bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of repetitive element expression in the blood and skin of patients with Parkinson’s disease identifies differential expression of satellite elements
Authors: Billingsley Kimberley J. , Lättekivi Freddy , Planken Anu , Reimann Ene , Kurvits Lille , Kadastik-Eerme Liis , Kasterpalu Kristjan M. , Bubb Vivien J. , Quinn John P. , Kõks Sulev , Taba Pille
Published: March 2019

Repetitive elements (RE) constitute the majority of the human genome and have a range of functions both structural and regulatory on genomic function and gene expression. RE overexpression has been observed in several neurodegenerative diseases, consistent with the observation of aberrant expression of RE posing a mutagenic threat. Despite reports that associate RE expression with PD no study has comprehensively analysed the role of these elements in the disease. This study presents the first genome-wide analysis of RE expression in PD to date. Analysis of RNA-sequencing data of 12 PD patients and 12 healthy controls identified tissue-specific expression differences and more significantly, differential expression of four satellite elements; two simple satellite III (repName = CATTC_n and _GAATG_n) a high-copy satellite II (HSATII) and a centromeric satellite (ALR_Alpha) in the blood of PD patients. In support of the growing body of recent evidence associating REs with neurodegenerative disease, this study highlights the potential importance of characterization of RE expression in such diseases.
Movement-Contingent Time Flow in Virtual Reality Causes Temporal Recalibration
Authors: Bansal Ambika , Weech Séamas , Barnett-Cowan Michael
Published: March 2019

Virtual reality (VR) provides a valuable research tool for studying what occurs when sensorimotor feedback loops are manipulated. Here we measured whether exposure to a novel temporal relationship between action and sensory reaction in VR causes recalibration of time perception. We asked 31 participants to perform time perception tasks where the interval of a moving probe was reproduced using continuous or discrete motor methods. These time perception tasks were completed pre- and post-exposure to dynamic VR content in a block-counterbalanced order. One group of participants experienced a standard VR task (“normal-time”), while another group had their real-world movements coupled to the flow of time in the virtual space (“movement contingent time-flow; MCTF”). We expected this novel action-perception relationship to affect continuous motor time perception performance, but not discrete motor time perception. The results indicated duration-dependent recalibration specific to a motor task involving continuous movement such that the probe intervals were under-estimated by approximately 15% following exposure to VR with the MCTF manipulation. Control tasks in VR and non-VR settings produced similar results to those of the normal-time VR group, confirming the specificity of the MCTF manipulation. The findings provide valuable insights into the potential impact of VR on sensorimotor recalibration. Understanding this process will be valuable for the development and implementation of rehabilitation practices.
Effect of non-adhering dressings on promotion of fibroblast proliferation and wound healing in vitro
Authors: Wiegand Cornelia , Abel Martin , Hipler Uta-Christina , Elsner Peter
Published: March 2019

Non-adhering dressings are commonly used during granulation, tissue formation, and re-epithelialization. Elucidating cytotoxic effects and influence on proliferation/migration capacity of cells like fibroblasts is of interest. Dressings’ effects were investigated by comprehensive in vitro approach: (1) MTT assay measuring cell viability after direct contact, (2) ATP assay determining effects on cell proliferation, and (3) scratch wound assay featuring an in vitro wound healing model. One cotton-based dressing with vaseline (vas) was included in the study and four polyester dressings containing vas and technology-lipido-colloid matrix (TLC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydrocolloid (HC), or glycerin (gly) as additives. A polyamide dressing with vas + CMC and three silicone-based dressings (AT, CC, M) were tested. Polyester + vas + CMC did not negatively affect cell viability or proliferation but it was found that fibroblast layers appeared more irregular with decreased F-actin network structure and tubulin density possibly leading to hampered scratch closure. Silicone AT, polyester + gly and polyamide + vas + CMC caused distinct cell damage. The latter two further reduced cell viability, proliferation and scratch healing. From the overall results, it can be concluded that cotton + vas, polyester + TLC, polyester + vas + HC and the silicone dressings CC and M have the potential to prevent damage of newly formed tissue during dressing changes and positively influence wound healing.
Impact of a bathing tradition on shared gut microbes among Japanese families
Authors: Odamaki Toshitaka , Bottacini Francesca , Mitsuyama Eri , Yoshida Keisuke , Kato Kumiko , Xiao Jin-zhong , van Sinderen Douwe
Published: March 2019

Sharing of Bifidobacterium longum strains had recently been shown to occur among Japanese family members, a phenomenon that is not confined to mother-infant pairs. In the current study, we investigated if bathtub water is a possible vehicle for the exchange of strains as a consequence of a Japanese custom to share bathtub water by family members during bathing practices. A total of twenty-one subjects from five Japanese families, each consisting of parents with either 2 or 3 children, were enrolled in this study and the fecal microbiota of all participants was determined. Viable bifidobacterial strains were isolated from all bathtub water samples. A subsequent comparative genome analysis using ninety-eight strains indicated that certain strain-sets, which were isolated from feces and bathtub water, share near identical genome sequences, including CRISPR/Cas protospacers. By means of unweighted UniFrac distance analysis based on 16S rRNA gene analysis of 59 subjects from sixteen Japanese families, we showed that the fecal microbiota composition among family members that share bathtub water is significantly closer than that between family members that do not engage in this practice. Our results indicate that bathtub water represents a vehicle for the transmission of gut bacteria, and that the Japanese custom of sharing bathtub water contributes to the exchange of gut microbes, in particular bifidobacteria, among family members.
Post-transcriptional regulatory patterns revealed by protein-RNA interactions
Authors: Zanzoni Andreas , Spinelli Lionel , Ribeiro Diogo M. , Tartaglia Gian Gaetano , Brun Christine
Published: March 2019

The coordination of the synthesis of functionally-related proteins can be achieved at the post-transcriptional level by the action of common regulatory molecules, such as RNA–binding proteins (RBPs). Despite advances in the genome-wide identification of RBPs and their binding transcripts, the protein–RNA interaction space is still largely unexplored, thus hindering a broader understanding of the extent of the post-transcriptional regulation of related coding RNAs. Here, we propose a computational approach that combines protein–mRNA interaction networks and statistical analyses to provide an inferred regulatory landscape for more than 800 human RBPs and identify the cellular processes that can be regulated at the post-transcriptional level. We show that 10% of the tested sets of functionally-related mRNAs can be post-transcriptionally regulated. Moreover, we propose a classification of (i) the RBPs and (ii) the functionally-related mRNAs, based on their distinct behaviors in the functional landscape, hinting towards mechanistic regulatory hypotheses. In addition, we demonstrate the usefulness of the inferred functional landscape to investigate the cellular role of both well-characterized and novel RBPs in the context of human diseases.
Alteration of GLP-1/GPR43 expression and gastrointestinal motility in dysbiotic mice treated with vancomycin
Authors: Xu Xin , Fukui Hirokazu , Ran Ying , Tomita Toshihiko , Oshima Tadayuki , Watari Jiro , Miwa Hiroto
Published: March 2019

Gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in various aspects of host physiology, including metabolism, gastrointestinal (GI) motility and hormonal secretion. In the present study, we investigated the effect of antibiotic-associated dysbiosis on metabolism and GI motility in relation to colonic expression of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and G protein coupled receptor (GPR)43. Specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice (ICR, 6 weeks old, female) were orally administered vancomycin (0.2 mg/ml) in drinking water for 7 days. In another experiment, germ-free (GF) mice (ICR, 6 weeks old, female) were subjected to oral fecal transplantation (FT) using a fecal bacterial suspension prepared from SPF mice that had received vancomycin treatment (FT-V) or one from untreated control SPF mice (FT-C). The gastrointestinal transit time (GITT) was measured by administration of carmine red (6% w/v) solution. The expression of GLP-1 and GPR43 was examined by immunohistochemistry and realtime RT-PCR, and the plasma GLP-1 level was measured by ELISA. In vancomycin-treated SPF mice, the diversity of the gut microbiota was significantly reduced and the abundance of Lactobacillus was markedly increased. Significant increases in body weight, cecum weight, plasma GLP-1 level and colonic GLP-1/GPR43 expression were also noted relative to the controls. These alterations were reproducible in GF mice with FT-V. Moreover, FT-V GF mice showed a significantly increased food intake and a significantly prolonged GITT in comparison with FT-C GF mice. Vancomycin-induced dysbiosis promotes body weight gain and prolongs GITT, accompanied by an increase of colonic GLP-1/GPR43 expression.
Identification of fibrinogen as a natural inhibitor of MMP-2
Authors: Sarker Hassan , Hardy Eugenio , Haimour Ayman , Maksymowych Walter P. , Botto Lorenzo D. , Fernandez-Patron Carlos
Published: March 2019

Non-genetic MMP-2 insufficiency is a relatively unexplored condition which could be induced by pathological overexpression of endogenous MMP-2 inhibitors such as TIMPs and/or the acute phase reactant alpha-2-macroglobulin. Here, we investigate the hypothesis that human fibrinogen (FBG) – an acute phase reactant – inhibits human MMP-2. Following an unexpected observation where sera from human donors including arthritis patients with increased levels of serum FBG exhibited reduced binding of serum proMMP-2 to gelatin, we found that human FBG (0 to 3.6 mg/mL i.e., 0 to 10.6 μM) concentration-dependently inhibited human proMMP-2 and MMP2 from binding to gelatin. Moreover, at normal physiological concentrations, FBG (5.29–11.8 μM) concentration-dependently inhibited (40–70% inhibition) the cleavage of fluorescein-conjugated gelatin by MMP-2, but not MMP-9. Indicative of a mixed-type (combination of competitive and non-competitive) inhibition mechanism, FBG reduced the Vmax (24.9 ± 0.7 min−1 to 17.7 ± 0.9 min−1, P < 0.05) and increased the Michaelis-Menten constant KM (204 ± 6 nM to 478 ± 50 nM, P < 0.05) for the reaction of MMP-2 cleavage of fluorescein-conjugated gelatin. In silico analyses and studies of FBG neutralization with anti-FBG antibodies implicated the domains D and E of FBG in the inhibition of MMP-2. In conclusion, FBG is a natural selective MMP-2 inhibitor, whose pathological elevation could lead to MMP-2 insufficiency in humans.
Macro-scale ore-controlling faults revealed by micro-geochemical anomalies
Authors: Carranza Emmanuel John M. , de Souza Filho Carlos Roberto , Haddad-Martim Paulo Miguel , Katsuta Nagayoshi , Shimizu Ichiko
Published: March 2019

Whereas the mechanism of fluid flow, and thus structural control, linked with mineral deposit formation is quite understood, the specific structures that likely provided controls on mineralization at certain geographic scales are not readily known for a given region unless it is well-explored. This contributes uncertainty in mineral prospectivity analysis in poorly-explored regions (or greenfields). Here, because the spatial distribution of mineral deposits has been postulated to be fractals (i.e., the patterns of these features are self-similar across a range of spatial scales), we show for the first time that micro-geochemical anomalies (as proxies of micro-scale patterns of ore minerals), from few discrete parts of the Sossego iron-oxide copper-gold (IOCG) deposit in the Carajás Mineral Province (CMP) of Brazil, exhibit trends of macro-scale faults that are known to have controlled IOCG mineralization in the CMP. The methodology described here, which led to this novel finding, would help towards detecting mineral exploration targets as well as help towards understanding structural controls on mineralization in greenfields.
Variations in plantar pressure and balance in HIV-infected children in antiretroviral therapy
Authors: da Silva Pontes Lucieny , Callegari Bianca , Magno Lizandra , Moraes Anderson , Silva Bruno Giovanni , Manso Kaio , Barros Brenison , Araújo Ana Paula , Silva Maria Clara , Dias George Alberto , Vasconcelos Beatriz Helena , Costa e Silva Anselmo , Libonati Rosana Maria , Souza Givago Silva
Published: March 2019

Balance disorders have been poorly investigated and somewhat neglected in people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, especially in children, whose have intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors that may compromise the balance. To evaluate the foot plantar pressures and the balance in children with acquired immunodeficiency. We recruited 53 children aged between 6 and 15 years: 33 healthy children, and 20 children with positive serology for the human immunodeficiency virus. A physical examination included anthropometric, reflexes, tactile sensitivity of the foot and orthopedic evaluation. We also collected data of them using Pediatric Equilibrium Scale, baropodometry, and stabilometry. We considered significance level of 0.05 for statistics. Both groups were aged-, sex-matched and similar body mass index and scores of the Pediatric Equilibrium Scale. Three infected children had altered tactile sensitivity, and none had orthopedic or reflex alteration. Infected children had higher mean plantar pressure in the hindfoot than of the control group (p = 0.02). There was higher maximum plantar pressure in the hindfoot of the infected children than of the controls (p = 0.04). Controls had lower maximum plantar pressure in the forefoot than the infected children (p = 0.04). Infected children had larger displacement of the center of pressure (p = 0.006), larger mean velocity of displacement (p = 0.006), and longer duration between successive peaks of displacement than the controls (p = 0.02). Children living with the human immunodeficiency virus discharges great plantar pressures in the hindfoot and to present balance disturbances in the absence of neurological symptomatology.
Tasmanian devils with contagious cancer exhibit a constricted T-cell repertoire diversity
Authors: Cheng Yuanyuan , Makara Mariano , Peel Emma , Fox Samantha , Papenfuss Anthony T. , Belov Katherine
Published: March 2019

The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is threatened by a contagious cancer, known as Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). A highly diverse T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire is crucial for successful host defence against cancers. By investigating TCR beta chain diversity in devils of different ages, we show that the T-cell repertoire in devils constricts in their second year of life, which may explain the higher DFTD prevalence in older devils. Unexpectedly, we also observed a pronounced decline in TCR diversity and T cell clonal expansion in devils after DFTD infection. These findings overturned the previous assumption that DFTD did not directly impact host immunity.
Theoretical study of FMO adjusted C-H cleavage and oxidative addition in nickel catalysed C-H arylation
Authors: Zhang Tao , Liu Song , Zhu Lei , Liu Fenru , Zhong Kangbao , Zhang Ying , Bai Ruopeng , Lan Yu
Published: March 2019

Nickel catalysis has recently emerged as an important addition to the suite of transition metal-catalysed C-H bond functionalization methods. Here we report density functional theory calculations to elucidate the mechanism of Ni(II)-catalysed C–H arylation with a diaryliodonium salt or a phenyliodide. The effect of the choice of oxidant on the order of oxidative addition and C–H bond cleavage is investigated. When the active catalyst is oxidized by the diaryliodonium salt oxidant, C–H bond cleavage occurs to give an alkyl-aryl-Ni(IV) species. Conversely, the relatively weak oxidant phenyliodide leads to an alternative reaction sequence. The active catalyst first undergoes C–H bond cleavage, followed by oxidative addition of the phenyliodide to give a Ni(IV) species. Frontier molecular orbital analysis demonstrates that the reaction sequence of oxidative addition and C–H bond cleavage is determined by the unoccupied Caryl–I bond antibonding orbital level of the oxidant.
Manipulation of a ring-shaped beam via spatial self- and cross-phase modulation at lower intensity
Authors: Cheng Lin , Zhang Zhaoyang , Zhang Lei , Ma Danmeng , Yang Gaoguo , Dong Tian , Zhang Yanpeng
Published: March 2019

We report a tunable ring-shaped diffraction pattern via either nonlinear spatial self- or cross-phase modulation caused by the EIT-like effect in rubidium atomic vapor.
Double-well potential energy surface in the interaction between h-BN and Ni(111)
Authors: Ontaneda Jorge , Viñes Francesc , Illas Francesc , Grau-Crespo Ricardo
Published: March 2019

Density functional theory calculations with non-local correlation functionals, properly accounting for dispersion forces, predict the presence of two minima in the interaction energy between h-BN and Ni(111).
Simultaneous recovery of phosphate, ammonium and humic acid from wastewater using a biochar supported Mg(OH)2/bentonite composite
Authors: Jing Huan-Ping , Li Yuan , Wang Xuejiang , Zhao Jianfu , Xia Siqing
Published: March 2019

A biochar-supported Mg(OH)2/bentonite composite showed high efficiency for the simultaneous recovery of phosphate, ammonium and humic acid from wastewater.
Selective red-emission detection for mercuric ions in aqueous solution and cells using a fluorescent probe based on an unnatural peptide receptor
Authors: Neupane Lok Nath , Mehta Pramod Kumar , Kwon Joon-Uk , Park See-Hyoung , Lee Keun-Hyeung
Published: March 2019

The selective ratiometric red-emission detection of Hg2+ions in aqueous buffered solutions and live cells is still a significant challenge.
Bisdithiooxalate as novel coupling agent for amino-terminated polyamides
Authors: Suckow Marcus , Lang Michael , Komber Hartmut , Pospiech Doris , Wagner Michael , Weinelt Frank , Baumann Franz-Erich , Böhme Frank
Published: March 2019

Bisdithiooxalate is introduced as an outstanding new coupling agent with four reactive centers which effectively reacts with amino-terminated polyamide 12. Peculiarities of the coupling behavior are discussed on the basis of a kinetic model.
Direct grafting of tetraaniline via perfluorophenylazide photochemistry to create antifouling, low bio-adhesion surfaces
Authors: Lin Cheng-Wei , Aguilar Stephanie , Rao Ethan , Mak Wai H. , Huang Xinwei , He Na , Chen Dayong , Jun Dukwoo , Curson Paige A. , McVerry Brian T. , Hoek Eric M. V. , Huang Shu-Chuan , Kaner Richard B.
Published: March 2019

Conjugated TANI photografted via perfluorophenylazide chemistry results in hydrophilic and low bio-adhesion surfaces, benefitting UF membranes.
Mesoporous silica nanoplates facilitating fast Li+ diffusion as effective polysulfide-trapping materials for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Xiang Xiao , Wu Jing Yi , Shi Qing Xuan , Xia Qing , Xue Zhi Gang , Xie Xiao Lin , Ye Yun Sheng
Published: March 2019

A nitrogen-functionalized 2D mesoporous silica nanoplate was used to construct a dense, lightweight multi-functional interlayer using a simple casting approach, which effectively suppressed the PS shuttling, while facilitating high Li+ diffusion.
Multidimensional nanostructured membrane electrode assemblies for proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications
Authors: Wang Guoliang , Zou Liangliang , Huang Qinghong , Zou Zhiqing , Yang Hui
Published: March 2019

This review highlights the recent progress in multidimensional nanostructured membrane electrode assemblies for PEMFCs and DMFCs.
Recent advances in nanomaterial-based electrochemical and optical sensing platforms for microRNA assays
Authors: Wang Yi-Han , He Liu-Liu , Huang Ke-Jing , Chen Ying-Xu , Wang Shu-Yu , Liu Zhen-Hua , Li Dan
Published: March 2019

This review describes recent efforts in the application of nanomaterials as sensing elements in electrochemical and optical miRNAs assays.
Capillary photoionization: interface for low flow rate liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Pöhö Päivi , Vaikkinen Anu , Haapala Markus , Kylli Petri , Kostiainen Risto
Published: March 2019

The first report on capillary photoionization interfacing a liquid chromatograph and mass spectrometer.
B,N-Co-doped graphene quantum dots as fluorescence sensor for detection of Hg2+ and F− ions
Authors: Yang Panxing , Su Jie , Guo Ruiwei , Yao Fanglian , Yuan Caideng
Published: March 2019

A novel fluorescence sensing platform based on boron and nitrogen co-doped graphene quantum dots (B,N-GQDs) was developed and used to detect the concentration of both Hg2+ and F− ions.
Stir bar sorptive extraction with a graphene oxide framework-functionalized stainless-steel wire for the determination of Sudan dyes in water samples
Authors: Zhou Jian , Wang Rong , Chen Zilin
Published: March 2019

A graphene oxide framework-modified stainless-steel wire was developed for stir bar sorptive extraction.
Synthesis and evaluation of CoPc grafted bismuth oxyhalide (Bi24O31Br10): a visible light-active photocatalyst for CO2 reduction into methanol
Authors: Prajapati Pankaj Kumar , Jain Suman L.
Published: March 2019

The present study describes the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of cobalt(ii) phthalocyanine embedded bismuth oxyhalide (CoPc@Bi24O31Br10) for the photoreduction of CO2 into methanol selectively using triethylamine (TEA) as a sacrificial donor under visible light illumination.
Development of a solvent-reagent selection guide for the formation of thioesters
Authors: Jordan Andrew , Sneddon Helen F.
Published: March 2019

A solvent-reagent selection guide has been developed for the synthesis of thioesters from more sustainable solvents and coupling reagents.
An integrated microfluidic flow-focusing platform for on-chip fabrication and filtration of cell-laden microgels
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed G. A. , Kheiri Sina , Islam Saidul , Kumar Hitendra , Yang Annie , Kim Keekyoung
Published: March 2019

An integrated microfluidic flow-focusing platform for on-chip fabrication and filtration of cell-laden microgels.
Nb2O5 supported on mixed oxides catalyzed oxidative and photochemical conversion of anilines to azoxybenzenes
Authors: De Carvalho Gustavo Senra Gonçalves , Chagas Luciano Honorato , Fonseca Carla Grijó , de Castro Pedro Pôssa , Sant’Ana Antônio Carlos , Leitão Alexandre Amaral , Amarante Giovanni Wilson
Published: March 2019

Supported niobium oxide as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for chemoselective preparation of azoxybenzenes from anilines.
Nitrogen doping as a fundamental way to enhance the EMI shielding behavior of cobalt particle-embedded carbonaceous nanostructures
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Choudhary Harish Kumar , Anupama A. V. , Menon Aishwarya V. , Pawar Shital P. , Bose Suryasarathi , Sahoo Balaram
Published: March 2019

The influence of nitrogen doping in pyrolysis-derived carbonaceous nanostructures with embedded Co-nanoparticles (Co@C) for electromagnetic (EM) absorption at microwave frequencies is explored.
Amplitude modulation of anomalously reflected terahertz beams using all-optical active Pancharatnam–Berry coding metasurfaces
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Yating , Li Jining , Yan Xin , Liang Lanju , Zhang Zhang , Huang Jin , Li Jiahui , Yang Yue , Yao Jianquan
Published: March 2019

Optical active Pancharatnam–Berry coding metasurfaces for amplitude modulation of terahertz beams.
Correction: Investigation of high contrast and reversible luminescence thermochromism of the quantum confined Cs4PbBr6 perovskite solid
Authors: Choi Jin Woo , Cho Namchul , Woo Hee Chul , Oh Byeong M. , Almutlaq Jawaher , Bakr Osman M. , Kim Sung-Hoon , Lee Chang-Lyoul , Kim Jong H.
Published: March 2019

Correction for ‘Investigation of high contrast and reversible luminescence thermochromism of the quantum confined Cs4PbBr6 perovskite solid’ by Jong H. Kim et al., Nanoscale, 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c8nr10223f.
Symmetric and nonsymmetric bis-hemithioindigos – precise visible light controlled shape-shifters
Authors: Hoffmann Kerstin , Guentner Manuel , Mayer Peter , Dube Henry
Published: March 2019

A series of bis-hemithioindigo photoswitches with different molecular setups are presented allowing precise manipulation of molecular shapes with visible light.
Treatment of phenol by catalytic wet air oxidation: a comparative study of copper and nickel supported on γ-alumina, ceria and γ-alumina–ceria
Authors: Guerra-Que Zenaida , Pérez-Vidal Hermicenda , Torres-Torres G. , Arévalo-Pérez Juan Carlos , Silahua Pavón Adib Abiu , Cervantes-Uribe Adrian , Espinosa de los Monteros A. , Lunagómez-Rocha Ma. Antonia
Published: March 2019

Influence of the calcination and reduction treatment effects used to activate catalysts on the global catalytic performance on phenol oxidation over different supports.
A highly selective colorimetric fluorescent probe for detection of Hg2+ and its application on test strips
Authors: Yang Geng , Meng Xia , Fang Shimin , Duan Hongdong , Wang Lizhen , Wang Zhenzheng
Published: March 2019

An efficient fluorescent probe Pyr-Rhy based on pyrazole was developed, which can detect Hg2+ in water.
Dense monolithic MOF and carbon nanotube hybrid with enhanced volumetric and areal capacities for lithium–sulfur battery
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhao Wenqi , Wu Yizeng , Wang Yunsong , Zou Mingchu , Cao Anyuan
Published: March 2019

Densely packed metal–organic framework (MOF) and carbon nanotube (CNT) hybrid materials with tailored hierarchical porous structures are prepared by in situ growth and room temperature drying/shrinking for high-performance compact energy storage systems.
Hierarchical tri-functional electrocatalysts derived from bimetallic–imidazolate framework for overall water splitting and rechargeable zinc–air batteries
Authors: Ahn Sung Hoon , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: March 2019

Due to the hierarchical structure resulting from the transformation to the bimetallic–imidazolate framework, this catalyst electrode has a benchmarking tri-functional catalytic activity.
A 1.51 V pH neutral redox flow battery towards scalable energy storage
Authors: Luo Jian , Wu Wenda , Debruler Camden , Hu Bo , Hu Maowei , Liu T. Leo
Published: March 2019

A 1.51 V pH neutral (SPr)2V/Br− AORFB with high energy and power densities was demonstrated for scalable energy storage.
Highly sensitive detection and imaging of ultraviolet-B light for precisely controlling vitamin D generation in the human body
Authors: Liu Jiaxin , Wang Shalong , Liu Kai , Ming Liqun , Zou Yousheng , Zhu Zhengfeng , Dong Yuhang , Liu Shuting , Chen Jun , Zhang Kan , Gu Yu , Zhang Shengli , Xu Xiaobao , Zeng Haibo
Published: March 2019

A highly sensitive photodetector with selective response to UV-B photons in air is firstly demonstrated in this work. The quite low noise current of ∼2 × 10−14 A Hz−1/2 allows an accurate detection of UV-B photons of 31.8 nW cm−2 intensity with detectivity of >4 × 1014 Jones. All the figures of merit in our PDs show promising potential in quantitative detection of UV-B for precisely controlling vitamin D generation.
Low thermal conductivity and promising thermoelectric performance in AxCoSb (A = V, Nb or Ta) half-Heuslers with inherent vacancies
Authors: Ferluccio Daniella A. , Halpin John E. , MacIntosh Kathryn L. , Quinn Robert J. , Don Eric , Smith Ronald I. , MacLaren Donald A. , Bos Jan-Willem G.
Published: March 2019

Microstructure and point defects are central to thermoelectric performance in vacancy half-Heuslers.
Role of GSPT1 and GSPT2 polymorphisms in different outcomes upon Hepatitis B virus infection and prognosis to lamivudine therapy
Authors: Liu Wenxuan , Ma Ning , Gao Xia , Liu Wencong , Jia Jinhai , Tang Longmei , Li Man , Yang Lei , Li Tao , Yan Lina , Zhang Xiaolin , Yu Fengxue
Published: March 2019

Purpose. ERF3, having been found expressing differently in liver tissues in our previous work, including eRF3a and eRF3b, which are structural homologs named GSPT1 and GSPT2. Recent studies have indicated that eRF3b involved in the development and proliferation of HepG2 cell, and eRF3a may be associated with tumor susceptibility. Based on this, we tested the effects of GSPT1 and GSPT2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms for all major Hepatitis B virus (HBV) outcomes and lamivudine (LAM) treatment in Han Chinese. Method. A total of 1649 samples were enrolled, and peripheral blood samples were collected in the present study. The single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the GSPT1 and GSPT2 region were genotyped using MALDI-TOF MS. Results. Our study demonstrated there was no obvious relevance of either GSPT1-rs33635 or GSPT2-rs974285 polymorphisms with HBV susceptibility, spontaneous recovery, and development of HBV-related diseases. However, we showed for the first time to our knowledge that GSPT1-rs33635C was a predictor for LAM therapy (viral response: odds ratio (OR) = 2.436, P=0.022; biochemical response: OR = 3.328, P=1.73 × 10−4). Conclusions. These findings might provide potential implications for therapeutic guidance.
Usefulness of apolipoprotein B-depleted serum in cholesterol efflux capacity assays using immobilized liposome-bound gel beads
Authors: Horiuchi Yuna , Ohkawa Ryunosuke , Lai Shao-Jui , Shimano Shitsuko , Hagihara Michio , Tohda Shuji , Kameda Takahiro , Tozuka Minoru
Published: March 2019

Cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) in atherosclerotic lesions is the main anti-atherosclerotic function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In recent studies, apolipoprotein (apo) B-depleted serum (BDS) obtained with the polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation method is used as a cholesterol acceptor (CA) substitution for HDL isolated by ultracentrifugation. However, the suitability of BDS as a CA is controversial. In the present study, CEC obtained from BDS (BDS-CEC) was evaluated based on a parameter, defined as whole-CEC, which was calculated by multiplying CEC obtained using fixed amounts of HDL by cholesterol concentration to HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in the serum. Significant correlation (r = 0.633) was observed between both CECs. To eliminate systematic errors from possible contamination with serum proteins and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or very-LDL (VLDL) in BDS-CEC, the deviation of each CEC-BDS from the regression equation was compared with serum protein, LDL, and triglyceride (TG) levels. No correlation was observed between the deviation and the levels of each of these serum components, indicating that the deviations do not derive from systematic error. Further, to evaluate the effects of serum protein on the results, we measured BDS-CEC of reconstituted serum samples prepared using combinations of five levels of serum proteins with five levels of HDL-C. No significant change in BDS-CEC was observed in any combination. These results indicate that BDS-CEC reflects not only the function of HDL but also its concentration in serum.
Massed Versus Spaced Practice in Vocology: Effect of a Short-Term Intensive Voice Therapy Versus a Long-Term Traditional Voice Therapy
Authors: Meerschman Iris , Claeys Sofie , Bettens Kim , Bruneel Laura , D'haeseleer Evelien , Van Lierde Kristiane
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a short-term intensive voice therapy (IVT) with a long-term traditional voice therapy (TVT) on the vocal quality, vocal capacities, psychosocial impact, vocal tract discomfort, laryngological anatomy/physiology, and session attendance of patients with dysphonia. An additional comparison was made between an individual IVT (IVT-I) and a group IVT (IVT-G).

Method

A longitudinal, prospective controlled trial was used. Forty-six adults diagnosed with dysphonia were assigned to 1 of the 3 treatment groups. The IVT groups practiced with a frequency of 1 hr 20 min a day and a duration of 2 weeks. The TVT group practiced with a frequency of two 30-min sessions a week and a duration of 6 months. Both therapy programs were content-identical and guided by the same voice therapist. A multidimensional voice assessment consisting of both objective (maximum performance task, aerodynamic measurements, voice range profile, acoustic analysis, multiparametric voice quality indices) and subjective (subject's self-report, auditory-perceptual evaluation, flexible videolaryngostroboscopy) outcomes was used to evaluate the participants' voice.

Results

IVT made an equal progress in only 2 weeks and 12 hr of therapy compared with TVT that needed 6 months and 24 hr of therapy. IVT-I and IVT-G showed comparable results. Session attendance was clearly higher in IVT compared with TVT. Long-term follow-up results (1 year) were positive for the 3 groups, except for the self-reported psychosocial impact that increased in the IVT-I group.

Conclusions

Short-term IVT is at least equally effective in treating patients with dysphonia as long-term TVT. Group treatment seemed as effective as individual treatment. Attendance and cost-effectiveness are important advantages of IVT. A potential drawback might be an insufficient psychosocial progress. The golden mean between intensive and traditional treatment might therefore be an achievable, effective, and efficient solution for everyday clinical practice.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.7761872
ElGamal cryptosystem‐based secure authentication system for cloud‐based IoT applications
Authors: Maitra Tanmoy , Obaidat Mohammad S. , Giri Debasis , Dutta Subrata , Dahal Keshav
Published: March 2019

Life in modern society becomes easier due to the rapid growth of different technologies like real‐time analytic, ubiquitous wireless communication, commodity sensors, machine learning and embedded systems. Nowadays, there seems to be a need to merge these technologies in the form of Internet of Things (IoT) so that smart systems can be achieved. On the other hand, cloud computing is a pillar in IoT by which end users get connected through the cloud servers for getting different services. However, to recognise the legitimacy of communicators during communication sessions through insecure channels like the Internet, serious issues in cloud‐based IoT applications need to be addressed. Thus, authentication procedure is highly desirable to remove the unapproved access in IoT applications. This study presents an ElGamal cryptosystem and biometric information along with a user's password‐based authentication scheme for cloud‐based IoT applications refereed as SAS‐Cloud. Security of the proposed scheme has been analysed by well popular random oracle model and it is found that SAS‐Cloud has the ability to defend all the possible attacks. Furthermore, the performance of SAS‐Cloud has been evaluated and it was found that SAS‐Cloud has better efficiency than other existing competing ElGamal cryptosystem‐based authentication schemes.
The ALMA-PILS survey: First detection of nitrous acid (HONO) in the interstellar medium
Authors: Coutens A. , Ligterink N. F. W. , Loison J.-C. , Wakelam V. , Calcutt H. , Drozdovskaya M. N. , Jørgensen J. K. , Müller H. S. P. , van Dishoeck E. F. , Wampfler S. F.
Published: March 2019

Nitrogen oxides are thought to play a significant role as a nitrogen reservoir and to potentially participate in the formation of more complex species. Until now, only NO, N2O, and HNO have been detected in the interstellar medium. We report the first interstellar detection of nitrous acid (HONO). Twelve lines were identified towards component B of the low-mass protostellar binary IRAS 16293–2422 with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, at the position where NO and N2O have previously been seen. A local thermodynamic equilibrium model was used to derive the column density (∼9 × 1014 cm−2 in a 0 .″5 beam) and excitation temperature (∼100 K) of this molecule. HNO, NO2, NO+, and HNO3 were also searched for in the data, but not detected. We simulated the HONO formation using an updated version of the chemical code Nautilus and compared the results with the observations. The chemical model is able to reproduce satisfactorily the HONO, N2O, and NO2 abundances, but not the NO, HNO, and NH2OH abundances. This could be due to some thermal desorption mechanisms being destructive and therefore limiting the amount of HNO and NH2OH present in the gas phase. Other options are UV photodestruction of these species in ices or missing reactions potentially relevant at protostellar temperatures.
Experimental Status of Conventional Charmonium Spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Xiongfei
Published: March 2019

Based on data samples taken by the BESIII, Belle, KEDR and LHCb experiments, many measurements on conventional charmonium spectroscopy were finished in the past years. Some of recent results, such as precise measurements of J/ψ and ψ(2S ) masses, the J/ψ decay width, the J/ψ and ψ(2S ) electronic widths, two-photon width of χc0,2 meson, the χc1,2 resonance parameters with the decays χc0,2 → J/ψµ+µ−, the ηc resonance parameters and observations of X(3823) and X*(3860), were reported.
Theoretical Review of Charmonium Production with Different pT in the Hot Medium
Authors: Chen Baoyi , Greiner Carsten
Published: March 2019

Charmonia with different transverse momentum pT usually comes from different mechanisms in the relativistic heavy ion collisions. This work tries to review the theoretical studies on quarkonium evolutions in the deconfined medium produced in p-Pb and Pb-Pb collisions. The charmonia with high pT are mainly from the initial hadronic collisions, and therefore sensitive to the initial energy density of the bulk medium. For those charmonia within 0.1 < pT < 5 GeV/c at the energies of Large Hadron Collisions (LHC), They are mainly produced by the recombination of charm and anti-charm quarks in the medium. In the extremely low pT ∼ 1/RA (RA is the nuclear radius), additional contribution from the coherent interactions between electromagnetic fields generated by one nucleus and the target nucleus plays a non-negligible role in the J/ψ production even in semi-central Pb-Pb collisions.
Charm physics at ATLAS
Authors: Turchikhin Semen
Published: March 2019

This proceeding contribution presents the recent highlights of charm physics programme of the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. These include measurements of charmonia production both inppand nuclear collisions, charmonium pair production, studies of exotic states andBcmesons. Most of the shown results are obtained with the data collected during the LHC Run-1.
Data-driven state monitoring of air preheater using density peaks clustering and evidential Knearest neighbour classifier
Authors: Sha Peng , Wu Xiao , Shen Jiong , Liu Xichui , Wang Meihong
Published: March 2019

Data-driven state monitoring requiring a little priori knowledge plays a key role for timely fault detection and is therefore of great importance for the safe and economical operation of the thermal power plant. The main drawback for most of the existing data-driven methods is the complex procedure of data preprocessing and model training especially when unlabelled operating data is used. To overcome this issue, this paper proposes a new framework of data-driven state monitoring approach for the thermal power plant devices. The approach is composed of two steps. In the first step, density peaks clustering(DPC) is performed on the historical data to generate labels for the data. Then in the second step, evidential K-nearest neighbour(EKNN) method is used to monitor the current state based on the labelled historical data and operating data. Verifications on operating data of an air preheater system of a 1000MW thermal power plant show that the proposed method can identify various air leakage states accurately and efficiently.
Frequency and power estimation of sinusoids using eigen-approach
Authors: Mismar M.J. , Elissa F.B.
Published: March 2019

Frequency and power estimation of sinusoidal signals, has captured the attention of researchers due to its important applications. This paper involves a frequency and power estimation method of unidentified number of source sinusoidal signals using Eigen technique. The eigenvector corresponding to the correlation matrix’s minimum eigenvalue yields the minimum power of the FIR filter’s output power. The corresponding roots are determined using the filter polynomial and root elimination technique is used to determine the pseudospectrum. Consequently, by deploying the pseudospectrum and filter polynomial, the real power spectrum is derived.
Experimental investigation and development of correlations for pongamia pinnata biodiesel
Authors: Sayyed Siraj , Das R K , Kulkarni Kishor
Published: March 2019

Most promising alternative source available for fossil diesel in India is the Pongamia pinnata biodiesel (Karanja biodiesel in the Indian context). The characterization of biodiesel plays an important role in engine emission and performance. Due to oxygenation the biodiesel has low higher heating value than fossil diesel hence it is necessary to study the effect of different physio-chemical properties on higher heating value. Experimentations were conducted on 11 samples on the basis of Volume % for Pongamia Pinnata biodiesel and diesel blends in the step of 10 varying from 0% (Fossil diesel) to 100% (Pongamia pinnata biodiesel). A retrospective investigation is conducted for characterization of biodiesels and different physio-chemical properties are correlated as a function of Higher Heating Value (HHV). By the traditional statistical technique of regression analysis the correlations can predict the HHV values with the accuracy of R2=0.9907 and uncertainty of ±6.19%. HHVs obtained by performing experiments and by predicted correlations are compared with the correlations available in open literature. The study reveals that the properties of kinematic viscosity and density have a strong correlation with HHV as compared to cetane number and flash point.
Study on the treatments and countermeasures for liquefiable foundation
Authors: Xu Binhua , He Ning , Li Denghua
Published: March 2019

This paper summarizes the current treatments and countermeasures for liquefiable foundations, and divides the existing anti-liquefaction countermeasures into two categories. One of the ideas is proceeding from the properties of liquefiable foundation soils, by the means of improvement for the soil’s qualities to enhance the capacity of soil’s anti-liquefaction in the early stage. The other idea is considering from the stress conditions of liquefiable foundation soils, and to reduce the liquefaction-induced disasters by changing the stress conditions of the soil. The advantages and disadvantages of various anti-liquefaction measures were analysed by verifying the effectiveness of field applications of anti-liquefaction measures against ground liquefaction hazards, and the applicable conditions of various anti-liquefaction measures were classified. This paper provides experience for resisting soil liquefaction disasters.
Effects of air supply operation on the distribution and spatial differences of airflow field in conditioned room: A CFD Study
Authors: Zheng Yin , Wang Guiqiang , Kang Zhiqiang , Liu Xin , Li Zhixin
Published: March 2019

In air-blast freezer, there are differences in food freezing process at different locations due to the non-uniform airflow distribution in freezing chamber. In this paper, a decoupling method was used to simulate freezing process of food products at different locations. Firstly, the internal airflow distribution model of the freezing chamber was established to simulate the airflow field in freezing chamber under different velocities of air supply. The mainstream air flow rate around each food product was then calculated as the ambient air velocity at which the food freezes. Then, a validated lumped parameter model was used to simulate the freezing process of individual food product, and the effects of freezing conditions on freezing process at different locations were studied. The results showed that there were large differences in the freezing conditions of foods at different locations in freezing chamber, which were mainly reflected by the difference in ambient air velocity. Compared to air velocity, air temperature was distributed rather uniformly in freezing chamber. With the increase of supply air velocity of air coolers, the ambient air velocity around food products in freezing chamber increased almost linearly.
Parameter-adaption for a vehicle dynamics model for the evaluation of powertrain concept designs
Authors: Angerer C , Mößner B , Lüst M , Büchner S , Sträußl F , Lienkamp M
Published: March 2019

The powertrain design of multi-motor electric vehicles directly affects not only costs, consumption and acceleration, but also the handling of a vehicle. Therefore, a holistic powertrain design optimization needs to include a vehicle dynamics model in its objective function. While the parameters for the powertrain model result from the design variables that describe the powertrain, the parameters for the vehicle dynamics model must be adapted in a feasible way to ensure comparable results. Therefore, the authors present a method on how to adaptively parametrize a double-track vehicle dynamics model for the use in powertrain design optimization. Automated design calculations for all main chassis and suspension parts are used to determine the parameters for the model. A parameter variation proves the plausibility of the approach. The results show that an adaption of the suspension and chassis parameters due to changes in the powertrain make results more comparable but do not compensate for the effects on the vehicle handling. In particular, the steady state longitudinal load distribution still has major influences on the vehicle handling.
Simulation analysis of efficiency and stability for vehicle’s ABS control on combined steering and braking maneuvers
Authors: YU Feng , XIE Jun
Published: March 2019

Eight degrees of freedom vehicle model was established. Using the method of fuzzy control, the ABS control algorithm was designed based on slip ratio. Simulation analysis was done at speed of 15m/s, 20m/s, 25m/s under turning braking. The results show that the vehicle braking performance and vehicle stability at middle or low speed was improved by using the ABS controller, but qualitative analysis shows that phenomenon of vehicle instability was appeared at high-speed conditions. The turning braking stability under ABS controller was judged quantificationally by the stability judging formula. The results show that the requirements of stability control could not meet with only Anti-lock Braking System.
Analysis of natural and man-made accidents happened in subway stations and trains: based on statistics of accident cases
Authors: Yu Heng , Wang Yimin , Qiu Peiyun , Chen Jiacheng
Published: March 2019

Sometimes subway stations and trains can be very crowded for large passenger flows. However, some stations and trains may be vulnerable when natural or man-made disasters happen, thus the safety of passengers and stuff is threatened. Therefore, it is meaningful to make a deep analysis to these disasters that may happen in subway stations and trains. By collecting cases of accidents include fire disaster, terrorist attack, flood, earthquake and stampede that happened in subway stations or on trains around the world, the causes, consequence and their own characters were analysed. Besides, some recommendations and beneficial measures aim to prevent these disasters mentioned above were also presented and discussed.