bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat-stress-induced sprouting and differential gene expression in growing potato tubers: Comparative transcriptomics with that induced by postharvest sprouting
Authors: Zhang Guodong , Tang Ruimin , Niu Suyan , Si Huaijun , Yang Qing , Rajora Om P. , Li Xiu-Qing
Published: October 2021

Crops face increased risk from heat stress due to climate change. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers grown in hot summers often have defects including pre-harvest sprouting (“heat sprouts”). We have used 18 potato cultivars to investigate whether heat stress (HS) conditions alone could cause heat sprouting and dormancy changes in tubers. We also examined transcriptomic responses of potato to HS and whether these responses are like those induced by postharvest sprouting. We demonstrated that HS alone caused heat sprouts and shortened postharvest dormancy period, heat-sprouted tubers became dormant after harvest, and cultivars varied substantially for producing heat spouts but there was no clear association with cultivar maturity earliness. Cultivar Innovator did not show any heat sprouts and still had long dormancy. Dormancy-associated genes (DOG1 and SLP) were downregulated in HS tubers like in postharvest sprouting tubers. We have identified 1201 differentially expressed genes, 14 enriched GO terms and 12 enriched KEGG pathways in response to HS in growing tubers of ‘Russet Burbank’. Transcriptomic response of ‘Russet Burbank’ to HS showed significant similarities to that of postharvest non-HS sprouted tubers. Gibberellin biosynthesis pathway was enriched in heat-stressed tubers and was likely involved in heat sprouting and dormancy release. Heat sprouting and postharvest sprouting shared common candidate genes and had significant similarity in gene expression. Our study has significance for selecting potato cultivars for farming, planning storage and utilization of heat-stressed tubers, identifying sprouting-related genes, understanding heat-stress biology, and breeding heat-tolerant potato cultivars, especially for sustainable potato production under climate change.
Dynamics of history-dependent perceptual judgment
Authors: Hachen I. , Reinartz S. , Brasselet R. , Stroligo A. , Diamond M. E.
Published: October 2021

Identical physical inputs do not always evoke identical percepts. To investigate the role of stimulus history in tactile perception, we designed a task in which rats had to judge each vibrissal vibration, in a long series, as strong or weak depending on its mean speed. After a low-speed stimulus (trial n − 1), rats were more likely to report the next stimulus (trial n) as strong, and after a high-speed stimulus, they were more likely to report the next stimulus as weak, a repulsive effect that did not depend on choice or reward on trial n − 1. This effect could be tracked over several preceding trials (i.e., n − 2 and earlier) and was characterized by an exponential decay function, reflecting a trial-by-trial incorporation of sensory history. Surprisingly, the influence of trial n − 1 strengthened as the time interval between n − 1 and n grew. Human subjects receiving fingertip vibrations showed these same key findings. We are able to account for the repulsive stimulus history effect, and its detailed time scale, through a single-parameter model, wherein each new stimulus gradually updates the subject’s decision criterion. This model points to mechanisms underlying how the past affects the ongoing subjective experience.
SARS-CoV-2 vaccine breakthrough infections with the alpha variant are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic among health care workers
Authors: Rovida Francesca , Cassaniti Irene , Paolucci Stefania , Percivalle Elena , Sarasini Antonella , Piralla Antonio , Giardina Federica , Sammartino Josè Camilla , Ferrari Alessandro , Bergami Federica , Muzzi Alba , Novelli Viola , Meloni Alessandro , Cutti Sara , Grugnetti Anna Maria , Grugnetti Giuseppina , Rona Claudia , Daglio Marinella , Marena Carlo , Triarico Antonio , Lilleri Daniele , Baldanti Fausto
Published: October 2021

Vaccine breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection has been monitored in 3720 healthcare workers receiving 2 doses of BNT162b2. SARS-CoV-2 infection is detected in 33 subjects, with a 100-day cumulative incidence of 0.93%. Vaccine protection against acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 infection is 83% (95%CI: 58–93%) in the overall population and 93% (95%CI: 69-99%) in SARS-CoV-2-experienced subjects, when compared with a non-vaccinated control group from the same Institution, in which SARS-CoV-2 infection occurs in 20/346 subjects (100-day cumulative incidence: 5.78%). The infection is symptomatic in 16 (48%) vaccinated subjects vs 17 (85%) controls (p = 0.01). All analyzed patients, in whom the amount of viral RNA was sufficient for genome sequencing, results infected by the alpha variant. Antibody and T-cell responses are not reduced in subjects with breakthrough infection. Evidence of virus transmission, determined by contact tracing, is observed in two (6.1%) cases. This real-world data support the protective effect of BNT162b2 vaccine. A triple antigenic exposure, such as two-dose vaccine schedule in experienced subjects, may confer a higher protection.
Sub-centrosomal mapping identifies augmin-γTuRC as part of a centriole-stabilizing scaffold
Authors: Schweizer Nina , Haren Laurence , Dutto Ilaria , Viais Ricardo , Lacasa Cristina , Merdes Andreas , Lüders Jens
Published: October 2021

Centriole biogenesis and maintenance are crucial for cells to generate cilia and assemble centrosomes that function as microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs). Centriole biogenesis and MTOC function both require the microtubule nucleator γ-tubulin ring complex (γTuRC). It is widely accepted that γTuRC nucleates microtubules from the pericentriolar material that is associated with the proximal part of centrioles. However, γTuRC also localizes more distally and in the centriole lumen, but the significance of these findings is unclear. Here we identify spatially and functionally distinct subpopulations of centrosomal γTuRC. Luminal localization is mediated by augmin, which is linked to the centriole inner scaffold through POC5. Disruption of luminal localization impairs centriole integrity and interferes with cilium assembly. Defective ciliogenesis is also observed in γTuRC mutant fibroblasts from a patient suffering from microcephaly with chorioretinopathy. These results identify a non-canonical role of augmin-γTuRC in the centriole lumen that is linked to human disease.
Pathway signatures derived from on-treatment tumor specimens predict response to anti-PD1 blockade in metastatic melanoma
Authors: Du Kuang , Wei Shiyou , Wei Zhi , Frederick Dennie T. , Miao Benchun , Moll Tabea , Tian Tian , Sugarman Eric , Gabrilovich Dmitry I. , Sullivan Ryan J. , Liu Lunxu , Flaherty Keith T. , Boland Genevieve M. , Herlyn Meenhard , Zhang Gao
Published: October 2021

Both genomic and transcriptomic signatures have been developed to predict responses of metastatic melanoma to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies; however, most of these signatures are derived from pre-treatment biopsy samples. Here, we build pathway-based super signatures in pre-treatment (PASS-PRE) and on-treatment (PASS-ON) tumor specimens based on transcriptomic data and clinical information from a large dataset of metastatic melanoma treated with anti-PD1-based therapies as the training set. Both PASS-PRE and PASS-ON signatures are validated in three independent datasets of metastatic melanoma as the validation set, achieving area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.45–0.69 and 0.85–0.89, respectively. We also combine all test samples and obtain AUCs of 0.65 and 0.88 for PASS-PRE and PASS-ON signatures, respectively. When compared with existing signatures, the PASS-ON signature demonstrates more robust and superior predictive performance across all four datasets. Overall, we provide a framework for building pathway-based signatures that is highly and accurately predictive of response to anti-PD1 therapies based on on-treatment tumor specimens. This work would provide a rationale for applying pathway-based signatures derived from on-treatment tumor samples to predict patients’ therapeutic response to ICB therapies.
The δ subunit of F1Fo-ATP synthase is required for pathogenicity of Candida albicans
Authors: Li Shuixiu , Zhao Yajing , Zhang Yishan , Zhang Yanli , Zhang Zhanpeng , Tang Chuanyan , Weng Luobei , Chen Xiaohong , Zhang Gehua , Zhang Hong
Published: October 2021

Fungal infections, especially candidiasis and aspergillosis, claim a high fatality rate. Fungal cell growth and function requires ATP, which is synthesized mainly through oxidative phosphorylation, with the key enzyme being F1Fo-ATP synthase. Here, we show that deletion of the Candida albicans gene encoding the δ subunit of the F1Fo-ATP synthase (ATP16) abrogates lethal infection in a mouse model of systemic candidiasis. The deletion does not substantially affect in vitro fungal growth or intracellular ATP concentrations, because the decrease in oxidative phosphorylation-derived ATP synthesis is compensated by enhanced glycolysis. However, the ATP16-deleted mutant displays decreased phosphofructokinase activity, leading to low fructose 1,6-bisphosphate levels, reduced activity of Ras1-dependent and -independent cAMP-PKA pathways, downregulation of virulence factors, and reduced pathogenicity. A structure-based virtual screening of small molecules leads to identification of a compound potentially targeting the δ subunit of fungal F1Fo-ATP synthases. The compound induces in vitro phenotypes similar to those observed in the ATP16-deleted mutant, and protects mice from succumbing to invasive candidiasis. Our findings indicate that F1Fo-ATP synthase δ subunit is required for C. albicans lethal infection and represents a potential therapeutic target.
Efficient Gaussian process regression for prediction of molecular crystals harmonic free energies
Authors: Krynski Marcin , Rossi Mariana
Published: October 2021

We present a method to accurately predict the Helmholtz harmonic free energies of molecular crystals in high-throughput settings. This is achieved by devising a computationally efficient framework that employs a Gaussian Process Regression model based on local atomic environments. The cost to train the model with ab initio potentials is reduced by starting the optimization of the framework parameters, as well as the training and validation sets, with an empirical potential. This is then transferred to train the model based on density-functional theory potentials, including dispersion-corrections. We benchmarked our framework on a set of 444 hydrocarbon crystal structures, comprising 38 polymorphs and 406 crystal structures either measured in different conditions or derived from these polymorphs. Superior performance and high prediction accuracy, with mean absolute deviation below 0.04 kJ mol−1 per atom at 300 K is achieved by training on as little as 60 crystal structures. Furthermore, we demonstrate the predictive efficiency and accuracy of the developed framework by successfully calculating the thermal lattice expansion of aromatic hydrocarbon crystals within the quasi-harmonic approximation, and predict how lattice expansion affects the polymorph stability ranking.
Frontal and parietal background connectivity and their dynamic changes account for individual differences in the multisensory representation of peripersonal space
Authors: Spadone Sara , Perrucci Mauro Gianni , Di Cosmo Giulio , Costantini Marcello , Della Penna Stefania , Ferri Francesca
Published: October 2021

Functional connectivity (FC) of brain networks dynamically fluctuates during both rest and task execution. Individual differences in dynamic FC have been associated with several cognitive and behavioral traits. However, whether dynamic FC also contributes to sensorimotor representations guiding body-environment interactions, such as the representation of peripersonal space (PPS), is currently unknown. PPS is the space immediately surrounding the body and acts as a multisensory interface between the individual and the environment. We used an audio-tactile task with approaching sounds to map the individual PPS extension, and fMRI to estimate the background FC. Specifically, we analyzed FC values for each stimulus type (near and far space) and its across-trial variability. FC was evaluated between task-relevant nodes of two fronto-parietal networks (the Dorsal Attention Network, DAN, and the Fronto-Parietal Network, FPN) and a key PPS region in the premotor cortex (PM). PM was significantly connected to specific task-relevant nodes of the DAN and the FPN during the audio-tactile task, and FC was stronger while processing near space, as compared to far space. At the individual level, less PPS extension was associated with stronger premotor-parietal FC during processing of near space, while the across-trial variability of premotor-parietal and premotor-frontal FC was higher during the processing of far space. Notably, only across-trial FC variability captured the near-far modulation of space processing. Our findings indicate that PM connectivity with task-relevant frontal and parietal regions and its dynamic changes participate in the mechanisms that enable PPS representation, in agreement with the idea that neural variability plays a crucial role in plastic and dynamic sensorimotor representations.
Encapsulation and dispersion of Lactobacillus acidophilus in a chocolate coating as a strategy for maintaining cell viability in cereal bars
Authors: Lasta Everton Luiz , da Silva Pereira Ronning Eduardo , Dekker Robert F. H. , da Cunha Mário Antônio Alves
Published: October 2021

Flour from Pereskia aculeata leaf and green banana were used as ingredients in the formulation of a cereal bar with added Lactobacillus acidophilus LA02-ID-1688. Encapsulation in a calcium-alginate hydrogel reinforced with magnesium hydroxide was used as a strategy to protect the probiotic cells under gastrointestinal conditions and to prolong shelf-life. The results are relevant especially for maintaining cell viability during shelf-life; a challenge for the food industry in relation to dry probiotic products. Encapsulation promoted the protection of probiotic cells in simulated gastric and intestinal conditions, allowing the maintenance of high viable cell counts (> 10 log CFU, colony forming unit). Encapsulation also contributed to cellular protection under extreme temperature conditions, with reductions of cell viability of < 1 logarithmic cycle when the capsules were subjected to 55ºC/10 min. Even at 75ºC/10 min, encapsulation protected the probiotic cells 3-times greater than the free-cells. The food bar proved to be rich in dietary fiber (19 g 100 g−1), lipids (12.63 g 100 g−1) and showed an appreciable protein content (5.44 g 100 g−1). A high viable probiotic cell count on storage over 120 days (12.54 log CFU) was observed, maintaining a probiotic survival rate > 90% and viability levels sufficient to promote health benefits.
Modelling the behaviour of thermal energy harvesting devices with phase-change materials
Authors: Kulish Vladimir , Hyhlík Tomáš , Sláma Pavel
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a new general theoretical model of thermal energy harvesting devices (TEHDs), which utilise phase-change materials (PCMs) for energy storage. The model's major goal is to identify a set of parameters under which these devices perform optimally, that is, attain the largest thermal buffering capacity and exchange heat with the surrounding phase as quickly as possible. For the first time, an expression for the characteristic harvesting time is developed from the constructal theory viewpoint under the optimal performance assumption, and a dimensionless criterion that characterizes PCM performance is provided. Furthermore, a new non-field solution of the energy equation governing the process of heat transfer within TEHDs with PCMs has also been derived. An expression for the effective thermal effusivity is then obtained. Finally, under a given set of boundary conditions and geometrical constraints, a novel simple technique for the optimal choice of PCMs in TEHDs has been established.
Changing the firing threshold for normal optic nerve axons by the application of infra-red laser light
Authors: Austerschmidt Lavinia J. , Schottler Nadine I. , Miller Alyssa M. , Baker Mark D.
Published: October 2021

Normal optic nerve axons exhibit a temperature dependence, previously explained by a membrane potential hyperpolarization on warming. We now report that near infra-red laser light, delivered via a fibre optic light guide, also affects axonal membrane potential and threshold, at least partly through a photo-thermal effect. Application of light to optic nerve, at the recording site, gave rise to a local membrane potential hyperpolarization over a period of about a minute, and increased the size of the depolarizing after potential. Application near the site of electrical stimulation reversibly raised current-threshold, and the change in threshold recorded over minutes of irradiation was significantly increased by the application of the Ih blocker, ZD7288 (50 µM), indicating Ih limits the hyperpolarizing effect of light. Light application also had fast effects on nerve behaviour, increasing threshold without appreciable delay (within seconds), probably by a mechanism independent of kinetically fast K+ channels and Na+ channel inactivation, and hypothesized to be caused by reversible changes in myelin function.
Association between body fat parameters and arterial stiffness
Authors: Kim Hack-Lyoung , Ahn Dong-Won , Kim Su Hwan , Lee Dong Seok , Yoon Soon Ho , Zo Joo-Hee , Kim Myung-A. , Jeong Ji Bong
Published: October 2021

The influence of body fat on arterial stiffness remains controversial. This study was performed to investigate the associations between four different types of body fat parameters and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). A total of 3758 subjects (mean age, 53.4 ± 8.8 years; females, 36.3%) who underwent health check-up were retrospectively analyzed. Anthropometric parameters including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist–hip ratio (WHR) were assessed, and visceral fat area (VFA) was calculated by bioelectrical impedance analysis. In simple linear correlation analyses, baPWV was associated with WC, WHR and VFA (P < 0.001 for each), but not with BMI (P = 0.175). In multivariable analyses, BMI and WC were not associated with baPWV (P > 0.05 for each). Even after controlling for potential confounders, higher baPWV was significantly associated not only with higher WHR [for > 0.90 in men and > 0.85 in women: odds ratio (OR), 1.23; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06–1.42;P = 0.005; for the highest tertile compared to the lowest tertile: OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.15–1.66;P < 0.001], but also with higher VFA (for ≥ 100 cm2: OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.20–1.60;P < 0.001; for the highest tertile compared to the lowest tertile: OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.48–2.12;P < 0.001). Our study showed that baPWV was correlated with WHR and VFA, but not with BMI and WC. This implies that arterial stiffness may be more strongly associated with abdominal obesity than overall obesity.
A template-free approach for waveform extraction of gravitational wave events
Authors: Akhshi A. , Alimohammadi H. , Baghram S. , Rahvar S. , Tabar M. Reza Rahimi , Arfaei H.
Published: October 2021

We develop a general data-driven and template-free method for the extraction of event waveforms in the presence of background noise. Recent gravitational-wave observations provide one of the significant scientific areas requiring data analysis and waveform extraction capability. We use our method to find the waveforms for the reported events from the first, second, and third LIGO observation runs (O1, O2, and O3). Using the instantaneous frequencies derived by the Hilbert transform of the extracted waveforms, we provide the physical time delays between the arrivals of gravitational waves to the detectors.
Breakthrough whole body energy-specific and tissue-specific photoneutron dosimetry by novel miniature neutron dosimeter/spectrometer
Authors: Sohrabi Mehdi , Torkamani Morteza Ebrahimzadeh
Published: October 2021

Breakthrough whole body energy-specific photoneutron (PN) dosimetry was made in/out-of-field in polyethylene phantom organ surface/depths remote from isocenter of 10 × 10 cm2 field prostate cancer therapy in 18 MV X-rays Varian Clinac 2100C medical linear accelerator for PN tissue-specific second primary cancer (PN-SPC) risk estimation. A novel miniature neutron dosimeter/spectrometer with polycarbonate/10B/cadmium inserts was invented and applied. Each dosimeter determines seven tissue-specific dose equivalent (mSv)/Gy X-ray dose at each measurement point providing seven major energy-specific responses for beam thermal, albedo thermal, total thermal, total epithermal, total fast, sum of totals (thermal + epithermal) and sum of totals (thermal + epithermal + fast) PNs dose equivalents. The neutron dosimeter is simple, efficient, and unique with high spatial resolution and provides matrix of energy-specific PN dose equivalent (mSv)/Gy X-ray dose on surface and organ depths for tissue-specific PN-SPC risk estimation. The dosimeter also performs like a “miniature neutron spectrometer” and is unique for other applications in health physics in particular individual neutron dosimetry, medical physics, space flights, science and technology.
Risk assessment of latent tuberculosis infection through a multiplexed cytokine biosensor assay and machine learning feature selection
Authors: Robison Heather M. , Chapman Cole A. , Zhou Haowen , Erskine Courtney L. , Theel Elitza , Peikert Tobias , Lindestam Arlehamn Cecilia S. , Sette Alessandro , Bushell Colleen , Welge Michael , Zhu Ruoqing , Bailey Ryan C. , Escalante Patricio
Published: October 2021

Accurate detection and risk stratification of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) remains a major clinical and public health problem. We hypothesize that multiparameter strategies that probe immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis can provide new diagnostic insights into not only the status of LTBI infection, but also the risk of reactivation. After the initial proof-of-concept study, we developed a 13-plex immunoassay panel to profile cytokine release from peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated separately with Mtb-relevant and non-specific antigens to identify putative biomarker signatures. We sequentially enrolled 65 subjects with various risk of TB exposure, including 32 subjects with diagnosis of LTBI. Random Forest feature selection and statistical data reduction methods were applied to determine cytokine levels across different normalized stimulation conditions. Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) analysis for full and reduced feature sets revealed differences in biomarkers signatures for LTBI status and reactivation risk designations. The reduced set for increased risk included IP-10, IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-15, IL-17, CCL3, and CCL8 under varying normalized stimulation conditions. ROC curves determined predictive accuracies of > 80% for both LTBI diagnosis and increased risk designations. Our study findings suggest that a multiparameter diagnostic approach to detect normalized cytokine biomarker signatures might improve risk stratification in LTBI.
Identification and characterization of CYPs induced in the Drosophila antenna by exposure to a plant odorant
Authors: Baldwin Shane R. , Mohapatra Pratyajit , Nagalla Monica , Sindvani Rhea , Amaya Desiree , Dickson Hope A. , Menuz Karen
Published: October 2021

Members of the cytochrome p450 (CYP) enzyme family are abundantly expressed in insect olfactory tissues, where they are thought to act as Odorant Degrading Enzymes (ODEs). However, their contribution to olfactory signaling in vivo is poorly understood. This is due in part to the challenge of identifying which of the dozens of antennal-expressed CYPs might inactivate a given odorant. Here, we tested a high-throughput deorphanization strategy in Drosophila to identify CYPs that are transcriptionally induced by exposure to odorants. We discovered three CYPs selectively upregulated by geranyl acetate using transcriptional profiling. Although these CYPs are broadly expressed in the antenna in non-neuronal cells, electrophysiological recordings from CYP mutants did not reveal any changes in olfactory neuron responses to this odorant. Neurons were desensitized by pre-exposing flies to the odorant, but this effect was similar in CYP mutants. Together, our data suggest that the induction of a CYP gene by an odorant does not necessarily indicate a role for that CYP in neuronal responses to that odorant. We go on to show that some CYPs have highly restricted expression patterns in the antenna, and suggest that such CYPs may be useful candidates for further studies on olfactory CYP function.
Prognostic factors and population-based analysis of melanoma with sentinel lymph node biopsy
Authors: Wu Ping-Chung , Chen Yu-Ching , Chen Hsiu-Min , Chen Lee-Wei
Published: October 2021

Cutaneous malignant melanoma is a rare but fatal disease in East Asia. Despite its increasing incidence, a general lack of awareness about the disease was noted. This study aims to provide population-based prognostic analysis of melanoma with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in Taiwan. We conducted this retrospective cohort study using the data from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database during 1997–2013. The study cohort contains 3284 patients. The 5-year survival rates of patients undergoing SLNB and not undergoing SLNB were 45.5% and 33.6%. In multivariate analysis, age ≥ 80 years [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 2.15] and male (aHR = 1.19) were associated with a poorer prognosis, while high social economic status (SES) (aHR = 0.69) and undergoing SLNB (aHR = 0.84) were good prognostic factors. Old age and low SES were associated with lower percentages of patients undergoing SLNB (P < 0.001). E-value analysis suggested robustness to unmeasured confounding. In conclusion, undergoing SLNB was associated with a better prognosis. The poor prognosis of old age and low SES may be due to decreased percentages of patients undergoing SLNB. Therefore, we recommend that SLNB should be performed on patients, especially in old age or low SES, who are candidates for SLNB according to current guidelines to achieve maximal survival.
A–DA′D–A fused-ring small molecule-based nanoparticles for combined photothermal and photodynamic therapy of cancer
Authors: Lu Bing , Zhang Zhecheng , Jin Danni , Yuan Xiaolei , Wang Jin , Ding Yue , Wang Yang , Yao Yong
Published: October 2021

Novel nanoparticles based on the A–DA′D–A conjugated small molecule Y6 for highly effective combined photothermal and photodynamic therapy of cancer.
Electrocatalytic H2O2 production via two-electron O2 reduction by Mo-doped TiO2 nanocrystallines
Authors: Deng Zhiqin , Ma Chaoqun , Yan Shihai , Liang Jie , Dong Kai , Li Tingshuai , Wang Yan , Yue Luchao , Luo Yonglan , Liu Qian , Liu Yang , Gao Shuyan , Du Juan , Sun Xuping
Published: October 2021

Mo acts as an effective dopant to boost the catalytic activity of TiO2 for the 2e− O2 reduction reaction. Such Mo–TiO2 electrocatalyst achieves a high Faradaic efficiency of 92% and a large H2O2 yield of 395.3 mmol gcat−1 h−1 in alkaline medium.
A unique hierarchical structure: NiCo2O4 nanowire decorated NiO nanosheets as a carbon-free cathode for Li–O2 battery
Authors: Wang Hongjiao , Fan Bo , Luo Zhongkuan , Wu Qixing , Zhou Xuelong , Wang Fang
Published: October 2021

The hierarchical structure of NiCo2O4 nanowire modified NiO nanosheets was successfully fabricated and showed excellent cycling stability at a current density of 200 mA g−1 as a carbon-free cathode for Li–O2 batteries.
Effects of oral milk extracellular vesicles on the gut microbiome and serum metabolome in mice
Authors: Du Chunmei , Quan Suyu , Nan Xuemei , Zhao Yiguang , Shi Fangquan , Luo Qingyao , Xiong Benhai
Published: October 2021

Milk extracellular vesicles (EVs) are rich in abundant bioactive macromolecules, such as glycoconjugates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, and these vesicles might transmit signals to human consumers.
Photochemical reduction of nanocrystalline maghemite to magnetite
Authors: Jung Hankyeol , Schimpf Alina M.
Published: October 2021

We present a method for the photochemical conversion of the inverse spinel iron oxides in which the mixed-valent magnetite phase (Fe3O4) is accessed from the maghemite phase (γ-Fe2O3) via a stable, colloidal nanocrystal-to-nanocrystal transformation.
In situ anchoring Zn-doped ZIF-67 on carboxymethylated bacterial cellulose for effective indigo carmine capture
Authors: Mai Tian , Wang Pei-Lin , Yuan Qi , Ma Chang , Ma Ming-Guo
Published: October 2021

Novel ZIFs@carboxymethylated bacterial cellulose composite films with high surface area and 3D structure are fabricated by in situ method, showing a high ZIFs loading rate and satisfactory selective indigo carmine removal efficiency.
NIR -I and NIR-II irradiation tumor ablation using NbS2nanosheets as the photothermal agent
Authors: Sun Songqiang , Song Yapai , Chen Jiabo , Huo Minfeng , Chen Yu , Sun Lining
Published: October 2021

The NbS2-PVP nanosheets exhibit excellent tumor cell ablation mediated by 1064 nm or 808 nm laser after intravenous injection in mice.
Nanomaterial catalysts for organic photoredox catalysis-mechanistic perspective
Authors: Hu Qiushi , Yu Xuemeng , Gong Shaokuan , Chen Xihan
Published: October 2021

Photoredox organic transformation have been growing, and this perspective highlights recent advances in mechanistic understanding, providing strategies to construct high efficiency and low-cost photocatalytic systems.
Preparation of a magnetic and recyclable superparamagnetic silica support with a boronic acid group for immobilizing Pd catalysts and its applications in Suzuki reactions
Authors: Aschenaki Assefa , Ren Fangfang , Liu Jia , Zheng Wenqing , Song Qianyi , Jia Wenhui , Bao James Jianmin , Li Youxin
Published: October 2021

A novel, high activity and magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2-APBA-Pd) catalyst was prepared. It is 8–15 nm with 0.2–0.6 nm Pd particles. It can be reused 7 runs and catalyze 14 kinds of Suzuki reactions.
Influence of non-covalent interactions in dictating the polarity and mobility of charge carriers in a series of crystalline NDIs: a computational case study
Authors: Kalita Kalyan Jyoti , Giri Indrajit , Vijayaraghavan Ratheesh K.
Published: October 2021

Bulk carrier transport properties of a group of selected N-substituted naphthalene diimide derivatives are investigated.
Synthesis of indole derivatives as prevalent moieties present in selected alkaloids
Authors: Heravi Majid M. , Amiri Zahra , Kafshdarzadeh Kosar , Zadsirjan Vahideh
Published: October 2021

In this review, we aim to highlight the synthesis of indoles as a moiety in selected alkaloids.
Ce(iv)-centered charge-neutral perovskite layers topochemically derived from anionic [CeTa2O7]−layers
Authors: Hasegawa Takuya , Yamasaki Naoki , Asakura Yusuke , Ueda Tadaharu , Yin Shu
Published: October 2021

This study proposed a new layer modification technique, “layer charge control”, for layered perovskites, and the structures of the obtained charge neutral [CeTa2O7] perovskite sheet were characterized theoretically and experimentally.
Cationic helicenes as selective G4 DNA binders and optical probes for cellular imaging
Authors: Summers Peter A. , Thomas Ajesh P. , Kench Timothy , Vannier Jean-Baptiste , Kuimova Marina K. , Vilar Ramon
Published: October 2021

G-quadruplex DNA (G4 DNA) structures are selectively recognised by helical optical probes.
Crystalline boron monosulfide nanosheets with tunable bandgaps
Authors: Kusaka Haruki , Ishibiki Ryota , Toyoda Masayuki , Fujita Takeshi , Tokunaga Tomoharu , Yamamoto Akiyasu , Miyakawa Masashi , Matsushita Kyosuke , Miyazaki Keisuke , Li Linghui , Shinde Satish Laxman , S. L. Lima Mariana , Sakurai Takeaki , Nishibori Eiji , Masuda Takuya , Horiba Koji , Watanabe Kenji , Saito Susumu , Miyauchi Masahiro , Taniguchi Takashi , Hosono Hideo , Kondo Takahiro
Published: October 2021

Two-dimensional boron monosulfide nanosheets are realized by physical exfoliation of rhombohedral boron monosulfide.
Analysis of changes in the coordinates of the “Tavaksay” geodynamic polygon
Authors: Mirmakhmudov Erkin , Niyazov Vahidjon , Makhamatova Vazira , Muminova Nozima
Published: October 2021

This article presents the results of GNSS and laser measurements at the “Tavaksay” geodynamic polygon. Describes the classical methods for determining the change in coordinates based on triangulation and leveling. Ways to improve the accuracy of local microplate tectonics using navigation systems are outlined here.The coordinates of the benchmarks were calculated in the rectangular GaussKruger coordinate system and the spatial system B, L, H for CK42 and WGS84.The trilateration method for determining the distances between points of the geodynamic network is analyzed. An assessment of the accuracy of the coordinates of points and the distances between them, depending on the number of measurement cycles, has been made.The accuracy of the trilateration and GNSS method for this network is graphically presented. The diagonal elements of the covariance matrix of GNSS measurements are investigated. It is proposed to make homogeneous GNSS and laser measurements at the tops of the hills at a certain time interval to study local deformation processes.
Monitoring of spatial data coordinate basis integrity using coordinate transformations
Authors: Nepoklonov Vicktor , Maximova Mayya , Sukharev-Krylov Ivan
Published: October 2021

The modern spatial data coordinate basis (SDCB) is built taking into account the variety of existing and used today geodetic networks, models of physical fields of the Earth, cartographic models, as well as coordinate systems (СS). One of the requirements for SDCB from the standpoint of system analysis is the requirement of integrity, which presupposes the unity of the determination of coordinates, that is, the consistency of the results of determining the coordinates of the same points in different CSs. The article is devoted to the monitoring of the accuracy characteristics of the available software for coordinate transformations in terms of single-stage and multi-stage transitions between ellipsoidal coordinates of different systems.
Improving Linear Projects Georeferencing to Create Digital Models Using UAV Imagery
Authors: Elsheshtawy Amr M. , Gavrilova Larisa A.
Published: October 2021

Global Positioning System (GPS) on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) platform relies on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology with a precision of 10 m at shooting time at UAV camera stations positions. Nonetheless, obstacles to the GPS signal at the finest flight altitude can prevent accurate camera stations positions retrieval. In this research, three different georeferencing techniques were compared with geometric precision. The first is Direct Georeferencing (DG), which mainly depends on using Navigation GPS onboard without using any Ground Control Points (GCPs). The second is Indirect Georeferencing (IG), which mainly depends on three GCPs used to assist Aero-Triangulation (AT). The third is Modified technique depends on the same three GCPs used in the second method and enhanced location of camera stations usage of the Linear Relation Model (LR Model). The study area was in the south of the Moscow Region, Russia. Threeimaging strips have been taken using the DJI PHANTOM 4 PRO UAV. The accuracy assessment was carried out using image-derived coordinates and checkpoints (CPs) residuals. This study emphasizes that the Modified methodology using enhanced camera stations positions gave better accuracy than using the drone GPS camera stations positions.
Geospatial modeling, analysis and mapping for aerodrome land development
Authors: Mitsevich Liudmila , Zhukovskaya Natalia
Published: October 2021

The article discusses aerodrome geospatial modeling methods and geoinformation analysis for determining land use zones and obstacle restriction areas. Tall trees, buildings and structures, exceeding special limitation surfaces in the aerodrome flight areas, are obstacles that are dangerous. Using spatial modelling, which determines maximal permissible heights, it is proposed to predict the heights of natural and artificial vertical objects in order to analyse and plan land use capabilities. As a basis for spatial modeling, it is proposed to use stereoscopic models with a resolution of 0.3m, built on aircraft-based scanner images. Using the methods of geoinformation analysis, it is suggested to make horizontal zoning of aerodrome areas according to the most important air navigation safety and ecological indicators (power lines, roads, permitted classes of construction objects location). The study presents the research results of the proposed methodology for the Republic of Belarus aerodrome.
Digital Documentation and a 3-D Model of Beaufort Castle via RTK GNSS, Terrestrial Laser Scanner and UAS-based Photogrammetry
Authors: Naanouh Yousef , Stanislava Vasyutinskaya
Published: October 2021

Three-dimensional digital technology is important in the maintenance and monitoring of archeological sites. This paper focuses on using a combination of terrestrial laser scanning and unmanned aerial vehicle (Phantom 4 pro) photogrammetry to establish a three-dimensional model and associated digital documentation of Beaufort castle (Arnoun, South Lebanon). The overall discrepancy between the two technologies was sufficient for the generation of convergent data. Thus, the terrestrial laser scanning and phantom 4 photogrammetry data were aligned and merged post-conversion into compatible extensions. A three-D dimensional (3D) model, with planar and perpendicular geometries, based on the hybrid datapoint cloud was developed. This study demonstrates the potential of using the integration of terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetry in 3D digital documentation and spatial analysis of the Lebanese archeological sites.
Using a DBMS based on various data models in solving problems of cartography and geoinformatics
Authors: Kolesnikov Alexey A. , Kikin Pavel M.
Published: October 2021

An increasing number of database management systems are expanding their functionality to work with various types of spatial data. This is true for both relational and NoSQL data models. The article describes the main features of those data models for which the functions of storing and processing spatial data are implemented. A comparative analysis of the performance of typical spatial queries for database management systems based on various data models, including multi-model ones, is carried out. The dataset on which the comparison is performed is presented in the form of three blocks of OpenStreetMap vector data for the territory of the Novosibirsk region. Based on the results of the study, recommendations are made on the use of certain data models, depending on the available data and the tasks to be solved.
Research to justify the perspective use of individual coordinate systems for contiguous objects modelling with the case study of Moscow Saints Petersburg railway
Authors: Portnov Aleksei
Published: October 2021

The science of cartography should provide a historical mission, that is navigation, and also meet modern agendas including significantly expanding opportunities for BIM technologies, integrating functions of GIS and CAD systems. In this regard, cartography should be considered a fundamental basis for modern trends while creating digital twins of spatial objects. The practical part of the provided experiments included data collecting aimed at Moscow Saints Petersburg railway infrastructure, the calculation of optimal parameters of the oblique Mercator projection in the Hotine version for the given object, and the construction of a 3D railway track model.

This research investigated the principles of unique cartographic projections, strictly focused on the certain functioning objects.

The research can helps many users and designers of digital twins of spatial objects pay their attention to the applied cartography specifics concerning these issues and also take into account the recommendations while creating Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Infrastructure Information Modelling (IIM) as well.
Thermodynamique des grands glissements souterrains
Authors: Sulem Jean
Published: October 2021

Les couplages thermo-hydro-chimio-mécaniques jouent un rôle central dans les grands glissements gravitaires et sismiques. À partir du travail original de Pierre Habib sur la vaporisation du fluide interstitiel comme mécanisme pouvant expliquer les vitesses extrêmes atteintes durant le glissement d’une masse rocheuse, nous donnons un éclairage sur les développements récents sur la physique des tremblements de terre.
Écouter les cavernes souterraines. Hommage à Pierre Habib
Authors: Bérest Pierre
Published: October 2021

On présente un ensemble de mesures d’oscillations de la pression effectuées en tête de puits de cavités salines. Ces cavités sont caractérisées par un grand volume (V = 104à 106 m3), une profondeur kilométrique (h = 250 m à 2000 m) et un petit diamètre (quelques décimètres) du puits métallique cimenté aux terrains qui en permet l’accès. Ce dernier est donc, à l’échelle de la cavité, un mince et très long capillaire ; il permet l’apparition et la mesure de phénomènes vibratoires à diverses échelles. Le premier phénomène mesuré est le fonctionnement de la caverne en résonateur de Helmholtz. L’essai, effectué sur une petite cavité de Storengy en 1982, a été conduit par Pierre Habib qui avait contribué de très près à sa préparation. Le succès de cet essai a conduit à s’intéresser à beaucoup d’autres phénomènes : les ondes stationnaires dans le puits lui-même, qui permettent de mesurer la longueur d’un tube cassé ; les ondes de beaucoup plus longue durée, dont les marées terrestres et les ondes internes ; l’évolution d’une fracture hydraulique ; la chute de blocs se détachant des parois d’une cavité ; les ondes anharmoniques engendrées par la présence d’une petite quantité de gaz piégée en tête de puits
A semismooth Newton method for implicitly constituted non-Newtonian fluids and its application to the numerical approximation of Bingham flow
Authors: Gazca-Orozco Pablo Alexei
Published: October 2021

We propose a semismooth Newton method for non-Newtonian models of incompressible flow where the constitutive relation between the shear stress and the symmetric velocity gradient is given implicitly; this class of constitutive relations captures for instance the models of Bingham and Herschel–Bulkley. The proposed method avoids the use of variational inequalities and is based on a particularly simple regularisation for which the (weak) convergence of the approximate stresses is known to hold. The system is analysed at the function space level and results in mesh-independent behaviour of the nonlinear iterations.
A new two-stage nurse scheduling approach based on occupational justice considering assurance attendance in works shifts by using Z-number method: A real case study
Authors: Pahlevanzadeh Mohammad Javad , Jolai Fariborz , Goodarzian Fariba , Ghasemi Peiman
Published: October 2021

In this paper, a new binary integer programming mathematical model for scheduling nurses’ problems in the emergency department of Kamkar Hospital in Qom province is developed. The manual arrangement of nurses by the head nurse and its time-consuming, occasional absences during the period and protests against injustices in the arrangement of nurses’ work shifts were among the emergency department’s challenges before implementing the model. Most relevant studies aimed to enhance nurses’ satisfaction by creating a general balance considering occupational preferences. Thus, the present study pursued justice through considering preferences based on the results from periodical evaluations of each nurse’s performance with the ultimate goal of improving nurses’ satisfaction. Moreover, the lack of clarity in selecting shifts, which may cause irregular attendance, was improved using the Z-number method. After the run of the model, the rate of nurses’ absences decreased by 40%, the rate of complaints about the performance of the nursing unit decreased by 50%. Also, nurses’ satisfaction increased by 30% after the implementation of the model.
Hypoellipticity and the Mori–Zwanzig formulation of stochastic differential equations
Authors: Zhu Yuanran , Venturi Daniele
Published: October 2021

We develop a thorough mathematical analysis of the effective Mori–Zwanzig (EMZ) equation governing the dynamics of noise-averaged observables in stochastic differential equations driven by multiplicative Gaussian white noise. Building upon recent work on hypoelliptic operators, we prove that the EMZ memory kernel and fluctuation terms converge exponentially fast in time to a unique equilibrium state that admits an explicit representation. We apply the new theoretical results to the Langevin dynamics of a high-dimensional particle system with smooth interaction potential.
Discharge mode transition in a He/Ar atmospheric pressure plasma jet and its inactivation effect against tumor cells in vitro
Authors: Pang Bolun , Liu Zhijie , Wang Sitao , Gao Yuting , Zhang Huaiyan , Zhang Feng , Tantai Xiamin , Xu Dehui , Liu Dingxin , Kong Michael G.
Published: October 2021

Discharge characteristic comparisons between He and Ar plasma jets have been extensively reported, but is rarely reported for the comprehensive study of discharge mode transition from He jet to Ar jet, especially its induced liquid chemistry and biological effect. In this paper, we investigate the plasma jet mode transformation by varying the Ar contents in the He/Ar mixing working gas, particularly focusing on the effect of liquid chemistry of plasma activated water (PAW) and the corresponding inactivation effect against tumor cells in vitro. The mode transition process from He jet to Ar jet is characterized by the discharge images, the spatial temporal evolution, and the electrical and spectra measurements. It is found that the plasma jet mode displays a transition from diffuse to filamentous mode, which significantly affects the gaseous reactive species production and the ability to deliver into liquid, resulting in a huge difference in physicochemical properties and the concentration of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in PAW. Furthermore, the A549 lung cancer cell is utilized to reveal the inactivation effect against tumor cells induced by PAW during discharge mode transition, and it is found that the PAW induced by Ar plasma jet can lead to the higher apoptosis efficiency of cancer cells due to the high production of key species (NO2−, H2O2, and ONOO−/ONOOH) under filamentous mode. This study would provide deep insights into the nature of liquid physicochemistry and its anticancer effect during plasma jet mode transformation.