bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple pygmy blue whale acoustic populations in the Indian Ocean: whale song identifies a possible new population
Authors: Leroy Emmanuelle C. , Royer Jean-Yves , Alling Abigail , Maslen Ben , Rogers Tracey L.
Published: April 2021

Blue whales were brought to the edge of extinction by commercial whaling in the twentieth century and their recovery rate in the Southern Hemisphere has been slow; they remain endangered. Blue whales, although the largest animals on Earth, are difficult to study in the Southern Hemisphere, thus their population structure, distribution and migration remain poorly known. Fortunately, blue whales produce powerful and stereotyped songs, which prove an effective clue for monitoring their different ‘acoustic populations.’ The DGD-Chagos song has been previously reported in the central Indian Ocean. A comparison of this song with the pygmy blue and Omura’s whale songs shows that the Chagos song are likely produced by a distinct previously unknown pygmy blue whale population. These songs are a large part of the underwater soundscape in the tropical Indian Ocean and have been so for nearly two decades. Seasonal differences in song detections among our six recording sites suggest that the Chagos whales migrate from the eastern to western central Indian Ocean, around the Chagos Archipelago, then further east, up to the north of Western Australia, and possibly further north, as far as Sri Lanka. The Indian Ocean holds a greater diversity of blue whale populations than thought previously.
Glutathione-related genetic polymorphisms are associated with mercury retention and nephrotoxicity in gold-mining settings of a Colombian population
Authors: Medina Pérez Olga Marcela , Flórez-Vargas Oscar , Rincón Cruz Giovanna , Rondón González Fernando , Rocha Muñoz Linda , Sánchez Rodríguez Luz Helena
Published: April 2021

Mercury (Hg) vapor can produce kidney injury, where the proximal tubule region of the nephron is the main target of the Hg-induced oxidative stress. Hg is eliminated from the body as a glutathione conjugate. Thus, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in glutathione-related genes might modulate the negative impact of this metal on the kidneys. Glutathione-related SNPs were tested for association with levels of Hg and renal function biomarkers between occupationally exposed (n = 160) and non-exposed subjects (n = 121). SNPs were genotyped by TaqMan assays in genomic DNA samples. Total mercury concentration was measured in blood, urine and hair samples. Regression analyses were performed to estimate the effects of SNPs on quantitative traits. Alleles GCLM rs41303970-T and GSTP1 rs4147581-C were significantly overrepresented in the exposed compared with the non-exposed group (P < 0.01). We found significant associations for GCLM rs41303970-T with higher urinary clearance rate of Hg (β = 0.062, P = 0.047), whereas GCLC rs1555903-C was associated with lower levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate in the non-exposed group (eGFR, β = − 3.22, P = 0.008) and beta-2-microglobulin in the exposed group (β-2MCG, β = − 19.32, P = 0.02). A SNP-SNP interaction analysis showed significant epistasis between GSTA1 rs3957356-C and GSS rs3761144-G with higher urinary levels of Hg in the exposed (β = 0.13, P = 0.04) but not in the non-exposed group. Our results suggest that SNPs in glutathione-related genes could modulate the pathogenesis of Hg nephrotoxicity in our study population by modulating glutathione concentrations in individuals occupationally exposed to this heavy metal.
Non-uniform model of relationship between surface strain and rust expansion force of reinforced concrete
Authors: Chen Fan-xiu , Zhong Yi-chen , Gao Xin-ya , Jin Zu-quan , Wang En-dong , Zhu Fei-peng , Shao Xin-xing , He Xiao-yuan
Published: April 2021

When operating within the environments rich with sodium chloride, steel bars of reinforced concrete structures are often subject to corrosion caused by surrounding erosive materials, and the associated rust expansion force due to corrosion takes a critical role in determining the durability of relevant reinforced concrete structures. By investigating the corrosion course of steel reinforcement with theory of elasticity, a numerical rust expansion model is established for the moment of concrete surface rupture based on non-uniform sin function. Cuboid reinforced concrete specimen with squared cross sections is tested to analyze the rust expansion when concrete cracks due to corrosive forces. The utility of the established expansion model is validated by numerical simulation with Abaqus through the comparison between the associated outcomes. The impacts of steel bar diameter and concrete cover thickness on the magnitude of rust expansion force are discussed.
Enzymes of an alternative pathway of glucose metabolism in obligate methanotrophs
Authors: Rozova Olga N. , Ekimova Galina A. , Molochkov Nikolai V. , Reshetnikov Alexander S. , Khmelenina Valentina N. , Mustakhimov Ildar I.
Published: April 2021

Aerobic methanotrophic bacteria utilize methane as a growth substrate but are unable to grow on any sugars. In this study we have shown that two obligate methanotrophs, Methylotuvimicrobium alcaliphilum 20Z and Methylobacter luteus IMV-B-3098, possess functional glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) and gluconate kinase (GntK). The recombinant GDHs from both methanotrophs were homotetrameric and strongly specific for glucose preferring NAD+ over NADP+. GDH from Mtm. alcaliphilum was most active at pH 10 (Vmax = 95 U/mg protein) and demonstrated very high Km for glucose (91.8 ± 3.8 mM). GDH from Mb. luteus was most active at pH 8.5 (Vmax = 43 U/mg protein) and had lower Km for glucose (16 ± 0.6 mM). The cells of two Mtm. alcaliphilum double mutants with deletions either of the genes encoding GDH and glucokinase (gdh─/glk─) or of the genes encoding gluconate kinase and glucokinase (gntk─/glk─) had the lower glycogen level and the higher contents of intracellular glucose and trehalose compared to the wild type strain. The gntk─/glk─ knockout mutant additionally accumulated gluconic acid. These data, along with bioinformatics analysis, demonstrate that glycogen derived free glucose can enter the Entner–Doudoroff pathway or the pentose phosphate cycle in methanotrophs, bypassing glycolysis via the gluconate shunt.
Investigating the effects of chronic perinatal alcohol and combined nicotine and alcohol exposure on dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic neurons in the VTA
Authors: Kazemi Tina , Huang Shuyan , Avci Naze G. , Akay Yasemin M. , Akay Metin
Published: April 2021

The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is the origin of dopaminergic neurons and the dopamine (DA) reward pathway. This pathway has been widely studied in addiction and drug reinforcement studies and is believed to be the central processing component of the reward circuit. In this study, we used a well-established rat model to expose mother dams to alcohol, nicotine-alcohol, and saline perinatally. DA and non-DA neurons collected from the VTA of the rat pups were used to study expression profiles of miRNAs and mRNAs. miRNA pathway interactions, putative miRNA-mRNA target pairs, and downstream modulated biological pathways were analyzed. In the DA neurons, 4607 genes were differentially upregulated and 4682 were differentially downregulated following nicotine-alcohol exposure. However, in the non-DA neurons, only 543 genes were differentially upregulated and 506 were differentially downregulated. Cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival pathways were enriched after the treatments. Specifically, in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, there were 41 miRNAs and 136 mRNAs differentially expressed in the DA neurons while only 16 miRNAs and 20 mRNAs were differentially expressed in the non-DA neurons after the nicotine-alcohol exposure. These results depicted that chronic nicotine and alcohol exposures during pregnancy differentially affect both miRNA and gene expression profiles more in DA than the non-DA neurons in the VTA. Understanding how the expression signatures representing specific neuronal subpopulations become enriched in the VTA after addictive substance administration helps us to identify how neuronal functions may be altered in the brain.
Primitive visual channels have a causal role in cognitive transfer
Authors: Saban William , Raz Gal , Grabner Roland H. , Gabay Shai , Kadosh Roi Cohen
Published: April 2021

Scientific investigations have long emphasized the cortex’s role in cognitive transfer and arithmetic abilities. To date, however, this assumption has not been thoroughly empirically investigated. Here we demonstrated that primitive mechanisms—lower visual channels—have a causal role in cognitive transfer of complex skills such as symbolic arithmetic. We found that exposing only one monocular channel to a visuospatial training resulted in a larger transfer effect in the trained monocular channel compared to the untrained monocular channel. Such cognitive transfer was found for both novel figural-spatial problems (near transfer) and novel subtraction problems (far transfer). Importantly, the benefits of the trained eye were not observed in old problems and in other tasks that did not involve visuospatial abilities (the Stroop task, a multiplication task). These results challenge the exclusive role of the cortex in cognitive transfer and complex arithmetic. In addition, the results suggest a new mechanism for the emergence of cognitive skills, that could be shared across different species.
Long lasting effects of early temperature exposure on the swimming performance and skeleton development of metamorphosing Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) larvae
Authors: Kourkouta Chara , Printzi Alice , Geladakis George , Mitrizakis Nikos , Papandroulakis Nikos , Koumoundouros George
Published: April 2021

Temperatures experienced during early ontogeny significantly influence fish phenotypes, with clear consequences for the wild and reared stocks. We examined the effect of temperature (17, 20, or 23 °C) during the short embryonic and yolk-sac larval period, on the swimming performance and skeleton of metamorphosing Gilthead seabream larvae. In the following ontogenetic period, all fish were subjected to common temperature (20 °C). The critical swimming speed of metamorphosing larvae was significantly decreased from 9.7 ± 0.6 TL/s (total length per second) at 17 °C developmental temperature (DT) to 8.7 ± 0.6 and 8.8 ± 0.7 TL/s at 20 and 23 °C DT respectively (p < 0.05). Swimming performance was significantly correlated with fish body shape (p < 0.05). Compared with the rest groups, fish of 17 °C DT presented a slender body shape, longer caudal peduncle, terminal mouth and ventrally transposed pectoral fins. Moreover, DT significantly affected the relative depth of heart ventricle (VD/TL,p < 0.05), which was comparatively increased at 17 °C DT. Finally, the incidence of caudal-fin abnormalities significantly decreased (p < 0.05) with the increase of DT. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence for the significant effect of DT during the short embryonic and yolk-sac larval period on the swimming performance of the later stages.
Strong association of glaucoma with atherosclerosis
Authors: Song Xianqin , Li Peng , Li Yunfeng , Yan Xinfeng , Yuan Lin , Zhao Cong , An Yi , Chang Xiaotian
Published: April 2021

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) catalyze the synthesis of HCO3- from H2O and CO2. The dysfunction of CAs leads to aqueous humor secretion and high intraocular pressure to cause glaucoma pathogenesis. Methazolamide (MTZ), a CA inhibitor, can effectively treat glaucoma by reducing aqueous humor secretion. We previously reported that carbonic anhydrase I (CA1), a CA family member, was highly expressed in atherosclerotic tissues of the aorta and stimulated atherosclerosis (AS) by promoting calcification. MTZ showed therapeutic and preventive effects on AS in a mouse model. The above findings suggest a relationship between AS and glaucoma. This study explored the possible association between AS prevalence and glaucoma prevalence and the therapeutic effect of MTZ on AS by analyzing medical records. Among 10,751 patients with a primary diagnosis of glaucoma, 699 (6.5%) were also diagnosed with AS. However, the incidences of AS in patients with keratitis and scleritis, which are also ophthalmic diseases, were 2.5% (206/8383 patients) and 3.5% (46/1308 patients), respectively. In the population without ophthalmic records, the AS prevalence was only 1.9% (99,416/5,168,481 patients) (all p values between each group were below 0.001). Among 152,425 patients with a primary diagnosis of AS, 1245 (0.82%) were also diagnosed with glaucoma. Among 199,782 patients with a primary diagnosis of hypertension (excluding AS), 1149 (0.57%) were diagnosed with glaucoma, and among 5,313,433 patients without AS or hypertension, 9513 (0.18%) were diagnosed with glaucoma (all p values between each group were below 0.001). Additionally, among 14 patients who suffered from both AS and glaucoma and were treated with MTZ to cure their glaucoma, 9 of them showed reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, the main index of AS, within 3 months after medication use (2.81 ± 0.61 mmol/L vs. 2.38 ± 0.58 mmol/L, p = 0.039). The above findings demonstrated a strong relation between AS and glaucoma and suggested that AS patients with glaucoma were more likely to suffer from angle-closure glaucoma.
Rapid, quantitative, and high-sensitivity detection of anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibodies using a novel CdSe/ZnS-based fluorescence immunosorbent assay
Authors: Li Chenxi , Qian Manyun , Hong Qiaozhen , Xin Xiaohong , Sun Zichun , Li Yafeng , Tang Bo , Gu Bing
Published: April 2021

Autoantibodies against M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) serve as specific biomarkers for idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN), and its quantification helps monitor disease activity. In this study, we describe a rapid and highly sensitive quantum dots-based immunochromatography assay (QD-ICA) for quantifying PLA2R autoantibodies. Serum samples from 135 biopsy-confirmed patients with nephrotic syndrome were analyzed for PLA2R autoantibodies using the novel QD-ICA as well as commercialized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) of QD-ICA were significantly greater than those of ELISA (91.1% [95% CI 85.9–96.3%] and 83.9% [95% CI 76.5–91.2%] respectively; p < 0.01). The detection sensitivity and specificity of QD-ICA (80.9% [95% CI 69.2–89.0%] and 100% [95% CI 93.2–100.0%], respectively) exceeded those of ELISA (72.1% [95% CI 59.7–81.9%] and 98.5% [95% CI 90.9–100.0%], respectively). The optimum cut-off value of QD-ICA was 18.18 relative units (RU)/mL, and the limit of detection was 2.86 RU/mL. The novel QD-ICA outperforms ELISA in detecting PLA2R autoantibodies, with shorter detection time, fewer steps, smaller equipment size, and broader testing application, suggesting its capability to improve IMN diagnosis and monitor patient response to treatment.
Pyramidal cell subtype-dependent cortical oscillatory activity regulates motor learning
Authors: Otsuka Takeshi , Kawaguchi Yasuo
Published: April 2021

The cortex processes information through intricate circuitry and outputs to multiple brain areas by different sets of pyramidal cells (PCs). PCs form intra- and inter-laminar subnetworks, depending on PC projection subtypes. However, it remains unknown how individual PC subtypes are involved in cortical network activity and, thereby, in distinct brain functions. Here, we examined the effects of optogenetic manipulations of specific PC subtypes on network activity in the motor cortex. In layer V, the beta/gamma frequency band of oscillation was evoked by photostimulation, depending on PC subtypes. Our experimental and simulation results suggest that oscillatory activity is generated in reciprocal connections between pyramidal tract (PT) and fast-spiking cells. A similar frequency band was also observed in local field potentials during a pattern learning task. Manipulation of PT cell activity affected beta/gamma band power and learning. Our results suggest that PT cell-dependent oscillations play important roles in motor learning.
Integrative miRNA–mRNA functional analysis identifies miR-182 as a potential prognostic biomarker in breast cancer
Authors: Murugesan Manikandan , Premkumar Kumpati
Published: April 2021

A flowchart depicting the integrative miRNA–mRNA functional analysis.
Spinel LiMn2O4 nanoparticles fabricated by the flexible soft template/Pichini method as cathode materials for aqueous lithium-ion capacitors with high energy and power density
Authors: Xiang Junyu , Zhang Pengxue , Lv Shixian , Ma Yongjun , Zhao Qi , Sui Yan , Ye Yuncheng , Qin Chuanli
Published: April 2021

LiMn2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by flexible Pichini method with expanded graphite as the soft template to effectively control particle size and agglomeration, contributing to high energy/power densities of its aqueous lithium-ion capacitor.
The supercapacitor electrode properties and energy storage mechanism of binary transition metal sulfide MnCo2S4 compared with oxide MnCo2O4 studied using in situ quick X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Hsu Su-Yang , Hsu Feng-Hao , Chen Jeng-Lung , Cheng Yu-Song , Chen Jin-Ming , Lu Kueih-Tzu
Published: April 2021

In situ extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis at the Mn K-edge and Co K-edge of MnCo2S4 nanowire as a supercapacitor electrode.
Synthesis and characterization of biobased thermoplastic polyester elastomers containing Poly(butylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate)
Authors: Kang Hailan , Miao Xiaoli , Li Jiahuan , Li Donghan , Fang Qinghong
Published: April 2021

A series of sustainable and reprocessible thermoplastic polyester elastomers P(BF-PBSS)s were synthesized using dimethyl-2,5-furandicarboxylate, 1,4-butanediol, and synthetic low-molecular-weight biobased polyester (PBSS).
A highly efficient microwave-assisted synthesis of an LED-curable methacrylated gelatin for bio applications
Authors: Abdollahi Baghban Sahar , Ebrahimi Morteza , Bagheri-Khoulenjani Shadab , Khorasani Manoucher
Published: April 2021

Highly crosslinked gelatin-based hydrogels were prepared via a green technique including a microwave-assisted methacrylation using glycidyl methacrylate or methacrylic anhydride and an LED-curing with a time, energy, and reagent-saving approach.
Enhanced energy storage density of all-organic fluoropolymer composite dielectric via introducing crosslinked structure
Authors: Li Xiongjie , Yang Ying , Wang Yiping , Pang Shuting , Shi Jingjing , Ma Xinchi , Zhu Kongjun
Published: April 2021

High energy density is achieved for all-organic composites by introducing crosslinked structure.
Enzymatic preparation of phytosterol esters with fatty acids from high-oleic sunflower seed oil using response surface methodology
Authors: Wang Xiaoping , Xiao Bing , Yang Guolong , Chen Jingnan , Liu Wei
Published: April 2021

Enzymatic preparation of phytosterol esters with fatty acids from high-oleic sunflower seed oil has been established with very mild reaction conditions.
Room temperature DMMP gas sensing based on cobalt phthalocyanine derivative/graphene quantum dot hybrid materials
Authors: Jiang Wenkai , Jiang Menglin , Wang Tao , Chen Xinwei , Zeng Min , Yang Jianhua , Zhou Zhihua , Hu Nantao , Su Yanjie , Yang Zhi
Published: April 2021

A high performance gas sensor based on a cobalt phthalocyanine derivative/graphene quantum dot hybrid material was fabricated for DMMP detection at room-temperature.
A biochar-promoted V2O5/g-C3N4 Z-Scheme heterostructure for enhanced simulated solar light-driven photocatalytic activity
Authors: Zang Ya-Ni , Yang Shan-Shan , Ding Jie , Zhao Shuang-Yang , Chen Cheng-Xin , He Lei , Ren Nan-Qi
Published: April 2021

A Z-scheme heterojunction is formed between g-C3N4 and V2O5. As electron transfer, BC makes the photogenerated carriers separate quickly and effectively.
Stabilized open metal sites in bimetallic metal–organic framework catalysts for hydrogen production from alcohols
Authors: Snider Jonathan L. , Su Ji , Verma Pragya , El Gabaly Farid , Sugar Joshua D. , Chen Luning , Chames Jeffery M. , Talin A. Alec , Dun Chaochao , Urban Jeffrey J. , Stavila Vitalie , Prendergast David , Somorjai Gabor A. , Allendorf Mark D.
Published: April 2021

Bimetallic (NixMg1−x)-MOF-74 stabilizes Ni2+ open metal site relative to Ni-MOF-74, resulting in a highly active and selective alcohol dehydrogenation catalyst.
Tailoring a LaMnO3 cathode for proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells: integration of high performance and excellent stability
Authors: Dai Hailu , Xu Xi , Liu Chao , Ma Chengjian , Zhang Qinfang , Bi Lei
Published: April 2021

Doping a LaMnO3 cathode with the Ca element produces a La0.5Ca0.5MnO3−δ cathode, which shows high performance for proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells, surpassing all similar cells, although the low basicity of Ca makes it an inappropriate doping element in traditional thinking.
Childhood Maltreatment Consequences on Social Pragmatic Communication: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Hyter Yvette D.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Maltreatment is a threat to child health and well-being and negatively influences all aspects of development, including language. Less seems to be known about the consequences that maltreatment has on social pragmatic communication. A systematic review of the literature was performed to summarize existing empirical research on complex trauma (the impact of maltreatment, including abuse and neglect, in the caregiving system) on social pragmatic communication of children and youth. The goal of this review article was to review the empirical evidence of the association between maltreatment and social pragmatic communication profiles of children.

Method

Research articles published between 1974, when the first comprehensive law of child protection was enacted, and 2020 were reviewed. Seven electronic databases were used to conduct the search for literature using several combined concepts related to social pragmatic communication and maltreatment. The inclusion criteria were that articles addressed any form of maltreatment, included participants aged 18 years or younger, and primarily focused on the impact of maltreatment on social pragmatic communication and that their method and findings were based on an experimental study. Studies were excluded if they were written in a language other than English, focused on adults, did not include the social pragmatic communication and maltreatment concepts, were a systematic review or meta-analysis, or were a theoretical rather than experimental study. A modified version of the Primary Research Appraisal Tool was used to determine key characteristics of each article.

Results

Thirty-eight articles met inclusion criteria for this study. Findings of these studies provide evidence that maltreatment has an impact on social pragmatic communication including social cognition, perspective taking, and belief attribution; executive functions including working memory; and pragmatic language including narrative discourse and the use of varied communicative functions.

Conclusions

The major findings have implications for knowledge and skills of speech-language and hearing professionals working with children and adolescents and for the type of assessment and intervention processes used to assess social pragmatic communication. Suggestions for future studies are provided.
Study of properties of jelly-fruit marmalade with herbal additives
Authors: Artamonova Maya , Piliugina Inna , Aksonova Olena
Published: April 2021

The results of studies of the properties of jelly-fruit marmalade with plant additives from Sudanese rose, rose hip and pumpkin during storage for 3 months are presented. It is shown that during the shelf life organoleptic, physicochemical quality indicators of marmalade with plant additives meet the requirements of current regulations, the color intensity is maintained. New products have a high content of β-carotene, anthocyanins, minerals, tannins and pectin.
Comparative characteristics of white and black ceylon tea based on morphological features of the leaf
Authors: Durnova Natalya , Simakova Margarita , Isaev Daniil , Simakov Alexander , Simakova Inna
Published: April 2021

The central question of the research was addressed to comparative characteristics of white and black Ceylon tea based on morphological features of the leaf. The relevance of the study is due significant increasing falsifications of black and white tea on markets in Russia and all around the world. It should be noted that tea is still incomplete and insufficiently studied crop, despite its centuries-old use in human nutrition. Thus, the purpose of this work was to study the microstructure of black and white tea to identify differences in morphological characteristics of the leaf and develop markers for identifying its variety. The objects of study of this work were white and black varieties OP1 teas of Nandana Tea Factory (Sri Lanka). In our research were used research methods includes organoleptic and microscopical methods. According to the results micro- and macroscopic studies of black and white tea samples showed that there are significant morphological differences in the structure of leaves of different varieties, such as the size and density of hairs, the density of stomata, the location of druses and sclereids, and outgrowths of the leaf edge. These signs can serve as reliable markers for identifying the grade of tea.
Creation of multi-component fruit and vegetable semi-finished products and confectionery on their basis with health properties
Authors: Zahorulko Andreii , Zagorulko Aleksey , Kasabova Kateryna , Gordienko Irina
Published: April 2021

A new method of production of multicomponent fruit and vegetable semi-finished products and sugar confectionery products, in particular pastilles, on its basis has been developed. The recipe of semi-finished products is chosen taking into account the health properties, which consists of apples, pumpkins, beets, sea buckthorn and chokeberry. For concentration processes during the production of the semi-finished product, advanced apparatus based on a radiating flexible film resistive electric heater (RFFREH) is used. Rational modes of processing of vegetable raw materials are set for the developed apparatus. Studies of structural and mechanical properties of the proposed multicomponent fruit and vegetable pastes and purees are presented. Analysis of these structural and mechanical properties shows the advantage of multi-component fruit and vegetable paste with apple puree – 30%, pumpkin – 20%, beets – 10%, sea buckthorn – 20% and chokeberry – 20%. The use of fruit and vegetable pastes in the technology of pastille gives the products a pleasant taste and aroma, due to which it is possible to use the paste as a natural flavor and dye, without the use of synthetic ones. The use of the developed fruit and vegetable paste in technologies of sugar confectionery, namely pastilles is offered. The optimal application of fruit and vegetable paste is 40% replacement of apple puree, which will provide a significant increase of physiologically functional ingredients in the product.
Catalytic and adsorption properties of materials based on natural alumosilicate modified with carbon
Authors: Fidchenko Mikhail , Alekhina Marina , Beznosyuk Anastasia , Varnavskaya Alika
Published: April 2021

Research of adsorption and catalytic properties of carbon mineral materials made of natural alumosilicates modified by carbon of organic substances for water purification from various organic impurities
Graphene field effect transistor for ultrasensitive label-free detection of ATP and Adenosine
Authors: Liu Jianjian , Tian Meng , Song Ruihong , Li Yingxian , Cao Zanxia , Li Qiang , Liu Jian , Xu Shicai , Wang Jihua
Published: April 2021

Because of unique electrical and structural properties, graphene has attracted widespread attention in biosensing applications. In this paper, a single layer of graphene was grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Using graphene as the electric channel, a graphene field effect transistor (G-FET) biosensor was fabricated and used to detect adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine. Compared with traditional methods, the G-FET biosensor has the advantages of higher sensitivity and better stability. The sensor showed high performance and achieved a detection limit down to 0.5 pM for both ATP and adenosine. Moreover, the G-FET biosensor showed an excellent linear electrical response to ATP concentrations in a broad range from 0.5 pM to 50 μM. The developed graphene biosensor has high sensitivity, simple operation, and fast analysis speed, which may provide a new feasible direction to detect ATP and adenosine. Healthy sexually mature male laboratory Wistar rats, weighing 180-200 gr (“FSUE “Nursery of laboratory animals “Rappolovo”) and having been placed under quarantine not less than for 14 days, were selected for the experiment.
Photodecolourization of congo red dye in presence of Ni3+ layered double hydroxide
Authors: Ryltsova Irina , Tarasenko Evgenia , Lebedeva Olga
Published: April 2021

Layered double hydroxide containing Ni3+ (Mg/AlNi-LDH) was successfully synthesized by co-precipitation in an oxidizing media. The resulted product was characterized using X-ray diffraction, wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The activity of Mg/AlNi-LDH in the process of photodegradation of Congo red dye using UV light irradiation was evaluated. The initial rate of photodegradation of the dye in the presence of LDH is 1.6 times higher than that of UV irradiated solution. The kinetic data obtained for photodegradation process can be adequately described by pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The presence of Mg/AlNi – LDH leads to increased photodegradation yield compared to destruction only by UV irradiation.
The effect of isostatic pressing on the quality indicators of plant products (the example of Lonicera Caerulea L.)
Authors: Sorokopudov Vladimir , Zinoveva Irina , Sorokopudova Olga , Kuklina Alla
Published: April 2021

The results of studying quality indicators (organoleptic, physicochemical, microbiological) puree from the fruits of Lonicera caerulea L. (blue honeysuckle) before and after pressure treatment are presented. It was found that organoleptic and microbiological indicators meet the requirements established by the standard for these products. The content of organic acids in the puree during processing increases due to an increase in the level of lactic acid as a result of the destruction of sugars. The amount of vitamin C and sugars is reduced slightly. The content of anthocyanins undergoes the greatest changes, the amount of which decreases to a greater extent compared with other studied substances.
Mobility of сarbohydrates in tulip bulbs
Authors: Glubsheva Tatyana , Dumacheva Elena , Grigorenko Svetlana , Zyateva Elizaveta , Tarasenko Evgenia
Published: April 2021

Quantitative determination of carbohydrates in Tulip bulbs by spectrophotometry using a method that allows determining the content of monosaccharides, soluble oligosaccharides and starch in a single sample was conducted. The mobility of carbohydrates within the Tulip bulb in conditions of forcing and growing in the open ground is demonstrated.
The use of the scientific and cognitive potential of the museum of nature for forming inclusive culture in future teachers
Authors: Grechitaeva Marina , Kolokoltseva Marionella
Published: April 2021

The article analyses the innovative pedagogical technology of using the potential of natural science collections of nature museums, exposition and exhibition complexes, school mini-museums in new inclusion conditions for Russian education. The study is aimed at finding the most effective ways of forming an inclusive culture among future teachers included in exhibition activities on the basis of nature museums. Based on a synthesis of foreign and Russian experience in the formation of an inclusive culture among students, future teachers, a set of the most effective pedagogical tools, methods, techniques and forms of organization of the process under study has been determined. Specially developed diagnostic tools (criteria, indicators, levels, diagnostic methods) made it possible to analyse the experimental data obtained as a result of the application of empirical research methods: observation and interrogation. It was revealed that a common component of environmental culture, the formation of which is one of the most important areas of activity of nature museums, and inclusive culture is the formation of a valuable attitude to the diversity of the natural world and the human world. The huge educational potential of the natural science collections of nature museums, exposition and exhibition complexes, which allows students to increase their interest in studying nature, ecology, has been confirmed. The conditions of the exhibition and exhibition complexes make it possible to organize the work of groups of students, including students with disabilities, to study the objects of the world, as well as to teach excursions and quests for visitors with disabilities.
Biochemical composition of black currant berries (Ribes Nigrum L.) for development of new cultivars in Bashkortostan
Authors: Nigmatzyanov Radmil , Sorokopudov Vladimir , Nazaryuk Nadezhda
Published: April 2021

The paper presents the results of researches of the biochemical composition of black currant berries (Ribes nigrum L.), cultivated in the Republic of Bashkortostan. The objects of the research were cultivars breeding of the Bashkir Research Institute of Agriculture: Valovaya (control), Karaidel, Chishma, Kushnarenkovskaya, Belskaya and Estafeta. Observations have been carried out for 12 years (2006-2017). Differences in the accumulation of components of the biochemical composition are shown in dependence of the varietal peculiarities of the crop. Cultivars that can be used in breeding as sources of individual economically valuable sources are selected.
Structural features of the vegetative bodies of Hibiscus syriacus L. (Sev. Malvaceae Juss.) growing under the conditions in Uzbekistan
Authors: Rakhimov Abdikhofiz , Yoziev Lutfullo , Duschanova Guljan
Published: April 2021

The article studies the anatomical structure of the vegetative organs, stems, leaves and leaf blades of Hibiscus syriacus L. in Uzbekistan for the first time.
Health ecology: factors of spread and consequences of viral hepatitis manifestation
Authors: Vetrova Ludmila , Pogrebnyak Tatyana , Khorolskaya Elena , Sagalaeva Irina , Maslova Darya
Published: April 2021

The features of viral hepatitis B (HB) and C (HC) in the initial making of these diagnoses in three age groups of men and women (25-30, 31-55 years old for women and 31-60 years old for men, over 55 for women and 60 years old for men) were studied. High levels of bilirubin in the blood serum in all groups indicated damage of the functions of hepatocytes, especially in men with hepatitis B, in women with hepatitis C. The high ALT activity indicated an increase in cytolytic processes in liver hepatocytes in all groups with viral HB and HC, especially in men of the younger group, in women of the younger and middle-aged groups. The high concentration of AST indicated early stages of HC infection in all age groups, especially in the younger group of men with liver, heart, kidney and muscle damage. A positive thymol test in all groups of men and women with HB and HC indicated a shift in the protein balance along the path of pathologically enhanced synthesis of γ-globulins in hepatocytes and the removal of albumins from the body. The concentration of β-lipoproteins in the blood serum only in men of the younger group with hepatitis C corresponded to the norm, in other groups with HB or HC this parameter exceeded it by an average of 1.5 times, noting a violation of lipid metabolism in hepatocytes of the liver.
Biotechnological potential of fungi and bacteria with ligninolytic activity (mini-review)
Authors: Kurkina Yulia , Travkin Vasili , Solyanikova Inna
Published: April 2021

The presented mini-review gives a general idea of oxidative enzymes of fungi and bacteria. Possible directions of their practical application are shown.
Recent achievements in the field of research of pathogens and methods of treatment and prevention of Mortellaro Disease
Authors: Belyakova Natalya , Kovalenko Anatolyi , Bodrova Yuliya , Oskolskaya Viktoriya
Published: April 2021

In the course of research on the search for substances active in the fight against Mortellaro’s disease, a drug for the treatment and prevention of skin and skin diseases was developed and tested on the basis of zinc and copper metals immersed in the niosomal structures with the addition of Dimethicone copolyol. These components were selected as proven antiseptic. The therapeutic effect was compared at different concentrations of metals in the drug. Practical experiments have shown a high therapeutic effectiveness of the received drug for the treatment of skin and skin diseases of animals, including Mortellaro disease.
One-two punch of techniques helps pin down the activated configuration of KcsA ion channel
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: April 2021

Combining experiment and simulation to identify the activated state of a biologically important potassium channel.
Effects of flexoelectricity and strain gradient on bending vibration characteristics of piezoelectric semiconductor nanowires
Authors: Zhao Minghao , Niu Jianan , Lu Chunsheng , Wang Bingbing , Fan Cuiying
Published: April 2021

In this paper, the governing equation of a piezoelectric semiconductor (PSC) is derived after a consideration of flexoelectricity and the strain gradient effect. A one-dimensional first-order beam model is obtained through integration across its section. Based on this model, theoretical analysis is carried out for a cantilever PSC nanowire subjected to a time-harmonic transverse shear force. The effects of flexoelectricity and the strain gradient on bending vibration characteristics are investigated, including the natural frequencies and distributions of physical quantities. The results show that the strain gradient effect on the natural frequency and stiffness of a PSC nanowire is greater than that of flexoelectricity, while with regard to the influence on electric potential and carrier concentration, the reverse is true. Our findings shed light on the design and optimization of PSC devices such as energy harvesters at the nanoscale.
Selective inhibition of melanoma and basal cell carcinoma cells by short-lived species, long-lived species, and electric fields generated from cold plasma
Authors: Chien Po-Chien , Chen Chao-Yu , Cheng Yun-Chien , Sato Takehiko , Zhang Rui-Zhe
Published: April 2021

This study investigated the effects of atmospheric-pressure cold plasma-generated short-lived species, long-lived species, and electric fields on skin melanoma and basal cell carcinoma cells (A2058 cells, BCC cells) and normal cells (BJ cells, Detroit 551 cells). Previous studies showed that either plasma-generated species or electric fields can cause cell apoptosis, but the effects of plasma-generated short-lived species, long-lived species, and electric fields on skin cancer cells have not been fully investigated yet. In this research, we adjusted the distance between the cells and plasma–medium interface to treat the cells with different concentrations of short-lived species such as •OH. A phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)–agarose gel was used to cover the PBS solution surface to prevent the plasma-generated species entering the liquid, ensuring the cells were treated with the electric field only. We compared cell viability and apoptosis to determine which factor had a greater impact on the cells. The results showed that the penetration depth of •OH in PBS reached ∼0.6 mm. With our experimental setup, long-lived species and electric field generated by the plasma did not have significant effects on either the normal or cancer skin cells. By contrast, the short-lived species significantly inhibited the viability and induced apoptosis of skin cancer cells but not the normal skin cells. By comparing the effects of plasma-generated short-lived species, long-lived species, and electric field on skin cancer cells (A2058, BCC) and normal cells (BJ, Detroit 551), this study verified that short-lived species in plasma inhibit skin cancer cells more than normal skin cells.
Numerical investigation of instability and transition to chaos in electro-convection of dielectric liquids between concentric cylinders
Authors: Huang Junyu , Wang Qi , Guan Yifei , Du Zhonglin , Deepak Selvakumar R. , Wu Jian
Published: April 2021

The two-dimensional (2D) electro-convection (EC) flow of dielectric liquids between two concentric cylindrical electrodes driven by unipolar injection of ions is investigated numerically. The finite volume method is used to resolve the spatiotemporal distributions of the flow field, electric field, and charge density. The flow transition routes from steady laminar to chaotic flow states are studied in various scenarios where the mobility parameter M of the dielectric liquids varies from 5 to 200. The dynamic characteristics and bifurcation routes of the EC flow depend on the electric Rayleigh number T, a ratio of the electric force to viscous force, and the mobility parameter M. For increasing T, three different transition routes from a convective steady-state to chaos via different intermediate states are observed. The flow states have been quantified by the power spectral density distribution and phase space trajectory of the velocity. The fractal dimensions and Lyapunov exponents are calculated to identify the chaotic flow. The increase in the mobility parameter M leads to a shorter and more direct route with fewer intermediate states when bifurcating to chaos. In addition, the power scale of charge transport that is defined by the electric Nusselt number Ne and T is discussed when the EC flow develops into electro-turbulence.
Violet phosphorus surface chemical degradation in comparison to black phosphorus
Authors: Fali Alireza , Snure Michael , Abate Yohannes
Published: April 2021

Bulk growth methods have made it possible to synthesize several allotropes of phosphorus such as black, white, red, and violet phosphorus. However, unlike exfoliated black phosphorus (BP), which has been extensively studied, much of the optoelectronic properties and stability of the other allotropes have yet to be comprehensively investigated. Here, we study the chemical degradation of exfoliated violet phosphorus (VP) in comparison to BP under ambient conditions using nanoscale infrared spectroscopy and imaging. We identify oxidized phosphorus species that result from chemical reaction processes on the surfaces of these phosphorus allotropes. We have found that VP exhibits a noticeably different and slower degradation process when compared to BP, establishing it as the more stable of the two allotropes. A better understanding of the stability of VP could lead to the further fundamental study of its monolayer form for potential future applications.
New perspective on chiral exceptional points with application to discrete photonics
Authors: Hashemi A. , Rezaei S. M. , Özdemir S. K. , El-Ganainy R.
Published: April 2021

Chiral exceptional points (CEPs) have been shown to emerge in traveling wave resonators via asymmetric back scattering from two or more nano-scatterers. Here, we provide a new perspective on the formation of CEPs based on the coupled oscillator model. Our approach provides an intuitive understanding for the modal coalescence that signals the emergence of CEPs and emphasizes the role played by dissipation throughout this process. In doing so, our model also unveils an otherwise unexplored connection between CEPs and other types of exceptional points associated with parity-time symmetric photonic arrangements. In addition, our model also explains qualitative results observed in recent experimental work involving CEPs. Importantly, the tight-binding nature of our approach allows us to extend the notion of CEP to discrete photonics setups that consist of coupled resonator and waveguide arrays, thus opening new avenues for exploring the exotic features of CEPs in conjunction with other interesting physical effects such as nonlinearities and topological protections.
Oxidation pathway to the titanium dioxide metasurface for harnessing photoluminescence
Authors: Murai Shunsuke , Zhang Feifei , Aichi Koki , Tanaka Katsuhisa
Published: April 2021

Although titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a promising constituent of the metasurface operative in the visible, the experimental demonstration is limited so far because TiO2 is intrinsically chemically/physically stable and is hard to be processed into nanostructures with high precision. In this paper, we develop a facile pathway to fabricate the TiO2 metasurface via oxidation of Ti nanoparticle array that can be made by the conventional lift-off process. Under an optimized heat-treatment procedure in air, Ti nanoparticles are converted to TiO2 nanoparticles with a size expansion predictable by the molar volume mismatch between Ti and TiO2, while the global periodic arrangement is retained. We apply this technique to a Ti nanoparticle array fabricated on the phosphor plate of yttrium aluminum garnet doped with Ce3+ (YAG:Ce) and demonstrate the directional outcoupling of emission through the metasurface. The photoluminescence from the YAG:Ce plate is directionally enhanced in the forward direction, as large as three times as much compared to that from the flat YAG:Ce plate without the metasurface. Because of the high transparency and lossless feature of TiO2 in the visible, the present metasurface does not lower the total quantum yield of the system consisting of the YAG:Ce plate and the TiO2 metasurface, which is beneficial for the solid-state-lighting application.
Electric field effect on the thermal conductivity of wurtzite GaN
Authors: Quan Yujie , Yue Sheng-Ying , Liao Bolin
Published: April 2021

Gallium nitride (GaN), a wide bandgap semiconductor, has been broadly used in power electronic devices due to its high electron mobility and high breakdown voltage. Its relatively high thermal conductivity makes GaN a favorable material for such applications, where heat dissipation is a major concern for device efficiency and long-term stability. However, in GaN-based transistors, where the active region can withstand extremely strong electric fields, the field effect on the thermal transport properties has drawn little attention so far. In this work, we apply first-principles methods to investigate phonon properties of wurtzite GaN in the presence of a near-breakdown electric field applied along different crystallographic directions. We find that the electric field changes thermal conductivity considerably via impacting the bond stiffness, ionicity, anharmonicity, and the crystal symmetry, although it has little effect on phonon dispersions. The presence of an out-of-plane electric field increases (decreases) the thermal conductivity parallel (perpendicular) to the electric field, which is attributed to different changes in the Ga–N bond stiffness and ionicity and the scattering rates of phonons traveling along different directions. When an in-plane electric field is applied, the sizable decrease in thermal conductivities along all directions is attributed to the crystal symmetry breaking that enhances the phonon–phonon scattering. Our study provides insight into the effect of extreme external electric fields on phonon transport properties in wide-gap semiconductors.
Perspectives on spintronic diodes
Authors: Finocchio G. , Tomasello R. , Fang B. , Giordano A. , Puliafito V. , Carpentieri M. , Zeng Z.
Published: April 2021

Spintronic diodes are emerging as disruptive candidates for impacting several technological applications ranging from the Internet of things to artificial intelligence. Here, an overview of the recent achievements on spintronic diodes is briefly presented, underlying the major breakthroughs that have led these devices to have the largest sensitivity measured to date for a diode. For each class of spintronic diodes (passive, active, resonant, nonresonant), we indicate the remaining developments to improve the performances as well as the future directions. We also devoted the last part of this Perspective to ideas for developing spintronic diodes in multiphysics systems by combining two-dimensional materials and antiferromagnets.