bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital transformation in regional transportation and social infrastructure
Authors: Naumova Elena , Buniak Vasilii , Golubnichaya Galina , Volkova Lidiia , Vilken Viktoria
Published: March 2020

The article is devoted to the research of the strategy of implementing regional digitalization projects regarding the transportation and social infrastructure. The purpose of the study is to identify the problems of regional digitalization projects and develop a methodology for the formation of a regional digitalization program. The study formed the key aspects of the formation of regional digitalization programs in modern conditions. The scope of the possible application of digital technologies is expanding due to the branches of the regional economy. The authors consider the use of public-private partnership instruments, attracting sources of project financing and venture financing. Three strategies for implementing the digitalization of the regional economy with the relevant level of risks and costs are studied. According to the authors’ approach the simulation strategy of the region’s digital transformation is shown as the most conservative of the three. The defensive strategy for digital transformation of the region involves the integrated use of digital technology transfer allowing to achieve much greater efficiency. It is proved that the offensive strategy consists in the active financing of regional projects with the creating regional technological reserves and technological competencies resulting in the maximum level of costs and risk.
The Northern Sea Route cargo transportation development
Authors: Smirnov Aleksey
Published: March 2020

The Northern Sea Route (or the Northern through-passage) is a transport corridor, the use of which is called on in order to increase the efficiency of the Russian economy, activate the natural resources exploration for sub-sovereign entities located in the Arctic zone of Russia. The study purpose is to determine the Northern Sea Route cargo transportation development contemplations in consideration of the observed changes in the world commodity markets. Comparative analysis and a systematic approach is used as the main research methods, which makes it possible to hold a holistic management of ROE of the Northern Sea Route development, implemented at the federal level to ensure a sustainable innovative development of the national economy and the effective use of its resource potentia. The main conclusion is that the volume of cargo transportation along the Northern Sea Route will grow, but at a slower rate than the forecast of the Ministry of Economic Development and will reach 46 to 50 million tons in 2024.
The experimental study of increasing the efficiency of emulsion separation
Authors: Zinurov Vadim , Sharipov Ilnar , Dmitrieva Oksana , Madyshev Ilnur
Published: March 2020

The aim of this research paper is to compare the operation efficiency of two types of coalescents: insert, made of high porous material and flat baffles. For this purpose, the method of physical experiment was applied. This research paper shows that the use of them in the settling tank allows to increase the efficiency and velocity of water-oil emulsion separation with an increase of oil concentration in the original mixture from 15 up to 25%. The experimental studies also show that the most effective coalescers are the baffles, than the inserts, made of highly porous cellular material, due to the fact that the cells are quickly clogged with heavy oil components, which leads to a more complex flow structure through them, therefore, the process of mixing oil and water compounds is intensified and prevails over the coalescence process. The velocity of oil-water emulsion separation when using the inserts, made of highly porous cellular material, and baffles in comparison with the settling tank without inserts, increases on average by 10.9 and 14.5%.
Justification of environmental safety criteria in the context of sustainable development of the construction sector
Authors: Smirnova Elena , Larionov Arkadij
Published: March 2020

In the article the authors attempt to determine environmental safety criteria in the field of construction activities. A comprehensive methodological rationale for environmental safety in the construction industry is given. The system of environmental monitoring, the criteria and conditions for its implementation, as well as the principles of environmental monitoring set out in environmentally friendly standards, are considered. Analysis of the environmental monitoring system at all stages of the construction products life cycle showed that departmental confusion impedes the development of environmentally oriented investment and construction activities. Under these conditions, it is necessary to create an independent structure focused on environmental protection. The transfer of maximum powers to it will make it possible to quickly solve the problems of environmental monitoring as part of the movement towards sustainable and balanced development of the country.
Laboratory and In situ Investigation of Modulus of Elasticity of Foam Concrete
Authors: Valašková Veronika , Vlček Jozef
Published: March 2020

Foam concrete (FC) is a building material which consists of a combination of cement, water additives and technical foam. This material has some useful advantages such as low density, high stiffness and compression and flexural strength in comparison to the granular fill materials, good thermal resistance or damping potential. It’s currently used as a levelling layer for floors or as a sub-base layer of the new pavements or industrial floors or at the road reconstructions and excavations. Because of utilization of the foam concrete is aimed at the horizontal slab-like structures, deformation characteristics such as modulus of elasticity are important for the design of such a layer. High porosity of the final material reaching almost 70% of the volume complicates the determination of the stiffness parameters. Its stiffness is higher in comparison with the conventional granular fill materials but when thin layer is proposed, membrane like behavior influenced by the local imperfections of the material and the geometry can affect the overall stiffness of the compound. This paper presents the firsts attempts to estimate the modulus of elasticity of foam concrete of dry bulk density of 400 kg·m-3 in laboratory and as a derived value from in situ load tests using SOJUZDORNII theory.
Building information modeling concept in bridge construction
Authors: Shestakova Ekaterina , Malshchukova Natalia , Chizhov Sergey
Published: March 2020

This article is devoted to the initial stages of formation and the prospects of development of BIM technologies, the analysis of the general trends, process of formation of uniform resource space and training of professional engineering staff for transport infrastructure. The main objective of this article is the designation, the analysis of problems and formation of a comprehensive approaches within preparation of the modern level of development of design decisions for informational model which is capable to process in a complex an engineering, technological and economic component and will be relevant throughout all life cycle of an object. In articles authors presented results of poll to PGUPS on a subject “to BIM technology: training of specialists in the field of transport constructions” which convincingly show need of preparation and development of engineering potential for BIM introduction. In conclusions the concept of BIM for bridge projection taking into account start of pilot standard projects with use 3D — projections and with engaging of the modern methods of engineering is presented. The article also discusses the prospects for the development of design in Russia.
Linkage von klinischen Primärdaten und Krankenkassenabrechnungsdaten in der Evaluation der Schlaganfallversorgung – SeDaStro: Erfahrungen aus dem Tiroler StrokeCard-Programm
Authors: Gothe Holger , Matteucci Gothe Raffaella , Arvandi Marjan , Hintringer Katharina , Toell Thomas , Oberaigner Willi , Rajsic Sasa , Kugler Joachim , Kiechl Stefan , Willeit Johann , Siebert Uwe
Published: March 2020

Hintergrund Und Zielsetzung Datenlinkage-Verfahren sind von erheblicher Bedeutung für die Evaluation von Therapieregimes chronischer Erkrankungen, bei denen Patient/inn/en zwischen verschiedenen Versorgungssektoren navigieren. Ein umfassendes Bild langfristiger Effekte und der Kosten-Effektivität der Behandlung kann nur gezeichnet werden, wenn Daten verschiedener Provenienz miteinander verknüpft werden.

Methodische Probleme und Herausforderungen Am Beispiel der post-akuten Versorgung des Schlaganfalls veranschaulicht die vorliegende Studie, wie per exaktem deterministischem Datenlinkage klinische Patient/inn/endaten (Primärdaten) mit Routineabrechnungsdaten (Sekundärdaten) der Tiroler Gebietskrankenkasse (TGKK) verknüpft werden können. Die von Datenlinkage-Projekten bekannten Herausforderungen traten auch beim StrokeCard-Projekt der Medizinischen Universität Innsbruck auf, insgesamt jedoch begünstigten die Spezifika des österreichischen Gesundheitssystems (ein Großteil der Population ist in der Gebietskrankenkasse des jeweiligen Bundeslandes pflichtversichert) das Datenlinkage-Vorhaben.

Ergebnisse Im Rekrutierungszeitraum 01/2014–12/2015 konnten n=540 Pat. identifiziert und dem operativen Datensatz zugespielt werden. Davon waren n=367 Teil der StrokeCard-Gruppe (d. h. der Interventionsgruppe), n=173 gehörten der Standardversorgungsgruppe an (d. h. der Kontrollgruppe); n=11 Pat. haben das 1-Jahres-Follow-up nicht beendet (n=7 Pat. der Interventionsgruppe vs. n=4 Pat. der Kontrollgruppe); n=7 Pat. verstarben während der Studie (n=5 Pat. der Interventionsgruppe vs. n=2 Pat. der Kontrollgruppe). Für alle 540 Pat. waren TGKK-Routinedaten für 1 Jahr vor Rekrutierung bis 1 Jahr nach Entlassung aus der Klinik verfügbar. Alle Daten konnten für die gesundheitsökonomische Evaluation verwendet werden.

Schlussfolgerungen Mit diesem Projekt wurde die Machbarkeit der Verknüpfung von Primär- und Sekundärdaten unterschiedlicher Herkunft untersucht. Trotz günstiger Rahmenbedingungen hat die österreichische Versorgungsforschung nur begrenzte Erfahrungen auf diesem Gebiet. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass ein unter Datenschutzkautelen betriebenes Linkage gelingen kann und aufgrund der Verfügbarkeit relevanter Informationen aus Abrechnungsdaten eine empirische Bereicherung insbesondere für gesundheitsökonomische Analysen darstellt. Dies sollte als Anregung verstanden werden, in Evaluationsstudien Datenlinkage-Prozeduren in Zukunft in verstärktem Maße einzusetzen.
Comparison of Health-Related Quality of Life in Different Types of
Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Hadadi Mohammad , Heghighat Farzaneh , Hossein Iman
Published: March 2020

Introduction People with chronic ankle instability (CAI) have decreased
health-related quality of life (HRQOL), but the differences in HRQOL status
between subgroups of CAI have not been determined. This observational,
cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate and compare physical, social and
psychological aspects of HRQOL in subgroups of patients with CAI.

Methods Ninety patients with CAI and 30 healthy participants were
included. The patients were assigned to 3 subgroups with functional ankle
instability (FAI), mechanical ankle instability (MAI), or mixed functional and
mechanical instability (MIX), based on the talar tilt test, anterior drawer
test, and Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool score. Participants completed the
self-assessed Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), Tampa Scale of
Kinesophobia-11 (TSK-11), Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), and
Short-Form Health Survey (SF‑36).

Results Significant differences were observed between healthy
participants and each CAI subgroup in regional (FAAM), psychological (TSK-11 and
FABQ) and global (SF-36) measures (p<0,05). The MIX subgroup had a
significantly lower score on the FAAM-sport component, and a higher score on the
TSK-11 and FABQ (p<0,05), than the FAI subgroup. There were no
diffirences between other CAI subgroups in quality of life measures.

Conclusions Patients with MAI and FAI had similar functional deficits in
activities of daily living and sport activities, and greater fear of re-injury.
The MIX subgroup had greater deficits in sport activities and greater fear of
re-injury than the FAI subgroup.
Mild, Efficient, and Highly Regioselective Synthesis of 2,6-Diiodobenzaldehyde Derivatives
Authors: Al-Zoubi Raed M. , Jaradat Khaled T. , Al-Jammal Walid K. , McDonald Robert
Published: March 2020

An efficient and versatile synthesis of 2,6-diiodobenzaldehydes via highly regioselective metal–iodine exchange (MIE) of 5-substituted 1,2,3-triiodobenzenes is reported. The nature of substituents (R) on the phenyl has a large influence on the reactivity of reaction but not on the regioselectivity. The regioselectivity of the MIE can be controlled by the use of ethyl formate as a formylating agent providing only the internal benzaldehyde derivatives in excellent site-selectivity. The best reactivity and the highest isolated yields were furnished with products bearing electron-rich substituents. Several chemical transformations of the target compound as a valuable precursor in synthesis were also demonstrated providing the desired derivatives in good isolated yields. This report discloses a protocol for the synthesis of 2,6-diiodobenzaldehyde derivatives that is scalable, general in scope, and indeed difficult to be made by other means.
Physics in nanomedicine: Phenomena governing the in vivo performance of nanoparticles
Authors: Lane Lucas A.
Published: March 2020

Nanomedicine aims to increase the effectiveness of therapeutic and diagnostic agents by exploiting unique properties that arise when operating at the nanoscale. Despite the recent growth of the field, nanomedicine has only managed modest improvements over conventional molecular drugs and imaging probes. To increase the efficacy of nanomedicine requires understanding fundamental processes that govern the ability of nanoparticles to locate and remain at diseased sites within the body. These processes include a nanoparticle's interactions with cells and proteins, margination in blood vessels, permeation into diseased tissues, and diffusive ability to reach all diseased cells within the tissue. Each of these processes is governed by phenomena commonly studied within fields of the physical sciences. By employing knowledge of colloidal interactions, fluid dynamics, kinetics, statistical mechanics, and thermodynamics, researchers can rationally design nanoparticles to overcome previous limitations of nanomedicine. This review will highlight recent and exemplary studies that present valuable insights into the physical phenomena of nanomedicine and present improved next-generation nanoparticle designs by applying these insights.
Blood group and size dependent stability of P. falciparum infected red blood cell aggregates in capillaries
Authors: Jötten Anna Martina , Moll Kirsten , Wahlgren Mats , Wixforth Achim , Westerhausen Christoph
Published: March 2020

For Plasmodium falciparum related malaria (B50), one of the outstanding host factors for the development of severe disease is the ABO blood group of malaria patients, where blood group O reduces the probability of severe disease as compared to individuals of groups A, B, or AB. In this report, we investigate the stability of rosette aggregates in malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum in microflows. These flows are created in microfluidic channels with stenosis-like constrictions of different widths down to ones narrower as the rosette's diameter. High speed videos were recorded and analyzed by a MATLAB© based tracking software (SURF: SUrvival of Rosettes in Flow). We find a correlation of rosette size, channel diameter, and blood group regarding the mobility of the rosettes. Following the concept of a thermodynamic model, we find a critical width of the stenosis for rosette rupture during their passage. Our data reveal that under physiologically relevant conditions, rosettes in blood group A have a higher rosette frequency and stability as compared to blood group O (BG O), which constitutes a crucial factor promoting the observed protection in BG O individuals against severe malaria in non-O individuals.
Fluid release pressure for micro-/nanoscale rectangular channels
Authors: Mo Jingwen , Ding Yaohuan , Xiang Nan , Zhu Shu , Zeng Jiaying , Bi Kedong , Ma Jian , Sha Jingjie , Chen Yunfei
Published: March 2020

Experiments and numerical simulations are conducted to investigate fluid release from micro- to nanoscale rectangular channels. It is found that the release pressure can be flexibly adjusted by varying the channel size or the inclined angle. A critical inclined angle is found for wetting fluids, below which spontaneous release is achieved. A modified Young–Laplace equation for predicting the release pressure of rectangular channels is developed, which works well down to the nanoscale. The experimental results and theoretical predictions have also been verified by numerical simulations.
Recurrence quantification analysis of heart rate variability during continuous incremental exercise test in obese subjects
Authors: Zimatore G. , Gallotta M. C. , Innocenti L. , Bonavolontà V. , Ciasca G. , De Spirito M. , Guidetti L. , Baldari C.
Published: March 2020

The present paper concerns a new description of changing in metabolism during incremental exercises test that permit an individually tailored program of exercises for obese subjects. We analyzed heart rate variability from RR interval time series (tachogram) with an alternative approach, the recurrence quantification analysis, that allows a description of a time series in terms of its dynamic structure and is able to identify the phase transitions. A transition in cardiac signal dynamics was detected and it perfectly reflects the aerobic threshold, as identified by gas exchange during an incremental exercise test, revealing the coupling from the respiratory system toward the heart. Moreover, our analysis shows that, in the recurrence plot of RR interval, it is possible to identify a specific pattern that allows to identify phase transitions between different dynamic regimes. The perfect match of the occurrence of the phase transitions with changes observed in the VO2 consumption, the gold standard approach to estimate thresholds, strongly supports the possibility of using our analysis of RR interval to detect metabolic threshold. In conclusion, we propose a novel nonlinear data analysis method that allows for an easy and personalized detection of thresholds both from professional and even from low-cost wearable devices, without the need of expensive gas analyzers.
Structural and electronic properties of the pure and stable elemental 3D topological Dirac semimetal α-Sn
Authors: Madarevic Ivan , Thupakula Umamahesh , Lippertz Gertjan , Claessens Niels , Lin Pin-Cheng , Bana Harsh , Gonzalez Sara , Di Santo Giovanni , Petaccia Luca , Nair Maya Narayanan , Pereira Lino M.C. , Van Haesendonck Chris , Van Bael Margriet J.
Published: March 2020

In-plane compressively strained α-Sn films have been theoretically predicted and experimentally proven to possess non-trivial electronic states of a 3D topological Dirac semimetal. The robustness of these states typically strongly depends on purity, homogeneity, and stability of the grown material itself. By developing a reliable fabrication process, we were able to grow pure strained α-Sn films on InSb(100), without heating the substrate during growth nor using any dopants. The α-Sn films were grown by molecular beam epitaxy, followed by experimental verification of the achieved chemical purity and structural properties of the film’s surface. Local insight into the surface morphology was provided by scanning tunneling microscopy. We detected the existence of compressive strain using Mössbauer spectroscopy, and we observed a remarkable robustness of the grown samples against ambient conditions. The topological character of the samples was confirmed by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, revealing the Dirac cone of the topological surface state. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy, moreover, allowed us to obtain an improved insight into the electronic structure of the 3D topological Dirac semimetal α-Sn above the Fermi level.
Ultrafast magnetism: The magneto-optical Kerr effect and conduction electrons
Authors: Gort R. , Bühlmann K. , Saerens G. , Däster S. , Vaterlaus A. , Acremann Y.
Published: March 2020

Most experiments on ultrafast magnetodynamics have been conducted using the magneto-optical Kerr effect. Here, we compare the Kerr effect's magnetic sensitivity to the spin dynamics measured by photoemission. The magnetization dynamics on an Fe/W(110) thin film are probed by spin-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and the Kerr effect. The results reveal similarities between the spin dynamics at low binding energy and the response probed by the Kerr effect. Therefore, the Kerr effect probes states relevant for spin transport and spin flips but may not be sensitive to the entire magnetic moment in femtosecond spin dynamics experiments.
Analysis of the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of ALaFeMnO6 (A = Sr, Ba, and Ca) double perovskites
Authors: Brahiti N. , Abbasi Eskandari M. , Balli M. , Gauvin-Ndiaye C. , Nourafkan R. , Tremblay A.-M. S. , Fournier P.
Published: March 2020

In previous studies, we have reported that double perovskite La2NiMnO6 presents non-negligible potential for room temperature magnetocaloric tasks. With the aim of improving even further the cooling performances and the working temperature range of double perovskites, we report the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of La2MnFeO6 and ALaMnFeO6 (A = Sr, Ba, and Ca) compounds. X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement show that La2MnFeO6 (LMFO) and CaLaMnFeO6 (CLMFO) samples crystallize in an orthorhombic structure with the Pnma space group. However, a rhombohedral structure with the R3¯C space group is obtained for BaLaMnFeO6 (BLMFO) and SrLaMnFeO6 (SLMFO) samples. Substituting La by Ba or Sr in LMFO leads to a clear increase of the Curie temperature (Tc) compared to LMFO from 150 K for BLMFO up to 350 K for SLMFO. Moreover, CLMFO shows the smallest Tc down to 70 K. Ferromagnetic-like behavior is observed for SLMFO and BLMFO, while CLMFO's magnetism resembles that of LMFO. A clear connection between the structural parameters and the magnetic properties of these doped LMFO samples is unveiled as the highest Tc and the largest magnetization are observed for SLMFO which also shows bond angles closest to 180° and the smallest bond lengths, thus optimizing the superexchange interaction. The partial substitution of Sr for La leads, in fact, to a significant magnetocaloric effect over a wide operating temperature range extending beyond 300 K. For some optimal growth conditions, its entropy change varies slowly over an unusually large temperature range, which is of clear interest from a practical point of view.
Photodetectors based on solution-processable semiconductors: Recent advances and perspectives
Authors: Xu Yalun , Lin Qianqian
Published: March 2020

The detection of light, one of the most important technologies, has widespread applications in industry and our daily life, e.g., environmental monitoring, communications, surveillance, image sensors, and advanced diagnosis. Along with the remarkable progress in the field of organics, those based on quantum dots, and recently emerged perovskite optoelectronics, photodetectors based on these solution-processable semiconductors have shown unprecedented success. In this review, we present the basic operation mechanism and the characterization of the performance metrics based on these novel materials systems. Then, we focus on the current research status and recent advances with the following five aspects: (i) spectral tunability, (ii) cavity enhanced photodetectors, (iii) photomultiplication type photodetectors, (iv) sensitized phototransistors, and (v) ionizing radiation detection. At the end, we discuss the key challenges facing these novel photodetectors toward manufacture and viable applications. We also point out the opportunities, which are promising to explore and may require more research activities.
Three-dimensional potential energy surfaces of ArNO (X̃ 2Π)
Authors: Teplukhin Alexander , Kendrick Brian K.
Published: March 2020

Until now, the potential energy surfaces (PESs) of the ArNO complex found in the literature were two-dimensional, with the NO interatomic distance being fixed. In this work, we present the first accurate three-dimensional ground state X̃ 2Π PESs (both A′ and A″) of ArNO computed at the CCSD(T)/CBS level of theory. The equilibrium geometries and the well depths (De) are compared to several other electronic structure methods. We found that using the multireference method, MRCI-F12 makes the surfaces much shallower (by 25%) and the depth of the surfaces does not agree with experimental data. The explicitly correlated coupled-cluster method underestimates the well depth as well. Analytic representations for both A′ and A″ surfaces were fit to 4380 ab initio points to within 2.71 cm−1. A three-dimensional Numerov propagator method in Delves coordinates is used to compute the bound state spectrum up to Jtot = 6.5. The recommended dissociation energies are D0 = 97.2 cm−1 for the adiabatic ground state and De = 133.7 (128.1) cm−1 for A′ (A″).
Magnetic quantification of single-crystalline Fe and Co nanowires via off-axis electron holography
Authors: Chai Ke , Li Zi-An , Huang Wenting , Richter Gunther , Liu Ruibin , Zou Bingsuo , Caron Jan , Kovács András , Dunin-Borkowski Rafal E. , Li Jianqi
Published: March 2020

Investigating the local micromagnetic structure of ferromagnetic nanowires (NWs) at the nanoscale is essential to study the structure–property relationships and can facilitate the design of nanostructures for technology applications. Herein, we synthesized high-quality iron and cobalt NWs and investigated the magnetic properties of these NWs using off-axis electron holography. The Fe NWs are about 100 nm in width and a few micrometers in length with a preferential growth direction of [100], while the Co NWs have a higher aspect-ratio with preferential crystal growth along the [110] direction. It is noted that compact passivation surface layers of oxides protect these NWs from further oxidation, even after nearly two years of exposure to ambient conditions; furthermore, these NWs display homogeneous ferromagnetism along their axial direction revealing the domination of shape anisotropy on magnetic behavior. Importantly, the average value of magnetic induction strengths of Fe NWs (2.07 {±} 0.10 T) and Co NWs (1.83 {±} 0.15 T) is measured to be very close to the respective theoretical value, and it shows that the surface oxide layers do not affect the magnetic moments in NWs. Our results provide a useful synthesis approach for the fabrication of single-crystalline, defect-free metal NWs and give insight into the micromagnetic properties in ferromagnetic NWs based on the transmission electron microscopy measurements.
Pattern method for higher harmonics of first normal stress difference from molecular orientation in oscillatory shear flow
Authors: Jbara Layal M. , Giacomin A. Jeffrey , Saengow Chaimongkol
Published: March 2020

This study examines the simplest relevant molecular model of a polymeric liquid in large-amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) flow: rigid dumbbells suspended in a Newtonian solvent. For such suspensions, the viscoelastic response of the polymeric liquid depends exclusively on the dynamics of dumbbell orientation. Previously, the explicit analytical expressions of the zeroth, second, and fourth harmonics of the alternating first normal stress difference response in LAOS have been derived. In this paper, we correct and extend these expressions by seeking an understanding of the next higher harmonic. Specifically, this paper continues a series of studies that shed light on molecular theory as a useful approach in investigating the response of polymeric liquids to oscillatory shear. Following the general method of Bird and Armstrong [“Time-dependent flows of dilute solutions of rodlike macromolecules,” J. Chem. Phys. 56, 3680 (1972)], we derive the expression of the first normal stress coefficient up to and including the sixth harmonic. Our analysis relies on the extension of the orientation distribution function to the sixth power of the shear rate. Our expression is the only one to have been derived from a molecular theory for a sixth harmonic and thus provides the first glimpse of the molecular origins of a first normal stress difference higher than the fourth.
Induction of autophagy promotes porcine parthenogenetic embryo development under low oxygen conditions
Authors: Zhou Jilong , Ji Tiantian , He Hai-Nan , Yin Shu-Yuan , Liu Xin , Zhang Xia , Miao Yi-Liang
Published: March 2020

Autophagy plays an important role in embryo development; however, only limited information is available on how autophagy specifically regulates embryo development, especially under low oxygen culture conditions. In this study we used parthenogenetic activation (PA) of porcine embryos to test the hypothesis that a low oxygen concentration (5%) could promote porcine embryo development by activating autophagy. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that low oxygen tension activated autophagy and alleviated oxidative stress in porcine PA embryos. Development was significantly affected when autophagy was blocked by 3-methyladenine, even under low oxygen culture conditions, with increased reactive oxygen species levels and malondialdehyde content. Furthermore, the decreased expression of pluripotency-associated genes induced by autophagy inhibition could be recovered by treatment with the antioxidant vitamin C. Together, these results demonstrate that low oxygen-induced autophagy regulates embryo development through antioxidant mechanisms in the pig.
Ddi1 is a ubiquitin-dependent protease
Authors: Yip Matthew C. J. , Bodnar Nicholas O. , Rapoport Tom A.
Published: March 2020

Significance

Many proteins in the cell are tagged with a polyubiquitin chain, which serves as a recognition signal for degradation by the proteasome. Some tagged substrates bind directly to the proteasome, but others are delivered through shuttling factors. Yeast Ddi1 and its homologs in other eukaryotic cells have protein domains typical of shuttling factors, but they also contain a predicted protease domain that is related to those in retroviral proteases. This paper shows that Ddi1 is a ubiquitin-dependent protease, which cleaves substrate proteins only when they are tagged with long ubiquitin chains. Ddi1 is the only known endoprotease besides the proteasome that cleaves polyubiquitinated substrates. Ddi1 might prevent the excessive accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins in cells.
Individualized perturbation of the human connectome reveals reproducible biomarkers of network dynamics relevant to cognition
Authors: Ozdemir Recep A. , Tadayon Ehsan , Boucher Pierre , Momi Davide , Karakhanyan Kelly A. , Fox Michael D. , Halko Mark A. , Pascual-Leone Alvaro , Shafi Mouhsin M. , Santarnecchi Emiliano
Published: March 2020

Large-scale brain networks are often described using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). However, the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal provides an indirect measure of neuronal firing and reflects slow-evolving hemodynamic activity that fails to capture the faster timescale of normal physiological function. Here we used fMRI-guided transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) to characterize individual brain dynamics within discrete brain networks at high temporal resolution. TMS was used to induce controlled perturbations to individually defined nodes of the default mode network (DMN) and the dorsal attention network (DAN). Source-level EEG propagation patterns were network-specific and highly reproducible across sessions 1 month apart. Additionally, individual differences in high-order cognitive abilities were significantly correlated with the specificity of TMS propagation patterns across DAN and DMN, but not with resting-state EEG dynamics. Findings illustrate the potential of TMS-EEG perturbation-based biomarkers to characterize network-level individual brain dynamics at high temporal resolution, and potentially provide further insight on their behavioral significance.
Loss of insulin signaling may contribute to atrial fibrillation and atrial electrical remodeling in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Polina Iuliia , Jansen Hailey J. , Li Tiesong , Moghtadaei Motahareh , Bohne Loryn J. , Liu Yingjie , Krishnaswamy Pooja , Egom Emmanuel E. , Belke Darrell D. , Rafferty Sara A. , Ezeani Martin , Gillis Anne M. , Rose Robert A.
Published: March 2020

Significance

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is prevalent in diabetic patients, yet the basis for AF in diabetes is poorly understood. We have used type 1 diabetic Akita mice to study the effects of insulin on atrial electrophysiology in diabetes. We demonstrate that Akita mice are highly susceptible to AF due to impaired electrical conduction and that insulin treatment can reduce the occurrence of this arrhythmia. Atrial action potential morphology was altered in Akita mice in association with reductions in atrial Na
+
current (I
Na
) and repolarizing potassium current. Insulin treatment potently increased atrial I
Na
via distinct chronic and acute effects. These experiments identify antiarrhythmic effects of insulin in type 1 diabetes via potent effects on atrial I
Na
.
Bed nuclei of the stria terminalis modulate memory consolidation via glucocorticoid-dependent and -independent circuits
Authors: Lingg Ryan T. , Johnson Shane B. , Emmons Eric B. , Anderson Rachel M. , Romig-Martin Sara A. , Narayanan Nandakumar S. , McGaugh James L. , LaLumiere Ryan T. , Radley Jason J.
Published: March 2020

Significance

Memory consolidation following emotionally significant events is enhanced by glucocorticoid hormones. Our report identifies the anteroventral bed nuclei of the stria terminalis (avBST) as capable of bidirectionally modulating memory consolidation in rats following inhibitory avoidance learning. Follow-up experiments revealed that divergent pathways from avBST are responsible for the mnemonic effects of avBST inhibition and stimulation and that they occur via glucocorticoid-dependent and -independent mechanisms, respectively.
Pumilio proteins utilize distinct regulatory mechanisms to achieve complementary functions required for pluripotency and embryogenesis
Authors: Uyhazi Katherine E. , Yang Yiying , Liu Na , Qi Hongying , Huang Xiao A. , Mak Winifred , Weatherbee Scott D. , de Prisco Nicola , Gennarino Vincenzo A. , Song Xiaoling , Lin Haifan
Published: March 2020

Gene regulation in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) has been extensively studied at the epigenetic-transcriptional level, but not at the posttranscriptional level. Pumilio (Pum) proteins are among the few known translational regulators required for stem-cell maintenance in invertebrates and plants. Here we report the essential function of two murine Pum proteins, Pum1 and Pum2, in ESCs and early embryogenesis. Pum1/2 double-mutant ESCs display severely reduced self-renewal and differentiation, and Pum1/2 double-mutant mice are developmentally delayed at the morula stage and lethal by embryonic day 8.5. Remarkably, Pum1-deficient ESCs show increased expression of pluripotency genes but not differentiation genes, whereas Pum2-deficient ESCs show decreased pluripotency markers and accelerated differentiation. Thus, despite their high homology and overlapping target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), Pum1 promotes differentiation while Pum2 promotes self-renewal in ESCs. Pum1 and Pum2 achieve these two complementary aspects of pluripotency by forming a negative interregulatory feedback loop that directly regulates at least 1,486 mRNAs. Pum1 and Pum2 regulate target mRNAs not only by repressing translation, but also by promoting translation and enhancing or reducing mRNA stability of different target mRNAs. Together, these findings reveal distinct roles of individual mammalian Pum proteins in ESCs and their essential functions in ESC pluripotency and embryogenesis.
Centromere scission drives chromosome shuffling and reproductive isolation
Authors: Yadav Vikas , Sun Sheng , Coelho Marco A. , Heitman Joseph
Published: March 2020

A fundamental characteristic of eukaryotic organisms is the generation of genetic variation via sexual reproduction. Conversely, significant large-scale genome structure variations could hamper sexual reproduction, causing reproductive isolation and promoting speciation. The underlying processes behind large-scale genome rearrangements are not well understood and include chromosome translocations involving centromeres. Recent genomic studies in theCryptococcusspecies complex revealed that chromosome translocations generated via centromere recombination have reshaped the genomes of different species. In this study, multiple DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) were generated via the CRISPR/Cas9 system at centromere-specific retrotransposons in the human fungal pathogenCryptococcus neoformans. The resulting DSBs were repaired in a complex manner, leading to the formation of multiple interchromosomal rearrangements and new telomeres, similar to chromothripsis-like events. The newly generated strains harboring chromosome translocations exhibited normal vegetative growth but failed to undergo successful sexual reproduction with the parental wild-type strain. One of these strains failed to produce any spores, while another produced ∼3% viable progeny. The germinated progeny exhibited aneuploidy for multiple chromosomes and showed improved fertility with both parents. All chromosome translocation events were accompanied without any detectable change in gene sequences and thus suggest that chromosomal translocations alone may play an underappreciated role in the onset of reproductive isolation and speciation.
Switching fatty acid metabolism by an RNA-controlled feed forward loop
Authors: Huber Michaela , Fröhlich Kathrin S. , Radmer Jessica , Papenfort Kai
Published: March 2020

Hfq (host factor for phage Q beta) is key for posttranscriptional gene regulation in many bacteria. Hfq’s function is to stabilize sRNAs and to facilitate base-pairing with
trans
-encoded target mRNAs. Loss of Hfq typically results in pleiotropic phenotypes, and, in the major human pathogen
Vibrio cholerae
, Hfq inactivation has been linked to reduced virulence, failure to produce biofilms, and impaired intercellular communication. However, the RNA ligands of Hfq in
V. cholerae
are currently unknown. Here, we used RIP-seq (RNA immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing) analysis to identify Hfq-bound RNAs in
V. cholerae
. Our work revealed 603 coding and 85 noncoding transcripts associated with Hfq, including 44 sRNAs originating from the 3′ end of mRNAs. Detailed investigation of one of these latter transcripts, named FarS (fatty acid regulated sRNA), showed that this sRNA is produced by RNase E-mediated maturation of the
fabB
3′UTR, and, together with Hfq, inhibits the expression of two paralogous
fadE
mRNAs. The
fabB
and
fadE
genes are antagonistically regulated by the major fatty acid transcription factor, FadR, and we show that, together, FadR, FarS, and FadE constitute a mixed feed-forward loop regulating the transition between fatty acid biosynthesis and degradation in
V. cholerae
. Our results provide the molecular basis for studies on Hfq in
V. cholerae
and highlight the importance of a previously unrecognized sRNA for fatty acid metabolism in this major human pathogen.
Coronavirus endoribonuclease targets viral polyuridine sequences to evade activating host sensors
Authors: Hackbart Matthew , Deng Xufang , Baker Susan C.
Published: March 2020

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are positive-sense RNA viruses that can emerge from endemic reservoirs and infect zoonotically, causing significant morbidity and mortality. CoVs encode an endoribonuclease designated EndoU that facilitates evasion of host pattern recognition receptor MDA5, but the target of EndoU activity was not known. Here, we report that EndoU cleaves the 5′-polyuridines from negative-sense viral RNA, termed PUN RNA, which is the product of polyA-templated RNA synthesis. Using a virus containing an EndoU catalytic-inactive mutation, we detected a higher abundance of PUN RNA in the cytoplasm compared to wild-type−infected cells. Furthermore, we found that transfecting PUN RNA into cells stimulates a robust, MDA5-dependent interferon response, and that removal of the polyuridine extension on the RNA dampens the response. Overall, the results of this study reveal the PUN RNA to be a CoV MDA5-dependent pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP). We also establish a mechanism for EndoU activity to cleave and limit the accumulation of this PAMP. Since EndoU activity is highly conserved in all CoVs, inhibiting this activity may serve as an approach for therapeutic interventions against existing and emerging CoV infections.
Gaps between the digits
Authors: Morrison Romi Ron
Published: March 2020

Artificially intelligent systems (ai) are increasingly becoming the ubiquitous, unseen arbiters of our social, civic and familial lives. Ever increasing computational power, combined with almost limitless data, has led to a turning point in the way artificial intelligence assists, judges, and cares for humans. In the wake of such power we must ask ourselves what it is that we are making inherently unknowable as the world becomes more predictable, managed, and discrete. Building on the work of black feminists Sylvia Wynter and Hortense Spillers, I perform a reading of the “flesh”. I aim to hint towards a different field of relations and a knowledge politic premised on unknowability and the radical potential of the subjugated to foster new imaginaries of the human fluid enough to weather instability. This piece troubles the boundaries inscribed between things. Settled in the flesh of blackness, we are reminded of the ways that blackness floods the landscape of productive reason while holding outlier ways of being beyond Western Man. This paper seeks to return to the pulse found within the flesh as a critical site for thinking through alternate ways of being, within the messiness, the unstable, the precarious; finding life born of transition, the pulse within discord.
Changes in society and language
Authors: Schneider Gerold
Published: March 2020

This study addresses how societal and linguistic changes can be
detected using historical corpora, with the topics of poverty and industrial revolution
as a case study, based on large historical corpora, in particular EEBO, and CLMET3.0.
The results, based on a rich array of state-of-the art statistical approaches (such as
kernel density estimation), show how poverty, industrial revolution, and urbanization
are associated through, for instance, the associations of war, religion, family,
poverty, and suffering. The study also discusses the importance of data size and
cleanness, the temptations of distant reading, and the necessity for validating the
discovered patterns in close reading and distant reading in interaction.
So-called -ingly adverbs in Late Middle and Early Modern
English
Authors: Iyeiri Yoko
Published: March 2020

This chapter traces the increase of -ingly adverbs
from Late Middle to Early Modern English. Not only the frequency and versatility but
also the functions of -ingly adverbs expanded in this period: from the
modification of adjectives, adverbs, and verbs (found both in the Middle and Early
Modern English data) to the modification of the whole sentence (found only in the Early
Modern English data). Sentential adverbs of the commenting type (disjuncts) are still
absent throughout the entire period of this study. Finally, this chapter discusses some
-ingly adverbs of the so-called “Harry Potter” type, suggesting that
their development is earlier than assumed in previous studies.
Enzymatic preparation of chitooligosaccharides and their anti-obesity application
Authors: Zhou Yu , Li Shangyong , Li Dandan , Wang Shuo , Zhao Wandong , Lv Zhiyuan , Li Xiao , Li Haoyan , Han Yantao
Published: March 2020

Chitooligosaccharides (COS) are derived from chitosan, which can be used as nutraceuticals and functional foods. Because of their various biological activities, COS are widely used in the food, medicine, agriculture, and other fields. COS were prepared by chitosanase  from Pseudoalteromonas sp. SY39 and their anti-obesity activity was researched in mice in this study. The effects of hydrolysis time, temperature, the ratio of enzyme to chitosan, and pH on the productivity of COS were discussed. Preparation process of COS was established in a 5-L fermenter. COS were characterized and their anti-obesity activity was studied in animal experiments. The results showed that COS could effectively reduce serum lipid levels and obesity in mice, and have a good anti-obesity activity. The preparation technology and remarkable anti-obesity activity of COS further expand their applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase regulates mitochondrial metabolism in NSCLC through maintenance of Fe-S protein function
Authors: Ward Nathan P. , Kang Yun Pyo , Falzone Aimee , Boyle Theresa A. , DeNicola Gina M.
Published: March 2020

Human lung tumors exhibit robust and complex mitochondrial metabolism, likely precipitated by the highly oxygenated nature of pulmonary tissue. As ROS generation is a byproduct of this metabolism, reducing power in the form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) is required to mitigate oxidative stress in response to this heightened mitochondrial activity. Nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) is known to sustain mitochondrial antioxidant capacity through the generation of NADPH; however, its function in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been established. We found that NNT expression significantly enhances tumor formation and aggressiveness in mouse models of lung tumor initiation and progression. We further show that NNT loss elicits mitochondrial dysfunction independent of substantial increases in oxidative stress, but rather marked by the diminished activities of proteins dependent on resident iron-sulfur clusters. These defects were associated with both NADPH availability and ROS accumulation, suggesting that NNT serves a specific role in mitigating the oxidation of these critical protein cofactors.
Move quickly to detach: Strain rate–dependent myosin detachment and cardiac relaxation
Authors: Chung Charles S.
Published: March 2020

Chung considers a new model that describes how a muscle responds to stretch and its implications on myosin detachment and physiology.
First-principles exploration of defect-pairs in GaN
Authors: Li He , Huang Menglin , Chen Shiyou
Published: March 2020

Using first-principles calculations, we explored all the 21 defect-pairs in GaN and considered 6 configurations with different defect-defect distances for each defect-pair. 15 defect-pairs with short defect–defect distances are found to be stable during structural relaxation, so they can exist in the GaN lattice once formed during the irradiation of high-energy particles. 9 defect-pairs have formation energies lower than 10 eV in the neutral state. The vacancy-pair VN–VN is found to have very low formation energies, as low as 0 eV in p-type and Ga-rich GaN, and act as efficient donors producing two deep donor levels, which can limit the p-type doping and minority carrier lifetime in GaN. VN–VN has been overlooked in the previous study of defects in GaN. Most of these defect-pairs act as donors and produce a large number of defect levels in the band gap. Their formation energies and concentrations are sensitive to the chemical potentials of Ga and N, so their influences on the electrical and optical properties of Ga-rich and N-rich GaN after irradiation should differ significantly. These results about the defect-pairs provide fundamental data for understanding the radiation damage mechanism in GaN and simulating the defect formation and diffusion behavior under irradiation.