bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered heparan sulfate metabolism during development triggers dopamine-dependent autistic-behaviours in models of lysosomal storage disorders
Authors: De Risi Maria , Tufano Michele , Alvino Filomena Grazia , Ferraro Maria Grazia , Torromino Giulia , Gigante Ylenia , Monfregola Jlenia , Marrocco Elena , Pulcrano Salvatore , Tunisi Lea , Lubrano Claudia , Papy-Garcia Dulce , Tuchman Yaakov , Salleo Alberto , Santoro Francesca , Bellenchi Gian Carlo , Cristino Luigia , Ballabio Andrea , Fraldi Alessandro , De Leonibus Elvira
Published: June 2021

Lysosomal storage disorders characterized by altered metabolism of heparan sulfate, including Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) III and MPS-II, exhibit lysosomal dysfunctions leading to neurodegeneration and dementia in children. In lysosomal storage disorders, dementia is preceded by severe and therapy-resistant autistic-like symptoms of unknown cause. Using mouse and cellular models of MPS-IIIA, we discovered that autistic-like behaviours are due to increased proliferation of mesencephalic dopamine neurons originating during embryogenesis, which is not due to lysosomal dysfunction, but to altered HS function. Hyperdopaminergia and autistic-like behaviours are corrected by the dopamine D1-like receptor antagonist SCH-23390, providing a potential alternative strategy to the D2-like antagonist haloperidol that has only minimal therapeutic effects in MPS-IIIA. These findings identify embryonic dopaminergic neurodevelopmental defects due to altered function of HS leading to autistic-like behaviours in MPS-II and MPS-IIIA and support evidence showing that altered HS-related gene function is causative of autism.
Dynamics based on analysis of public data for spreading of disease
Authors: Lima Leonardo S.
Published: June 2021

The stochastic model for epidemic spreading of the novel coronavirus disease based on the data set supply by the public health agencies in countries as Brazil, United States and India is investigated. We perform a numerical analysis using the stochastic differential equation in Itô’s calculus for the estimating of novel cases daily, as well as analytical calculations solving the correspondent Fokker–Planck equation for the probability density distribution of novel cases, P(N(t), t). Our results display that the model based in the Itô’s diffusion fits well to the results due to uncertainty in the official data and to the number of tests realized in populations of each country.
A critical look at the prediction of the temperature field around a laser-induced melt pool on metallic substrates
Authors: Shu Yi , Galles Daniel , Tertuliano Ottman A. , McWilliams Brandon A. , Yang Nancy , Cai Wei , Lew Adrian J.
Published: June 2021

The study of microstructure evolution in additive manufacturing of metals would be aided by knowing the thermal history. Since temperature measurements beneath the surface are difficult, estimates are obtained from computational thermo-mechanical models calibrated against traces left in the sample revealed after etching, such as the trace of the melt pool boundary. Here we examine the question of how reliable thermal histories computed from a model that reproduces the melt pool trace are. To this end, we perform experiments in which one of two different laser beams moves with constant velocity and power over a substrate of 17-4PH SS or Ti-6Al-4V, with low enough power to avoid generating a keyhole. We find that thermal histories appear to be reliably computed provided that (a) the power density distribution of the laser beam over the substrate is well characterized, and (b) convective heat transport effects are accounted for. Poor control of the laser beam leads to potentially multiple three-dimensional melt pool shapes compatible with the melt pool trace, and therefore to multiple potential thermal histories. Ignoring convective effects leads to results that are inconsistent with experiments, even for the mild melt pools here.
Clinical predictors of cybersickness in virtual reality (VR) among highly stressed people
Authors: Kim Hyewon , Kim Dong Jun , Chung Won Ho , Park Kyung-Ah , Kim James D. K. , Kim Dowan , Kim Kiwon , Jeon Hong Jin
Published: June 2021

The use of virtual reality (VR) in the treatment of psychiatric disorders is increasing, and cybersickness has emerged as an important obstacle to overcome. However, the clinical factors affecting cybersickness are still not well understood. In this study, we investigated clinical predictors and adaptation effect of cybersickness during VR application in highly stressed people. Eighty-three healthy adult participants with high stress level were recruited. At baseline, we conducted psychiatric, ophthalmologic, and otologic evaluations and extracted physiological parameters. We divided the participants into two groups according to the order of exposure to VR videos with different degrees of shaking and repetitively administered the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) and the Fast Motion sickness Scale (FMS). There was no significant difference in changes in the SSQ or the FMS between groups. The 40–59 years age group showed a greater increase in FMS compared to the 19–39 years age group. Smoking was negatively associated with cybersickness, and a high Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule score was positively associated with cybersickness. In conclusion, changing the intensity of shaking in VR did not affect cybersickness. While smoking was a protective factor, more expression of affect was a risk factor for cybersickness.
Myeloid cell-derived coagulation tissue factor is associated with renal tubular damage in mice fed an adenine diet
Authors: Yamakage Shu , Oe Yuji , Sato Emiko , Okamoto Koji , Sekimoto Akiyo , Kumakura Satoshi , Sato Hiroshi , Yoshida Mai , Nagasawa Tasuku , Miyazaki Mariko , Ito Sadayoshi , Mackman Nigel , Takahashi Nobuyuki
Published: June 2021

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) commonly exhibit hypercoagulability. Increased levels of uremic toxins cause thrombogenicity by increasing tissue factor (TF) expression and activating the extrinsic coagulation cascade. TF is induced in monocytes and macrophages under pathological conditions, such as inflammatory diseases. However, the role of monocyte myeloid cell TF in CKD progression remains unclear. We aimed to clarify this issue, and the present study found that patients with CKD had elevated levels of D-dimer, a marker of fibrin degradation, which was associated with decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate and increased serum levels of uremic toxins, such as indoxyl sulfate. In vitro studies showed that several uremic toxins increased cellular TF levels in monocytic THP-1 cells. Mice with TF specifically deleted in myeloid cells were fed an adenine diet to cause uremic kidney injury. Myeloid TF deletion reduced tubular injury and pro-inflammatory gene expression in the kidneys of adenine-induced CKD but did not improve renal function as measured by plasma creatinine or blood urea nitrogen. Collectively, our findings suggest a novel concept of pathogenesis of coagulation-mediated kidney injury, in which elevated TF levels in monocytes under uremic conditions is partly involved in the development of CKD.
Novel insights of waterborne human rotavirus A in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) involving G2 predominance and emergence of a thermotolerant sequence
Authors: Nour Islam , Hanif Atif , Alanazi Ibrahim O. , Al-Ashkar Ibrahim , Alhetheel Abdulkarim , Eifan Saleh
Published: June 2021

The routine evaluation of water environments is necessary to manage enteric virus-mediated fecal contamination and the possible emergence of novel variants. Here, we detected human rotavirus A (HRVA) circulating in two wastewater treatment plants, two lakes, irrigation water and a wastewater landfill located in Riyadh. VP7-derived surface protein sequences were assessed by phylogenetic analyses and inspection of thermotolerance-mediated secondary structure and seasonal variation. HRVA was most prevalent at An-Nazim wastewater landfill (AN-WWLF; 63.89%). Phylogenetic analyzes revealed the predominance of HRVA G2 lineage for the first time in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, a single HRVA sequence (2B64I-ANLF3/2018) was recovered at 45 °C from AN-WWLF; secondary structure prediction indicated that this sequence was thermotolerant with a high hydrophobicity, an absence of Ramachandran outliers, and a higher content of proline patches on the protein surface. Varied relationships were significantly observed between sampling areas influenced by temperature ranges (p < 0.05). HRVA prevalence was influenced by seasonal variations, favoring moderate temperatures in late autumn and early winter in all locations. However, a significant temperature impact was detected in Wadi-Hanifah Lake (p = 0.01). Our study extends the knowledge of currently circulating HRVA genotypes, and indicates the probable emergence of thermotolerant strains and seasonally mediated HRVA prevalence.
Dietary patterns related to zinc and polyunsaturated fatty acids intake are associated with serum linoleic/dihomo-γ-linolenic ratio in NHANES males and females
Authors: Monteiro Jacqueline Pontes , Fuzo Carlos A. , Ued Fábio V. , Kaput Jim
Published: June 2021

Identifying dietary patterns that contribute to zinc (Zn) and fatty acids intake and their biomarkers that may have an impact on health of males and females. The present study was designed to (a) extract dietary patterns with foods that explain the variation of Zn and PUFAs intake in adult men and women; and (b) evaluate the association between the extracted dietary patterns with circulating levels of serum dihomo-γ-linolenic fatty acid (DGLA) or serum linoleic/dihomo-γ-linolenic (LA/DGLA) ratio in males and females. We used reduced rank regression (RRR) to extract the dietary patterns separated by sex in the NHANES 2011–2012 data. A dietary pattern with foods rich in Zn (1st quintile = 8.67 mg/day; 5th quintile = 11.11 mg/day) and poor in PUFAs (5th quintile = 15.28 g/day; 1st quintile = 18.03 g/day) was found in females (S-FDP2) and the same pattern, with foods poor in PUFAs (5th quintile = 17.6 g/day; 1st quintile = 20.7 g/day) and rich in Zn (1st quintile = 10.4 mg/day; 5th quintile = 12.9 mg/day) (S-MDP2), was found in males. The dietary patterns with foods rich in Zn and poor in PUFAs were negatively associated with serum LA/DGLA ratio. This is the first study to associate the LA/DGLA ratio with Zn and PUFAs related dietary patterns in males and females.
Spatiotemporal imaging and pharmacokinetics of fluorescent compounds in zebrafish eleuthero-embryos after different routes of administration
Authors: Guarin Marlly , Faelens Ruben , Giusti Arianna , De Croze Noémie , Léonard Marc , Cabooter Deirdre , Annaert Pieter , de Witte Peter , Ny Annelii
Published: June 2021

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is increasingly used to assess the pharmacological activity and toxicity of compounds. The spatiotemporal distribution of seven fluorescent alkyne compounds was examined during 48 h after immersion (10 µM) or microinjection (2 mg/kg) in the pericardial cavity (PC), intraperitoneally (IP) and yolk sac (IY) of 3 dpf zebrafish eleuthero-embryos. By modelling the fluorescence of whole-body contours present in fluorescence images, the main pharmacokinetic (PK) parameter values of the compounds were determined. It was demonstrated that especially in case of short incubations (1–3 h) immersion can result in limited intrabody exposure to compounds. In this case, PC and IP microinjections represent excellent alternatives. Significantly, IY microinjections did not result in a suitable intrabody distribution of the compounds. Performing a QSPkR (quantitative structure-pharmacokinetic relationship) analysis, LogD was identified as the only molecular descriptor that explains the final uptake of the selected compounds. It was also shown that combined administration of compounds (immersion and microinjection) provides a more stable intrabody exposure, at least in case of a prolonged immersion and compounds with LogD value > 1. These results will help reduce the risk of false negative results and can offer an invaluable input for future translational research and safety assessment applications.
Development of a time-series shotgun metagenomics database for monitoring microbial communities at the Pacific coast of Japan
Authors: Yoshitake Kazutoshi , Kimura Gaku , Sakami Tomoko , Watanabe Tsuyoshi , Taniuchi Yukiko , Kakehi Shigeho , Kuwata Akira , Yamaguchi Haruyo , Kataoka Takafumi , Kawachi Masanobu , Ikeo Kazuho , Tan Engkong , Igarashi Yoji , Ohtsubo Masafumi , Watabe Shugo , Suzuki Yutaka , Asakawa Shuichi , Ishino Sonoko , Tashiro Kosuke , Ishino Yoshizumi , Kobayashi Takanori , Mineta Katsuhiko , Gojobori Takashi
Published: June 2021

Although numerous metagenome, amplicon sequencing-based studies have been conducted to date to characterize marine microbial communities, relatively few have employed full metagenome shotgun sequencing to obtain a broader picture of the functional features of these marine microbial communities. Moreover, most of these studies only performed sporadic sampling, which is insufficient to understand an ecosystem comprehensively. In this study, we regularly conducted seawater sampling along the northeastern Pacific coast of Japan between March 2012 and May 2016. We collected 213 seawater samples and prepared size-based fractions to generate 454 subsets of samples for shotgun metagenome sequencing and analysis. We also determined the sequences of 16S rRNA (n = 111) and 18S rRNA (n = 47) gene amplicons from smaller sample subsets. We thereafter developed the Ocean Monitoring Database for time-series metagenomic data (http://marine-meta.healthscience.sci.waseda.ac.jp/omd/), which provides a three-dimensional bird’s-eye view of the data. This database includes results of digital DNA chip analysis, a novel method for estimating ocean characteristics such as water temperature from metagenomic data. Furthermore, we developed a novel classification method that includes more information about viruses than that acquired using BLAST. We further report the discovery of a large number of previously overlooked (TAG)n repeat sequences in the genomes of marine microbes. We predict that the availability of this time-series database will lead to major discoveries in marine microbiome research.
CubeSats deliver new insights into agricultural water use at daily and 3 m resolutions
Authors: Aragon Bruno , Ziliani Matteo G. , Houborg Rasmus , Franz Trenton E. , McCabe Matthew F.
Published: June 2021

Earth observation has traditionally required a compromise in data collection. That is, one could sense the Earth with high spatial resolution occasionally; or with lower spatial fidelity regularly. For many applications, both frequency and detail are required. Precision agriculture is one such example, with sub-10 m spatial, and daily or sub-daily retrieval representing a key goal. Towards this objective, we produced the first cloud-free 3 m daily evaporation product ever retrieved from space, leveraging recently launched nano-satellite constellations to showcase this emerging potential. Focusing on three agricultural fields located in Nebraska, USA, high-resolution crop water use estimates are delivered via CubeSat-based evaporation modeling. Results indicate good model agreement (r2 of 0.86–0.89; mean absolute error between 0.06 and 0.08 mm/h) when evaluated against corrected flux tower data. CubeSat technologies are revolutionizing Earth observation, delivering novel insights and new agricultural informatics that will enhance food and water security efforts, and enable rapid and informed in-field decision making.
Detection of glioma infiltration at the tumor margin using quantitative stimulated Raman scattering histology
Authors: Pekmezci Melike , Morshed Ramin A. , Chunduru Pranathi , Pandian Balaji , Young Jacob , Villanueva-Meyer Javier E. , Tihan Tarik , Sloan Emily A. , Aghi Manish K. , Molinaro Annette M. , Berger Mitchel S. , Hervey-Jumper Shawn L.
Published: June 2021

In the management of diffuse gliomas, the identification and removal of tumor at the infiltrative margin remains a central challenge. Prior work has demonstrated that fluorescence labeling tools and radiographic imaging are useful surgical adjuvants with macroscopic resolution. However, they lose sensitivity at the tumor margin and have limited clinical utility for lower grade histologies. Fiber-laser based stimulated Raman histology (SRH) is an optical imaging technique that provides microscopic tissue characterization of unprocessed tissues. It remains unknown whether SRH of tissues taken from the infiltrative glioma margin will identify microscopic residual disease. Here we acquired glioma margin specimens for SRH, histology, and tumor specific tissue characterization. Generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate agreement. We find that SRH identified residual tumor in 82 of 167 margin specimens (49%), compared to IHC confirming residual tumor in 72 of 128 samples (56%), and H&E confirming residual tumor in 82 of 169 samples (49%). Intraobserver agreements between all 3 modalities were confirmed. These data demonstrate that SRH detects residual microscopic tumor at the infiltrative glioma margin and may be a promising tool to enhance extent of resection.
First record of a tomistomine crocodylian from Australia
Authors: Ristevski Jorgo , Price Gilbert J. , Weisbecker Vera , Salisbury Steven W.
Published: June 2021

Based on the known fossil record, the majority of crocodylians from the Cenozoic Era of Australia are referred to the extinct clade Mekosuchinae. The only extant crocodylians in Australia are two species of Crocodylus. Hence, the viewpoint that Crocodylus and mekosuchines have been the only crocodylians inhabiting Australia during the Cenozoic has remained largely undisputed. Herein we describe Australia’s first tomistomine crocodylian, Gunggamarandu maunala gen. et sp. nov., thus challenging the notion of mekosuchine dominance during most of the Cenozoic. The holotype specimen of Gunggamarandu maunala derives from the Pliocene or Pleistocene of south-eastern Queensland, marking the southern-most global record for Tomistominae. Gunggamarandu maunala is known from a large, incomplete cranium that possesses a unique combination of features that distinguishes it from other crocodylians. Phylogenetic analyses place Gunggamarandu in a basal position within Tomistominae, specifically as a sister taxon to Dollosuchoides from the Eocene of Europe. These results hint at a potential ghost lineage between European and Australian tomistomines going back more than 50 million years. The cranial proportions of the Gunggamarandu maunala holotype specimen indicate it is the largest crocodyliform yet discovered from Australia.
Simple and versatile imaging of genomic loci in live mammalian cells and early pre-implantation embryos using CAS-LiveFISH
Authors: Geng Yongtao , Pertsinidis Alexandros
Published: June 2021

Visualizing the 4D genome in live cells is essential for understanding its regulation. Programmable DNA-binding probes, such as fluorescent clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and transcription activator-like effector (TALE) proteins have recently emerged as powerful tools for imaging specific genomic loci in live cells. However, many such systems rely on genetically-encoded components, often requiring multiple constructs that each must be separately optimized, thus limiting their use. Here we develop efficient and versatile systems, based on in vitro transcribed single-guide-RNAs (sgRNAs) and fluorescently-tagged recombinant, catalytically-inactivated Cas9 (dCas9) proteins. Controlled cell delivery of pre-assembled dCas9-sgRNA ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes enables robust genomic imaging in live cells and in early mouse embryos. We further demonstrate multiplex tagging of up to 3 genes, tracking detailed movements of chromatin segments and imaging spatial relationships between a distal enhancer and a target gene, with nanometer resolution in live cells. This simple and effective approach should facilitate visualizing chromatin dynamics and nuclear architecture in various living systems.
Curcubinoyl flavonoids from wild ginseng adventitious root cultures
Authors: Liu Qing , Kim Seon Beom , Jo Yang Hee , Ahn Jong Hoon , Turk Ayman , Kim Da Eun , Chang Bo Yoon , Kim Sung Yeon , Jeong Cheol-Seung , Hwang Bang Yeon , Park So-Young , Lee Mi Kyeong
Published: June 2021

Wild ginseng (Panax ginseng) adventitious root cultures were prepared by elicitation using methyl jasmonate and investigated further to find new secondary metabolites. Chromatographic fractionation of wild ginseng adventitious root cultures led to the isolation of eleven compounds. The chemical structures of isolated compounds were identified as four known flavanone derivatives (1–4), one new curcubinoyl derivative, jasmogin A (5) and six new curcubinoyl-flavanone conjugates, jasmoflagins A-F (6–11) by extensive spectroscopic analysis. Newly isolated curcubinoyl derivatives showed inhibitory activity against lipopolysaccharide-stimulated nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Therefore, our present study suggested that elicitor stimulated plant cell cultures might contribute to the production of new metabolites.
The structure and unzipping behavior of dumbbell and hairpin DNA revealed by real-time nanopore sensing
Authors: Li Xinqiong , Song Guiqin , Dou Linqin , Yan Shixin , Zhang Ming , Yuan Weidan , Lai Shirong , Jiang Xin , Li Kaiju , Sun Ke , Zhao Changjian , Geng Jia
Published: June 2021

A model to understand the unzipping behavior of hairpin DNA and dumbbell DNA in MspA nanopores is proposed, and this strategy was used to successfully detect SNPs without labeling.
Rapid and sensitive detection of acetone in exhaled breath through the ambient reaction with water radical cations
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Ren Xiang , Zhong Yuan , Chingin Konstantin , Chen Huanwen
Published: June 2021

A novel mass spectrometry approach was developed for the direct quantitative determination of acetone in exhaled human breath through the characteristic reaction with water radical cations under ambient conditions.
Ratiometric detection of p-nitrophenol and its derivatives using a dual-emissive neuron cell-like carbonized probe based on a π⋯π stacking quenching mechanism
Authors: Li Feng , Li Qi-Le , Hu Lei , Zhu Hong-Yu , Wang Wen-Juan , Kong Fen-Ying , Li Heng-Ye , Wang Zhong-Xia , Wang Wei
Published: June 2021

A sensitive ratiometric detection of p-nitrophenol in wastewater sample using a dual-emissive neuron cell-like carbonized probe has been proposed.
The miscibility and solubility of uric acid and vitamin C in the solution phase and their structural alignment in the solid–liquid interface
Authors: Chattaraj Krishna Gopal , Paul Sandip
Published: June 2021

Vitamin C (Vit-C) affects uric acid (UA) aggregation, which correlates with unpropitious medical predicaments, including gout and kidney stone germination in humans.
Exploring the electronic states of the hydroxyl dication OH2+: thermodynamic (meta)stability, bound-free emission spectra, and charge transfer processes
Authors: de Melo Gabriel Fernando , Franzreb Klaus , Ornellas Fernando R.
Published: June 2021

Characterizing the electronic states of the hydroxyl dication and the role they can play in physical chemistry processes.
Characterization of flame synthesized Pd–TiO2 nanocomposite catalysts for oxygen removal from CO2-rich streams in oxy combustion exhausts
Authors: Jung Sungyoon , Reed Nathan , Yablonsky Gregory , Biswas Pratim
Published: June 2021

Metallic Pd and/or reduced Pd oxide on Pd–TiO2 is found to be the intrinsic active site for O2 removal.
Dry reforming of methane on bimetallic Pt–Ni@CeO2catalyst: ain situDRIFTS-MS mechanistic study
Authors: Chen Huanhao , Chansai Sarayute , Xu Shaojun , Xu Shanshan , Mu Yibing , Hardacre Christopher , Fan Xiaolei
Published: June 2021

Bimetallic Pt–Ni catalysts can promote catalytic dry reforming of methane (DRM) with improved activity and deactivation resistance compared to the relevant monometallic catalysts.
Structural, magnetic and theoretical analyses of anionic and cationic phthalocyaninato-terbium(iii) double-decker complexes: magnetic relaxation via higher ligand-field sublevels enhanced by oxidation
Authors: Horii Yoji , Damjanović Marko , Katoh Keiichi , Yamashita Masahiro
Published: June 2021

Ligand oxidation of single-molecule magnets enhances magnetic relaxations via higher energy levels.
Magnetic properties of organolanthanide(ii) complexes, from the electronic structure and the crystal field effect
Authors: Solís-Cespedes Eduardo , Páez-Hernández Dayán
Published: June 2021

The magnetic properties of the organometallic compounds of the lanthanide ions in the 2+ oxidation state are theoretically studied.
Accurate correction for the matrix interference on laser ablation MC-ICPMS boron isotope measurements in CaCO3 and silicate matrices
Authors: Evans David , Gerdes Axel , Coenen Douglas , Marschall Horst R. , Müller Wolfgang
Published: June 2021

Refinement of the measurement of the boron isotopic composition of carbonate and silicate materials via LA-ICPMS pushes samples size requirements into the range of SIMS (figure redrawn after Foster et al., 2018).
Highly selective and sensitive determination of mercury ions by total-reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry
Authors: Musielak Marcin , Serda Maciej , Talik Ewa , Gagor Anna , Korzuch Julia , Sitko Rafal
Published: June 2021

A fast and low-cost method for the highly selective determination of ultra-trace Hg(ii) ions at ppt level using total-reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.
Solvothermal phase change induced morphology transformation in CdS/CoFe2O4@Fe2O3hierarchical nanosphere arrays as ternary heterojunction photoanodes for solar water splitting
Authors: Maitra Soumyajit , Sarkar Arundhati , Maitra Toulik , Halder Somoprova , Kargupta Kajari , Roy Subhasis
Published: June 2021

The design of efficient heterojunction photoanodes with appropriate band alignment and ease of charge separation has been one of the most highly focused research areas in photoelectrodes.
High-performance ammonia fixation electrocatalyzed by ReS2 nanosheet array
Authors: Zhang Lunwen , Xue Xiaodong , Gao Min , Zhao Jinxiu , Yan Tao , Yu Cuiping , Zhao Lei , Ren Xiang , Wei Qin
Published: June 2021

The industrial-scale NH3 production still heavily depends on the Haber–Bosch process, which not only demands high energy consumption but also emits a large amount of CO2.
Tolyporphins A–R, unusual tetrapyrrole macrocycles in a cyanobacterium from Micronesia, assessed quantitatively from the culture HT-58-2
Authors: O'Donnell Timothy J. , Gurr Joshua R. , Dai Jingqiu , Taniguchi Masahiko , Williams Philip G. , Lindsey Jonathan S.
Published: June 2021

Tolyporphins A–R are the newest additions to the family of native tetrapyrroles. LC-MS-dMRM and absorption spectroscopy have been employed for analysis of mixtures containing the 18 distinctive natural products.
Strain -multiplexing optical-tuning based on single-pulsed holographic nanostructures
Authors: Khalid Muhammad Waqas , Ahmed Rajib , Butt Haider
Published: June 2021

Single-pulsed flexible-template photonic nanostructures that show strain-multiplexing and light-tuning capability in the visible range. Diffraction and diffusion through projection experiments ensure structure act as a strain-multiplex metasurface.
Correction: Water binding stabilizes stacked conformations of ferrocene containing sheet-like aromatic oligoamides
Authors: Liu Ya-Zhou , Mu Xiao , Chan Chieh-Kai , Robeyns Koen , Wang Cheng-Chung , Singleton Michael L.
Published: June 2021

Correction for ‘Water binding stabilizes stacked conformations of ferrocene containing sheet-like aromatic oligoamides’ by Ya-Zhou Liu et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2021, DOI: 10.1039/d1ob00580d.
Biocompatible graft copolymers from bacterial poly(γ-glutamic acid) and poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Zaccaria Cristiana L. , Cedrati Valeria , Nitti Andrea , Chiesa Enrica , Martinez de Ilarduya Antxon , Garcia-Alvarez Montserrat , Meli Massimiliano , Colombo Giorgio , Pasini Dario
Published: June 2021

Biocompatible graft copolymers from bacterial poly(γ-glutamic acid) and poly(lactic acid) are realized using a “grafting to” approach combined with click chemistry.
Ru–Ni bimetallic catalysts for steam reforming of xylene: effects of active metals and calcination temperature of the support
Authors: Pu Jianglong , Wang Hui , Suzuki Masayuki , Qian Eika W.
Published: June 2021

The performance of the bimetallic 2Ru15Ni/La2O3–MgO–Al2O3catalyst in the steam reforming of xylene greatly depends on the metal loading sequence and support calcination temperature.
Treating Velopharyngeal Insufficiency in a Case of Substance Abuse: A New Client Population
Authors: Ruscello Dennis M. , Armeni Mark
Published: June 2021

Objective:

A case study is presented to illustrate the management of a patient who presented with significant tissue damage of the soft palate due to substance abuse, which involved the inhalation of drugs.

Method:

The patient was seen in a university medical center cleft palate clinic upon referral from a mental health facility with reported speech and swallowing problems. Perceptual and physiologic speech testing, a behavioral swallowing assessment, and other interdisciplinary assessments were conducted to confirm the patient's complaints and develop a treatment plan.

Results:

A speech appliance was fabricated to correct the defect and follow-up testing showed improvement in both speech and swallowing skills. Perceptual assessment indicated improved resonance balance and reduction in audible nasal emission, while physiologic testing revealed decreased nasal airflow. The team successfully implemented a plan to correct the patient's speech, resonance, and swallowing problems.

Conclusions:

Substance abuse is now a significant national crisis and patients may need a range of services depending on their complex of problems. Some individuals may need assistance with speech, resonance, and swallowing disorders and require prosthetic intervention provided via interdisciplinary management from a cleft palate team.
Adaptive sliding mode disturbance observer–based funnel trajectory tracking control of quadrotor with external disturbances
Authors: Xu Gang , Xia Yuanqing , Zhai Di‐Hua , Cui Bing
Published: June 2021

This paper studies trajectory tracking control problem of quadrotor in the presence of external disturbances. A new control scheme integrating adaptive sliding mode disturbance observer (ASMDO) with backstepping funnel control is designed in both position loop and attitude loop. Adaptive sliding mode disturbance observer is utilized to estimate and compensate the external disturbances of quadrotor system, which relaxed the upper bound requirement in conventional sliding mode disturbance observer (SMDO) whilst adapting the gain of discontinuous term to a level as small as possible for consideration of chattering mitigation. The modified funnel function not only guarantees the dynamic quality in the tracking process but also avoids derivative operation of Euclidian norm of tracking error in the backstepping design. To guarantee stabilization of closed‐loop system, Lyapunov stability criterion is utilized in the overall controller design process. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed scheme are illustrated by simulation results.
Research on the assessment of the capacity of urban distribution networks to accept electric vehicles based on the improved TOPSIS method
Authors: Zhang Meixia , Sun Quanjie , Yang Xiu
Published: June 2021

This study proposes a TOPSIS‐based method for assessing the ability of distribution networks to accept electric vehicles. This method establishes an assessment index system in terms of the rationality, safety, and economy of the distribution network operation, and assesses the capacity of the distribution network in all aspects. Firstly, a fuzzy theory‐based model of users' charging psychology under the influence of time‐of‐use electricity price was constructed, and the spatio‐temporal distribution of EV charging loads in the target area was predicted using travel chain theory and Monte Carlo methods. Secondly, considering the rationality, safety and economy of the distribution network operation, a comprehensive evaluation index system for acceptability has been constructed. Then, a comprehensive weighting method for evaluation indexes based on AHP and entropy weight method is proposed, and the improved TOPSIS is used to evaluate the acceptance capacity of the distribution network when EV charging loads are connected in different ways. Finally, a typical IEEE33 distribution network is used to simulate the time and space distribution of the charging load, and taking the charging load access schemes proposed in this paper to verify the effectiveness of the evaluation method.
Predictive modelling of fuel shortages during hurricane evacuation: An epidemiological approach
Authors: Islam Sabique , Parr Scott , Prazenica Richard , Liu Dahai , Namilae Sirish
Published: June 2021

High‐volume evacuations, disruptions to the supply chain, and fuel hoarding from non‐evacuees have led to localized fuel shortages lasting several days during recent hurricanes. While news reports mention fuel shortages in past hurricanes, the crowdsource platform Gasbuddy has quantified the fuel shortages in the recent hurricanes. The analysis of this fuel shortage data suggested fuel shortages exhibited characteristics of an epidemic. Here, a Susceptible‐ Infected‐Recovered (SIR) epidemic model is developed to study the evolution of fuel shortage during a hurricane evacuation. Additionally, we apply optimal control theory to identify an effective intervention strategy. The study found a linear correlation between traffic demand during the evacuation of Hurricane Irma and the resulting fuel shortage data. This correlation is used in conjunction with the Statewide Regional Evacuation Study Program (SRESP) surveys to estimate the evacuation traffic and fuel shortages for potential hurricanes affecting south Florida. Results indicate that evacuation of Miami‐Dade County in the event of a Category‐3 hurricane landfall in the region, could lead to fuel shortages in up to 90% of the local refuelling stations. The model indicates that this reduces to 28% by providing relief to 75% of the gas stations during the first two days of the evacuation.
Numerical simulation of parametric resonance in point absorbers using a simplified model
Authors: Kurniawan Adi , Tran Thanh Toan , Brown Scott A. , Eskilsson Claes , Orszaghova Jana , Greaves Deborah
Published: June 2021

Parametric resonance is a non‐linear phenomenon in which a system can oscillate at a frequency different from its exciting frequency. Some wave energy converters are prone to this phenomenon, which is usually detrimental to their performance. Here, a computationally efficient way of simulating parametric resonance in point absorbers is presented. The model is based on linear potential theory, so the wave forces are evaluated at the mean position of the body. However, the first‐order variation of the body's centres of gravity and buoyancy is taken into account. This gives essentially the same result as a more rigorous approach of keeping terms in the equation of motion up to second order in the body motions. The only difference from a linear model is the presence of non‐zero off‐diagonal elements in the mass matrix. The model is benchmarked against state‐of‐the‐art non‐linear Froude–Krylov and computational fluid dynamics models for free decay, regular wave, and focused wave group cases. It is shown that the simplified model is able to simulate parametric resonance in pitch to a reasonable accuracy even though no non‐linear wave forces are included. The simulation speed on a standard computer is up to two orders of magnitude faster than real time.
Spatial demand forecasting based on smart meter data for improving local energy self‐sufficiency in smart cities
Authors: Miyasawa Ayumu , Akira Shogo , Fujimoto Yu , Hayashi Yasuhiro
Published: June 2021

The use of distributed energy resources (DERs) in a city contributes to the net zero CO2 of a city. However, the spatially uneven distribution of power demand and surplus electricity causes congestion in the grid system, making wide‐area operation difficult. The concept of local energy self‐sufficiency via energy management, in which batteries or electric vehicles are charged using power generated by DERs and discharged to neighbouring consumers, is expected to be a way to avoid grid conjunction while maximizing the use of DERs. For efficient local energy self‐sufficiency, it is necessary to identify where and when future power surpluses and shortages will occur within a city and optimize battery operation according to demand. Forecasts that focus only on representative points of a city may be less reproducible in diversity in the power demand transition for individual consumers in local parts of cities. Electricity smart meters that monitor power demand every 30 min from each consumer are expected to help predict the spatiotemporal distribution of power demand to achieve efficient local energy self‐sufficiency. The significance of reflecting regional characteristics in forecasting spatiotemporal distribution of power demand is demonstrated using actual data obtained by smart meters installed in Japanese cities. The results suggest that the forecast approach, which considers the daily periodicity of power demand and weather conditions, obtains high prediction accuracy in predicting power demand in meshed local areas in the city and derives results precisely reproducing the spatiotemporal behaviours of power demand.
Multiplex PCR for detection of MCR genes in clinical fecal samples
Authors: Xiang Qiumei , Hu Shuanglan , Ke Yuebin , Hu Shuangfang
Published: June 2021

Plasmid-mediated colistin-resistance genes have been reported worldwide in recent years. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (Multi-PCR) protocol was developed to detect transferable colistinresistance genes (mcr-1 to mcr-6) in Enterobacteria for clinical laboratory purposes.The authors first designed six new primer pairs to amplify mcr-1 to mcr-6 gene products to achieve stepwise separation of amplicons between 87 to 216 bp,then divided these primers into two subgroups with the assistance of a pair of universal primers for the detection of currently described mcr genes and their variants in Enterobacteria. The protocol was validated by testing 29 clinical isolates of Escherichia coli of human origin, each well characterised and prospectively validated. The Multi-PCR assay showed full concordance with whole-genome sequence data and displayed higher sensitivity and 100% specificity. The assay could detect all variants of the various mcr alleles described. It was able to detect mcr-3 and mcr-4 as singletons or in combination. This type of test is critical for the epidemiological surveillance of plasmid-encoded resistance in limited resources conditions, and this method allows rapid identification of mcr-positive bacteria and overcomes the challenges of phenotypic detection of colistin resistance.
Effervescent tablet-assisted switchable hydrophilicity solvent-based on-site dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction coupled with gas chromatography for the determination of pyrethroid pesticides in environmental waters
Authors: Han Wentao , Hu Kejiao , Zhao Wanning , Li Songqing , Lu Pengfei
Published: June 2021

A novel effervescent tablet-assisted switchable hydrophilicity solvent-based on-site dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction coupled with gas chromatography detection has been developed to determine five pyrethroid insecticides in environmental water samples. In this method, effervescent tablets contain effervescent precursors and extractants, which play a dual role of dispersion and extraction. After effervescence reaction, the formation of extractant and the extraction of analytes were accomplished simultaneously. Phase separation were carried by filtration using homemade filter column, which of filter is oil-absorbing cotton polypropylene. After phase separation, the extractant phase were obtained by elution. No electric instrument was required in sample pre-treatment step in the developed method. Experimental conditions affecting the extraction efficiencies have been optimized, such as type and amount of extractant, type of effervescent tablets, etc. Under the optimized conditions, the linearity was 5-500μg L-1, with coefficients greater than 0.9990. The limit of detection and the limit of quantitation were in the range of 0.22-1.88μg L-1 and 0.75-6.25μg L-1. The relative standard deviations ranged from 0.8% to 6.1%. The enrichment factors were in the range of 65-108. This method was successfully applied to the on-site processing of tap, reservoir and river water.
Study on quinolone accumulation and growth inhibition induced by quinolone levels of hydroponics
Authors: Wang Xiaojuan , Wang Yaojun , Nian Jiangwen , Sun Yongbo , Zhang Yonghui , Xia Yunsheng , Wang Fei , Wang Lifang , Liu Ruirui , Liao Xiaolin , Zhao Leifeng , Xia Chun , Nian Fuzhao
Published: June 2021

Residual antibiotics can enter soil and water bodies through organic fertilizers with food safety risk via plants absorption, while how do plant growth and quinolone accumulation respond to residual antibiotics levels in soil or water is not clear. Hydroponic experiment in greenhouse was conducted with floating seedlings of tobacco as model plant to investigate the responses of quinolone antibiotics accumulation and plant growth to different levels of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and norfloxacin (NOR). Results showed that CIP and NOR inhibited the growth of tobacco seedlings. The plant height, stem circumference, maximum leaf width, and maximum leaf area of tobacco seedlings were significantly decreased. So as to the plant biomass of leaves, stems, and roots. Accumulation of CIP in the tobacco seedlings in the T3 was 1.1 times that of the tobacco seedlings in the T1, NOR in the T4 was 1.2 times that of the tobacco seedlings in the T1. And the higher the concentration, the more significant the inhibitory effect. Both antibiotics can be absorbed and accumulated by tobacco seedlings. Additionally, the inhibitory effect of CIP was greater than that of NOR.
Intellectual analysis of education data
Authors: Shirinkina Elena , Strih Nikolay , Popova Ekaterina
Published: June 2021

The relevance of the study is due to the fact that there are now more questions than specific answers on the topic in the context of educational data mining: how it is done, for what and how we can use it, what metrics to include in the sample and how to make predictions. Undoubtedly, in the coming years there will be a transition from discussions to the practical introduction of educational analytics into educational processes. The study analyzes these categories, and fundamentally differences educational analytics from pedagogical diagnostics and other methods of data collection. One of the objectives of the study is to build a model for individual educational solutions, provided that the data is well-assembled, so the study considers the types of educational analytics. The practical significance of the study is that all this can lead to a change in editorial educational policy, the language in which communication with students takes place, which is already a strategic task of learning.
Conceptual foundations of legal support for engineering in Arctic studies of climatic changes
Authors: Makhonko Nikolay , Belousov Sergey , Tarasova Elena
Published: June 2021

The article is devoted to the problems of the development of the Arctic as a territory of international cooperation, taking into account the national interests of individual states. The specificity of geopolitical, social, economic, and climatic conditions determines the need to develop conceptual foundations of legal support for the implementation of environmental engineering processes at the development of the Arctic and research on climatic changes of the region. The article analyzes the main strategic and legal documents regulating the implementation activities in relation to the technical and technological support in the question of the development of the Arctic territories and the preservation of climatic stability. The options for creating an adequate system of convergence of national and international legal regulation in the field of determining anthropogenic pollutants and fixing key indicators of the state of the Arctic environment are detailized and characterized. The scientific substantiation of the causes and consequences of climate change in the Arctic ecological systems is given. The advantages of scientific research with the use of modern engineering and digitalization methods, as well as the usage of information and communication technologies for the prompt exchange of environmentally significant information, are revealed. It is noted that thе most topical issues, the national strategies for the development of the Arctic zones of the Russian Federation, Denmark, Norway, and Canada are of a similar nature. They have common approaches to the preservation of vulnerable Arctic ecological systems and the conceptual foundations of legal support for engineering in Arctic scientific research in the field of climate change and conservation.
Application of adaptive fuzzy control to suppression vibration response of floating offshore wind turbine
Authors: Yang Jiajia , He Erming , Shu Juncheng
Published: June 2021

Floating offshore wind turbine is a complex rigid-flexible coupling nonlinear system, and the accurate dynamic model is difficultly established. Therefore, the wind-wave interference cannot be improved by adopting the conventional control strategy. In order to solve this problem, an adaptive fuzzy controller (AFC) is used to suppress the dynamic response of floating wind turbine. Two correction factors are introduced to optimize the fuzzy rule, and the traditional fuzzy controller (FC) is firstly obtained. Since the balance positions change and structural parameter perturbation of the wind turbine, an AFC is designed and validated. Finally, the suppression vibration responses ability of floating offshore wind turbine by using the different control strategies is studied under the random wind-wave disturbance and blade pitch control system coupling effect. The simulation results show that the tracking ability of the AFC to the target value is obviously higher than that of the FC; Comparing with the passive control strategy, the suppression vibration effect on the power spectral density (PSD) of the platform pitch (PFPI) motion peak can increase by 39.06% by adopting the AFC.
Adaptive fuzzy direct lift control of aircraft carrier-based landing
Authors: Sun Xiaoyun , Jiang Ju , Zhen Ziyang , Wei Ruonan
Published: June 2021

Considering the precise landing demand for carrier-based aircraft flight control, this paper proposes an adaptive fuzzy landing control method for the strong time-varying, parameter uncertainty and various complex coupling in the actual state aircraft model. This method is applied to the flap channel to achieve direct lift control, and the fuzzy system is utilized to approximate the six-degree-of-freedom nonlinear system model of a carrier aircraft that is difficult to accurately describe, to achieve accurate tracking of the landing glideslope, and improve the landing accuracy. Lyapunov method was used to judge the stability of the adaptive fuzzy control algorithm. During the simulation, the airwake and deck motion disturbance were introduced to simulate the landing environment of the aircraft. The effectiveness of the landing control system was verified by the Matlab software. Monte-Carlo random test was utilized to carry out the landing point accuracy for the conventional control scheme and the adaptive fuzzy direct lift control scheme respectively. Through the response curve and landing point statistical results, it is confirmed that the direct lift control scheme has better control effect, and the landing precision has improvement compared with the conventional control scheme.