bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination of absolute pitch and tone language experience enhances lexical tone perception
Authors: Maggu Akshay R. , Lau Joseph C. Y. , Waye Mary M. Y. , Wong Patrick C. M.
Published: January 2021

Absolute pitch (AP), a unique ability to name or produce pitch without any reference, is known to be influenced by genetic and cultural factors. AP and tone language experience are both known to promote lexical tone perception. However, the effects of the combination of AP and tone language experience on lexical tone perception are currently not known. In the current study, using behavioral (Categorical Perception) and electrophysiological (Frequency Following Response) measures, we investigated the effect of the combination of AP and tone language experience on lexical tone perception. We found that the Cantonese speakers with AP outperformed the Cantonese speakers without AP on Categorical Perception and Frequency Following Responses of lexical tones, suggesting an additive effect due to the combination of AP and tone language experience. These findings suggest a role of basic sensory pre-attentive auditory processes towards pitch encoding in AP. Further, these findings imply a common mechanism underlying pitch encoding in AP and tone language perception.
Substrate and cell fusion influence on slime mold network dynamics
Authors: Patino-Ramirez Fernando , Arson Chloé , Dussutour Audrey
Published: January 2021

The acellular slime moldPhysarum polycephalumprovides an excellent model to study network formation, as its network is remodelled constantly in response to mass gain/loss and environmental conditions. How slime molds networks are built and fuse to allow for efficient exploration and adaptation to environmental conditions is still not fully understood. Here, we characterize the network organization of slime molds exploring homogeneous neutral, nutritive and adverse environments. We developed a fully automated image analysis method to extract the network topology and followed the slime molds before and after fusion. Our results show that: (1) slime molds build sparse networks with thin veins in a neutral environment and more compact networks with thicker veins in a nutritive or adverse environment; (2) slime molds construct long, efficient and resilient networks in neutral and adverse environments, whereas in nutritive environments, they build shorter and more centralized networks; and (3) slime molds fuse rapidly and establish multiple connections with their clone-mates in a neutral environment, whereas they display a late fusion with fewer connections in an adverse environment. Our study demonstrates that slime mold networks evolve continuously via pruning and reinforcement, adapting to different environmental conditions.
Sickness and sleep health predict frustration and affective responses to a frustrating trigger
Authors: Balter Leonie J. T. , Sundelin Tina , Axelsson John
Published: January 2021

Fluctuations in health and sleep are common, but we know surprisingly little about how these daily life stressors affect one's level of frustration and sensitivity to becoming frustrated. In this pre-registered study, 517 participants (Mage = 30.4, SD = 10.4) reported their current sickness symptoms, health status, sleepiness, and sleep duration and quality the previous night. They also rated their general frustration and mood before and after a mild frustration-eliciting task. In the task, participants were instructed to copy geometric shapes onto a piece of paper, without lifting the pen from the paper. Participants were given three minutes to copy the eight shapes, but in order to induce frustration half of them were unsolvable. The study was subsequently repeated in an independent sample (N = 113). Frustration increased in response to the task; however, those with the worst sickness symptoms or sleep health reduced or did not change their frustration levels. Instead, across both studies, frustration was already high at baseline for these individuals. These findings indicate that being sick or having poor sleep is related to high general frustration, but resilience to further frustration due to mild frustrating situations.
Composition of the white precipitate formed on the surface of damaged triacetyl cellulose-based motion picture films
Authors: Takahashi Keiko , Sasaki Maiko , Hayakawa Hiroshi , Yajima Hitoshi , Oda Yoshiki
Published: January 2021

To achieve a better understanding of the “vinegar syndrome” phenomenon, which has caused serious damage to triacetyl cellulose-based motion picture films, the white powder obtained from damaged film surfaces was analysed in this study. The powder was found to be soluble in acetone, diethyl ether, dimethylformamide, and chloroform, but insoluble in water. From the results of 1H, 13C and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray fluorescence measurements, it was concluded that the white precipitate had a molecular weight of 326 amu and was composed of triphenyl phosphate (C18H15O4P).
Multi-slice ptychography enables high-resolution measurements in extended chemical reactors
Authors: Kahnt Maik , Grote Lukas , Brückner Dennis , Seyrich Martin , Wittwer Felix , Koziej Dorota , Schroer Christian G.
Published: January 2021

Ptychographic X-ray microscopy is an ideal tool to observe chemical processes under in situ conditions. Chemical reactors, however, are often thicker than the depth of field, limiting the lateral spatial resolution in projection images. To overcome this limit and reach higher lateral spatial resolution, wave propagation within the sample environment has to be taken into account. Here, we demonstrate this effect recording a ptychographic projection of copper(I) oxide nanocubes grown on two sides of a polyimide foil. Reconstructing the nanocubes using the conventional ptychographic model shows the limitation in the achieved resolution due to the thickness of the foil. Whereas, utilizing a multi-slice approach unambiguously separates two sharper reconstructions of nanocubes on both sides of the foil. Moreover, we illustrate how ptychographic multi-slice reconstructions are crucial for high-quality imaging of chemical processes by ex situ studying copper(I) oxide nanocubes grown on the walls of a liquid cell.
Overexpression of β-Arrestins inhibits proliferation and motility in triple negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Bostanabad Saber Yari , Noyan Senem , Dedeoglu Bala Gur , Gurdal Hakan
Published: January 2021

β-Arrestins (βArrs) are intracellular signal regulating proteins. Their expression level varies in some cancers and they have a significant impact on cancer cell function. In general,the significance of βArrs in cancer research comes from studies examining GPCR signalling. Given the diversity of different GPCR signals in cancer cell regulation, contradictory results are inevitable regarding the role of βArrs. Our approach examines the direct influence of βArrs on cellular function and gene expression profiles by changing their expression levels in breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468. Reducing expression of βArr1 or βArr2 tended to increase cell proliferation and invasion whereas increasing their expression levels inhibited them. The overexpression of βArrs caused cell cycle S-phase arrest and differential expression of cell cycle genes,CDC45, BUB1, CCNB1, CCNB2, CDKN2Cand reduced HER3, IGF-1R, and Snail. Regarding to the clinical relevance of our results, low expression levels of βArr1 were inversely correlated with CDC45, BUB1, CCNB1, and CCNB2 genes compared to normal tissue samples while positively correlated with poorer prognosis in breast tumours. These results indicate that βArr1 and βArr2 are significantly involved in cell cycle and anticancer signalling pathways through their influence on cell cycle genes and HER3, IGF-1R, and Snail in TNBC cells.
Urinary bisphenol A concentrations and the risk of obesity in Korean adults
Authors: Moon Shinje , Seo Moon Young , Choi Kyungho , Chang Yoon-seok , Kim Shin-Hye , Park Mi Jung
Published: January 2021

This study was aimed to evaluate the association between urinary bisphenol A (BPA) levels and risk of obesity in Korean adults. We analyzed data from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) Cycle 2 (2012–2014) and Cycle 3 (2015–2017). A total of 10,021 participants aged ≥ 19 years were included. Urine dilution was corrected by the covariate-adjusted standardization (CAS) method. We performed meta-analysis, logistic regression analysis by matching all covariates with a 1:1 propensity score, and a 4-knot restricted cubic spline plot model to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) for obesity according to natural log-transformed BPA levels. Mean urinary BPA concentration was 1.12 µg/L in KoNEHS Cycle 2 and 1.32 µg/L in Cycle 3. BPA levels were significantly higher among obese adults than among non-obese adults in both KoNEHS Cycles 2 and 3. In pooled data of KoNEHS Cycles 2 and 3, BPA showed significant positive associations with ORs for obesity in both sexes, which were more prominent in females (linear) than in males (non-linear). These associations were confirmed in spline analyses. CAS-applied BPA concentrations were positively associated with obesity in nationwide representative samples of Korean adults. Further studies are warranted to confirm and elucidate the underlying mechanism.
A high-throughput cell-based assay pipeline for the preclinical development of bacterial DsbA inhibitors as antivirulence therapeutics
Authors: Verderosa Anthony D. , Dhouib Rabeb , Hong Yaoqin , Anderson Taylah K. , Heras Begoña , Totsika Makrina
Published: January 2021

Antibiotics are failing fast, and the development pipeline remains alarmingly dry. New drug research and development is being urged by world health officials, with new antibacterials against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens as the highest priority. Antivirulence drugs, which inhibit bacterial pathogenicity factors, are a class of promising antibacterials, however, their development is stifled by lack of standardised preclinical testing akin to what guides antibiotic development. The lack of established target-specific microbiological assays amenable to high-throughput, often means that cell-based testing of virulence inhibitors is absent from the discovery (hit-to-lead) phase, only to be employed at later-stages of lead optimization. Here, we address this by establishing a pipeline of bacterial cell-based assays developed for the identification and early preclinical evaluation of DsbA inhibitors, previously identified by biophysical and biochemical assays. Inhibitors of DsbA block oxidative protein folding required for virulence factor folding in pathogens. Here we use existing Escherichia coli DsbA inhibitors and uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) as a model pathogen, to demonstrate that the combination of a cell-based sulfotransferase assay and a motility assay (both DsbA reporter assays), modified for a higher throughput format, can provide a robust and target-specific platform for the identification and evaluation of DsbA inhibitors.
The response of zircon to the extreme pressures and temperatures of a lightning strike
Authors: Kenny Gavin G. , Pasek Matthew A.
Published: January 2021

Hypervelocity impacts can produce features in zircon that are not normally produced by endogenic processes. However, lightning can also induce extreme pressure–temperature excursions, and its effect on zircon has not been studied. With the aim to recognise features that form in response to extreme pressure–temperature excursions but are not unique to hypervelocity impacts, we imaged and undertook microstructural characterization of zircon in a fulgurite (a tubular body of glass and fused clasts that formed in response to a lightning strike). We document zircon with granular ZrO2and rims of vermicular ZrO2, features which vary in abundance with increasing distance from the fulgurite’s central void. This indicates that these features formed in response to the lightning strike. Zircon dissociation to ZrO2and SiO2is a high-temperature, relatively low-pressure phenomenon, consistent with previous suggestions that lightning strikes involve extreme temperatures as well as pressures greater than those usually generated in Earth’s crust but rarely > 10 GPa. The rims of monoclinic ZrO2record crystallographic evidence for precursor cubic ZrO2, demonstrating that cubic ZrO2is not unique to hypervelocity impacts. Given the likelihood that this fulgurite experienced pressures of, at most, a few GPa, evidence for cubic ZrO2indicates peak temperatures > 2000 °C.
Direct monitoring of the stepwise condensation of kinetoplast DNA networks
Authors: Yaffe Nurit , Rotem Dvir , Soni Awakash , Porath Danny , Shlomai Joseph
Published: January 2021

Condensation and remodeling of nuclear genomes play an essential role in the regulation of gene expression and replication. Yet, our understanding of these processes and their regulatory role in other DNA-containing organelles, has been limited. This study focuses on the packaging of kinetoplast DNA (kDNA), the mitochondrial genome of kinetoplastids. Severe tropical diseases, affecting large human populations and livestock, are caused by pathogenic species of this group of protists. kDNA consists of several thousand DNA minicircles and several dozen DNA maxicircles that are linked topologically into a remarkable DNA network, which is condensed into a mitochondrial nucleoid. In vitro analyses implicated the replication protein UMSBP in the decondensation of kDNA, which enables the initiation of kDNA replication. Here, we monitored the condensation of kDNA, using fluorescence and atomic force microscopy. Analysis of condensation intermediates revealed that kDNA condensation proceeds via sequential hierarchical steps, where multiple interconnected local condensation foci are generated and further assemble into higher order condensation centers, leading to complete condensation of the network. This process is also affected by the maxicircles component of kDNA. The structure of condensing kDNA intermediates sheds light on the structural organization of the condensed kDNA network within the mitochondrial nucleoid.
Tough metal-ceramic composites with multifunctional nacre-like architecture
Authors: Poloni Erik , Bouville Florian , Dreimol Christopher H. , Niebel Tobias P. , Weber Thomas , Biedermann Andrea R. , Hirt Ann M. , Studart André R.
Published: January 2021

The brick-and-mortar architecture of biological nacre has inspired the development of synthetic composites with enhanced fracture toughness and multiple functionalities. While the use of metals as the “mortar” phase is an attractive option to maximize fracture toughness of bulk composites, non-mechanical functionalities potentially enabled by the presence of a metal in the structure remain relatively limited and unexplored. Using iron as the mortar phase, we develop and investigate nacre-like composites with high fracture toughness and stiffness combined with unique magnetic, electrical and thermal functionalities. Such metal-ceramic composites are prepared through the sol–gel deposition of iron-based coatings on alumina platelets and the magnetically-driven assembly of the pre-coated platelets into nacre-like architectures, followed by pressure-assisted densification at 1450 °C. With the help of state-of-the-art characterization techniques, we show that this processing route leads to lightweight inorganic structures that display outstanding fracture resistance, show noticeable magnetization and are amenable to fast induction heating. Materials with this set of properties might find use in transport, aerospace and robotic applications that require weight minimization combined with magnetic, electrical or thermal functionalities.
Non-local terahertz photoconductivity in the topological phase of Hg1−xCdxTe
Authors: Kazakov A. S. , Galeeva A. V. , Artamkin A. I. , Ikonnikov A. V. , Ryabova L. I. , Dvoretsky S. A. , Mikhailov N. N. , Bannikov M. I. , Danilov S. N. , Khokhlov D. R.
Published: January 2021

We report on observation of strong non-local photoconducitivity induced by terahertz laser pulses in non-zero magnetic field in heterostructures based on Hg1−xCdxTe films being in the topological phase. While the zero-field non-local photoconductivity is negligible, it is strongly enhanced in magnetic fields ~ 0.05 T resulting in appearance of an edge photocurrent that exceeds the respective dark signal by orders of magnitude. This photocurrent is chiral, and the chirality changes every time the magnetic field or the electric bias is reversed. Appearance of the non-local terahertz photoconductivity is attributed to features of the interface between the topological film and the trivial buffer.
Investigation on performance of particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm based fuzzy inference system (PSOFIS) in a combination of CFD modeling for prediction of fluid flow
Authors: Babanezhad Meisam , Behroyan Iman , Nakhjiri Ali Taghvaie , Marjani Azam , Rezakazemi Mashallah , Heydarinasab Amir , Shirazian Saeed
Published: January 2021

Herein, a reactor of bubble column type with non-equilibrium thermal condition between air and water is mechanistically modeled and simulated by the CFD technique. Moreover, the combination of the adaptive network (AN) trainer with the fuzzy inference system (FIS) as the artificial intelligence method calling ANFIS has already shown potential in the optimization of CFD approach. Although the artificial intelligence method of particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm based fuzzy inference system (PSOFIS) has a good background for optimizing the other fields of research, there are not any investigations on the cooperation of this method with the CFD. The PSOFIS can reduce all the difficulties and simplify the investigation by elimination of the additional CFD simulations. In fact, after achieving the best intelligence, all the predictions can be done by the PSOFIS instead of the massive computational efforts needed for CFD modeling. The first aim of this study is to develop the PSOFIS for use in the CFD approach application. The second one is to make a comparison between the PSOFIS and ANFIS for the accurate prediction of the CFD results. In the present study, the CFD data are learned by the PSOFIS for prediction of the water velocity inside the bubble column. The values of input numbers, swarm sizes, and inertia weights are investigated for the best intelligence. Once the best intelligence is achieved, there is no need to mesh refinement in the CFD domain. The mesh density can be increased, and the newer predictions can be done in an easier way by the PSOFIS with much less computational efforts. For a strong verification, the results of the PSOFIS in the prediction of the liquid velocity are compared with those of the ANFIS. It was shown that for the same fuzzy set parameters, the PSOFIS predictions are closer to the CFD in comparison with the ANFIS. The regression number (R) of the PSOFIS (0.98) was a little more than that of the ANFIS (0.97). The PSOFIS showed a powerful potential in mesh density increment from 9477 to 774,468 and accurate predictions for the new nodes independent of the CFD modeling.
Influence of biopolymers on the rheological properties of seafloor sediments and the runout behavior of submarine debris flows
Authors: Kameda Jun , Yohei Hamada
Published: January 2021

Submarine debris flows are mass movement processes on the seafloor, and are geohazards for seafloor infrastructure such as pipelines, communication cables, and submarine structures. Understanding the generation and run-out behavior of submarine debris flows is thus critical for assessing the risk of such geohazards. The rheological properties of seafloor sediments are governed by factors including sediment composition, grain size, water content, and physico-chemical conditions. In addition, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) generated by microorganisms can affect rheological properties in natural systems. Here we show that a small quantity of EPS (~ 0.1 wt%) can potentially increase slope stability and decrease the mobility of submarine debris flows by increasing the internal cohesion of seafloor sediment. Our experiments demonstrated that the flow behavior of sediment suspensions mixed with an analogue material of EPS (xanthan gum) can be described by a Herschel–Bulkley model, with the rheological parameters being modified progressively, but not monotonously, with increasing EPS content. Numerical modeling of debris flows demonstrated that the run-out distance markedly decreases if even 0.1 wt% of EPS is added. The addition of EPS can also enhance the resistivity of sediment to fluidization triggered by cyclic loading, by means of formation of an EPS network that binds sediment particles. These findings suggest that the presence of EPS in natural environments reduces the likelihood of submarine geohazards.
Increase in occurrence of large glacier-related landslides in the high mountains of Asia
Authors: Liu Jia , Wu Yuming , Gao Xing
Published: January 2021

Globally, a large number of glaciers are retreating due to global warming. Along with climate change, glacial melting has been identified as one of the main triggers of landslide activity in high mountain areas. Evaluations of the triggered mechanism alone do not provide comprehensive insight into the overall impact of glacier accumulation and ablation on landslide-induced denudation. To investigate recent trends, we built landslide and glacier datasets for the HMA using a Landsat time-series covering the past 21 years (1998–2018). Landslides that may have been caused by major earthquakes were identified and removed, leaving an inventory that is used to explore changes that may be related to climate change. Our results show a shift in the frequency–area distribution that indicates an increasing trend of large landslides in the HMA over the last decade. A decline in glacier area is associated with the increase in landslide area.
Variation of rhizosphere microbial community in continuous mono-maize seed production
Authors: Zhao Yunchen , Fu Wenjiang , Hu Changwei , Chen Guangquan , Xiao Zhanwen , Chen Yuru , Wang Zhijiang , Cheng Hongyu
Published: January 2021

Soil microbe is crucial to a healthy soil, therefore its diversities and abundances under different conditions are still need fully understand.The aims of the study were to characterize the community structure and diversity of microbe in the rhizosphere soil after continuous maize seed production, and the relationship between the disease incidence of four diseases and the variation of the rhizosphere microbe. The results showed that different fungal and bacterial species were predominant in different cropping year, and long-term maize seed production had a huge impact on structure and diversity of soil microbial. Ascomycota and Mortierellomycota were the dominant fungal phyla and Mortierella and Ascomycetes represented for a large proportion of genus. A relative increase of Fusarium and Gibberella and a relative decrease of Mortierella, Chrysosporium, Podospora, and Chaetomium were observed with the increase of cropping year. Pathogenic Fusarium, Curvularia, Curvularia-lunata, Cladosporium, Gibberella-baccata, and Plectosphaerellaceae were over-presented and varied at different continuous cropping year, led to different maize disease incidence. Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria ranked in the top two of all bacterial phyla, and genus Pseudarthrobacter, Roseiflexus and RB41 dominated top 3. Haliangium and Streptomyces decreased with the continuous cropping year and mono-cropping of maize seed production increased disease incidence with the increase of cropping year, while the major disease was different. Continuous cropping of maize seed production induced the decrease of protective microbe and biocontrol genera, while pathogenic pathogen increased, and maize are in danger of pathogen invasion. Field management show great effects on soil microbial community.
The Feature Ambiguity Mitigate Operator model helps improve bone fracture detection on X-ray radiograph
Authors: Wu Hui-Zhao , Yan Li-Feng , Liu Xiao-Qing , Yu Yi-Zhou , Geng Zuo-Jun , Wu Wen-Juan , Han Chun-Qing , Guo Yong-Qin , Gao Bu-Lang
Published: January 2021

This study was performed to propose a method, the Feature Ambiguity Mitigate Operator (FAMO) model, to mitigate feature ambiguity in bone fracture detection on radiographs of various body parts. A total of 9040 radiographic studies were extracted. These images were classified into several body part types including 1651 hand, 1302 wrist, 406 elbow, 696 shoulder, 1580 pelvic, 948 knee, 1180 ankle, and 1277 foot images. Instance segmentation was annotated by radiologists. The ResNext-101+FPN was employed as the baseline network structure and the FAMO model for processing. The proposed FAMO model and other ablative models were tested on a test set of 20% total radiographs in a balanced body part distribution. To the per-fracture extent, an AP (average precision) analysis was performed. For per-image and per-case, the sensitivity, specificity, and AUC (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) were analyzed. At the per-fracture level, the controlled experiment set the baseline AP to 76.8% (95% CI: 76.1%, 77.4%), and the major experiment using FAMO as a preprocessor improved the AP to 77.4% (95% CI: 76.6%, 78.2%). At the per-image level, the sensitivity, specificity, and AUC were 61.9% (95% CI: 58.7%, 65.0%), 91.5% (95% CI: 89.5%, 93.3%), and 74.9% (95% CI: 74.1%, 75.7%), respectively, for the controlled experiment, and 64.5% (95% CI: 61.3%, 67.5%), 92.9% (95% CI: 91.0%, 94.5%), and 77.5% (95% CI: 76.5%, 78.5%), respectively, for the experiment with FAMO. At the per-case level, the sensitivity, specificity, and AUC were 74.9% (95% CI: 70.6%, 78.7%), 91.7%% (95% CI: 88.8%, 93.9%), and 85.7% (95% CI: 84.8%, 86.5%), respectively, for the controlled experiment, and 77.5% (95% CI: 73.3%, 81.1%), 93.4% (95% CI: 90.7%, 95.4%), and 86.5% (95% CI: 85.6%, 87.4%), respectively, for the experiment with FAMO. In conclusion, in bone fracture detection, FAMO is an effective preprocessor to enhance model performance by mitigating feature ambiguity in the network.
Changes in acoustic cardiographic parameters before and after hemodialysis are associated with overall and cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Chung Tung-Ling , Liu Yi-Hsueh , Huang Jiun-Chi , Wu Pei-Yu , Chen Szu-Chia , Chang Jer-Ming
Published: January 2021

Acoustic cardiography can provide simultaneous electrocardiography and acoustic cardiac data to assess the electronic and mechanical heart functions. The aim of this study was to assess whether changes in acoustic cardiographic parameters (ACPs) before and after hemodialysis (HD) are associated with overall and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in HD patients. A total of 162 HD patients was enrolled and ACPs were measured before and after HD, including left ventricular systolic time (LVST), systolic dysfunction index (SDI), third (S3) and fourth (S4) heart sounds, and electromechanical activation time (EMAT). During a follow-up of 2.9 years, 25 deaths occurred with 16 from CV causes. Multivariate analysis showed that high △SDI (per 1; hazard ratio [HR], 2.178; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.189–3.990), high △EMAT (per 1%; HR, 2.218; 95% CI 1.382–3.559), and low △LVST (per 1 ms; HR, 0.947; 95% CI 0.912–0.984) were independently associated with increased overall mortality. In addition, high △EMAT (per 1%; HR, 2.141; 95% CI 1.117–4.102), and low △LVST (per 1 ms; HR, 0.777; 95% CI 0.637–0.949) were associated with increased CV mortality. In conclusion, the changes in ACPs before and after HD may be a useful clinical marker and stronger prognostic marker of overall and CV mortality than ACPs before HD.
Thioflavin-positive tau aggregates complicating quantification of amyloid plaques in the brain of 5XFAD transgenic mouse model
Authors: Shin Jisu , Park Sohui , Lee HeeYang , Kim YoungSoo
Published: January 2021

Transgenic mouse models recapitulating Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology are pivotal in molecular studies and drug evaluation. In transgenic models selectively expressing amyloid-β (Aβ), thioflavin S (ThS), a fluorescent dye with β-sheet binding properties, is widely employed to observe amyloid plaque accumulation. In this study, we investigated the possibility that a commonly used Aβ-expressing AD model mouse, 5XFAD, generates ThS-positive aggregates of β-sheet structures in addition to Aβ fibrils. To test this hypothesis, brain sections of male and female 5XFAD mice were double-stained with ThS and monoclonal antibodies against Aβ, tau, or α-synuclein, all of which aggregates are detected by ThS. Our results revealed that, in addition to amyloid plaques, 5XFAD mice express ThS-positive phospho-tau (p-tau) aggregates. Upon administration of a small molecule that exclusively disaggregates Aβ to 5XFAD mice for six weeks, we found that the reduction level of plaques was smaller in brain sections stained by ThS compared to an anti-Aβ antibody. Our findings implicate that the use of ThS complicates the quantification of amyloid plaques and the assessment of Aβ-targeting drugs in 5XFAD mice.
Characteristics and emergency mitigation of the 2018 Laochang landslide in Tianquan County, Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Song Danqing , Dong Lihu
Published: January 2021

This paper describes a recent landslide event, which occurred at Liucheng village in Tianquan County, Sichuan Province, China, on July 15, 2018. The Laochang landslide described in this research is an outstanding and valuable reference for understanding the characteristics of such kind of landslides that are geologically similar to the landslide. The deformation characteristics of the landslide are investigated based on field investigations, drilled boreholes, and exploratory trenches. The 225 residents of 64 households living on the flat platform were threatened by the landslide. Therefore, to guarantee the safety of human life and property becomes the primary emergency task. The anti-sliding piles were taken to stabilize the landslide and mitigate impacts caused by the landslide. Based on the analysis of the monitoring data, the effectiveness of anti-sliding piles is evaluated. The results indicate that the anti-sliding piles are effective in increasing the stability of the landslide, and this work can provide a reference for similar slope engineering projects.
Dasatinib loaded nanostructured lipid carriers for effective treatment of corneal neovascularization
Authors: Li Qingqing , Yang Xianwei , Zhang Peipei , Mo Fei , Si Peiru , Kang Ximeng , Wang Menghan , Zhang Jiye
Published: January 2021

Dasa-NLC could significantly inhibit the corneal neovascularization.
Self-assembly of hyaluronic acid-mediated tumor-targeting theranostic nanoparticles
Authors: Zhou Xiaoxuan , He Chengbin , Liu Min , Chen Qingqing , Zhang Lingjie , Xu Xiaodan , Xu Hongxia , Qian Yue , Yu Feidan , Wu Yan , Han Yuxin , Xiao Bing , Tang Jianbin , Hu Hongjie
Published: January 2021

A hyaluronic acid-coated and albumin-templated MnO2and polydopamine hybrid nanoparticle for tumor-targeting imaging and therapy.
Ni/NiO heterostructures encapsulated in oxygen-doped graphene as multifunctional electrocatalysts for the HER, UOR and HMF oxidation reaction
Authors: Wang Jianmin , Zhao Zhen , Shen Chen , Liu Haopeng , Pang Xueyong , Gao Meiqi , Mu Juan , Cao Feng , Li Guoqing
Published: January 2021

A controlled scalable arc-discharge method was developed to produce metal/metal oxide nanoparticles encapsulated in graphene as excellent catalysts for multiple reactions, including HER, UOR, and the HMF oxidation reaction.
Quantification and risk assessment of pesticides in southern Brazilian air samples using low-volume sampling and rapid ultrasound-assisted extraction
Authors: Amaral Dias Mariana , dos Santos Josafa Magno , Pignati Wanderlei Antonio , Felix Erika Pereira
Published: January 2021

Two gas phase sampling systems were validated and compared to each other. The levels of pesticides ranged between 192 and 1731 pg m−3. Human exposure to pesticides was estimated using the gas phase concentrations.
Hydrogen bond mediated intermolecular magnetic coupling in mononuclear high spin iron(iii) Schiff base complexes: synthesis, structure and magnetic study with theoretical insight
Authors: Basak Tanmoy , Gómez-García Carlos J. , Gomila Rosa M. , Frontera Antonio , Chattopadhyay Shouvik
Published: January 2021

H-Bond mediated magnetic interactions in mononuclear iron(iii) Schiff base complexes were studied experimentally and validated by using DFT calculations.
Crucial roles of triazinic-NO and CO groups in photocatalytic water splitting on graphitic carbon nitride
Authors: Ma Huizhong , Zhang Xiao , Jin Fan , Zhou He , Zhang Jie , Ma Yuchen
Published: January 2021

Reaction process of photocatalytic water splitting on graphitic carbon nitride.
Targeting transdifferentiated hepatic stellate cells and monitoring the hepatic fibrogenic process by means of IGF2R-specific peptides designed in silico
Authors: Weber Florian , Casalini Tommaso , Valentino Gina , Brülisauer Lorine , Andreas Nico , Koeberle Andreas , Kamradt Thomas , Contini Alessandro , Luciani Paola
Published: January 2021

In silico designed peptides showed high binding affinity towards activated human hepatic stellate cells, offering new strategies to target insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor in fibrotic liver and suggesting a potential for noninvasive diagnosis.
Development of an approach to the environmental and economic assessment of the effectiveness of changing the traffic management regime
Authors: Novikov Ivan , Vasilyeva Victoria , Kravchenko Andrei , Shevtsova Anastasia
Published: January 2021

The paper investigates the main approaches, applied in the process of assessment of efficiency of changing the traffic management regime. The main parameters, which make the evaluation of effectiveness possible, have been figured out and set, the research has been performed to identify and define these parameters within a framework of the specific object of study, i.e. a controlled intersection in the urban, regional centre. The particular approach, allowing to assess eco-economic efficiency of the alteration of the control and management mode in accordance with such parameters as the saturation level, delay of the vehicles (traffic delays), fuel consumption, amount of harmful toxic emissions, has been successfully developed, the natural and model experiments have been carried out, the prospects and recommendations for an application of this approach have been formulated.
Methodology of the experimental study about the effective function of the specialized motor transport enterprise
Authors: Lyubimov Igor , Melnikov Alexey , Manayev Konstantin
Published: January 2021

The article presents the methodology of the optimization for the structure of the motor transport and container fleet of the specialized motor transport enterprise at the heart of which the principles of program and target planning and linear programming are used.
Methods to decrease the influence of the vehicles’ service and repair system on the environment
Authors: Makarova Irina , Mavrin Vadim , Gabsalikhova Larisa , Gorjaev Nikolaj
Published: January 2021

Article notes that vehicle maintenance and repair system have a significant negative impact on the environment. To reduce it, dealers must develop and implement an effective environmental management system. Identification of environmental aspects, as well as works and operations related to these aspects were performed. Model’s algorithm of the territorial accommodation of vehicle’s dealers is presented. This model will allow to find a balance between the vehicle’s service system efficiency indicators of the, the costs for owners to delivery of vehicles, waiting in the queue and maintenance and the impact on the environment.
Models and Algorithms of Formation of Route Transport Network of a City
Authors: Belokurov Sergey , Belokurov Vladimir , Zolnikov Vladimir , Lavlinsky Valery , Shtepa Alexei
Published: January 2021

Mathematical modeling in optimization problems of management of urban passenger transport in large cities is considered. The simulation of route of transportation network of large cities is determined by a relatively large number of their specific and individual properties which, in the process of their functioning, become more complex and interdependent ones. Algorithm of rational route network taking into account annular and circular routes in the schemes of organization of urban passenger transport is proposed.
Methodology for Ensuring the Required Level of Traffic Safety at Single-Level Regulated Roads Intersections
Authors: Plotnikov Anatoly , Gurin Dmitry
Published: January 2021

A functional flowchart is presented for the results of the investigations aimed at development of the methodology for automated control systems (ACS) which could evaluate and maintain the required traffic safety (TrS). The flowchart can be used in traffic management schemes (TMS) at regulated (signal-controlled) road intersections (RRI) with various methods of traffic light control in the options with traditional control methods I (phase by phase control) or II (control according to separate directions of traffic) and a new method of combined control of traffic III (various combinations of traditional methods I and II in one cycle of traffic light control). The control methods in ACS at RRI are changed according to the intensity threshold of left-turning and right-turning traffic streams to ensure the traffic safety (TrS) during these maneuvers.
The Mathematical Model of Gas Dynamic Process in the Regulated Heat Transfer at the Inlet
Authors: Khakimov Ramil , Didmanidze Otari , Belinskaya Irina
Published: January 2021

The paper presents a mathematical model of heat release in a cylinder of a gas engine based on the previously described differential equations proposed by Professor R.M. Petrichenko. Having studied the method for calculating the heat release through pressure buildup during the gas exchange, a number of shortcomings were identified that made it possible to formulate an improved mathematical model of the gas dynamic process in determining the turbulent propagation velocity of the flame front in the combustion chamber of the gas engine, expressing it through the angle of rotation of the crankshaft, which made it possible to optimize the methane- at the inlet.
A Choice of Representative Sections for the Estimation of the Transport Network Loading
Authors: Vlasov Aleksey , Gorshenina Ekatherina
Published: January 2021

The problem of a choice of representative sections for transport network loading management is considered in the following article. To solve the problem, the use of Principal component analysis and the procedures of cluster analysis are offered. The example of the choice of representative sections at network traffic control is presented.
Multicriterial Evaluation of the Transport and Logistic System of the Moscow Region
Authors: Demin Vasily , Terentyev Alexey
Published: January 2021

The article deals with the direction of solving complex problems of interaction between the elements of the transport and logistics system of the Moscow region as a complex structure of management methods in multi-criteria systems and technologies for monitoring the quality of processes. The control method should optimize the system parameters, and control technologies (radio frequency cargo identification) implement feedback in the system.
Charge Transfer State and Voltage Losses in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Qian Deping
Published: January 2021

Due to the small dielectric constant of pristine conjugated polymers or small molecules, the photogenerated electron-hole pairs (excitons) are strongly bound because of Coulombic attraction, typically 0.2–0.5 eV (Brédas et al., 1996; Alvarado et al., 1998; and Arkhipov and Bässler, 2004) and are unable to dissociate automatically. The most effective way to solve the issue is to introduce another component possessing electron affinity into the photo-active film. The intermixing of electron donor (D) and electron acceptor (A) materials form the type II heterojunctions, where both highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the electron donor are higher than the electron acceptor. In particular, new interfacial electronic states between donor and acceptor are formed, called charge transfer (CT) states, where interesting optoelectronic processes, such as charge separation and recombination, take place (Benson-Smith et al., 2007).
Entanglement of two Jaynes–Cummings atoms in single-excitation space
Authors: Yang Ya , Liu Yan , Lu Jing , Zhou Lan
Published: January 2021

We study the entanglement dynamics of two atoms coupled to their own Jaynes–Cummings cavities in single-excitation space. Here, we use concurrence to measure atomic entanglement, and consider the Bell-like states to be initial states. Our analysis suggests that collapse and revival take place in entanglement dynamics. The physical mechanism behind entanglement dynamics is periodic information and energy exchange between atoms and light fields. For the initial Bell-like states, evolutionary periodicity of the atomic entanglement can only be found if the ratio of the two atom–cavity coupling strengths is a rational number. Also, whether there is a time translation between two kinds of initial Bell-like state depends on odd versus even numbers of the coupling-strength ratio.
How machine learning conquers the unitary limit
Authors: Kaspschak Bastian , Meißner Ulf-G
Published: January 2021

Machine learning has become a premier tool in physics and other fields of science. It has been shown that the quantum mechanical scattering problem cannot only be solved with such techniques, but it was argued that the underlying neural network develops the Born series for shallow potentials. However, classical machine learning algorithms fail in the unitary limit of an infinite scattering length. The unitary limit plays an important role in our understanding of bound strongly interacting fermionic systems and can be realized in cold atom experiments. Here, we develop a formalism that explains the unitary limit in terms of what we define as unitary limit surfaces. This not only allows to investigate the unitary limit geometrically in potential space, but also provides a numerically simple approach towards unnaturally large scattering lengths with standard multilayer perceptrons. Its scope is therefore not limited to applications in nuclear and atomic physics, but includes all systems that exhibit an unnaturally large scale.
Bioprinting 3D human cardiac tissue chips using the pin type printer ‘microscopic painting device’ and analysis for cardiotoxicity
Authors: Chikae Shohei , Kubota Akifumi , Nakamura Haruka , Oda Atsushi , Yamanaka Akihiro , Akagi Takami , Akashi Mitsuru
Published: January 2021

In this study, three-dimensional (3D) cardiac tissue constructed using the pin type bioprinter ‘microscopic painting device’ and layer-by-layer cell coating technique was confirmed to have drug responsiveness by three different analytical methods for cardiotoxicity assay. Recently, increasing attention has been focused on biofabrication to create biomimetic 3D tissue. Although various tissues can be produced in vitro, there are many issues surrounding the stability and reproducibility of the preparation of 3D tissues. Thus, although many bioprinters have been developed, none can efficiently, reproducibly and precisely produce small 3D tissues (μm-mm order) such as spheroids, which are most commonly used in drug development. The 3D cardiac tissue chips were successfully constructed with a similar number of cells as conventional 2D tissue using a pin type bioprinter, and corresponding drug-induced cardiotoxicities were obtained with known compounds that induce cardiotoxicity. The 3D cardiac tissue chips displayed uniform cell density and completely synchronized electrophysiological properties as compared to 2D tissue. The 3D tissues constructed using a pin type bioprinter as a biofabrication device would be promising tools for cardiotoxicity assay as they are capable of obtaining stable and reproducible data, which cannot be obtained by 2D tissue.
Two- and three-body effective potentials between impurities in ideal BEC
Authors: Panochko G. , Pastukhov V
Published: January 2021

We exactly calculate the full temperature dependence of Casimir-like forces appearing between two and three static impurities loaded in the ideal Bose gas below the Bose–Einstein condensation transition point. Assuming the short-ranged character of the boson-impurity interaction, the calculation procedure presented here can be easily extended on a Bose system with an arbitrary number of impurities immersed.
Effect of boiling and water storage practices on E. coli contamination of drinking water in the city of Bekasi (case study: Jatiluhur, Sumur Batu, and Jatirangga Villages)
Authors: Imtiyaz I , Putri G L , Hartono D M , Zulkarnain F , Priadi C R
Published: January 2021

In the city of Bekasi, a large proportion of the population uses groundwater and is at risk of Escherichia coli contamination. Water can remain contaminated by E. coli even after treatment, and it may be recontaminated through storage practices. This research aims to analyze the effect of boiling and the correlation of water storage practices to E. coli contamination in the drinking water of households in the villages of Jatiluhur, Sumur Batu, and Jatirangga. Among 54 randomly surveyed households, 98.1% boiled their water before drinking. The results show that 67% showed decreased E. coli after boiling. Boiled water with a low risk of E. coli made up 64.8% of the samples, a medium risk made up 25.9%, a high risk made up 7.4%, and a very high risk made up 1.9%. Observation of water storage practices showed that 51% of households store water in a jug after treatment, and 35.3% store it in a kettle or pot. Residents used a container equipped with a lid 94.1% of the time. The statistical analysis revealed no correlation between water storage practices and E. coli contamination in drinking water. Boiling water can be a fairly effective way to decrease E. coli contamination; however, other factors that can recontaminate water, such as storage hygiene and hand washing, require attention in future studies.
In search of Mr Baptiste: on early Caribbean music, race, and a colonial composer
Authors: Lingold Mary Caton
Published: January 2021

Mr Baptiste was a musician living in late 17th-century Jamaica who composed music portraying African traditions as they were performed by enslaved musicians on the island. This article argues that Baptiste was probably a free person of colour and perhaps one of the earliest-known Black American composers to have published Western notation. His music was printed in Hans Sloane’s 1707 travelogue and natural history of Jamaica. The article also addresses broader issues concerning the underrepresentation of marginalized performers in colonial music histories, with special attention to musical life in the early modern Caribbean.
Florian Sawiczewski (1797–1876), founder of the pharmacognostic collection in Kraków
Authors: Makowska-Wąs Justyna , Rzepiela Agnieszka , Podolak Irma
Published: January 2021

The historical collections of the Department of Pharmacognosy in the Jagiellonian University Medical College in Kraków hold a variety of educational and research specimens. The most valuable are those from the nineteenth-century Pharmacognostic Cabinet collection, founded by the professor of pharmacy and chemistry Florian Sawiczewski. This paper presents a review of Sawiczewski’s progress from practising in his father’s pharmacy to his appointment as university rector. It also provides some historical background for the establishment of the first Polish chair of pharmacy and materia medica in 1783 and describes the formation of the Pharmacognostic Cabinet in the years 1835–57.