bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A discussion for the reduction in the length of a prestressed concrete railway tie in time
Authors: Bezgin Niyazi Özgür
Published: October 2021

Increasing train speeds, contemporary requirements for reduced track maintenance costs and extended track service lives required the development and use of reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete ties. Railway engineers began to use concrete for their bi-block and monoblock railway ties heavily, following the development of an understanding for design and performance of concrete structures, production of high strength steel wires and preferable economy of prefabricated mass production for reinforced and prestressed concrete structural elements following the first half of 20th Century. Structural elements of a railway track such as reinforced or prestressed concrete ties have strict production tolerances that are not common for ordinary structural elements. Production of concrete railway ties takes place under strict dimensional control that ensures a nominal design gauge width for the railway track. Design specifications for prestressed monoblock ties frequently specify the gauge width and the shoulder width to be within 1 mm of the design width. However, prestressed concrete ties experience shortenings in length due to transfer of the prestressing force known as instant elastic shortening and shortenings due to concrete shrinkage and concrete creep in time that also relate to ambient relavite humidity. The author conducted numerous studies on the matter, showed by calculation, and observed experimentally that if unaccounted for, such shortenings can surpass the allowed tolerances in time and result in the rejection of the produced tie for use in the railway track. This paper refers to previous studies by the author that brought international attention on the issue and presents a thorough and a practical evaluation of time related changes in tie lengths for a particular design for prestressed concrete monoblock ties under varying ambient humidity conditions.
Systematic arrangement of intersections on the primary road network in Banja Luka
Authors: Zeljić Dragana , Jokanović Igor , Đorđić Vladimir , Topić Dragan
Published: October 2021

The City of Banja Luka experienced construction of eleven roundabout intersections of different type and functional level in the recent period. Previously adopted planning documents and conclusions of the City’s Expert Team provided a stronghold for these activities, while positive experiences influenced the commitment to continue with similar activities in the future. In order to answer this question in a quality way, it is necessary to lay down strategic foundations for the systemic arrangement of intersections on the primary network of the City. The paper presents initial research regarding the definition of potential locations for the application of this type of intersections in the Banja Luka urban area as a basis for a strategic development document, i.e. an urban plan.
Parameter Estimation of Weighted Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution Using Simulated and Real Life Data Sets
Authors: Ahmad Reshi Javaid , Ahmad Para Bilal , Ahmad Bhat Shahzad
Published: October 2021

This paper deals with estimation of parameters of Weighted Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution by using Classical and Bayesian Paradigm. Under Classical Approach, we have estimated the rate parameter using Maximum likelihood Estimator. In Bayesian Paradigm, we have primarily studied the Bayes’ estimator of the parameter of the Weighted Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution under the extended Jeffrey’s prior, Gamma and exponential prior distributions assuming different loss functions. The extended Jeffrey’s prior gives the opportunity of covering wide spectrum of priors to get Bayes’ estimates of the parameter – particular cases of which are Jeffrey’s prior and Hartigan’s prior. A comparative study has been done between the MLE and the estimates of different loss functions (SELF and Al-Bayyati’s, Stein and Precautionary new loss function). From the results, we observe that in most cases, Bayesian Estimator under New Loss function (Al-Bayyati’s Loss function) has the smallest Mean Squared Error values for both prior’s i.e., Jeffrey’s and an extension of Jeffrey’s prior information. Moreover, when the sample size increases, the MSE decreases quite significantly. These estimators are then compared in terms of mean square error (MSE) which is computed by using the programming language R. Also, two types of real life data sets are considered for making the model comparison between special cases of Weighted Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution in terms of fitting.
Organ- and Site-Specific HOX Gene Expression in Stromal Cells
Authors: Mirrahimi Masoumeh , Ospelt Caroline
Published: October 2021

HOX genes are a group of evolutionarily conserved genes that encode a family of transcription factors that regulate early developmental morphogenetic processes and continue to be expressed into adulthood. These highly conserved HOX factors play an unquestioned crucial role as master regulators during embryonic vertebrate development and morphogenesis by controlling the three dimensional body plan organization. HOX genes specify regions of the body plan of an embryo along the head-tail axis. They encode proteins that specify the characteristics of ‘position’, ensuring that the correct structures form in the correct places of the body. Expression of HOX is known to persist in many tissues in the postnatal period suggesting the role of these genes not only during development but also for the functioning of tissues throughout life. The tissue-specific pattern of HOX gene expression is inherent in stromal/stem cells of mesenchymal origin, such as mesenchymal stromal cells, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and preadipocytes, enabling them to memorize their topographic location in the form of their HOX code and to fulfill their location-specific functions. In this chapter, we focus on the expression and potential role of HOX genes in adult tissues. We review evidence that site-specific expression of HOX genes is connected to location-specific disease susceptibility and review studies showing that dysregulated expression of HOX genes can be associated with various diseases. By recognizing the importance of site-specific molecular mechanisms in the organ stroma, we gain new insights into the processes underlying the site-specific manifestation of disease.
Fraud in Letters of Credit under English Law: Issues and Cases (the Three Dimensions)
Authors: Aladwan Zaid
Published: October 2021

According to many cases, it has been demonstrated that sellers with bad intentions have manipulated letters of credit system in many ways, including fraud. Thus, many legal jurisdictions have recognized the fraud exception rule. In order to apply such exception, some conditions must be met. Among these conditions, the bank’s knowledge and a requirement of a clear evidence. Notably, the bank’s knowledge is crucial, meaning that the establishment of the sole exception will depend upon the status of the bank’s knowledge. Meaning that if the bank is aware of existing fraud, it is under a duty to refuse presentation. Otherwise, it should not. In turn, the establishment of clear evidence by the English courts is somewhat hard to achieve, consequently, such condition criticized often. Further, if the beneficiary himself commits the fraud, or has knowledge of the fraud, then the fraud exception rule will apply.1 This raises the question of whether the fraud exception should also bite where the fraud is committed by a third party but without the beneficiary’s knowledge. From these facts, this chapter will try to analysis the status of the bank’s knowledge and the hardship related to the clear evidence requirement in conjunction with the third-party fraud.
Soybean Seed Compounds as Natural Health Protectors
Authors: Giezi Boldrini Gabriel , Daniela Martin Molinero Glenda , Verónica Pérez Chaca María , Noemí Gómez Nidia , Mónica Alvarez Silvina
Published: October 2021

Glycine max (L) Merrill, better known as soy or soybean, is a legume of asian origin considered an excellent biotype, given the fact that it contains almost everything the human being needs for the diet. Its cultivation worldwide is one of the most important, and soy itself and its derivatives are highly on demand. The health effects of soy derived foods have been investigated for more than 25 years, and some of them remain controversial. On the other hand, we wondered if soy could be used to ameliorate the toxic effects of heavy metals. Therefore, in this chapter we review general characteristics of soy as well as its nutritional potential, and we compiled the newest information about the health effects of soy. In order to test our hypothesis, we developed a model of animals exposed to cadmium, and we gave them a soy based diet, comparing it with a casein-based diet as control. This allowed us to collect information about its effect on the respiratory and nervous system. Among the results of this review, we show that it reduces the cholesterol level and obesity while also having antidiabetic effects. We enumerate the benefits of soy-based diets on the respiratory system, such as protection against lung cancer and radiotherapy, better lung function in asthma patients and protection against cadmium intoxication. In the cardiovascular system it reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, improves blood pressure, glycemic control, and inflammation while it reduces not all but some of the alterations induced by cadmium exposure on the aorta and heart. It apparently promotes neurogenesis, improves cognitive functions, and reduces the oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by cadmium exposure in the cerebellum. Taken all together, this information let us conclude that soy consumption would exhibit numerous benefits for human health, although future studies should try to elucidate the best outcome considering variables such as gender, age, treatment duration and dosage of soy products consumption in the diet.
Contribution Factors on Congenital Malformations in Neonates in Iran
Authors: Riyahifar Sevda , Ali Akbari Khoei Reza , Mirnia Kayvan
Published: October 2021

Background: Congenital malformations are one of the most important and common types of anomalies in infants, and they are considered as the leading causes of disability and mortality in children. These malformations impose enormous costs on families and organizations involved in the treatment, maintenance, and education of patients. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the risk factors affecting the incidence of congenital anomalies in infants born in Iran. Methods: In this retrospective descriptive-analytical study, we registered various information of all newborns examined and their mothers, including gender, family relationship of parents, type of delivery, types of congenital malformations, anomalies of the hands and feet, and anomalies of the nervous and reproductive systems in the maternity wards of hospitals in Iran. Data were gathered using a checklist. The relationships between different factors were assessed by chi-square test, and the factors influencing congenital malformations were investigated by logistic regression using SPSS-26 software. The significance level of all tests was 0.05. Results: According to the results, 7.5% of newborns had congenital malformations. Eclampsia and diabetes mellitus increased the risk of congenital malformations by 15 and 11%, respectively. The risk of congenital malformations in rural areas was 12% higher than in urban areas. Factors such as consanguineous marriages, history of abortion, and gender also affected the risk of congenital malformations. Conclusions: Necessary measures and plans in the field of premarital counseling, regular pre-pregnancy and post-pregnancy tests and controls, especially in rural and deprived areas, are essential and effective in reducing the incidence of congenital malformations.
Radiomic Analysis of Native T1 Mapping Images for Differential Diagnosis of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Etiologies
Authors: Zhan Chenao , Tang Dazhong , Huang Lu , Geng Yayuan , Ai Tao , Xia Liming
Published: October 2021

Background: The clinical manifestations of amyloid cardiomyopathy (AC) are not specific; therefore, AC is often misdiagnosed as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or hypertensive heart disease (HHD). A differential diagnosis of these three conditions is often necessary in the clinical setting. Objectives: To investigate the differential diagnostic performance of radiomic analysis, based on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) native T1 mapping images for the left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) etiologies. Patients and Methods: This retrospective, case-control study was conducted on 91 participants (68 males and 23 females; mean age: 48 ± 13 years), including 22 patients with HHD, 27 patients with AC, 28 patients with HCM, and 14 controls in Tongji Hospital (Wuhan, China). All participants underwent 3.0T CMR imaging. Besides, radiomic analyses were performed using T1 mapping images. The cases were divided into training and test datasets using a random seed. Next, the models were constructed with the training dataset and evaluated with the test dataset. Results: A total of 1,033 radiomic features were extracted in this study. Overall, 11, 28, 19, and eight features were selected to construct the basal T1 mapping, mid-chamber T1 mapping, apical T1 mapping, and multi-module conjoint models, respectively. Optimal performance was reported in the mid-chamber and basal T1 mapping models. The area under the curve (AUC), precision, recall, and F1 score were 0.96, 0.84, 0.82, and 0.83 for the mid-chamber T1 mapping model and 0.96, 0.90, 0.89, and 0.88 for the basal T1 mapping model in the independent test dataset, respectively. The lowest diagnostic performance was observed in the apical T1 mapping model. The AUC, precision, recall, and F1 score of the apical T1 mapping model were 0.86, 0.71, 0.70, and 0.70 in the independent test dataset, respectively. Conclusion: The radiomic analysis of T1 mapping could accurately distinguish the three causes of myocardial hypertrophy, including HCM, HHD, and AC. It may be also a suitable alternative to late gadolinium enhancement-CMR.
Primary High-grade Serous Carcinoma of the Fallopian Tube as an Incidental Intraoperative Finding: A Case Report
Authors: Shokouhi Nasim , Saeedi Sara , Sarmadi Soheila , Moradi Behnaz , Feizabad Elham
Published: October 2021

: Primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube is a rare, but fatal gynecologic cancer. The preoperative diagnosis of this carcinoma is challenging due to the absence of specific symptoms and signs, and in most patients, it is an intraoperative finding. A 55-year-old patient (G3Ab1P2) was referred to the urogynecology clinic of our hospital with the chief complaints of heavy, prolonged menstrual bleeding and a persistently abnormal yellow discharge, which could not be distinguished by the patient from urinary leaks. After a complete diagnostic work-up, the patient was identified as a candidate for hysterectomy due to abnormal vaginal bleeding resistant to megestrol acetate, family history of malignancy, and abnormal vaginal discharge. Laparotomy revealed unusual left fallopian tube features (large, bulky, and vegetative), suggesting malignancy. The intraoperative frozen-section analysis of the left fallopian tube and the ovarian specimens indicated the mass as a high-grade serous carcinoma of the fallopian tube. Total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and partial omentectomy were performed for the patient. The definitive histopathological diagnosis was high-grade serous carcinoma of the left fallopian tube (stage 2b) with omental involvement, without any evidence of lymphovascular invasion. High-grade serous carcinoma of the fallopian tube is likely to have non-specific symptoms, causing a significant delay in diagnosis and treatment, which negatively affects the prognosis and survival of these patients.
Drug Abuse Prevalence Among 10th - 12th-Grade Students of Kerman, Iran in 2017 - 2018 Academic Year
Authors: Mazhari Shahrzad , Ziaaddini Hassan , Nakhaee Nozar , Kermanian Azam
Published: October 2021

Background: It is generally accepted that due to various reasons, the age of drug abuse prevalence continues to decline, which imposes numerous personal and social dysfunctions. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of drug abuse among adolescents in Kerman, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 2,000 10th - 12th-grade students in the academic year of 2017 - 2018 selected by random cluster sampling. Data collection tools included demographic characteristics checklist and alcohol smoking and substance involvement screening test (ASSIST). Data were analyzed using chi-square test. Results: The results showed that the highest prevalence of substance abuse among students was related to tobacco, alcohol, and sedatives. It was also demonstrated that the use of cigarettes, sedatives, cannabis, and amphetamine was significantly higher among male subjects compared to female participants (P < 0.05). Moreover, 16.4, 12.9, and 5.1% of the tobacco, alcohol, and sedative users required low interventions, respectively, whereas 1.5, 0.8, and 0.4% of them required high interventions, respectively. Conclusion: According to the results of the study, there was higher drug abuse prevalence in male students compared to female students. As such, it seems that consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and narcotics in adolescents requires serious intervention.
Kantian Rationality in the Philosophy of Science. Report of the First Conference of the Kantian Rationality Lab
Authors: Zilber Andrey S.
Published: October 2021

The international conference “Kantian Rationality in Philosophy of Science” was held on 9–11 October 2020 at the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University (IKBFU) in Kaliningrad. Fifteen participants from different countries discussed aspects of the Kantian understanding of science and the roles of reason in it: the unity, difference, and systematicity of the functions of reason in science, as they are revealed in Kant’s discussions of criteria of scientificity, the classification of sciences, or methods of theoretical and experimental research in specific sciences. The topics discussed fell into two broad categories: firstly, the relationship between metaphysics and science in the context of Kant’s time; secondly, the relevance of Kant’s ideas to modern sciences and the concepts of philosophy of science in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
Sequence features of retrotransposons allow for epigenetic variability
Authors: Costello Kevin R , Leung Amy , Trac Candi , Lee Michael , Basam Mudaser , Pospisilik J Andrew , Schones Dustin E
Published: October 2021

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic elements that make up a large fraction of mammalian genomes. While select TEs have been co-opted in host genomes to have function, the majority of these elements are epigenetically silenced by DNA methylation in somatic cells. However, some TEs in mice, including the Intracisternal A-particle (IAP) subfamily of retrotransposons, have been shown to display interindividual variation in DNA methylation. Recent work has revealed that IAP sequence differences and strain-specific KRAB zinc finger proteins (KZFPs) may influence the methylation state of these IAPs. However, the mechanisms underlying the establishment and maintenance of interindividual variability in DNA methylation still remain unclear. Here, we report that sequence content and genomic context influence the likelihood that IAPs become variably methylated. IAPs that differ from consensus IAP sequences have altered KZFP recruitment that can lead to decreased KAP1 recruitment when in proximity of constitutively expressed genes. These variably methylated loci have a high CpG density, similar to CpG islands, and can be bound by ZF-CxxC proteins, providing a potential mechanism to maintain this permissive chromatin environment and protect from DNA methylation. These observations indicate that variably methylated IAPs escape silencing through both attenuation of KZFP binding and recognition by ZF-CxxC proteins to maintain a hypomethylated state.
Spinal malformations in a naturally isolated Neotropical fish population
Authors: Kerniske Franciele Fernanda , Pena Castro Jonathan , De la Ossa-Guerra Luz Elena , Mayer Bruna Angelina , Abilhoa Vinícius , de Paiva Affonso Igor , Ferreira Artoni Roberto
Published: October 2021

Fish populations that reside in completely isolated freshwater ecosystems are rare worldwide. The Vila Velha State Park (VVSP), located in southern Brazil, is recognized for its arenitic formations called sinkholes (furnas), which are completely isolated. Fish populations within, such as those of Psalidodon aff. fasciatus, often develop vertebral malformations due to this isolation from other conspecifics and other species. In this study, we analyzed geometric morphology in digital radiographs to identify congenital deformations of Psalidodon aff. fasciatus in Furna 2 of VVSP. We found many fish with spinal deformities, including wide variation in the number of caudal vertebrae and corporal deformations related to a flattened body and spinal curvature. Females were more affected than males. We also demonstrated that these deformations reflect inbreeding and an absence of gene flow in the population. In conclusion, isolated populations such as fish species in furnas are potential models for evo-devo research.
Functional analysis of a dihydroflavonol 4-reductase gene in Ophiorrhiza japonica (OjDFR1) reveals its role in the regulation of anthocyanin
Authors: Sun Wei , Zhou Nana , Feng Cai , Sun Shiyu , Tang Ming , Tang Xiaoxin , Ju Zhigang , Yi Yin
Published: October 2021

Dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), a key regulatory enzyme, participated in the biosynthesis of anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and other flavonoids that essential for plant survival and human health. However, the role of this enzyme in Ophiorrhiza japonica is still unknown. Here, three putative DFR-like genes were firstly isolated from O. japonica. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that OjDFR1 was classified into DFR subgroup, while the rest two were clustered into other NADPH-dependent reductases. Then, functions of the three genes were further characterized. Expression analysis showed that OjDFR1 transcripts had strong correlations with the accumulation pattern of anthocyanin during the flower developmental, whereas other two were not, this suggested the potential roles of OjDFR1 in anthocyanin biosynthesis. Subsequently, all three clones were functionally expressed in Escherichia coli, but confirming that only OjDFR1 encode active DFR proteins that catalyzed the reduction of dihydroflavonols to leucoanthocyanidin. Consistant with the biochemical assay results, overexpressing OjDFR1 in Arabidopsis tt3-1 mutant successfully restored the deficiency of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin, hinting its function as DFR in planta. Additionally, heterologous expression of OjDFR1 in transgenic tobacco contributed to darker flower color via up-regulating the expressions of endogenous NtANS and NtUFGT, which suggested that OjDFR1 was involved in flower color development. In summary, this study validates the functions of OjDFR1 and expands our understanding of anthocyanin biosynthesis in O. japonica.
Transcriptomic analysis reveals candidate genes for male sterility in Prunus sibirica
Authors: Chen Jianhua , Xu Hao , Zhang Jian , Dong Shengjun , Liu Quangang , Wang Ruoxi
Published: October 2021

Background

The phenomenon of male sterility widely occurs in Prunus sibirica and has a serious negative impact on yield. We identified the key stage and cause of male sterility and found differentially expressed genes related to male sterility in Prunus sibirica, and we analyzed the expression pattern of these genes. This work aimed to provide valuable reference and theoretical basis for the study of reproductive development and the mechanisms of male sterility in Prunus sibirica.

Method

The microstructures of male sterile flower buds and male fertile flower buds were observed by paraffin section. Transcriptome sequencing was used to screen genes related to male sterility in Prunus sibirica. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis was performed to verify the transcriptome data.

Results

Anther development was divided into the sporogenous cell stage, tetrad stage, microspore stage, and pollen maturity stage. Compared with male fertile flower buds, in the microspore stage, the pollen sac wall tissue in the male sterile flower buds showed no signs of degeneration. In the pollen maturity stage, the tapetum and middle layer were not fully degraded, and anther development stopped. Therefore, the microspore stage was the key stage for anther abortion , and the pollen maturity stage was the post stage for anther abortion. A total of 4,108 differentially expressed genes were identified by transcriptome analysis. Among them, 1,899 were up-regulated, and 2,209 were down-regulated in the transcriptome of male sterile flower buds. We found that “protein kinase activity”, “apoptosis process”, “calcium binding”, “cell death”, “cytochrome c oxidase activity”, “aspartate peptidase activity”, “cysteine peptidase activity” and other biological pathways such as “starch and sucrose metabolism” and “proteasome” were closely related to male sterility in Prunus sibirica. A total of 331 key genes were preliminarily screened.

Conclusion

The occurrence of male sterility in Prunus sibirica involved many biological processes and metabolic pathways. According to the results of microstructure observations, related physiological indexes determination and transcriptome analysis, we reveal that the occurrence of male sterility in Prunus sibirica may be caused by abnormal metabolic processes such as the release of cytochrome c in the male sterile flower buds, the imbalance of the antioxidant system being destroyed, and the inability of macromolecular substances such as starch to be converted into soluble small molecules at the correct stage of reproductive development, resulting in energy loss. As a result, the tapetum cannot be fully degraded, thereby blocking anther development, which eventually led to the formation of male sterility.
Возвращение динозавров Хрустального дворца: викторианские динозавры сегодня, "Природа"
Authors: Сенников А.Г. , Сенникова Е.А.
Published: October 2021

Скульптуры ископаемых животных, созданные и установленные Б.У.Хокинсом в парке Хрустального дворца в Лондоне в 1854 г., были первыми подобными реконструкциями и отражали достижения палеонтологии первой половины XIX в. Этот уникальный памятник истории палеонтологии сегодня снова привлекает внимание широкой публики. Специалистам знакомство с этими реконструкциями позволяет яснее понять пути и закономерности научного познания в палеонтологии в исторической перспективе.
Как воспитать дикого медведя. К 85-летию В.С.Пажетнова, эколога, зоолога, писателя, "Природа"
Authors: Полетаева И.И.
Published: October 2021

Браконьеры, а порой и люди, не соблюдающие правила охоты «на берлоге», убивая медведицу, обрекают на гибель и ее потомство; в лучшем случае медвежата могут оказаться в цирке или в зоопарке. Как помочь осиротевшим медвежатам Как воспитать дикого медведя, чтобы можно было вернуть его в лес Эти вопросы давно волновали зоологов, в том числе и В.С.Пажетнова, который посвятил жизнь изучению поведения и биологии медведей. Этот опыт позволил ему разработать уникальную методику выращивания и воспитания медвежат и создать Центр спасения медвежат-сирот, где занимаются реабилитацией и реинтродукцией бурого медведя для восстановления его группировок в пределах ареала. Недавно Валентин Сергеевич скончался, но остались его многочисленные последователи, и в их числе его замечательная семья.
ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ ИЗМЕНЕНИЯ БЕРЕГОВОЙ ЛИНИИ В РАЙОНЕ СУРАБАИ (ИНДОНЕЗИЯ) С ПОМОЩЬЮ ДИСТАНЦИОННОГО ЗОНДИРОВАНИЯ, "Наука юга России"
Authors: Сафитри Д.А. , Беспалова Л.А. , Биоресита Ф. , Нугрохо Р.
Published: October 2021

Изменение береговой линии в прибрежных районах Сурабаи (Индонезия) вызвано абразией, аккумуляцией и антропогенной деятельностью. Вся деятельность человека в прибрежных районах Сурабаи оказывает влияние на береговую линию. Цель этого исследования состояла в том, чтобы выявить изменение береговой линии в прибрежных районах Сурабаи за период с 1994 по 2018 г. Для обнаружения изменения береговой линии был использован метод дистанционного зондирования. Данные были получены со спутников Landsat 5 (1994), Landsat 7 (2003) и Landsat OLI 8 (2018). Использовалось программное обеспечение Цифровой системы анализа береговой линии (DSAS) и статистический расчет скорости конечных точек (EPR). С 1994 по 2018 г. самая высокая средняя скорость аккумуляции зафиксирована в подокруге Калисари и составила 75,75 м/год, а самая высокая средняя скорость размыва берегов – в подокруге Вонорехо, 3,4 м/год. Аккумуляция и абразия происходят изза изменений в землепользовании. В Вонорехо из-за незаконной вырубки леса произошло сокращение мангровых зарослей. Кроме того, в Восточной Сурабае произошли изменения в землепользовании, связанные с созданием прудов и новых жилых районов. Антропогенная деятельность оказала воздействие и на несколько районов из-за строительства портов Танджунг-Перака и Телук-Ламонг. Для улучшения экологической ситуации необходимы постоянный мониторинг состояния прибрежных районов Сурабаи и сотрудничество между правительством и населением.
Analysis of Acceleration Characteristics of a Railgun
Authors: Lee Young-Hyun , Kim Seong-Ho , Lee Byung-Ha
Published: October 2021

To accelerate a launch mass with a low level of pressure as possible in a railgun, it is required to hold supplied current nearly constant during launch phase. We obtained the discharging conditions for required current shaping by modeling and analysis of circuit equations coupled to acceleration equation of the launch mass. The acceleration characteristics of the railgun in the conditions were analyzed by comparing experimental and theoretical results.
Angiogenic Sprouting Dynamics Mediated by Endothelial‐Fibroblast Interactions in Microfluidic Systems
Authors: Walji Noosheen , Kheiri Sina , Young Edmond W. K.
Published: October 2021

Angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels from existing vasculature, is a key process in normal development and pathophysiology. In vitro models are necessary for investigating mechanisms of angiogenesis and developing antiangiogenic therapies. Microfluidic cell culture models of angiogenesis are favored for their ability to recapitulate 3D tissue structures and control spatiotemporal aspects of the microenvironments. To capture the angiogenesis process, microfluidic models often include endothelial cells and a fibroblast component. However, the influence of fibroblast organization on resulting angiogenic behavior remains unclear. Here a comparative study of angiogenic sprouting on a microfluidic chip induced by fibroblasts in 2D monolayer, 3D dispersed, and 3D spheroid culture formats, is conducted. Vessel morphology and sprout distribution for each configuration are measured, and these observations are correlated with measurements of secreted factors and numerical simulations of diffusion gradients. The results demonstrate that angiogenic sprouting varies in response to fibroblast organization with correlating variations in secretory profile and secreted factor gradients across the microfluidic device. This study is anticipated to shed light on how sprouting dynamics are mediated by fibroblast configuration such that the microfluidic cell culture design process includes the selection of a fibroblast component where the effects are known and leveraged.
Ultralow Power Optical Synapses Based on MoS2 Layers by Indium‐Induced Surface Charge Doping for Biomimetic Eyes
Authors: Hu Yunxia , Dai Mingjin , Feng Wei , Zhang Xin , Gao Feng , Zhang Shichao , Tan Biying , Zhang Jia , Shuai Yong , Fu YongQing , Hu PingAn
Published: October 2021

Biomimetic eyes, with their excellent imaging functions such as large fields of view and low aberrations, have shown great potentials in the fields of visual prostheses and robotics. However, high power consumption and difficulties in device integration severely restrict their rapid development. In this study, an artificial synaptic device consisting of a molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) film coated with an electron injection enhanced indium (In) layer is proposed to increase the channel conductivity and reduce the power consumption. This artificial synaptic device achieves an ultralow power consumption of 68.9 aJ per spike, which is several hundred times lower than those of the optical artificial synapses reported in literature. Furthermore, the multilayer and polycrystalline MoS2 film shows persistent photoconductivity performance, effectively resulting in short‐term plasticity, long‐term plasticity, and their transitions between each other. A 5 × 5 In/MoS2 synaptic device array is constructed into a hemispherical electronic retina, demonstrating its impressive image sensing and learning functions. This research provides a new methodology for effective control of artificial synaptic devices, which have great opportunities used in bionic retinas, robots, and visual prostheses.
Highly Efficient and Stable Dion−Jacobson Perovskite Solar Cells Enabled by Extended π‐Conjugation of Organic Spacer
Authors: Xu Zhiyuan , Lu Di , Dong Xiyue , Chen Mingqian , Fu Qiang , Liu Yongsheng
Published: October 2021

2D Dion–Jacobson (DJ) perovskites have become an emerging photovoltaic material with excellent structure and environmental stability due to their lacking van der Waals gaps relative to 2D Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites. Here, a fused‐thiophene‐based spacer, namely TTDMAI, is successfully developed for 2D DJ perovskite solar cells. It is found that the DJ perovskite using TTDMA spacer with extended π‐conjugation length exhibits high film quality, large crystal size and preferred crystal vertical orientation induced by the large crystal nuclei in precursor solution, resulting in lower trap density, reduced exciton binding energy and oriented charge transport. As a result, the optimized 2D DJ perovskite device based on TTDMA (nominal n = 4) delivers a champion PCE up to 18.82%. Importantly, the unencapsulated device based on TTDMA can sustain average 99% of their original efficiency after being stored in N2 for 4400 h (over 6 months). Moreover, light, thermal, environmental and operational stabilities are also significantly improved in comparison with their 3D counterparts.
Cell‐Traction‐Triggered On‐Demand Electrical Stimulation for Neuron‐Like Differentiation
Authors: Liu Zhirong , Cai Mingjun , Zhang Xiaodi , Yu Xin , Wang Shu , Wan Xingyi , Wang Zhong Lin , Li Linlin
Published: October 2021

Electromechanical interaction of cells and extracellular matrix are ubiquitous in biological systems. Understanding the fundamentals of this interaction and feedback is critical to design next‐generation electroactive tissue engineering scaffold. Herein, based on elaborately modulating the dynamic mechanical forces in cell microenvironment, the design of a smart piezoelectric scaffold with suitable stiffness analogous to that of collagen for on‐demand electrical stimulation is reported. Specifically, it generated a piezoelectric potential, namely a piezopotential, to stimulate stem cell differentiation with cell traction as a loop feedback signal, thereby avoiding the unfavorable effect of early electrical stimulation on cell spreading and adhesion. This is the first time to adapt to the dynamic microenvironment of cells and meet the electrical stimulation of cells in different states by a constant scaffold, diminishing the cumbersomeness of inducing material transformation or trigging by an external stimulus. This in situ on‐demand electrical stimulation based on cell‐traction‐mediated piezopotential paves the way for smart scaffolds design and future bioelectronic therapies.
Metal‐Free, Base‐Promoted, Tandem Pericyclic Reaction: A One‐Pot Approach for Cycloheptane‐Annelated Chromones from γ‐Alkynyl‐1,3‐Diketones
Authors: Liang Yi‐En , Kan Chih‐Yu , Barve Balaji D. , Kuo Yao‐Haur , Fang Hsu‐Wei , Li Wen‐Tai
Published: October 2021

A microwave‐assisted, base‐promoted, tandem cyclization reaction strategy has been developed for the synthesis of cyclohepta[b]chromones and spiro cyclohepta[b]chromones. Readily accessible γ‐alkynyl‐1,3‐diketones undergo intramolecular cyclization and 7‐endo‐trig carbocyclization to afford various cycloheptane‐annelated chromones in one‐pot reactions. This metal‐free protocol also led to the generation of polycyclic ring with a new C−C bond and a new C−O bond.

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Estimating market power for the Chinese fluid milk market with imported products
Authors: Chen Yuquan , Yu Xiaohua
Published: October 2021

Market power exercised by large dairy brands is an important policy concern in China, while imported milk players have not received enough attention. In this paper, we construct a New Empirical Industrial Organization (NEIO) model to estimate the market powers of fluid milk products. Our results indicate the Chinese fluid milk market is imperfectly competitive where the top three domestic brands own strong market power, but there is no evidence to justify the existence of market power for the imported milk. It might be due to the high price elasticity of demand, inefficient sales channels, and entry barriers of imported fluid milk. In terms of policy implications, the government needs to create a more competitive market for the whole dairy industry. Overseas suppliers also need to improve their competitiveness by optimizing their sales network and enhancing consumers' brand loyalty. [EconLit Citations: Q13, L66, L52].
Bioinspired Multilegged Piezoelectric Robot: The Design Philosophy Aiming at High‐Performance Micromanipulation
Authors: Yu Hongpeng , Liu Yingxiang , Deng Jie , Li Jing , Zhang Shijing , Chen Weishan , Zhao Jie
Published: October 2021

Micromanipulation robots are powerful tools to explore and reform the microscope world, but it is difficult to integrate high precision, long stroke, strong carrying capability, and multi‐degree of freedom (DOF) motions in a single robot. To address this challenge, herein a bioinspired hexapod piezoelectric robot (PER‐hexapod) aiming at high‐performance micromanipulation is presented. Specifically, two piezoelectric elements are integrated in a functional module to provide 3‐DOF precise motions, the collaboration of six functional modules generates the multi‐DOF motions, and the multimode fusion of three gaits facilitates the cross‐scale motion. The robot outputs 6‐DOF motions with resolutions higher than 4 nm or 0.2 μrad, and unlimited traveling ranges of in‐plane motions are accomplished. PER‐hexapod, whose weight is 0.45 kg, can stably drive a carrying load of 10 kg. In addition, PER‐hexapod realizes the accurate positioning with the root‐mean‐square error less than 5 nm. Thus, it has potential applications in the precise positioning in a large range, such as the batch injection of multiple cells and micromachining on large surfaces. Not only PER‐hexapod, but many other robots can be also designed with the same philosophy to construct micromanipulation systems for various requirements.
Sorbitol Is a Severity Biomarker for PMM2‐CDG with Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Ligezka Anna N. , Radenkovic Silvia , Saraswat Mayank , Garapati Kishore , Ranatunga Wasantha , Krzysciak Wirginia , Yanaihara Hitoshi , Preston Graeme , Brucker William , McGovern Renee M. , Reid Joel M. , Cassiman David , Muthusamy Karthik , Johnsen Christin , Mercimek‐Andrews Saadet , Larson Austin , Lam Christina , Edmondson Andrew C. , Ghesquière Bart , Witters Peter , Raymond Kimiyo , Oglesbee Devin , Pandey Akhilesh , Perlstein Ethan O. , Kozicz Tamas , Morava Eva
Published: October 2021

Objective

Epalrestat, an aldose reductase inhibitor increases phosphomannomutase (PMM) enzyme activity in a PMM2‐congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) worm model. Epalrestat also decreases sorbitol level in diabetic neuropathy. We evaluated the genetic, biochemical, and clinical characteristics, including the Nijmegen Progression CDG Rating Scale (NPCRS), urine polyol levels and fibroblast glycoproteomics in patients with PMM2‐CDG.

Methods

We performed PMM enzyme measurements, multiplexed proteomics, and glycoproteomics in PMM2‐deficient fibroblasts before and after epalrestat treatment. Safety and efficacy of 0.8 mg/kg/day oral epalrestat were studied in a child with PMM2‐CDG for 12 months.

Results

PMM enzyme activity increased post‐epalrestat treatment. Compared with controls, 24% of glycopeptides had reduced abundance in PMM2‐deficient fibroblasts, 46% of which improved upon treatment. Total protein N‐glycosylation improved upon epalrestat treatment bringing overall glycosylation toward the control fibroblasts’ glycosylation profile. Sorbitol levels were increased in the urine of 74% of patients with PMM2‐CDG and correlated with the presence of peripheral neuropathy, and CDG severity rating scale. In the child with PMM2‐CDG on epalrestat treatment, ataxia scores improved together with significant growth improvement. Urinary sorbitol levels nearly normalized in 3 months and blood transferrin glycosylation normalized in 6 months.

Interpretation

Epalrestat improved PMM enzyme activity, N‐glycosylation, and glycosylation biomarkers in vitro. Leveraging cellular glycoproteome assessment, we provided a systems‐level view of treatment efficacy and discovered potential novel biosignatures of therapy response. Epalrestat was well‐tolerated and led to significant clinical improvements in the first pediatric patient with PMM2‐CDG treated with epalrestat. We also propose urinary sorbitol as a novel biomarker for disease severity and treatment response in future clinical trials in PMM2‐CDG. ANN NEUROL 20219999:n/a–n/a
Bottom‐Up versus Top‐Down Strategies for Morphology Control in Polymer‐Based Biomedical Materials
Authors: Cook Alexander B. , Clemons Tristan D.
Published: October 2021

The size and shape of polymer materials is becoming an increasingly important property in accessing new functions and applications of nano‐/microparticles in many scientific fields. New synthetic methods have allowed unprecedented capability for the facile fabrication of anisotropic and shape‐defined nanomaterials. Bottom‐up approaches including: emulsion polymerization techniques, amphiphile self‐assembly, and polymerization‐induced self‐assembly, can lead to polymer particles with precise dimensions in the nanoscale. Top‐down methods such as lithographic templating, and 3D printing, have increased the access to unique particle shapes. In this review, these recent developments are appraised and contrasted, with future research directions providing that focus on biomedical applications. Finally, the opportunity available for synergistic combinations of top‐down and bottom‐up fabrication approaches in realizing previously unattainable architectures and material properties is highlighted.
Chemoselective and Diastereoselective Synthesis of C‐Aryl Nucleoside Analogues by Nickel‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Furanosyl Acetates with Aryl Iodides
Authors: Li Yuxi , Wang Zheng , Li Luyang , Tian Xiaoying , Shao Feng , Li Chao
Published: October 2021

Canonical nucleosides are vulnerable to enzymatic and chemical degradation, yet their stable mimics—C‐aryl nucleosides—have demonstrated potential utility in medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and synthetic biology, although current synthetic methods remain limited in terms of scope and selectivity. Herein, we report a cross‐electrophile coupling to prepare C‐aryl nucleoside analogues from readily available furanosyl acetates and aryl iodides. This nickel‐catalyzed modular approach is characterized by mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, excellent β‐selectivity, and high functional‐group compatibility. The exclusive chemoselectivity with respect to the aryl iodide enables efficient preparation of a variety of C‐aryl halide furanosides suitable for various downstream transformations. The practicality of this transformation is demonstrated through the synthesis of a potent analogue of a naturally occurring NF‐κB activator.
A Unified View on Varied Ultrafast Dynamics of the Primary Process in Microbial Rhodopsins
Authors: Chang Chun‐Fu , Kuramochi Hikaru , Singh Manish , Abe‐Yoshizumi Rei , Tsukuda Tatsuya , Kandori Hideki , Tahara Tahei
Published: October 2021

All‐trans to 13‐cis photoisomerization of the protonated retinal Schiff base (PRSB) chromophore is the primary step that triggers various biological functions of microbial rhodopsins. While this ultrafast primary process has been extensively studied, it has been recognized that the relevant excited‐state relaxation dynamics differ significantly from one rhodopsin to another. To elucidate the origin of the complicated ultrafast dynamics of the primary process in microbial rhodopsins, we studied the excited‐state dynamics of proteorhodopsin, its D97N mutant, and bacteriorhodopsin by femtosecond time‐resolved absorption (TA) spectroscopy in a wide pH range. The TA data showed that their excited‐state relaxation dynamics drastically change when pH approaches the pKa of the counterion residue of the PRSB chromophore in the ground state. This result reveals that the varied excited‐state relaxation dynamics in different rhodopsins mainly originate from the difference of the ground‐state heterogeneity (i.e., protonation/deprotonation of the PRSB counterion).
Binäre 3D‐Mesokristalle aus anisotropen Nanopartikeln
Authors: Jenewein Christian , Avaro Jonathan , Appel Christian , Liebi Marianne , Cölfen Helmut
Published: October 2021

Binäre Mesokristalle ermöglichen die Kombination von Nanokristalleigenschaften in einer geordneten Überstruktur. Hier zeigen wir die simultane Selbstanordnung von Platin‐ und Eisenoxid‐Nanowürfeln zu μ‐großen 3D‐Mesokristallen mittels Gasphasendiffusion. Durch Zugabe geringer Mengen eines sekundären Partikeltyps, der auf nahezu identische Größe, Form und Oberflächenchemie zugeschnitten ist, erfolgte ein zufälliger Einbau von Fremdpartikeln in ein selbstorganisierendes Wirtgitter. Die zufällige Verteilung der binären Partikeltypen auf der Oberfläche und in ihrem Innern wurde mit Transmissions‐ und Rasterelektronenmikroskopie sichtbar gemacht. Die 20–40 μm großen binären Mesokristalle wurden mittels Weit‐ und Kleinwinkelstreuungstechniken genau charakterisiert, um eine Fernordnung auf atomarer Ebene im gesamten Kristall aufzuzeigen und Beweise dafür zu liefern, dass das Material aus einzelnen Bausteinen besteht. Durch Anpassung der Kristallisationsparameter ließ sich somit eine umgekehrte Überstruktur erzielen, bei der die inkorporierten Partikel und das Wirtgitter ihre Rollen tauschen.
Synergetic Cobalt‐Copper‐Based Bimetal–Organic Framework Nanoboxes toward Efficient Electrochemical Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Cheng Weiren , Wu Zhi‐Peng , Luan Deyan , Zang Shuang‐Quan , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: October 2021

The development of efficient oxygen electrocatalysts and understanding their underlying catalytic mechanism are of significant importance for the high‐performance energy conversion and storage technologies. Herein, we report novel CoCu‐based bimetallic metal–organic framework nanoboxes (CoCu‐MOF NBs) as promising catalysts toward efficient electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER), fabricated via a successive cation and ligand exchange strategy. With the highly exposed bimetal centers and the well‐designed architecture, the CoCu‐MOF NBs show excellent OER activity and stability, with a small overpotential of 271 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a high turnover frequency value of 0.326 s−1 at an overpotential of 300 mV. In combination of quasi in situ X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and density‐functional theory calculations, the post‐formed CoCu‐based oxyhydroxide analogue during OER is believed to account for the high OER activity of CoCu‐MOF NBs, where the electronic synergy between Co and neighbouring Cu atoms promotes the O−O bond coupling toward fast OER kinetics.