bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TERT genetic variability and telomere length as factors affecting survival and risk in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Dratwa Marta , Wysoczańska Barbara , Butrym Aleksandra , Łacina Piotr , Mazur Grzegorz , Bogunia-Kubik Katarzyna
Published: December 2021

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a neoplasm of immature myeloid cells characterized by various cytogenetic alterations. The present study showed that in addition to the FLT3-ITD and NPM1 mutation status, telomere length (TL) and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene polymorphisms may affect risk and overall survival (OS) in AML. TL was longer in healthy controls than in AML patients and positively correlated with age in the patients, but not in healthy subjects. TL was found to be independently affected by the presence of the FLT3-ITD mutation. As for the TERT gene polymorphism, AML patients with the TERT rs2853669 CC genotype were characterized by significantly shorter OS than patients carrying the T allele. Another observation in our study is the difference in TL and OS in patients belonging to various risk stratification groups related to the FLT3-ITD and NPM1 mutation status. Patients with adverse risk classification (mutation in FLT3-ITD and lack of mutation in NPM1) presented with the shortest telomeres and significantly worse OS. In conclusion, OS of AML patients appears to be affected by TERT gene variability and TL in addition to other well-established factors such as age, WBC count, or FLT3-ITD and NPM1 mutation status.
Comparing deuterium excess to large-scale precipitation recycling models in the tropics
Authors: Cropper Stephen , Solander Kurt , Newman Brent D. , Tuinenburg Obbe A. , Staal Arie , Theeuwen Jolanda J. E. , Xu Chonggang
Published: December 2021

Precipitation recycling is essential to sustaining regional ecosystems and water supplies, and it is impacted by land development and climate change. This is especially true in the tropics, where dense vegetation greatly influences recycling. Unfortunately, large-scale models of recycling often exhibit high uncertainty, complicating efforts to estimate recycling. Here, we examine how deuterium excess (d-excess), a stable-isotope quantity sensitive to recycling effects, acts as an observational proxy for recycling. While past studies have connected variability in d-excess to precipitation origins at local or regional scales, our study leverages >3000 precipitation isotope samples to quantitatively compare d-excess against three contemporary recycling models across the global tropics. Using rank-correlation, we find statistically significant agreement ($$\bar \tau = 0.52$$

τ

¯

=
0.52

to $$0.70$$
0.70
) between tropical d-excess and recycling that is strongly mediated by seasonal precipitation, vegetation density, and scale mismatch. Our results detail the complex relationship between d-excess and precipitation recycling, suggesting avenues for further investigation.
Growing environmental footprint of plastics driven by coal combustion
Authors: Cabernard Livia , Pfister Stephan , Oberschelp Christopher , Hellweg Stefanie
Published: December 2021

Research on the environmental impacts from the global value chain of plastics has typically focused on the disposal phase, considered most harmful to the environment and human health. However, the production of plastics is also responsible for substantial environmental, health and socioeconomic impacts. We show that the carbon and particulate-matter-related health footprint of plastics has doubled since 1995, due mainly to growth in plastics production in coal-based economies. Coal-based emissions have quadrupled since 1995, causing almost half of the plastics-related carbon and particulate-matter-related health footprint in 2015. Plastics-related carbon footprints of China’s transportation, Indonesia’s electronics industry and India’s construction sector have increased more than 50-fold since 1995. In 2015, plastics caused 4.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, 6% of global coal electricity is used for plastics production. The European Union and the United States have increasingly consumed plastics produced in coal-based economies. In 2015, 85% of the workforce required for plastics consumed by the European Union and the United States was employed abroad, but 80% of the related value added was generated domestically. As high-income regions have outsourced the energy-intensive steps of plastics production to coal-based economies, renewable energy investments throughout the plastics value chain are critical for sustainable production and consumption of plastics.
NEIL1 and NEIL2 DNA glycosylases modulate anxiety and learning in a cooperative manner in mice
Authors: Hildrestrand Gunn A. , Rolseth Veslemøy , Kunath Nicolas , Suganthan Rajikala , Jensen Vidar , Bugaj Anna M. , Fernandez-Berrocal Marion S. , Sikko Sunniva B. , Vetlesen Susanne , Kuśnierczyk Anna , Olsen Ann-Karin , Gützkow Kristine B. , Rowe Alexander D. , Wang Wei , Moldestad Olve , Syrstad Monica D. , Slupphaug Geir , Eide Lars , Klungland Arne , Sætrom Pål , Luna Luisa , Ye Jing , Scheffler Katja , Bjørås Magnar
Published: December 2021

Oxidative DNA damage in the brain has been implicated in neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. DNA glycosylases initiate base excision repair (BER), the main pathway for oxidative DNA base lesion repair. NEIL1 and NEIL3 DNA glycosylases affect cognition in mice, while the role of NEIL2 remains unclear. Here, we investigate the impact of NEIL2 and its potential overlap with NEIL1 on behavior in knockout mouse models. Neil1−/−Neil2−/− mice display hyperactivity, reduced anxiety and improved learning. Hippocampal oxidative DNA base lesion levels are comparable between genotypes and no mutator phenotype is found. Thus, impaired canonical repair is not likely to explain the altered behavior. Electrophysiology suggests reduced axonal activation in the hippocampal CA1 region in Neil1−/−Neil2−/− mice and lack of NEIL1 and NEIL2 causes dysregulation of genes in CA1 relevant for synaptic function. We postulate a cooperative function of NEIL1 and NEIL2 in genome regulation, beyond canonical BER, modulating behavior in mice.
A computational exploration of resilience and evolvability of protein–protein interaction networks
Authors: Klein Brennan , Holmér Ludvig , Smith Keith M. , Johnson Mackenzie M. , Swain Anshuman , Stolp Laura , Teufel Ashley I. , Kleppe April S.
Published: December 2021

Protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks represent complex intra-cellular protein interactions, and the presence or absence of such interactions can lead to biological changes in an organism. Recent network-based approaches have shown that a phenotype’s PPI network’s resilience to environmental perturbations is related to its placement in the tree of life; though we still do not know how or why certain intra-cellular factors can bring about this resilience. Here, we explore the influence of gene expression and network properties on PPI networks’ resilience. We use publicly available data of PPIs for E. coli, S. cerevisiae, and H. sapiens, where we compute changes in network resilience as new nodes (proteins) are added to the networks under three node addition mechanisms—random, degree-based, and gene-expression-based attachments. By calculating the resilience of the resulting networks, we estimate the effectiveness of these node addition mechanisms. We demonstrate that adding nodes with gene-expression-based preferential attachment (as opposed to random or degree-based) preserves and can increase the original resilience of PPI network in all three species, regardless of gene expression distribution or network structure. These findings introduce a general notion of prospective resilience, which highlights the key role of network structures in understanding the evolvability of phenotypic traits.
GlomSpheres as a 3D co-culture spheroid model of the kidney glomerulus for rapid drug-screening
Authors: Tuffin Jack , Chesor Musleeha , Kuzmuk Valeryia , Johnson Tim , Satchell Simon C. , Welsh Gavin I. , Saleem Moin A.
Published: December 2021

The glomerulus is the filtration unit of the kidney. Injury to any component of this specialised structure leads to impaired filtration and eventually fibrosis and chronic kidney disease. Current two and three dimensional (2D and 3D) models that attempt to recreate structure and interplay between glomerular cells are imperfect. Most 2D models are simplistic and unrepresentative, and 3D organoid approaches are currently difficult to reproduce at scale and do not fit well with current industrial drug-screening approaches. Here we report a rapidly generated and highly reproducible 3D co-culture spheroid model (GlomSpheres), better demonstrating the specialised physical and molecular structure of a glomerulus. Co-cultured using a magnetic spheroid formation approach, conditionally immortalised (CI) human podocytes and glomerular endothelial cells (GEnCs) deposited mature, organized isoforms of collagen IV and Laminin. We demonstrate a dramatic upregulation of key podocyte (podocin, nephrin and podocalyxin) and GEnC (pecam-1) markers. Electron microscopy revealed podocyte foot process interdigitation and endothelial vessel formation. Incubation with pro-fibrotic agents (TGF-β1, Adriamycin) induced extracellular matrix (ECM) dysregulation and podocyte loss, which were attenuated by the anti-fibrotic agent Nintedanib. Incubation with plasma from patients with kidney disease induced acute podocyte loss and ECM dysregulation relative to patient matched remission plasma, and Nintedanib reduced podocyte loss. Finally, we developed a rapid imaging approach to demonstrate the model’s usefulness in higher throughput pharmaceutical screening. GlomSpheres therefore represent a robust, scalable, replacement for 2D in vitro glomerular disease models.
ER-misfolded proteins become sequestered with mitochondria and impair mitochondrial function
Authors: Cortés Sanchón Adrián , Santhosh Kumar Harshitha , Mantovani Matilde , Osinnii Ivan , Mateos José María , Kaech Andres , Shcherbakov Dimitri , Akbergenov Rashid , Böttger Erik C.
Published: December 2021

Proteostasis is a challenge for cellular organisms, as all known protein synthesis machineries are error-prone. Here we show by cell fractionation and microscopy studies that misfolded proteins formed in the endoplasmic reticulum can become associated with and partly transported into mitochondria, resulting in impaired mitochondrial function. Blocking the endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria encounter structure (ERMES), but not the mitochondrial sorting and assembly machinery (SAM) or the mitochondrial surveillance pathway components Msp1 and Vms1, abrogated mitochondrial sequestration of ER-misfolded proteins. We term this mitochondria-associated proteostatic mechanism for ER-misfolded proteins ERAMS (ER-associated mitochondrial sequestration). We testify to the relevance of this pathway by using mutant α-1-antitrypsin as an example of a human disease-related misfolded ER protein, and we hypothesize that ERAMS plays a role in pathological features such as mitochondrial dysfunction.
Single-cell transcriptional profiling of splenic fibroblasts reveals subset-specific innate immune signatures in homeostasis and during viral infection
Authors: Pezoldt Joern , Wiechers Carolin , Erhard Florian , Rand Ulfert , Bulat Tanja , Beckstette Michael , Brendolan Andrea , Huehn Jochen , Kalinke Ulrich , Mueller Mathias , Strobl Birgit , Deplancke Bart , Čičin-Šain Luka , Sitnik Katarzyna M.
Published: December 2021

Our understanding of the composition and functions of splenic stromal cells remains incomplete. Here, based on analysis of over 20,000 single cell transcriptomes of splenic fibroblasts, we characterized the phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of these cells in healthy state and during virus infection. We describe eleven transcriptionally distinct fibroblastic cell clusters, reassuring known subsets and revealing yet unascertained heterogeneity amongst fibroblasts occupying diverse splenic niches. We further identify striking differences in innate immune signatures of distinct stromal compartments in vivo. Compared to other fibroblasts and to endothelial cells, Ly6C+ fibroblasts of the red pulp were selectively endowed with enhanced interferon-stimulated gene expression in homeostasis, upon systemic interferon stimulation and during virus infection in vivo. Collectively, we provide an updated map of fibroblastic cell diversity in the spleen that suggests a specialized innate immune function for splenic red pulp fibroblasts.
GFI1 tethers the NuRD complex to open and transcriptionally active chromatin in myeloid progenitors
Authors: Helness Anne , Fraszczak Jennifer , Joly-Beauparlant Charles , Bagci Halil , Trahan Christian , Arman Kaifee , Shooshtarizadeh Peiman , Chen Riyan , Ayoub Marina , Côté Jean-François , Oeffinger Marlene , Droit Arnaud , Möröy Tarik
Published: December 2021

Growth factor indepdendent 1 (GFI1) is a SNAG-domain, DNA binding transcriptional repressor which controls myeloid differentiation through molecular mechanisms and co-factors that still remain to be clearly identified. Here we show that GFI1 associates with the chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 4 (CHD4) and other components of the Nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex. In granulo-monocytic precursors, GFI1, CHD4 or GFI1/CHD4 complexes occupy sites enriched for histone marks associated with active transcription suggesting that GFI1 recruits the NuRD complex to target genes regulated by active or bivalent promoters and enhancers. GFI1 and GFI1/CHD4 complexes occupy promoters that are either enriched for IRF1 or SPI1 consensus binding sites, respectively. During neutrophil differentiation, chromatin closure and depletion of H3K4me2 occurs at different degrees depending on whether GFI1, CHD4 or both are present, indicating that GFI1 is more efficient in depleting of H3K4me2 and -me1 marks when associated with CHD4. Our data suggest that GFI1/CHD4 complexes regulate histone modifications differentially to enable regulation of target genes affecting immune response, nucleosome organization or cellular metabolic processes and that both the target gene specificity and the activity of GFI1 during myeloid differentiation depends on the presence of chromatin remodeling complexes.
Environment-sensitive emission of anionic hydrogen-bonded urea-derivative–acetate-ion complexes and their aggregation-induced emission enhancement
Authors: Takahashi Masaki , Ito Nozomu , Haruta Naoki , Ninagawa Hayato , Yazaki Kohei , Sei Yoshihisa , Sato Tohru , Obata Makoto
Published: December 2021

Anions often quench fluorescence (FL). However, strong ionic hydrogen bonding between fluorescent dyes and anion molecules has the potential to control the electronic state of FL dyes, creating new functions via non-covalent interactions. Here, we propose an approach, utilising ionic hydrogen bonding between urea groups and anions, to control the electronic states of fluorophores and develop an aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) system. The AIEE ionic hydrogen-bonded complex (IHBC) formed between 1,8-diphenylnaphthalene (p-2Urea), with aryl urea groups at the para-positions on the peri-phenyl rings, and acetate ions exhibits high environmental sensitivities in solution phases, and the FL quantum yield (QY) in ion-pair assemblies of the IHBC and tetrabutylammonium cations is more than five times higher than that of the IHBC in solution. Our versatile and simple approach for the design of AIEE dye facilitates the future development of environment-sensitive probes and solid-state emitting materials.
Pan-cancer analysis of the effect of biopsy site on tumor mutational burden observations
Authors: Papillon-Cavanagh Simon , Hopkins Julia F. , Ramkissoon Shakti H. , Albacker Lee A. , Walsh Alice M.
Published: December 2021

Background

Tumor mutational burden (TMB) has been proposed as a predictive biomarker of response to immunotherapy. Efforts to standardize TMB scores for use in the clinic and to identify the factors that could impact TMB scores are of high importance. However, the biopsy collection site has not been assessed as a factor that may influence TMB scores.

Methods

We examine a real-world cohort comprising 137,771 specimens across 47 tissues in 12 indications profiled by the FoundationOne assay (Foundation Medicine, Cambridge, MA) to assess the prevalence of biopsy sites for each indication and their TMB scores distribution.

Results

We observe a wide variety of biopsy sites from which specimens are sent for genomic testing and show that TMB scores differ in a cancer- and tissue-specific manner. For example, brain or adrenal gland specimens from NSCLC patients show higher TMB scores than local lung specimens (mean difference 3.31 mut/Mb;p < 0.01, 3.90 mut/Mb;p < 0.01, respectively), whereas bone specimens show no difference.

Conclusions

Our data shed light on the biopsied tissue as a driver of TMB measurement variability in clinical practice.
X-ray micro-computed tomography for heritage building materials
Authors: Analytical Methods Committee AMCTB No. 109
Published: December 2021

X-ray micro-computed tomography can provide information about the composition and internal structure of materials commonly found in heritage buildings such as natural stone, mortar, brick, concrete and wood.
Hierarchical microgroove/nanopore topography regulated cell adhesion to enhance osseointegration around intraosseous implants in vivo
Authors: Tian Yujuan , Zheng Huimin , Zheng Guoying , Hu Penghui , Li Ying , Lin Yi , Gao Qian , Yao Xiaoyu , Gao Rui , Li Changyi , Wu Xudong , Sui Lei
Published: December 2021

Schematic illustration of a microgrooved titanium surface with various diameters’ nanopores to regulate cell adhesion and osseointegration by upregulation of the integrin α2-PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.
2D Hybrid perovskite incorporating cage-confined secondary ammonium cations toward effective photodetection
Authors: Hua Lina , Chen Huaixi , Han Shiguo , Xu Haojie , Lu Lei , Tang Liwei , Wang Beibei , Luo Junhua , Sun Zhihua
Published: December 2021

A Ruddlesden–Popper hybrid perovskite was assembled by confining secondary ammonium cations into the inorganic framework, for which 2D quantum-well motifs render a fascinating photoresponse and effective photodetection properties.
Promoting the doping efficiency and photoluminescence quantum yield of Mn-doped perovskite nanocrystals via two-step hot-injection
Authors: Li Yacong , Wang Chuying , Hu Guangcai , Meng Wen , Sui Shiqi , Deng Zhengtao
Published: December 2021

We reported the synthesis of Mn-doped CsPbCl3 perovskite nanocrystals with a high doping efficiency of 48.5% and a high PLQY of 84.4% by a new two-step hot-injection strategy.
Electrochemically controlled cocrystallisation of caffeine:1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid
Authors: Kaliszczak Magdalena , Durand Pierrick , Wenger Emmanuel , Dossot Manuel , Jones Franca , Arrigan Damien W. M. , Herzog Grégoire
Published: December 2021

The formation of caffeine and 1-hydroxy-2-naphtoic acid cocrystals at a water–oil interface was controlled by potential difference, Δwoϕ, favouring one polymorphic form of the cocrystal.
Theoretical design of SnS2–graphene heterojunctions with vacancy and impurity defects for multi-purpose photoelectric devices
Authors: Zhou Zhonghao , Deng Jianjun , Zhang Xingchen , Chen Jinglong , Liu Jia , Wang Zhiyong
Published: December 2021

A SnS2/graphene heterojunction modified by vacancy and impurity defects: a potential material for spin optoelectronic devices.
Ammonia synthesis on BaTiO2.5H0.5: computational insights into the role of hydrides
Authors: Wang Kristen , Wu Zili , Jiang De-en
Published: December 2021

First principles investigation based on density functional theory reveals that both lattice hydrides and hydride vacancies are influential in the synthesis of ammonia over the (210)-Ti2O2 surface termination of the BaTiO2.5H0.5 oxyhydride.
Formation of pharmaceutical salts and cocrystals via vapour-assisted tumbling (VAT) – a solvent efficient process
Authors: Stirk Alexander J. , Souza Fabio E. S. , Gerster Jenny , Mir Fatemeh M. , Karadeolian Avedis , Rey Allan W.
Published: December 2021

Crystallisations on both the academic and industrial scale often use large volumes of solvent.
Supported nanocatalysts: recent developments in microwave synthesis for application in heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Ahmad Hasan , Hossain Mohammad Kawsar
Published: December 2021

MW-assisted synthesis enhanced the catalytic properties of supported nanocatalysts, which is desirable for industrial applications. However, the wide variations and complexities in MW methods need to be simplified, as demonstrated in the graphic.
Combined nanoarchitectonics with self-assembly and electrosynthesis for flexible PTCDIs@PEDOT films with interpenetrating P–N heterojunctions
Authors: Gao Nan , Xue Zexu , Yu Jiarui , Chen Shuai , Zang Ling
Published: December 2021

A novel synthesis method for fabricating large area, uniform bulk-heterojunction films with electron donor and acceptor materials homogeneously distributed among each other forming a bicontinuous network morphology is reported.
Local chemical fluctuation mediated ultra-sluggish martensitic transformation in high-entropy intermetallics
Authors: Wu Yuan , Zhang Fei , Li Fengshou , Yang Yi , Zhu Jiaming , Wu Hong-Hui , Zhang Yao , Qu Ruitao , Zhang Zhefeng , Nie Zhihua , Ren Yang , Wang Yandong , Liu Xiongjun , Wang Hui , Lu Zhaoping
Published: December 2021

Local chemical fluctuation was formed from the high-entropy design in a B2 lattice, which results in ultra-sluggish martensitic transformation and consequently superelasticity over a wide range of temperatures over 220 K.
Metal–organic framework functionalized sulphur doped graphene: a promising platform for selective and sensitive electrochemical sensing of acetaminophen, dopamine and H2O2
Authors: Nabi Shazia , Sofi Feroz Ahmad , Rashid Nusrat , Ingole Pravin P. , Bhat Mohsin Ahmad
Published: December 2021

We present a simple in situ self-assembly approach for crafting a heteroatom doped graphene supported MOF nanocomposite with excellent potential for selective and sensitive electrochemical sensing of clinically important molecules.
Study of a carbazole–bromobenzothiadiazole derived fluorescent molecular rotor: crystal structure, redox activity, and solvatofluorochromic effects
Authors: Chernick Erin T. , Abdollahi Maryam F. , Tabasi Zahra A. , Junge Marc J. , Zhao Yuming
Published: December 2021

A carbazole–benzothiadiazole based molecular rotor was systematically examined by experimental and modelling studies. The results disclosed interesting amphoteric redox activity and TICT emission that is sensitive to solvent polarity and viscosity.
Synthesis of benzimidazole/triphenylamine-based compounds, evaluation of their bioactivities and an in silico study with receptor tyrosine kinases
Authors: Arulkumar Mani , Yang Kai , Wang Neng , Penislusshiyan Sakayanathan , Palvannan Thayumanavan , Ramalingam Karthick , Chen Fuming , Luo Shi-He , Zhou Yong-Jun , Wang Zhao-Yang
Published: December 2021

The antiproliferative activity of AL-1 against various cancer cells indicated the applicability of the BI-TPA-based compound as a potential multi-cancer inhibitor.
Studies directed toward the synthesis of hedycoropyrans: total synthesis of des-hydroxy (−)-hedycoropyran B (ent-rhoiptelol B)
Authors: Kataria Priyanka , Nomula Rajesh , Kontham Ravindar
Published: December 2021

Studies directed towards the stereoselective synthesis of the diarylheptanoid-derived natural products hedycoropyrans leading to the total synthesis of (−)-hedycoropyran B (ent-rhoiptelol B) are presented.
Efficient lithium-metal battery based on a graphene oxide-modified heat-resistant gel polymer electrolyte with superior cycling stability and excellent rate capability
Authors: Wang Xiaoxiao , Zhao Huijuan , Deng Nanping , Li Yanan , Yu Ruru , Wen Yajie , Kang Weimin , Cheng Bowen
Published: December 2021

Fabrication of a PMIA fiber separator for lithium-ion batteries.
Role of Rho GTPases in stem cell regulation
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Liu Ming , Zheng Yi
Published: December 2021

The future of regenerative medicine relies on our understanding of stem cells which are essential for tissue/organ generation and regeneration to maintain and/or restore tissue homeostasis. Rho family GTPases are known regulators of a wide variety of cellular processes related to cytoskeletal dynamics, polarity and gene transcription. In the last decade, major new advances have been made in understanding the regulatory role and mechanism of Rho GTPases in self-renewal, differentiation, migration, and lineage specification in tissue-specific signaling mechanisms in various stem cell types to regulate embryonic development, adult tissue homeostasis, and tissue regeneration upon stress or damage. Importantly, implication of Rho GTPases and their upstream regulators or downstream effectors in the transformation, migration, invasion and tumorigenesis of diverse cancer stem cells highlights the potential of Rho GTPase targeting in cancer therapy. In this review, we discuss recent evidence of Rho GTPase signaling in the regulation of embryonic stem cells, multiple somatic stem cells, and cancer stem cells. We propose promising areas where Rho GTPase pathways may serve as useful targets for stem cell manipulation and related future therapies.
AT2R stimulation with C21 prevents arterial stiffening and endothelial dysfunction in the abdominal aorta from mice fed a high-fat diet
Authors: González-Blázquez Raquel , Alcalá Martín , Cárdenas-Rebollo José Miguel , Viana Marta , Steckelings Ulrike Muscha , Boisvert William A. , Unger Thomas , Fernández-Alfonso María S. , Somoza Beatriz , Gil-Ortega Marta
Published: December 2021

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Compound 21 (C21), a selective AT2R agonist, on the prevention of endothelial dysfunction, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and arterial stiffness associated with diet-induced obesity (DIO).

Five-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were fed a standard (Chow) or high-fat diet (HF) for 6 weeks. Half of the animals of each group were simultaneously treated with C21 (1 mg/kg/day, in the drinking water), generating four groups: Chow C, Chow C21, HF C, and HF C21. Vascular function and mechanical properties were determined in the abdominal aorta. To evaluate ECM remodeling, collagen deposition and TGF-β1 concentrations were determined in the abdominal aorta and the activity of metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9 was analyzed in the plasma. Abdominal aortas from HF C mice showed endothelial dysfunction as well as enhanced contractile but reduced relaxant responses to Ang II. This effect was abrogated with C21 treatment by preserving NO availability. A left-shift in the tension–stretch relationship, paralleled by an augmented β-index (marker of intrinsic arterial stiffness), and enhanced collagen deposition and MMP-2/-9 activities were also detected in HF mice. However, when treated with C21, HF mice exhibited lower TGF-β1 levels in abdominal aortas together with reduced MMP activities and collagen deposition compared with HF C mice.

In conclusion, these data demonstrate that AT2R stimulation by C21 in obesity preserves NO availability and prevents unhealthy vascular remodeling, thus protecting the abdominal aorta in HF mice against the development of endothelial dysfunction, ECM remodeling and arterial stiffness.
A NuSTAR observation of the eclipsing binary system OAO 1657-415: The revival of the cyclotron line
Authors: Saavedra Enzo A. , Fogantini Federico A. , Combi Jorge A. , García Federico , Chaty Sylvain
Published: December 2021

Context. OAO 1657-415 is an accreting X-ray pulsar with a high-mass companion that has been observed by several telescopes over the years, in different orbital phases. Back in 1999, observations performed with Beppo-SAX lead to the detection of a cyclotron-resonant-scattering feature, which has not been found again with any other instrument. A recent NuSTAR X-ray observation performed during the brightest phase of the source allows us to perform sensitive searches for cyclotron-resonant-scattering features in the hard X-ray spectrum of the source.

Aims. We aim to characterise the source by means of temporal and spectral X-ray analysis, and to confidently search for the presence of cyclotron-resonant-scattering features.

Methods. The observation was divided into four time intervals in order to characterise each one. Several timing analysis tools were used to obtain the pulse of the neutron star, and the light curves folded into the time intervals. The NuSTAR spectrum in the energy range 3–79 keV was used, which was modelled with a power-law continuum emission model with a high-energy cutoff.

Results. We identify the pulsations associated with the source in the full observation, and find these to be shifted due to the orbital Doppler effect. We show evidence that a cyclotron line at 35.6 ± 2.5 keV is present in the spectrum. We use this energy to estimate the dipolar magnetic field at the pulsar surface to be 4.0 ± 0.2  ×  1012 G. We further estimate a lower limit on the distance to OAO 1657-415 of ≃1 kpc. We also find a possible positive correlation between the luminosity and the energy associated with the cyclotron line.

Conclusions. We conclude that the cyclotron line at 35.6 ± 2.5 keV is the same as that detected by Beppo-SAX. Our detection has a significance of ∼ 3.4σ.
Impact of surface contamination on elemental composition of Crataegus sanguinea (Pall.) leaves
Authors: Sagaradze Valentina A. , Babaeva Elena Y. , Zagurskaya Yulia V. , Siromlya Tatyana I.
Published: December 2021

The leaves of C. sanguinea Pall. have the potential to accumulate dust on the surface. As the fine dust particles contain various chemical elements (ChEs), we studied the ChE composition in the leaves with different degrees of dust contamination to assess the impact on assay results. The samples of C. sanguinea leaves collected in the Kemerovo region (Russia) were divided into two groups based on the visual condition of plant material: clean leaves and dust contaminated leaves. The total ash assay revealed higher ash content, exceeding pharmacopoeial standards in the dust contaminated group. Dust contaminated leaf samples demonstrated significantly higher concentrations of many ChE: Si, Fe, Al, Na, Ti, Ni, Zr, Cr, V, Pb, La, Ga, Y, Sc and Yb comparing to non-contaminated plant material. The values of potentially hazardous ChEs were significantly lower than the maximum levels specified for medicinal raw materials in all studied samples.
Simultaneous determination of polyphenol content Vitis amurensis Rupr. by tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Razgonova Mayya P. , Kislin Evgeniy I. , Sabitov Andrey Sh. , Perminova Elena V. , Mikhailova Natalia M. , Golokhvast Kirill S.
Published: December 2021

Vitis amurensis Ruprecht contains a large number of polyphenolic compounds which are biologically active components. For the most efficient and safe extraction supercritical carbon dioxide was used. In this work, for the first time, a comparative metabolomic study of biologically active substances of wild grapes collected from five different places of the Primorsky and Khabarovsk territories is carried out. To identify target analytes in ethanol extracts of grape berries, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used in combination with an amaZon SL ion trap (manufactured by BRUKER DALTONIKS, Germany) equipped with an ESI electrospray ionization source in negative and positive ion modes. The mass spectrometer was used in the scan range m / z 100 - 1.700 for MS and MS / MS. Used fragmentation of the 4th order. Primary mass spectrometric results showed the presence of 94 biologically active compounds corresponding to the species V. amurensis, moreover, salvianolic acids F, D and G, oleanoic, ursolic, myristoleic acids, berbericinin, mearnsetin, esculin, nevadensin, stigmasterol, fucosterol, phlorizin, L-tryptophan identified for the first time in V. amurensis.
The use of biological fabaceae resources of the cretaceous south of Russia in breeding on the example of the species Melilotus albus medik
Authors: Kosolapov V.M. , Cherniavskih V.I. , Dumacheva E.V. , Tseiko L.M.
Published: December 2021

The morpho-biological traits of the breeding sample POD 17/13, created on the basis of genetic material of wild populations of M. albus of the Cretaceous south of the Central Russian Upland, were evaluated in comparison with the well-known zoned variety “Obskoy gigant”. The purpose of breeding work is to obtain a combination in one genotype of high yield traits of feed mass and leaf coverage; high protein content and low fiber content while maintaining seed productivity at the standard level. Three sets of field experiment were carried out: in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The setting years were the first years of life for the biennial M. albus crop. Individuals of the POD 17/13 breeding sample tend to increase the length of the growing season: by an average of 3.7 days in the first year of life, and by 7.3 days in the second year. According to the seed yield, the breeding sample M. albus POD 17/13 is at the standard level. In terms of protein content, the POD 17/13 variety significantly exceeds the standard in the first year of life by 6.8…9.2%, in the second - by 15.1…19.2%. At the same time, its herbage is more tender, since the fiber content in the aboveground mass is lower than that of the standard – in the first year of life – by 2.1…7.1%, in the second year of life - 6.9…9.9%. Thus, the POD 17/13 variety sample, created on the basis of the source material of wild populations of M. albus, is promising for obtaining a new variety based on it.
Development of in vitro culture establishment conditions and micropropagation of grapevine rootstock cultivar ‘Ruggeri-140’
Authors: Melyan Gayane , Barsegyan Andranik , Sahakyan Narek , Dangyan Kima , Martirosyan Yuri
Published: December 2021

Optimization of in vitro culture conditions of grapevine phylloxera-resistant rootstock cultivar ‘Ruggeri-140’(Vitisberlandieri x Vitisrupestris) was carried out. Among the different sterilization treatments, maximum aseptic cultures were obtained for both explants apical tips and nodal segments when treated with Ca(ClO)2 at concentration of 1.5 % for 10 minutes plus 70 % ethanol for 30 s (T7). The maximum shoot proliferation was observed both in apical and nodal meristems cultured on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l BAP. MS/2 medium containing 1.0 mg/l indole-3-butric acid (IBA) gave the highest rooting percentage (100%) with the highest mean number and length of roots. The ex vitro survival of rooted micro shoots was 75.0%.
The effectiveness of various cultivation technologies in the production of winter wheat and soybeans
Authors: Smurov S. , Grigorov O. , Zyuba S. , Gapienko O.
Published: December 2021

Experimented in Belgorod State University of Agriculture in 2009-2020 years researches was focused on the effectiveness of different technologies of growing field crops based both on recommendations contained in a collection of industry regulations, “Organizational and technological norm of growing agricultural crops in the Belgorod region” (2006 and 2014) [1, 2], and on the principles of No-Till. According to the results, yield for both technologies was almost identical in our conditions. The content of gluten in the grain of winter wheat and its quality also did not differ from the cultivation technologies. The same dependence on yield and protein content was also shown in soybean cultivation. Economic efficiency was higher by minimal technology.
Mechanisms to control grape erineum mite Colomerus vitis Pgst. in organic, biodynamic and traditional vineyards of the Crimea
Authors: Volkova Marina , Volkov Yakov
Published: December 2021

Eco-oriented organic and biodynamic vineyards no longer relying on pesticides in protection schemes are indicative of a current trend in grape and wine growing of the Crimea. In this connection, new solutions to reduce pests and diseases have to be sought for, and monitoring which includes both eco-faunistic research and prediction of the numbers of phytophages is becoming of primary importance in the system of control of injurious species on grapes. A wide distribution of grape erineum mite Colomerus vitis Pgst. was registered in the bearing study vineyards on the South Coast of the Crimea and in the south-west of the Peninsula though its economic damage is negligible. The risk of the detrimental effect of the mite in the young study vineyards during the first two years after planting was stated. Key mechanisms to regulate the numbers of C. vitis in the organic and biodynamic study vineyards were revealed, such as winter pruning of canes as part of farming practices, application of sulfur to control Erysiphe necator, and natural regulation by indigenous predatory species of mites and other insects.
Sensitivity of micromycetes of the genus Fusarium Link, causative agents of rot of the core of apple fruits, to the active substances of modern fungicides
Authors: Yakuba Galina , Astapchuk Irina , Nasonov Andrey
Published: December 2021

As a result of the studies, species-specific reactions of strains of the genus Fusarium Link of relative sensitivity to the active substances of chemical fungicides, in vitro, were noted. The drugs showed both very high biological effectiveness (BE) (100%) and very low (0 %). In suppressing the species F. sporotrichioides, the best result was shown by a mixed preparation based on fluopyram and pyrimethanil, as well as single-component - mefentrifluconazole and cyprodinil, for the species F. oxysporum - all three mixed preparations: fluopyram + pyrimethanil; tebuconazole + fluopyram and thiram + difenoconazole. It can be preliminarily concluded that the same active substances and their mixtures exhibit unequal activity against different strains of the same species from the genus Fusarium, the causative agent of apple core rot.
Efficiency of growth biostimulators in production of planting material of northern white cedar
Authors: Lopachev N.A. , Lobkov V.T. , Naumkin V.P. , Bykov A.L.
Published: December 2021

An assessment of the efficacy of preparations (Kornevin, SP; Albit, TPS; Epin-extra) in the production of planting material of Northern white cedar by vegetative propagation with wood cuttings under the conditions of the Central Black Earth Region of the Russian Federation is given on the example of the Orel region. All the studied preparations had a significant effect on the rooting process of cuttings. The obtained and analyzed data of phenological observations showed that the greatest effect on the acceleration of the onset of the of root formation phase had preparation “Albit, TPS”, 3-4 weeks earlier than the control. The number of formed cuttings and their length were also mainly influenced by “Albit, TPS”, which increased the average number of roots by 3 pcs., and their average length by 44 mm, in comparison with the control. The effect of the use of the biostimulator “Albit, TPS” had a significant influence on the number of established cuttings, providing 20 rooted cuttings or 28% more than in the control.
Comparative assessment of apple fruit storability during storage in different modes of the cooled medium
Authors: Plugatar Yu.V. , Sotnik A.I. , Denisova O.A. , Babina R.D. , Gorb N.N.
Published: December 2021

The article presents the research results of the effect of post-harvest treatment with Phytomag preparation of fruits of 21 apple tree varieties of domestic and foreign breeding on their storability and quality. The purpose of the research is to determine the effectiveness of the combined effect of such technological techniques as post-harvest fruit treatment with Phytomag preparation and their storage in conventional (CGD) and regulated (RGD) gas dynamics on the formation of quality and storability of apples grown in the Crimea. The data obtained showed that the treatment of fruits with an ethylene inhibitor Phytomag during storage in conventional and regulated gas dynamics reduces losses, depending on the variety, by 1.5-1.8 times. It is established that the processed fruits retain their original marketable appearance, have high quality components during the entire storage period and after opening the refrigerating chambers, selling the fruits and bringing them to the consumer. It is proved that in the conditions of the Crimea such varieties as Tavria, Krymskoye Zimnee, Krymskoye, Orion, Kimmeria, Brebern, Fuji, Idared, Pink Lady can be successfully stored in a conventional gas dynamic with post-harvest treatment with preparation inhibiting ethylene synthesis. The advantage of storage in regulated gas dynamic was shown by the varieties Aromat Kryma, Predgornoye, Golden Delicious, Crispin, Granny Smith, Glouster, Gala, Jonagold.
Biotechnological aspects of improving the quality of young brandy distillates
Authors: Chursina Olga , Zagorouiko Viktor , Legasheva Ludmila , Martynovskaya Alina , Udod Elena
Published: December 2021

In connection with the increasing demand in high-quality raw materials for brandy production, the research intended to solve the problems of industry associated with using of low-acid or low-sugar grapes is relevant. A promising direction for improving the quality of brandy outputs is the use of yeasts with desired properties and yeast metabolism products. The aim of the research was to study the effect of biotechnological agents on physicochemical composition and quality of base wines and young brandy distillates. The experimental Kl.marxianus-based enzyme preparation with high endopolygalacturonase activity, races of yeast S.cerevisiae pure culture and L.thermotolerans strain from the Magarach collection of microorganisms of winemaking were used as biotechnological agents. Analytical studies were carried out using conventional methods, gas and liquid chromatography. The research results showed that using of yeast endopolygalacturonase based on Kl.marxianus helps to increase the yield of must (by 6 %). The L.thermotolerans strain is effective for increasing the titratable acidity of base wines (by 1.3-2.1 times). For grapes with low sugar content, it is advisable to use S.cerevisiae yeast races with a high ester-producing capacity.
Features of the digitalization impact on the functioning of agricultural enterprises
Authors: Yechin N.M. , Kitayov Yu.A. , Kravchenko D.P. , Pak Z.Ch. , Chovgan N.I.
Published: December 2021

Digitalization of representatives of the agricultural sector of the Russian Federation is one of the defining directions in the modern conditions of their activities. A special role in the development of the agro-industrial complex digitalization is influenced by “Industry 4.0”, which identifies the development trends of most enterprises over the past 10 years. The article examines the features of digitalization impact on the functioning of agricultural enterprises. The evolution of technological patterns in agriculture is analyzed and the role of digitalization in the formation and development of modern technological production of agricultural products is revealed. Technological factors of updating the production base of agricultural enterprises are determined. The influence of digitalization on each separate subsystem of agricultural enterprises is considered with the determination of the overall synergetic effect.
Impacts of oil palm cultivation on soil organic carbon stocks in Mexico: evidence from plantations in Tabasco State
Authors: Brindis-Santos Alfredo Isaac , Palma-López David Jesús , Mata-Zayas Ena Edith , Palma-Cancino David Julián
Published: December 2021

There is a need for more studies on the effects of oil palm plantations on soil organic carbon storage and on the environmental services provided by these agrosystems in Mexico. This study focused on estimating the soil organic carbon stocks in three areas within oil palm plantations (palm circle, under the frond and between palm rows), at three soil depths (20, 40 and 60 cm) and comparing the carbon storage between different land-uses: a 20-year-old pasture (GS20), a 20-year-old oil palm plantation (OP20), and a secondary forest (SF20). Our results suggest that oil palm plantations store soil organic carbon mainly under frond areas when sown in lixisols and luvisols, with lower carbon sequestration in the palm circle. Regarding the soil depth, the estimated carbon storage was 87 Mg C ha−1and 67 Mg C ha−1at depths of 20 and 60 cm, respectively. Regarding land-use comparison, results indicate an increase (not statistically significant) in carbon storage to 27% at 20 cm depth and 18% at 60 cm between pasture and palm plantation. The second-growth forest presented higher carbon storage compared to both other land uses.
Lower semi-continuity for 𝒜-quasiconvex functionals under convex restrictions
Authors: Skipper Jack , Wiedemann Emil
Published: December 2021

We show weak lower semi-continuity of functionals assuming the new notion of a “convexly constrained” 𝒜-quasiconvex integrand. We assume 𝒜-quasiconvexity only for functions defined on a set K which is convex. Assuming this and sufficient integrability of the sequence we show that the functional is still (sequentially) weakly lower semi-continuous along weakly convergent “convexly constrained” 𝒜-free sequences. In a motivating example, the integrand is − det1/d−1 and the convex constraint is positive semi-definiteness of a matrix field.
Improvement of Ride Comfort Quality for an Earth-Moving machinery with Semi-Active Cab Isolation System
Authors: Van Quynh Le , Ha Dang Viet , Van Cuong Bui , Vu Le Anh , Van Thoan Tran
Published: December 2021

Improving ride comfort of earth-moving machinery is important to avoid potential health hazards for machine operator. A vehicle - road coupled interaction model including vehicle body, cab body and driver seat masses is set up under the random excitation of ground surface and a Fuzzy –PID controller is designed for control of the damping coefficient of a semi-active hydraulic cab isolation system (SHCIs) for an earth-moving machinery. The ride performance of SHCIs with a combined controller is evaluated under different movement conditions. The comparison results indicate that the proposed controller for semi-active cab hydraulic isolation system has the significantly improved vehicle ride comfort in compared with passive hydraulic cab isolation system (PHCIs) under large amplitude and low frequency excitations of ground surface.
Study on signs of defects in the image of the surface of flat-rolled products
Authors: Logunova Oksana , Kalandarov Palvan , Garbar Evgeny , Abdullaev Makhmud , Alimova Nodira , Matchanov Oybek , Abdullaev Khusniddin
Published: December 2021

Currently, more and more challenges of modern industrial enterprises require an increase in the reliability of the information on the quality of products. This becomes possible when using digital technologies to assess the quality of products. The cited publication discusses the technology for recognizing defects in the surface of sheet products in images obtained from cameras of the strip inspection system during rolling. The authors proposed a classification of the signs of defects in the image and highlighted the most significant of them also suggested using geometric, optical and spectral features for images of flat-rolled products containing defects of different classes. The research results at this stage, obtained during the processing of digital images, showed that to identify a defect and reduce false-positive and false-negative alarms of the automated defect identification system, it is required to conduct a study of interval estimates and make decision-making rules based on intersection and merging of intervals; introduce additional classes that allow the introduction of signs that characterize the irregularity of the shape of defects and the characteristic location; the use of new technologies of soft computing will reveal the hidden patterns of the manifestation of defects in the images of the surface of the steel strip.