bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian ridge regression shows the best fit for SSR markers in Psidium guajava among Bayesian models
Authors: da Silva Flavia Alves , Viana Alexandre Pio , Correa Caio Cezar Guedes , Santos Eileen Azevedo , de Oliveira Julie Anne Vieira Salgado , Andrade José Daniel Gomes , Ribeiro Rodrigo Moreira , Glória Leonardo Siqueira
Published: July 2021

Markers are an important tool in plant breeding, which can improve conventional phenotypic breeding, generating more accurate information outcoming better decision making. This study aimed to apply and compare the fit of different Bayesian models BRR, BayesA, BayesB, BayesB (setting the value from very low to $$\pi$$
π
= $${10}^{-5}$$

10

-
5

), BayesC and Bayesian Lasso (LASSO) for predictions of the genomic genetic values of productivity and quality traits of a guava population. The models were fitted for traits fruit mass, pulp mass, soluble solids content, fruit number, and production per plant in the genomic prediction with SSR markers, obtained through the CTAB extraction method with 200 primers. The Bayesian ridge regression model showed the best results for all traits and was chosen to predict the individual’s genomic values according to the cross-validation data. A good stabilization of the Markov and Monte Carlo chains was observed with the mean values close to the observed phenotypic means. Heritabilities showed good predictive accuracy. The model showed strong correlations between some traits, allowing indirect selection.
Effects of freezing rate on structural changes in l-lactate dehydrogenase during the freezing process
Authors: Park Haena , Park Jun-Young , Park Kyung-Min , Chang Pahn-Shick
Published: July 2021

Freezing is a common method for improving enzyme storage stability. During the freezing process, the freezing rate is an important parameter that can affect protein stability. However, there is limited information on the denaturation mechanisms and protein conformational changes associated with the freezing rate. In this study, the effects of freezing rate on activity loss and conformational changes in a model enzyme, l-lactate dehydrogenase, were evaluated. Enzyme solutions were frozen at various rates, from 0.2 to 70.6 °C/min, and ice seeding was conducted to reduce supercooling. The results demonstrated that fast freezing results in activity loss, structural changes, and aggregation. The residual activities at freezing rates of 0.2, 12.8, and 70.6 °C/min were 77.6 ± 0.9%, 64.1 ± 0.4%, and 44.8 ± 2.0%, respectively. As the freezing rate increased, the degree of dissociation and unfolding increased significantly, as determined using blue native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and fluorescence spectroscopy. Moreover, a large number of amyloid aggregates were detected in samples frozen at a fast freezing rate (70.6 °C/min). The enzyme inactivation mechanism induced by fast freezing was proposed in terms of increased dehydration at the enzyme surface and an ice/unfroze solution interface, which could be helpful to establish a common understanding of enzyme inactivation during the freezing process.
High-precision and cost-efficient sequencing for real-time COVID-19 surveillance
Authors: Park Sung Yong , Faraci Gina , Ward Pamela M. , Emerson Jane F. , Lee Ha Youn
Published: July 2021

COVID-19 global cases have climbed to more than 33 million, with over a million total deaths, as of September, 2020. Real-time massive SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing is key to tracking chains of transmission and estimating the origin of disease outbreaks. Yet no methods have simultaneously achieved high precision, simple workflow, and low cost. We developed a high-precision, cost-efficient SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing platform for COVID-19 genomic surveillance, CorvGenSurv (Coronavirus Genomic Surveillance). CorvGenSurv directly amplified viral RNA from COVID-19 patients’ Nasopharyngeal/Oropharyngeal (NP/OP) swab specimens and sequenced the SARS-CoV-2 whole genome in three segments by long-read, high-throughput sequencing. Sequencing of the whole genome in three segments significantly reduced sequencing data waste, thereby preventing dropouts in genome coverage. We validated the precision of our pipeline by both control genomic RNA sequencing and Sanger sequencing. We produced near full-length whole genome sequences from individuals who were COVID-19 test positive during April to June 2020 in Los Angeles County, California, USA. These sequences were highly diverse in the G clade with nine novel amino acid mutations including NSP12-M755I and ORF8-V117F. With its readily adaptable design, CorvGenSurv grants wide access to genomic surveillance, permitting immediate public health response to sudden threats.
Analysis of the physical properties of spindle seeds for seed sorting operations
Authors: Kaliniewicz Zdzisław , Anders Andrzej , Markowski Piotr , Tylek Paweł , Owoc Danuta
Published: July 2021

The relationships between the basic physical properties of seeds of selected spindle species were evaluated for the needs of seed sorting operations. Physical properties were measured in the seeds of five spindle species, and the presence of relationships between these attributes was determined in correlation and regression analyses. The average values of the evaluated parameters were determined in the following range: terminal velocity—from 9.2 to 10.3 m s−1, thickness—from 2.57 to 3.26 mm, width—from 2.87 to 3.74 mm, length—from 3.94 to 5.52 mm, angle of external friction—from 20.7° to 24.6°, mass—from 16.5 to 33.8 mg. Spindle seeds were arranged in the following ascending order based on their geometric mean diameter: winged spindle, Hamilton’s spindle, large-winged spindle, broadleaf spindle and European spindle. Spindle seeds should be separated in a sieve equipped with at least two mesh screens with slotted apertures. Depending on the processed spindle species, aperture size should range from ≠ 2.7 to ≠ 3.5 mm in the top screen, and from ≠ 2.4 to ≠ 3.0 mm in the bottom screen.
Reconfigurable and scalable 2,4-and 6-channel plasmonics demultiplexer utilizing symmetrical rectangular resonators containing silver nano-rod defects with FDTD method
Authors: Khani Shiva , Farmani Ali , Mir Ali
Published: July 2021

Reconfigurable and scalable plasmonics demultiplexers have attracted increasing attention due to its potential applications in the nanophotonics. Therefore, here, a novel method to design compact plasmonic wavelength demultiplexers (DEMUXes) is proposed. The designed structures (two, four, and six-channel DEMUXes) consist of symmetrical rectangular resonators (RRs) incorporating metal nano-rod defects (NRDs). In the designed structures, the RRs are laterally coupled to metal–insulator-metal (MIM) waveguides. The wavelengths of the output channels depend on the numbers and radii of the metal NRDs in the RRs. The results obtained from various device geometries, with either a single or multiple output ports, are performed utilizing a single structure, showing real reconfigurability. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is used for the numerical investigation of the proposed structures. The metal and insulator used for the realization of the proposed DEMUXes are silver and air, respectively. The silver’s permittivity is characterized by the well-known Drude model. The basic plasmonic filter which is used to design plasmonic DEMUXes is a single-mode filter. A single-mode filter is easier to cope with in circuits with higher complexity such as DEMUXes. Also, different structural parameters of the basic filter are swept and their effects on the filter’s frequency response are presented, to provide a better physical insight. Taking into account the compact sizes of the proposed DEMUXes (considering the six-channel DEMUX), they can be used in integrated optical circuits for optical communication purposes.
Florigen governs shoot regeneration
Authors: Kutsher Yaarit , Fisler Michal , Faigenboim Adi , Reuveni Moshe
Published: July 2021

It is widely known that during the reproductive stage (flowering), plants do not root well. Most protocols of shoot regeneration in plants utilize juvenile tissue. Adding these two realities together encouraged us to study the role of florigen in shoot regeneration. Mature tobacco tissue that expresses the endogenous tobacco florigen mRNA regenerates poorly, while juvenile tissue that does not express the florigen regenerates shoots well. Inhibition of Nitric Oxide (NO) synthesis reduced shoot regeneration as well as promoted flowering and increased tobacco florigen level. In contrast, the addition of NO (by way of NO donor) to the tissue increased regeneration, delayed flowering, reduced tobacco florigen mRNA. Ectopic expression of florigen genes in tobacco or tomato decreased regeneration capacity significantly. Overexpression pearPcFT2gene increased regeneration capacity. During regeneration, florigen mRNA was not changed. We conclude that florigen presence in mature tobacco leaves reduces roots and shoots regeneration and is the possible reason for the age-related decrease in regeneration capacity.
Dynamics of laser produced plasma from foam targets for future nanolithography devices and X-ray sources
Authors: Wu Yaoxing , Jain Girik , Sizyuk Tatyana , Wang Xinbing , Hassanein Ahmed
Published: July 2021

Foam targets are expected to be more efficient candidates than solid targets for laser produced plasma (LPP) for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and X-ray radiation sources due to the expected plasma conditions that can be optimized regarding plasma opacities, volumetrics heating effects, and the produced ions debris characteristics. In this paper, a comparison of ion dynamics between low-density foam and solid Ni plasma was systematically investigated at CMUXE. The foam Ni target (density 0.6 g/cm3) and solid Ni target (density 8.9 g/cm3) were irradiated with 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser in vacuum. A Faraday cup (FC) was used to record the ion flux and time-of-flight (TOF) signals. A lower and wider TOF signal was observed for foam Ni plasma on the time scale. The average ion energy and peak of the TOF signal of solid Ni plasma were much higher than that of the foam Ni plasma. However, the total charge values between foam and solid Ni plasma were comparable indicating a more volumetric absorption of laser energy for foam Ni. The average ion energy and peak of the TOF signal of solid Ni showed a stronger angular and laser energy dependence than that of foam Ni. The plume shape of the solid Ni plasma appeared as an oblong ellipse at each time, while that of foam Ni plasma tended to be more circular, especially at early times. The results of mass ablation rate were consistent with the FC signals and showed a more intense plasma shielding for solid Ni.
A model of atherosclerosis using nicotine with balloon overdilation in a porcine
Authors: Kim Munki , Kim Han Byul , Park Dae Sung , Cho Kyung Hoon , Hyun Dae Young , Kee Hae Jin , Hong Young Joon , Jeong Myung Ho
Published: July 2021

Pigs are important experimental animals for cardiovascular research. Few porcine coronary atherosclerosis models have been developed; however, their induction requires more than six months. We developed a porcine coronary artery atherosclerosis model using nicotine injection with a balloon overdilation. A coronary balloon was placed in the porcine coronary artery and overdilated to induce a mechanical injury. Nicotine was administrated via intramuscular injection every day, and changes in the coronary artery were observed after four weeks. Coronary angiography revealed nicotine injection with a balloon overdilation group showed narrowing of the coronary artery at the injury site. The combination of balloon and nicotine significantly increased the intimal hyperplasia in optical coherence tomography analysis. Proliferated tunica media were noted in the nicotine injection with balloon overdilation groups and lack of collagen was observed in the tunica media at eight weeks. Quantitative analysis showed increased smooth muscle actin alpha (SMA), cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68), and Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) in the nicotine injection with balloon overdilation groups. Immunohistochemistry results showed CD68-positive cells displayed SMA- and KLF4-positive reactivity in the border zone of the intimal hyperplasia. Our results show that nicotine injection with balloon overdilation can induce atherosclerotic lesions within one month, which can serve as an alternative pig animal model for the development of coronary stents.
Prospective cohort study of regenerative potential of non vital immature permanent maxillary central incisors using platelet rich fibrin scaffold
Authors: Kritika Selvakumar , Sujatha V. , Srinivasan N. , Renganathan Senthil Kumar , Mahalaxmi Sekar
Published: July 2021

Regenerative endodontic procedures have gained momentum as a treatment modality of young immature permanent teeth. Literature reports reveal that platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) stimulates growth factors and induces regeneration. This study was undertaken to assess the regenerative potential of non-vital immature permanent maxillary central incisors using PRF with a follow-up for 2 yrs. 19 patients in the age group of 9–25 yrs with immature, non-vital permanent maxillary central incisors (n = 23) with/without signs and/or symptoms of periapical pathosis and open apex were included in this study. In the first appointment, access opening, canal disinfection and triple antibiotic paste placement were done. In the subsequent visit, PRF was prepared and placed inside the canal. Access was sealed with Mineral trioxide aggregate plug and composite. The patient was reviewed up to 24 mths. The mean difference was statistically analyzed using Friedman test followed by Dunn post hoc test and adjusted by Bonferroni correction (p < 0.05). As per AAE guidelines, the primary and secondary goals were achieved. A significant (p < 0.001) gradual increase in the root length, thickness of dentinal walls and decrease in apical diameter were observed. Within the limitations of this study, PRF placement was clinically and radiographically effective in inducing regeneration of non-vital immature permanent teeth.
Local application of Usag-1 siRNA can promote tooth regeneration in Runx2-deficient mice
Authors: Mishima Sayaka , Takahashi Katsu , Kiso Honoka , Murashima-Suginami Akiko , Tokita Yoshihito , Jo Jun-Ichiro , Uozumi Ryuji , Nambu Yukiko , Huang Boyen , Harada Hidemitsu , Komori Toshihisa , Sugai Manabu , Tabata Yasuhiko , Bessho Kazuhisa
Published: July 2021

Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2)-deficient mice can be used to model congenital tooth agenesis in humans. Conversely, uterine sensitization-associated gene-1 (Usag-1)-deficient mice exhibit supernumerary tooth formation. Arrested tooth formation can be restored by crossing both knockout-mouse strains; however, it remains unclear whether topical inhibition of Usag-1 expression can enable the recovery of tooth formation in Runx2-deficient mice. Here, we tested whether inhibiting the topical expression of Usag-1 can reverse arrested tooth formation after Runx2 abrogation. The results showed that local application of Usag-1 Stealth small interfering RNA (siRNA) promoted tooth development following Runx2 siRNA-induced agenesis. Additionally, renal capsule transplantation of siRNA-loaded cationized, gelatin-treated mouse mandibles confirmed that cationized gelatin can serve as an effective drug-delivery system. We then performed renal capsule transplantation of wild-type and Runx2-knockout (KO) mouse mandibles, treated with Usag-1 siRNA, revealing that hindered tooth formation was rescued by Usag-1 knockdown. Furthermore, topically applied Usag-1 siRNA partially rescued arrested tooth development in Runx2-KO mice, demonstrating its potential for regenerating teeth in Runx2-deficient mice. Our findings have implications for developing topical treatments for congenital tooth agenesis.
Microstructure and composition dependence of mechanical characteristics of nanoimprinted AlCoCrFeNi high-entropy alloys
Authors: Doan Dinh-Quan , Fang Te-Hua , Chen Tao-Hsing
Published: July 2021

Molecular dynamics is applied to explore the deformation mechanism and crystal structure development of the AlCoCrFeNi high-entropy alloys under nanoimprinting. The influences of crystal structure, alloy composition, grain size, and twin boundary distance on the mechanical properties are carefully analyzed. The imprinting load indicates that the highest loading force is in ascending order with polycrystalline, nano-twinned (NT) polycrystalline, and monocrystalline. The change in alloy composition suggests that the imprinting force increases as the Al content in the alloy increases. The reverse Hall–Petch relation found for the polycrystalline structure, while the Hall–Petch and reverse Hall–Petch relations are discovered in the NT-polycrystalline, which is due to the interactions between the dislocations and grain/twin boundaries (GBs/TBs). The deformation behavior shows that shear strain and local stress are concentrated not only around the punch but also on GBs and adjacent to GBs. The slide and twist of the GBs play a major in controlling the deformation mechanism of polycrystalline structure. The twin boundary migrations are detected during the nanoimprinting of the NT-polycrystalline. Furthermore, the elastic recovery of material is insensitive to changes in alloy composition and grain size, and the formability of the pattern is higher with a decrease in TB distance.
A convolutional neural-network framework for modelling auditory sensory cells and synapses
Authors: Drakopoulos Fotios , Baby Deepak , Verhulst Sarah
Published: July 2021

In classical computational neuroscience, analytical model descriptions are derived from neuronal recordings to mimic the underlying biological system. These neuronal models are typically slow to compute and cannot be integrated within large-scale neuronal simulation frameworks. We present a hybrid, machine-learning and computational-neuroscience approach that transforms analytical models of sensory neurons and synapses into deep-neural-network (DNN) neuronal units with the same biophysical properties. Our DNN-model architecture comprises parallel and differentiable equations that can be used for backpropagation in neuro-engineering applications, and offers a simulation run-time improvement factor of 70 and 280 on CPU or GPU systems respectively. We focussed our development on auditory neurons and synapses, and show that our DNN-model architecture can be extended to a variety of existing analytical models. We describe how our approach for auditory models can be applied to other neuron and synapse types to help accelerate the development of large-scale brain networks and DNN-based treatments of the pathological system.
Quantum adiabatic cycles and their breakdown
Authors: Defenu Nicolò
Published: July 2021

The assumption that quasi-static transformations do not quantitatively alter the equilibrium expectation of observables is at the heart of thermodynamics and, in the quantum realm, its validity may be confirmed by the application of adiabatic perturbation theory. Yet, this scenario does not straightforwardly apply to Bosonic systems whose excitation energy is slowly driven through the zero. Here, we prove that the universal slow dynamics of such systems is always non-adiabatic and the quantum corrections to the equilibrium observables become rate independent for any dynamical protocol in the slow drive limit. These findings overturn the common expectation for quasi-static processes as they demonstrate that a system as simple and general as the quantum harmonic oscillator, does not allow for a slow-drive limit, but it always displays sudden quench dynamics.
Order-of-magnitude differences in computational performance of analog Ising machines induced by the choice of nonlinearity
Authors: Böhm Fabian , Vaerenbergh Thomas Van , Verschaffelt Guy , Van der Sande Guy
Published: July 2021

Ising machines based on nonlinear analog systems are a promising method to accelerate computation of NP-hard optimization problems. Yet, their analog nature is also causing amplitude inhomogeneity which can deteriorate the ability to find optimal solutions. Here, we investigate how the system’s nonlinear transfer function can mitigate amplitude inhomogeneity and improve computational performance. By simulating Ising machines with polynomial, periodic, sigmoid and clipped transfer functions and benchmarking them with MaxCut optimization problems, we find the choice of transfer function to have a significant influence on the calculation time and solution quality. For periodic, sigmoid and clipped transfer functions, we report order-of-magnitude improvements in the time-to-solution compared to conventional polynomial models, which we link to the suppression of amplitude inhomogeneity induced by saturation of the transfer function. This provides insights into the suitability of nonlinear systems for building Ising machines and presents an efficient way for overcoming performance limitations.
Electron dynamics of tip-tunable oxygen species on TiO2 surface
Authors: Adachi Yuuki , Brndiar Ján , Wen Huan Fei , Zhang Quanzhen , Miyazaki Masato , Thakur Sourbh , Sugawara Yasuhiro , Sang Hongqian , Li YanJun , Štich Ivan , Kantorovich Lev
Published: July 2021

The redox states of oxygen species on the surface of TiO2 can be altered by electron tunneling by varying the applied bias voltage of an atomic force microscope tip. However, tunneling is stochastic in nature and typically requires ultra-low temperatures to obtain statistically significant data. Here, we use a highly sensitive fast atomic force microscopy setup to study redox transitions of oxygen atoms on a TiO2 surface, in the form of reactive oxygen species and single-atom quantum dots, at 78 K. The fast and highly sensitive nature of our experimental setup enables a statistically necessary amount of data to be collected without having to resort to ultra-low temperatures. This enabled us to study multiple dots and provide insight into the electronic structure and correlation between the oxygen species, which are inaccessible by standard atomic force microscopy. We show that single-atom quantum dots exist in two charge states with drastically different conductance, with one being conducting and the other non-conducting.
Recent advances in covalent organic frameworks for cancer diagnosis and therapy
Authors: Bagheri Ahmad Reza , Li Chengjun , Zhang Xiaoli , Zhou Xiaoxia , Aramesh Nahal , Zhou Hongyu , Jia Jianbo
Published: July 2021

Emerging opportunities and challenges of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) in cancer diagnosis and therapy are summarized. The future research directions of COF-based nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics are presented.
In situ thermosensitive hybrid mesoporous silica: preparation and the catalytic activities for carbonyl compound reduction
Authors: Mohan Anandhu , Peter Jerome , Rout Lipeeka , Thomas Anju Maria , Nagappan Saravanan , Zhang Wei-Jin , Parambadath Surendran , Park Sung Soo , Ha Chang-Sik
Published: July 2021

We developed a novel method to obtain a temperature-responsive switchable polymer–silica nanohybrid system without any surface functionalization for catalytic action control.
Whole body metabolism is improved by hemin added to high fat diet while counteracted by nitrite: a mouse model of processed meat consumption
Authors: Abu-Halaka Diana , Gover Ofer , Rauchbach Einat , Zelber-Sagi Shira , Schwartz Betty , Tirosh Oren
Published: July 2021

Hemin, added to diet, improved lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity and the grade of hepatosteatosis in a high-fat diet (HFD) fed mice. On the other hand, nitrite added to hemin abolished the beneficial effect by impairing fatty acid beta oxidation.
Relationship between the n-3 index, serum metabolites and breast cancer risk
Authors: Li Jiaomei , Zheng Zhaohong , Liu Min , Ren Yiping , Ruan Yue , Li Duo
Published: July 2021

The present study suggests that low n-3 index might be a potential risk factor for breast cancer, and serum metabolites 16α-hydroxy DHEA 3-sulfate may play an important role linking n-3 PUFA deficiency and breast disease etiology.
Access to highly functionalized imidazolones bearing α-amino acid esters via KOH-promoted annulation of amidines, nitrosoarenes and malonic esters
Authors: Li Wenhui , Xin Jie , Zhai Pingan , Lin Jianying , Huang Shuangping , Gao Wenchao , Li Xing
Published: July 2021

An efficient approach to obtain highly functionalized imidazolones bearing α-amino acid esters through KOH-mediated one-pot three-component annulation of amidines, nitrosoarenes and malonic esters is reported.
A direct synthesis method towards spirocyclic indazole derivatives via Rh(iii)-catalyzed C–H activation and spiroannulation
Authors: Zhou Jian , Yin Chuanliu , Zhong Tianshuo , Zheng Xiangyun , Yi Xiao , Chen Junyu , Yu Chuanming
Published: July 2021

A rhodium(iii)-catalyzed [4 + 1] spiroannulation of N-aryl phthalazine-diones (pyridazine-diones) with diazo compounds to construct spirocyclic indazole derivatives with diverse structures is described.
Highly efficient and tunable visible-light-catalytic synthesis of 2,5-diformylfuran using HBr and molecular oxygen
Authors: Hu Wenwei , She Jialuo , Fu Zaihui , Yang Bo , Zhang Huanhuan , Jiang Dabo
Published: July 2021

HBr is a very cheap and efficient bifunctional catalyst for the synthesis of DFF from the photooxidation of HMF by O2and from the cascade conversion of fructoseviaa one-step or especially the two-step protocol.
Hydromagnesite sheets impregnated with cobalt–ferrite magnetic nanoparticles as heterogeneous catalytic system for the synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine scaffolds
Authors: Geedkar Deepika , Kumar Ashok , Kumar Kranti , Sharma Pratibha
Published: July 2021

Sustainable synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine scaffolds assisted by hydromagnesite sheets impregnated with cobalt–ferrite (CoFe2O4-HMS) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs).
Outstanding elastic, electronic, transport and optical properties of a novel layered material C4F2: first-principles study
Authors: Vu Tuan V. , Phuc Huynh V. , Ahmad Sohail , Nha Vo Quang , Van Lanh Chu , Rai D. P. , Kartamyshev A. I. , Pham Khang D. , Nhan Le Cong , Hieu Nguyen N.
Published: July 2021

Motivated by transformation of AB-stacking bilayer graphene into fluorinated single-layer diamond (fluorinated diamane C4F2), we investigate the structural, elastic, electronic, transport, and optical properties of fluorinated diamane C4F2 using density functional theory.
Recent advancements in solid electrolytes integrated into all-solid-state 2D and 3D lithium-ion microbatteries
Authors: Jetybayeva Albina , Uzakbaiuly Berik , Mukanova Aliya , Myung Seung-Taek , Bakenov Zhumabay
Published: July 2021

This review reports progress in solid electrolytes integrated into all-solid-state 2D and 3D lithium-ion microbatteries. The latest improvements, performance and challenges of the all-solid-state 2D and 3D structured microbatteries are analyzed.
Microbial biomanufacture of metal/metallic nanomaterials and metabolic engineering: design strategies, fundamental mechanisms, and future opportunities
Authors: Yuan Jianhua , Cao Jianglin , Yu Fei , Ma Jie , Zhang Dong , Tang Yijing , Zheng Jie
Published: July 2021

Biomanufacturing metal/metallic nanomaterials with ordered micro/nanostructures, controllable functions, and promising properties is of great importance in both fundamental studies and practical applications.
Anthradithiophene-based organic semiconductors through regiodirected double annulations
Authors: Nitti Andrea , Forti Giacomo , Bianchi Gabriele , Botta Chiara , Tinti Francesca , Gazzano Massimo , Camaioni Nadia , Po Riccardo , Pasini Dario
Published: July 2021

An innovative double annulation regiospecific synthesis of angularly fused anthradithiophene-based scaffolds is reported, carried out with very low values for E factors. Further functionalization affords small molecules as semiconducting organic materials.
Microwave-assisted foaming and sintering to prepare lightweight high-strength polystyrene/carbon nanotube composite foams with an ultralow percolation threshold
Authors: Xie Yeping , Li Zhao , Tang Jiahong , Li Pan , Chen Wenhua , Liu Pengju , Li Li , Zheng Zhuo
Published: July 2021

Microwave foaming and welding to manufacture segregated PS/CNTs foam with ultralow percolation threshold for EMI shielding.
Top transparent electrodes for fabricating semitransparent organic and perovskite solar cells
Authors: Xu Yuting , Wang Jingjing , Sun Lijuan , Huang Heng , Han Jiaru , Huang He , Zhai Lanlan , Zou Chao
Published: July 2021

A review of several types of top transparent electrodes used in semitransparent solar cells.
Increased sTREM-1 plasma concentrations are associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19
Authors: de Nooijer Aline H. , Grondman Inge , Lambden Simon , Kooistra Emma J. , Janssen Nico A.F. , Kox Matthijs , Pickkers Peter , Joosten Leo A.B. , van de Veerdonk Frank L. , Derive Marc , Gibot Sebastien , Netea Mihai G. ,   on behalf of RCI-COVID-19 study group
Published: July 2021

Patients with sepsis display increased concentrations of sTREM-1 (soluble Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells 1), and a phase II clinical trial focusing on TREM-1 modulation is ongoing. We investigated whether sTREM-1 circulating concentrations are associated with the outcome of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to assess the role of this pathway in COVID-19. This observational study was performed in two independent cohorts of patients with COVID-19. Plasma concentrations of sTREM-1 were assessed after ICU admission (pilot cohort) or after COVID-19 diagnosis (validation cohort). Routine laboratory and clinical parameters were collected from electronic patient files. Results showed sTREM-1 plasma concentrations were significantly elevated in patients with COVID-19 (161 [129–196] pg/ml) compared to healthy controls (104 [75–124] pg/ml; P<0.001). Patients with severe COVID-19 needing ICU admission displayed even higher sTREM-1 concentrations compared to less severely ill COVID-19 patients receiving clinical ward-based care (235 [176–319] pg/ml and 195 [139–283] pg/ml, respectively, P = 0.017). In addition, higher sTREM-1 plasma concentrations were observed in patients who did not survive the infection (326 [207–445] pg/ml) compared to survivors (199 [142–278] pg/ml, P<0.001). Survival analyses indicated that patients with higher sTREM-1 concentrations are at higher risk for death (hazard ratio = 3.3, 95%CI: 1.4–7.8). In conclusion, plasma sTREM-1 concentrations are elevated in patients with COVID-19, relate to disease severity, and discriminate between survivors and non-survivors. This suggests that the TREM-1 pathway is involved in the inflammatory reaction and the disease course of COVID-19, and therefore may be considered as a therapeutic target in severely ill patients with COVID-19.
Defects and failure types of solid insulation in gas‐insulated switchgear: In situ study and case analysis
Authors: Xing Yunqi , Wang Zhiwen , Liu Lin , Xu Yuan , Yang Yang , Liu Shan , Zhou Fusheng , He Shun , Li Chuanyang
Published: July 2021

The gas‐insulated switchgear (GIS) has been widely used in modern ultra‐high voltage systems. However, once it fails, its fully enclosed feature brings challenges in its diagnosis and maintenance. As the failure rate of GIS due to insulator failure has been increasing in recent years, it is necessary and important to understand the commonly existing defects presented in the insulator. First, the manufacturing process of GIS insulators is introduced here. The defect types commonly existing in the insulator are categorised. The failure of GIS due to insulator defects that occurred in recent years are reviewed and discussed. The content in this study is useful for engineers and scientists to study on the GIS solid insulation defects and their failure mechanisms.
Investigation on the spatiotemporal structures of supra-arcade spikes
Authors: Liu Rui , Wang Yuming
Published: July 2021

Context. The vertical current sheet (VCS) trailing coronal mass ejections (CMEs) is the key place at which the flare energy release and the CME buildup take place through magnetic reconnection. The VCS is often studied from the edge-on perspective for the morphological similarity with the two-dimensional “standard” picture, but its three-dimensional structure can only be revealed when the flare arcade is observed side on. The structure and dynamics in the so-called supra-arcade region thus contain important clues to the physical processes in flares and CMEs.

Aims. We focus on supra-arcade spikes (SASs), interpreted as the VCS viewed side on, to study their spatiotemporal structures. By comparing the number of spikes and the in situ derived magnetic twist in interplanetary CMEs (ICMEs), we intend to check on the inference from the standard picture that each spike represents an active reconnection site and that each episode of reconnection adds approximately one turn of twist to the CME flux rope.

Methods. For this investigation we selected four events, in which the flare arcade has a significant north-south orientation and the associated CME is traversed by a near-Earth spacecraft. We studied the SASs using high-cadence high-resolution 131 Å images from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory.

Results. By identifying each individual spike during the decay phase of the selected eruptive flares, we found that the widths of spikes are log-normal distributed. However, the Fourier power spectra of the overall supra-arcade extreme ultraviolet emission, including bright spikes, dark downflows, and the diffuse background, are power-law distributed in terms of either spatial frequency k or temporal frequency ν, which reflects the fragmentation of the VCS. We demonstrate that coronal emission-line intensity observations dominated by Kolmogorov turbulence would exhibit a power spectrum of E(k) ∼ k−13/3 or E(ν) ∼ ν−7/2, which is consistent with our observations. By comparing the number of SASs and the turns of field lines as derived from the ICMEs, we found a consistent axial length of ∼3.5 AU for three events with a CME speed of ∼1000 km s−1 in the inner heliosphere; but we found a much longer axial length (∼8 AU) for the fourth event with an exceptionally fast CME speed of ∼1500 km s−1, suggesting that when the spacecraft traversed its leg this ICME was flattened and its “nose” was significantly past the Earth.
Redshift evolution of the Amati relation: Calibrated results from the Hubble diagram of quasars at high redshifts
Authors: Dai Yan , Zheng Xiao-Gang , Li Zheng-Xiang , Gao He , Zhu Zong-Hong
Published: July 2021

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) have long been proposed as a complementary probe to type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) and the cosmic microwave background to explore the expansion history of the high-redshift universe, mainly because they are bright enough to be detected at greater distances. Although they lack definite physical explanations, many empirical correlations between GRB isotropic energy or luminosity and some directly detectable spectral or temporal properties have been proposed to make GRBs standard candles. Since the observed GRB rate falls off rapidly at low redshifts, this thus prevents a cosmology independent calibration of these correlations. In order to avoid the circularity problem, SN Ia data are usually used to calibrate the luminosity relations of GRBs in the low redshift region (limited by the redshift range for SN Ia sample), and then they are extrapolate the luminosity relations to the high redshift region. This approach is based on the assumption of no redshift evolution for GRB luminosity relations. In this work, we suggest the use of a complete quasar sample in the redshift range of 0.5 < z < 5.5 to test such an assumption. We divided the quasar sample into several subsamples with different redshift bins, and used each subsample to calibrate the isotropic γ-ray equivalent energy of GRBs in relevant redshift bins. By fitting the newly calibrated data, we find strong evidence that the most commonly used Amati relation between spectral peak energy and isotropic-equivalent radiated energy shows no, or marginal, evolution with redshift. Indeed, at different redshifts, the coefficients in the Amati relation could have a maximum variation of 0.93% at different redshifts, and there could be no coincidence in the range of 1σ.
End-to-end engineering technologies as resource-saving technologies
Authors: Kilina Mariya , Grishenko Vyacheslav , Dymochkin Denis
Published: July 2021

The article discusses approaches and methods to engineering design in light of INDUSTRY 4.0 technology. Versions of serial and parallel design are described. An analysis of end-to-end design in accordance with INDUSTRY 4.0 technologies is presented, the advantages of this approach to creating complex mechanical engineering facilities are shown. These examples show a reduction in resources and time to develop new design objects. So the use of Wave technology in design allows you to reduce the cost of engineering personnel by 66%, increase iterative procedures while reducing the time of design procedures, reduce the number of elements of the system, without reducing its reliability.
Improving the energy efficiency of a piston engine based on the use of a numerical method for forming the laws of motion of gas distribution valves
Authors: Vasilyev Alexander , Bakhracheva Yulia , Ageev Evgenij
Published: July 2021

The increase in the power, economic and environmental performance of modern internal combustion engines is largely due to the improvement of the system that controls the gas exchange processes. Its characteristics determine the quality of filling and cleaning of the cylinders in various operating modes, the loss of power for gas exchange and, consequently, the indicator and effective indicators of the engine. The issues of mathematical modeling of gas exchange processes in combination with the study and improvement of the gas distribution mechanism are considered. The results of experimental and computational studies of gas exchange of tractor diesel are presented. Reserves for improving the gas exchange and the engine as a whole are identified based on the choice of optimal valve timing phases and valve motion laws. They provide a reduction in the modulus of the average pressure of the pump passages in the range of operating modes by 12 - 14 %, which contributed to a decrease in the specific effective fuel consumption by 1.4 ÷ 2.2 g/kWh. The above allows us to conclude that the use of a generalized step-by-step numerical method for synthesizing the law of motion of a pusher with an upper stand allows us to obtain the maximum efficiency characteristics of the gas distribution in the presence of a number of restrictions.
Development and implementation of the GIT-modelling bioreactor system: the way to reducing a carbon footprint
Authors: Danila Donskoy , Oleg Katin , Ludmila Alekseenko
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this article is to analyze and compare the carbon footprint value between «in vivo» and «in vitro» microbiological experiments in chicken GIT. The SHIME-style bioreactor for modeling the processes occurring in the gastrointestinal tract of chickens is developed. For «in vitro» estimation – use analytic and experimental results, carrying out on developed chicken GIT model. For « in vivo» estimation, use the carbon footprint of two mounts old broiler chicken. Assessments showed that «in vitro» carbon footprint constitutes about 15% of «in vivo» one. The most significant contributors to «in vitro» carbon footprint are nutrient medium (80%), then control computer (10%), then heather (5%). Recommendations for further carbon footprint reduction for «in vitro» experiments are formulated.
Analysis of anti-radical activity of some food suitable algae of the sea of Okhotsk
Authors: Gorbachev Viktor , Klokonos Mariya , Orlovtseva Olga , Tefikova Svetlana , Nikitin Igor
Published: July 2021

The antiradical activity (ARA) of 11 species of macrophyte algae in the northern part of the Sea of Okhotsk was analyzed for the first time. The highest ARA indicators were established for cystozera, ulva and fucus and exceeded the traditionally eaten kelp by 1.2-2.2 times. Oil infusions of kelp showed an increase in ARA scores by 13% compared to its alcoholic extracts. Average ARA values decreased in the following sequence: brown (with scatter of data), green, red algae. Despite the low ARA values, in red algae (≈ 33% of the maximum value), the effect of an increase in the viscosity of hot solutions was found when using algae of the genus Chondrus, which, in our opinion, was explained by the presence of caraginans. Assessment of the fall in ARA during storage of dried products from whole algae revealed a decrease in the value of this parameter ≈ 2.5% per month.
Potential Roles Of Eddy Kenetic Energy And Turbulence In Controlling The Bio-optical Ocean Proprieties
Authors: Benazzouz Aïssa , El Had Khalid , Mabchour Hassan , Mellass Samira , Demarcq Hervé
Published: July 2021

In the Canary Current System (CCS), coherent structures and concurrent movements of surface waters such as meanders, filaments and eddies strongly control the ocean bio-optical proprieties response to the coastal upwelling process. One of the outstanding problems is to understand the mechanisms of the bio-optical proprieties transfer and the connection mechanism between the coastal band and the ocean interior. We use a combination of satellite data and derived mesoscale indicators to provide a comprehensive view of the relationship between the physical and bio-optical proprieties off Moroccan upwelling region (part of the CCS) in terms of wind impulse responsible of sea turbulence, sea surface temperature (SST) response of the wind stress and ocean color proprieties considered as bio-optical ocean proxy response. To optimize the predicted ranges of these parameters, Generalized Additive Model (GAM) was applied. We conclude that the energetic mesoscales structures as seen from the satellite climatology observations can provide insight into dominant transport pathways controlling the bio-optical exchange from the coastal area to the ocean interior structured as an oceanic corridor connecting the Moroccan area to the Canary archipelagos.
Japanische Moxibustion im Kampf gegen multiresistente Tuberkulose
Authors: Young Merlin
Published: July 2021

Moxafrica ist eine britische Wohltätigkeitsorganisation. Sie widmet sich der Erforschung der Immunmodulation mithilfe der direkten Moxibustion in der ergänzenden Behandlung von Tuberkulose – insbesondere, wenn diese medikamentenresistent ist.
Toyohari – eine Einführung
Authors: Birch Stephen
Published: July 2021

Die Ostasiatische Nadeltherapie Toyohari entwickelte sich aus einer Studiengruppe des blinden Akupunkteurs Kodo Fukushima, die sich wiederum aus der Meridiantherapie entwickelte. In der Toyohari-Behandlung werden insbesondere Tastbefunde aus Puls- und Bauchdiagnose einbezogen, die auch den jeweils folgenden Behandlungsschritt bestimmen. Die Toyohari-Methoden werden in monatlich zusammenkommenden Studiengruppen fortgeschrittener Therapeuten stetig evaluiert und weiterentwickelt.
Behandlung von erwachsenen Patienten mit ambulant erworbener Pneumonie – Update 2021
Authors: Ewig S. , Kolditz M. , Pletz M. , Altiner A. , Albrich W. , Drömann D. , Flick H. , Gatermann S. , Krüger S. , Nehls W. , Panning M. , Rademacher J. , Rohde G. , Rupp J. , Schaaf B. , Heppner H.-J. , Krause R. , Ott S. , Welte T. , Witzenrath M.
Published: July 2021

Die vorliegende Leitlinie umfasst ein aktualisiertes Konzept der Behandlung und Prävention von erwachsenen Patienten mit ambulant erworbener Pneumonie und löst die bisherige Leitlinie aus dem Jahre 2016 ab.

Sie wurde entsprechend den Maßgaben zur Methodologie einer S3-Leitlinie erarbeitet und verabschiedet. Hierzu gehören eine systematische Literaturrecherche und -bewertung, die strukturierte Diskussion der aus der Literatur begründbaren Empfehlungen sowie eine Offenlegung und Bewertung möglicher Interessenskonflikte.

Die Leitlinie zeichnet sich aus durch eine Zentrierung auf definierte klinische Situationen, eine aktualisierte Maßgabe der Schweregradbestimmung sowie Empfehlungen zu einer individualisierten Auswahl der initialen antimikrobiellen Therapie.

Die Empfehlungen zielen gleichzeitig auf eine strukturierte Risikoevaluation als auch auf eine frühzeitige Bestimmung des Therapieziels, um einerseits bei kurativem Therapieziel die Letalität der Erkrankung zu reduzieren, andererseits bei palliativem Therapieziel eine palliative Therapie zu eröffnen.
Acute Effects of a Combined Strength and Endurance Training Rehabilitation Protocol for Patients in Different Professions with Back Pain
Authors: Pietsch Aki , Schroeder Jan , Reer Ruediger , Edler Christopher , Riepenhof Helge
Published: July 2021

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a combined strength and endurance training rehabilitation protocol for patients in different professions with back pain.

Material and Methods 162 patients (craftsman n=56, preschool teachers n=45 and nurses n=61) were included into a prospective observational study. Peak force of trunk muscles (isometric testing), endurance (PWC130) and back pain dysfunction (ODI) were assessed before (t1) and after (t2) a 3-week-period of individually tailored but not professionally clustered rehabilitation training.

Results The ODI (%) disability as well as all trunk muscle peak forces and aerobic endurence improved significantly in all subsamples (p<0.01), with the exception of the preschool teachers. They showed unaltered PWC130 values (p=0.255), which was in turn accompanied by a significant weight gain (+1%, p<0.001), while craftsmen and nurses demonstrated no changes in weight or waist circumference (p>0.05). But all analyses revealed great interindividual variations. Pre-post changes did not differ significantly among the profession groups (p>0.05).

Conclusions Interindividual response variations should be considered as a typical finding well known in back pain rehabilitation studies. We did not reveal benefit differences between occupational subsamples after the present combined strength and endurance training protocol. Future research should apply a randomized study design to compare the regular rehabilitation program and enriched programs including specific occupational demands.
Formation and quantitative analysis of internal structure of Si nanoparticles developed via bead-milling
Authors: Zhao Mingcai , Zhang Juan , Wang Wei , Zhang Qi
Published: July 2021

Amorphous silicon nanomaterial is isotropic on the macroscale and can effectively inhibit the expansion/contraction during lithiation/delithiation processes, which remarkably improves the cycle performance of Li-ion batteries. Bead-milling is a simple, cost-effective, and scalable method for manufacturing amorphous and/or crystalline silicon nanoparticles. In this work, the internal structure of Si nanoparticles prepared by bead-milling was found to consist of amorphous and nanocrystalline silicon as well as amorphous silicon oxide. X-ray diffraction patterns and Raman spectra are used to calculate the average crystallite size and estimate the degree of crystallization and amorphization of silicon. The quantitative analysis of amorphous silicon oxide is carried out through x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization and oxygen content measuring. It was found that the average particle size (D50) and the crystallite size were reduced to 91 and 3.7 nm, respectively, from 4.06 μm and 50.6 nm before bead-milling, and the degree of amorphization and oxygen content increased to 85.7% and 7.38%, respectively, from 37.5% and 0.12% before bead-milling. It is demonstrated that the longer the milling time, the smaller the sizes of particles and crystals and the higher the ratio of the amorphous phase. However, it inversely causes side-effects such as the increase in oxidization of Si nanoparticles and the increase in content of ZrO2 impurity.