bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of free-roaming domestic dogs' contact network centrality and their relevance for rabies control
Authors: Warembourg Charlotte , Fournié Guillaume , Abakar Mahamat Fayiz , Alvarez Danilo , Berger-González Monica , Odoch Terence , Wera Ewaldus , Alobo Grace , Carvallo Elfrida Triasny Ludvina , Bal Valentin Dingamnayal , López Hernandez Alexis Leonel , Madaye Enos , Maximiano Sousa Filipe , Naminou Abakar , Roquel Pablo , Hartnack Sonja , Zinsstag Jakob , Dürr Salome
Published: June 2021

Free roaming domestic dogs (FRDD) are the main vectors for rabies transmission to humans worldwide. To eradicate rabies from a dog population, current recommendations focus on random vaccination with at least 70% coverage. Studies suggest that targeting high-risk subpopulations could reduce the required vaccination coverage, and increase the likelihood of success of elimination campaigns. The centrality of a dog in a contact network can be used as a measure of its potential contribution to disease transmission. Our objectives were to investigate social networks of FRDD in eleven study sites in Chad, Guatemala, Indonesia and Uganda, and to identify characteristics of dogs, and their owners, associated with their centrality in the networks. In all study sites, networks had small-world properties and right-skewed degree distributions, suggesting that vaccinating highly connected dogs would be more effective than random vaccination. Dogs were more connected in rural than urban settings, and the likelihood of contacts was negatively correlated with the distance between dogs’ households. While heterogeneity in dog's connectedness was observed in all networks, factors predicting centrality and likelihood of contacts varied across networks and countries. We therefore hypothesize that the investigated dog and owner characteristics resulted in different contact patterns depending on the social, cultural and economic context. We suggest to invest into understanding of the sociocultural structures impacting dog ownership and thus driving dog ecology, a requirement to assess the potential of targeted vaccination in dog populations.
A model of digestive tooth corrosion in lizards: experimental tests and taphonomic implications
Authors: Smith Krister T. , Comay Orr , Maul Lutz , Wegmüller Fabio , Le Tensorer Jean-Marie , Dayan Tamar
Published: June 2021

Corrosion patterns induced by gastric fluids on the skeleton of prey animals may depend on the nature of the corrosive agents (acid, enzymes) as well as on the composition of the hard parts and the soft tissues that surround them. We propose a framework for predicting and interpreting corrosion patterns on lizard teeth, our model system, drawing on the different digestive pathways of avian and non-avian vertebrate predators. We propose that high-acid, low-enzyme systems (embodied by mammalian carnivores) will lead to corrosion of the tooth crowns, whereas low-acid, high-enzyme systems (embodied by owls) will lead to corrosion of the tooth shafts. We test our model experimentally using artificial gastric fluids (with HCl and pepsin) and feeding experiments, and phenomenologically using wild-collected owl pellets with lizard remains. Finding an association between the predictions and the experimental results, we then examine corrosion patterns on nearly 900 fossil lizard jaws. Given an appropriate phylogenetic background, our focus on physiological rather than taxonomic classes of predators allows the extension of the approach into Deep Time.
Physico-chemical characterization of bilirubin-10-sulfonate and comparison of its acid–base behavior with unconjugated bilirubin
Authors: Čepa Adam , Dejmková Veronika , Lešetický Ladislav , Jelínek Ivan , Smrček Stanislav , Štícha Martin , Jašprová Jana , Urbanová Marie , Goncharova Iryna , Dračínský Martin , Procházková Eliška , Ostrow Donald J. , Vítek Libor
Published: June 2021

Unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) is the end-product of heme catabolism in the intravascular compartment. Although beneficial for human health when mildly elevated in the body, when present at greater than a critical threshold concentration, UCB exerts toxic effects that are related to its physico-chemical properties, particularly affecting the central nervous system. The aim of the present study was to characterize bilirubin-10-sulfonate (ranarubin), a naturally occurring bile pigment, including determination of its mixed acidity constants (pKa*). Thanks to the presence of the sulfonic acid moiety, this compound is more polar compared to UCB, which might theoretically solve the problem with an accurate determination of the UCB pKa* values of its propionic acid carboxylic groups. Bilirubin-10-sulfonate was synthesized by modification of a previously described procedure; and its properties were studied by mass spectrometry (MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared (IR), and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Determination of pKa* values of bilirubin-10-sulfonate and UCB was performed by capillary electrophoresis with low pigment concentrations in polar buffers. The identity of the synthesized bilirubin-10-sulfonate was confirmed by MS, and the pigment was further characterized by NMR, IR, and CD spectroscopy. The pKa values of carboxylic acid moieties of bilirubin-10-sulfonate were determined to be 5.02, whereas those of UCB were determined to be 9.01. The physico-chemical properties of bilirubin-10-sulfonate were partially characterized with low pKa* values compared to those of UCB, indicating that bilirubin-10-sulfonate cannot be used as a surrogate pigment for UCB chemical studies. In addition, using a different methodological approach, the pKa* values of UCB were found to be in a mildly alkaline region, confirming the conclusions of a recent critical re-evaluation of this specific issue.
A rapid phenotype change in the pathogen Perkinsus marinus was associated with a historically significant marine disease emergence in the eastern oyster
Authors: Carnegie Ryan B. , Ford Susan E. , Crockett Rita K. , Kingsley-Smith Peter R. , Bienlien Lydia M. , Safi Lúcia S. L. , Whitefleet-Smith Laura A. , Burreson Eugene M.
Published: June 2021

The protozoan parasite Perkinsus marinus, which causes dermo disease in Crassostrea virginica, is one of the most ecologically important and economically destructive marine pathogens. The rapid and persistent intensification of dermo in the USA in the 1980s has long been enigmatic. Attributed originally to the effects of multi-year drought, climatic factors fail to fully explain the geographic extent of dermo’s intensification or the persistence of its intensified activity. Here we show that emergence of a unique, hypervirulent P. marinus phenotype was associated with the increase in prevalence and intensity of this disease and associated mortality. Retrospective histopathology of 8355 archival oysters from 1960 to 2018 spanning Chesapeake Bay, South Carolina, and New Jersey revealed that a new parasite phenotype emerged between 1983 and 1990, concurrent with major historical dermo disease outbreaks. Phenotypic changes included a shortening of the parasite’s life cycle and a tropism shift from deeper connective tissues to digestive epithelia. The changes are likely adaptive with regard to the reduced oyster abundance and longevity faced by P. marinus after rapid establishment of exotic pathogen Haplosporidium nelsoni in 1959. Our findings, we hypothesize, illustrate a novel ecosystem response to a marine parasite invasion: an increase in virulence in a native parasite.
Localized surface plasmon resonance inflection points for improved detection of chemisorption of 1-alkanethiols under total internal reflection scattering microscopy
Authors: Ryu Kyeong Rim , Kim Geun Wan , Ha Ji Won
Published: June 2021

Plasmonic gold nanoparticles are widely used in localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensing. When target molecules adsorb to the nanoparticles, they induce a shift in the LSPR scattering spectrum. In conventional LSPR sensing, this shift is monitored at the maximum of the LSPR scattering peak. Herein, we describe the sensitivity of detecting chemisorption of 1-alkanethiols with different chain lengths (1-butanethiol and 1-haxanethiol) on single gold nanorods (AuNRs) of fixed diameter (25 nm) and three different aspect ratios under a total internal reflection scattering microscope. For single AuNRs of all sizes, the inflection point (IF) at the long-wavelength side (or low-energy side) of the LSPR scattering peak showed higher detection sensitivity than the traditionally used peak maximum. The improved sensitivity can be ascribed to the shape change of the LSPR peak when the local refractive index is increased by chemisorption. Our results demonstrate the usefulness of tracking the curvature shapes by monitoring the homogeneous LSPR IF at the red side of the scattering spectrum of single AuNRs.
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound attenuates replacement root resorption of avulsed teeth stored in dry condition in dogs
Authors: Seong Saemi , Kim Dohyun , Lee Dasun , Kim Hyung-Ryong , Shin Yooseok
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on replacement root resorption after replantation of avulsed teeth stored in a dry condition in dogs. A total of 73 premolar roots from four male mongrel dogs were intentionally avulsed with forceps and divided into four groups—HN, HL, DN, and DL—according to storage conditions and whether or not they received LIPUS treatment. Thirty-eight roots were kept in Hanks’ Balanced Salt Solution for 30 min (HN and HL groups), whereas the remaining 35 roots were left to dry in the air for an hour (DN and DL groups) prior to replantation. Following replantation, the roots in the HL and DL groups (21 and 18 roots, respectively) received a 20-min daily LIPUS treatment for 2 weeks. The animals were euthanized 4 weeks after the operation. Micro-computed tomography images were acquired for each root and the amount of replacement root resorption was measured three-dimensionally. Histological assessments were also carried out. There was significantly less replacement root resorption for the roots in the DL group compared to the DN group (p < 0.01). Histological findings in the DN group demonstrated evident replacement root resorption, whereas the DL group revealed less severe resorption compared to the DN group. Within the limitations, these results suggest that LIPUS could attenuate the replacement resorption of avulsed teeth stored in a dry condition, thereby improving their prognosis.
Inconsistent response of bacterial phyla diversity and abundance to soil salinity in a Chinese delta
Authors: Yang Chao , Li Kangjia , Lv Dantong , Jiang Shenyi , Sun Junqi , Lin Hao , Sun Juan
Published: June 2021

Soil salinization is an increasingly serious problem and decreases crop yields in the Yellow River Delta (YRD), but its effects on bacterial community and diversity at the phylum level are not well known. We used high-throughput sequencing of soil bacterial 16S rRNA to identify soil bacterial communities and diversity across a gradient of soil salinity (electrical conductivity), namely, S1: low salinity level (1.78 ds/m), S2: medium salinity level (3.16 ds/m), S3: high salinity level (17.26 ds/m), S4: extreme salinity level (34.41 ds/m), and a non-salted site as the control (CK, 0.92 ds/m). Our results indicated the significantly higher values of soil C/N ratio in S2, S3, and S4 compared with that in CK. Significantly lower values of the Shannon and Chao 1 indexes were observed in S4 compared with the CK (p < 0.05). High salinity decreased the relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Acidobacteria, but increased that of Gemmatimonadetes and Bacteroidetes. Additionally, the Shannon diversity of Bacteroidetes increased by 15.5% in S4 compared with that in the CK. Our results indicate that soil salt is a main factor regulating bacterial phyla diversity and community in the extremely saline-alkaline soils of YRD. The high abundance and diversity of Bacteroidetes can be used for saline-alkali land restoration.
Glucocorticoid-mediated induction of caveolin-1 disrupts cytoskeletal organization, inhibits cell migration and re-epithelialization of non-healing wounds
Authors: Jozic Ivan , Abujamra Beatriz Abdo , Elliott Michael H. , Wikramanayake Tongyu C. , Marjanovic Jelena , Stone Rivka C. , Head Cheyanne R. , Pastar Irena , Kirsner Robert S. , Andreopoulos Fotios M. , Musi Juan P. , Tomic-Canic Marjana
Published: June 2021

Although impaired keratinocyte migration is a recognized hallmark of chronic wounds, the molecular mechanisms underpinning impaired cell movement are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that both diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and venous leg ulcers (VLUs) exhibit global deregulation of cytoskeletal organization in genomic comparison to normal skin and acute wounds. Interestingly, we found that DFUs and VLUs exhibited downregulation of ArhGAP35, which serves both as an inactivator of RhoA and as a glucocorticoid repressor. Since chronic wounds exhibit elevated levels of cortisol and caveolin-1 (Cav1), we posited that observed elevation of Cav1 expression may contribute to impaired actin-cytoskeletal signaling, manifesting in aberrant keratinocyte migration. We showed that Cav1 indeed antagonizes ArhGAP35, resulting in increased activation of RhoA and diminished activation of Cdc42, which can be rescued by Cav1 disruption. Furthermore, we demonstrate that both inducible keratinocyte specific Cav1 knockout mice, and MβCD treated diabetic mice, exhibit accelerated wound closure. Taken together, our findings provide a previously unreported mechanism by which Cav1-mediated cytoskeletal organization prevents wound closure in patients with chronic wounds.
The application of aptamer Apt-236 targeting PvpA protein in the detection of antibodies against Mycoplasma gallisepticum
Authors: Fu Ping , Wang Feng , Zhang Yunke , Qiao Xilan , Zhang Yuewei , Zhou Wenyan , Yan Xinbo , Wu Wenxue
Published: June 2021

Antibodies against Mycoplasma gallisepticum (M. gallisepticum) block the antigenic epitopes of bioaptamer-binding to the PvpA protein, resulting in a lighter colorimetric detection.
Fe induction strategy for hollow porous N-doped carbon with superior performance in oxygen reduction
Authors: Ye Guanying , Wang Siyuan , Liu Suqin , He Zhen , Wang Jue
Published: June 2021

A template-free Fe induction strategy is proposed for Co,Fe dual-metal N-codoped hollow porous carbon, which contributes to exposure of highly dispersed metal–Nx sites, mass transport enhancement and therefore ORR catalytic performance elevation.
Merging office/filter paper-based tools for pre-concentring and detecting heavy metals in drinking water
Authors: Ortone Vincenzo , Matino Laura , Santoro Francesca , Cinti Stefano
Published: June 2021

A novel miniaturized and sustainable platform exploiting two merged paper-based substrates has been applied for the programmable pre-concentration of analytes of interest and electrochemical detection of mercury traces in drinking water using printable sensor strips.
Control of the Cu ion species in Cu-SSZ-13 via the introduction of Co2+ co-cations to improve the NH3-SCR activity
Authors: Lee Hwangho , Song Inhak , Jeon Se Won , Kim Do Heui
Published: June 2021

The cobalt co-cations were introduced to block the 2Al sites of SSZ-13 zeolite before the impregnation of Cu ions. Blocking the 2Al sites promotes the formation of highly mobile Cu ion species, which improves the NH3-SCR activity of the catalyst.
Boosting alkaline hydrogen evolution performance with alkaline electro-activated ultrafine candied haws-shaped PtWNi nanoalloys
Authors: Zhong Yanfei , Huang Liping , Wu Qianqian , Zhang Jiacheng , Xiang Dong , Li Xiaowu , Liu Yuxin , Li Peng , Yuan Xiaoyou , Zhu Manzhou
Published: June 2021

Decoration of PtWNi nanoalloys with the Ni species (Nin+) could lead to higher activities in the hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline media.
Unraveling the complexity of atmospheric brown carbon produced by smoldering boreal peat using size-exclusion chromatography with selective mobile phases
Authors: Lyu Ming , Thompson Dan K. , Zhang Nianci , Cuss Chad W. , Young Cora J. , Styler Sarah A.
Published: June 2021

Water-soluble BrC in freshly emitted boreal peat combustion particulate matter spans a wide range of molecular sizes, polarities, and light absorption properties; in addition, its largest fraction undergoes solvent-dependent aggregation/dissociation.
Fates and spatial variations of accumulation mode particles in a multi-zone indoor environment during the HOMEChem campaign
Authors: Boedicker Erin K. , Emerson Ethan W. , McMeeking Gavin R. , Patel Sameer , Vance Marina E. , Farmer Delphine K.
Published: June 2021

We report on significant spatial gradients of accumulation mode particles emitted during the HOMEChem campaign and assess particle loss pathways.
A Pd/Cu-Free magnetic cobalt catalyst for C–N cross coupling reactions: synthesis of abemaciclib and fedratinib
Authors: Khorsandi Zahra , Hajipour Abdol R. , Sarfjoo Mohamad Reza , Varma Rajender S.
Published: June 2021

Herein, the synthesis of a nano-catalytic system comprising magnetic nanoparticles as the core and edible natural ligands bearing functional groups as supports for cobalt species, is accomplished.
Replacement of oxygen with sulfur on the furanose ring of cyclic dinucleotides enhances the immunostimulatory effect via STING activation
Authors: Saito–Tarashima Noriko , Kinoshita Mao , Igata Yosuke , Kashiwabara Yuta , Minakawa Noriaki
Published: June 2021

Cyclic dinucleotide analogues that have sulfur atoms on the furanose rings act as potent and stable STING agonists.
FGF-2 induces a failure of cell cycle progression in cells harboring amplified K-Ras, revealing new insights into oncogene-induced senescence
Authors: Lund Peder J. , Lopes Mariana , Sidoli Simone , Coradin Mariel , Vitorino Francisca Nathália de Luna , da Cunha Julia Pinheiro Chagas , Garcia Benjamin A.
Published: June 2021

Cells harboring oncogenic Ras were profiled with multi-omics to understand why they senesce instead of proliferate in response to growth factor signaling.
Soft-templated synthesis of core–shell heterostructured Ni3S2@polypyrrole nanotube aerogels as anode materials for high-performance lithium ion batteries
Authors: Wang Bo , Li Yue , Han Liyan , Liu Kun , Hao Bin , Wu Xiaoyu
Published: June 2021

Building additional functionality into self-assembled conductive polymer nanotubes with high electrical conductivity, fast charge/discharge capability, and high mechanical strength is of great interest for energy storage materials and applications.
Folding DNA into origami nanostructures enhances resistance to ionizing radiation
Authors: Sala Leo , Zerolová Agnes , Rodriguez Alvaro , Reimitz Dan , Davídková Marie , Ebel Kenny , Bald Ilko , Kočišek Jaroslav
Published: June 2021

The multi-row design of DNA origami structures holds their shape even after severe nicking due to ionizing radiation and their folded structure has a protective effect, i.e., reduced damage compared to free scaffold and similarly sized plasmid DNA.
Indicator displacement assays: from concept to recent developments
Authors: Rather Ishfaq Ahmad , Ali Rashid
Published: June 2021

This review lays emphasis on background concept and summarizes the recent developments of various competitive IDAs. Moreover, current challenges relating to the development of new IDAs and potential future perspectives revealing the fate of IDAs have also been given.
Correction: Iminosugars as glycosyltransferase inhibitors
Authors: Conforti Irene , Marra Alberto
Published: June 2021

Correction for ‘Iminosugars as glycosyltransferase inhibitors’ by Irene Conforti, et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2021, DOI: 10.1039/D1OB00382H.
Hydroxysulfonylation of alkenes: an update
Authors: Hossaini Zinatossadat , Mahmood Evan Abdulkareem , Poor Heravi Mohammad Reza , Ebadi Abdol Ghaffar , Vessally Esmail
Published: June 2021

The direct difunctionalization of alkenes recognized as a straightforward tool for the rapid fabrication of complex molecules and pharmaceutical targets by introducing two different functional groups on adjacent carbon atoms of common alkene moieties.
Nitrogen and sulfur Co-doped carbon dots as ecofriendly and effective corrosion inhibitors for Q235 carbon steel in 1 M HCl solution
Authors: Cui Mingjun , Li Xia
Published: June 2021

N,S-CDs as ecofriendly inhibitors effectively inhibit the acid corrosion of carbon steel with an inhibition efficiency of 96.6%.
Heat induction in two-dimensional graphene–Fe3O4 nanohybrids for magnetic hyperthermia applications with artificial neural network modeling
Authors: Dar M. S. , Akram Khush Bakhat , Sohail Ayesha , Arif Fatima , Zabihi Fatemeh , Yang Shengyuan , Munir Shamsa , Zhu Meifang , Abid M. , Nauman Muhammad
Published: June 2021

Synthesis of Fe3O4–graphene (FG) nanohybrids and magnetothermal measurements of FxG100–x (x = 0, 25, 45, 65, 75, 85, 100) nanohybrids (25 mg each) at a 633 kHz alternating magnetic field of strength 9.1 mT.
Carbon nitride used as a reactive template to prepare mesoporous molybdenum sulfide and nitride
Authors: Ryaboshapka Daria , Afanasiev Pavel
Published: June 2021

Carbon nitride C3N4 has been used as a sacrificial template to prepare inorganic materials with a hierarchical pore structure.
Catalysis of electro-oxidation of antibiotics by nitroxyl radicals and the electrochemical sensing of vancomycin
Authors: Ono Tetsuya , Sugiyama Kyoko , Komatsu Sachiko , Kumano Masayuki , Yoshida Kentaro , Dairaku Takenori , Fujimura Tsutomu , Sasano Yusuke , Iwabuchi Yoshiharu , Kashiwagi Yoshitomo , Sato Katsuhiko
Published: June 2021

An analytical method using nitroxyl radicals was able to quantify vancomycin (VCM) in the concentration range of 10–100 μM, which is an important concentration range for drug monitoring in blood.
Metal phthalocyanines: thin-film formation, microstructure, and physical properties
Authors: Cranston Rosemary R. , Lessard Benoît H.
Published: June 2021

Metal phthalocyanines (MPcs) are an abundant class of conjugated small molecules comprising and their integration into thin films is critial for the proper function of next generation applications.
Molecular dynamics simulations of amino acid adsorption and transport at the acetonitrile–water–silica interface: the role of side chains
Authors: Wang Yong-Peng , Liang Fei , Liu Shule
Published: June 2021

The solvation and transport of amino acid residues at liquid–solid interfaces have great importance for understanding the mechanism of separation of biomolecules in liquid chromatography.
Synthesis of new allylidene amino phenol-containing Schiff bases and metal complex formation using trimethinium salts
Authors: Rafiee Samani Ziba , Mehranpour Abdolmohammad
Published: June 2021

An efficient route for the synthesis of novel Schiff bases from the condensation reaction of 2-substituted 1,3-bis(dimethylamino)-trimethinium salts with diverse aminophenols in the presence of triethylamine in EtOH at reflux is described.
Analog quantum simulation of chemical dynamics
Authors: MacDonell Ryan J. , Dickerson Claire E. , Birch Clare J. T. , Kumar Alok , Edmunds Claire L. , Biercuk Michael J. , Hempel Cornelius , Kassal Ivan
Published: June 2021

Dynamics governing ultrafast chemical reactions can be efficiently simulated using analog quantum simulators composed of a coupled system of qudits and bosonic modes.
Discovery of four modified classes of triterpenoids delineated a metabolic cascade: compound characterization and biomimetic synthesis
Authors: Zhou Bin , Gao Xin-Hua , Zhang Min-Min , Zheng Cheng-Yu , Liu Hong-Chun , Yue Jian-Min
Published: June 2021

Characterization of four classes of highly modified triterpenoids from Dichapetalum gelonioides sheds light on an unprecedented biosynthetic cascade, which was validated by the subsequent biomimetic syntheses. Moreover, some isolates exhibited nanomolar cytotoxic activities.
Cobalt pyrophosphate (Co2P2O7) derived from an open-framework cobalt phosphite: a durable electroactive material for electrochemical energy conversion and storage application
Authors: Padhy Abhisek , Samantara Aneeya K. , Behera J. N.
Published: June 2021

Through a single step method, the partially graphitized cobalt pyrophosphate (GC-CPP) is synthesized from an inorganic open-framework cobalt phosphite and shown to catalyze the OER efficiently and store charge in alkaline medium.
A non-flammable electrolyte for long-life lithium ion batteries operating over a wide-temperature range
Authors: Gu Yixuan , Fang Shaohua , Yang Li , Hirano Shin-ichi
Published: June 2021

A LiPF6-GBL/FPPN (96 : 4) + 2 wt% LiODFB electrolyte shows a high safety level and conductivity. It can sustain graphite/LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 full cells to obtain remarkable electrochemical performances over a wide-temperature operating range.
Tissue engineering approaches towards the regeneration of biomimetic scaffolds for age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Bagewadi Shambhavi , Parameswaran Sowmya , Krishnakumar Subramanian , Sethuraman Swaminathan , Subramanian Anuradha
Published: June 2021

Various regeneration strategies from conventional cell therapy to emerging 3D bioprinting approaches towards vision restoration in AMD are reviewed.
Temperature sensors based on europium polyoxometalate and mesoporous terbium metal–organic framework
Authors: Viravaux Cédric , Oms Olivier , Dolbecq Anne , Nassar Emma , Busson Lucas , Mellot-Draznieks Caroline , Dessapt Rémi , Serier-Brault Hélène , Mialane Pierre
Published: June 2021

A temperature sensor based on lanthanide molecular species immobilized in a lanthanide metal–organic framework exhibits high relative thermal sensitivity in the physiological domain.
Optimized active layer morphology via side-chain atomic substituents to achieve efficient and stable all-polymer solar cells
Authors: Pang Shuting , Wu Baoqi , Zhang Bao , Zhang Ruiwen , Reckmeier Claas , Zhou Erjun , Duan Chunhui , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: June 2021

The device performance of all-polymer solar cells can be improved via optimizing phase separation morphology through side-chain atomic substituents.
Inhibition of selective autophagy by members of the herpesvirus ubiquitin-deconjugase family
Authors: Ylä-Anttila Päivi , Masucci Maria G.
Published: June 2021

Autophagy is an important component of the innate immune response that restricts infection by different types of pathogens. Viruses have developed multiple strategies to avoid autophagy to complete their replication cycle and promote spreading to new hosts. Here, we report that the ubiquitin deconjugases encoded in the N-terminal domain of the large tegument proteins of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi Sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), but not herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), regulate selective autophagy by inhibiting the activity of the autophagy receptor SQSTM1/p62. We found that all the homologs bind to and deubiquitinate SQSTM1/p62 but with variable efficiency, which correlates with their capacity to prevent the colocalization of light chain 3 (LC3) with SQSTM1/p62 aggregates and promote the accumulation of a model autophagy substrate. The findings highlight important differences in the strategies by which herpesviruses interfere with selective autophagy.
Construction of a five-gene prognostic model based on immune-related genes for the prediction of survival in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Liu Bo , Fu Tingting , He Ping , Du Chengyou , Xu Ke
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To identify differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs) and construct a model with survival-related DEIRGs for evaluating the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer (PC).

Methods: Six microarray gene expression datasets of PC from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Immunology Database and Analysis Portal (ImmPort) were used to identify DEIRGs. RNA sequencing and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas Program-Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-PAAD) database were used to establish the prognostic model. Univariate, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to determine the final variables of the prognostic model. The median risk score was used as the cut-off value to classify samples into low- and high-risk groups. The prognostic model was further validated using an internal validation set of TCGA and an external validation set of GSE62452.

Results: In total, 142 DEIRGs were identified from six GEO datasets, 47 were survival-related DEIRGs. A prognostic model comprising five genes (i.e., ERAP2, CXCL9, AREG, DKK1, and IL20RB) was established. High-risk patients had poor survival compared with low-risk patients. The 1-, 2-, 3-year area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the model reached 0.85, 0.87, and 0.93, respectively. Additionally, the prognostic model reflected the infiltration of neutrophils and dendritic cells. The expression of most characteristic immune checkpoints was significantly higher in the high-risk group versus the low-risk group.

Conclusions: The five-gene prognostic model showed reliably predictive accuracy. This model may provide useful information for immunotherapy and facilitate personalized monitoring for patients with PC.
mem-iLID, a fast and economic protein purification method
Authors: Tang Ruijing , Yang Shang , Nagel Georg , Gao Shiqiang
Published: June 2021

Protein purification is the vital basis to study the function, structure and interaction of proteins. Widely used methods are affinity chromatography-based purifications, which require different chromatography columns and harsh conditions, such as acidic pH and/or adding imidazole or high salt concentration, to elute and collect the purified proteins. Here we established an easy and fast purification method for soluble proteins under mild conditions, based on the light-induced protein dimerization system improved light-induced dimer (iLID), which regulates protein binding and release with light. We utilize the biological membrane, which can be easily separated by centrifugation, as the port to anchor the target proteins. In Xenopus laevis oocyte and Escherichia coli, the blue light-sensitive part of iLID, AsLOV2-SsrA, was targeted to the plasma membrane by different membrane anchors. The other part of iLID, SspB, was fused with the protein of interest (POI) and expressed in the cytosol. The SspB-POI can be captured to the membrane fraction through light-induced binding to AsLOV2-SsrA and then released purely to fresh buffer in the dark after simple centrifugation and washing. This method, named mem-iLID, is very flexible in scale and economic. We demonstrate the quickly obtained yield of two pure and fully functional enzymes: a DNA polymerase and a light-activated adenylyl cyclase. Furthermore, we also designed a new SspB mutant for better dissociation and less interference with the POI, which could potentially facilitate other optogenetic manipulations of protein–protein interaction.
Cooperative control of deadbeat predictive and state error port‐controlled Hamiltonian method for permanent magnet synchronous motor drives
Authors: Zhao Yujiao , Yu Haisheng
Published: June 2021

In this article, a cooperative control combining deadbeat predictive control (DBPC) and state error port‐controlled Hamiltonian (EPCH) method is presented for permanent magnet synchronous motor drives. This effective combination is achieved by a cooperation scheme based on the error function. First, the DBPC is introduced to provide a fast dynamic response, and the state EPCH method based on the loss model is constructed to get good steady‐state performance and high efficiency. After that, to combine the advantages of both controllers, the improved sigmoid function based on real‐time position error is designed as a cooperative scheme. Each control method can be utilised effectively within the corresponding range. Meanwhile, the switching process is continuous and smooth without unnecessary chattering. Thus, the proposed method not only solves the contradiction between dynamic and steady performance but also optimises energy consumption. Finally, the proposed method is verified experimentally. The results show that the motor control system based on the proposed method has fast dynamic transient response and good steady‐state performance with high efficiency.
Comparison of multifrequency positions of extragalactic sources from ICRF3 andGaiaEDR3
Authors: Liu N. , Lambert S. B. , Charlot P. , Zhu Z. , Liu J.-C. , Jiang N. , Wan X.-S. , Ding C.-Y.
Published: June 2021

Context.Comparisons of optical positions derived from theGaiamission and radio positions measured by very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) probe the structure of active galactic nuclei (AGN) on the milliarcsecond scale. So far, these comparisons have focused on using theS∕X-band (2/8 GHz) radio positions, but did not take advantage of the VLBI positions that exist at higher radio frequencies, namely atK-band (24 GHz) andX∕Ka-band (8/32 GHz).

Aims.We extend previous works by considering two additional radio frequencies (K-band andX∕Ka-band) with the aim to study the frequency dependence of the source positions and its potential connection with the physical properties of the underlying AGN.

Methods.We compared the absolute source positions measured at four different wavelengths, that is, the optical position from theGaiaEarly Data Release 3 (EDR3) and the radio positions at theS∕X-,K-, andX∕Ka-band, as available from the third realization of the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF3), for 512 common sources. We first aligned the three ICRF3 individual catalogs to theGaiaEDR3 frame and compared the optical-to-radio offsets before and after the alignment. Then we studied the correlation of optical-to-radio offsets with the observing (radio) frequency, source morphology, magnitude, redshift, and source type.

Results.The deviation among optical-to-radio offsets determined in the different radio bands is less than 0.5 mas, but there is statistical evidence that the optical-to-radio offset is smaller atK-band compared toS∕X-band for sources showing extended structures. The optical-to-radio offset was found to statistically correlate with the structure index. Large optical-to-radio offsets appear to favor faint sources, but are well explained by positional uncertainty, which is also larger for these sources. We did not detect any statistically significant correlation between the optical-to-radio offset and the redshift.

Conclusions.The radio source structure appears to be a major cause for the radio-to-optical offset. For the alignment of theGaiacelestial reference frame, theS∕X-band frame remains the preferred choice at present.
STIX X-ray microflare observations during the Solar Orbiter commissioning phase
Authors: Battaglia Andrea Francesco , Saqri Jonas , Massa Paolo , Perracchione Emma , Dickson Ewan C. M. , Xiao Hualin , Veronig Astrid M. , Warmuth Alexander , Battaglia Marina , Hurford Gordon J. , Meuris Aline , Limousin Olivier , Etesi László , Maloney Shane A. , Schwartz Richard A. , Kuhar Matej , Schuller Frederic , Senthamizh Pavai Valliappan , Musset Sophie , Ryan Daniel F. , Kleint Lucia , Piana Michele , Massone Anna Maria , Benvenuto Federico , Sylwester Janusz , Litwicka Michalina , Stȩślicki Marek , Mrozek Tomasz , Vilmer Nicole , Fárník František , Kašparová Jana , Mann Gottfried , Gallagher Peter T. , Dennis Brian R. , Csillaghy André , Benz Arnold O. , Krucker Säm
Published: June 2021

Context.The Spectrometer/Telescope for Imaging X-rays (STIX) is the hard X-ray instrument onboard Solar Orbiter designed to observe solar flares over a broad range of flare sizes.

Aims.We report the first STIX observations of solar microflares recorded during the instrument commissioning phase in order to investigate the STIX performance at its detection limit.

Methods.STIX uses hard X-ray imaging spectroscopy in the range between 4–150 keV to diagnose the hottest flare plasma and related nonthermal electrons. This first result paper focuses on the temporal and spectral evolution of STIX microflares occuring in the Active Region (AR) AR12765 in June 2020, and compares the STIX measurements with Earth-orbiting observatories such as the X-ray Sensor of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES/XRS), the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly of the Solar Dynamics Observatory, and the X-ray Telescope of the Hinode mission.

Results.For the observed microflares of the GOES A and B class, the STIX peak time at lowest energies is located in the impulsive phase of the flares, well before the GOES peak time. Such a behavior can either be explained by the higher sensitivity of STIX to higher temperatures compared to GOES, or due to the existence of a nonthermal component reaching down to low energies. The interpretation is inconclusive due to limited counting statistics for all but the largest flare in our sample. For this largest flare, the low-energy peak time is clearly due to thermal emission, and the nonthermal component seen at higher energies occurs even earlier. This suggests that the classic thermal explanation might also be favored for the majority of the smaller flares. In combination with EUV and soft X-ray observations, STIX corroborates earlier findings that an isothermal assumption is of limited validity. Future diagnostic efforts should focus on multi-wavelength studies to derive differential emission measure distributions over a wide range of temperatures to accurately describe the energetics of solar flares.

Conclusions.Commissioning observations confirm that STIX is working as designed. As a rule of thumb, STIX detects flares as small as the GOES A class. For flares above the GOES B class, detailed spectral and imaging analyses can be performed.
The MURALES survey
Authors: Speranza G. , Balmaverde B. , Capetti A. , Massaro F. , Tremblay G. , Marconi A. , Venturi G. , Chiaberge M. , Baldi R. D. , Baum S. , Grandi P. , Meyer E. T. , O’Dea C. , Sparks W. , Terrazas B. A. , Torresi E.
Published: June 2021

We analyze VLT/MUSE observations of 37 radio galaxies from the Third Cambridge catalogue (3C) with redshift < 0.3 searching for nuclear outflows of ionized gas. These observations are part of the MURALES project (a MUse RAdio Loud Emission line Snapshot survey), whose main goal is to explore the feedback process in the most powerful radio-loud AGN. We applied a nonparametric analysis to the [O III] λ5007 emission line, whose asymmetries and high-velocity wings reveal signatures of outflows. We find evidence of nuclear outflows in 21 sources, with velocities between ∼400 and 1000 km s−1, outflowing masses of ∼105 − 107 M⊙, and a kinetic energy in the range ∼1053 − 1056 erg. In addition, evidence for extended outflows is found in the 2D gas velocity maps of 13 sources of the subclasses of high-excitation (HEG) and broad-line (BLO) radio galaxies, with sizes between 0.4 and 20 kpc. We estimate a mass outflow rate in the range 0.4–30 M⊙ yr−1 and an energy deposition rate of Ėkin ∼ 1042 − 1045 erg s−1. Comparing the jet power, the nuclear luminosity of the active galactic nucleus, and the outflow kinetic energy rate, we find that outflows of HEGs and BLOs are likely radiatively powered, while jets likely only play a dominant role in galaxies with low excitation. The low loading factors we measured suggest that these outflows are driven by momentum and not by energy. Based on the gas masses, velocities, and energetics involved, we conclude that the observed ionized outflows have a limited effect on the gas content or the star formation in the host. In order to obtain a complete view of the feedback process, observations exploring the complex multiphase structure of outflows are required.
The architecture of spectacular buildings in the city of Kazan in the context of national and regional traditions
Authors: Kinosyan Natalia , Bashirova Elza
Published: June 2021

The specificity of the formation of facade and spatial solutions of large spectacular buildings in Kazan is considered in the context of national and regional traditions. Ornamental and decorative systems, adapted to the architectural and artistic styles that existed in this period were identified. The main approaches to the design of large spectacular buildings in the context of national and regional traditions in the architectural practice of Kazan in the middle and the end of the XX century were identified as follows:

- based on the use of the dominant styles in the considered periods (classics with the ideological concept of socialism, modernism, postmodernism), adapted to the architectural traditions of the decorative system of the Middle Volga region;

- based on the use of modern finishing materials – ceramics, majolica, natural stone, which has references to the traditions of facing the facades of Bulgar buildings with limestone and glazed tiles. The architects of the middle and the end of the XX century laid the foundations of modern regional-national architecture and the methodology for the formation of a decorative-artistic system that combines the stylistic techniques of classicism, modernism, postmodernism with techniques which had references to the Bulgar-Tatar traditions.
Urban environment connectivity and universal design solutions in Kazan (the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia)
Authors: Akatyeva Anna , Hafizov Rinat , Nizamutdinova Dinara
Published: June 2021

The article summarizes the results of the analysis of private accommodations in Kazan for people with disabilities and their families. It also presents an overview of pedagogical and project experiences in the design aspect of the universal environment in Kazan. The study includes an expert survey and case studies from the life of families. The main purpose of the study is to designate the scope of problems that prevent city integration. A key aspect in organizing an accessible and comfortable environment in the city is determined by its connectivity at the city level and implementation of universal design. The authors come to the conclusion that there are elements of universal design and accessibility in Kazan but the holistic connection and universal environment are still uncompleted. The integrity is not achieved due to the historical evolution of the city, the lack of necessary solutions at the level of transportation and pedestrian paths, urban complexes and local objects. The attitude to people with disabilities in Russian society is also considered as a factor that slows down the process of the city integration and adaptation for all.
Functional and technological prerequisites for architectural and space-planning design of test centers for technical systems
Authors: Suleimanova Elena , Shireeva Dilyara
Published: June 2021

Ensuring the reliability and safety of technical systems is a milestone in their development and mass production. Reliability testing of technical systems is performed in special laboratories and centers. Today, there is a great deal of experience in simulating operating conditions of technical systems in order to predict and increase their reliability. This paper discusses the identification of functional technological processes in the existing test centers for technical systems in order to develop their architectural and space-planning design. The test processes for technical systems have been classified. The analysis of the existing test centers for technical systems and the test procedures made it possible to identify the main infrastructure elements, as well as their equipment, which was necessary for laying down the principles of architectural and space-planning design of such centers as a separate design object.
Classification of objects of tourism infrastructure in rural areas based on the use of historical, architectural and natural landscape potential on the example of Novosheshminsky region of the Republic of Tatarstan
Authors: Novikov Stepan , Osina Valeria
Published: June 2021

Modern tourist trends are directed towards the undeveloped lands of the suburbs and rural areas, where, along with the agricultural and industrial orientation, the historical, architectural and natural landscape potential is preserved. To attract the tourist flow to the territory, routes are formed that allow identifying the historical significance and presenting this place taking into account ethnic, architectural, artistic and landscape features. Novosheshminsky region of the Republic of Tatarstan has a significant historical and cultural potential, is rich in natural resources, and flourishes in agriculture and horse breeding. For the sustainable development of the territory, it is proposed to form a tourist route that combines the key points of attracting tourists using the features of the tourist infrastructure. General logical methods-the analogy of domestic and foreign experience in organizing routes in rural areas, induction and observation, the theoretical method-historical and socio-cultural analysis of the Novosheshma region-revealed significant aspects in the organization of tourist infrastructure and methods of their correct use in these conditions. The result of the study was the creation of a tourist route on the territory of the Novosheshminsky region, followed by a proposal for the classification of tourist infrastructure objects necessary for its full functioning.
Naberezhnye Chelny – implementation roadmap of the Master Plan-2022
Authors: Dembich Alexander , Mutallapova Gulnara , Sayfutdinova Adelya
Published: June 2021

Currently, there is an actual issue of the low efficiency of the solutions implementation laid down in the urban planning documentation of the settlements master plan. This article discusses the key reasons that lead to such low implementation rates. Using the example of the developed Master Plan of the city of Naberezhnye Chelny for 2023-2037, the authors consider the roadmap not only as a key tool for increasing the efficiency of the implementation of urban planning documentation, but also as a way of correlating these solutions with the three-year planning cycle adopted in the legislation of the Russian Federation. The results of the study are the justified stages of the solutions implementation of the developed master plan with the points of growth of the city defined for each period.
Inspection and assessment of concrete pipe culverts under highways in Tatarstan
Authors: Loginova Olga , Petropavlovskikh Olga
Published: June 2021

The experience of examining small culverts of artificial structures, carried out by a number of specialized organizations, shows that on some highways of the country up to 80% of pipes have some degree of damage. This article provides data from field surveys of pipes located on the main highways of Tatarstan. Survey data is needed to identify common problems at concrete culverts in Tatarstan. Field data were also analyzed using statistical software to identify factors contributing to the degradation of concrete culverts. The article presents a method for assessing the risk of developing negative phenomena when maintaining concrete pipes. The proposed risk assessment method allows predicting and preventing the occurrence of such phenomena.