bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Municipal Solid Waste Management: A comparative study between Sydney (Australia) and Pune (India)
Authors: Sohkhlet Daniella , Nagargoje Shekhar
Published: May 2020

As rapid urbanization continues to take place, with a projected 68% of the world’s population expected to live in cities by 2050 according to the UN, waste management in proximity to human settlements poses problematic. Although waste generation and failure of its management is seen as a huge problem in developing cities, wealthier cities generate more waste than less affluent cities, and thus waste management is a crucial issue in developed as well as developing cities for obvious ecological reasons and for sustainability. However, while collection of waste by high GDP cities is more frequent than collection in low GDP cities, it does not imply that the issue of waste management has been resolved. A significant portion of the world still dumps its waste in landfills. Furthermore, it is projected that by 2025, lower middle-income groups will produce the most amounts of waste, while high-income groups are expected to generate the second largest amount of waste. Accordingly, it is important to understand methods of collection and disposal of solid waste carried out by cites varying in GDP and HDI to combat the issue of waste management through landfills for the purpose of creating a sustainable future. This paper is a study of existing waste management methods implemented by the governing bodies of selected cities and progress towards future policies that these governing bodies have laid out. Comparisons of existing problems faced by each city, collection methods and coverage, recycle coverage and rates, unique waste management approaches, and plans to tackle waste are carried out. The analysis can thus serve as a reference for emerging cities lacking resources that can adapt strategies described, as well as for established cities that can easily adopt certain measures to safeguard their respective ecologies and take steps towards sustainability.
Spiritual Revitalization of Indian Cities through Heritage Conservation
Authors: Jagrati Sehgal , Atul Kumar , Ila Prakash
Published: May 2020

The aim and objective of heritage conservation with revitalization under Article 1, UNESCO Constitution is “To contribute to peace and security by promoting collaboration among the nations through education, science and culture in order to further universal respect for justice, for the rule of law and for the human rights and fundamental freedoms”. Revitalization refers to bring back the essence of tangible and intangible aspects which has been diminishing on the urge of modernism. Through intervention of conservation techniques such as restoration, adaptation, preservation, reconstruction etc. the above aspect can be achieved efficiently. Conservation and revitalization of old Indian cities and its historic values have so far given low priority in urban development policies. There are 35 (27 cultural, 7 natural and 1 mixed) World Heritage Sites in India that are recognized by the UNESCO as of July 2016. Eagerness for the taste of development, the Indian cities are losing their architectural and historical assets. Thus, revitalization and conservation have to come in action to celebrate reputable past of our historic areas and to upgrade its way towards life. Various heritage sites are in dilapidated condition which are not being utilized or conserved in an effective manner Indian cities are going through a vibrant phase of urban renaissance; the study methodology of this research is based on continuous and organic approach of revitalization by amalgamating community and policy development followed by analysis of physical and spiritual attributes of the city. Research and study approach concludes with considerations for area revitalization approaches which maintain the typical urban tissue, essential qualities of the historic areas, life of the communities residing there and can also adapt the physical structures and activities to some of the present day requirements. In terms of intangibility, it is stressed to be seen as part of regaining the spiritual identity by suitable conservation approach, sustainability and revitalization will work effectively if they are unified into new concept of development.
Feasibility Study of Adaptation of Biomimicry Approach in Green Building
Authors: Bankar Mahesh , Jogdand Vishakha
Published: May 2020

This paper deals with adaptation of Biomimicry strategies in building to make it environmentally sustainable. Biomimicry is the innovative approach which emulates the design principles of Flora and fauna as the genesis of the design. The approach is studied in context with the objectives of green building viz., Indoor air quality, Water efficiency, Energy efficiency and eco-friendly HVAC system. The study investigates the potential of emulating Biomimicry approach in green building technology. In this paper it is discussed that how the Biomimicry approach innovatively solves the purpose of green building, i.e. Resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact of the building.
Future city - challenges and opportunities for water-sensitive sustainable cities, in India
Authors: Pusalkar Vandana , Swamy Vimala , Shivapur Anand
Published: May 2020

Rapid urbanization, depleted resources, imbalance in urban hydrologic cycle, tremendous pressure on ecological functions, unhygienic and unhealthy environment is the scenario in almost all Indian cities. Water resources in the urban areas are fast depleting while the demand for the same is fast growing. Now more than ever before, water resources face threats from climate change, population growth, aging infrastructure, declining revenues, and a variety of other localized challenges. The challenge is to find ecologically sustainable, socially justified, economically viable, culturally transferable, and technological and managerial innovations which are appropriate to meet the needs of the future generations i.e. sustainable urban development. What is sustainable development? Detail study of sustainable development goals especially related to water, various recent trends of city development at major parts of world, from water perspective like Water-sensitive city, Water-wise city. Water-centric sustainable community can prove to be an ideal model of city development that will be truly sustainable with full focus on ecological balance so that social and economical sustainability also can be achieved.
A study of the effect of morphology on the optical and electrical properties of TiO2 nanotubes for gas sensing applications
Authors: Arenas-Hernandez Alba , Zúñiga-Islas Carlos , Mendoza-Cervantes Julio César
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we report the results of the optical and electrical properties of TiO2 nanotubes with different morphologies for gas sensing applications. Four nanomaterials of TiO2 were prepared by electrochemical anodization using four different electrolyte solutions: 0.255 wt% NH4F with 1 wt%, 3 wt%, 6 wt% and 9 wt% of deionized water in ethylene glycol. Micrographs by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed different morphologies caused by the variation in the water content of the solutions. Consequently, as an effect of morphology, the photoluminescence intensity in the visible spectrum was modified. By a change of the crystalline phase of TiO2 nanotubes, the oxygen vacancies increased and affected to the optical and electrical properties of TiO2 films. These films were used for detecting gas at room temperature. Hence, we studied and analyzed the relationship of the morphology, elemental composition, phase composition, band gap energy and defect states as a function of the electrical resistance change of TiO2 nanotubes to understand and improve the sensor response.
Sentinel-Lymphknoten-Diagnostik im Kopf/Halsbereich: Indikation und aktuelle Untersuchungsprotokolle
Authors: Baqué Pia-Elisabeth , Miederer Matthias
Published: May 2020

Die Sentinel-Lymphknoten-Biopsie ist ein wichtiges Staging-Instrument für Patienten mit Plattenepithelkarzinomen des Kopf-Hals-Bereichs und wird in vielen spezialisierten Zentren bereits erfolgreich durchgeführt. Der Nachweis bzw. Ausschluss von okkulten zervikalen Lymphknotenmetastasen ist für die Patienten von erheblicher Bedeutung, da hierdurch das operative Konzept entscheidend beeinflusst wird. Der nachfolgende Beitrag möchte einen Überblick über die Methode und eine praktische Handlungsanleitung zur Durchführung der nuklearmedizinischen Untersuchung geben, unter Berücksichtigung der aktuell gültigen Leitlinien 4
16
23.
Stellenwert der Nierenbiopsie bei Lupusnephritis
Authors: Weiner Stefan Markus , Waldherr Rüdiger
Published: May 2020

Bei systemischem Lupus erythematodes (SLE) findet sich häufig eine renale Mitbeteiligung, der verschiedene pathogenetische Mechanismen zugrunde liegen. Die Nierenbeteiligung hat einen negativen Einfluss auf die Prognose des SLE, insbesondere bei progredienter Niereninsuffizienz. Eine Nierenbiopsie ist aufgrund der Heterogenität der Nierenbeteiligung und der damit verbundenen therapeutischen Konsequenzen unabdingbar. Sie kann durch nicht-invasive Untersuchungen wie die Urindiagnostik oder Serologie nicht ersetzt werden, da das Ausmaß der Proteinurie oder der Mikrohämaturie keine sicheren Rückschlüsse auf den Schweregrad, die Pathogenese und die Prognose der Nierenbeteiligung erlauben. Die Nierenbiopsie gibt neben der korrekten Klassifikation der Lupusnephritis (LN) Informationen über die Mitbeteiligung des Niereninterstitium, der intrarenalen Gefäße und der Aktivität sowie Chronizität der Nephritis. Auch kann der Pathologe die Frage beantworten, inwieweit mit einer Besserung der Nierenfunktion unter Therapie gerechnet werden kann. Der folgende Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über den Stellenwert der Nierenbiopsie bei SLE, der revidierten Klassifikation der LN von 2018 einschließlich Sonderformen der LN und über die Implikationen des Biopsie-Ergebnisses für die Therapie.
Maternal Serum Haptoglobin Levels as a Marker of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes
Authors: Buyuk Gul Nihal , Oskovi-Kaplan Z.Asli , Durukan Huseyin
Published: May 2020

Objective We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of maternal serum haptoglobin levels in patients presenting with preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes (PPROM) during the second and the third trimesters of pregnancy.

Methods In this case control study, 60 patients were recruited (30 pregnant women with PPROM between 26–34 weeks of gestation and 30 healthy, gestational-age-matched pregnant women without PPROM). White blood cell count (WBC), interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), sedimentation rate, and haptoglobin levels were measured.

Results The mean age, gestational week, gravida, and parity of the 2 groups were statistically comparable (P>0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of haptoglobin values (p<0.001). The mean haptoglobin level was 115.5+33.1(mg/dl) in the PPROM group and 66.5+42.6 (mg/dl) in the control group. ROC curve analysis was performed to determine whether the level of haptoglobin alone could diagnose PPROM as an independent marker. It was shown that the level of 94.5 mg/dL for haptoglobin could indicate the diagnosis of PPROM with 80% sensitivity and specificity

Conclusion Maternal serum haptoglobin levels may be a diagnostic marker for suspected PPROM cases when membrane rupture diagnosis is not accurate based on physical examination and other diagnostic tests.
A Facile Synthesis of Ligands for the von Hippel–Lindau E3 Ligase
Authors: Gütschow Michael , Steinebach Christian , Voell Sabine Anna , Vu Lan Phuong , Bricelj Aleša , Sosič Izidor , Schnakenburg Gregor
Published: May 2020

The proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have become an integral part of different stages of drug discovery. This growing field, therefore, benefits from advancements in all segments of the design of these compounds. Herein, an efficient and optimized synthetic protocol to various von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) ligands is presented, which enables easy access to multigram quantities of these essential PROTAC building blocks. Moreover, the elaborated synthesis represents a straightforward approach to further explore the chemical space of VHL ligands.
Environmentally Benign Large-Scale Synthesis of a Precursor to Vortioxetine
Authors: Gallos John K. , Zisopoulou Stavroula A. , Pafili Anastasia E. , Gkizis Petros , Andreou Thanos , Koftis Theoharis V. , Lithadioti Alexandra , Neokosmidis Efstratios
Published: May 2020

An eco-friendly, high-yielding, and transition-metal-free synthesis of 2-[(2,4-dimethylphenyl)thio]aniline precursor to vortioxetine is reported. Vortioxetine, a multi-modal acting drug with high affinity for a range of serotonergic targets, is used for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The synthesis – applicable in multi-gram scale – involves the reaction of bis(2,4-dimethyl)iodonium bromide with commercial 2-aminophenyl disulfide, whereas its reaction with 2-aminothiophenol afforded the same product but in low to moderate yields. This method works equally well in deep eutectic solvents (DESs), based on choline chloride (ChCl).
Barbed Sutures in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Meta-analysis of Randomized-Controlled Trials
Authors: Sun Changjiao , Chen Lianxu , Du Ruiyong , Wu Sha , Ma Qi , Cai Xu
Published: May 2020

Newer methods of wound closure such as barbed sutures hold the potential to reduce closure time and equivalent wound complications in various surgeries. However, few studies have compared barbed suture and conventional wound closure techniques in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this review was to appraise the efficacy and safety of the barbed suture in closure of TKA. We conducted a meta-analysis to identify relevant randomized-controlled trials involving barbed sutures and conventional sutures in TKA in electronic databases, including Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane Library, Highwire, CBM, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang database, up to August 2019. Finally, we identified 1,472 TKAs (1,270 patients) assessed in 13 randomized-controlled trials. Compared with conventional wound closure techniques, barbed sutures resulted in shorter total wound closure time (p < 0.001), fewer needle puncture injuries to members of the surgical team (p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in terms of blister formation (p = 1.0), superficial infection (p = 0.82), range of motion (p = 0.94), incisional exudate (p = 0.75), suture abscess (p = 0.26), or suture breakage (p = 0.11), wound-related complications (p = 0.10), ecchymosis (p = 0.08) between barbed and conventional wound closure. Based on the available level I evidence, we thus conclude that a knotless barbed suture is a safe and effective approach for wound closure in TKA. Given the relevant possible biases in our meta-analysis, more adequately powered and better-designed randomized-controlled trials studies with long-term follow-up are required to recommend barbed sutures for routine administration in TKA.
Rhodanine-Bridged Core-Expanded Naphthalene Diimide Derivatives for n-Type Semiconductors
Authors: Li Jiangao , Li Jing , Ge Congwu , Gao Xike
Published: May 2020

The core expansion of naphthalene diimides (NDIs) is an effective strategy to modulate frontier molecular orbital energy levels and improve device performances. Herein two new rhodanine-bridged and core-extended NDIs T1 and T2 were designed and synthesized. The rhodanine moiety could act not only as a π-spacer to enlarge the molecular conjugated system, but also as an electron-donating unit to tune the molecular energy levels. As a result, both T1 and T2 showed slightly lower lying LUMO energy levels (< − 4.2 eV) by ca. 0.1 eV and narrower optical band gaps (ca. 1.5 eV) by 0.5 eV compared to those of n-type organic semiconductor (OSC) NDI2DT-DTYM2.The solution-processed organic thin-film transistors based on T1 and T2 exhibited electron motilities in the range of 10−4–10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1, and the inverted perovskite solar cells constructed using T2 as electron transport materials provided a power conversion efficiency value of 8.82%. The results demonstrated that embedding rhodanine units in a NDI2DT-DTYM2 backbone is an effective approach to tune the energy levels and optical properties of OSCs, providing a new way to construct novel n-type OSCs with multifunctional optoelectronic applications.
Tunneling in two-layer systems with electron-hole coupling (Review article)
Authors: Bezuglyj A. I.
Published: May 2020

A phase-coherent state of electron–hole pairs may emerge in two-layer n–p systems, which is generated by the Coulomb attraction of electrons of the n-layer to holes of the p-layer. Unlike a Josephson junctions, the order parameter phase in n–p bilayers is locked by interlayer tunneling matrix elements T12. The phase locking determines the response of the electron–hole condensate to the electric voltage between the layers: the phase is constant at low voltages V < Vc, and monotonically increases with time if V > Vc. The change in the system dynamics at V = Vc results in a peak along the differential tunneling conductance. The width of the Vc peak is proportional to the absolute value of the tunneling matrix element |T12|, while its height does not depend on |T12|. Thus, for small |T12| the peak is tall and narrow. In the case of long two-layer systems, a magnetic field parallel to the layers significantly reduces the peak height. In small two-layer systems, the height of the tunneling conductance peak as a function of a parallel magnetic field is similar to the Fraunhofer diffraction pattern. The interlayer differential tunneling conductance peak is also strongly suppressed by temperature, due to thermal interlayer voltage fluctuations.
On the phase transition of He II to He I in the presence of macroscopic motion
Authors: Kontorovich V. M.
Published: May 2020

The theory of L. D. Landau is used to conduct a hydrodynamic and thermodynamic examination of a number of issues related to the phase transition of He II to He I in the presence of macroscopic motion. In particular, it is shown that the transition in rotating helium is a first-order transition.
Persistent currents in the two-chain correlated electron model
Authors: Zvyagin A. A.
Published: May 2020

For the recently proposed exactly solvable two-chain correlated electron model with the anisotropic spin-spin interaction between electrons and the spin-orbit interaction the ground state persistent currents are calculated. The model describes the quasi-one-dimensional type II superconductor. It is shown, that the spin-orbit coupling determines the initial phase of oscillations of charge and spin persistent currents, related to unbound electron states. On the other hand, Cooper-like singlet pairs define oscillations of only charge persistent currents with the period, characteristic to pairs. Depending on the value of the external magnetic field and the band filling, the system can reveal the complicated picture of the interference of several kinds of oscillations.
Pressure and high-temperature superconductivity of hydrogen compounds
Authors: Boyko Yu. I. , Bogdanov V. V. , Vovk R. V.
Published: May 2020

The theory of collectivization of valence electrons is used to estimate the characteristic values of pressure that may cause the superconductivity of hydrogen compounds (hydrides) at room temperatures. The calculated values are compared with experimental data obtained during the study of LaH10 compounds: Тc ≈ 250 K, Р ≈ 170 GPa.
Machine learning assists in the fast, efficient design of nanophotonic devices
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: May 2020

Combining machine learning with traditional nanophotonic design techniques creates device designs thousands of times faster with improved efficiencies.
Synchronization in reaction–diffusion systems with multiple pacemakers
Authors: Nolet F. E. , Rombouts J. , Gelens L.
Published: May 2020

Spatially extended oscillatory systems can be entrained by pacemakers, regions that oscillate with a higher frequency than the rest of the medium. Entrainment happens through waves originating at a pacemaker. Typically, biological and chemical media can contain multiple pacemaker regions, which compete with each other. In this paper, we perform a detailed numerical analysis of how wave propagation and synchronization of the medium depend on the properties of these pacemakers. We discuss the influence of the size and intrinsic frequency of pacemakers on the synchronization properties. We also study a system in which the pacemakers are embedded in a medium without any local dynamics. In this case, synchronization occurs if the coupling determined by the distance and diffusion is strong enough. The transition to synchronization is reminiscent of systems of discrete coupled oscillators.
Born–Oppenheimer and non-Born–Oppenheimer contributions to time-dependent electron momenta
Authors: Schaupp Thomas , Engel Volker
Published: May 2020

Using a model system for a coupled electron–nuclear motion, we calculate time-dependent expectation values of the electronic momentum operator. Whereas, within the velocity form, this quantity vanishes if the Born–Oppenheimer (BO) approximation is applied, it differs from zero if the calculation employs the length form of the expectation value. Using the adiabatic expansion of the total wave function, it is analyzed which terms contribute to the mean electronic momentum. For an adiabatic motion, where the BO approximation holds, it is shown that in the length form, the BO wave function yields an excellent estimate of the momentum. On the other hand, in the velocity form, it is necessary to include non-BO terms to calculate its value. This illustrates the different convergence behavior of the matrix elements in the two formulations. In the diabatic limit where the electron density does only marginally change upon the nuclear motion, both approaches converge to a vanishing mean electronic momentum.
Temporary anion states of fluorine substituted benzenes probed by charge transfer in O2−·C6H6−xFx (x = 0–5) ion–molecule complexes
Authors: Dobulis Marissa A. , Thompson Michael C. , Sommerfeld Thomas , Jarrold Caroline Chick
Published: May 2020

The broadband photoelectron source realized by detaching O2−·X (X = neutral unsaturated molecule) complexes offers a unique opportunity to probe temporary anion states of the unsaturated species. Detachment of the ion molecule complex typically accesses a dissociative portion of the neutral potential, creating a continuum electron source that can undergo scattering with X. We present the application of this new approach to electron-neutral scattering toward a study of the series of fluorinated benzenes via photoelectron spectroscopy of O2−·C6H6−xFx (x = 0–6) measured with several photon energies. We compare these spectra to the reference O2−·hexane spectrum and observe evidence of temporary anion states of C6H6−xFx for species with x = 0–5 in the form of enhanced signal intensity at electron kinetic energies coinciding with the energies of the temporary anions. Furthermore, we observe autodetachment features in the x = 3, 5 spectra. Results of calculations on the isolated symmetric isomer of C6H3F3 suggest that the molecule cannot support a weakly-bound non-valence state that could be associated with the observed autodetachment. However, C6HF5− is predicted to support a valence bound state, which, if produced by charge transfer from O2− with sufficient vibrational energy, may undergo autodetachment. Finally, the [O2·C6F6]− spectrum is unique insofar as the spectrum is substantially higher in binding energy and qualitatively different from the x = 0–5 spectra. This result suggests much stronger interactions and charge delocalization between O2− and C6F6.
Restraint stress and elevation of corticotrophin-releasing hormone in female mice impair oocyte competence through activation of the tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) system
Authors: Zhao Xin-Yue , Li Zhi-Bin , Yuan Hong-Jie , Han Xiao , Wu Jia-Shun , Feng Xiu-Yun , Zhang Min , Tan Jing-He
Published: May 2020

Studies have observed that restraint stress (RS) and the associated elevation in corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) impair oocyte competence by triggering apoptosis of ovarian cells but the underlying mechanisms are largely unclear. Although one study demonstrated that RS and CRH elevation triggered apoptosis in ovarian cells and oocytes via activating Fas/FasL signalling, other studies suggested that RS might damage cells by activating other pathways as well as Fas signalling. The objective of this study was to test whether RS and CRH elevation impairs oocytes by activating tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) signalling. Our invivo experiments showed that RS applied during oocyte prematuration significantly increased expression of TNF-α and its receptor (TNFR1) while inducing apoptosis in both oocytes and mural granulosa cells (MGCs). Invitro treatment of MGCs with CRH significantly increased their apoptotic percentages and levels of TNF-α and TNFR1 expression. Invitro knockdown by interfering RNA, invivo knockout of the TNF-α gene or injection of TNF-α antagonist etanercept significantly relieved the adverse effects of RS and CRH on apoptosis of MGCs and/or the developmental potential and apoptosis of oocytes. The results suggest that RS and CRH elevation in females impair oocyte competence through activating TNF-α signalling and that a TNF-α antagonist might be adopted to ameliorate the adverse effects of psychological stress on oocytes.
Deep tillage and irrigation impacts on soil water balance and water productivity of direct-seeded rice–wheat cropping system in north-west India
Authors: Dhaliwal J. , Kahlon M. S. , Kukal S. S.
Published: May 2020

Direct-seeded rice (DSR) is a potent option for north-west India considering the current shortages of labour and water. The formation of a subsurface compact layer in medium to coarse textured soils due to continuous puddling used for commonly grown puddled, transplanted rice hampers the root growth of DSR and wheat crops. It is thus imperative to study the deep tillage effects on water balance and water productivity of the DSR–wheat cropping system. A two-year field experiment was conducted during 2016–17 and 2017–18 in a sandy loam soil to study the soil water dynamics in relation to tillage and irrigation regimes in a DSR–wheat cropping system. There were two irrigation regimes both in DSR (irrigation at 4-day and 8-day intervals) and wheat (based on irrigation water to pan evaporation ratio of 1.0 (I1.0) and 0.5 (I0.5)) in main plots; with three tillage treatments in subplots: (1) conventional tillage for both DSR and wheat (DSRCT-WCT), (2) deep tillage before sowing of DSR during the first season + conventional tillage in wheat (DSRDT1-WCT) and (3) deep tillage before sowing of DSR during both seasons + conventional tillage in wheat (DSRDT2-WCT). The irrigation water input was lower by 325 mm under 8-day, I0.5 compared with 4-day, I1.0 irrigation regimes during both years. The evapotranspiration (ET) was significantly higher in plots with the 4-day compared to 8-day irrigation regime by 22.8% and 17.2% during 2016 and 2017 respectively. In wheat, ET was significantly higher in plots with I1.0 than I0.5 by 42.7% and 34.8% during 2016–17 and 2017–18 respectively. The ET was significantly higher in DSRDT2-WCT and DSRDT1-WCT than DSRCT-WCT in DSR. The water productivity was higher in less frequently (8-day and I0.5) than in frequently irrigated (4-day and I1.0) plots. Deep tillage during both seasons (DSRDT2-WCT) had no significant influence on the soil water balance components and water productivity in comparison to deep tillage only once in two years (DSRDT1-WCT). However, the ET and water productivity were significantly higher in plots with deep tillage compared to conventional tillage.
Selective AhR knockout in langerin-expressing cells abates Langerhans cells and polarizes Th2/Tr1 in epicutaneous protein sensitization
Authors: Hong Chien-Hui , Lin Shang-Hung , Clausen Björn E. , Lee Chih-Hung
Published: May 2020

Significance

AhR, which is expressed in many epithelial, mucosal, and immune cells, represents a vital cellular sensor of environmental factors. Immune regulation by AhR can be cell, tissue, and ligand specific. Langerhans cells (LC), professional antigen presenting cells in the epidermis, govern the immunological barrier against environmental threats. How the AhR in LC regulates epicutaneous immune responses remains unclear. Experimenting with Langerin-specific AhR−/−mice, we discovered that AhR-deficient epidermal LC were reduced in number and, following epicutaneous protein (Ova) immunization, promoted T helper type-2 (Th2) and T regulatory type-1 (Tr1) responses, leading to increased Ova-specific IgE in the blood. Thus, AhR represents a critical sensor regulating LC activation and LC-mediated T cell polarization.
USP37 promotes deubiquitination of HIF2α in kidney cancer
Authors: Hong Kai , Hu Lianxin , Liu Xijuan , Simon Jeremy M. , Ptacek Travis S. , Zheng Xingnan , Liao Chengheng , Baldwin Albert S. , Zhang Qing
Published: May 2020

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is characterized by loss of tumor suppressor Von Hippel Lindau (VHL) function, which leads to accumulation of hypoxia inducible factor α (including HIF1α and HIF2α). HIF2α was previously reported to be one of the major oncogenic drivers in ccRCC, however, its therapeutic targets remain challenging. Here we performed a deubiquitinase (DUB) complementary DNA (cDNA) library binding screen and discovered that ubiquitin-specific peptidase 37 (USP37) is a DUB that binds HIF2α and promotes HIF2α deubiquitination. As a result, USP37 promotes HIF2α protein stability in an enzymatically dependent manner, and depletion of USP37 leads to HIF2α down-regulation in ccRCC. Functionally, USP37 depletion causes decreased cell proliferation measured by MTS, two-dimensional (2D) colony formation as well as three-dimensional (3D) anchorage- independent growth. USP37 is also essential for maintaining kidney tumorigenesis in an orthotopic xenograft model and its depletion leads to both decreased primary kidney tumorigenesis and spontaneous lung metastasis. Our results suggest that USP37 is a potential therapeutic target in ccRCC.
FcRn, but not FcγRs, drives maternal-fetal transplacental transport of human IgG antibodies
Authors: Borghi Sara , Bournazos Stylianos , Thulin Natalie K. , Li Chao , Gajewski Anna , Sherwood Robert W. , Zhang Sheng , Harris Eva , Jagannathan Prasanna , Wang Lai-Xi , Ravetch Jeffrey V. , Wang Taia T.
Published: May 2020

Significance

Transport of IgG antibodies from the maternal to the fetal circulation is a key process for neonatal immunity, as neonates cannot sufficiently generate IgG antibodies to reach protective levels during the first months after birth. In humans and other primates, maternal to fetal transport of IgG antibodies is largely mediated through the placental tissue. FcRn has been previously identified as the major driver of IgG transplacental transport. Here we examine whether other receptors, such as FcγRs, also contribute to the maternal-fetal IgG transfer. By characterizing the Fc domain structure of paired maternal-fetal IgG samples and modeling transplacental IgG transport in genetically engineered mouse strains, we determined that FcRn, but not FcγRs, is the major receptor that mediates transplacental IgG transport.
Reported thought, narrative positioning,
and emotional expression in Japanese public
speaking narratives
Authors: Dunn Cynthia D.
Published: May 2020

Scholarship on oral
narrative has drawn attention to how narrators
position themselves both as characters within the
narrative and as narrators in relation to an
audience. This chapter examines how reported
thought is used in Japanese narratives to shift
frames between a narrating voice (anchored in the
current situation) and a narrated voice (anchored
within the story world). Functions of reported
thought include: drawing contrasts between what
was thought and what was (not) said; creation of a
vivid, emotional narrative through the enactment
of inner speech; and allowing speakers to perform
speech acts while partially escaping
responsibility for their illocutionary force.
Reported thought allows narrators to momentarily
shift footing without challenging genre
conventions or established social roles and
relationships.
Creating interactional bonds during
theatrical rehearsals
Authors: Lefebvre Augustin
Published: May 2020

The process of embodying a
theatrical script for organizing the performance
of an interaction among fictional characters and
displaying interactional bonds on stage depends on
the way the participants (the director and the
actors) interpret the script.
Interpreting the script means for them that each
line of the script becomes an underlying pattern
to which extra elements (embodied behaviors,
broader contextual elements) can be connected in
order to build the multimodal performances of
interactional bonds. In this paper I focus on how
participants build two different interpretations
of the same segment of the script, building two
kinds of interactional bonds among addressed and
un-addressed recipients. The goal of this paper is
to understand how the actors embody the
script and create the performance
of interactional bonds by relying on the
script as an underlying pattern.
Fruit supplementation reduces indices of exercise‐induced muscle damage: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Doma Kenji , Gahreman Daniel , Connor Jonathan
Published: May 2020

This systematic review and meta‐analysis examined the effects of fruit supplements on indices of muscle damage and physical performance measures following muscle‐damaging exercise protocols. The PEDro scale and Cochrane's risk of bias tool was used to critically appraise each study, whilst forest plots were generated to report on standardised mean differences (SMD) and p‐values. The studies employed a crossover‐randomised design, or a randomised controlled placebo design, with measures compared between the supplement (SUPP) and placebo (PLA) conditions at 24 and 48 h following the muscle‐damaging exercise protocols. Compared to the PLA condition, the SUPP condition exhibited significantly lower levels of indirect muscle damage markers (p = 0.02; I2 = 44%), inflammatory markers (p = 0.03; I2 = 45%) and oxidative stress (p < 0.001; I2 = 58%), whilst antioxidant capacity was significantly increased (p = 0.04; I2 = 82%) at 24 h post‐exercise. The maximal isometric voluntary contraction was significantly greater for the SUPP condition than the PLA at 24 h (p < 0.001; I2 = 81%) and 48 h (p < 0.001; 84%) post‐exercise. Only a few studies reported on functional outcome measures (i.e. countermovement jump, cycling, sprint and running maximal oxygen uptake), and the findings appeared conflicting according to qualitative analyses. Fruit supplementation minimised the level of several biomarkers of muscle damage, inflammation and oxidative stress, whilst improved muscular contractility during periods of EIMD. These findings demonstrate that fruit supplements could be used as recovery strategies from strenuous exercise sessions.
The effect of the ozone and the biological preparation Biofit-3 treatment on the growth of pathogenic microorganisms of wheat during storage
Authors: Avdeeva V N , Bezgina J A , Starodubtseva G P , Zorina E B , Logacheva E A , Maslova L F
Published: May 2020

Today, wheat is one of the most common cereal crops in the world. In order for the grain to retain its qualities well, its storage conditions must be unfavorable for both insects and microorganisms. Scientists are engaged in this problem in Europe, in the United States of America, in Russia. For a number of years, Stavropol State Agrarian University has been conducting research on the effects of the Biofit-3 biological product on pathogenic microflora formed on wheat grain. Disinfection of grain by a biological preparation was carried out in the following sequence: the biological preparation was thoroughly agitated until the precipitate was dissolved; working solutions were prepared with the optimum concentration by diluting the preparation with distilled water. The solution of the biological product was evenly distributed in the mass of grain with the help of a dosing pump. Also, the experiments were conducted on the combined effects of the biological product with ozone. As a result of the experiments, the effect of the Biofit-3 preparation in combination with ozone on the suppression of the colonies of the Rhizopus, Aspergilus, Fusarium, Penicillium and Alternaria fungi in the wheat grain was found out. The article presents the optimal modes of disinfection of wheat and grain mixtures with the preparation Biofit-3 in combination with ozone.
Impact of technological scheme of apple tree cultivation on fractional content of pectin substances
Authors: Donchenko L V , Doroshenko T N , Krasnoselova E A , Konuhova E V , Petrik G F
Published: May 2020

The trend of the modern society is to consume ecologically safe products or products with improved ecological properties. The article reviews some advantages and disadvantages of intensive and organic horticulture systems. It shows feasibility of an integrated system development. The object of the research is Prima apple cultivar, treated with the growth regulators such as foliton, vermicoffe, potassium, melafen and mettalocen. The article describes impact of growth regulators on the fractional composition of pectin substances. It proves that treatment of apple trees with potassium increases the weight fraction of soluble pectin while treatment with melafen and metallocen increases proto pectin content. Taking into account chemistry of pectin substances, fractional composition changes under different factors may be explained with structural changes of homogalaturonan and rhamnogalactoronan -1. The obtained experimental results have led to the conclusion that it is reasonable to use apples from trees that have been treated with melafen and metallocen for dry pectin production while those that have been treated with potassium should be used for pectin extracts. So, the obtained data showed the viability of the studied cultivation schemes in commercial apple orchards for organizing production of pectin and pectin-containing food products with improved ecological properties.
Uninterruptible power supply for renewable energy sources
Authors: Grigorash O V , Popov A Y , Vorobev E V , Ivanovsky O Y , Tuaev A S
Published: May 2020

Scientific and technological advance results in a constantly increasing number of first category customers that in the event of input power failures can entail significant economic losses. A promising direction is the development of uninterruptible power systems that rely on renewable energy sources and, above all, photovoltaic arrays and wind power turbines. If energy customers are located near foothill and mountain rivers, it seems economically viable to apply mini or micro-hydro power plants. The paper examines different approaches to UPS topology based on renewable energy sources. Besides renewable energy sources, power supply encompasses some traditional autonomous sources including diesel, gas piston or gas power plants. In addition, the systems provide inputs for connecting an external power system. The paper shows that agrarian production finds it relevant to develop mobile uninterruptible power systems. The authors propose some modes of operation that improve the economic performance of uninterruptible power supply by using rechargeable batteries solely during power conversion from one power source to another. The paper contains proposals developed to improve operational and technical features of uninterruptible power systems through a new topology, modular character of main functional elements and optimization of system structure.
Mathematical modeling to determine a radius for a watering-place used by flocks of sheep in distant arid grazing lands
Authors: Gumarov G S , Konovalov V V , Mendalieva S I , Rakhimov A A , Jaschin A V
Published: May 2020

The paper introduces a computer-based methodology, the aim of which is to determine a watering-place radius for flocks of sheep grazing in distant pasture lands within the arid ecosystem. All calculations leading to the quantitative values are performed through mathematical modeling which is the base of the methodology we propose. The mathematical modeling is performed through some analytical method including the sequential parameters calculation with mathematical formulas. The object was theoretically described, an algorithm was compiled in the form of a block diagram, and a computer program SUARU in the QBASIC language was developed. A series of computational experiments was carried out, aimed at analyzing, interpreting and comparing the analytical modeling outcomes. At the same time, graphical dependencies are presented to show clearly the dependence between the calculation results and the source data. The calculation methodology allows modeling the object of study depending on various values of significant parameters and applying it in practice by drawing up appropriate recommendations for farms which deal with sheep breeding when grazing lands of the arid ecosystems are used.
Calculating the first eigenvalues of the spectral problem in the theory of hydrodynamic stability by Orr-Sommerfeld
Authors: Kadchenko S I , Ryazanova L S , Torchina O A , Moskvina E A , Tsaran A A , Berlina A V
Published: May 2020

The difficulties arising in the linear theory of viscous fluid flow stability are to a great extent connected with the mathematical problems of finding eigenvalues of non-self-conjugated differential operators. Finding the eigenvalues of the Orr-Sommerfeld spectral problem is a difficult problem of computational mathematics. The methodology of applying the method of regularized traces for finding eigenvalues of the classical spectral problem of the Orr-Sommerfeld hydrodynamic stability theory is considered in this paper. A new method for approximate computation of the first eigenvalues of spectral problems generated by discrete semi-limited operators has been developed. This method is not iterative in contrast to the known numerical methods for finding eigenvalues of operators. New estimates of the regularized traces of the discrete operator have been obtained in this work. The formulas by which it is possible to calculate the corrections of the necessary order perturbation theory have been found. The computational experiment to calculate the first eigenvalues of the Orr-Sommerfeld spectral problem has been performed.
Improving the algorithms for measuring sensor parameters to determine the moisture content of dry and liquid agricultural products
Authors: Vorotnikov I N , Mastepanenko M A , Gabrielyan Sh Zh , Mishukov S V
Published: May 2020

The article describes the result of algorithms studies for measuring sensor parameters to determine the moisture content of dry and liquid agricultural products. Measuring circuits are given and an algorithm for determining the moisture and impurities of agricultural products based on measuring the parameters of multi-element two-terminal devices in steady and transient modes is described in detail.
Modeling of physical and chemical processes in the electrical activator of water solutions
Authors: Oskin S V , Oskina A S , Tsokur D S , Voloshin S P , Shaforostov V D
Published: May 2020

Agriculture needs new types of drugs to combat harmful microorganisms, the introduction of which will reduce the ingress of unnecessary chemical compounds into products. It is necessary to use anolytes more widely as alternative means of disinfection. The use of anolytes in various fields of industries has proven their high effectiveness and harmlessness. However, the production of anolyte is a complex electrochemical process, which results in a mixture of the necessary metastable elements. To obtain an anolyte with the required set of properties, it is necessary to study the physical and chemical processes of the activator in detail. The article proposes to use Comsol software for these studies. As a result of the modeling, the characteristics of changes in the concentrations of individual chemical elements over time and the main physical dependences of the activator itself were obtained. The analysis of changes in concentrations of chemical compounds confirmed the adequacy of mathematical models. There were installed points on electrodes with significant density of currents. Studies of changes in the hydrogen index and temperature allow you to set the required operating time of the activator. Analysis of concentrations of chlorine-containing compounds proves the difficulty of determining the rates of formation of individual chemical formations and their instability. On the basis of the obtained data, it is possible to recommend the mode of operation of the electrical activator depending on the properties of the source water and the requirements to the resulting solution.
Effect of “low doses” of multiwall carbon nanotubes when interacting with white mustard seeds and sprouts
Authors: Polischchuk S D , Nazarova A A , Churilov D G , Churilova V V , Churilov G I , Stepanova I A , Arapov I S
Published: May 2020

The paper considers the influence of the sizes of carbon nanotubes (CNT) on the effect of "low doses" (LD) by changing the morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters of seeds and sprouts of white mustard. In the first series of experiments, 20 nm nanoparticles were studied. The second series considered 40-60 nm nanoparticles at concentrations of 0.01 to 1,000 g per ton of seeds. For CNT, the effect of "low doses" with particle sizes of 40-60 nm had its own characteristics. The germination energy and viability were inhibited or did not exceed the control at all concentrations studied with the exception of a concentration of 0.01 g / t when the root length increased by 18.5%. But the analysis of the mass of 7-day-old white mustard sprouts showed that the mass of the experimental sprouts exceeded the control in all cases. The change in the mass of 7-day-old mustard roots was “dome-shaped” and the maximum fell on a CNT dose of 5.0 g / t (+ 42.3% above the control). Carbon nanoparticles up to 20 nm in size showed higher activity in almost all parameters. Energy was higher than the control up to 10 g / t. Concentrations from 100 to 1,000 g / t had a depressing effect on this parameter. Biochemical studies confirmed the results of morpho-physiological studies.
Mathematical models for microbiological processes of rye broth maturation
Authors: Derkanosova N M , Shelamova S A , Uhina E Y , Vasilenko O A
Published: May 2020

One of the factors determining the quality of bakery products made of rye and mixed rye and wheat flour is broth, the parameters of its technology, and process regulation by varying the parameters of its technology. First of all, it is necessary to note the availability of the nutrient substrate and the nature of the interaction of the main microflora of broth cultures - yeast and lactic acid bacteria. The mathematical model of the process of cultivating microorganisms in liquid rye broth was suggested as applied to yeast and lactic acid bacteria based on the adapted equation of N.V. Stepanova and N.D. Jerusalem to describe the growth of lactic streptococci. Based on model systems, the interaction of yeast and lactic acid bacteria in liquid rye broth was studied. The symbiotic nature of this interaction was confirmed. It was justified that Lotka - Voltaire system is the most correct way for its mathematical description. The growth dynamics of the populations of yeast and lactic acid bacteria was described, and the adequacy of the obtained mathematical model was verified.