bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep reinforcement learning for efficient measurement of quantum devices
Authors: Nguyen V. , Orbell S. B. , Lennon D. T. , Moon H. , Vigneau F. , Camenzind L. C. , Yu L. , Zumbühl D. M. , Briggs G. A. D. , Osborne M. A. , Sejdinovic D. , Ares N.
Published: June 2021

Deep reinforcement learning is an emerging machine-learning approach that can teach a computer to learn from their actions and rewards similar to the way humans learn from experience. It offers many advantages in automating decision processes to navigate large parameter spaces. This paper proposes an approach to the efficient measurement of quantum devices based on deep reinforcement learning. We focus on double quantum dot devices, demonstrating the fully automatic identification of specific transport features called bias triangles. Measurements targeting these features are difficult to automate, since bias triangles are found in otherwise featureless regions of the parameter space. Our algorithm identifies bias triangles in a mean time of <30 min, and sometimes as little as 1 min. This approach, based on dueling deep Q-networks, can be adapted to a broad range of devices and target transport features. This is a crucial demonstration of the utility of deep reinforcement learning for decision making in the measurement and operation of quantum devices.
An epitope-specific chemically defined nanoparticle vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Zuniga Armando , Rassek Oliver , Vrohlings Melissa , Marrero-Nodarse Aniebrys , Moehle Kerstin , Robinson John A. , Ghasparian Arin
Published: June 2021

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause severe respiratory disease in humans, particularly in infants and the elderly. However, attempts to develop a safe and effective vaccine have so far been unsuccessful. Atomic-level structures of epitopes targeted by RSV-neutralizing antibodies are now known, including that bound by Motavizumab and its clinically used progenitor Palivizumab. We developed a chemically defined approach to RSV vaccine design, that allows control of both immunogenicity and safety features of the vaccine. Structure-guided antigen design and a synthetic nanoparticle delivery platform led to a vaccine candidate that elicits high titers of palivizumab-like, epitope-specific neutralizing antibodies. The vaccine protects preclinical animal models from RSV infection and lung pathology typical of vaccine-derived disease enhancement. The results suggest that the development of a safe and effective synthetic epitope-specific RSV vaccine may be feasible by combining this conformationally stabilized peptide and synthetic nanoparticle delivery system.
Understanding LRRK2 kinase activity in preclinical models and human subjects through quantitative analysis of LRRK2 and pT73 Rab10
Authors: Wang Xiang , Negrou Elvira , Maloney Michael T. , Bondar Vitaliy V. , Andrews Shan V. , Montalban Manuel , Llapashtica Ceyda , Maciuca Romeo , Nguyen Hoang , Solanoy Hilda , Arguello Annie , Przybyla Laralynne , Moerke Nathan J. , Huntwork-Rodriguez Sarah , Henry Anastasia G.
Published: June 2021

Variants in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene are associated with increased risk for familial and sporadic Parkinson’s disease (PD). Pathogenic variants in LRRK2, including the common variant G2019S, result in increased LRRK2 kinase activity, supporting the therapeutic potential of LRRK2 kinase inhibitors for PD. To better understand the role of LRRK2 in disease and to support the clinical development of LRRK2 inhibitors, quantitative and high-throughput assays to measure LRRK2 levels and activity are needed. We developed and applied such assays to measure the levels of LRRK2 as well as the phosphorylation of LRRK2 itself or one of its substrates, Rab10 (pT73 Rab10). We observed increased LRRK2 activity in various cellular models of disease, including iPSC-derived microglia, as well as in human subjects carrying the disease-linked variant LRRK2 G2019S. Capitalizing on the high-throughput and sensitive nature of these assays, we detected a significant reduction in LRRK2 activity in subjects carrying missense variants in LRRK2 associated with reduced disease risk. Finally, we optimized these assays to enable analysis of LRRK2 activity following inhibition in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and whole blood, demonstrating their potential utility as biomarkers to assess changes in LRRK2 expression and activity in the clinic.
Blood based hybrid nanofluid flow together with electromagnetic field and couple stresses
Authors: Saeed Anwar , Alsubie Abdelaziz , Kumam Poom , Nasir Saleem , Gul Taza , Kumam Wiyada
Published: June 2021

In this investigation, heat transportation together with irreversibility analysis for the flow of couple stress hybrid nanofluid past over a stretching surface is considered. The innovative characteristics and aims of this work are to note that the transportation heat couple stress model involves EMHD, viscous dissipation, Joule heating, and heat absorption, and omission. The hybrid nanofluid is prepared due to the suspension of the solid nanoparticles of the SWCNTs and MWCNTs in pure human blood. This mathematical model is an appropriate model for biological advantages including testing of human blood for drug deliveries to various parts of the human body. Particularly, the Prandtl number used for the blood is 21 and very large as compared to the other base fluids. Necessary modifications are used to translate the defining partial differential equations and boundary conditions into a layout that can be computed. To obtain mathematical approximations for the resulting scheme of nonlinear differential equations, the innovative homotopy analysis method (HAM) is used. The explanation for velocity, energy, and entropy are exposed and the flow against various influential factors ($$E,\;M,\;k,\;Q,\;S\;{\text{and}}\;Ec$$

E
,

M
,

k
,

Q
,

S

and

E
c

) is discussed graphically. The numerical values are calculated and summarized for dimensionless $$C_{{fx}} \;{\text{and}}\;Nu_{x} .$$

C

fx

and

N

u
x

.

In addition, the current study is compared for various values of $$\Pr$$
Pr
to that published literature and an impressive agreement in terms of finding is reported. It has also been noticed that the $$M$$
M
and $$E$$
E
factors retard the hybrid nanofluid flow, while the temperature of fluid becomes upsurges by the rise in these factors. 11.95% enhancement in the heat transfer rate has been attained using the hybrid nanofluids.
Early-adolescent antibiotic exposure results in mitochondrial and behavioral deficits in adult male mice
Authors: Tengeler Anouk C. , Emmerzaal Tim L. , Geenen Bram , Verweij Vivienne , van Bodegom Miranda , Morava Eva , Kiliaan Amanda J. , Kozicz Tamas
Published: June 2021

Exposure to antibiotic treatment has been associated with increased vulnerability to various psychiatric disorders. However, a research gap exists in understanding how adolescent antibiotic therapy affects behavior and cognition. Many antibiotics that target bacterial translation may also affect mitochondrial translation resulting in impaired mitochondrial function. The brain is one of the most metabolically active organs, and hence is the most vulnerable to impaired mitochondrial function. We hypothesized that exposure to antibiotics during early adolescence would directly affect brain mitochondrial function, and result in altered behavior and cognition. We administered amoxicillin, chloramphenicol, or gentamicin in the drinking water to young adolescent male wild-type mice. Next, we assayed mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation complex activities in the cerebral cortex, performed behavioral screening and targeted mass spectrometry-based acylcarnitine profiling in the cerebral cortex. We found that mice exposed to chloramphenicol showed increased repetitive and compulsive-like behavior in the marble burying test, an accurate and sensitive assay of anxiety, concomitant with decreased mitochondrial complex IV activity. Our results suggest that only adolescent chloramphenicol exposure leads to impaired brain mitochondrial complex IV function, and could therefore be a candidate driver event for increased anxiety-like and repetitive, compulsive-like behaviors.
Effects of climate variation on bird escape distances modulate community responses to global change
Authors: Díaz M. , Grim T. , Markó G. , Morelli F. , Ibáñez-Alamo J. D. , Jokimäki J. , Kaisanlahti-Jokimäki M.-L. , Tätte K. , Tryjanowski P. , Møller A. P.
Published: June 2021

Climate and land use are rapidly changing environmental conditions. Behavioral responses to such global perturbations can be used to incorporate interspecific interactions into predictive models of population responses to global change. Flight initiation distance (FID) reflects antipredator behaviour defined as the distance at which an individual takes flight when approached by a human, under standardized conditions. This behavioural trait results from a balance between disturbance, predation risk, food availability and physiological needs, and it is related to geographical range and population trends in European birds. Using 32,145 records of flight initiation distances for 229 bird species during 2006–2019 in 24 European localities, we show that FIDs decreased with increasing temperature and precipitation, as expected if foraging success decreased under warm and humid conditions. Trends were further altered by latitude, urbanisation and body mass, as expected if climate effects on FIDs were mediated by food abundance and need, differing according to position in food webs, supporting foraging models. This provides evidence for a role of behavioural responses within food webs on how bird populations and communities are affected by global change.
Reproducibility and agreement between three positions for handgrip assessment
Authors: Vargas-Pinilla Olga-Cecilia , Rodríguez-Grande Eliana-Isabel
Published: June 2021

The protocol established for taking hand grip dynamometry measurements determines that the patient must be in a sitting position. This protocol cannot be applied due to the patient’s conditions in some cases, such as abdominal surgery, musculoskeletal spine or hip injuries. The purpose was to determine the reproducibility and level of agreement between the Handgrip dynamometry in supine position with the elbow flexed or extended, and the one measured in the sitting position, the design was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The population were young apparently healthy between 18 and 30 years of age (N = 201). Handgrip measurement was performed on both upper limbs in a sitting position with a flexed elbow, a supine position with a flexed elbow, and supine position with the elbow extended. Reproducibility was nearly perfect in all positions (ICC 0.95–0.97). Regarding the level of agreement for the comparison between sitting and supine positions with a flexed elbow, an average difference of − 0.406. For supine position with an extended elbow and supine position with a flexed elbow, the average difference was − 1.479. Considering the results, clinicians or researchers can choose any of the positions evaluated herein and obtain reliable results as long as the standardization process is followed.
Neonatal administration of a subanaesthetic dose of JM-1232(−) in mice results in no behavioural deficits in adulthood
Authors: Iwanaga Koji , Satoh Yasushi , Akai Ryosuke , Ishizuka Toshiaki , Kazama Tomiei , Ikeda Takehiko
Published: June 2021

In animal models, neonatal exposure of general anaesthetics significantly increases apoptosis in the brain, resulting in persistent behavioural deficits later in adulthood. Consequently, there is growing concern about the use of general anaesthetics in obstetric and paediatric practice. JM-1232(−) has been developed as a novel intravenous anaesthetic, but the effects of JM-1232(−) on the developing brain are not understood. Here we show that neonatal administration of JM-1232(−) does not lead to detectable behavioural deficits in adulthood, contrarily to other widely-used intravenous anaesthetics. At postnatal day 6 (P6), mice were injected intraperitoneally with a sedative-equivalent dose of JM-1232(−), propofol, or midazolam. Western blot analysis of forebrain extracts using cleaved poly-(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase antibody showed that JM-1232(−) is accompanied by slight but measurable apoptosis 6 h after administration, but it was relatively small compared to those of propofol and midazolam. Behavioural studies were performed in adulthood, long after the neonatal anaesthesia, to evaluate the long-term effects on cognitive, social, and affective functions. P6 administration to JM-1232(−) was not accompanied by detectable long-term behavioural deficits in adulthood. However, animals receiving propofol or midazolam had impaired social and/or cognitive functions. These data suggest that JM-1232(−) has prospects for use in obstetric and paediatric practice.
Clinicopathologic significance and race-specific prognostic association of MYB overexpression in ovarian cancer
Authors: Miree Orlandric , Srivastava Sanjeev Kumar , Khan Mohammad Aslam , Sameeta Fnu , Acharya Srijan , Ndetan Harrison , Singh Karan Pal , Hertweck Kate Louise , Dasgupta Santanu , da Silva Luciana Madeira , Rocconi Rodney Paul , Carter James Elliot , Singh Seema , Singh Ajay Pratap
Published: June 2021

Late diagnosis, unreliable prognostic assessment, and poorly-guided therapeutic planning result in dismal survival of ovarian cancer (OC) patients. Therefore, identifying novel functional biomarker(s) is highly desired for improved clinical management. MYB is an oncogenic transcription factor with emerging functional significance in OC. Here we examined its clinicopathologic significance by immunohistochemistry and TCGA/GTex data analyses. Aberrant MYB expression was detected in 94% of OC cases (n = 373), but not in the normal ovarian tissues (n = 23). MYB was overexpressed in all major epithelial OC histological subtypes exhibiting the highest incidence (~ 97%) and overall expression in serous and mucinous carcinomas. MYB expression correlated positively with tumor grades and stages. Moreover, MYB exhibited race-specific prognostic association. Moderate-to-high MYB levels were significantly associated with both poor overall- (p = 0.02) and progression-free (p = 0.02) survival in African American (AA), but not in the Caucasian American (CA) patients. Consistent with immunohistochemistry data, we observed significantly higher MYB transcripts in OC cases (n = 426) than normal ovary (n = 88). MYB transcripts were significantly higher in all epithelial OC subtypes, compared to normal, and its greater levels predicted poor survival in AA OC, but not CA OC, patients. Thus, MYB appears to be a useful clinical biomarker for prognostication, especially in AA patients.
Deep learning for end-to-end kidney cancer diagnosis on multi-phase abdominal computed tomography
Authors: Uhm Kwang-Hyun , Jung Seung-Won , Choi Moon Hyung , Shin Hong-Kyu , Yoo Jae-Ik , Oh Se Won , Kim Jee Young , Kim Hyun Gi , Lee Young Joon , Youn Seo Yeon , Hong Sung-Hoo , Ko Sung-Jea
Published: June 2021

In 2020, it is estimated that 73,750 kidney cancer cases were diagnosed, and 14,830 people died from cancer in the United States. Preoperative multi-phase abdominal computed tomography (CT) is often used for detecting lesions and classifying histologic subtypes of renal tumor to avoid unnecessary biopsy or surgery. However, there exists inter-observer variability due to subtle differences in the imaging features of tumor subtypes, which makes decisions on treatment challenging. While deep learning has been recently applied to the automated diagnosis of renal tumor, classification of a wide range of subtype classes has not been sufficiently studied yet. In this paper, we propose an end-to-end deep learning model for the differential diagnosis of five major histologic subtypes of renal tumors including both benign and malignant tumors on multi-phase CT. Our model is a unified framework to simultaneously identify lesions and classify subtypes for the diagnosis without manual intervention. We trained and tested the model using CT data from 308 patients who underwent nephrectomy for renal tumors. The model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.889, and outperformed radiologists for most subtypes. We further validated the model on an independent dataset of 184 patients from The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA). The AUC for this dataset was 0.855, and the model performed comparably to the radiologists. These results indicate that our model can achieve similar or better diagnostic performance than radiologists in differentiating a wide range of renal tumors on multi-phase CT.
Specific and nondisruptive interaction of guanidium-functionalized gold nanoparticles with neutral phospholipid bilayers
Authors: Morillas-Becerril Lucía , Franco-Ulloa Sebastian , Fortunati Ilaria , Marotta Roberto , Sun Xiaohuan , Zanoni Giordano , De Vivo Marco , Mancin Fabrizio
Published: June 2021

Understanding and controlling the interaction between nanoparticles and biological entities is fundamental to the development of nanomedicine applications. In particular, the possibility to realize nanoparticles capable of directly targeting neutral lipid membranes would be advantageous to numerous applications aiming at delivering nanoparticles and their cargos into cells and biological vesicles. Here, we use experimental and computational methodologies to analyze the interaction between liposomes and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) featuring cationic headgroups in their protecting monolayer. We find that in contrast to nanoparticles decorated with other positively charged headgroups, guanidinium-coated AuNPs can bind to neutral phosphatidylcholine liposomes, inducing nondisruptive membrane permeabilization. Atomistic molecular simulations reveal that this ability is due to the multivalent H-bonding interaction between the phosphate residues of the liposome’s phospholipids and the guanidinium groups. Our results demonstrate that the peculiar properties of arginine magic, an effect responsible for the membranotropic properties of some naturally occurring peptides, are also displayed by guanidinium-bearing functionalized AuNPs.
Ultrashort Hδ+⋯Hδ−intermolecular distance in a supramolecular system in the solid state
Authors: García-Márquez Alfonso , Frontera Antonio , Roisnel Thierry , Gramage-Doria Rafael
Published: June 2021

The unexpected finding of the shortest Hδ+⋯Hδ−intermolecular distance for non-ionic species has been found in a trivial phosphinophenol borane adduct in the solid state.
CRISPR/Cas12a-mediated gold nanoparticle aggregation for colorimetric detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Cao Yiren , Wu Jinjun , Pang Bo , Zhang Hongquan , Le X. Chris
Published: June 2021

The trans-cleavage activity of the target-activated CRISPR/Cas12a liberated an RNA crosslinker from a molecular transducer, which facilitated the assembly of gold nanoparticles.
Cell-penetrating, amphipathic cyclic peptoids as molecular transporters for cargo delivery
Authors: Kim Hyun-Soo , Lee Yeongju , Shin Min Hyeon , Lim Hyun-Suk
Published: June 2021

Here we describe the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of cell-penetrating, amphipathic cyclic peptoids as a novel class of molecular transporters.
Effect of dehydration pathway on the surface properties of molecular crystals
Authors: Herzberg M. , Zeng G. , Mäkilä E. , Murtomaa M. , Søgaard S. V. , Garnæs J. , Madsen A. Ø. , Rantanen J.
Published: June 2021

Atomic force microscopy was used to determine roughness, elastic modulus and work function after thermally-induced and solvent-induced dehydration. These properties correlated with electric charging to provide insight into behaviour of bulk powders.
Static quenching upon adduct formation: a treatment without shortcuts and approximations
Authors: Genovese Damiano , Cingolani Matteo , Rampazzo Enrico , Prodi Luca , Zaccheroni Nelsi
Published: June 2021

Treatment of luminescence quenching upon adduct formation is often overlooked, leading to macroscopic errors. Here we provide a complete guide to its treatment, for correct mechanism assessment and to obtain reliable association constants.
Exploiting complementary ligands for the construction of square antiprismatic monometallic lanthanide SMMs
Authors: Jiao Yushu , Sarwar Sidra , Sanz Sergio , van Leusen Jan , Izarova Natalya V. , Campbell Cameron L. , Brechin Euan K. , Dalgarno Scott J. , Kögerler Paul
Published: June 2021

(N(nBu)4)[MIIIL(acac)2], M = Y, Gd, Tb and Dy, have been constructed by combination of two O donor ligands, bidentate acetylacetone and tetradentate p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene.
Malate-aided selective crystallization and luminescence comparison of tetragonal and monoclinic LaVO4:Eu nanocrystals
Authors: Huang Sai , Xiahou Junqing , Zhu Qi , Takei Toshiaki , Kim Byung-Nam , Li Ji-Guang
Published: June 2021

Selective crystallization of tetragonal and monoclinic LaVO4:Eu as nanosquares and nanorods was achieved with malate as a new type of chelate, and the 5D0 level of Eu3+ has a quantum efficiency of ∼80% for the t-phase and ∼70% for the m-phase.
Comparing pathways for electricity-based production of dimethoxymethane as a sustainable fuel
Authors: Burre Jannik , Bongartz Dominik , Deutz Sarah , Mebrahtu Chalachew , Osterthun Ole , Sun Ruiyan , Völker Simon , Bardow André , Klankermayer Jürgen , Palkovits Regina , Mitsos Alexander
Published: June 2021

A hierarchical methodology for process design and evaluation reveals how the remarkable achievements in catalyst development for dimethoxymethane (DMM) synthesis can make DMM a sustainable future e-fuel.
Recent advanced skeletons in sodium metal anodes
Authors: Chu Chenxiao , Li Rui , Cai Feipeng , Bai Zhongchao , Wang Yunxiao , Xu Xun , Wang Nana , Yang Jian , Dou ShiXue
Published: June 2021

The “host” modification strategy can guide homogeneous Na deposition, suppress dendrite formation and mitigate volume fluctuation. This work reviews the research progress of various skeleton materials for sodium metal anodes in recent years.
Aqueous redox flow batteries: How ‘green’ are the redox active materials?
Authors: Deller Zachary , Jones Lathe A. , Maniam Subashani
Published: June 2021

Development of active materials in aqueous organic redox flow battery contributes to the aspect of green technology. The ‘greenness’ of synthetic methodologies for preparing active materials are evaluated using the 12 principles of green chemistry.
Upscaling of pneumatic membrane valves for the integration of 3D cell cultures on chip
Authors: Compera Nina , Atwell Scott , Wirth Johannes , Wolfrum Bernhard , Meier Matthias
Published: June 2021

For integration of 3D cell cultures on microfluidic large-scale integration chips, we upscaled pneumatic membrane valves using 3D-printed replica molds. Unit cell operations for 3D cell culture formation, culture, retrieval, and fusion are designed.
Conductive Zn(ii)-metallohydrogels: the role of alkali metal cation size in gelation, rheology and conductance
Authors: Mahendar Chinthakuntla , Kumar Yeeshu , Dixit Manish Kumar , Mukherjee Moupia , Kalam Abul , Dubey Mrigendra
Published: June 2021

Studies of metallohydrogels comprehended the relation about smaller the size of the alkali metal ions, stronger the metallohydrogel matrix and weaker the conductivity of metallogel.
Multi-omics data integration reveals correlated regulatory features of triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Chappell Kevin , Manna Kanishka , Washam Charity L. , Graw Stefan , Alkam Duah , Thompson Matthew D. , Zafar Maroof Khan , Hazeslip Lindsey , Randolph Christopher , Gies Allen , Bird Jordan T. , Byrd Alicia K , Miah Sayem , Byrum Stephanie D.
Published: June 2021

Multi-omics data integration of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) provides insight into biological pathways.
HOPMCLDA: predicting lncRNA–disease associations based on high-order proximity and matrix completion
Authors: Xie Guobo , Zhu Yinting , Lin Zhiyi , Sun Yuping , Gu Guosheng , Wang Weiming , Chen Hui
Published: June 2021

Calculating the high-order proximity of the similarity between lncRNAs and diseases and using a matrix completion algorithm for predicting lncRNA–disease associations.
Advances in decomposing complex metabolite mixtures using substructure- and network-based computational metabolomics approaches
Authors: Beniddir Mehdi A. , Kang Kyo Bin , Genta-Jouve Grégory , Huber Florian , Rogers Simon , van der Hooft Justin J. J.
Published: June 2021

This review highlights the key computational tools and emerging strategies for metabolite annotation, and discusses how these advances will enable integrated large-scale analysis to accelerate natural product discovery.
Understanding functional group and assembly dynamics in temperature responsive systems leads to design principles for enzyme responsive assemblies
Authors: Liu Hongxu , Lionello Chiara , Westley Jenna , Cardellini Annalisa , Huynh Uyen , Pavan Giovanni M. , Thayumanavan S.
Published: June 2021

The dynamics of temperature-sensitive assemblies is affected by the dehydration of oligoethylene glycol and thermally-promoted molecular motions. The dynamics transition point and sub-LCST can be modulated by subtle variations in molecular structure.
Wide range modulation of synaptic weight in thin-film transistors with hafnium oxide gate insulator and indium-zinc oxide channel layer for artificial synapse application
Authors: Beom Keonwon , Han Jimin , Kim Hyun-Mi , Yoon Tae-Sik
Published: June 2021

Synaptic transistor with a hafnium oxide gate insulator and an indium–zinc oxide channel layer exhibited wide range synaptic weight modulation with a tunable drain current as an artificial synapse in neuromorphic systems.
Toughened PLA-b-PCL-b-PLA triblock copolymer based biomaterials: effect of self-assembled nanostructure and stereocomplexation on the mechanical properties
Authors: Mulchandani Neha , Masutani Kazunari , Kumar Sachin , Yamane Hideki , Sakurai Shinichi , Kimura Yoshiharu , Katiyar Vimal
Published: June 2021

The current research unfolds the effect of block lengths, microdomain morphology and stereocomplexation on the mechanical properties of PLA-b-PCL-b-PLA triblock copolymers where PCL is involved to improve the poor extensibility of PLA.
Norepinephrine derived carbon dots for live-cell imaging and effective hemoglobin determination
Authors: Lu Zhenzhen , Giles Luke W. , Tabor Rico F. , Teo Boon Mian
Published: June 2021

Schematic of hydrothermal synthesis of CDs resulting in green fluorescence. Applications of synthesized CDs including cell imaging and hemoglobin detection were then studied.
Transforming growth factor-β2-mediated mesenchymal transition in lens epithelial cells is repressed in the absence of RAGE
Authors: Nam Mi-Hyun , Pantcheva Mina B. , Rankenberg Johanna , Nagaraj Ram H.
Published: June 2021

Transforming growth factor-β2 (TGFβ2)-mediated epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in lens epithelial cells (LECs) has been implicated in fibrosis associated with secondary cataracts. In this study, we investigated whether the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) plays a role in TGFβ2-mediated EMT in LECs. Unlike in the LECs from wild-type mice, TGFβ2 failed to elicit an EMT response in LECs from RAGE knockout mice. The lack of RAGE also diminished TGFβ2-mediated Smad signaling. In addition, treatment with TGFβ2 increased IL-6 levels in LECs from wild-type mice but not in those from RAGE knockout mice. Treatment of human LECs with the RAGE inhibitor FPS-ZM1 reduced TGFβ2-mediated Smad signaling and the EMT response. Unlike that in wild-type lenses, the removal of fiber cell tissue in RAGE knockout lenses did not result in elevated levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin (FN), and integrin β1 in capsule-adherent LECs. Taken together, these results suggest that TGFβ2 signaling is intricately linked to RAGE. Targeting RAGE could be explored as a therapeutic strategy against secondary cataracts.
The structures of E. coli NfsA bound to the antibiotic nitrofurantoin; to 1,4-benzoquinone and to FMN
Authors: Day Martin A. , Jarrom David , Christofferson Andrew J. , Graziano Antonio E. , Anderson J. L. Ross , Searle Peter F. , Hyde Eva I. , White Scott A.
Published: June 2021

NfsA is a dimeric flavoprotein that catalyses the reduction in nitroaromatics and quinones by NADPH. This reduction is required for the activity of nitrofuran antibiotics. The crystal structure of free Escherichia coli NfsA and several homologues have been determined previously, but there is no structure of the enzyme with ligands. We present here crystal structures of oxidised E. coli NfsA in the presence of several ligands, including the antibiotic nitrofurantoin. Nitrofurantoin binds with the furan ring, rather than the nitro group that is reduced, near the N5 of the FMN. Molecular dynamics simulations show that this orientation is only favourable in the oxidised enzyme, while potentiometry suggests that little semiquinone is formed in the free protein. This suggests that the reduction occurs by direct hydride transfer from FMNH− to nitrofurantoin bound in the reverse orientation to that in the crystal structure. We present a model of nitrofurantoin bound to reduced NfsA in a viable hydride transfer orientation. The substrate 1,4-benzoquinone and the product hydroquinone are positioned close to the FMN N5 in the respective crystal structures with NfsA, suitable for reaction, but are mobile within the active site. The structure with a second FMN, bound as a ligand, shows that a mobile loop in the free protein forms a phosphate-binding pocket. NfsA is specific for NADPH and a similar conformational change, forming a phosphate-binding pocket, is likely to also occur with the natural cofactor.
Association of the polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) with the risk of leprosy in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Paz Jasna Letícia Pinto , Silvestre Maria do Perpétuo Socorro Corrêa Amador , Moura Letícia Siqueira , Furlaneto Ismari Perini , Rodrigues Yan Corrêa , Lima Karla Valéria Batista , Lima Luana Nepomuceno Gondim Costa
Published: June 2021

The transmission and evolution of leprosy depends on several aspects, including immunological and genetic factors of the host, as well as genetic factors of Mycobacterium leprae. The present study evaluated the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the FokI (rs2228570), TaqI (rs731236), ApaI (rs7975232) regions of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene with leprosy. A total of 405 individuals were evaluated, composed by groups of 100 multibacillary (MB) and 57 paucibacillary (PB) patients, and 248 healthy contacts. Blood samples were collected from patients and contacts. The genotyping was performed by sequencing of the interest regions. The alleles of the studied SNPs, and SNP FokI genotypes, were not associated with leprosy. For the SNP on TaqI region, the relationship between the tt genotype, and for the SNP ApaI, the AA genotype, revealed an association with susceptibility to MB form, while Aa genotype with protection. The extended genotypes AaTT and AaTt of ApaI and TaqI were associated with protection against MB form. Further studies analyzing the expression of the VDR gene and the correlation with its SNPs might help to clarify the role of polymorphisms on the immune response in leprosy.
Dynamical effect of the 9:16 resonance with Mars on some Datura asteroids, including the pair Balam and 312497
Authors: Plávalová E. , Rosaev A.
Published: June 2021

Context.We studied the effect of the mean motion 9:16 resonance with Mars (9:16M) on the dynamics of the very young asteroid family Datura and the young pair (3749) Balam and (312497) 2009 BR60.

Aims.We aim to understand the mechanism of dynamical interaction of the members of a family that are subjected to mean motion resonance in order to precisely estimate the age of an asteroid family or pair and to reconstruct their breakup processes.

Methods.We calculated the expected (9:16M) resonance position, its boundaries, and multiplet fine structure and their time evolution under the effect of Mars orbit variations. We used the Lyapunov characteristic exponent and Euclid algorithm in our analytical calculations. We compared these results with backward numerical integrations of some Datura asteroids to check for consistency.

Results.We explain the strong variations in the semi-major axis of some Datura asteroids as caused by the variations in the orbit of Mars. Using the Datura family as an example, we show that the distance from resonance may be a better measure of chaos than the widely accepted Lyapunov exponent. Additionally, we find that asteroid (3749) Balam exhibits the conspicuous effects of dynamical perturbations that are likely induced by the 9:16M resonance.

Conclusions.Focusing on one of the most robust and well-established young asteroid families, the Datura family, we show that mean motion resonances play an important role as drivers of the dynamical evolution of asteroid families.
Collapse of turbulent massive cores with ambipolar diffusion and hybrid radiative transfer
Authors: Mignon-Risse R. , González M. , Commerçon B. , Rosdahl J.
Published: June 2021

Context.Massive stars form in magnetized and turbulent environments and are often located in stellar clusters. The accretion and outflows mechanisms associated with forming massive stars and the origin of the stellar multiplicity of their system are poorly understood.

Aims.We study the effect of magnetic fields and turbulence on the accretion mechanism of massive protostars and their multiplicity. We also focus on disk formation as a prerequisite for outflow launching.

Methods.We present a series of four radiation-magnetohydrodynamical simulations of the collapse of a massive magnetized, turbulent core of 100M⊙with the adaptive-mesh-refinement code RAMSES, including a hybrid radiative transfer method for stellar irradiation and ambipolar diffusion. We varied the Mach and Alfvénic Mach numbers to probe sub- and super-Alfvénic turbulence and sub- and supersonic turbulence regimes.

Results.Sub-Alfvénic turbulence leads to single stellar systems, and super-Alfvénic turbulence leads to binary formation from disk fragmentation following the collision of spiral arms, with mass ratios of 1.1–1.6 and a separation of several hundred AU that increases with initial turbulent support and with time. In these runs, infalling gas reaches the individual disks through a transient circumbinary structure. Magnetically regulated, thermally dominated (plasma betaβ> 1) Keplerian disks form in all runs, with sizes 100–200 AU and masses 1–8M⊙. The disks around primary and secondary sink particles have similar properties. We obtain mass accretion rates of ~10−4M⊙yr−1onto the protostars and observe higher accretion rates onto the secondary stars than onto their primary star companion. The primary disk orientation is found to be set by the initial angular momentum carried by turbulence rather than by magnetic fields. Even without turbulence, axisymmetry and north–south symmetry with respect to the disk plane are broken by the interchange instability and thermally dominated streamers, respectively.

Conclusions.Small (≲300 AU) massive protostellar disks such as those that are frequently observed today can so far only be reproduced in the presence of (moderate) magnetic fields with ambipolar diffusion, even in a turbulent medium. The interplay between magnetic fields and turbulence sets the multiplicity of stellar clusters. A plasma betaβ> 1 is a good indicator for distinguishing streamers and individual disks from their surroundings.
Preservation of the structure of the building in the process of renovation of industrial architecture
Authors: Gudina Marina , Prokofiev Evgenii
Published: June 2021

The renovation of industrial buildings has become relevant recently with increasing interest in former industrial areas that need to rethink their importance in the city without losing their identity. Based on the previous scientific works of the authors, we reveal one of the principles of preserving identity in the renovation of industrial buildings – the principle of preserving the structural identity of the building. In this scientific study, we analyze the existing experience of preserving structures during renovation and consider this principle in practice, namely, the renovation of the mill building erected in 1912 in the urban-type settlement of Apastovo, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. The practical significance of the work lies in the possibility of applying the results of the study in modern architectural practice, in particular in the reconstruction of industrial buildings in historical cities of Russia. This work can become the basis for further research, identifying valuable areas for the development of industrial formations.
The use of modern polymer materials and wood in the construction of buildings in the form of geodesic domes
Authors: Pastukh Olga , Zhivotov Dmitrii , Vaitens Andrey , Yablonskii Leonid
Published: June 2021

Spherical structures have been used by mankind since time immemorial in religious and public buildings, as well as in engineering structures. With the development of lightweight design and construction, non-standard architectural and planning solutions are used. More and more frequently they are being successfully implemented in private home projects and becoming a fact of everyday life. This may be explained by certain advantages of the form, as well as by the opportunities offered to the construction industry by the age of new materials and technologies for the works performance. The functional and architectural-structural design of round-shaped buildings in the form of geodesic domes will allow creating comfortable, cost-effective, energy-efficient and environmentally expedient conditions for human habitation taking into account the shortage of land areas and increased demand for alternative housing options due to the environmental situation around the world. This article analyzes the experience of building spherical buildings of different types and scales. The authors present the results of research carried out in the field of the geodesic dome design improvement with the use of wood and polymer materials.
The art of craft in the interior
Authors: Kuleeva Lyailya , Burova Tatyana , Listovskaya Ludmila , Saifullina Ilseyar , Ibragimova Ainaz
Published: June 2021

In relation to the most characteristic architectural styles and movements, this paper discusses the issues of creation and development of artistic crafts that influence the formation and decoration of interior space. The evolution of crafts from a purely utilitarian activity to a form of decorative and applied art used to transform the interior environment by holistic and functional means is being considered through the lens of subjectspatial and functional-artistic organization.
Statistical analysis of the vehicles main dimensions variability on public roads
Authors: Maystrenko Igor , Zinnurov Tagir , Maystrenko Tatyana , Erochin Dmitiy
Published: June 2021

The aim of the study is to obtain the parameters of vehicle size variability and evaluate the convergence of empirical data with the modeling results using distribution functions. The main results of the study consist in obtaining statistical parameters that characterize the variability of vehicle sizes, and testing hypotheses about whether the empirical distribution belongs to one of the theoretical distribution functions. The significance of the obtained results lies in the possibility of using the most suitable theoretical functions of probability distributions of random variables that characterize the variability of vehicle sizes in algorithms for estimating the resource parameters of steel spans of road bridges.
Providing interlayer adhesion of dissimilar layers of top road surfaces
Authors: Gabdullin Talgat , Makhmutov Marat
Published: June 2021

The article reviews the option of how to make the top pavement of asphalt-concrete mixture adhere reliably to the base, which is the underlying cement-concrete coating. The bitumen-latex emulsion is suggested as a binder for the two pavement layers. The research aimed to determine the optimal layer thickness of the bituminous-latex emulsion to be applied and achieve the maximum interlayer adhesion between the top asphalt-concrete pavement and the cement-concrete base. After full-scale experiments, the required layer thickness of the bitumen-latex emulsion was 2 mm. With this layer thickness of the binder, road pavement layers do not delaminate and shear when stressed by the intensive flows of vehicles moving on the roads. The results obtained are important for the road construction industry for suggesting the formulation of bitumen-latex emulsion and finding the most effective layer thickness to be applied. The suggested formulation of a bitumen-latex emulsion is frost-resistant. The article describes the experimental steps for determining the optimal application thickness at a fair length. The maintenance-free life of roads with an asphalt-concrete mixture on a cement-concrete base interlayered with a bitumen-latex emulsion as a binder is assumed to get much longer.
Development of typical flexible road pavement catalog for regional and intermunicipal highways in Russian Federation (using the example of the Republic of Bashkortostan)
Authors: Ushakov Viktor , Goryachev Mikhail , Lugov Sergey , Kudryavtcev Andrey , Yarkin Sergey
Published: June 2021

Road pavements in Russia are now working in difficult conditions of ever-growing vehicular traffic intensity. Current methodology for designing flexible road pavements has a number of serious shortcomings, where the best design experience and actual operating conditions of highways are not fully taken into account. In some cases, this leads to ineffective pavement structures design with a short service life. On many roads, rutting and premature wear of road surfaces appear already in the first years of their operation. Drainage systems are silted up in the first years of working. At the same time, geosynthetic materials are sometimes used unreasonably. The service life of roadway surfaces does not comply with the current regulations. In Russia, effective road-building materials are not yet fully used, local road-building materials and industrial waste reinforced with binders are little used. With exception of certain regions of the country, actual experience of operating various road structures with identification of the most optimal solutions is still poorly subject to consideration. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop designs of typical road pavements for various regions of Russia, which will ensure their efficient operation. To develop typical pavement designs, it is necessary to analyze existing ones in real conditions of their operation.
Experimental investigation of pultruded GFRP connections
Authors: Aripov Daler , Kuznetsov Ivan , Salakhutdinov Marat
Published: June 2021

At present, design and construction of all-FRP structures with the use of GFRP are developing. All-FRP frame structures use bolted connections to form nodes between the elements, particularly steel bolts. This research focuses on the use of FRP pultruded plates instead of chords and webs. Frame construction nodes are formed by adjoining frame elements at different angles to the chords through gusset plates. In accordance with the literature analysis, a small number of tests have been carried out to investigate connections at angles to the pultrusion direction the pultrusion direction. Both experimental and numerical studies made with pultruded plates and L-shape FRP profiles have demonstrated that the plates have considerable influence on the strength and deformation of joints so that the joints failure mode involves mainly the bolted plate. These results were then compared against numerical predictions obtained using Ansys for finite-element analysis.
Foundation with increased load bearing base capacity
Authors: Sokolov Nikolay , Mikhailov Boris , Viktorova Svetlana
Published: June 2021

Along with other advanced geotechnical technologies for the exploration of underground space, electro-discharge technology (EDT technology) is one of the fundamental in the field of the construction of auger-injection microcircuits, as well as the construction transformation of the properties of foundation soils with weak physical and mechanical characteristics. At the same time, having significant differences compared to other methods of subsurface development of buildings and structures, the geotechnical EDT technology has a number of advantages, such as: 1) increased specific soil load-bearing capacity; 2) constructability of the auger piles in any geotechnical conditions; 3) possibility of geotechnical works performance under restricted conditions. As a basic structure for the development of new technologies, it has a large scientific research potential for the purposes of introducing it into modern underground construction.
Numerical studies of soil base deformations from reconstructed multi-storey building to nearby buildings
Authors: Mirsayapov Ilisar , Shakirov Ildus , Nurieva Daniya
Published: June 2021

During the building reconstruction with floors addition, there is a need to evaluate the building frame and foundation soil bearing capacity, especially if there are deviations from the design parameters. As a result of the field and numerical studies, we determined the basic change patterns in the stress-strain state of the 12-storey building load-bearing structures with a monolithic reinforced concrete frame due to uneven pile foundation deformation. We also found the influence degree of the existing deviations from the design parameters to the structures bearing capacity. The research results can be applied in reconstruction conditions with a significant increase in the load on the existing load-bearing elements of the building and on the pile foundation.
Bearing capacity of piles in a reinforced by pressure cementation soil massif
Authors: Shakirov Ildus
Published: June 2021

Studies of the piles bearing capacity after strengthening soil by cement mortar pressure injection were carried out to determine pile foundations bearing capacity increasing patterns in a result of soils cementation. Depending from the volume and cement mortar technological injection parameters, the soil stress state around the pile changes, additional pile-soil compression occurs and the friction along the lateral surface increase, as well as the soil resistance under the pile bottom end. Cementation effect on the pile bearing capacity for different injectors location and the number of piles in the foundation were determined by tests. The research results can be used in the pile foundations reinforcement design in conditions of reconstruction with increasing loads on the foundations.
Vibrations of a deformed half-space with inclusion under the influence of surface waves
Authors: Rakhmonov Bakhodir , Safarov Ismoil , Teshaev Mukhsin , Nafasov Ravshan
Published: June 2021

There is a large number of underground tunnels of various shapes located in seismic zones that need to be protected from seismic impacts. The paper considers the effect of harmonic surface waves on a cylindrical inclusion of various shapes located in a viscoelastic half-plane. The main purpose of the study is to determine the stress-strain state of the obstacle when exposed to harmonic waves. The problem is solved by the finite element method. It was found that the maximum stress concentration is allowed at long waves, and the stress concentration with increasing depth and wavelength approaches the static value of stress. The reliability of the obtained research results is confirmed by good agreement with theoretical and experimental results obtained by other authors.