluder in deviant trials only, inducing a prediction error. As hypothesized, we found a visual mismatch negativity-component over parietal and occipital electrodes. In a further condition, trials without preceding motion were presented in which the patch just appeared from behind the occluder and, hence, was not predictable. We found larger ERP-components for unpredictable stimuli. In summary, our results provide evidence for a preattentive and predictive processing of linear trajectories of visual motion.
Magnetic order and disorder in nanomagnets probed by superconducting vortices
Authors: Rollano V. , del Valle J. , Gomez A. , Velez M. , Alvarez-Prado L. M. , Quiros C. , Martin J. I. , Osorio M. R. , Granados D. , Gonzalez E. M. , Vicent J. L.
Published: August 2018

We have studied two nanomagnet systems with strong (Co/Pd multilayers) and weak (NdCo alloy films) stray magnetic fields by probing the out-of-plane magnetic states with superconducting vortices. The hybrid samples are made of array of nanomagnets embedded in superconducting Nb thin films. The vortex motion detects relevant magnetic state features, since superconducting vortices are able to discriminate between different magnetic stray field strengths and directions. The usual matching effect between the superconducting vortex lattice and the periodic pinning array can be quenched by means of disorder magnetic potentials with strong stray fields at random. Ordered stray fields retrieve the matching effect and yield asymmetry and shift in the vortex dissipation signal. Furthermore vortices can discriminate the sizes of the nanomagnet magnetic domains, detecting magnetic domain sizes as small as 70 nm. In addition, we observe that the vortex cores play the crucial role instead of the supercurrents around the vortex.
Carbon fiber doped thermosetting elastomer for flexible sensors: physical properties and microfabrication
Authors: Khosla Ajit , Shah Shreyas , Shiblee MD Nahin Islam , Mir Sajjad Husain , Nagahara Larry Akio , Thundat Thomas , Shekar Praveen Kumar , Kawakami Masaru , Furukawa Hidemitsu
Published: August 2018

We have developed conductive microstructures using micropatternable and conductive hybrid nanocomposite polymer. In this method carbon fibers (CFs) were blended into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Electrical conductivities of different compositions were investigated with various fiber lengths (50–250 μm), and weight percentages (wt%) (10–60 wt%). Sample composites of 2 cm × 1 cm × 500 μm were fabricated for 4-point probe conductivity measurements. The measured percolation thresholds varied with length of the fibers: 50 wt% (307.7 S/m) for 50 µm, 40 wt% (851.1 S/m) for 150 µm, and 30 wt% (769.23 S/m) for 250 μm fibers. The conductive composites showed higher elastic modulus when compared to that of PDMS.
Co3O4/carbon composite nanofibrous membrane enabled high-efficiency electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Abdalla Ibrahim , Shen Jiali , Yu Jianyong , Li Zhaoling , Ding Bin
Published: August 2018

Electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbing materials have been fabricated from diverse materials such as conductive polymers, carbon based nanostructures and magnetic metal oxides. Nevertheless, it has remained a great challenge to develop lightweight and high-efficiency EM wave absorbing materials with a broad frequency range. Herein, we report a scalable strategy to create Co3O4/carbon composite nanofibrous membrane by electrospinning technique followed by stabilization and carbonization processes. An optimal reflection loss (RL) value of 36.27 dB is reached at 13.76 GHz for a layer of 2 mm thickness. RL exceeding −20 dB can be realized in any interval within the 4.5–14.4 GHz range by selecting a proper thickness of the absorbing layer between 1 and 5 mm. The Co3O4/carbon composite nanofibrous membrane could be well served as promising and attractive candidates for lightweight and enhanced EM wave absorbing materials. This presented research provides an innovative and effective approach to design the novel EM wave absorbing material in a broad frequency range for practical applications.
Expression profiling in a mammalian host reveals the strong induction of genes encoding LysM domain-containing proteins in Enterococcus faecium
Authors: Cacaci Margherita , Giraud Caroline , Leger Loic , Torelli Riccardo , Martini Cecilia , Posteraro Brunella , Palmieri Valentina , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Bugli Francesca , Hartke Axel
Published: August 2018

Enterococcus faecium is an important health care-associated pathogen that is difficult to treat due to the high level of antibiotic resistance of clinical isolates. The identification of new potential therapeutic targets or vaccination strategies is therefore urgently needed. In this regard, we carried out a transcriptomic analysis of the E. faecium vancomycin-resistant strain AUS0004, comparing the gene expression of bacteria grown under laboratory conditions and bacteria isolated from an infection site. This analysis highlighted more than 360 genes potentially induced under infection conditions. Owing to their expression profiles, four LysM domain-containing proteins were characterized in more detail. The EFAU004_01059, 1150 and 494 proteins are highly homologous, whereas EFAU004_01209 has a unique domain-architecture and sequence. The analysis of corresponding mutants showed that all LysM proteins played relevant roles in the infection process of E. faecium in mice. The EFAU004_01209 mutant also displayed profound morphological modifications, suggesting it has a role in cell wall synthesis or cell division. Furthermore, the adhesion to kidney cells and growth of the mutant was affected in human urine. All these phenotypes and the surface exposure of EFAU004_01209 identify this protein as an interesting new drug target in E. faecium.
Efficient loading of ophthalmic drugs with poor loadability into contact lenses using functional comonomers
Authors: Lee Dasom , Lee Nohwook , Kwon Inchan
Published: August 2018

Funtional comonomers with an anionic group substantially enhanced the amount of two ocular antibiotics loaded to contact lenses.
Dynamically resolved self-assembly of S-layer proteins on solid surfaces
Authors: Stel Bart , Cometto Fernando , Rad Behzad , De Yoreo James J. , Lingenfelder Magalí
Published: August 2018

Kinetic pathway in S-layer self-assembly at the solid–liquid interface across time (second to hours) and spatial scales (nm to microns).
Inorganic salt transition states: a stable and highly stretchable elastomer-like phase (ELP) of phosphate salts at the air–solid interface
Authors: Wang Ya , Fu Rongzhan , Duan Zhiguang , Jiang Xijuan , Zhu Chenhui , Fan Daidi
Published: August 2018

An ultra-high stable elastomer-like phase (ELP) of phosphate salts was formed at the air–solid interface of a specially designed substrate, possessing multilayered structures, elasticity and self-healing abilities.
Well-defined palladium–ceria interfacial electronic effects trigger CO oxidation
Authors: Chen Yaxin , Chen Junxiao , Qu Weiye , George Christian , Aouine Mimoun , Vernoux Philippe , Tang Xingfu
Published: August 2018

The electron transfer from Pd cubes to CeO2 rods via the interfaces triggered low-temperature CO oxidation.
Metal–organic frameworks for dye sorption: structure–property relationships and scalable deposition of the membrane adsorber
Authors: Chi Heng-Yu , Hung Shao-Hsiang , Kan Ming-Yang , Lee Li-Wei , Lam Chon Hei , Chen Jiun-Jen , Kang Dun-Yen
Published: August 2018

The metal–organic framework-based membrane adsorber is applied to sorption of dye molecules.
Ion speciation of lithium hexafluorophosphate in dimethyl carbonate solutions: an infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Fulfer Kristen D. , Kuroda Daniel G.
Published: August 2018

The speciation of lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) in dimethyl carbonate as function of the concentration is studied via IR spectroscopy and DFT computations.
Sulfur introduction in V–K/γ-Al2O3 catalyst for high performance in the non-oxidative dehydrogenation of isobutane
Authors: Tian Yu-Peng , Liu Yan-An , Liu Xin-Mei , Yan Zi-Feng
Published: August 2018

Sulfur was introduced, for the first time into V–K/γ-Al2O3 catalysts, due to which their performance in the non-oxidative dehydrogenation of isobutane promoted remarkably.
An assessment of strategies for the development of solid-state adsorbents for vehicular hydrogen storage
Authors: Allendorf Mark D. , Hulvey Zeric , Gennett Thomas , Ahmed Alauddin , Autrey Tom , Camp Jeffrey , Seon Cho Eun , Furukawa Hiroyasu , Haranczyk Maciej , Head-Gordon Martin , Jeong Sohee , Karkamkar Abhi , Liu Di-Jia , Long Jeffrey R. , Meihaus Katie R. , Nayyar Iffat H. , Nazarov Roman , Siegel Donald J. , Stavila Vitalie , Urban Jeffrey J. , Veccham Srimukh Prasad , Wood Brandon C.
Published: August 2018

We assess the strengths and weaknesses of strategies for creating nanoporous hydrogen storage sorbents.
Co-effects of UV/H2O2and natural organic matter on the surface chemistry of cerium oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Wu Xuanhao , Neil Chelsea W. , Kim Doyoon , Jung Haesung , Jun Young-Shin
Published: August 2018

This study delineates the co-effects of UV/H2O2and NOM on the colloidal stability and surface chemical properties of CeO2nanoparticles.
Achieving high-rate hydrogen recovery from wastewater using customizable alginate polymer gel matrices encapsulating biomass
Authors: Zhu Kuang , Arnold William A. , Sakkos Jonathan , Davis Craig Warren , Novak Paige J.
Published: August 2018

Alginate encapsulation matrices selectively retained hydrogen producing biomass, achieving reliable high-rate production of hydrogen at various operating conditions.
Clove attenuates UVB-induced photodamage and repairs skin barrier function in hairless mice
Authors: Hwang Eunson , Lin Pei , Ngo Hien T. T. , Yi Tae-Hoo
Published: August 2018

Syzygium aromaticum L., commonly named clove, is widely used in the food industry due to its antioxidant and antibacterial capabilities.
Additive manufacturing of complex micro-architected graphene aerogels
Authors: Hensleigh Ryan M. , Cui Huachen , Oakdale James S. , Ye Jianchao C. , Campbell Patrick G. , Duoss Eric B. , Spadaccini Christopher M. , Zheng Xiaoyu , Worsley Marcus A.
Published: August 2018

High-resolution 3D printing of intricate graphene aerogel micro-architectures with enhanced mechanical properties at decreasing densities.
Tetraalkylammonium hydroxide-assisted ionothermal synthesis and characterization of LTA-type aluminophosphate zeotypes with high structural stability after detemplation and hydration
Authors: Lin Yutong , Guo Ke , Wang Miao , Tao Shuo , Zhang Ling , Wei Ying
Published: August 2018

AlPO-LTA zeotypes were ionothermally prepared with the assistance of TAAOH through different templating processes, but showing similar high structural stability.
Fresh MoO2 as a better electrode for pseudocapacitive sodium-ion storage
Authors: Zhao Xu , Zhao Yundong , Yang Ying , Liu Zihang , Wang Hong-En , Sui Jiehe , Cai Wei
Published: August 2018

A freshly prepared MoO2 anode with dominant pseudocapacitive sodium-ion storage has been developed for high-rate sodium ion batteries.
Structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of 0.75La0.6Ca0.4MnO3/0.25La0.6Sr0.4MnO3 nanocomposite manganite
Authors: Jeddi M. , Gharsallah H. , Bekri M. , Dhahri E. , Hlil E. K.
Published: August 2018

The present study involves an investigation of structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) properties of a 0.75La0.6Ca0.4MnO3/0.25La0.6Sr0.4MnO3 composite material.
Dihydrogen contacts observed by through-space indirect NMR coupling
Authors: Dračínský Martin , Buchta Michal , Buděšínský Miloš , Vacek-Chocholoušová Jana , Stará Irena G. , Starý Ivo , Malkina Olga L.
Published: August 2018

Through-space NMR indirect couplings between hydrogen atoms formally separated by 18 covalent bonds have been detected. The coupling pathway has been visualised and analysed by computational methods.
Multifunctional carbon dot for lifetime thermal sensing, nucleolus imaging and antialgal activity
Authors: Li Hao , Zhang Mengling , Song Yuxiang , Wang Huibo , Liu Chang'an , Fu Yijun , Huang Hui , Liu Yang , Kang Zhenhui
Published: August 2018

The electrochemical synthesis of multifunctional carbon dots, that are used for a fluorescence-based nanothermometers, nucleolus probe and antialgal agents.
Tuning crystallochromism in diketopyrrolopyrrole-co-thieno[3,2-b]thiophene derivatives by the architecture of their alkyl side chains
Authors: Genevaz Nicolas , Chávez Patricia , Untilova Viktoriia , Boeglin Alex , Bailly Corinne , Karmazin Lydia , Biniek Laure
Published: August 2018

The first evidence of sensitivity to light polarization in TTDPP crystals.
Facile synthesis of 3D flower-like Ni microspheres with enhanced microwave absorption properties
Authors: Liu Dawei , Du Yunchen , Li Zhennan , Wang Yahui , Xu Ping , Zhao Honghong , Wang Fengyuan , Li Chaolong , Han Xijiang
Published: August 2018

Three-dimensional flower-like Ni microspheres with enhanced microwave absorption performance can be easily synthesized through a simple precursor-directed method.
Use of the time constant related parameter fmax to calculate the activation energy of bulk conduction in ferroelectrics
Authors: Yang F. , Li L. , Wu P. , Pradal-Velázquez E. , Pearce H. K. , Sinclair D. C.
Published: August 2018

The use of time constant related parameter fmax to obtain the activation energy for bulk electrical conduction (and any discussion of the possible conduction mechanisms) in ferroelectric materials should be used with caution.
Tinnitus Suppression in Cochlear Implant Patients Using a Sound Therapy App
Authors: Tyler Richard S. , Owen Rachael L. , Bridges Julie , Gander Phillip E. , Perreau Ann , Mancini Patricia C.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The use of acoustic stimuli to reduce the prominence of tinnitus has been used for decades. Counseling and tinnitus sound therapy options are not currently widespread for cochlear implant (CI) users. The goal of this study was to determine whether tinnitus therapy sounds created for individuals with acoustic hearing may also benefit CI users.

Method

Sixteen sounds from the ReSound Relief app (Version 3.0) were selected for the study. Sixteen participants were asked to rate the overall acceptability of each sound and to write the description of the sound they perceived. Sounds were streamed from an Apple™ iPod (6th generation) to the CI using a Cochlear™ Wireless Mini Microphone 2+. Thirteen participants then completed a 5-min trial where they rated their pretrial and posttrial tinnitus and the acceptability of a subset of preferred sounds. Ten out of these 13 participants completed a 2-week home trial with a preferred sound after which they answered an online tinnitus questionnaire and rated the effectiveness of the sound therapy.

Results

Individual differences were large. Results from the 5-min trial showed that sounds perceived as rain, music, and waves were rated the most acceptable. For all of the participants, the posttrial tinnitus loudness rating was lower than the pretrial rating, with some participants experiencing greater difference in their tinnitus loudness than others. At the end of the 2-week home trial, 3 of 10 participants rated the effectiveness of sound therapy 70% or higher.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the use of tinnitus therapy sounds delivered through a CI can be acceptable and provides relief for some tinnitus sufferers.
The Cepheid period–luminosity–metallicity relation based on Gaia DR2 data
Authors: Groenewegen M. A. T.
Published: August 2018

Aims. We use parallax data from the Gaia second data release (GDR2), combined with parallax data based on HIPPARCOS and HST data, to derive the period–luminosity–metallicity (PLZ) relation for Galactic classical cepheids (CCs) in the V, K, and Wesenheit WVK bands.

Methods. An initial sample of 452 CCs are extracted from the literature with spectroscopically derived iron abundances. Reddening values, classifications, pulsation periods, and mean V- and K-band magnitudes are taken from the literature. Based on nine CCs with a goodness-of-fit (GOF) statistic smaller than 8 and with an accurate non-Gaia parallax (σπ comparable to that in GDR2), a parallax zero-point offset of −0.049 ± 0.018 mas is derived. Selecting a GOF statistic smaller than 8 removes about 40% of the sample most likely related due to binarity. Excluding first overtone and multi-mode cepheids and applying some other criteria reduces the sample to about 200 stars.

Results. The derived PL(Z) relations depend strongly on the parallax zero-point offset. The slope of the PL relation is found to be different from the relations in the LMC at the 3σ level. Fixing the slope to the value found in the LMC leads to a distance modulus (DM) to the LMC of order 18.7 mag, larger than the canonical distance. The canonical DM of around 18.5 mag would require a parallax zero-point offset of order −0.1 mas. Given the strong correlation between zero point, period and metallicity dependence of the PL relation, and the parallax zero-point offset there is no evidence for a metallicity term in the PLZ relation.

Conclusions. The GDR2 release does not allow us to improve on the current distance scale based on CCs. The value of and the uncertainty on the parallax zero-point offset leads to uncertainties of order 0.15 mag on the distance scale. The parallax zero-point offset will need to be known at a level of 3 μas or better to have a 0.01 mag or smaller effect on the zero point of the PL relation and the DM to the LMC.
Homogeneous metallicities and radial velocities for Galactic globular clusters
Authors: Vásquez S. , Saviane I. , Held E. V. , Da Costa G. S. , Dias B. , Gullieuszik M. , Barbuy B. , Ortolani S. , Zoccali M.
Published: August 2018

Although the globular clusters in the Milky Way have been studied for a long time, a significant fraction of them lack homogeneous metallicity and radial velocity measurements. In an earlier paper we presented the first part of a project to obtain metallicities and radial velocities of Galactic globular clusters from multiobject spectroscopy of their member stars using the ESO Very Large Telescope. In this paper we add metallicities and radial velocities for a new sample of 28 globular clusters, including in particular globular clusters in the MW halo and the Galactic bulge. Together with our previous results, this study brings the number of globular clusters with homogeneous measurements to ∼69% of those listed in the Harris’ catalogue. As in our previous work, we have used the Ca II triplet lines to derive metallicities and radial velocities. For most of the clusters in this study, this is the first analysis based on spectroscopy of individual member stars. The metallicities derived from the Ca II triplet are then compared to the results of our parallel study based on spectral fitting in the optical region and the implications for different calibrations of the Ca II triplet line strengths are discussed. We also comment on some interesting clusters and investigate the presence of an abundance spread in the globular clusters here. A hint of a possible intrinsic spread is found for NGC 6256, which therefore appears to be a good candidate for further study.
Natural materials in housing construction in view of the current requirements of technical conditions - the content of Primary Energy Input
Authors: Barek Radosław , Mielczyński Tomasz
Published: August 2018

The article presents the reasons for using natural materials in former and contemporary housing construction. The possibilities of shaping contemporary housing architecture with the use of natural (unprocessed or low-processed) building materials in the light of the requirements of the Technical Conditions that should be met by buildings are discussed. The article discusses the results of calculating the U-value for different types of building partitions and the influence of the construction of the partition on the EU index and the cumulative value of Primary Energy Input in a given type of partition.
The history of research and making an inventory of Early Christian, sacred architecture in Old Dongola (Sudan)
Authors: Drab Monika
Published: August 2018

For over fifty years of excavation work a lot of palaces, houses, crypts and a dozen churches and other sacred buildings have been unearthed. Based on excavation work in a Polish archaeological site in Old Dongola (Sudan), different ways of conducting an inventory in desert conditions are presented. Various methods of making an inventory and its advantages and disadvantages were considered as well as using them in such conditions, especially for the purpose of archaeological documentation of Christian sacred architecture.
Polytec - new material and technology
Authors: Juraszek Janusz
Published: August 2018

The paper describes the possible applications of expanded polystyrene (EPS) granulate derived from recycling for the production of prefabricated building units. Test results of a new material called Polytec and its application in the construction industry are presented. The polytec construction system is based on prefabricated large-panel units. An important advantage of the new material is the volume representation of EPS granulate, which reaches up to 60-70%. So far - in order to keep the proper strength of the manufactured structures lightweight, concretes containing up to 40% of EPS were used. Increasing the EPS volume in a mixture containing modified cement mortar increases the thermal insulation of the material and, at the same time, reduces the strength of Polytec units. The higher volume representation of recycling EPS granulate enables effective waste management and allows decreasing the use of natural aggregate in the mixture. This, in turn, contributes to more effective environmental protection and lower carbon dioxide emission. An innovative solution for monitoring the strain of selected elements of the Polytec system was proposed based on optical fiber sensors with Bragg grating. They enable conducting both static and dynamic measurements. The monitoring system was installed in a building made of prefabricated elements.
The R.I.E. procedure as a tool for sustainable development in municipality of Bolzano (Italy)
Authors: Noviello Monika , Zdon-Korzeniowska Małgorzata , Smętkiewicz Karolina
Published: August 2018

Human progress implies in its conception a progressively more invasive intervention in the sphere of nature. Without an endeavour to conciliate progress with the idea of sustainable development, a substantial number of areas, above all the ones recognized as problematic, would be subjected to an important ecological damage. Legal regulations represent the most binding and cogent instrument to relate the idea of sustainable development to man’s will of progress, mirroring the involvement of local authorities in improving the quality of life. The aim of the article is to present positive practices of the application of the R.I.E. procedure (It. Riduzione dell’Impatto Edilizio, En. Reduction of Construction Impact).The implementation of the R.I.E. procedure allows for appropriate solutions to help maintain the highest level of ground permeability. This aspect of new investments’ planning is of fundamental importance, i.e., in areas struggling with the problem of floods or overflows. The present publication adopts the case study method in order to demonstrate the applicability and the positive consequences of the implementation of the R.I.E. procedure as an obligatory tool of the local law practiced since the year 2004 in the Italian municipality of Bolzano.
The sustainable urban design on the example of Oświęcim
Authors: Paprzyca Krystyna
Published: August 2018

The quality of the urban environment determines a lasting relationship between a man and his place of residence. Sustainable management of the urban spaces is crucial as it directly affects their quality. The article analyses the results of the sustainability regarding spatial, socio-economic, technical and environmental aspects, which are one of the many conditions that contribute to the proper functioning of urban life. They also influence the quality of life and residence in the urban environment. There are different ways of expressing the development of the cities defined by specific indicators. They focus mainly on development of the quality of life - social, economic and environmental development. The sustainable urban design is related to issues connected with the form and spatial management. This topic is presented on the example of the city of Oświęcim - the Old Town district with the surrounding area.
Architecture in the process of social inclusion of homeless
Authors: Rybka Adam , Brudnicka Anna
Published: August 2018

The phenomenon of homelessness requires active support to stimulate the actions of socially excluded people in the process of leaving homelessness. The study exemplifies transfer of benefits from the design sector to the social service sector. Shelters or installations for homeless people give them, on the one hand, a chance to survive, on the other, signal of acceptance of their status. Is it necessary to design forms that consolidate their condition or initiate a process whose aim is to overcome the state of homelessness and social inclusion? The paper reveals how to engage homeless populations as clients participating in the design and building process. The study presents a project in the field of natural construction based on straw balls technology. Materials are common, cheap, local and biodegradable. Straw bale technology allows building intentional communities developing in direction of social, economic and environmental sustainability. The project tries to solve the main problems of homelessness through assurance of refuge, inclusion in society, motivation to work and to develop the ability of the homeless to cooperate. The target group can gradually achieve economic independence and become an active part of society.
Concrete production - an application of OC curves in conformity control
Authors: Skrzypczak Izabela
Published: August 2018

The decision on conformity or non-compliance of strength is made on the basis of a comparison of the results of testing of the mean value and minimum value of the compressive strength of concrete with the compliance criterion. This decision is made on the basis of the adopted statistical quality control plan. The quality monitoring of concrete has to be carried out throughout its production process. There are various techniques for the monitoring of quality concrete, namely Control charts: Cusum, Schewart and EWMA Control charts or operational-characteristic (OC) curve and average outgoing quality curve. In the case of concrete quality control, it may be an OC curve of a random sampling plan according to a numerical value or alternative evaluation, or an OC curve of the operational rule for testing concrete strength. The paper presents an analysis and assessment of the risk associated with making the second type of error related to compressive strength of concrete. For analysis, the OC curve of the operational rule for testing concrete strength, with OC curve of the second type of error was used as a function of the actual average compressive strength of the concrete.
The impact of conformity control on the value of the reliability index
Authors: Skrzypczak Izabela , Buda-Ożóg Lidia , Kujda Joanna
Published: August 2018

The article presents the impact of conformity control on the value of the reliability index. The performed reliability analyses were related to the quality of C20 / 25 class concrete verified on the basis of the compliance criteria for a number of samples, n = 3 and n = 15. It was found, that the type of concrete conformity criteria significantly influences the value of the reliability index, especially for the low number of samples n. The level of reliability for concrete construction decreases when the conformity control is carried out for the number of sample n = 3. In any case of doubts concerning the quality of C20 / 25 building concrete, the influence of conformity control for number sample n = 3 should be taken into account, especially the case when the concrete is produced with a standard deviation greater than 4.0 MPa.