bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of deep learning algorithms for semantic segmentation of car parts
Authors: Pasupa Kitsuchart , Kittiworapanya Phongsathorn , Hongngern Napasin , Woraratpanya Kuntpong
Published: May 2021

Evaluation of car damages from an accident is one of the most important processes in the car insurance business. Currently, it still needs a manual examination of every basic part. It is expected that a smart device will be able to do this evaluation more efficiently in the future. In this study, we evaluated and compared five deep learning algorithms for semantic segmentation of car parts. The baseline reference algorithm was Mask R-CNN, and the other algorithms were HTC, CBNet, PANet, and GCNet. Runs of instance segmentation were conducted with those five algorithms. HTC with ResNet-50 was the best algorithm for instance segmentation on various kinds of cars such as sedans, trucks, and SUVs. It achieved a mean average precision at 55.2 on our original data set, that assigned different labels to the left and right sides and 59.1 when a single label was assigned to both sides. In addition, the models from every algorithm were tested for robustness, by running them on images of parts, in a real environment with various weather conditions, including snow, frost, fog and various lighting conditions. GCNet was the most robust; it achieved a mean performance under corruption, mPC = 35.2, and a relative degradation of performance on corrupted data, compared to clean data (rPC), of 64.4%, when left and right sides were assigned different labels, and mPC = 38.1 and rPC =$$69.6\%$$69.6%when left- and right-side parts were considered the same part. The findings from this study may directly benefit developers of automated car damage evaluation system in their quest for the best design.
Challenges in Monte Carlo Event Generator Software for High-Luminosity LHC
Authors:   The HSF Physics Event Generator WG, Valassi Andrea , Yazgan Efe , McFayden Josh , Amoroso Simone , Bendavid Joshua , Buckley Andy , Cacciari Matteo , Childers Taylor , Ciulli Vitaliano , Frederix Rikkert , Frixione Stefano , Giuli Francesco , Grohsjean Alexander , Gütschow Christian , Höche Stefan , Hopkins Walter , Ilten Philip , Konstantinov Dmitri , Krauss Frank , Li Qiang , Lönnblad Leif , Maltoni Fabio , Mangano Michelangelo , Marshall Zach , Mattelaer Olivier , Fernandez Menendez Javier , Mrenna Stephen , Muralidharan Servesh , Neumann Tobias , Plätzer Simon , Prestel Stefan , Roiser Stefan , Schönherr Marek , Schulz Holger , Schulz Markus , Sexton-Kennedy Elizabeth , Siegert Frank , Siódmok Andrzej , Stewart Graeme A.
Published: May 2021

We review the main software and computing challenges for the Monte Carlo physics event generators used by the LHC experiments, in view of the High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) physics programme. This paper has been prepared by the HEP Software Foundation (HSF) Physics Event Generator Working Group as an input to the LHCC review of HL-LHC computing, which has started in May 2020.
Highly fluorescent CsPbBr3/TiO2 core/shell perovskite nanocrystals with excellent stability
Authors: Chen Haitao , Li Renhua , Guo Anqi , Xia Yu
Published: May 2021

The poor stability of CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) perovskite nanocrystals is the most impediment to its application in the field of photoelectrics. In this work, monodisperse CsPbBr3/TiO2 nanocrystals are successfully prepared by coating titanium precursor on the surface of colloidal CsPbBr3 nanocrystals at room temperature. The CsPbBr3/TiO2 nanocomposites exhibit excellent stability, remaining the identical particle size (9.2 nm), crystal structures and optical properties. Time-resolved photoluminescence decay shows that the lifetime of CsPbBr3/TiO2 nanocrystals is about 4.04 ns and keeps great stability after lasting two months in the air. Results show that the coating of TiO2 on CsPbBr3 NCs greatly suppressed the anion exchange and photodegradation, which are the main reasons for dramatically improving their chemical stability and photostability. The results provide an effective method to solve the stability problem of perovskite nanostructures and are expected to have a promising application in optoelectronic fields

Article highlights

1. Prepared the all-inorganic CsPbBr3/TiO2 core/shell perovskite nanocrystals by an easy method.

2. Explored its essences of PL and lifetime of the synthesized CsPbBr3/TiO2 perovskite nanocrystals.

3. CsPbBr3/TiO2 nanocrystals show the great thermal stability after the post-annealing.

4. The CsPbBr3/TiO2 nanocrystals have a high PLQY and have a promising application in solar cells.
“Does cinema form the future of robotics?”: a survey on fictional robots in sci-fi movies
Authors: Saffari Ehsan , Hosseini Seyed Ramezan , Taheri Alireza , Meghdari Ali
Published: May 2021

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have always been among the most popular topics in science fiction (sci-fi) movies. This paper endeavors to review popular movies containing Fictional Robots (FR) to extract the most common characteristics and interesting design ideas of robots portrayed in science fiction. To this end, 134 sci-fi films, including 108 unique FRs, were investigated regarding the robots’ different design aspects (e.g., appearance design, interactive design and artificial intelligence, and ethical and social design). Also, in each section of this paper, some characteristics of FRs are compared with real social robots. Since some researches point to the significant role of the cinema in forming the community’s expectations, it is very important to consider these characteristics and differences in choosing the future pathway of robotics. As some examples of findings, we have found that unlike the non-metallic skins/covers of real social robots, most FRs are still covered by highly detailed metal components. Moreover, the FR ability of interactions are generally (more than 90%) shown to be similar or even more advanced than normal Human–Human interactions, and this milestone was achieved by ignoring the AI challenges of real HRI. On the other hand, the ethical aspects of movies do inspire us to consider the potential ethical aspects of real robot design. All in all, according to popularity of movies, studying FR could be a step toward more appropriate development of robotics and AI entities to be accepted by general users in the real world.

Highlights:

We reviewed 134 sci-fi movies containing 108 unique fictional robots regarding different design aspects.

Fictional Robot (FR) is an artificial entity acting as a result of a fictional technology and playing a role in a movie.

Investigating fictional robots can shed light on the development of real robotics and AI entities.
Association analysis between Lipoxygenase activity and SSR markers in wheat grains
Authors: Zheng W. Y. , Zhao L. , Li Y. M. , Li J. , Zhu Z. H. , Yao D. N.
Published: May 2021

Lipoxygenase (LOX) activity is closely related to wheat processing and storage quality. In the present research, ten wheat cultivars were used to compare the effects of genotype, location, year, and their interactions on the LOX activity. Furthermore, 123 wheat cultivars were evaluated for LOX activity with 192 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and to identify elite alleles related to LOX activity. The results indicated that LOX activity was highly affected by genotype (variety) than that by the location. A total of 22 SSR molecular marker loci with a significant or very significant correlation with LOX activity were identified on performing association analysis. In 3 years, only one molecular marker locus associated with LOX activity was detected (WMC488); in 2 years, seven molecular marker loci were detected, while in only 1 year, the other 14 molecular marker loci were detected. A total of 7 and 6 marker loci significantly related to LOX activity accounting for 31.2% and 27.2%, respectively, were located in homologous groups 4 and 5, and group 7. This research provided the theoretical basis and the markers for molecular-assisted wheat breeding that facilitate the breeding process in the processing and storage quality of grains.
The Flow of Management Ideas
Authors: Heusinkveld Stefan , van Grinsven Marlieke , Groß Claudia , Greatbatch David , Clark Timothy
Published: May 2021

The widespread promotion of management ideas, their regular inclusion in textbooks and business school curricula and their use in organizational change programs has engendered debates about the impact of these ideas on management and organizational practice. Based on analyses of managerial audience members' activities and related meaning-making prior to, during and after guru events with leading management thinkers, this book sheds new light on how management practitioners come to use management ideas in the different relevant contexts of their working lives. The authors argue that a broader, more differentiated and more dynamic view of managerial audiences is essential in understanding the impact of management ideas as well as the nature of contemporary managerial work. For scholars and students in organisation studies, knowledge management and management consultancy, as well as reflective management practitioners.
The Courage of Composers and the Tyranny of Taste
Authors: Varga Bálint András
Published: May 2021

All-new interviews with 33 of the world's leading composers--from Adams and Crumb to Gubaïdulina and Rihm--give unique insights into the creative process.
Monitoring Landsat Based Burned Area as an Indicator of Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Wei Mingyue , Zhang Zhaoming , Long Tengfei , He Guojin , Wang Guizhou
Published: May 2021

The “United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” adopted in 2015 covers 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Fire is a common form of disaster and has a wide range of impacts on climate, biogeochemical cycle and human health, highly related to the SDGs. Satellite remote sensing technology provides an effective way for the dynamic monitoring of global burned area (BA). However, the existing global BA products are mainly at low and medium spatial resolution, which is difficult for detecting small fires, and also has large errors in calculating area of burned land. Based on Landsat 8 surface reflectance data and Google Earth Engine platform, a novel multi‐year (from the starting year of SDGs [2015] to the nearest year [2019]) 30 m resolution global BA products were generated. Based on these products, spatial distribution, influencing factors and change characteristics of BA were analyzed. The results show that from 2015 to 2019 the total area of BA in the world was 365.27, 368.56, 374.56, 345.55, and 363.09 × 106 ha. From 2015 to 2019, the total area of global BA was relatively stable, however there were significant differences among various continents and regions. During the study period, BA in the Amazon and Australia changed dramatically. The huge Amazon fire in 2019 caused a reduction of 4.67 × 106 ha of vegetated area in the Amazon basin, an increase in BA of 119.25% compared with 2018. In 2019, BA on the eastern and southeastern coasts of Australia increased abnormally. The possible reasons for these changes were comprehensively discussed and analyzed.
Assessment of C, N, and Si Isotopes as Tracers of Past Ocean Nutrient and Carbon Cycling
Authors: Farmer J. R. , Hertzberg J. E. , Cardinal D. , Fietz S. , Hendry K. , Jaccard S. L. , Paytan A. , Rafter P. A. , Ren H. , Somes C. J. , Sutton J. N. ,   GEOTRACESPAGES Biological Productivity Working Group Members
Published: May 2021

Biological productivity in the ocean directly influences the partitioning of carbon between the atmosphere and ocean interior. Through this carbon cycle feedback, changing ocean productivity has long been hypothesized as a key pathway for modulating past atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and hence global climate. Because phytoplankton preferentially assimilate the light isotopes of carbon and the major nutrients nitrate and silicic acid, stable isotopes of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and silicon (Si) in seawater and marine sediments can inform on ocean carbon and nutrient cycling, and by extension the relationship with biological productivity and global climate. Here, we compile water column C, N, and Si stable isotopes from GEOTRACES‐era data in four key ocean regions to review geochemical proxies of oceanic carbon and nutrient cycling based on the C, N, and Si isotopic composition of marine sediments. External sources and sinks as well as internal cycling (including assimilation, particulate matter export, and regeneration) are discussed as likely drivers of observed C, N, and Si isotope distributions in the ocean. The potential for C, N, and Si isotope measurements in sedimentary archives to record aspects of past ocean C and nutrient cycling is evaluated, along with key uncertainties and limitations associated with each proxy. Constraints on ocean C and nutrient cycling during late Quaternary glacial‐interglacial cycles and over the Cenozoic are examined. This review highlights opportunities for future research using multielement stable isotope proxy applications and emphasizes the importance of such applications to reconstructing past changes in the oceans and climate system.
Sources of Volcanic Tremor Associated With the Summit Caldera Collapse During the 2018 East Rift Eruption of Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai'i
Authors: Soubestre Jean , Chouet Bernard , Dawson Phillip
Published: May 2021

Volcanic tremor occurring at the beginning of the 2018 Kīlauea eruption is characterized using both seismic and tilt data recorded at the Kīlauea summit. An automatic seismic network‐based approach detects several types of tremor including (a) 0.5–1 Hz long‐period tremor preceding the eruption, located at the south‐southwest edge of Halema'uma'u Crater and attributed to the quasi‐steady radiation from a shallow hydrothermal system and (b) two sequences of gliding tremor at the beginning of the eruption, both with locations on the edges of the crater and within it. The first sequence is attributed to two swarms of low‐amplitude regularly repeating earthquakes induced by the jerky motions of a cylindrical rock piston with radius of 325 m, height of 250 m, and mass of 2.07 × 1011 kg, progressively intruding 12.3 m into the shallow hydrothermal system with volume of 108 m3 and depth extent of 300 m. The second sequence is attributed to a gradual evolution in the properties of a bubbly magma within an east‐striking dike below Halema'uma'u Crater, impacted by repeated roof collapses. A fluid‐filled crack model points to a decrease in gas volume fraction from 4.22% to 1.6 × 10−2% in the magma filling the dike, and a model of gas retro‐diffusion within the melt suggests a two orders of magnitude decrease in bubble number density from 7 × 108 m−3 down to 4 × 106 m−3. Both models feature a quasi to totally degassed magma by May 26.
Seasonal and Interannual Variability of the Meridional Overturning Circulation in the Subpolar North Atlantic Diagnosed From a High Resolution Reanalysis Data Set
Authors: Wang Hanshi , Zhao Jian , Li Feili , Lin Xiaopei
Published: May 2021

Subpolar North Atlantic is a vital region to modulate the variation of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC). Recently, trans‐basin mooring arrays were deployed to monitor the meridional volume and heat transport in this region. Motivated by these new observations, this study investigates the structure and variability of MOC using a high resolution data assimilative reanalysis product. Our results indicate that the reanalysis product successfully captures the vertical structure and variability for the basinwide integrated stream function. In accord with observations, the meridional volume transport across the section from Greenland to Scotland (i.e., the East Section) is much stronger than that in the Labrador Sea (i.e., the West Section). While the boundary currents in the Labrador Sea display dramatic seasonal variations, their seasonal cycles are largely compensated, leading to very weak seasonality in the MOC. On the other hand, the MOC across the East section has an apparent seasonal cycle with the density changes in the Irminger Basin playing a dominant role. On the interannual time scale, MOC variations across both the West and East sections have comparable amplitudes. In addition, we further split the MOC fluctuations into components induced by barotropic and baroclinic processes. The decomposed fields point out that the isopycnal layer thickness at the west of Greenland is the primary factor to modulate the MOC interannual variability across the West section. MOC interannual variability across the East section is mostly determined by barotropic velocity changes near the pathway of the North Atlantic Current.
Quantitative Analysis of Terrain Reflected Solar Radiation in Snow‐Covered Mountains: A Case Study in Southeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Chu Qing , Yan Guangjian , Qi Jianbo , Mu Xihan , Li Linyuan , Tong Yiyi , Zhou Yingji , Liu Yanan , Xie Donghui , Wild Martin
Published: May 2021

Terrain reflected solar radiation in snow‐covered mountains is nonnegligible in investigations of the energy budget. However, it has so far not been investigated thoroughly, especially with regard to the influence of snow cover. Several parameterization approaches have been raised but not yet evaluated in a more uniform and quantitative manner. Based on the three‐dimensional (3‐D) ray‐tracing simulation, we explored the temporal and spatial characteristics of the terrain reflected radiation in 15 domains on the southeastern Tibetan Plateau, and comprehensively evaluated different parameterization approaches. The results indicate that the ratio of reflected radiation to total daily radiation ranges from 0.25% to 10.85% at the scale of 5 × 5 km2 in a winter clear day, and it is 57% higher at noon in spring and autumn due to the higher snow cover fraction. Snow cover not only enhances the magnitude of reflected radiation by increasing surface albedo but also changes the spatial distribution pattern of radiation in partial snow‐covered mountains, causing more snow‐reflected radiation to be received by the surrounding surfaces. Three forms of terrain configuration factors in common parameterization approaches were evaluated by the ray‐tracing model. The complementary of sky view factor shows good consistency with ray‐tracing model at domain‐averaged scales, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.55 (14%) W/m2, while the other two both underestimate the radiation. The parameterization approach involving the multi‐reflection shows better performance with the normalized RMSE decreasing by 5%. However, the uncertainty of it increases with the surface spatial heterogeneity caused by the partial snow cover, especially at high resolution.
Properties of Lunar Regolith on the Moon's Farside Unveiled by Chang'E‐4 Lunar Penetrating Radar
Authors: Dong Zehua , Fang Guangyou , Zhou Bin , Zhao Di , Gao Yunze , Ji Yicai
Published: May 2021

The complex thermal history of the Moon leads to an unequal distribution of volcanic products between the lunar nearside and the farside. So far, no lunar materials have been sampled from the Moon's farside and no detailed properties of lunar regolith on the farside have been detected before. On January 3, 2019, Chang'E‐4 (CE‐4) touched down onto the Von Kármán crater on the Moon's farside. CE‐4 Lunar Penetrating Radar (LPR) onboard the Yutu‐2 rover is the first surface radar on the Moon's farside. Here we show the subsurface structure and properties of regolith materials at the landing region with LPR data during the first five lunar days. The thickness of lunar regolith is constrained as ∼12 m, much thicker than that at Chang'E‐3 (CE‐3) landing site, which is expected since CE‐3 landed on lunar maria. The relative permittivity of lunar surface (<30 cm) at CE‐4 landing region is identified to be 2.35  0.20. The loss tangent and TiO2 + FeO content of the regolith materials layer (0–∼12 m) are constrained to be and  wt.%, respectively, much lower than those at CE‐3 landing site. It indicates that local surface materials possess less attenuation for radiowave, in accordance with the greater penetrating depth of CE‐4 LPR than that of CE‐3 LPR. Furthermore, the results also prove that the growth rate of lunar weathered regolith successively declines over time and the growth rate of lunar regolith on the Moon's farside may well be higher than that on the nearside due to the more frequent meteorite impacts.
Multi‐Region Multi‐Sector Contributions to Drivers of Air Pollution in China
Authors: Hang Ye , Wang Feng , Su Bin , Wang Yizhong , Zhang Wei , Wang Qunwei
Published: May 2021

Untangling the reasons underlying changes in air pollution trajectories and regional emission differences is critical to guide efforts to attain air pollution reduction goals in China. Using Index decomposition analysis and the air pollution emission inventory, we identify the contributions of different regions and sectors to the socioeconomic factors driving China's sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions change and difference from 2007 to 2012. We find that the reinforced end‐of‐pipe treatment, improved energy intensity and adjusted industrial structure dominated the emissions mitigation, while the provincial disparities in economy scale, energy pollution intensity and energy intensity led the emissions differences between regions. The emissions change was mainly driven by the utilities, capital‐intensive manufacturing and service sectors of several key provinces in Central, North, Northwest and Southwest. Less developed provinces generally had a larger potential in decreasing emissions by improving energy intensity and adjusting industrial structure, especially for the utilities and capital‐intensive manufacturing sectors. Our findings indicate that the successful emission reduction experiences for the power sector should be expanded to other major industrial sectors, further attention should be given to structure‐focused policy actions, and different pathways of emissions reduction should be chosen for different types of provinces based on change and difference characteristics of each driver.
The Surprising Root of the Massachusetts Fight Against Natural Gas
Authors: Duncombe Jenessa
Published: May 2021

Tree lovers are hunting down the cause of arboreal deaths—and may remake the regional energy system in the process.
Growing Equity in City Green Space
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: May 2021

City residents don’t all have the same access to the benefits of green space. Addressing that inequity requires community engagement at every stage from planning to development to management.
Growing Healthy City Canopies
Authors: Goss Heather
Published: May 2021

In our June issue, Eos looks at how scientists and city planners are partnering to protect our vital urban forests.
Soil Microbial Community Response to Permafrost Degradation in Palsa Fields of the Hudson Bay Lowlands: Implications for Greenhouse Gas Production in a Warming Climate
Authors: Kirkwood J. Adam. H. , Roy‐Léveillée Pascale , Mykytczuk Nadia , Packalen Maara , McLaughlin Jim , Laframboise Amy , Basiliko Nathan
Published: May 2021

Permafrost thaw in northern peatlands alters the ground thermal conditions, moisture, and chemistry that control microbial activity responsible for the production of greenhouse gases (GHGs) like methane from decomposing organic matter. This paper examines interactions between microbial communities, peat chemistry, moisture content, and temperature in the context of degrading palsa fields in the vast (372,000 km2), carbon rich, and rapidly warming permafrost peatlands of the Hudson Bay Lowlands. The temperature sensitivities of microbial GHG production and consumption from palsa and fen peat were assessed, and microbial community structure was examined as a potential constraint on GHG production in relation to changes in peat chemistry associated with thermokarst encroachment and active layer deepening. High CH4 production was observed from thermokarst peat, under controlled moisture and temperature conditions, associated with increased pH. A shift in methanogen taxonomic and metabolic diversity favoring aceticlastic methanogenesis was associated with changes in peat chemistry and pH from palsa to thermokarst fen peat. In palsa peat, CH4 production rates were lowest but most sensitive to temperature variations, due to recalcitrant carbon compounds. CH4 production was highly sensitive to increased temperatures, yet was balanced by high temperature sensitivity of CH4 oxidation in oxic conditions, consistent with the low temperature sensitivity of fluxes observed in field studies from other permafrost peatlands. Building on the microbial controls in this study, future work should explore how permafrost degradation and increased hydrological connectivity to mineral substrates are changing in this globally significant permafrost peatland, and how this impacts net CH4 emissions.
On the Variability of the DWBC Transport Between 26.5°N and 16°N in an Eddy‐Rich Ocean Model
Authors: Schulzki Tobias , Getzlaff Klaus , Biastoch Arne
Published: May 2021

The southward flow of North Atlantic Deep Water makes up the major component of the deepwater limb of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). In the subtropical North Atlantic, it's flow is concentrated along the continental slope, forming a coherent Deep Western Boundary Current (DWBC). Both, observations and models show a high variability of the flow in this region. Here we use an eddy‐rich ocean model to show that this variability is mainly caused by eddies and meanders. Their formation process involves an important contribution from energy transfer by barotropic instability. They occur along the entire DWBC pathway and introduce several recirculation gyres that result in a decorrelation of the DWBC transport at 26.5°N and 16°N, despite the fact that a considerable mean transport of 20 Sv connects the two latitudes. Water in the DWBC at 26.5°N is partly returned northward. Because the amount of water returned depends on the DWBC transport itself, a stronger DWBC does not necessarily lead to an increased amount of water that reaches 16°N. Along the pathway to 16°N, the transport signal is altered by a broad and temporally variable transit time distribution. Thus, advection in the DWBC cannot account for coherent AMOC changes on interannual timescales seen in the model.
DPP3/CDK1 contributes to the progression of colorectal cancer through regulating cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, and cell migration
Authors: Tong Yixin , Huang Yuan , Zhang Yuchao , Zeng Xiangtai , Yan Mei , Xia Zhongsheng , Lai Dongming
Published: May 2021

At present, colorectal cancer (CRC) has become a serious threat to human health in the world. Dipeptidyl peptidase 3 (DPP3) is a zinc-dependent hydrolase that may be involved in several physiological processes. However, whether DPP3 affects the development and progression of CRC remains a mystery. This study is the first to demonstrate the role of DPP3 in CRC. Firstly, the results of immunohistochemistry analysis showed the upregulation of DPP3 in CRC tissues compared with normal tissues, which is statistically analyzed to be positively correlated with lymphatic metastasis, pathological stage, positive number of lymph nodes. Moreover, the high expression of DPP3 predicts poor prognosis in CRC patients. In addition, the results of cell dysfunction experiments clarified that the downregulation of DPP3 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, cell migration, and promoted apoptosis in vitro. DPP3 depletion could induce cell apoptosis by upregulating the expression of BID, BIM, Caspase3, Caspase8, HSP60, p21, p27, p53, and SMAC. In addition, downregulation of DPP3 can reduce tumorigenicity of CRC cells in vivo. Furthermore, CDK1 is determined to be a downstream target of DPP3-mediated regulation of CRC by RNA-seq, qPCR, and WB. The interaction between DPP3 and CDK1 shows mutual regulation. Specifically, downregulation of DPP3 can accentuate the effects of CDK1 knockdown on the function of CRC cells. Overexpression of CDK1 alleviates the inhibitory effects of DPP3 knockdown in CRC cells. In summary, DPP3 has oncogene-like functions in the development and progression of CRC by targeting CDK1, which may be an effective molecular target for the prognosis and treatment of CRC.
Potential role of senescent macrophages in radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Su Lulu , Dong Yinping , Wang Yueying , Wang Yuquan , Guan Bowen , Lu Yanhua , Wu Jing , Wang Xiaochun , Li Deguan , Meng Aimin , Fan Feiyue
Published: May 2021

Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is a late toxicity of therapeutic radiation in clinic with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Previous results have shown that senescent cells, such as fibroblast and type II airway epithelial cell, are strongly implicated in pathology of RIPF. However, the role of senescent macrophages in the development RIPF is still unknown. In this study, we report that ionizing radiation (IR) increase cellular senescence with higher expression of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) and senescence-specific genes (p16, p21, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xl) in irradiated bone marrow-derived monocytes/macrophages (BMMs). Besides, there’s a significant increase in the expression of pro-fibrogenic factors (TGF-β1 and Arg-1), senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) proinflammatory factors (Il-1α, Il-6, and Tnf-α), SASP chemokines (Ccl2, Cxcl10, and Ccl17), and SASP matrix metalloproteinases (Mmp2, Mmp9 and Mmp12) in BMMs exposed to 10 Gy IR. In addition, the percentages of SA-β-Gal+ senescent macrophages are significantly increased in the macrophages of murine irradiated lung tissue. Moreover, robustly elevated expression of p16, SASP chemokines (Ccl2, Cxcl10, and Ccl17) and SASP matrix metalloproteinases (Mmp2, Mmp9, and Mmp12) is observed in the macrophages of irradiated lung, which might stimulate a fibrotic phenotype in pulmonary fibroblasts. In summary, irradiation can induce macrophage senescence, and increase the secretion of SASP in senescent macrophages. Our findings provide important evidence that senescent macrophages might be the target for prevention and treatment of RIPF.
Upregulated PPARG2 facilitates interaction with demethylated AKAP12 gene promoter and suppresses proliferation in prostate cancer
Authors: Li Feng , Lu Tingting , Liu Dongmei , Zhang Chong , Zhang Yonghui , Dong Fulu
Published: May 2021

Prostate cancer (PCA) is one of the most common male genitourinary tumors. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the occurrence and progression of PCA have not been fully clarified. The present study aimed to investigate the biological function and molecular mechanism of the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 (PPARG2) in PCA. Our results revealed that PPARG2 was downregulated in PCA, and overexpression of PPARG2 inhibited cell migration, colony formation, invasion and induced cell cycle arrest of PCA cells in vitro. In addition, PPARG2 overexpression modulated the activation of the Akt signaling pathway, as well as inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, mechanistic analysis revealed that PPARG2 overexpression induced increased expression level of miR-200b-3p, which targeted 3′ UTR of the downstream targets DNMT3A/3B, and facilitated interaction with demethylated AKAP12 gene promoter and suppressed cell proliferation in PCA. Our findings provided the first evidence for a novel PPARG2-AKAP12 axis mediated epigenetic regulatory network. The study identified a molecular mechanism involving an epigenetic modification that could be possibly targeted as an antitumoral strategy against prostate cancer.
Biocompatibility, uptake and subcellular localization of bacterial magnetosomes in mammalian cells
Authors: Mickoleit Frank , Jörke Cornelia , Geimer Stefan , Maier Denis S. , Müller Jörg P. , Demut Johanna , Gräfe Christine , Schüler Dirk , Clement Joachim H.
Published: May 2021

Treatment of mammalian cells with isolated bacterial magnetosomes indicated biocompatibility. Upon incubation, particles are internalized and located in endolysosomes, thereby magnetizing the cells in amounts sufficient for magnetic separation.
Qualitative and quantitative determination of trace aldehydes and ketones in food preservative propionic acid for quality improvement
Authors: Cao Yiwen , Zhu Shenjie , Zhang Lin , Cui Qun , Wang Haiyan
Published: May 2021

Aiming at the difficulty in qualitative and quantitative analysis of trace compositions in food preservative propionic acid, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography were used in this paper.
Submicron spatial resolution Pb–Pb and U–Pb dating by using a NanoSIMS equipped with the new radio-frequency ion source
Authors: Hao Jia-Long , Yang Wei , Hu Sen , Li Rui-ying , Ji Jiang-Long , Changela Hitesh G. , Lin Yang-Ting
Published: May 2021

Pb–Pb measurements of standard zircon M257 and standard baddeleyite Phalaborwa were employed using our RF source mapping method. Rectangular ROIs with the size of 3 × 50 pixel2 (480 nm × 7.8 μm) were applied on the ion image of the standards.
Tubular human brain organoids to model microglia-mediated neuroinflammation
Authors: Ao Zheng , Cai Hongwei , Wu Zhuhao , Song Sunghwa , Karahan Hande , Kim Byungwook , Lu Hui-Chen , Kim Jungsu , Mackie Ken , Guo Feng
Published: May 2021

We report tubular organoid-on-a-chip devices to generate better human brain organoids and model neuroinflammation.
Electrochemical phosphorylation of arenols and anilines leading to organophosphates and phosphoramidates
Authors: Zhong Zijian , Xu Pan , Zhou Aihua
Published: May 2021

A green, base- and oxidant-free phosphorylation for generating organophosphates and phosphoramidates via electrochemical dehydrogenative cross-coupling of P(O)H compounds with arenols and anilines was developed with good functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope.
Novel fluorescent nano-sensor based on amino-functionalization of Eu3+:SrSnO3 for copper ion detection in food and real drink water samples
Authors: Ghubish Z. , Kamal R. , Mahmoud Hala R. , Saif M. , Hafez H. , El-Kemary M.
Published: May 2021

Lanthanide-doped nanoparticles exhibit unique optical properties and have been widely utilized for different sensing applications.
By-design molecular architecturesviaalkyne metathesis
Authors: Huang Shaofeng , Lei Zepeng , Jin Yinghua , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2021

The recent synthesis of novel shape-persistent 2D and 3D molecular architecturesviaalkyne metathesis is reviewed and the critical role of catalysts is also highlighted.
Fluorination activates the basal plane HER activity of ReS2: a combined experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Liu Yonggang , Li Haijing , Li Junfu , Ma Xiaoshuang , Cui Zhiming , Gao Daqiang , Tang Zhenghua
Published: May 2021

In this study, we report that F doping can activate the in-plane HER activity of ReS2 to achieve comparable performance relative to Pt/C. Theoretical calculations reveal that F doping can optimize the ΔGH* and accelerate electron transport to boost the performance.
Principle and performance analysis for six‐pole hybrid magnetic bearing with a secondary air gap
Authors: Liu Gai , Zhu Huangqiu , Zhang Weiyu
Published: May 2021

In order to reduce the non‐linearity of radial suspension forces of the three‐pole hybrid magnetic bearing and further reduce the cost and power consumption, an AC six‐pole hybrid magnetic bearing with secondary air gaps is proposed. First, the structure and working principle of the AC six‐pole hybrid magnetic bearing with secondary air gaps are introduced, and the mathematical model of suspension forces are derived. Second, on the basis of the mathematical model, the linearity and coupling characteristics of the radial suspension forces are analysed, and then the suspension forces are simulated and verified by the finite element method (FEM). Then, the correlation performance indexes are compared with the six‐pole hybrid magnetic bearing without secondary air gaps. Finally, an experimental platform is built, and suspension and disturbance tests are carried out. The research results show that the maximum bearing capacity of the six‐pole hybrid magnetic bearing with secondary air gaps is 184% of the six‐pole hybrid magnetic bearing without secondary air gaps.
Eavesdropping like a bat: Towards fusing active and passive sonar for a case study in simultaneous localization and mapping
Authors: Jahromi Shirazi Masoud , Abaid Nicole
Published: May 2021

Among so‐called active sensors that use self‐generated signals, sonar sensors are more challenging to implement than lidar and radar due in part to their limited angular field of sensing. A common solution to this challenge is scanning sensors that sweep an angular range with successive measurements. However, scanning sensors are particularly problematic for sonar because of the relatively slow sound speed and the inertia of the sonar head. Studies of bat behaviour suggest that bats may eavesdrop on their conspecifics during group flight. In other words, they fuse information gathered by their own active sonar with information they receive by passively listening to peers. Because bats are extremely skilled in using sonar, this behaviour inspired an investigation into whether fusing active and passive sonar can be a solution to the challenges of implementing sonar sensors. A model of fused sensing is defined, and a numerical simulation is used to answer this question on the test bed problem of simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). The simulation results show that when the angular range of active sonar and associated noise is relatively small, the robot's performance in solving SLAM is improved.
DeepGTT: A general trajectory tracking deep learning algorithm based on dynamic law learning
Authors: Yu Wanting , Yu Hongyi , Du Jianping , Zhang Mengli , Liu Jianfeng
Published: May 2021

Deep learning technology provides novel solutions for increasingly complex target tracking requirements. For traditional target tracking models, the movement of the target need to be simulated by a predefined mathematical model. However, it is extremely difficult to obtain sufficient information in advance, which makes it challenging to track changeable and noisy trajectories in a timely and precise manner. A deep learning framework is constructed for automatic trajectory tracking based on learning the dynamic laws of motion, called DeepGTT. Specifically, a trajectory generator and a trajectory mapper were designed to standardise trajectory data and construct trajectory mapping, which enable the long short‐term memory–based tracking network to learn general dynamic laws. Then, to discuss the interpretability of the model, the mechanism of the deep learning framework is considered and a memory factor matrix is defined. Finally, extensive experiments are conducted on various weak manoeuvring and manoeuvring scenarios to evaluate the algorithm. Experimental results demonstrate that the DeepGTT algorithm remarkably improves accuracy and efficiency compared with most conventional algorithms and state‐of‐the‐art methods. In addition, interpretability experiments qualitatively prove that the tracking network can perceive dynamic laws when estimating the target state.
Creep tide model for the three-body problem
Authors: Zoppetti F. A. , Folonier H. , Leiva A. M. , Beaugé C.
Published: May 2021

We present a tidal model for treating the rotational evolution in the general three-body problem with arbitrary viscosities, in which all the masses are considered to be extended and all the tidal interactions between pairs are taken into account. Based on the creep tide theory, we present a set of differential equations that describes the rotational evolution of each body, in a formalism that is easily extensible to the N tidally interacting body problem. We apply our model to the case of a circumbinary planet and use a Kepler-38 like binary system as a working example. We find that, in this low planetary eccentricity case, the most likely final stationary rotation state is the 1:1 spin–orbit resonance, considering an arbitrary planetary viscosity inside the estimated range for the Solar System planets. The timescales for reaching the equilibrium state are expected to be approximately millions of years for stiff bodies but can be longer than the age of the system for planets with a large gaseous component. We derive analytical expressions for the mean rotational stationary state, based on high-order power series of the ratio of the semimajor axes a1∕a2 and low-order expansions of the eccentricities. These are found to very accurately reproduce the mean behaviour of the low-eccentric numerical integrations for arbitrary planetary relaxation factors, and up to a1∕a2 ~ 0.4. Our analytical model is used to predict the stationary rotation of the Kepler circumbinary planets and we find that most of them are probably rotating in a subsynchronous state, although the synchrony shift is much less important than our previous estimations. We present a comparison of our results with those obtained with the Constant Time Lag and find that, as opposed to the assumptions in our previous works, the cross torques have a non-negligible net secular contribution, and must be taken into account when computing the tides over each body in an N-extended-body system from an arbitrary reference frame. These torques are naturally taken into account in the creep theory. In addition to this, the latter formalism considers more realistic rheology that proved to reduce to the Constant Time Lag model in the gaseous limit and also allows several additional relevant physical phenomena to be studied.
An optimal control problem related to a 3D-chemotaxis-Navier-Stokes model
Authors: López-Ríos J. , Villamizar-Roa Élder J.
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we study an optimal control problem associated to a 3D-chemotaxis-Navier-Stokes model. First we prove the existence of global weak solutions of the state equations with a linear reaction term on the chemical concentration equation, and an external source on the velocity equation, both acting as controls on the system. Second, we establish a regularity criterion to get global-in-time strong solutions. Finally, we prove the existence of an optimal solution, and we establish a first-order optimality condition.
Current Treatment Approaches for Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Positive Breast Cancer in Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Settings
Authors: Goyal Pankaj , Doval Dinesh Chandra , Agarwal Chaturbhuj , Jain Parveen , Chaudhari Krushna , Domadia Kshitij , Redhu Pallavi , Koyyala Venkata Pradeep Babu , Goel Varun , Batra Ullas , Talwar Vineet , Bothra Sneha
Published: May 2021

Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common cancer and the second leading cause of mortality among women globally. Approximately 20 to 25% of BC patients have amplification of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) genes, a marker of poor prognosis. However, the introduction of anti-HER2-therapies (trastuzumab, followed closely by lapatinib, pertuzumab, trastuzumab emtansine, and neratinib) has changed the natural history of HER2-positive BC and improved the outcome in HER2-positive BC patients. The preeminence of anti-HER2 combination therapy in achieving complete inhibition of the various HER receptor dimers has been demonstrated in clinical studies. However, despite these therapeutic advances, tumors expressing estrogen receptor have poorer responses to targeted therapy and are more likely to relapse. A better understanding of resistance to existing anti-HER2 agents, along with the role played by the microenvironment and of interconnected signaling pathways, can permit tailor-made therapeutic options for each patient. This review aimed to evaluate treatment approaches for BC patients with HER2-positive disease in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings, also exploring the possibilities of extended duration of anti-HER2 maintenance therapy.
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Testing in Asymptomatic Patients Planned for Day Care Systemic Therapy: A Tertiary Cancer Center Experience
Authors: Ovett Jerin , Dhanushkodi Manikandan , Radhakrishnan Venkatraman , Mehra Nikita , Kalaiarasi Jayachandran Perumal , Selvarajan Gangothri , Rajan Arun Kumar , Karunakaran Parathan , Kesana Sivasree , Sagar Tenali Gnana
Published: May 2021

Introduction The Indian Council of Medical Research recommends coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing for asymptomatic patients only in hospitalized condition or those seeking hospitalization for chemotherapy.

Materials and Methods This was a retrospective study to assess the incidence of asymptomatic COVID-19 positivity among asymptomatic, adult patients who were planned for systemic therapy as day care at a tertiary care cancer center. COVID-19 testing was done by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction by throat/nasopharyngeal swab once before the first cycle of systemic therapy and once every 3 weeks until completion of systemic therapy.

Results A total of 824 systemic therapies were delivered in day care from May 7 to June 20, 2020. Among the 761 COVID-19 testing done before systemic therapy, 11 patients were COVID-19 positive (1.45%, 95% confidence interval: 0.60–2.29). Among the 11 patients, 45% were negative before the first systemic therapy but tested positive before subsequent cycles. Among the asymptomatic COVID-19-positive patients, 54% were hospitalized for observation and 46% were on home quarantine for 14 days. None of them received investigational therapy or traditional treatment for COVID-19. None of the patients needed admission in the intensive care unit or oxygen/ventilatory support. There was no mortality among these patients. All patients turned COVID-19 negative at a median of 9 days. Currently, 45% (n = 5/11) of the patients have resumed systemic therapy.

Conclusion The incidence of asymptomatic COVID-19 positivity among adult cancer patients planned for day care systemic therapy is low (1.45%). Hence, COVID-19 testing should be done after informed/shared decision with the patient/attendants. Repeat COVID-19 testing before each cycle of systemic therapy is preferable, as 45% of the patients were COVID-19 negative before the first cycle of systemic therapy and turned positive before subsequent cycles in the present study. There was no morbidity or mortality in this cohort of asymptomatic COVID-19-positive cancer patients.
A gentler structure to life: co-creation in branding a cultural route
Authors: Lemmetyinen Arja , Nieminen Lenita , Aalto Johanna
Published: May 2021

The study explores how a cultural route supports the identity of a place. The study applies co-creative and identity-based place-branding theory and advances research on the significant role of culture when various actors identify with the brand of a place. Moreover, cultural sustainability is seen as a form of meta-narrative that frames the symbiosis of a place brand and its cultural values. Contributing to the previous research on branding a cultural route, this study discusses the value of a person (an architect) to the branding of a cultural route. The study also contributes to place-branding theory by linking the discourse on architectural heritage and branding an emerging cultural route. We used a single and critical case approach focusing on one of the sites representing a group of cities involved in the branding of the Alvar Aalto cultural route. Various qualitative research methods including interviews and publicly available material were utilized. The study presents empirical findings on branding an emergent cultural route. As a key theoretical contribution, the study shows how the culture and image of an individual site are expressed in the cohesive brand identity of that cultural route. Communication and co-creation are revealed to be prerequisites of efficient collaboration.