bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Sero Immunological Profile of Scrub Typhus in Bengaluru, Southern India
Authors: Shwetha JV , Chunchanur Sneha K , Ambica R
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Scrub typhus is a common but neglected cause of Acute Febrile Illness (AFI) in India. Under diagnosis of this severe disease with protean manifestations, can negatively influence the treatment and outcome. Early laboratory diagnosis by appropriate means is therefore important. In addition, as antigenically diverse variants of Orientia tsutsugamushi (O.tsutsugamushi)are known to exist and evolve, information regarding the strain types is also crucial. Aim: To know the clinical spectrum, laboratory diagnosis by different modalities, outcome and strain variation of scrub typhus in Southern India. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bengaluru, Southern India from June 2015 to May 2017. Hundred clinically suspected cases of scrub typhus (rickettsioses) were enrolled. Serum and EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) blood samples were subjected to serodiagnosis for scrub typhus and Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) respectively. Strain characterisation was done by Microimmunofluorescence (MIF), PCR-RFLP and phylogenetic analysis. Patients were followed-up for four weeks. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: Laboratory evidence of scrub typhus was showed by 38% of the cases. Seropositivity was more in comparison to PCR. Paediatric preponderance and seasonal trend was evident. Strain typing showed presence of different strain types, with no correlation between clinical features and strain types. PCR-RFLP results correlated well with phylogeny, while MIF results did not match. All the patients responded to doxycycline, except for 12% who succumbed. Conclusion: Different strain types of O. tsutsugamushi are known to cause scrub typhus in Southern India. PCR-RFLP can be a useful preliminary tool for strain typing in resource poor settings, where phylogenetic analysis is not possible. Early diagnosis and treatment helps in improved outcome.
Improved Synthesis of Flavonoids by Simulation of Naringenin Chalcone Biosynthetic Reaction
Authors: Sagar Mamta , Ramteke Pramod Wasudev , Katiyar Ravindra Nath , Ahmad Shameem
Published: January 2021

Metabolic Control Analysis provides a quantitative description of concentration dynamics with the change in system parameters. A metabolic Control Analysis aids determination of the threshold value of metabolites involved in a reaction and also helps to understand the role of various parameters in a reaction. In this work, a metabolic model of a Naringenine chalcone biosynthetic reaction is defined and a time series simulation was carried out based on the law of Mass action. Initial concentration of p-Coumaroyl-CoA and Malonyl-CoA were taken 5.0*10-2 mM 2.2*10-3 mM respectively. This concentration was then simulated over time for 10 seconds to find the steady state. Final concentration of  Naringenine chalcone,CO2, and CoA becomes 8.593946e-004 mM after 5.00 second of simulation at reaction constant 6.587753e-005 mM*ml/s. Steady state solution shows that Initial concentration of Naringenine chalcone was 2.199777e-003 mM which is eventually converted into 2.785128e+013 seconds half-life concentration of product at 7.898e-017 mM/s rate and  0.000000e+000 mM*ml/s  rate constant. Phenylpropanoid pathway was analysed to predict all the enzymes that can maximise and minimise the concentration of  Malonyl-CoA and P-Coumaroyl-CoA which leads to flavonoid biosynthesis. In the Phenylpropanoid pathway four enzymes Phenylalanine/tyrosine ammonia lyase, trans-cinnamate 4-monooxygenase, Phenylalanine ammonia lyase, maximise the flavonoid biosynthesis. This analysis shows that other enzymes minimise the concentrations of  Malonyl-CoA and P-coumaroyl-CoA, these are Cinnamoyl Co A reductase, shikimate O hydroxyl transferase HCT), Oxidoreductase. Furthermore, Protein domain analysis of chalcone synthase mutants ( 1jwx Medicago sativa and 4yjy from Oryza sativa) was done to predict structural features to understand reaction mechanism and structure-based engineering to maximise flavonoid biosynthesis. Natural sequence variation CHS G256A, G256V, G256L, and G256F mutants of residue 256 reduce the size of the active site cavity but quick diversification of product specificity occurs. The threshold concentration of Malonyl-CoA and P-coumaroyl-CoA were predicted, maximisation of this concentration leads to enhanced flavonoid biosynthesis. Inhibition of few enzymes may also maximise the flavonoid biosynthesis if appropriate inhibitors are used and a constant supply of Malonyl-CoA and P-Coumaroyl-CoA is maintained using activator molecules. Chalcone synthase Mutants diversify product specificity that occurs without loss of catalytic activity and any conformational changes.
Efficient Earthquake Intensity Measure for Seismic Vulnerability of Integral Abutment Bridges
Authors: Nguyen Duy-Duan , Azad Md Samdani , Choi Byung H. , Lee Tae-Hyung
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study is to identify efficient earthquake intensity measures (IMs) for evaluating the seismic vulnerability of integral abutment bridges. A total of 90 ground motion records and 20 typical IMs were employed for the numerical analyses. A series of nonlinear time-history analyses was performed on the bridges to observe the lateral displacement of the bridge piers. Statistical parameters such as the coefficient of determination, standard deviation, and correlation coefficient were calculated to identify the strongly correlated IMs with the seismic performance of the bridges. The numerical results show that the efficient IMs are spectral acceleration, spectral velocity, spectral displacement at the fundamental period, acceleration spectrum intensity, effective peak acceleration, peak ground acceleration, and A95. Moreover, a set of fragility curves of the bridges was developed with respect to the efficient IMs.
Analysis of Regional Drought Correlation Using Drought Indicators
Authors: Kim Hayong , Zhang Xuanhui , Cho Ji Hyun , Joo Jingul
Published: January 2021

The distribution of water resources between regions should be considered along with various conditions in establishing long-term drought measures. Therefore, analysis of the correlation of drought occurrence by region is essential. In this study, three drought indexes, SPI, GEI, and SSEI, were calculated in major cities, and the regional drought was compared. The drought status by region was compared using the incidence ratio by drought depth, Pearson correlation coefficient. The closer the distance, the higher the correlation between drought indicators. As a result of this study, it is expected that the inter-regional drought correlation analysis can be used to cope with long-term drought.
Applicability of Lindley Distribution for Hydroelectric Dam Operations in the Dry Season
Authors: Shin Hongjoon , Ahn Hyunjun , Jeong Changsam
Published: January 2021

The long-term low-flow data are necessary for efficient planning of water resources and for estimating accurate quantiles via runoff data analysis at point. However, the short recording time period, low confidence, inconsistent distribution model, and parameter estimation method, make it difficult to estimate a proper low-flow quantile for each return period. In this study, the Lindley distribution model, which is a mix of the exponential and the gamma distribution models and has been verified as efficient by previous studies, was used to analyze the low-flow frequency using dam inflow data. We studied its applicability via comparison with statistics of observed data and other models already used for low-flow frequency analysis. For this, we carried out a performance analysis through a low-flow frequency analysis of inflow data from the hydroelectric dam and the reappearance capacity assessment of observed data at the Han river watershed. As a result, the hydrological applicability of the Lindley distribution model and its relative qualitative and quantitative excellence compared to the existing model were verified.
Flood Risk Assessment for Coastal Cities Considering Sea Level Rise due to Climate Change
Authors: Park Yoonkyung , Jung Byungsoon , Kim Reeho
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study was to present disaster prevention performance targets for Korean coastal cities, given the rise in sea level due to climate change. The disaster prevention performance targets for coastal cities are used to assess flood risk caused by increased sea levels. The proposed disaster prevention performance targets give additional consideration for design tide level or design flood level, which are design factors for hydraulic structures located along the coast. The rate of sea level rise in the West Sea was 0.61 ㎝/year. It was the fastest rise rate of all of Korea's seas. The sea level rise rate in the East Sea was calculated at 0.58 ㎝/year. This study also quantitatively confirmed that flood damage increases according to sea level rise using the United States' Environmental Protection Agency-Storm Water Management Model (EPA-SWMM). This study suggested a method for setting the disaster prevention performance targets of expected flood damage in coastal cities. Therefore, suggested disaster prevention performance targets should be highly specialized for coastal cities. However, sea level rise and rainfall are key factors that cause floods. Therefore, further research on disaster prevention in coastal cities should be carried out to consider the combined effects of sea level rise and rainfall.
Development of Flood Vulnerability Assessment Method considering Urban Characteristics: Daegu Metropolitan City
Authors: Song Youngseok , Park Jongpyo , Kim Hayong , Jeong Sangman , Park Moojong
Published: January 2021

This study intends to develop a flood vulnerability assessment method and flood damage reduction measures in urban areas for Daegu Metropolitan City. The proxy variables for the flood vulnerability assessment were calculated using the previously investigated proxy variables for urban areas. The Flood Vulnerability Index (FVI) of the urban area was proposed using the Regional Significance Index (RSI), which indicates the importance of each region, and the Damage Possibility Index (DPI) for flood damage data. The RSI selected four proxy variables: population density, vulnerable population ratio, property density, and area ratio of major facilities. The DPI also selected four proxy variables: area ratio of low land, the impervious area ratio, status of domestic disaster risk district, and flood occurrence record. Eight proxy variables were selected and the FVI of urban areas calculated using multiplicative utility functions. As a result of the calculation, the FVI of Daegu Metropolitan City was found to be high in the central urban areas and by the streams. The results of this study are expected to be used for flood vulnerability assessments in urban areas and establishing flood damage reduction measures.
Development of the Urban Water Balance Model by Linking Water Distribution and Sewer Networks
Authors: Chung Gunhui , Ohk Won Soo
Published: January 2021

Due to urban overcrowding, the population density of residential areas and water use per unit are increasing. Therefore, it is necessary to study the flow of water supplied to cities and to improve the healthy circulation of urban water. This study used Modelica, a non-causal analytical program. Using Open Modelica, the researchers constructed a model linking water distribution and sewerage, as the basis of a balanced urban water model. Using the programmer's toolkit provided by EPA-NET and EPA-SWMM, which are commonly used to simulate the existing water supply and sewage pipe networks, Open Modelica-based water distribution networks and sewage pipe networks can be connected and simulated based on the customer block. A model was built so that 90% of the hourly water consumption supplied to the water supply pipe network can be automatically introduced into the sewage pipe network. If a matching table is constructed to connect the nodes of the water supply pipe network and the sewer pipe network, the nodes will reflect in the graphical user interface (GUI) developed in Open Modelica. It was developed to enable modification of links, pumps, tanks, and valves. The 48-hour water supply was simulated using the developed model, and it was confirmed that water supply and sewage networks were successfully connected. In the future, we plan to develop a more expanded and realistic urban water circulation model by considering additional urban water circulation factors, such as sewage treatment, water reuse, rainwater use, storm runoff, and low-impact development facilities. Through this study, it was confirmed that Modelica can simulate changes in the system over time. Since it is a formula-based non-causal simulation language, it is possible to establish and reuse relationships between blocks through block-by-block development of urban water circulation elements. It is expected to contribute to the visualization and concretization of future urban water circulation models.
Lipase‐Catalyzed Interesterification of Schizochytrium sp. Oil and Medium‐Chain Triacylglycerols for Preparation of DHA‐Rich Medium and Long‐Chain Structured Lipids
Authors: Zou Xiaoqiang , Zhang Shiqun , Cheng Yang , Huang Jianhua , He Xuechun , Jiang Xuan , Wen Ye , Wu Shibin , Zhang Hui
Published: January 2021

DHA‐rich medium and long‐chain structured lipids (MLSL) were successfully synthesized by lipase‐catalyzed interesterification of microbial oil from Schizochytrium sp. with medium‐chain triacylglycerols (MCT) containing 99% of caprylic acid. Parameters that affected the reaction process were investigated and the conditions were selected as follows: lipase from Aspergillus oryzae, NS40086; reaction time, 8 hours; substrate molar ratio (MCT/microbial oil), 1:1; lipase load, 8 wt%; reaction temperature, 60 °C. Under these conditions, the proportions of MCT, MLSL, and long‐chain triacylglycerols (TAG) in the final products were 12.5%, 62.8%, and 24.6%, respectively. The final product was then subjected to UPLC‐MS/MS. Eighty‐three types of TAG were identified, in which 54 types contained MCFA and MLSL species with relatively high contents were 22:6–8:0–8:0 (6.8%), 8:0–8:0–16:0 (7.5%), and 16:0–16:0–8:0 (7.5%). This product rich in MLSL with DHA and MCFA in the same TAG molecule is beneficial for fat digestion and absorption in infant and thus can increase the bioavailability of DHA at the molecular level.
Enhanced Memory for Vocal Melodies in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Williams Syndrome
Authors: Weiss Michael W. , Sharda Megha , Lense Miriam , Hyde Krista L. , Trehub Sandra E.
Published: January 2021

Adults and children with typical development (TD) remember vocal melodies (without lyrics) better than instrumental melodies, which is attributed to the biological and social significance of human vocalizations. Here we asked whether children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who have persistent difficulties with communication and social interaction, and adolescents and adults with Williams syndrome (WS), who are highly sociable, even indiscriminately friendly, exhibit a memory advantage for vocal melodies like that observed in individuals with TD. We tested 26 children with ASD, 26 adolescents and adults with WS of similar mental age, and 26 children with TD on their memory for vocal and instrumental (piano, marimba) melodies. After exposing them to 12 unfamiliar folk melodies with different timbres, we required them to indicate whether each of 24 melodies (half heard previously) was old (heard before) or new (not heard before) during an unexpected recognition test. Although the groups successfully distinguished the old from the new melodies, they differed in overall memory. Nevertheless, they exhibited a comparable advantage for vocal melodies. In short, individuals with ASD and WS show enhanced processing of socially significant auditory signals in the context of music.

Lay summary

Typically developing children and adults remember vocal melodies better than instrumental melodies. In this study, we found that children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, who have severe social processing deficits, and children and adults with Williams syndrome, who are highly sociable, exhibit comparable memory advantages for vocal melodies. The results have implications for musical interventions with these populations.
A quantitative LC–MS/MS method for the determination of tissue brincidofovir and cidofovir diphosphate in a MuPyV‐infected mouse model
Authors: Guzman Bryan B. , Schauer Amanda P. , Dunn John A. , Cottrell Mackenzie L. , Sykes Craig
Published: January 2021

Brincidofovir (BCV) is an investigational lipid conjugate of the nucleotide analog cidofovir (CDV), which is being developed as a medical countermeasure for the treatment of smallpox. BCV is active against double‐stranded DNA viruses including BK and JC viruses. Here, we validated procedures for quantifying BCV and its pharmacologically active moiety cidofovir diphosphate (CDV‐PP) in mouse kidney, brain and spleen tissue homogenates. Following homogenization, BCV and CDV‐PP were extracted from the tissues by protein precipitation with their stable, isotopically labeled internal standards, BCV‐d6 and 13C315N2‐CDV‐PP. Then, samples were analyzed for BCV by reverse‐phase chromatography on a Waters Xterra MS C18 (50 × 2.1 mm, 3.5 μm particle size) column while CDV‐PP was analyzed on a Thermo BioBasic AX (50 × 2.1 mm, 5 μm particle size) column using anion exchange chromatography. Detection was achieved by electrospray ionization in positive ion mode on an AB Sciex API‐5000 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The calibration curves were linear over a range of 1.00–1,000 ng/ml homogenate and 0.050–50.0 ng/ml homogenate for BCV and CDV‐PP, respectively. These methods were validated according to US Food and Drug Administration guidance for industry and may be used to characterize the tissue pharmacology of both analytes to advance its preclinical development.
Primary and Secondary Effects on Long‐Term Educational Outcomes of Individuals with Experience of Child Welfare Interventions
Authors: Brännström Lars , Stenberg Sten‐Åke
Published: January 2021

It is well known that individuals with experience of child welfare interventions – here conceptualised as placement in out‐of‐home care (OHC) – tend to have substantially poorer educational outcomes compared to their peers. Numerous explanatory factors have been proposed but few have been informed by mainstream sociological research into educational stratification. Through the lens of primary (ability‐driven explanations) and secondary (choice‐based explanations, conditional on educational performance) effects on social background differentials in educational attainment, longitudinal data from more than 14 000 Swedes (of which around 9% have been placed in OHC) were used to estimate the relative importance of these two basic explanatory processes. Results from decomposition analyses suggest that the secondary effect is the key driver in creating differentials in midlife educational attainment among individuals of different social origins. Such impacts were found to be even stronger in the OHC population. Interventions aimed at improving educational performance in children with experience of OHC may not sufficiently reduce educational inequalities across the life course if choice‐based explanations are not addressed.

Key Practitioner Messages

Individuals with a history of child welfare intervention are educationally disadvantaged.

Causes of educational inequality can be decomposed into primary (ability‐driven explanations) and secondary (choice‐based explanations, conditional on educational achievement) effects.

Secondary effects are particularly strong in child welfare populations.

Former child welfare clients will continue to be educationally disadvantaged if secondary effects are not addressed.

‘Causes of educational inequality can be decomposed into primary (ability‐driven explanations) and secondary (choice‐based explanations, conditional on educational achievement) effects’
Comparison of extraction sites versus artificial defects with xenogenic bone substitute in minipigs
Authors: Steiner Constanze , Karl Matthias , Laschke Matthias W. , Schupbach Peter , Venturato Andrea , Gasser Angelines
Published: January 2021

Objectives

The preclinical evaluation of bone substitutes is frequently performed in artificially created defects. However, such defects do not reflect the predominant clinical application of bone substitutes for socket preservation. Hence, the goal of this animal study was to compare the performance of a xenogenic bone substitute in extraction sites versus artificial defects.

Material and Methods

Four study sites each were created in the mandibles of four minipigs in the region of the third premolars and first molars, respectively. On one side, fresh extraction sockets were established while contralaterally trephine defects were created in healed alveolar bone. All sites were augmented using a particulate xenogenic bone substitute, covered by resorbable membranes and allowed to heal for 12 weeks. The amounts of new bone, non‐bone tissue and remaining bone substitute granules were quantified through histological and micro‐CT analysis. Comparative statistics were based on t‐tests for two samples and ANOVA with the level of significance set at α = 0.05.

Results

Histomorphometric data from only two animals could be quantitatively analyzed due to difficulty with identifying the surgical sites. The percentage of newly formed bone ranged between 53.2% ± 5.6% for artificial defects and 54.9% ± 12.4% for extraction sites. With the exception of ANOVA indicating a greater amount of non‐bone tissue in extraction sites as compared to artificial sites (p = 0.047), no statistically significant differences were observed. Micro‐CT scans showed patterns similar to the ones observed in histomorphometry. As extraction sites could be identified only in two micro‐CT reconstructions, quantitative assessment was not undertaken.

Conclusions

Despite the comparable performance of bone substitute material in artificial defects and extraction sites found here, the data gathered with this experiment was insufficient for showing equivalence of both approaches.
A 21.6–30.3 GHz injection‐locked frequency tripler with Darlington injection for 5G communication systems
Authors: Li Zhen , Li Zhenrong , Quan Xing , Wang Zeyuan , Zhuang Yiqi
Published: January 2021

This paper proposes an injection locked frequency tripler which can cover 27 GHz frequency band of the fifth generation communication. By adopting the Darlington cell as injectors, the injection current is improved greatly and thus obtains a wide locking range. In addition, an inductive peaking technique is proposed to enhance the fundamental rejection and further improve the locking range. Implemented in 0.13 μm Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technology, the post‐layout simulation in collaboration with electromagnetic simulation is used to validate the proposed injection locked frequency tripler. The Precess Voltage Temperature (PVT) and Monte Carlo analysis are also performed to check the robustness of the circuit. At 0 dBm injection power, the injection locked frequency triple displays a 33.5% locking range and larger than 27 dB fundamental rejection, while consumes 8.3 mW from 1.2 V supply voltage. The core area is 0.56 × 0.23 mm2.
Length difference of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes generates differential cytotoxic responses
Authors: Do Nhuan Thi , Kim Suho , Kwak Minjeong , Lee Tae Geol , Jo Dong‐Gyu , Lee Sang‐Won , Kim Se‐Hwa
Published: January 2021

Carbon nanotubes have recently been rated as an effective biomaterial owing to their functionalization ability. However, the safety of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has yet to be clearly understood. To investigate how cells differentially react to minor geometric differences, we prepared well‐dispersed and stable long and short MWCNTs showing an approximately 100‐nm length difference in an in vitro system. Through an optimal combination of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fetal bovine serum (FBS) biosurfactants and ultrasonication, we first confirmed that the MWCNTs were maintained without aggregation throughout the experiments. Internalized MWCNTs in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells were then quantified in a label‐free manner using coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering, followed by an analysis of their localization via two‐photon excitation fluorescence. Intracellular MWCNTs were found to primarily localize in mitochondria with abnormal morphologies. Mitochondrial dysfunction, which was found to result from early stages of oxidative stress that consequently lead to cell death, was then proved via decreasing mitochondrial membrane potentials, with short MWCNTs showing significantly greater cytotoxicity than long MWCNTs. Our results suggest that even small length differences of MWCNTs may lead to differential responses in cells.
Comparative study on effects of adding germinated and non‐germinated legumes on bioactive components, antioxidant, textural and sensory characteristics of cereal flakes
Authors: Sattar Dur‐e‐shahwar , Fauqiha Ayesha tul , Mohamed Mwanasiti , Ali Tahira Mohsin , Hasnain Abid
Published: January 2021

The objective of this study was to prepare healthy breakfast cereal flakes through addition of selected germinated legumes, namely, lentils (Lens culinaris), green gram (Vigna radiata), and black gram (Vigna mungo). Flakes containing germinated legumes were compared in terms of bioactive compounds, texture, moisture content, and sensory properties with flakes made with non‐germinated legumes. It was observed that flakes made with germinated legumes were higher in polyphenols, flavonoids, flavonols, and antioxidant activity with a crispier and more desirable texture. Moreover, shelf life was evaluated on the basis of moisture content and sensory characteristics for 90 days. The best flakes in terms of storage were the ones containing germinated legumes as these were low in moisture content even after 90 days of storage, which is essential for extending the shelf life of the product. These germinated legume containing cereal flakes also received higher scores in terms of sensory characteristics. Incorporation of legumes can thus provide a cheap and healthy snack for people of all ages.
Some exact solutions of a variable coefficients fractional biological population model
Authors: Abdel Kader Abass H. , Abdel Latif Mohamed S. , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we investigate the exact solutions of a nonlinear variable coefficients time fractional biological population model using the invariant subspace method. The subspaces with dimensions one, two, and three are derived for certain cases of the variable coefficients. The exact solutions of the nonlinear time fractional biological population model are obtained in some cases.
Monitoring apoptosis in intact cells by high‐resolution magic angle spinning 1H NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Wylot Marta , Whittaker David T.E. , Wren Stephen A.C. , Bothwell John H. , Hughes Leslie , Griffin Julian L.
Published: January 2021

Apoptosis maintains an equilibrium between cell proliferation and cell death. Many diseases, including cancer, develop because of defects in apoptosis. A known metabolic marker of apoptosis is a notable increase in 1H NMR‐observable resonances associated with lipids stored in lipid droplets. However, standard one‐dimensional NMR experiments allow the quantification of lipid concentration only, without providing information about physical characteristics such as the size of lipid droplets, viscosity of the cytosol, or cytoskeletal rigidity. This additional information can improve monitoring of apoptosis‐based cancer treatments in intact cells and provide us with mechanistic insight into why these changes occur.

In this paper, we use high‐resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) 1H NMR spectroscopy to monitor lipid concentrations and apparent diffusion coefficients of mobile lipid in intact cells treated with the apoptotic agents cisplatin or etoposide. We also use solution‐state NMR spectroscopy to study changes in lipid profiles of organic solvent cell extracts. Both NMR techniques show an increase in the concentration of lipids but the relative changes are 10 times larger by HRMAS 1H NMR spectroscopy. Moreover, the apparent diffusion rates of lipids in apoptotic cells measured by HRMAS 1H NMR spectroscopy decrease significantly as compared with control cells. Slower diffusion rates of mobile lipids in apoptotic cells correlate well with the formation of larger lipid droplets as observed by microscopy. We also compared the mean lipid droplet displacement values calculated from the two methods. Both methods showed shorter displacements of lipid droplets in apoptotic cells. Our results demonstrate that the NMR‐based diffusion experiments on intact cells discriminate between control and apoptotic cells. Apparent diffusion measurements in conjunction with 1H NMR spectroscopy‐derived lipid signals provide a novel means of following apoptosis in intact cells. This method could have potential application in enhancing drug discovery by monitoring drug treatments in vitro, particularly for agents that cause portioning of lipids such as apoptosis.
A posttensioned rocking infill wall–frame system for multistory precast concrete buildings
Authors: Naserpour Afshin , Fathi Mojtaba
Published: January 2021

By proposing a multiple rocking infill wall–frame (MRWF) system, this paper investigates the effects of wall–frame interaction on the seismic response of self‐centering walls. In the MRWF system, infill walls are connected to the adjacent beams through posttensioned tendons, which provide the self‐centering ability, and the energy dissipation capacity of the system is enhanced using O‐shaped steel dampers. The seismic behavior of the MRWF system, with various wall configurations, is evaluated alongside conventional shear wall and typical rocking wall systems at three height levels of two, four, and six stories. After developing the numerical models, the cyclic and time history analyses are carried out. The results of cyclic analysis show that the energy dissipation capacity of MRWF models is much higher than that of typical rocking wall models. Furthermore, for the MRWF models, by increasing the number of walls with a smaller width, the effect of wall–frame interaction is mitigated, resulting in minimal damage to the structural members and self‐centering ability of more than 90%. The time history analysis results illustrate that for the MRWF models, the residual drifts and plastic rotation at the beams are significantly reduced by applying the proper structural layout of the multiple rocking walls, especially for six‐story models.
Corpora in Text-Based Russian Studies
Authors: Kopotev Mikhail , Mustajoki Arto , Bonch-Osmolovskaya Anastasia
Published: January 2021

This chapter opens with a discussion about what a corpus is and proceeds with an introduction of the main types of textual resources: the Web as a corpus, electronic libraries, and linguistic corpora. Among the last-mentioned, two are of particular interest. The first is the Russian National Corpus, a deeply annotated and well-designed Russian-language resource ranging from early Old Russian chronicles up to modern internet communication. The second is Integrum, the largest resource by some margin, which covers most of the newspapers and journals published both abroad and domestically, as well as a significant amount of TV, radio, and internet media. The chapter includes two case studies that demonstrate how word choice reflects shared memory patterns and how changes in language usage reflect political and social mutations.
Social Media-based Research of Interpersonal and Group Communication in Russia
Authors: Koltsova Olessia , Porshnev Alexander , Sinyavskaya Yadviga
Published: January 2021

Rapidly proliferating social media not only serve as a new channel of human communication but also open up research opportunities to ask a wider set of questions about political, sociological and psychological factors that influence interpersonal and group online communication, development and maintenance of personal networks and the growth or decline of social capital. In this chapter we discuss the research opportunities provided by new survey, observational and experimental data that may be obtained from a social networking site. For doing so, we refer to Russian-language social networking sites (SNS) or SNS segments, notably VKontakte as the most popular SNS in Russia. We demonstrate how the aforementioned types of data may or have already been used to address research tasks from a number of disciplines.
The Digitalization of Russian Politics and Political Participation
Authors: Wijermars Mariëlle
Published: January 2021

The chapter discusses the impact of digitalization and the rise of online and social media on Russian politics and political participation. It departs from the question whether the introduction of digital technologies has resulted in the transformation of Russian politics in ways that go beyond the mere replication of political practices in digital form. Placing its analysis in the context of Open Government thinking, the chapter examines four areas: first, it discusses changes in political communication; second, it examines the impact of online communications on political campaigning; third, the chapter reflects on changes in the voting process; and, finally, it critically examines digital tools for political participation (so-called civic technologies) and civic engagement.
Social Network Analysis in Russian Literary Studies
Authors: Fischer Frank , Skorinkin Daniil
Published: January 2021

Network analysis as a method has applications in a wide range of fields from physics to epidemiology and from sociology to political science, and in the meantime has also reached the literary studies. Networks can be leveraged to examine intertextual relations or even artistic influences, but the main application so far has been the analysis of social formations and character interactions within fictional worlds. To make this possible, texts have to be formalized into a set of nodes and edges, where nodes represent characters and edges describe the relations between these characters in a very simple fashion: Do they or don’t they interact? Based on a selection of Russian plays and Tolstoy’s novel War and Peace, we will describe approaches to the social network analysis of literary texts.
The State of the Art: Surveying Digital Russian Art History
Authors: Kangas Reeta E.
Published: January 2021

With the growing interest in digital humanities, the methodology of digital art history is in some respects lagging behind the trend. Given the prospects of the new digital image analysis, computer vision, and visualization methods, a number of questions have arisen as to how exactly the new digital methods can and should be applied to art history. Furthermore, when trying to apply these digital methods to the analysis of Russian art, one encounters a whole new set of questions and challenges. In this chapter, I examine current and potential applications of digital methods to the analysis of Soviet political cartoons published in Pravda during the “Great Patriotic War,” 1941–1945, as well as the study of Russian art history more generally. I especially examine how the combination of quantitative and qualitative analyses of political cartoons enables a deeper understanding that illustrates cultural, historical, and political developments over time.
Exothermic dark matter for XENON1T excess
Authors: Lee Hyun Min
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Motivated by the recent excess in the electron recoil from XENON1T experiment, we consider the possibility of exothermic dark matter, which is composed of two states with mass splitting. The heavier state down-scatters off the electron into the lighter state, making an appropriate recoil energy required for the Xenon excess even for the standard Maxwellian velocity distribution of dark matter. Accordingly, we determine the mass difference between two component states of dark matter to the peak electron recoil energy at about 2.5 keV up to the detector resolution, accounting for the recoil events over ER = 2 − 3 keV, which are most significant. We include the effects of the phase-space enhancement and the atomic excitation factor to calculate the required scattering cross section for the Xenon excess. We discuss the implications of dark matter interactions in the effective theory for exothermic dark matter and a massive Z′ mediator and provide microscopic models realizing the required dark matter and electron couplings to Z′.
Transfer partizipativer Forschungsergebnisse in die Praxis: Das Beratungsinstrument Standortanalyse in der kommunalen Gesundheitsförderung
Authors: Wihofszky Petra , Hofrichter Petra , Layh Sandra , Jahnke Mareen
Published: January 2021

In Hamburg wird der Auf- und Ausbau von integrierten kommunalen Gesundheitsstrategien in Sozialräumen gefördert. Für die Beratung entwickelten wir, die Forschungsgemeinschaft des Projekts „Kommunale Entwicklung von Gesundheitsstrategien“, in einem partizipativen Prozess das Instrument „Standortanalyse“. Die Konzeption gründet auf Ergebnissen des Projekts und orientiert sich am Modell „Community Readiness“. Die Standortanalyse dient der Einschätzung eines Sozialraums und richtet sich an Fachkräfte. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt, wie ein Transfer in die Praxis gelingen kann. Hierzu werden Ergebnisse der Erprobungsphase der Standortanalyse, die wir von 2019 bis 2020 in 4 Stadtteilen Hamburgs evaluativ begleiteten, vorgestellt.

Die Standortanalyse umfasst ein Tableau, Themenfelder und Fragekarten sowie ein Arbeitsheft. Im Mittelpunkt steht die Analyse der Themenfelder. Gegenstand unserer qualitativen Evaluation waren die Akzeptanz der Beratungen, die Passung und Handhabung des Instruments sowie mögliche Weiterentwicklungsbedarfe.

Die Ergebnisse gliedern sich in Beratungsvorgehen, Beratungskontext und Wirkungen. Zentrale Erkenntnisse sind: Das Instrument fördert die Vernetzung von Fachkräften, trägt zur Strukturierung und Transparenz in der Entwicklung von integrierten kommunalen Strategien in Sozialräumen bei, schließt Wissenslücken und unterstützt das Handling der Prozesse. Für die Praxis ist eine externe Prozessbegleitung bedeutsam. Neben der Verfügbarkeit eines Instruments ist es künftig wichtig, in die Qualifikation von Beratenden sowie in digitale Angebote zu investieren.
Salinity effects on cultured Neogloboquadrina pachyderma (sinistral) from high latitudes: new paleoenvironmental insights
Authors: Bertlich Jacqueline , Gussone Nikolaus , Berndt Jasper , Arlinghaus Heinrich F. , Dieckmann Gerhard S.
Published: January 2021

This study presents culture experiments of the cold water species Neogloboquadrina pachyderma (sinistral) and provides new insights into the incorporation of elements in foraminiferal calcite of common and newly established proxies for paleoenvironmental applications (shell Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca and Na/Ca). Specimens were collected from sea ice during the austral winter in the Antarctic Weddell Sea and subsequently cultured at different salinities and a constant temperature. Incorporation of the fluorescent dye calcein showed new chamber formation in the culture at salinities of 30, 31, and 69. Cultured foraminifers at salinities of 46 to 83 only revealed chamber wall thickening, indicated by the fluorescence of the whole shell. Signs of reproduction and the associated gametogenic calcite were not observed in any of the culture experiments. Trace element analyses were performed using an electron microprobe, which revealed increased shell Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, and Na/Ca values at higher salinities, with Mg/Ca showing the lowest sensitivity to salinity changes. This study enhances the knowledge about unusually high element concentrations in foraminifera shells from high latitudes. Neogloboquadrina pachyderma appears to be able to calcify in the Antarctic sea ice within brine channels, which have low temperatures and exceptionally high salinities due to ongoing sea ice formation.
Effectiveness of Chin Tuck on Laryngeal Penetration: Quantitative Assessment
Authors: Ko Joo Young , Shin Dae Youp , Kim Tae Uk , Kim Seo Young , Hyun Jung Keun , Lee Seong Jae
Published: January 2021

The effectiveness of the chin tuck maneuver is still controversial, despite being widely used in clinical practice. The chin tuck maneuver has been shown to be able to reduce or eliminate aspiration in a group of patients with a number of favorable conditions, but its effectiveness in preventing or managing penetration remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate whether the chin tuck maneuver is effective in reducing penetration. Images from a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) taken from 76 patients with penetration were collected and reviewed retrospectively. The severity of penetration was assessed by the penetration ratio (ratio of the penetration depth to the length of the epiglottis) measured and calculated from the images in which the deepest penetration was observed. The penetration ratio was significantly decreased in the chin tuck posture compared with the ratio in the neutral position (p = 0.001). Significant reducing effect was observed in 26 (34.2%) out of 76 patients. When comparing other parameters of VFSS, residues in the vallecular and pyriformis sinuses were less severe in the effective group. Chin tuck significantly decreased residues in both effective and ineffective group. The results demonstrate that the chin tuck maneuver can reduce penetration, but its effectiveness is limited.
Prediction of Peak Shear Strength of Natural, Unfilled Rock Joints Accounting for Matedness Based on Measured Aperture
Authors: Ríos-Bayona Francisco , Johansson Fredrik , Mas-Ivars Diego
Published: January 2021

The mechanical behaviour of natural, unfilled rock joints is influenced by the interaction between surface roughness and matedness of the contact surfaces. In the field, natural rock joints normally exhibit a mismatch between the contact surfaces, mainly due to different geological processes such as weathering or deformations. Various attempts have been made to estimate how matedness of rock joints influences their peak shear strength. However, the proposed methodologies imply certain difficulties since they are intended to estimate the matedness of rock joints based mainly on visual inspection, and by relating an initial shear displacement to the length of the analysed sample or by relating the opening of saw-tooth and two-dimensional joint profiles with the degree of interlocking. Therefore, a tested peak shear strength criterion for natural, unfilled rock joints that realistically accounts for the influence of matedness on their peak shear strength is still lacking. This paper presents a methodology where objective measurements of the average aperture of natural, unfilled rock joints are used to estimate their matedness as a step in the prediction of the peak shear strength. This measured average aperture is based on high-resolution optical scanning of the surface roughness. The proposed relationship between measured average aperture and matedness of natural rock joints has been included in a further developed peak shear strength criterion. The verification against ten natural rock joint samples of coarse-grained granite showed that the revised criterion can predict the peak shear strength considering rock joint matedness.
The effect of Q-switched 1064-nm dymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser on the skin barrier and collagen synthesis through miR-24-3p
Authors: Yang Zhi , Duan Xiaoxia , Wang Xue , Li Dongqing , Xu Qi , Xiang Shunli , Guo Birun , He Li
Published: January 2021

Due to the increase of the world’s population aging, how to restore youthfulness to the skin has attracted much attention. It is well known that collagen synthesis and changes in skin barrier play an important role in the process of skin aging. However, whether Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser (1064-QSNYL) determines the involvement of miRNAs in skin collagen synthesis and skin barrier changes remains to be elucidated. Upstream miRNAs of p38 molecular pathway have been predicted by bioinformatic database and the relationship between miRNAs and p38 verified by dual-luciferase reporter gene and Western blotting. RT-qPCR analysis detected the expression of miR-24-3p and mRNA for collagen and skin barrier–related molecules, such as keratin 10 (K10), filaggrin, and Aquaporin 4 (APQ4), in mice back skin and in the keratinocyte cell line HaCaT. Western blotting and immunofluorescence (IF) have been used to detect collagen expression and to localize, as well as quantify K10, filaggrin, and APQ4, respectively. In this study, we show that p38 is the main target gene of miRNA-24-3p, and laser irradiation at 1.5 J/cm2 inhibits miR-24-3p expression. Irradiation treatment upregulates the moisture, elasticity, hydroxyproline, and superoxide dismutase content of mice skin, as well as inhibits trans-epidermal water loss. Irradiation also increases collagen, K10, filaggrin, and APQ4 in both mice skin and HaCaT cells. Interestingly, we found that miR-24-3p overexpression inhibits the effect of irradiation on collagen synthesis and skin barrier. We show for the first time that 1064-QSNYL promotes collagen synthesis and protective effects on skin barrier by downregulating miR-24-3p.
Shared socioeconomic pathways for climate change research in Finland: co-developing extended SSP narratives for agriculture
Authors: Lehtonen Heikki S. , Aakkula Jyrki , Fronzek Stefan , Helin Janne , Hildén Mikael , Huttunen Suvi , Kaljonen Minna , Niemi Jyrki , Palosuo Taru , Pirttioja Nina , Rikkonen Pasi , Varho Vilja , Carter Timothy R.
Published: January 2021

Shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs), developed at global scale, comprise narrative descriptions and quantifications of future world developments that are intended for climate change scenario analysis. However, their extension to national and regional scales can be challenging. Here, we present SSP narratives co-developed with stakeholders for the agriculture and food sector in Finland. These are derived from intensive discussions at a workshop attended by approximately 39 participants offering a range of sectoral perspectives. Using general background descriptions of the SSPs for Europe, facilitated discussions were held in parallel for each of four SSPs reflecting very different contexts for the development of the sector up to 2050 and beyond. Discussions focused on five themes from the perspectives of consumers, producers and policy-makers, included a joint final session and allowed for post-workshop feedback. Results reflect careful sector-based, national-level interpretations of the global SSPs from which we have constructed consensus narratives. Our results also show important critical remarks and minority viewpoints. Interesting features of the Finnish narratives compared to the global SSP narratives include greater emphasis on environmental quality; significant land abandonment in SSPs with reduced livestock production and increased plant-based diets; continued need for some farm subsidies across all SSPs and opportunities for diversifying domestic production under scenarios of restricted trade. Our results can contribute to the development of more detailed national long-term scenarios for food and agriculture that are both relevant for local stakeholders and researchers as well as being consistent with global scenarios being applied internationally.