bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State of the art and prospects in the development of proton‐conducting perfluorinated membranes with short side chains: A review
Authors: Primachenko Oleg N. , Marinenko Elena A. , Odinokov Alexey S. , Kononova Svetlana V. , Kulvelis Yuri V. , Lebedev Vasily T.
Published: December 2020

The review is devoted to key problems in the development of modern proton‐conducting membranes for hydrogen power assuming its progress for using in fuel cells working at enhanced temperatures without catalysts poisoning and providing stable high proton conductivity and improved mechanical properties. Modern trends in the synthesis approaches such as application of emulsion polymerization and novel efforts for the modification of polymer membranes by chemically stable nanoparticles, carrying protons, are discussed as compared to commercially used membrane materials such as Nafion and Aquivion. The crucial role of advanced structural methods to recognize subtle features of molecular ordering and formation of conducting channels in membranes is considered, focusing on neutron scattering as the most powerful instrument for the analysis of ionomers and other nanoscale structures by means of selective isotopic contrasting structural elements in membrane materials. The integration of novel methods of emulsion polymerization and use of nanodiamonds and other nanoparticles embedded into polymer matrices is prospective in the creation of new generations of membrane materials with higher functional properties.
Rubber injection molding: Applying multivariate statistics to identify quality issues solely from process signals
Authors: Hutterer Thomas , Berger‐Weber Gerald Roman , Kerschbaumer Roman Christopher , Friesenbichler Walter
Published: December 2020

Injection‐molded rubber parts are widely used in automotive, aeronautical, and industrial engineering applications Therefore, such rubber parts are often critical to the safe operation of the entire system, and part failure can result in significant human or environmental damage. To avoid shipping any parts of subpar quality, manufacturers need to continuously monitor the quality of their product. xIn this work, we apply a principal component analysis (PCA) based process monitoring method. This method is able to detect process fluctuations (faults) in real‐time solely from sensor data features, only requiring pretraining on data from about 10 in‐control cycles. Specific faults were set to critically affect the dynamic performance of the manufactured NBR rubber parts. Fisher discriminant analysis (FDA) was employed to automatically cluster individual molding cycles into those of being in control, those of defectives caused by unfavorable raw material storage and those of out‐of‐tolerance induced by an overheated mold, again solely from sensor data. Both PCA fault detection and FDA fault identification decisions were validated by oscillatory rheology and dynamic compression testing of the manufactured parts. This combined method approach is scalable, transferable, and can be implemented on standard industrial injection molding equipment.
Early‐stage lung adenocarcinoma treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy using a combined deep inspiration breath hold and free breathing technique: case report and literature review
Authors: Arbab Mona , Bartlett Gregory , DesRosiers Colleen , Maxim Peter G , Lautenschlaeger Tim
Published: December 2020

This case report introduces a new stereotactic body radiation therapy technique using combined deep inspiration breath hold and free breathing to treat lung tumors adjacent to the chest wall. Patients with lung lesions in proximity to the chest wall are at increased risk of developing chest wall toxicity, including pain and rib fracture. We report a case of a 63‐year‐old female former smoker with stage IA1 left lower lobe adenocarcinoma of the lung who was treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy using the deep inspiration breath hold technique and had to receive her last two fractions with free breathing, as she developed a cold and could not hold their breath. This combination resulted in a significant reduction in chest wall 1 cc and maximum dose.
Change Character of Conductivity in Metal–Insulator–Metal Thin Films
Authors: Burlakov Viktor , Filatov Oleksandr , Pogorelov Oleksandr
Published: December 2020

Herein, the possibility of changing the conductivity of thin‐film systems consisting of two metals separated by an insulator (metal–insulator–metal, MIM) is shown. The electrophysical properties are studied in three systems: Fe/MgO/Ni, Fe/MgO/Co, and Fe/MgO/Fe + C (Fe doped with carbon). The resulting inhomogeneity in thickness of the dielectric layer over the junction area promotes the appearance of local conduction regions. This makes it possible to change the type of conductivity from tunneling to semiconducting. As a result, a region with negative differential resistance is observed in I–V characteristics of MIM systems. The processes of electromigration during the alloying of one of the metal layers are considered. Presence of such processes is confirmed by the results of dynamic and static measurements of conductivity and corresponding assessments. Exposure of the sample in laboratory atmosphere at room temperature for several tens of days provides asymmetrical I–V characteristics. This indicates the rectifying properties of the contact—characteristic of the conductivity of the Schottky diode. The use of MIM systems with the described properties is considered promising for application in modern electronic devices as basic elements and memory cells.
Assessment of the effect of imputation of missing values on the performance of Phase II multivariate control charts
Authors: Fernández Julia I. , Pagura José A. , Quaglino Marta B.
Published: December 2020

Observations with missing data are a typical predicament in the context of multivariate statistical process control (MSPC). When process control is performed using a control chart of the principal components (PCs), several score imputation methods have been proposed. Some of these lead to estimators with good properties. However, there are no detailed studies pertaining the performance of Phase II Hotelling's and squared prediction error (SPE) charts when such imputation methods are used. In this paper, a simulation study was conducted to assess the consequences of the estimation of incomplete observations using score imputation methods on and SPE control charts. The study involves several scenarios that combine different correlation structures for the PCA model, methods of score estimation, percentages of missing data and patterns of incomplete information. Results show that the charts' standard control limits are adequate only for small percentages of missing values and that their average run lengths (ARLs) tend to be larger than expected in out‐of‐control situations. To illustrate the conclusions of the study, we present two examples. Our findings lead us to suggest a modification that may result in an improvement in the performance of the and SPE control charts.
Effect of fog and scintillation on performance of vertical free‐space optical link from Earth to low Earth orbit satellite
Authors: Ashraf Amal , Zaghloul Adel , Shaalan Abdalhameed A. , Kasban Hany
Published: December 2020

This paper studies the effects of fog and scintillation attenuations on the performance of the vertical free‐space optical (FSO) link from the Earth to low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite. FSO link performance was investigated under different foggy conditions and turbulence by calculating the power received, achieved data rate, and link margin. Different parameters were studied such as the wavelength, the transmitted power, the divergence angle, and the diameter of receiving optical antenna. The results show that the FSO performance can be improved using 1,550‐nm wavelength, increasing the transmitted power to a range of 5 mW and reducing the divergence angle to a range of 1 μrad.
Experience base, strategy‐by‐doing and new product performance
Authors: Chen Liang , Wang Mengmeng , Cui Lin , Li Sali
Published: December 2020

Research Summary

Strategy research views firms' diverse experience base as critical to new product success. It also champions strategy‐by‐doing in entrepreneurial settings. This study juxtaposes and bridges these two perspectives to better understand product development. We propose that while a firm's product portfolio diversity contributes to new product success only to a certain degree, design iteration—a postlaunch strategy‐by‐doing approach—is positively associated with new product performance. Our core contribution points to a complementary relationship: strategy‐by‐doing helps mitigate the capacity constraints problem that prevents firms from successfully adapting product development capabilities to a dynamic market. Our analysis of a sample of 2,182 nascent mobile apps from 564 top producers in the U.S. market supports our hypotheses. We discuss implications for product development, strategy‐by‐doing, and technology innovation literature.

Managerial Summary

Successful product development establishes firms' competitive advantage. The burgeoning digital economy increasingly prompts product development to depend on strategy‐by‐doing and requires firms to adapt a product's design over its lifecycle. Through analyzing a sample of newly launched mobile apps in the U.S. market, we find that while a firm's product portfolio diversity improves new product success to a certain degree, design iteration, a distinct approach to strategy‐by‐doing, underpins a new product's continual attractiveness to users. Moreover, frequent design iterations can overcome the barriers that innovator firms face when applying a diverse repertoire of experiences to product development.
Assessing preferences of two zoo‐housed Aldabran giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) for three stimuli using a novel preference test
Authors: Learmonth Mark James , Sherwen Sally , Hemsworth Paul H.
Published: December 2020

Recent research has uncovered many complex cognitive traits and affective processes in many reptile species, such as the ability to make choices that are rewarding or pleasurable. The investigation herein was initiated after many years of anecdotal reports, and preliminary observations, that the two male Aldabran giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea), Wilbur and Little John, at Melbourne Zoo (Melbourne, Australia) would approach the fence‐line of their enclosure, sometimes multiple times daily, to “solicit” interactions from zoo visitors and/or zoo staff. Following other research with Galapagos giant tortoises (Geochelone nigra), this experiment was a novel preference test with two male Aldabran giant tortoises to assess their individual preferences for three stimuli: (1) human interaction (shell and neck rubs provided using hands); (2) food (highly palatable carrot pieces); and (3) an “enrichment” ball (a red “boomer ball”). The results found that Wilbur highly preferred human interaction and food over the ball; whereas Little John preferred food, and showed some initial interest in the ball, but did not approach the human on any of his 13 human interaction trials. These results reflect previous published findings, that human interaction is a preferred “enrichment,” but is dependent upon a multitude of other contextual factors, and is not preferred at all times by all individuals. Individual variation may be very important to understand to have greater positive effect on the welfare‐related needs of each giant tortoise housed in captivity. Further research is clearly required to enhance the welfare and well‐being of many types of zoo‐housed reptiles.
Einführung
Authors: Belz Malte
Published: December 2020

Diese Arbeit zeigt, dass Füllpartikeln wie äh und ähm verschiedene akustische Realisierungen annehmen, die nicht immer arbiträr sind (kontextfreie Variation), sondern in bestimmten Fällen durch ihren Auftretenskontext (kontextbedingte Variation) erklärt werden können. Zuvor werden die im Deutschen vorhandenen Füllpartikelformen beobachtet und quantifiziert. Damit füllt die Arbeit eine Lücke in der Beschreibung und Erklärung von Füllpartikeln im Deutschen – bis heute gibt es keine genaue Vorstellung, welches phonetische Material als Füllpartikel zu bewerten ist und in welchem Ausmaß diese Formen durch ihren Kontext bedingt werden.
Quantum BMS transformations in conformally flat space-times and holography
Authors: Donnay Laura , Giribet Gaston , Rosso Felipe
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We define and study asymptotic Killing and conformal Killing vectors ind-dimensional Minkowski, (A)dS, ℝ× Sd−1and AdS2× Sd−2. We construct the associated quantum charges for an arbitrary CFT and show they satisfy a closed algebra that includes the BMS as a sub-algebra (i.e. supertranslations and superrotations) plus a novel transformation we call ‘superdilations’. We study representations of this algebra in the Hilbert space of the CFT, as well as the action of the finite transformations obtained by exponentiating the charges. In the context of the AdS/CFT correspondence, we propose a bulk holographic description in semi-classical gravity that reproduces the results obtained from CFT computations. We discuss the implications of our results regarding quantum hairs of asymptotically flat (near-)extremal black holes.
Advanced analytics and artificial intelligence in gastrointestinal cancer: a systematic review of radiomics predicting response to treatment
Authors: Wesdorp Nina J. , Hellingman Tessa , Jansma Elise P. , van Waesberghe Jan-Hein T. M. , Boellaard Ronald , Punt Cornelis J. A. , Huiskens Joost , Kazemier Geert
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Advanced medical image analytics is increasingly used to predict clinical outcome in patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal tumors. This review provides an overview on the value of radiomics in predicting response to treatment in patients with gastrointestinal tumors.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted, according to PRISMA guidelines. The protocol was prospectively registered (PROSPERO: CRD42019128408). PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched. Original studies reporting on the value of radiomics in predicting response to treatment in patients with a gastrointestinal tumor were included. A narrative synthesis of results was conducted. Results were stratified by tumor type. Quality assessment of included studies was performed, according to the radiomics quality score.

Results

The comprehensive literature search identified 1360 unique studies, of which 60 articles were included for analysis. In 37 studies, radiomics models and individual radiomic features showed good predictive performance for response to treatment (area under the curve or accuracy > 0.75). Various strategies to construct predictive models were used. Internal validation of predictive models was often performed, while the majority of studies lacked external validation. None of the studies reported predictive models implemented in clinical practice.

Conclusion

Radiomics is increasingly used to predict response to treatment in patients suffering from gastrointestinal cancer. This review demonstrates its great potential to help predict response to treatment and improve patient selection and early adjustment of treatment strategy in a non-invasive manner.
From discourses about language-in-education policy to language practices in the classroom—a linguistic ethnographic study of a multi-scalar nature in Timor-Leste
Authors: da Costa Cabral Ildegrada
Published: December 2020

This article makes the case for conducting ethnographic research of a multi-scalar nature that links language policy processes and ideologies of language with everyday practices, on the ground, in local schools and classrooms. As with other researchers engaged in the ethnography of language policy (e.g. McCarty, 2011; Johnson, 2013), my concern is with the ways in which language policies in multilingual countries are translated into classroom practice, the ways teachers and school administrators understand and respond to policy changes and the ways in which communication between teachers and learners is shaped by the introduction of a new medium of instruction. The research presented here focuses on language policy and classroom practice in Timor-Leste. On Independence in 2002, Tetum and Portuguese were chosen to be the two official languages of the country and the main languages of teaching and learning in the school system. My main research sites have been primary schools and classrooms in Timor-Leste and I have adopted a linguistic ethnographic approach, combining ethnography with close analysis of classroom discourse and with discourse analysis of policy documents and interviews. I have used the concept of language ideology as an analytical lens in examining the language policy discourses of policymakers and teachers. Teachers in Timor-Leste are regarded by policymakers as the mere facilitators of the process of implementing Tetum and Portuguese language-in-education policy within the education system. Through the analysis of interview data presented here, I show that teachers assumed this role and shared the belief that Tetum and Portuguese were legitimate official languages of Timor-Leste. Then, through analysis of codeswitching in classroom interaction, in one Year 6 classroom, I show how values around Tetum and Portuguese were being discursively constructed by the teacher, particularly in talk around monolingual texts in Portuguese.
English Aristocratic Women s Religious Patronage 1450-1550
Authors: Harris Barbara J.
Published: December 2020

The role played by women in the evolution of religious art and architecture has been largely neglected. This study of upper-class women in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries corrects that oversight, uncovering the active role they undertook in choosing designs, materials, and locations for monuments, commissioning repairs and additions to many parish churches, chantry chapels, and almshouses characteristic of the English countryside. Their preferred art, Barbara J. Harris shows, reveals their responses to the religious revolution and signifies their preferred identities.
The cohomology of Torelli groups is algebraic
Authors: Kupers Alexander , Randal-Williams Oscar
Published: December 2020

The Torelli group of

$W_g = \#^g S^n \times S^n$

is the group of diffeomorphisms of

$W_g$

fixing a disc that act trivially on

$H_n(W_g;\mathbb{Z} )$

. The rational cohomology groups of the Torelli group are representations of an arithmetic subgroup of

$\text{Sp}_{2g}(\mathbb{Z} )$

or

$\text{O}_{g,g}(\mathbb{Z} )$

. In this article we prove that for

$2n \geq 6$

and

$g \geq 2$

, they are in fact algebraic representations. Combined with previous work, this determines the rational cohomology of the Torelli group in a stable range. We further prove that the classifying space of the Torelli group is nilpotent.
“A Friend, A Nimble Mind, and a Book”: Girls’ Literary Criticism in Seventeen Magazine, 1958–1969
Authors: ANDERSON JILL
Published: December 2020

This article argues that postwar Seventeen magazine, a publication deeply invested in enforcing heteronormativity and conventional models of girlhood and womanhood, was in fact a more complex and multivocal serial text whose editors actively sought out, cultivated, and published girls’ creative and intellectual work. Seventeen's teen-authored “Curl Up and Read” book review columns, published from 1958 through 1969, are examples of girls’ creative intellectual labor, introducing Seventeen's readers to fiction and nonfiction which ranged beyond the emerging “young-adult” literature of the period. Written by young people – including thirteen-year-old Eve Kosofsky (later Sedgwick) – who perceived Seventeen to be an important publication venue for critical work, the “Curl Up and Read” columns are literary products in their own right, not simply juvenilia. Seventeen provided these young authors the opportunity to publish their work in a forum which offered girl readers and writers opportunities for intellectual development and community.
Lowering the Bar? Students with Disabilities in PRC Higher Education
Authors: Palmer Michael
Published: December 2020

In the People's Republic of China, the 2015 (revised) Higher Education Law provides that citizens enjoy the right to receive higher education. That legal ideal, however, is not easy to implement in practice. One important issue in higher education is the extent to which in law and in practice the educational rights and interests of students with disabilities are realized. In anticipation of difficulties, the same law specifically requires Chinese higher education institutions to enrol disabled students who meet the relevant admission qualifications and it explicitly prohibits rejection on grounds of disability. Admission standards and processes, however, remain a problem, as do social attitudes to disability, and other difficulties persist in securing the rights and interests of disabled persons in higher education. The complications that arise remain significantly under researched and are not explicitly addressed in the Higher Education Law. Proposals for reform are not likely to succeed without substantial changes in societal and governmental attitudes.
The impact of medical interventions on admission characteristics in children with congenital heart disease and cardiomyopathy
Authors: Loomba Rohit S. , Rausa Jacqueline , Dorsey Vincent , Bronicki Ronald A. , Villarreal Enrique G. , Flores Saul
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

Children with congenital heart disease and cardiomyopathy are a unique patient population. Different therapies continue to be introduced with large practice variability and questionable outcomes. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of various medications on intensive care unit length of stay, total length of stay, billed charges, and mortality for admissions with congenital heart disease and cardiomyopathy.

Materials and methods:

We identified admissions of paediatric patients with cardiomyopathy using the Pediatric Health Information System database. The admissions were then separated into two groups: those with and without inpatient mortality. Univariate analyses were conducted between the groups and the significant variables were entered as independent variables into the regression analyses.

Results:

A total of 10,376 admissions were included these analyses. Of these, 904 (8.7%) experienced mortality. Comparing patients who experienced mortality with those who did not, there was increased rate of acute kidney injury with an odds ratio (OR) of 5.0 [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.3 to 5.8, p < 0.01], cardiac arrest with an OR 7.5 (95% CI 6.3 to 9.0, p < 0.01), and heart transplant with an OR 0.3 (95% CI 0.2 to 0.4, p < 0.01). The medical interventions with benefit for all endpoints after multivariate regression analyses in this cohort are methylprednisolone, captopril, enalapril, furosemide, and amlodipine.

Conclusions:

Diuretics, steroids, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and beta blockers all appear to offer beneficial effects in paediatric cardiomyopathy admission outcomes. Specific agents within each group have varying effects.
Upper Limit of Electron Fluxes Observed in the Radiation Belts
Authors: Zhang Kun , Li Xinlin , Zhao Hong , Xiang Zheng , Khoo Leng Ying , Zhang Wenxun , Hogan Benjamin , Temerin Michael A.
Published: December 2020

Radiation belt electrons have a complicated relationship with geomagnetic activity. We select electron measurements from 7 years of DEMETER and 6 years of Van Allen Probes data during geomagnetic storms to conduct statistical analysis focusing on the correlation between electron flux and Dst index. We report, for the first time, an upper limit of electron fluxes observed by both satellites throughout the inner and outer belts across a wide energy range from ∼100s keV to multi‐MeV. The upper flux limit is determined at different L's and energies, for example, 1.9 × 107/cm2‐s‐sr‐MeV at 470 keV at L = 1.5 and 3.6 × 105/cm2‐s‐sr‐MeV at 3.4 MeV at L = 4 (Van Allen Probes). We present the energy spectra of the electron flux upper limit at different L shells and find the measured upper flux limit to be at least three times higher than the predicted flux from the AE8/AE9 models, although the spectral shape is remarkably similar. We show that the average flux with an applied time lag is better correlated with the Dst index and that the time lag optimizing the correlation coefficient is larger at lower L and at higher energies. These findings present the underlying challenges to model the dynamic variation of relativistic electrons in the inner magnetosphere and are important information for space weather considerations.
A Self‐Calibration Variance‐Component Model for Spatial Downscaling of GRACE Observations Using Land Surface Model Outputs
Authors: Zhong Detang , Wang Shusen , Li Junhua
Published: December 2020

High‐resolution data of total water storage play a key role in assessing trends and availability of water resources. This study presents an iterative adjustment method based on the Self‐calibration Variance‐Component Model (SCVCM) for spatially downscaling GRACE‐derived Total Water Storage Anomaly (GRACE TWSA) from its original coarse resolution (∼300 km) to a high resolution (5 km) through integrating Land Surface Model (LSM) simulated high‐resolution Terrestrial Water Storage Anomaly (LSM TWSA). The proposed method takes the GRACE TWSA and the LSM TWSA, which includes soil water content, snow water equivalent, and plant water, as inputs with unknown uncertainties. It then establishes an observation system to estimate the unknown TWSA at the high resolution through an iterative adjustment process based on a posteriori variance‐component estimation technique. By applying the method to the coarse‐resolution (∼300 km) GRACE TWSA from the JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) mascon solution and the high‐resolution (5 km) LSM TWSA from the Ecological Assimilation of Land and Climate Observations (EALCO) model, we evaluated its benefit and effectiveness. The results show that the proposed method is capable to downscale GRACE TWSA with improved uncertainties. The downscaled GRACE TWSA are also evaluated through in situ groundwater monitoring well observations and the results show a certain level agreement between the estimated and observed trends.
Single-electron operations in a foundry-fabricated array of quantum dots
Authors: Ansaloni Fabio , Chatterjee Anasua , Bohuslavskyi Heorhii , Bertrand Benoit , Hutin Louis , Vinet Maud , Kuemmeth Ferdinand
Published: December 2020

Silicon quantum dots are attractive for the implementation of large spin-based quantum processors in part due to prospects of industrial foundry fabrication. However, the large effective mass associated with electrons in silicon traditionally limits single-electron operations to devices fabricated in customized academic clean rooms. Here, we demonstrate single-electron occupations in all four quantum dots of a 2 x 2 split-gate silicon device fabricated entirely by 300-mm-wafer foundry processes. By applying gate-voltage pulses while performing high-frequency reflectometry off one gate electrode, we perform single-electron operations within the array that demonstrate single-shot detection of electron tunneling and an overall adjustability of tunneling times by a global top gate electrode. Lastly, we use the two-dimensional aspect of the quantum dot array to exchange two electrons by spatial permutation, which may find applications in permutation-based quantum algorithms.
Curated findings and implications in duplex ultrasound interrogation of the scrotum or varicoceles
Authors: Wu Size , Zuo Dongshen , Cai Dongyan , Chen Qingfang , Li Ya
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to curate clustered findings of duplex ultrasound in the evaluation of spermatic venous varicoceles, and deliver more responses to the present concerns. Archives of 979 men who had undergone scrotum and spermatic venous plexus duplex ultrasound were reviewed. In the duplex ultrasound interrogation, the sizes of the larger vessels of the spermatic venous plexus, peritesticular vessels, and testicular volume and relevant parameters were measured. Findings of the vessels were analyzed. One hundred and eight-one out of 979 patients had varicoceles. Color Doppler flow signal was rendered in veins of pampiniform plexus but not in peritesticular vessels in 501 out of 979 patients; 101 out of 501 patients had veins of pampiniform plexus ≤ 3 mm, no color Doppler flow signal could be rendered in the veins in the 101 patients at supine and standing positions without Valsalva maneuver, color Doppler flow signal could be rendered in the veins in 82 out of 101 patients at supine and standing positions with Valsalva maneuver; no color Doppler flow signal could be rendered in the veins from 19 out of 101 patients with and without Valsalva maneuver at supine and standing positions. 37 out of 979 patients with 61 ipsilateral testicular volume ≤ 5 mL had no vessel diameter > 2 mm. The incidences of varicoceles corresponding to different ranges of testicular volume of 1–5 mL, 5.1–10 mL, 10.1–15 mL, 15.1–20 mL, 20.1–25 mL, and 25.1–30 mL were 0.0%, 6.9%, 8.3%, 6.63%, 20.94%, and 59.1%, respectively. The comparisons of incidences of varicocele between distribution percentages of different ranges of testicular volume of 1–5 mL and others (of 5.1 mL and more) were all significant (all P < 0.05). The correlation coefficient between the different ranges of testicular volume and the incidence of varicoceles was 0.829. Increased testicular volume may be also a factor for the development of varicoceles. Dilated peritesticular vessels may be collateral veins of spermatic veins, anterior and posterior scrotal veins, or proximal vas deferens.
Fabrication of nanochitosan incorporated polypyrrole/alginate conducting scaffold for neural tissue engineering
Authors: Manzari-Tavakoli Asma , Tarasi Roghayeh , Sedghi Roya , Moghimi Ali , Niknejad Hassan
Published: December 2020

The utilization of conductive polymers for fabrication of neural scaffolds have attracted much interest because of providing a microenvironment which can imitate nerve tissues. In this study, polypyrrole (PPy)–alginate (Alg) composites were prepared using different percentages of alginate and pyrrole by oxidative polymerization method using FeCl3 as an oxidant and electrical conductivity of composites were measured by four probe method. In addition, chitosan-based nanoparticles were synthesized by ionic gelation method and after characterization merged into PPy–Alg composite in order to fabricate a conductive, hydrophilic, processable and stable scaffold. Physiochemical characterization of nanochitosan/PPy–Alg scaffold such as electrical conductivity, porosity, swelling and degradation was investigated. Moreover, cytotoxicity and proliferation were examined by culturing OLN-93 neural and human dermal fibroblasts cells on the Nanochitosan/PPy–Alg scaffold. Due to the high conductivity, the film with ratio 2:10 (PPy–Alg) was recognized more suitable for fabrication of the final scaffold. Results from FT-IR and SEM, evaluation of porosity, swelling and degradation, as well as viability and proliferation of OLN-93 neural and fibroblast cells confirmed cytocompatiblity of the Nanochitosan/PPy–Alg scaffold. Based on the features of the constructed scaffold, Nanochitosan/PPy–Alg scaffold can be a proper candidate for neural tissue engineering.
Mapping QTL hotspots associated with weed competitive traits in backcross population derived from Oryza sativa L. and O. glaberrima Steud.
Authors: Bharamappanavara Muralidhara , Siddaiah Anantha M. , Ponnuvel Senguttuvel , Ramappa Lokesha , Patil Basavaraj , Appaiah Manoj , Maganti Sheshu Madhav , Sundaram Raman Meenakshi , Shankarappa Shashidhar Kadadanamari , Tuti Mangal Deep , Banugu Sreedevi , Parmar Brajendra , Rathod Santosha , Barbadikar Kalyani M. , Kota Suneetha , Subbarao Lella Venkata , Mondal Tapan Kumar , Channappa Gireesh
Published: December 2020

To improve grain yield under direct seeded and aerobic conditions, weed competitive ability of a rice genotype is a key desirable trait. Hence, understanding and dissecting weed competitive associated traits at both morphological and molecular level is important in developing weed competitive varieties. In the present investigation, the QTLs associated with weed competitive traits were identified in BC1F2:3population derived from weed competitive accession ofO. glaberrima(IRGC105187) andO. sativacultivar IR64. The mapping population consisting of 144 segregating lines were phenotyped for 33 weed competitive associated traits under direct seeded condition. Genetic analysis of weed competitive traits carried out in BC1F2:3population showed significant variation for the weed competitive traits and predominance of additive gene action. The population was genotyped with 81 genome wide SSR markers and a linkage map covering 1423 cM was constructed. Composite interval mapping analysis identified 72 QTLs linked to 33 weed competitive traits which were spread on the 11 chromosomes. Among 72 QTLs, 59 were found to be major QTLs (> 10% PVE). Of the 59 major QTLs, 38 had favourable allele contributed from theO. glaberrimaparent. We also observed nine QTL hotspots for weed competitive traits (qWCA2a,qWCA2b,qWCA2c,qWCA3,qWCA5, qWCA7,qWCA8,qWCA9, andqWCA10) wherein several QTLs co-localised. Our study demonstratesO. glaberrimaspecies as potential source for improvement for weed competitive traits in rice and identified QTLs hotspots associated with weed competitive traits.
VDAC1 in the diseased myocardium and the effect of VDAC1-interacting compound on atrial fibrosis induced by hyperaldosteronism
Authors: Klapper-Goldstein Hadar , Verma Ankit , Elyagon Sigal , Gillis Roni , Murninkas Michael , Pittala Srinivas , Paul Avijit , Shoshan-Barmatz Varda , Etzion Yoram
Published: December 2020

The voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) is a key player in mitochondrial function. VDAC1 serves as a gatekeeper mediating the fluxes of ions, nucleotides, and other metabolites across the outer mitochondrial membrane, as well as the release of apoptogenic proteins initiating apoptotic cell death. VBIT-4, a VDAC1 oligomerization inhibitor, was recently shown to prevent mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis, as validated in mouse models of lupus and type-2 diabetes. In the present study, we explored the expression of VDAC1 in the diseased myocardium of humans and rats. In addition, we evaluated the effect of VBIT-4 treatment on the atrial structural and electrical remodeling of rats exposed to excessive aldosterone levels. Immunohistochemical analysis of commercially available human cardiac tissues revealed marked overexpression of VDAC1 in post-myocardial infarction patients, as well as in patients with chronic ventricular dilatation\dysfunction. In agreement, rats exposed to myocardial infarction or to excessive aldosterone had a marked increase of VDAC1 in both ventricular and atrial tissues. Immunofluorescence staining indicated a punctuated appearance typical for mitochondrial-localized VDAC1. Finally, VBIT-4 treatment attenuated the atrial fibrotic load of rats exposed to excessive aldosterone without a notable effect on the susceptibility to atrial fibrillation episodes induced by burst pacing. Our results indicate that VDAC1 overexpression is associated with myocardial abnormalities in common pathological settings. Our data also indicate that inhibition of the VDAC1 can reduce excessive fibrosis in the atrial myocardium, a finding which may have important therapeutic implications. The exact mechanism\s of this beneficial effect need further studies.
Multiple forms of hotspots of tetrapod biodiversity and the challenges of open-access data scarcity
Authors: Grattarola Florencia , Martínez-Lanfranco Juan A. , Botto Germán , Naya Daniel E. , Maneyro Raúl , Mai Patricia , Hernández Daniel , Laufer Gabriel , Ziegler Lucía , González Enrique M. , da Rosa Inés , Gobel Noelia , González Andrés , González Javier , Rodales Ana L. , Pincheira-Donoso Daniel
Published: December 2020

The uneven spatial distribution of biodiversity is a defining feature of nature. In fact, the implementation of conservation actions both locally and globally has progressively been guided by the identification of biodiversity ‘hotspots’ (areas with exceptional biodiversity). However, different regions of the world differ drastically in the availability of fine-scale data on the diversity and distribution of species, thus limiting the potential to assess their local environmental priorities. Within South America—a megadiverse continent—Uruguay represents a peculiar area where multiple tropical and non-tropical eco-regions converge, creating highly heterogeneous ecosystems, but where the systematic quantification of biodiversity remains largely anecdotal. To investigate the constraints posed by the limited access to biodiversity data, we employ the most comprehensive database for tetrapod vertebrates in Uruguay (spanning 664 species) assembled to date, to identify hotspots of species-richness, endemism and threatened species for the first time. Our results reveal negligible spatial congruence among biodiversity hotspots, and that tetrapod sampling has historically concentrated in only a few areas. Collectively, our study provides a detailed account of the areas where urgent biodiversity monitoring efforts are needed to develop more accurate knowledge on biodiversity patterns, offering government and environmental bodies a critical scientific resource for future planning.
Morphological function of toe fringe in the sand lizard Phrynocephalus mystaceus
Authors: Zheng Peng , Liang Tao , An Jing , Shi Lei
Published: December 2020

Toe fringe is the most typical morphological feature of lizards adapted to sandy environments, and it is simple in shape, can evolve repeatedly, and has a high degree of repetition; therefore, this feature is suitable for testing the adaptive convergence suggested by form-environment correlations.Phrynocephalus mystaceusmainly lives in dune habitats, has a developed bilateral toe fringe, and exhibits fast sand-burying behavior for predator avoidance. We tested the effects of resecting the medial and bilateral toe fringes on the locomotor performance and sand-burying performance ofP. mystaceus.The results showed that the maximum sprint speed and acceleration on sand substrate did not significantly differ under different conditions (P > 0.05). Sand-burying performance scores of the unresected individuals were significantly greater than those of the resected individuals (P < 0.05). A partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis showed that the relative area of toe fringe was the main factor affecting the sand-burying performance of unresectedP. mystaceus. For lizards without fringe, the PLS regression showed that the swinging index of the hind-limb was the main factor affecting the sand-burying performance of the lizard. A comparison of the swinging indexes of the hind-limb of the lizard under three states revealed that under the unresected states, the frequency of the swinging of the hind-limb was significantly higher than those of lizards with resected bilateral fringes, further indicating that the lizards compensated for the loss of fringe by increasing the time and frequency of swinging of the hind-limb. A path analysis also showed that the fringe affected the sand-burying performance ofP. mystaceusnot only directly but also indirectly by affecting the frequency of the swinging of the hind-limb. After the bilateral toe fringe was removed, a significant negative correlation between locomotor and sand-burying performance was observed (P < 0.05). Taken together, these results provide experimental evidence that toe fringe is positively associated with the sand-burying performance ofP. mystaceus.
Soil fungal and bacterial communities in southern boreal forests of the Greater Khingan Mountains and their relationship with soil properties
Authors: Vuong Thi-Minh-Dien , Zeng Jian-Yong , Man Xiu-Ling
Published: December 2020

Little is known about the relationship between soil microbial communities and soil properties in southern boreal forests. To further our knowledge about that relationship, we compared the soil samples in southern boreal forests of the Greater Khingan Mountains—the southernmost boreal forest biome in the world. The forests can be divided into boardleaf forests dominated by birch (Betula platyphylla) or aspen (Populus davidiana) and coniferous forests dominated by larch (Larix gmelinii) or pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica). Results suggested different soil microbial communities and soil properties between these southern boreal forests. Soil protease activity strongly associated with soil fungal communities in broadleaf and coniferous forests (p < 0.05), but not with soil bacterial communities (p > 0.05). Soil ammonium nitrogen and total phosphorus contents strongly associated with soil fungal and bacterial communities in broadleaf forests (p < 0.05), but not in coniferous forests (p > 0.05). Soil potassium content demonstrated strong correlations with both soil fungal and bacterial communities in broadleaf and coniferous forests (p < 0.05). These results provide evidence for different soil communities and soil properties in southern boreal forest, and further elucidate the explicit correlation between soil microbial communities and soil properties in southern boreal forests.
Brassicaceae transcriptomes reveal convergent evolution of super-accumulation of sinigrin
Authors: Yang Jinghua , Li Zhangping , Lian Jinmin , Qi Guoning , Shi Pibiao , He Jiawei , Hu Zhongyuan , Zhang Mingfang
Published: December 2020

Wasabi, horseradish and mustard are popular pungent crops in which the characteristic bioactive hydrolysis of specialized glucosinolates (GSLs) occurs. Although the metabolic pathways of GSLs are well elucidated, how plants have evolved convergent mechanisms to accumulate identical GSL components remains largely unknown. In this study, we discovered that sinigrin is predominantly synthesized in wasabi, horseradish and mustard in Brassicaceae. We de novo assembled the transcriptomes of the three species, revealing the expression patterns of gene clusters associated with chain elongation, side chain modification and transport. Our analysis further revealed that several gene clusters were convergently selected during evolution, exhibiting convergent shifts in amino acid preferences in mustard, wasabi and horseradish. Collectively, our findings provide insights into how unrelated crop species evolve the capacity for sinigrin super-accumulation and thus promise a potent strategy for engineering metabolic pathways at multiple checkpoints to fortify bioactive compounds for condiment or pharmaceutical purposes.
In vivo modulation of ubiquitin chains by N-methylated non-proteinogenic cyclic peptides
Authors: Rogers Joseph M. , Nawatha Mickal , Lemma Betsegaw , Vamisetti Ganga B. , Livneh Ido , Barash Uri , Vlodavsky Israel , Ciechanover Aaron , Fushman David , Suga Hiroaki , Brik Ashraf
Published: December 2020

Cyclic peptides containing unnatural amino acids can modulate Lys-48 ubiquitin chains in cells and animals.
Highly stable Mo-doped Fe2P and Fe3P monolayers as low-onset-potential electrocatalysts for nitrogen fixation
Authors: Wu Jie , Li Jia-Hui , Yu Yang-Xin
Published: December 2020

Mo atom doping can modify the electronic properties of Fe2P and Fe3P monolayers, and significantly enhance their NRR activities with onset potentials as low as −0.30 V and −0.17 V, respectively.
Acute bio-augmentation effect of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) on activated sludge in biological denitrification processes and related stress mechanisms
Authors: Sheng Sheng , Chen Fenfei , Li Huabin , Qian Jin , Li Kun , Tang Sijing , Tian Xin
Published: December 2020

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) has been widely detected in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).
Alleviation of DSS-induced colitisvia Lactobacillus acidophilustreatment in mice
Authors: Kim Woon-Ki , Han Dae Hee , Jang You Jin , Park SungJun , Jang Sung Jae , Lee Giljae , Han Hyuk Seung , Ko GwangPyo
Published: December 2020

L. acidophilustreatment can modulate immune responses, control the micro-RNA levels and restore the gut microbiota of mice with DSS-induced colitis. Therefore,L. acidophilustreatment could be useful to control inflammatory bowel diseases.
Development, structure and mechanics of a synthetic E. coli outer membrane model
Authors: Kiss Bálint , Bozó Tamás , Mudra Dorottya , Tordai Hedvig , Herényi Levente , Kellermayer Miklós
Published: December 2020

The outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria is a complex asymmetric bilayer containing lipids, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and proteins.
Correction: Correction: Multi-scale microporous silica microcapsules from gas-in water-in oil emulsions
Authors: Toprakcioglu Zenon , Hakala Tuuli A. , Levin Aviad , Becker Christian F. W. , Bernardes Gonçalo J. L. , Knowles Tuomas P. J.
Published: December 2020

Correction for ‘Correction: Multi-scale microporous silica microcapsules from gas-in water-in oil emulsions’ by Zenon Toprakcioglu et al., Soft Matter, 2020, 16, 3586–3586, DOI: 10.1039/D0SM90059A.
Impact Of Different Type Of Cattle Grazing On The Processes Of Agrochemical Degradation and Digression Of Soil Cover
Authors: Ragimov Alexander , Mazirov Mikhail , Nikolaev Vladimir , Shitikova Aleksandra , Malakhova Svetlana
Published: December 2020

The article proposes the results of studying the influence of various types of cattle grazing on the content of mobile forms of phosphorus (P2O5), potassium (K2O), organic matter (C,%) and Ph rate. It has been found out that with different types of cattle grazing, clear differentiation of the agrochemical state within the land plots is manifested. The degree of vegetation cover digression is characterized by a significant decrease in the species composition depending on the type of cattle grazing. Various levels of interrelation between the type of cattle grazing and observable dynamics of changes in the ecological functions of soil cover and their influence on the structure of the digression levels formation are designated in the article. The obtained results based on the conclusions of this article may serve as one of the options for conducting research on the assessment of destructive anthropogenic activity. For the most effective protection of soil cover of territories exposed to livestock impact, it is necessary to develop agrotechnical complexes. It has been discovered that real loads as a result of uncontrolled and periodic cattle overgrazing are 10 times higher than the maximum permissible norms that manifests itself in intense and significant violation of a natural ecosystem.
Topological optimization of the rotors of permanent magnet synchronous motors
Authors: Safin Alfred , Petrov Timur
Published: December 2020

Permanent magnet synchronous motors are increasingly used in the oil industry. These motors need to be made more energy efficient. To do this, it is necessary to optimize the rotor of a synchronous motor by changing the design through topological optimization. Designing an electrical machine as a heuristic process does not guarantee finding the best solution. Methods are needed that complement the experience and intuition of the designer to find the optimal (rational) solution. Topological optimization is currently performed using the finite element method to reduce mass and improve the stiffness of structures. The proposed method allows you to transfer topological optimization to electromagnetic processes in permanent magnet synchronous motors to determine the direction of magnetization and the size of permanent magnets, for a given mass-dimensional parameters. Optimization of the rotor of a serial permanent magnet motor based on a genetic algorithm is proposed. A new topology of the rotor of the motor was calculated and an increase in the torque was obtained by 18.2%, which indicates that topological optimization is promising for synchronous motors with permanent magnets.