bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical time-of-flight filter based on slotted disks and helical rotor for measurement of velocities of nanoparticles
Authors: Solař Pavel , Kousal Jaroslav , Hanuš Jan , Škorvánková Kateřina , Kuzminova Anna , Kylián Ondřej
Published: March 2021

A mechanical time-of-flight filter intended for measurement of velocities of nanoparticles exiting a gas aggregation source has been developed. Several configurations maximizing simplicity, throughput or resolution are suggested and investigated both theoretically and experimentally. It is shown that the data measured using such filters may be easily converted to the real velocity distribution with high precision. Furthermore, it is shown that properly designed filters allow for the monitoring of the velocity of nanoparticles even at the conditions with extremely low intensity of the nanoparticle beam.
Anopheles ecology, genetics and malaria transmission in northern Cambodia
Authors: Vantaux Amélie , Riehle Michelle M. , Piv Eakpor , Farley Elise J. , Chy Sophy , Kim Saorin , Corbett Anneli G. , Fehrman Rachel L. , Pepey Anais , Eiglmeier Karin , Lek Dysoley , Siv Sovannaroth , Mueller Ivo , Vernick Kenneth D. , Witkowski Benoit
Published: March 2021

In the Greater Mekong Subregion, malaria cases have significantly decreased but little is known about the vectors or mechanisms responsible for residual malaria transmission. We analysed a total of 3920 Anopheles mosquitoes collected during the rainy and dry seasons from four ecological settings in Cambodia (villages, forested areas near villages, rubber tree plantations and forest sites). Using odor-baited traps, 81% of the total samples across all sites were collected in cow baited traps, although 67% of the samples attracted by human baited traps were collected in forest sites. Overall, 20% of collected Anopheles were active during the day, with increased day biting during the dry season. 3131 samples were identified morphologically as 14 different species, and a subset was also identified by DNA amplicon sequencing allowing determination of 29 Anopheles species. The investigation of well characterized insecticide mutations (ace-1, kdr, and rdl genes) indicated that individuals carried mutations associated with response to all the different classes of insecticides. There also appeared to be a non-random association between mosquito species and insecticide resistance with Anopheles peditaeniatus exhibiting nearly fixed mutations. Molecular screening for Plasmodium sp. presence indicated that 3.6% of collected Anopheles were positive, most for P. vivax followed by P. falciparum. These results highlight some of the key mechanisms driving residual human malaria transmission in Cambodia, and illustrate the importance of diverse collection methods, sites and seasons to avoid bias and better characterize Anopheles mosquito ecology in Southeast Asia.
Publisher Correction: Time-resolved classification of dog brain signals reveals early processing of faces, species and emotion
Authors: Kujala Miiamaaria V. , Kauppi Jukka‑Pekka , Törnqvist Heini , Helle Liisa , Vainio Outi , Kujala Jan , Parkkonen Lauri
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Urinary stone composition analysis and clinical characterization of 1520 patients in central China
Authors: Zhang Daling , Li Songchao , Zhang Zhengguo , Li Ningyang , Yuan Xiang , Jia Zhankui , Yang Jinjian
Published: March 2021

A total of 1520 patients with urinary stones from central China were collected and analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy between October 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019. For all patients, age, sex, comorbidities, stone location, laboratory examination and geographic region were collected. The most common stone component was calcium oxalate (77.5%), followed by calcium phosphate (8.7%), infection stone (7.6%), uric acid (UA) stone (5.3%)and cystine (0.9%). The males had more calcium oxalate stones (p < 0.001), while infection stone and cystine stones occurred more frequently in females (p < 0.001). The prevalence peak occurred at 41–60 years in both men and women. UA stones occurred frequently in patients with lower urinary pH (p < 0.001), while neutral urine or alkaline urine (p < 0.001) and urinary infection (p < 0.001) were more likely to be associated with infection stone stones. Patients with high levels of serum creatinine were more likely to develop UA stones (p < 0.001). The proportion of UA stones in diabetics was higher (p < 0.001), and the incidence of hypertension was higher in patients with UA stones (p < 0.001). Compared to the other types, more calcium oxalate stones were detected in the kidneys and ureters (p < 0.001), whereas struvite stones were more frequently observed in the lower urinary tract (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in stone composition across the Qinling-Huaihe line in central China except UA stones, which were more frequently observed in patients south of the line (p < 0.001).
Dimensional engineering of a topological insulating phase in Half-Heusler LiMgAs
Authors: Sattigeri Raghottam M. , Jha Prafulla K.
Published: March 2021

We propose a novel technique of dimensional engineering to realize low dimensional topological insulator from a trivial three dimensional parent. This is achieved by confining the bulk system to one dimension along a particular crystal direction, thus enhancing the quantum confinement effects in the system. We investigate this mechanism in the Half-Heusler compound LiMgAs with face-centered cubic (FCC) structure. At ambient conditions the bulk FCC structure exhibits a semi-conducting nature. But, under the influence of high volume expansive pressure (VEP) the system undergoes a topological phase transition (TPT) from semi-conducting to semi-metallic forming a Dirac cone. At a critical VEP we observe that, spin-orbit coupling (SOC) effects introduce a gap of $$\sim$$
∼
1.5 meV in the Dirac cone at high symmetry point $$\Gamma$$
Γ
in the Brillouin zone. This phase of bulk LiMgAs exhibits a trivial nature characterized by the $${\mathbb {Z}}_2$$

Z
2

invariants as (0,000). By further performing dimensional engineering, we cleave [111] plane from the bulk FCC structure and confine the system in one dimension. This low-dimensional phase of LiMgAs has structure similar to the two dimensional $${\text {1T-MoS}}_2$$

1T-MoS
2

system. Under a relatively lower compressive strain, the low-dimensional system undergoes a TPT and exhibits a non-trivial topological nature characterized by the SOC gap of $$\sim$$
∼
55 meV and $${\mathbb {Z}}_2$$

Z
2

invariant $$\nu$$
ν
= 1. Although both, the low-dimensional and bulk phase exhibit edge and surface states, the low-dimensional phase is far more superior and exceptional as compared to the bulk parent in terms of the velocity of Fermions ($${\text {v}}_f$$

v
f

) across the surface states. Such a system has promising applications in nano-electronics.
A 37-amino acid loop in the Yarrowia lipolytica hexokinase impacts its activity and affinity and modulates gene expression
Authors: Hapeta Piotr , Szczepańska Patrycja , Neuvéglise Cécile , Lazar Zbigniew
Published: March 2021

The oleaginous yeastYarrowia lipolyticais a potent cell factory as it is able to use a wide variety of carbon sources to convert waste materials into value-added products. Nonetheless, there are still gaps in our understanding of its central carbon metabolism. Here we present an in-depth study ofY. lipolyticahexokinase (YlHxk1), a structurally unique protein. The greatest peculiarity of YlHxk1 is a 37-amino acid loop region, a structure not found in any other known hexokinases. By combining bioinformatic and experimental methods we showed that the loop in YlHxk1 is essential for activity of this protein and through that on growth ofY. lipolyticaon glucose and fructose. We further proved that the loop in YlHxk1 hinders binding with trehalose 6-phosphate (T6P), a glycolysis inhibitor, as hexokinase with partial deletion of this region is 4.7-fold less sensitive to this molecule. We also found that YlHxk1 devoid of the loop causes strong repressive effect on lipase-encoding genesLIP2andLIP8and that the hexokinase overexpression inY. lipolyticachanges glycerol over glucose preference when cultivated in media containing both substrates.
The upper limit and lift force within inertial focusing in high aspect ratio curved microfluidics
Authors: Cruz Javier , Hjort Klas
Published: March 2021

Microfluidics exploiting the phenomenon of inertial focusing have attracted much attention in the last decade as they provide the means to facilitate the detection and analysis of rare particles of interest in complex fluids such as blood and natural water. Although many interesting applications have been demonstrated, the systems remain difficult to engineer. A recently presented line of the technology, inertial focusing in High Aspect Ratio Curved microfluidics, has the potential to change this and make the benefits of inertial focusing more accessible to the community. In this paper, with experimental evidence and fluid simulations, we provide the two necessary equations to design the systems and successfully focus the targets in a single, stable, and high-quality position. The experiments also revealed an interesting scaling law of the lift force, which we believe provides a valuable insight into the phenomenon of inertial focusing.
Diagnostic performance and clinical implications for enhancing a hybrid quantitative flow ratio–FFR revascularization decision-making strategy
Authors: Peper Joyce , van Hamersvelt Robbert W. , Rensing Benno J. W. M. , van Kuijk Jan-Peter , Voskuil Michiel , Berg Jurriën M. ten , Schaap Jeroen , Kelder Johannes C. , Grobbee Diederick E. , Leiner Tim , Swaans Martin J.
Published: March 2021

Invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) adoption remains low mainly due to procedural and operator related factors as well as costs. Alternatively, quantitative flow ratio (QFR) achieves a high accuracy mainly outside the intermediate zone without the need for hyperaemia and wire-use. We aimed to determine the diagnostic performance of QFR and to evaluate a QFR–FFR hybrid strategy in which FFR is measured only in the intermediate zone. This retrospective study included 289 consecutive patients who underwent invasive coronary angiography and FFR. QFR was calculated for all vessels in which FFR was measured. The QFR–FFR hybrid approach was modelled using the intermediate zone of 0.77–0.87 in which FFR-measurements are recommended. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy on a per vessel-based analysis were 84.6%, 86.3% and 85.6% for QFR and 88.0%, 92.9% and 90.3% for the QFR–FFR hybrid approach. The diagnostic accuracy of QFR–FFR hybrid strategy with invasive FFR measurement was 93.4% and resulted in a 56.7% reduction in the need for FFR. QFR has a good correlation and agreement with invasive FFR. A hybrid QFR–FFR approach could extend the use of QFR and reduces the proportion of invasive FFR-measurements needed while improving accuracy.
Epidemiology and pain in elementary school-aged players: a survey of Japanese badminton players participating in the national tournament
Authors: Zhou Xiao , Imai Kazuhiro , Liu Xiao-Xuan , Watanabe Eiji
Published: March 2021

Pain is common in athletes which should be well managed. To identify risk factors for shoulder pain, and the association between shoulder pain, lower back pain and knee pain among elementary school-aged badminton players, we conducted a cross-sectional study to collect data of the past year among 611 elementary school age (7–12 years old) badminton players belonging to the Japan Schoolchildren Badminton Federation using a questionnaire. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The overall incidence rate of shoulder injuries, lower back injuries and knee injuries was 0.38 injuries per 1000 h of badminton training. Players with training time per day > 2.5 h were 2.64 times (95% CI 1.03–6.78, p = 0.043) more likely to sustain shoulder pain than those with training time per day ≤ 2.5 h. A significant association was revealed between shoulder pain and knee pain as well as between lower back pain and knee pain as training hours per day > 2.5 h. Moreover, lower back pain was significantly associated with shoulder pain independent of training hours per day (≤ 2.5 h: p = 0.001; > 2.5 h: p < 0.001). These findings indicate that training time per day is risk factor, and shoulder pain, lower back pain and knee pain were associated with each other in elementary school-aged badminton players.
A predictive PC-SAFT EOS based on COSMO for pharmaceutical compounds
Authors: Mahmoudabadi Samane Zarei , Pazuki Gholamreza
Published: March 2021

The present study was conducted to develop a predictive type of PC-SAFT EOS by incorporating the COSMO computations. With the proposed model, the physical adjustable inputs to PC-SAFT EOS were determined from the suggested correlations with dependency to COSMO computation results. Afterwards, we tested the reliability of the proposed predictive PC-SAFT EOS by modeling the solubility data of certain pharmaceutical compounds in pure and mixed solvents and their octanol/water partition coefficients. The obtained RMSE based on logarithmic scale for the predictive PC-SAFT EOS was 1.435 for all of the solubility calculations. The reported values (1.435) had a lower value than RMSE for COSMO-SAC model (4.385), which is the same as that for RMSE for COSMO-RS model (1.412). The standard RMSE for octanol/water partition coefficient of the investigated pharmaceutical compounds was estimated to be 1.515.
Metabolic changes of Interleukin-12/15/18-stimulated human NK cells
Authors: Terrén Iñigo , Orrantia Ane , Mosteiro Alba , Vitallé Joana , Zenarruzabeitia Olatz , Borrego Francisco
Published: March 2021

Natural Killer (NK) cells acquire memory-like properties following a brief stimulation with IL-12, IL-15 and IL-18. These IL-12/15/18-preactivated NK cells, also known as cytokine-induced memory-like (CIML) NK cells, have been revealed as a powerful tool in cancer immunotherapy due to their persistence in the host and their increased effector functions. Several studies have shown that NK cells modulate their metabolism in response to cytokine-stimulation and other stimuli, suggesting that there is a link between metabolism and cellular functions. In this paper, we have analyzed metabolic changes associated to IL-12/15/18-stimulation and the relevance of glycolytic pathway for NK cell effector functions. We have found CIML NK cells are able to retain a metabolic profile shifted towards glycolysis seven days after cytokine withdrawal. Furthermore, we found that treatment with 2-DG differently affects distinct NK cell effector functions and is stimuli-dependent. These findings may have implications in the design of NK cell-based cancer immunotherapies.
Identification of oxytocin-related lncRNAs and assessment of their expression in breast cancer
Authors: Behtaji Sepehr , Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh , Sayad Arezou , Sattari Ali , Rederstorff Mathieu , Taheri Mohammad
Published: March 2021

Oxytocin is a neuropeptide released by the central nervous system. A number of studies have demonstrated the role of this neuropeptide in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. In the present project, we have identified mRNA coding genes and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are associated with this pathway through an in-silico strategy, and measured their expression in a cohort of Iranian females affected with this type of malignancy. Expression levels of OXTR, FOS, ITPR1, RCAN1, CAMK2D, CACNA2D and lnc_ZFP161 were significantly down-regulated in breast cancer tissues compared with nearby non-cancerous tissues. On the other hand, expression of lnc_MTX2 was higher in breast cancer tissues compared with controls. Expression of lnc_TNS1 and lnc_FOXF1 were not different between these two kinds of samples. Expression of CACNA2D was associated with mitotic rate and PR status (P values = 3.02E−02 and 2.53E−02, respectively). Expression of other oxytocin-related genes was not associated with clinicopathological parameters. FOS and ITPR1 had the highest AUC value among the oxytocin-related genes. Combination of expression profiles of all oxytocin-related genes increased the AUC value to 0.75. However, the combinatorial sensitivity and specificity values were lower than some individual genes. In the breast cancer tissues, the most robust correlations have been detected between lnc_ZFP161/ lnc_FOXF1, CAMK2D/ lnc_ZFP161 and CAMK2D / lnc_FOXF1 (r = 0.86, 0.71 and 0.64 respectively). In the non-cancerous tissues, the strongest correlation was detected between lnc_FOXF1/lnc_MTX2 and lnc_ZFP161/CAMK2D respectively (r = 0.78 and 0.65). Taken together, oxytocin-associated genes have been dysregulated in breast cancer tissues. Moreover, the correlation ratio between these genes is connected with the existence of cancer.
A non-canonical function for Centromere-associated protein-E controls centrosome integrity and orientation of cell division
Authors: Owa Mikito , Dynlacht Brian
Published: March 2021

Centromere-associated protein-E (CENP-E) is a kinesin motor localizing at kinetochores. Although its mitotic functions have been well studied, it has been challenging to investigate direct consequences of CENP-E removal using conventional methods because CENP-E depletion resulted in mitotic arrest. In this study, we harnessed an auxin-inducible degron system to achieve acute degradation of CENP-E. We revealed a kinetochore-independent role for CENP-E that removes pericentriolar material 1 (PCM1) from centrosomes in late S/early G2 phase. After acute loss of CENP-E, centrosomal Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) localization is abrogated through accumulation of PCM1, resulting in aberrant phosphorylation and destabilization of centrosomes, which triggers shortened astral microtubules and oblique cell divisions. Furthermore, we also observed centrosome and cell division defects in cells from a microcephaly patient with mutations in CENPE. Orientation of cell division is deregulated in some microcephalic patients, and our unanticipated findings provide additional insights into how microcephaly can result from centrosomal defects.
Amadori rearrangement products as potential biomarkers for inborn errors of amino-acid metabolism
Authors: van Outersterp Rianne E. , Moons Sam J. , Engelke Udo F. H. , Bentlage Herman , Peters Tessa M. A. , van Rooij Arno , Huigen Marleen C. D. G. , de Boer Siebolt , van der Heeft Ed , Kluijtmans Leo A. J. , van Karnebeek Clara D. M. , Wevers Ron A. , Berden Giel , Oomens Jos , Boltje Thomas J. , Coene Karlien L. M. , Martens Jonathan
Published: March 2021

The identification of disease biomarkers plays a crucial role in developing diagnostic strategies for inborn errors of metabolism and understanding their pathophysiology. A primary metabolite that accumulates in the inborn error phenylketonuria is phenylalanine, however its levels do not always directly correlate with clinical outcomes. Here we combine infrared ion spectroscopy and NMR spectroscopy to identify the Phe-glucose Amadori rearrangement product as a biomarker for phenylketonuria. Additionally, we find analogous amino acid-glucose metabolites formed in the body fluids of patients accumulating methionine, lysine, proline and citrulline. Amadori rearrangement products are well-known intermediates in the formation of advanced glycation end-products and have been associated with the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus and ageing, but are now shown to also form under conditions of aminoacidemia. They represent a general class of metabolites for inborn errors of amino acid metabolism that show potential as biomarkers and may provide further insight in disease pathophysiology.
Photoisomerization-induced patterning of ion-pairing materials based on anionic azobenzene and its complex with a fluorescent π-electronic system
Authors: Yamakado Ryohei , Kitamura Issei , Hara Mitsuo , Nagano Shusaku , Seki Takahiro , Maeda Hiromitsu
Published: March 2021

Large mass transport driven by the difference in the photoisomerization-induced surface tension was demonstrated in ion pairs, enabling fluorescence patterning using a trace amount of photoisomerized anions in complexation with a π-electronic system.
A LIBS quantitative analysis method for samples with changing temperatureviafunctional data analysis
Authors: Chang Fu , Yang Jianhong , Lu Huili , Li Haixia
Published: March 2021

Relationship between LIBS spectra and temperature is established by functional data analysis. Spectra measured at any temperature in the model range can be converted to their mappings at room temperature, increasing accuracy of calibration model.
Determination of the naturally occurring vanadium-complex amavadin in Amanita muscaria with HPLC-ICPMS
Authors: Braeuer Simone , Walenta Martin , Steiner Lorenz , Goessler Walter
Published: March 2021

The determination of the two isomers of amavadin and other V species in Amanita muscaria with HPLC-ICPMS.
Changes in major catechins, caffeine, and antioxidant activity during CTC processing of black tea from North East India
Authors: Deka Himangshu , Sarmah Podma Pollov , Devi Arundhuti , Tamuly Pradip , Karak Tanmoy
Published: March 2021

Changes in catechins, caffeine, total polyphenol, theaflavins, and antioxidant activity during CTC processing of black tea from North East India cultivar were studied. Total polyphenol decreased up to 37% with the formation of theaflavins up to 1.8%.
Influence of NaCl on shape deformation of polymersomes
Authors: Perera Rasangi M. , Gupta Sudipta , Li Tianyu , Bleuel Markus , Hong Kunlun , Schneider Gerald J.
Published: March 2021

Polymersomes frequently appear in the literature as promising candidates for a wide range of applications from targeted drug delivery to nanoreactors.
Specific modification and self-transport of porphyrins and their multi-mechanism cooperative antitumor studies
Authors: Jia Shuxin , Wang Shaochen , Li Shanshan , Hu Peng , Yu Shuling , Shi Jiahua , Yuan Jintao
Published: March 2021

The introduction of TPGS increases the cellular uptake and antitumor activity of TAPP-TPGS. TAPP-TPGS/PTX with small size increases the enrichment of drug and photosensitizer in tumor region and has excellent biocompatibility and synergistic treatment effect of TPGS, chemotherapy and PDT.
Flow neutralisation of sulfur-containing chemical warfare agents with Oxone: packed bed vs. aqueous solution
Authors: Delaune Antonin , Mansour Sergui , Picard Baptiste , Carrasqueira Philippe , Chataigner Isabelle , Jean Ludovic , Renard Pierre-Yves , Monbaliu Jean-Christophe M. , Legros Julien
Published: March 2021

Sulfur-containing CWA simulants of yperite (CEES) and VX (PhX) are neutralized with Oxone, in solid or liquid form, in flow systems.
CeO2–nanocubes as efficient and selective catalysts for the hydroboration of carbonyl groups
Authors: Bhawar Ramesh , Patil Kiran S. , Bose Shubhankar Kumar
Published: March 2021

An efficient and reusable CeO2 nanocatalyst has been developed for the selective hydroboration of carbonyl compounds, including aromatic, heteroaromatic, aliphatic, and (hetero)aliphatic aldehydes and ketones.
Catalyst-free development of N-doped microporous carbons for selective CO2 separation
Authors: Mane Sachin T. , Kanase D. G.
Published: March 2021

Owing to their catalyst-free development, high yield, notable CO2 uptake performance, and excellent CO2/CH4 selectivity, the fabricated N-doped microporous carbons (NMCs) are highly suitable for selective CO2 separation.
Visible-light-mediated cascade cyanoalkylsulfonylation/cyclization of alkynoates leading to coumarins via SO2 insertion
Authors: Chen Pu , Chen Zan , Xiong Bi-Quan , Liang Yun , Tang Ke-Wen , Xie Jun , Liu Yu
Published: March 2021

A visible-light-mediated cascade cyanoalkylsulfonylation/cyclization of alkynoates with cycloketone oxime compounds for the preparation of 3-cyanoalkylsulfonylcoumarins via SO2 insertion is reported.
Eosin: a versatile organic dye whose synthetic uses keep expanding
Authors: Bosveli Artemis , Montagnon Tamsyn , Kalaitzakis Dimitris , Vassilikogiannakis Georgios
Published: March 2021

The organic dye eosin's uses are currently expanding at a significant rate. In this review, we highlight some recent contributions to the field with a focus on the breadth of the reactions eosin can catalyse.
Synthesis of strained 1,2-diazetidines via [3 + 1] cycloaddition of C,N-cyclic azomethine imines with isocyanides and synthetic derivation
Authors: Cao Wen-Bin , Jiang Shuai , Li Hai-Yan , Xu Xiao-Ping , Ji Shun-Jun
Published: March 2021

Strained diazetidines are assembled simply from 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of isocyanides and C,N-cyclic azomethine imines, and their diversified transformations are presented.
Synthesis of zirconocene complexes and their use in slurry-phase polymerisation of ethylene
Authors: Angpanitcharoen Phakpoom , Lamb Jessica V. , Buffet Jean-Charles , Turner Zoë R. , O'Hare Dermot
Published: March 2021

A new family of zirconocene complexes of the type (3-RInd#)2ZrX2(where Ind#= C6Me5H and R = Me, Et and Ph) have been synthesised and fully characterised.
Design of a novel dual function membrane microreactor for liquid–liquid–liquid phase transfer catalysed reaction: selective synthesis of 1-naphthyl glycidyl ether
Authors: Margi Nikhil H. , Yadav Ganapati D.
Published: March 2021

Where, Ar-aryl group, Q+X−-phase transfer catalyst, Ar–O−Q+-catalyst complex with Ar–O−, R+–X−-haloalkane, Ar–O–R-product.
Harnessing sulfur and nitrogen in the cobalt(iii)-catalyzed unsymmetrical double annulation of thioamides: probing the origin of chemo- and regio-selectivity
Authors: Shankar Majji , Saha Arijit , Sau Somratan , Ghosh Arghadip , Gandon Vincent , Sahoo Akhila K.
Published: March 2021

A Co-catalyzed one-pot double annulation of sulfoximine bearing thioamides with alkynes for the synthesis of [6,6]-fused thiopyrano-isoquinolines is disclosed. The annulation involves a 6π-electrocyclization of 7-membered S-chelated cobaltacycle.
A scalable, eco-friendly, and ultrafast solar steam generator fabricated using evolutional 3D printing
Authors: Zhou Suyuan , Huang Shaolong , Ming Yan , Long Yaojia , Liang Huawei , Ruan Shuangchen , Zeng Yu-Jia , Cui Hongzhi
Published: March 2021

A 3D-printed solar steam evaporator with microporous capillary channels is reported, which exhibits eco-friendliness, ultrafast solar steam generation, and superior outstanding antifouling properties.
A tailorable polarity-flipping response in self-powered, flexible Sb2Se3/ZnO bilayer photodetectors
Authors: Jiang Jinchun , Guo Yujie , Weng Xiaoliang , Long Fangchao , Xin Yun , Lu Yangfan , Ye Zhizhen , Ruan Shuangchen , Zeng Yu-Jia
Published: March 2021

Sb2Se3/ZnO photodetectors, with a superior self-powered photoresponse, dual-polarity repsonse and highly flexible durability, endow the device with significant potential for use in wireless, filterless, and wearable optical communications.
Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases (PDKs): an overview toward clinical applications
Authors: Wang Xiuxiu , Shen Xiaoyue , Yan Yuting , Li Hongmin
Published: March 2021

Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) can regulate the catalytic activity of pyruvate decarboxylation oxidation via the mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, and it further links glycolysis with the tricarboxylic acid cycle and ATP generation. This review seeks to elucidate the regulation of PDK activity in different species, mainly mammals, and the role of PDK inhibitors in preventing increased blood glucose, reducing injury caused by myocardial ischemia, and inducing apoptosis of tumor cells. Regulations of PDKs expression or activity represent a very promising approach for treatment of metabolic diseases including diabetes, heart failure, and cancer. The future research and development could be more focused on the biochemical understanding of the diseases, which would help understand the cellular energy metabolism and its regulation by pharmacological effectors of PDKs.
Lactic acid bacteria: little helpers for many human tasks
Authors: Sauer Michael , Han Nam Soo
Published: March 2021

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a group of highly specialised bacteria specifically adapted to a diverse range of habitats. They are found in the gut of humans and other animals, in many food fermentations, and on plants. Their natural specialisation in close relation to human activities make them particularly interesting from an industrial point of view. They are relevant not only for traditional food fermentations, but also as probiotics, potential therapeutics and cell factories for the production of many different products. Many new tools and methods are being developed to analyse and modify these microorganisms. This review shall give an overview highlighting some of the most striking characteristics of lactic acid bacteria and our approaches to harness their potential in many respects – from home made food to industrial chemical production, from probiotic activities to the most modern cancer treatments and vaccines.
Quantifying Bolus Residue and Its Risks in Children: A Videofluoroscopic Study
Authors: Dharmarathna Isuru , Miles Anna , Allen Jacqui
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Postswallow residue is a clinical sign of swallow impairment and has shown a strong association with aspiration. Videofluoroscopy (videofluoroscopic study of swallowing [VFSS]) is commonly used to visualize oropharyngeal swallowing and to identify pharyngeal residue. However, subjective binary observation (present or absent) fails to provide important information on volume or location and lacks objectivity and reproducibility. Reliable judgment of changes in residue over time and with treatment is therefore challenging. We aimed to (a) determine the reliability of quantifying pharyngeal residue in children using the bolus clearance ratio (BCR), (b) determine associations between BCR and other timing and displacement measures of oropharyngeal swallowing, and (c) explore the association between BCR and penetration–aspiration in children.

Method

In this single-center retrospective observational study, we obtained a set of quantitative and descriptive VFSS measures from 553 children (0–21 years old) using a standard protocol. VFSS data were recorded at 30 frames per second for quantitative analysis using specialized software.

Results

Good interrater (ICC = .86, 95% CI [.74, .961],
p
< .001) and excellent intrarater reliability was achieved for BCR (ICC = .97, 95% CI [.91, 1.000],
p
= 001). Significant correlations between BCR and pharyngeal constriction ratio and total pharyngeal transit time were reported (
p
< .05). Using binomial logistic regression modeling, we found BCR was predictive of penetration–aspiration in children, χ
2
(13) = 58.093,
p
< .001, 64.9%. Children with BCR of ≥ 0.1 were 4 times more likely to aspirate.

Conclusion

BCR is a reliable, clinically useful measure to quantify postswallow residue in children, which can be used to identify and treat children with swallow impairments, as well as to measure outcomes of intervention.
Blind deblurring and denoising via a learning deep CNN denoiser prior and an adaptive L0‐regularised gradient prior for passive millimetre‐wave images
Authors: Sun Dianjun , Shi Yu , Feng Yayuan
Published: March 2021

Passive millimetre‐wave (PMMW) imaging frequently suffers from blurring and low resolution due to the long wavelengths. In addition, the observed images are inevitably disturbed by noise. Traditional image deblurring methods are sensitive to image noise, even a small amount of which will greatly reduce the quality of the point spread function (PSF) estimation. In this paper, we propose a blind deblurring and denoising method via a learning deep denoising convolutional neural networks (DnCNN) denoiser prior and an adaptive ‐regularized gradient prior for passive millimetre‐wave images. First, a blind deblurring restoration model based on the DnCNN denoising prior constraint is established. Second, an adaptive ‐regularized gradient prior is incorporated into the model to estimate the latent clear image, and the PSF is estimated in the gradient domain. In a multi‐scale framework, alternate iterative denoising and deblurring are used to obtain the final PSF estimation and noise estimation. Ultimately, the final clear image is restored by non‐blind deconvolution. The experimental results show that the algorithm used in this paper not only has good detail recovery ability but is also more stable to different noise levels. The proposed method is superior to state‐of‐the‐art methods in terms of both subjective measure and visual quality.
Assembly history of massive galaxies
Authors: Spavone Marilena , Krajnović Davor , Emsellem Eric , Iodice Enrichetta , den Brok Mark
Published: March 2021

In this paper we present the new deep images from the VEGAS survey of three massive (M* ≃ 1012 M⊙) galaxies from the MUSE Most Massive Galaxies (M3G) project, with distances in the range 151 ≤ D ≤ 183 Mpc: PGC007748, PGC015524, and PGC049940. The long integration time and the wide field of view of the OmegaCam at the VST allowed us to map the light and color distributions down to μg ≃ 30 mag arcsec−2 and out to ∼2Re. The deep data are crucial for estimating the contribution of the different galaxy components, in particular the accreted fraction in the stellar halo. The available integral field observations with MUSE cover a limited portion of each galaxy (out to ∼1Re), but from the imaging analysis, we find that they map the kinematics and stellar population beyond the first transition radius, where the contribution of the accreted component starts to dominate. The main goal of this work is to correlate the scales of the different components derived from the image analysis with the kinematics and stellar population profiles from the MUSE data. The results were used to address the assembly history of the three galaxies with the help of theoretical predictions. Our results suggest that PGC049940 has the lowest accreted mass fraction of 77%. The higher accreted mass fraction estimated for PGC007748 and PGC015524 (86% and 89%, respectively) combined with the flat λR profiles suggest that a great majority of the mass has been acquired through major mergers, which have also shaped the shallower metallicity profiles that are observed at larger radii.
Effects of a lagoon on performances of a freshwater fishpond in a multi-trophic aquaculture system
Authors: Jaeger Christophe , Roucaute Marc , Nahon Sarah
Published: March 2021

Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) is a way to help preserve the environment while maintaining a good level of total production. An ecologically semi-intensive pond system was designed in which a polyculture fishpond was associated with a lagoon planted with macrophytes to bioremediate the water. The properties of this “semi-intensive coupled” system (SIC) were compared to those of semi-intensive (SI) and extensive (E) systems, each of which was contained in a single fishpond with the same fish polyculture (common carp (Cyprinus carpio), roach (Rutilus rutilus), and perch (Perca fluviatilis)) as SIC. E differed in that it had half the initial density of fish, and the fish were not fed. Fish growth performances, water quality (chemical and biological indicators), chlorophyll concentrations, and invertebrate production were measured. The systems were compared based on fish production performances and physicochemical and biological characteristics, and were then described using principal component analysis (PCA). Carp and roach in the two fed systems had higher growth performances than those in E. Compared to SI, the planted lagoon in SIC, induced a decrease of 15% in fish growth performances and of 83% in total chlorophyll concentration (a proxy for phytoplankton) but improved water quality (−34%, −60% and −80%, for the concentrations of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and blue green algae (for micro-algae in class Cyanophyceae), respectively). According to the PCA, SIC clearly differed from SI in benthic macro-invertebrate production and concentrations of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and brown algae (for micro-algae in class Dinophyceae or a branch of Bacillariophyta) in the water. SIC differed from E in oxygen parameters (dissolved and saturation), estimated annual zooplankton production, and pH. In conclusion, the properties of a lagoon reveal perspectives for environmentally friendly practices, while using biodiversity and secondary production in order to enhance fish production.
Ecological problems of water resources in Kazakhstan
Authors: Alimbaev Тurgai , Omarova Bibizhamal , Tuleubayeva Samal , Kamzayev Bekzhan , Aipov Nurmuhammed , Mazhitova Zhanna
Published: March 2021

This paper proposes a solution to the environmental problems in the Republic of Kazakhstan associated with the provision of the population with quality water. The authors propose to use only clear scientific forecasts, practical ecological scenarios, as well as the methodology of the National Action Plan for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development. This will allow to solve the issues of desertification, salinization, water scarcity, decline in irrigation, agriculture, and the fishing industry in the future. The purpose of the article is to reveal the reasons for the insufficiency and unevenness in the provision of water resources in the republic. In the study the principle of historicism and systems analysis is used. The results of the research confirm and indicate that the growth of the economic potential in industry and the transition to market mechanisms for the development of the economy gave rise to a reduction in reserves of clean water, shallowing of mountain and transboundary rivers, the decrease in fish populations, and the emergence of a real threat of a water ecological crisis in the republic. The obtained theoretical results of the study can be applied when discussing and significantly improving the environmental issues of water resources in the country.
Restoration of vegetation cover in reclaimed areas with coal preparation waste in Kuzbass
Authors: Soloviev Sergey , Semina Irina , Androkhanov Vladimir , Shipilova Asya
Published: March 2021

The paper presents the results of research and assessment of the degree of restoration of vegetation cover in reclaimed areas with the use of coal preparation waste in Kuzbass. Reclamation of disturbed lands was carried out by backfilling the depleted pits of the former coal mine with coal preparation waste and forming a root layer on the leveled surface of the waste using materials of the fertile soil layer (FSL) and potentially fertile rocks (PFR). During the field survey of reclamation sites, it was found that when sowing perennial grasses (Bromopsis inermis, Medicago sativa, etc.) or planting trees and shrubs (Hippophae rhamnoides, Pinus sylvestris, etc.) on the root layer formed of FSL and/or PFR, favorable conditions are created in the reclaimed areas for the formation of the primary phytocenosis. Studies have also shown that in reclaimed areas where a fertile soil layer was used to form a root layer, a gradual restoration of soil properties is recorded in the surface fill layers, which in some parameters are close to natural soils common in the adjacent territories.
Environmental safety in the countries bordering Kazakhstan in the context of sustainable development
Authors: Yessymkhanova Zeinegul , Niyazbekova Shakizada , Dauletkhanova Zhanar , Dzholdoshev Nurdin , Dzholdosheva Tamara
Published: March 2021

Current situation in the environmental sector for the EAEU countries it is one of the most burning topics. One of the priority areas of the country’s sustainable development policy The Eurasian economic Union recognizes ensuring the welfare of the population living in the Eurasian space and introducing environmental technologies, creating environmentally friendly industries, and much more. Important changes have taken place in the environmental safety sector, and positive dynamics are beginning to be determined not only by intentions, but also by real actions aimed at improving the quality of the environment and health. In the context of globalization, the nature of the market–plan relationship in environmental management is changing dramatically. On the one hand, the influence of market forces and competition that stimulate the development and implementation of environmental policies by each individual state is increasing. On the other hand, the impact of international economic institutions on national relations is increasing, resulting in the creation of a system of supranational environmental management. Joint solution of issues related to prevention of negative impact on the environment is possible only through: contractual actions, investment policies, and planned activities aimed at maintaining environmental balance. Kazakhstan, being a full member of the EAEU actively participates in the formation of a regulatory framework aimed at reducing industrial risks, identifying the scale of anthropogenic pollution and implementing environmental monitoring.
Analysis of age and growth indicators of white sla fish (Sander luciperca) in Tuzkon lake (Aydar-Arnasay Lake System), Uzbekistan
Authors: Dehkonova D. , Kanatbaeva T. , Ummatova M. , Yuldashov M.
Published: March 2021

This article provides information on the growth of pike perch (Sander lucioperca) of Lake Tuzkon, which is part of the Aydar-Arnasay system of lakes. As a result of the research carried out, the age composition of the catches was determined: at the age of 1+ - 16.5%; 2+ - 38.5%; 3+ - 17.5%; 4+ - 12%; 5+ - 7.6% and 6+ - 8.0%. It was determined that pike perch in the first year of life grows to an average of 26.40 cm, in the second year - up to 44.45 cm, in the third - up to 53.35 cm, in the fourth - up to 67.37 cm, in the fifth and sixth years, respectively - up to 70.39 and 76.20 cm.
Allocation of primary sources for safflower (Carthamus) selection in Uzbekistan
Authors: Rustamov Abdumalik , Amanova Makhfurat , Rustamov Bekhzod , Khasanov Abror
Published: March 2021

Based on a comprehensive study of 100 samples of safflower from the world gene pool for three years, the results of the selection of primary sources for different areas of selection (growth period, 1 plant yield, 1000 seed weight, oil content) are covered. Primary sources for different areas of selection have been identified on the basis of the study of the early maturity of seed samples, seed size, oil content in seeds, the study of the correlation between complex traits and the main economic traits. Correlation between major crop characteristics such as safflower vegetation period, main stem height, number of primary, secondary and lateral branches, total number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, plant yield, weight of 1000 seeds, oil content in seeds were studied. The highest correlation was found between the length of the main stem and the length to the first branch (r = 0.84) and the total number of baskets in one plant with the number of secondary side branches in it (r = 0.90).
Agrochemical condition and nutrition balance of newly irrigated light gray soils of Uzbekistan
Authors: Kuziev Jakhongir , Mansurov Sherali , Karimov Murod , Kholikulov Aslbek
Published: March 2021

This paper notes the geographical location, soil and climatic conditions, geomorphological and geological structure of Jizzakh province, as well as the agrochemical status of newly irrigated light gray soils formed in Arnasay district of the province, nutrients and their balance in the autumn glaciers. According to the results of chemical analysis, it was found that the mechanical composition of the studied soils consists of light sandy and loamy soils, in which fine sand particles (0.5-0.05%) predominate. The study showed that in the driving layers of newly irrigated light gray soils, humus was present at 0.823-0.936%, total nitrogen at 0.059-0.084%, total phosphorus at 0.096-0.135%, and total potassium at 1.05-1.36%, humus and mobile nutrients. It was noted that they belong to very low and low-income groups according to their level. The amount of mineral and local fertilizers applied to winter wheat, the residues of winter wheat and the amount of crop and stem (straw) grown in relation to the amounts that fall into the soil by natural means is high (N-15.1 kg/ha, P-3, 6 kg/ha, K-34.4 kg/ha).
Effects of water saving technology application on growth, development, and yield of cotton in Uzbekistan
Authors: Isaev Sabirjan , Khasanov Sayidjakhon , Ashirov Yusufbay , Gafurov Azim , Karabaeva Tokhtakhon
Published: March 2021

The highest yield of the promising cotton variety Pakhtakor-1 was achieved by irrigating the cotton with placing black plastic film. Accordingly, the average yield for 3 years was 37.2 q/ha, which was more by 7.9 q/ha than the control variant, whereas it was higher by 2.7 q/ha than Bayaut-2 variety of cotton, in which the same irrigation method was applied. It was found that in Pakhtakor-1 variety, fiber yield was 38.1-39.9%, followed by fiber length 33.5-34.0 mm and weight of 1000 seeds was 115-120.1 grams. Cotton fiber yield, fiber length and weight of 1000 seeds in Pakhtakor-1 for the three years were higher by 0.2-1.0 %, 0.1-0.7 mm and 0.4-1.6 mm, correspondingly, than the standard An-Bayaut-2. The highest economic efficiency of cultivating standard An-Bayaut-2 and promising cotton varieties Pakhtakor-1 through various irrigation technologies was achieved in the form of irrigated with black plastic film, accounted for net profit of 1943902 sums/ha (45 % profitability rate) and 870,583 sums of additional income (17.2 % the profitability rate) than the control.
Management methods of harmful pests in the cotton-wheat crop rotation system
Authors: Boltayev Botir , Boltayev Sanjar
Published: March 2021

This article analyzed the ecological succession between pests of crops as a result of the transition from the traditional cotton-alfalfa crop rotation system to the cotton-grain crop rotation system. It was found that the species composition, development and propagation characteristics of harmful organisms in the weeds around the field, as well as in the intermediate crops, can be reduced by up to 60-70%, and protected entomophagous organisms from the destructive effects of pesticides through lateral tillage of the 30-meter edge of the cotton crop. Furthermore, it was possible to apply biological methods to the remaining 70-80% of the field. It was necessary to properly organize the system of crop rotation “Cotton-grain” towards naturally controlling (reduce or eliminate) the number of harmful organisms (pests, diseases and weeds) in the agrophytocenosis. It was observed that diseases (especially rust), weeds (especially wild oats, raygras), pests (weeds, wheat thrips, slime,) were 2-3 times less in the grain planted after cotton, the number of spiders in the cotton field planted after grain were 3-4 times less, and diseases were decreased by 25-30%.
Relaxation patterns of technological residual voltage in the surface layer of high-strength steel when cyclically loaded
Authors: Kravchenko Georgi , Kravchenko Konstantin , Smolyaninov Andrey , Kudryavtseva Irina
Published: March 2021

Experimentally investigated patterns of changes in technological residual stresses under the influence of variable pressure in the surface layer became 30XNS2A. A mathematical model of relaxation of residual compressive stresses created by surface plastic deformation techniques with symmetrical cyclical bending of samples has been proposed. An empirical expression is proposed for assessing the final value of residual stresses as a result of cyclic loading, depending on the stress amplitude of a symmetric cycle. An expression is given for estimating the coefficient of relaxation rate of residual compressive stresses from their initial value, amplitude of alternating stresses and material properties. The constants of these expressions are determined for various construction materials. The theoretical dependences describe well the obtained experimental data. To predict the level of residual stress realization under operational loading, a formula was obtained to calculate their change as a result of the action of a step loading block with different amplitudes and duration of their action at each of the stages.