bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New possibilities for egg white lysozyme: heat-denatured lysozyme partially inactivates select foot-and-mouth disease virus strains
Authors: Fukai Katsuhiko , Inoue Kazuyuki , Takeuchi Akira , Yamakawa Makoto
Published: January 2021

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most contagious diseases of cloven-hoofed animals. Disinfectants are used to inactivate FMD virus (FMDV) in Japan. Reports that heat-denatured lysozyme inactivates bacteria as well as viruses, such as norovirus and hepatitis A virus, led us to determine its effects on FMDV. We show here that heat-denatured lysozyme partially inhibited the infectivity of FMDV O/JPN/2010-1/14C but of FMDVs A/TAI/46-1/2015 and Asia1/Shamir (ISR/3/89). Further, heat-denatured lysozyme variably reduced RNA loads of FMDVs O/JPN/2010-1/14C, O/MOG/2/Ca/BU/2017, O/Taiwan/1997, Asia1/Shamir (ISR/3/89), Asia1/TUR/49/2011, SAT1/KEN/117/2009, SAT2/SAU/6/2000 and SAT3/ZIM/3/83 but could not those of O/JPN/2000, A/TAI/46-1/2015, A22/IRQ/24/64, A15/TAI/1/60 and C/PHI/7/84. These findings indicate that heat-denatured lysozyme may serve as a new disinfectant against FMDV.
Secondary metabolites changes in germinated barley and its relationship to anti-wrinkle activity
Authors: Park Sang Cheol , Wu Qianwen , Ko Eun-yi , Baek Ji Hwoon , Ryu Jeoungjin , Kang Seunghyun , Sung Mi Kyung , Cho Ah-Reum , Jang Young Pyo
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this research was to identify metabolite change during barley (Hordeum vulgare) germination and reveal active principles for the anti-wrinkle activity. Barley was germinated with deionized water (DW) and mineral-rich water (MRW) for the comparison of the effect of mineral contents on the metabolites changes during germination. The effects of germinated barley extracts (GBEs) on collagen production and collagenase inhibition were evaluated in vitro using human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). A pronounced anti-wrinkle activity was observed in the test group treated with the MRW-GBEs. In order to find out the active components related to the anti-wrinkle activity, an orthogonal projection to latent structure-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was performed, using the data from secondary metabolites profiling conducted by UPLC–PDA–ESI–MS. The anti-wrinkle activity of MRW-GBEs was revealed to be associated with the increase of oligomeric compounds of procyanidin and prodelphinidin, indicating that it can be used as an active ingredient for anti-wrinkle agents.
Development and validation of a multiplex 19 X-chromosomal short tandem repeats typing system for forensic purposes
Authors: Jia Juan , Liu Xu , Fan Qingwei , Fang Chen , Wang Mengchun , Zhang Jiarong , Li Wanting , Shi Linyu , Zhang Xiaomeng , Chen Chuguang , Yu Zailiang , Li Chen , Yun Keming , Yan Jiangwei
Published: January 2021

X-chromosome short tandem repeat (X-STR) markers are a powerful complementary system used for paternity and forensic casework. This study presents the development and validation of a new highly efficient multiplex-fluorescent-labeled 19 X-STR typing system, including DXS10079, DXS101, DXS10135, DXS10162, DXS6795, DXS6800, DXS6803, DXS6807, DXS6809, DXS6810, DXS7133, DXS7423, DXS981, DXS9902, DXS9907, GATA165B12, GATA172D05, GATA31E08 and HPRTB along with sex-typing locus, amelogenin. The system was validated according to guidelines issued by the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods. Allele frequency and forensic parameters were investigated from 1085 (494 males and 591 females) unrelated Beijing Han individuals, the combined power of discrimination by the 19 X-STR loci in females and males, as well as the combined mean exclusion chance in trios and duos, were 0.999999999999999995, 0.99999999995, 0.9999999995, and 0.9999996, respectively. The results demonstrate that this multiplex system is robust and reliable, and considered to be a powerful tool for forensic application.
Fast walking is a preventive factor against new-onset diabetes mellitus in a large cohort from a Japanese general population
Authors: Iwasaki Mariko , Kudo Akihiro , Asahi Koichi , Machii Noritaka , Iseki Kunitoshi , Satoh Hiroaki , Moriyama Toshiki , Yamagata Kunihiro , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Fujimoto Shouichi , Narita Ichiei , Konta Tsuneo , Kondo Masahide , Shibagaki Yugo , Kasahara Masato , Watanabe Tsuyoshi , Shimabukuro Michio
Published: January 2021

Based on questionnaires from 197,825 non-diabetic participants in a large Japanese cohort, we determined impact of (1) habit of exercise, (2) habit of active physical activity (PA) and (3) walking pace on new-onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Unadjusted and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were used to determine the odds ratio of new-onset diabetes mellitus incidence in a 3-year follow-up. There were two major findings. First, habits of exercise and active PA were positively associated with incidence of diabetes mellitus. Second, fast walking, even after adjusting for multiple covariates, was associated with low incidence of diabetes mellitus. In the subgroup analysis, the association was also observed in participants aged ≥ 65 years, in men, and in those with a body mass index ≥ 25. Results suggest that fast walking is a simple and independent preventive factor for new-onset of diabetes mellitus in the health check-up and guidance system in Japan. Future studies may be warranted to verify whether interventions involving walking pace can reduce the onset of diabetes in a nation-wide scale.
Correlation of dystonia severity and iron accumulation in Rett syndrome
Authors: Jan Tz-Yun , Wong Lee-Chin , Yang Ming-Tao , Huang Chien-Feng Judith , Hsu Chia-Jui , Peng Steven Shinn-Forng , Tseng Wen-Yih Isaac , Lee Wang-Tso
Published: January 2021

Individuals with Rett syndrome (RTT) commonly demonstrate Parkinsonian features and dystonia at teen age; however, the pathological reason remains unclear. Abnormal iron accumulation in deep gray matter were reported in some Parkinsonian-related disorders. In this study, we investigated the iron accumulation in deep gray matter of RTT and its correlation with dystonia severity. We recruited 18 RTT-diagnosed participants with MECP2 mutations, from age 4 to 28, and 28 age-gender matched controls and investigated the iron accumulation by susceptibility weighted image (SWI) in substantia nigra (SN), globus pallidus (GP), putamen, caudate nucleus, and thalamus. Pearson’s correlation was applied for the relation between iron accumulation and dystonia severity. In RTT, the severity of dystonia scales showed significant increase in subjects older than 10 years, and the contrast ratios of SWI also showed significant differences in putamen, caudate nucleus and the average values of SN, putamen, and GP between RTT and controls. The age demonstrated moderate to high negative correlations with contrast ratios. The dystonia scales were correlated with the average contrast ratio of SN, putamen and GP, indicating iron accumulation in dopaminergic system and related grey matter. As the first SWI study for RTT individuals, we found increased iron deposition in dopaminergic system and related grey matter, which may partly explain the gradually increased dystonia.
Functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes and hydroxyapatite nanorods reinforced with polypropylene for biomedical application
Authors: Khan Fahad Saleem Ahmed , Mubarak N. M. , Khalid Mohammad , Walvekar Rashmi , Abdullah E. C. , Ahmad Awais , Karri Rama Rao , Pakalapati Harshini
Published: January 2021

Modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) and hydroxyapatite nanorods (n-HA) were reinforced into polypropylene (PP) with the support of a melt compounding approach. Varying composition of f-MWCNTs (0.1–0.3 wt.%) and nHA (15–20 wt.%) were reinforced into PP, to obtain biocomposites of different compositions. The morphology, thermal and mechanical characteristics of PP/n-HA/f-MWCNTs were observed. Tensile studies reflected that the addition of f-MWCNTs is advantageous in improving the tensile strength of PP/n-HA nanocomposites but decreases its Young’s modulus significantly. Based on the thermal study, the f-MWCNTs and n-HA were known to be adequate to enhance PP’s thermal and dimensional stability. Furthermore, MTT studies proved that PP/n-HA/f-MWCNTs are biocompatible. Consequently, f-MWCNTs and n-HA reinforced into PP may be a promising nanocomposite in orthopedics industry applications such as the human subchondral bone i.e. patella and cartilage and fabricating certain light-loaded implants.
Gait parameters of Parkinson’s disease compared with healthy controls: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zanardi Ana Paula Janner , da Silva Edson Soares , Costa Rochelle Rocha , Passos-Monteiro Elren , dos Santos Ivan Oliveira , Kruel Luiz Fernando Martins , Peyré-Tartaruga Leonardo Alexandre
Published: January 2021

We systematically reviewed observational and clinical trials (baseline) studies examining differences in gait parameters between Parkinson’s disease (PD) in on-medication state and healthy control. Four electronic databases were searched (November-2018 and updated in October-2020). Independent researchers identified studies that evaluated gait parameters measured quantitatively during self-selected walking speed. Risk of bias was assessed using an instrument proposed by Downs and Black (1998). Pooled effects were reported as standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals using a random-effects model. A total of 72 studies involving 3027 participants (1510 with PD and 1517 health control) met the inclusion criteria. The self-selected walking speed, stride length, swing time and hip excursion were reduced in people with PD compared with healthy control. Additionally, PD subjects presented higher cadence and double support time. Although with a smaller difference for treadmill, walking speed is reduced both on treadmill (.13 m s−1) and on overground (.17 m s−1) in PD. The self-select walking speed, stride length, cadence, double support, swing time and sagittal hip angle were altered in people with PD compared with healthy control. The precise determination of these modifications will be beneficial in determining which intervention elements are most critical in bringing about positive, clinically meaningful changes in individuals with PD (PROSPERO protocol CRD42018113042).
An investigation of secondary electron emission from ZnO based nanomaterials for future applications in radiation detectors
Authors: Boutachkov P. , Voss K. O. , Lee K. , Song M. S. , Yi C. , Cappellazzo M. , Kondziołka W. , Liskowicz A. , Cholewa M.
Published: January 2021

This paper discusses the use of nanomaterials for the improved performance of time-of-flight particle detectors based on secondary electron emission (SEE). The purpose of the research presented in this paper is to find a nanomaterial that has a higher SEE than gold. In this article, we present a measurement of the SEE properties from 1D (one-dimensional) nanostructures of ZnO and ZnO/GaN (ZnO with GaN coating) composed of a mostly regular pattern of nanotubes grown on a thin Si3N4 substrate. The study was performed with 4.77 meV/u Au beam. We observed an average increase of 2.5 in the SEE properties from the 1D ZnO nanotubes compared to gold.
Optimization for biogenic microbial synthesis of silver nanoparticles through response surface methodology, characterization, their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and catalytic potential
Authors: Ibrahim Saba , Ahmad Zahoor , Manzoor Muhammad Zeeshan , Mujahid Muhammad , Faheem Zahra , Adnan Ahmad
Published: January 2021

Silver is a poisonous but precious heavy metal that has widespread application in various biomedical and environmental divisions. Wide-ranging usage of the metal has twisted severe environmental apprehensions. Henceforth there is a cumulative call for the progress of modest, low-cost and, the ecological method for remediation of silver. In the present study, Bacillus cereus was isolated from contaminated soil. Various experimental factors like the amount of AgNO3, inoculum size, temperature, time, and pH were improved by using central composite design (CCD) grounded on response surface methodology (RSM). Optimized values for AgNO3 (1 mM) 10 ml, inoculum size (Bacillus cereus) 8.7 ml, temperature 48.5 °C, time 69 h, and pH 9 showed in the form of optimized ramps. The formed nanoparticles stayed characterized by UV–visible spectrophotometer, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectrometry, particle size analyzer, and X-ray diffraction. The particle size ranges from 5 to 7.06 nm with spherical form. The antimicrobial effectiveness of synthesized nanoparticles was tested contrary to five multidrug resistant microbial strains, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Porteus mirabilis by disc diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum lethal concentrations were detected by the broth macro dilution method. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) was used to check the free radical scavenging ability of biogenic silver nanoparticles. Similarly, anti-radical activity was checked by 2,2′-Azino-Bis-3-Ethylbenzothiazoline-6-Sulfonic Acid (ABTS) with varying time intervals. Catalytic potential of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles was also investigated.
Evaluating the association of osteoporosis with inhaled corticosteroid use in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Taiwan
Authors: Chiu Kai-Lin , Lee Chun-Chen , Chen Chung-Yu
Published: January 2021

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow limitation and osteoporosis is the major comorbidity associated with poor prognosis in COPD. However, the effect of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on bone mineral density among COPD remains uncertain. There is the urgent need to examine whether the long-term ICS use may increase the risk of osteoporosis. In this nested case–control study retrieved from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database from 2002 to 2017, the study aimed to investigate risk of osteoporosis associated with ICS, focusing on the dosage and duration of ICS therapy. Cases with osteoporosis or osteoporotic fractures claims were defined and matched to 3 randomly selected controls. Conditional logistic regressions were used to estimate odds ratios of osteoporosis from ICS treatment measured in 3 years before the index date. This population-based study included 891,395 patients with COPD, where after matching had 58,048 case groups and 174,144 matched control groups. After adjusting for potential confounders, ICS use in COPD was associated with a 1.053-fold (95% confidence interval 1.020–1.087) increased osteoporosis risk, where 7892 (13.59%) ICS use in case and 22,580 (12.97%) in control. New ICS use in COPD patients is associated with increased osteoporosis risk, regardless of exposure period.
Gynecological, reproductive and sexual outcomes after uterine artery embolization for post-partum haemorrage
Authors: Eggel Béatrice , Bernasconi Maude , Quibel Thibaud , Horsch Antje , Vial Yvan , Denys Alban , Baud David
Published: January 2021

In this case control study, long-term gynecological, reproductive and sexual outcomes after uterine artery embolization (UAE) for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) were evaluated. The study was performed in a single referral hospital for PPH in Lausanne from 2003 to 2013. Each woman whose delivery was complicated by PPH and treated by UAE was included, and compared to a control group of women whose delivery was uncomplicated. Cases were matched by maternal age, parity, ethnicity, year and mode of delivery, birth weight and gestational age in a 1–3 ratio. A total of 77 patients treated by UAE for PPH were identified in our obstetrical database. Among them, 63 were included and compared to 189 matched patients (no PPH). The mean interval time between UAE and this study was 8.1 years. Time to menstrual cycle recovery after delivery (3.9 vs 5.6 months, p = 0.66), spotting (7.9% vs 7.2%, p = 0.49), dysmenorrhea (25.4% vs 22.2%, p = 0.60) and amenorrhea (14.3% vs 12.2%, p = 0.66) were similar between the two groups. There was no difference in the FSFI score between the groups (23.2 ± 0.6 vs 23.8 ± 0.4; p = 0.41). However, the interval time to subsequent pregnancy was longer for patients after UAE than the control group (35 vs 18 months, p = 0.002). In case of pregnancy desire, the success rate was lower after UAE compared to controls (55% vs 93.5%, p < 0.001). The rate of PPH was higher in those with previous PPH (6.6% vs 36.4%, p = 0.010). Patients treated by UAE for PPH did not report higher rates of gynecological symptoms or sexual dysfunction compared to patients with uneventful deliveries. The inter-pregnancy interval was increased and the success rate was reduced. In subsequent pregnancies, a higher rate of PPH was observed in those that underwent UAE.
Empirical evidence for concerted evolution in the 18S rDNA region of the planktonic diatom genus Chaetoceros
Authors: De Luca Daniele , Kooistra Wiebe H. C. F. , Sarno Diana , Biffali Elio , Piredda Roberta
Published: January 2021

Concerted evolution is a process of homogenisation of repetitive sequences within a genome through unequal crossing over and gene conversion. This homogenisation is never fully achieved because mutations always create new variants. Classically, concerted evolution has been detected as “noise” in electropherograms and these variants have been characterised through cloning and sequencing of subsamples of amplified products. However, this approach limits the number of detectable variants and provides no information about the abundance of each variant. In this study, we investigated concerted evolution by using environmental time-series metabarcoding data, single strain high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and a collection of Sanger reference barcode sequences. We used six species of the marine planktonic diatom genusChaetocerosas study system. Abundance plots obtained from environmental metabarcoding and single strain HTS showed the presence of a haplotype far more abundant than all the others (the “dominant” haplotype) and identical to the reference sequences of that species obtained with Sanger sequencing. This distribution fitted best with Zipf’s law among the rank abundance/ dominance models tested. Furthermore, in each strain 99% of reads showed a similarity of 99% with the dominant haplotype, confirming the efficiency of the homogenisation mechanism of concerted evolution. We also demonstrated that minor haplotypes found in the environmental samples are not only technical artefacts, but mostly intragenomic variation generated by incomplete homogenisation. Finally, we showed that concerted evolution can be visualised inferring phylogenetic networks from environmental data. In conclusion, our study provides an important contribution to the understanding of concerted evolution and to the interpretation of DNA barcoding and metabarcoding data based on multigene family markers.
Sedimentology, petrography, and reservoir quality of the Zarga and Ghazal formations in the Keyi oilfield, Muglad Basin, Sudan
Authors: Makeen Yousif M. , Shan Xuanlong , Ayinla Habeeb A. , Adepehin Ekundayo Joseph , Ayuk Ndip Edwin , Yelwa Nura Abdulmumini , Yi Jian , Elhassan Osman M. A. , Fan Daijun
Published: January 2021

The Zarga and Ghazal formations constitute important reservoirs across the Muglad Basin, Sudan. Nevertheless, the sedimentology and diagenesis of these reservoir intervals have hitherto received insignificant research attention. Detailed understanding of sedimentary facies and diagenesis could enhance geological and geophysical data for better exploration and production and minimize risks. In this study, subsurface reservoir cores representing the Zarga formation (1114.70–1118.50 m and 1118.50–1125.30 m), and the Ghazal formation (91,403.30–1406.83 m) were subjected to sedimentological (lithofacies and grain size), petrographic/mineralogic (thin section, XRD, SEM), and petrophysical (porosity and permeability) analyses to describe their reservoir quality, provenance, and depositional environments. Eight (8) different lithofacies, texturally characterized as moderately to well-sorted, and medium to coarse-grained, sub-feldspathic to feldspathic arenite were distinguished in the cored intervals. Mono-crystalline quartz (19.3–26.2%) predominated over polycrystalline quartz (2.6–13.8%), feldspar (6.6–10.3%), and mica (1.4–7.6%) being the most prominent constituent of the reservoir rocks. Provenance plot indicated the sediments were from a transitional continental provenance setting. The overall vertical sequence, composition, and internal sedimentary structures of the lithofacies suggest a fluvial-to-deltaic depositional environment for the Ghazal formation, while the Zarga formation indicated a dominant deltaic setting. Kaolinite occurs mainly as authigenic mineral, while carbonates quantitatively fluctuate with an insignificant amount of quartz overgrowths in most of the analyzed cores. Integration of XRD, SEM, and thin section analysis highlights that kaolinite, chlorite, illite, and smectite are present as authigenic minerals. Pore-destroying diagenetic processes (e.g. precipitation, cementation, and compaction etc.) generally prevailed over pore-enhancing processes (e.g. dissolution). Point-counted datasets indicate a better reservoir quality for the Ghazal formation (ɸ = 27.7% to 30.7%; K = 9.65 mD to 1196.71 mD) than the Zarga formation (17.9% to 24.5%; K = 1051.09 mD to 1090.45 mD).
Effectiveness of a toothpaste and a serum containing calcium silicate on protecting the enamel after interproximal reduction against demineralization
Authors: Vicente Ascensión , Ortiz-Ruiz Antonio J. , González-Paz Belén M. , Martínez-Beneyto Yolanda , Bravo-González Luis Alberto
Published: January 2021

To evaluate the effectiveness of a calcium silicate/phosphate fluoridated tooth paste and a serum compared with a toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite on protecting the enamel after interproximal reduction against demineralization. 3 sets of eleven incisors were created. The teeth underwent interproximal enamel reduction (IER) of 0.5 mm. Each set was allocated to one of three groups: (1) Brushing without toothpaste (control group); (2) Vitis toothpaste + Remin Pro; (3) Regenerate toothpaste + Regenerate Serum. The agents were applied three times a day and specimens subjected to demineralization cycles for 30 days. The weight percentages of calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) were quantified by X-ray microfluorescence spectroscopy. Surface microhardness measurements and electron scanning microscopy (SEM) observations were made. Ca data and the Ca/P ratio were significantly higher in Group 3 than the other groups (p < 0.017), while P was significantly lower in Group 3 (p < 0.017). No significant differences were found between Groups 1 and 2 (p > 0.017). Group 3 showed significantly higher microhardness values (p < 0.05) than Group 1. No significant differences were found for other comparisons between groups (p < 0.05). SEM images showed less demineralization in Group 3. The application of a calcium silicate/phosphate fluoridated tooth paste (Regenerate advance) and a dual serum (Regenerate advance enamel serum) protect the enamel with interproximal reduction against demineralization. Therefore, this treatment could be used to prevent the dissolution of hydroxyapatite after IER.
Irregular and suppressed elastic deformation by a structural twist in cellulose nanofibre models
Authors: Uetani Kojiro , Uto Takuya , Suzuki Nozomu
Published: January 2021

The elastic responsiveness of single cellulose nanofibres is important for advanced analysis of biological tissues and their use in sophisticated functional materials. However, the mechanical responsiveness derived from the twisted structure of cellulose nanofibres (CNFs) has remained unexplored. In this study, finite element simulations were applied to characterize the deformation response derived from the torsional structure by performing tensile and bending tests of an unconventionally very long and twisted rod model, having the known dimensional parameters and properties of CNFs. The antagonistic action of two types of structural elements (a contour twist and a curvilinear coordinate) was found to result in an irregular deformation response but with only small fluctuations. The contour twist generated rotational displacements under tensile load, but the curvilinear coordinate suppressed rotational displacement. Under bending stress, the contour twist minimized irregular bending deformation because of the orthotropic properties and made the bending stress transferability a highly linear response.
Sustainable urban mobility analysis for elderly and disabled people in São Paulo
Authors: Azevedo Gislaine A. , Sampaio Renelson R. , Filho Aloisio S. Nascimento , Moret Marcelo A. , Murari Thiago B.
Published: January 2021

The Brazilian Urban Mobility Policy integrates urban transport with traffic planning, establishing appropriate public policies that indicate the need for a safe and accessible public transport system. The major challenge is the inclusion of the elderly and people with disabilities. In this paper, we quantify the impact of rainfall on the number of people with disabilities and elderly people who use the public bus transportation system for accessibility in the first and last miles in the city of São Paulo. The proposed methodology is used to evaluate the co-movements between the time series of free-fare users and rainfall in São Paulo. The findings confirm the hypothesis that significant rainfall causes a reduction in the number of daily free-fare passengers who use the public bus system in São Paulo.
Maternal age and risk of early neonatal mortality: a national cohort study
Authors: Kim Yoo-Na , Choi Dong-Woo , Kim Dong Seop , Park Eun-Cheol , Kwon Ja-Young
Published: January 2021

Advanced maternal age (AMA) is a growing trend world-wide and is traditionally defined as childbearing in women over 35 years of age. The purpose of our study was to determine the maternal age group within the Korean population, in which the risk of early neonatal mortality is increased. Korean birth and mortality data from 2011 to 2015 were used to estimate the influence of maternal age on the risk of early neonatal mortality. A Poisson regression was used for the analysis of multiple clinical variables such as year of delivery, maternal age, gestational age, infant gender, birth weight, multiple birth, parity, and socioeconomic variables. Furthermore, a generalized additive model was used to determine the maternal age at which the risk for neonatal mortality increases. We included 2,161,908 participants and found that 49.4% of mothers were 30–34 years of age at delivery. The proportion of mothers aged 35 and above increased over the 5-year analysis period. A maternal age lower than 29 years or higher than 40 years was associated with a relatively higher risk of early neonatal mortality. The trend and magnitude of the age-related risk on early neonatal mortality were independent of maternal socioeconomic factors such as living in an obstetrically underserved area, education level, and employment status. Furthermore, we showed that the risk for early neonatal mortality was higher until the maternal age of 28. However, there were no significant changes in the risk between the age of 35 and 40 years. According to recent national-wide data, age-related risk for early neonatal mortality is only apparent for mothers ≥ 40 years old whereas, age between 35 and 39 are not at increased risk for early neonatal mortality, despite being classified as AMA.
Substrate inhibition by the blockage of product release and its control by tunnel engineering
Authors: Kokkonen Piia , Beier Andy , Mazurenko Stanislav , Damborsky Jiri , Bednar David , Prokop Zbynek
Published: January 2021

Substrate inhibition can be caused by substrate binding to the enzyme–product complex and can be controlled rationally by targeting enzyme access tunnels.
Probing anisotropic mechanical behaviour in carbamazepine form III
Authors: Gabriele Benjamin P. A. , Williams Craig J. , Lauer Matthias E. , Derby Brian , Cruz-Cabeza Aurora J.
Published: January 2021

Nanoindentation measurements in single crystals of carbamazepine form III show that the (020) face is stiffer and harder than the (002) and (101) faces. AFM imaging and molecular simulations reveal that the (020) plane is the most likely slip plane.
Correction: Molecular-scale thermoelectricity: as simple as ‘ABC’
Authors: Ismael Ali , Al-Jobory Alaa , Wang Xintai , Alshehab Abdullah , Almutlg Ahmad , Alshammari Majed , Grace Iain , Bennett Troy L. R. , Wilkinson Luke A. , Robinson Benjamin J. , Long Nicholas J. , Lambert Colin
Published: January 2021

Correction for ‘Molecular-scale thermoelectricity: as simple as ‘ABC’’ by Ali Ismael et al., Nanoscale Adv., 2020, 2, 5329–5334, DOI: 10.1039/D0NA00772B.
Potentialities of selenium nanoparticles in biomedical science
Authors: Nayak Vanya , Singh Kshitij RB , Singh Ajaya Kumar , Singh Ravindra Pratap
Published: January 2021

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have revolutionized biomedical domain and are still developing rapidly. Hence, this perspective elaborates SeNPs properties, synthesis, and biomedical applications, together with their potential for management of SARS-CoV-2.
Predicting ligand removal energetics in thiolate-protected nanoclusters from molecular complexes
Authors: McKay Julia , Cowan Michael J. , Morales-Rivera Cristian A. , Mpourmpakis Giannis
Published: January 2021

Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations reveal that ligand removal energetics in thiolate-protected nanoclusters can be accurately predicted through simple metal–thiolate complex calculations.
The synthesis of polyurethane with mechanical properties that are responsive to water retention states
Authors: Li Xuemin , Ye Feng , Wang Jie , Chen Zhaobin , Yang Xiaoniu
Published: January 2021

Water-retention-state-responsive polyurethane was designed and synthesized via introducing zwitterionic sulfobetaine onto its polymer chains.
Correction: Metal-free [2+2+1] cycloaddition polymerization of alkynes, nitriles, and oxygen atoms to functional polyoxazoles
Authors: Dong Lichao , Lan Tian , Liang Yin , Guo Shifeng , Zhang Hao
Published: January 2021

Correction for ‘Metal-free [2+2+1] cycloaddition polymerization of alkynes, nitriles, and oxygen atoms to functional polyoxazoles’ by Lichao Dong et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 24368–24373, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA04249H.
Detectability of biosignatures on LHS 1140 b
Authors: Wunderlich Fabian , Scheucher Markus , Grenfell John Lee , Schreier Franz , Sousa-Silva Clara , Godolt Mareike , Rauer Heike
Published: January 2021

Context.Terrestrial extrasolar planets around low-mass stars are prime targets when searching for atmospheric biosignatures with current and near-future telescopes. The habitable-zone super-Earth LHS 1140 b could hold a hydrogen-dominated atmosphere, and is an excellent candidate for detecting atmospheric features.

Aims.In this study we investigate how the instellation and planetary parameters influence the atmospheric climate, chemistry, and spectral appearance of LHS 1140 b. We study the detectability of selected molecules, in particular potential biosignatures, with the upcomingJames WebbSpace Telescope (JWST) and Extremely Large Telescope (ELT).

Methods.In the first step we used the coupled climate–chemistry model 1D-TERRA to simulate a range of assumed atmospheric chemical compositions dominated by molecular hydrogen (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2). In addition, we varied the concentrations of methane (CH4) by several orders of magnitude. In the second step we calculated transmission spectra of the simulated atmospheres and compared them to recent transit observations. Finally, we determined the observation time required to detect spectral bands with low-resolution spectroscopy using JWST, and the cross-correlation technique using ELT.

Results.In H2-dominated and CH4-rich atmospheres oxygen (O2) has strong chemical sinks, leading to low concentrations of O2and ozone (O3). The potential biosignatures ammonia (NH3), phosphine (PH3), chloromethane (CH3Cl), and nitrous oxide (N2O) are less sensitive to the concentration of H2, CO2, and CH4in the atmosphere. In the simulated H2-dominated atmosphere the detection of these gases might be feasible within 20 to 100 observation hours with ELT or JWST when assuming weak extinction by hazes.

Conclusions.If further observations of LHS 1140 b suggest a thin, clear, hydrogen-dominated atmosphere, the planet would be one of the best known targets to detect biosignature gases in the atmosphere of a habitable-zone rocky exoplanet with upcoming telescopes.
Verification of HotStuff BFT Consensus Protocol With TLA+/TLC in an Industrial Setting
Authors: Kukharenko Vladimir , Ziborov Kirill , Sadykov Rafael , Rezin Ruslan
Published: January 2021

The extent of formal verification methods applied in industrial projects has always been limited. The proliferation of distributed ledger systems (DLS), also known as blockchain, is rapidly changing the situation. Since the main area of DLSs’ application is the automation of financial transactions, the properties of predictability and reliability are critical for implementing such systems. The actual behavior of the DLS is largely determined by the chosen consensus protocol, which properties require strict specification and formal verification. Formal specification and verification of the consensus protocol is necessary but not sufficient. It is also required to ensure that the software implementation of the DLS nodes complies with this protocol. Finally, the verified software implementation of the protocol must run on a fairly reliable operating system. The financial focus of DLS application has also led to the emergence of the so-called smart contracts, which are an important part of the applied implementations of specific business processes based on DLSs. Therefore, the verifiability of smart contracts is also a critical requirement for industrial DLSs. In this paper, we describe an ongoing industrial project between a large Russian airline and three universities – Innopolis University (IU), Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) and Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU). The main expected project result is a DLS for more flexible refueling of aircrafts, verified at least at the four technological levels described above. After brief project overview, we focus on our experience with the formal specification and verification of HotStuff, a leader-based fault-tolerant protocol that ensures reaching distributed consensus in the presence of Byzantine processes. The formal specification of the protocol is performed in the TLA+ language and then verified with a specialized TLC tool to verify models based on TLA+ specifications.
Formal and Psychological Aspects of Modern Business Notations
Authors: Kalashnikov V.G. , Gabidullina G.R. , Mukhametshin S.M. , Galimova A.S. , Ableeva A.M.
Published: January 2021

The article discusses the features of the transition to the sixth technological order based on the digitalization of the economy, informatization and computerization of all spheres of human life. The conclusion is made about the influence of the ongoing phase shift of the social order on the social and psychological features of modern man. In particular, the increasing role of visual culture and visual (visual-logical) thinking and the corresponding graphic language is noted. The advantages of such a graphic language in terms of information capacity are noted. There is a growing interest in visual forms of modeling production systems in the form of business notations for the purpose of analyzing business processes for their modeling and controlling. The essence and features of the business notation system in various versions are considered. The possibility of combining different business notation systems as different ways of describing a managed object is emphasized. The article focuses on the use of business notation as a means of developing managerial thinking of managers as a multidimensional and contextual visual-logical process that meets the requirements of the modern information environment.
Digital Technologies in the Smart Production Management System
Authors: Starikov Evgeniy , Evseeva Marina , Tkachenko Irina
Published: January 2021

The article analyzes the possibility of using such digital technologies as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Big Data and the creation of models of digital twins in the formation of intelligent management systems for "smart" production within the framework of the concept of digital transformation of the manufacturing sector Industry 4.0. The essence and features of these technologies, problematic aspects of their implementation in real production enterprises are considered. The concept of the functional structure of the digital production management system of a "smart" enterprise based on the digital twin model is proposed. The conclusion is made about the integrating role of technologies for the development and application of digital twin models in the construction of intelligent control systems for "smart" production.
Digital Trends in the Financial Environment
Authors: Fedotova Gilian , Mamengayev Yuldash
Published: January 2021

The relevance of the research topic is dictated by the ongoing processes of transition to the digital sphere of all operations, mechanisms of interaction and provision of services under the conditions of the introduced quarantine measures. The second wave of coronavirus infection that swept the world in the fall of 2020 is forcing a significant revision of the technology for providing many services, including financial ones. In this regard, it is necessary to constantly search for and improve digital technologies, to intensify intellectual and innovative activities. The results obtained lay the foundation for building a new image of the financial market based on AI technologies. New financial institutions operating on artificial intelligence technologies allow many operations and business processes to be performed remotely. Intelligent insights are exactly the kind of products that can be digitally acquired and generated remotely. The formed digital financial infrastructure allows you to quickly enough finance intellectual development and attract investments in this industry.
Cryptocurrency as a New Financial and Legal Instrument: Defining Cryptoassets in Property Law
Authors: Astrakhantseva Irina , Astrakhantsev Roman
Published: January 2021

The scientific research study is about the approach to crypto assets in property law. The cryptocurrency, possessing the signs of many civil rights, at the same time does not belong to any of them and does not correspond with anyone in a complete way. This is due to the uniqueness of cryptocurrency as a phenomenon itself. Cryptocurrencies can also represent different types between cryptocurrency holders, as well as between holders and creators of the platform, which have been concluded by implicit actions. The authors propose new definition for cryptocurrency through the cryptographically protected property concept, which has the feature of cryptographic authentication, decentralization, management through consensus, the use of distributed ledgers. According to the authors, the starting point for determining the ownership of the cryptocurrency should be that the subject of the right will be the asset’s owner if he or she legally gained access to the private key, by analogy as the subject acquired the ownership of a tangible asset on a legal basis.
Artificial Neural Networks in Inflation Forecasting at the Meso-Level
Authors: Astrakhantseva Irina , Kutuzova Anna , Astrakhantsev Roman
Published: January 2021

The aim of the article is to analyze inflation factors and their influence on the consumer price index in the regions. The article discusses the existing mathematical models for the forecasting of the regional inflation rate as an important national measure. Advantages, disadvantages and application fields of these models are presented. The appropriateness of recurrent neural network use for regional inflation forecasting is demonstrated. The article describes the process of neural network architecture creation, its training, inflation parameter forecasting.
Financial and Legal Background of State and Banking Incentives for Digital Transformation of the Cultural Sphere During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Pokachalova E.V. , Alimbekova A.S. , Malysheva T.A. , Eremina E.A.
Published: January 2021

The article is devoted to measures of state and banking stimulation of the digital transformation of cultural organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the need for legal understanding of such concepts of Russian legislation as financial support, methods of financial support. The authors of the study propose regulatory changes to improve the financial and legal mechanism of interaction between participants in tax and public banking legal relations, including government bodies, as well as representatives of the banking sector to provide financial support to cultural organizations. It has been concluded that the state is the main subject of financial support for cultural organizations in Russia during the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, at the institutional level, the financial and legal regulation of the provision of such financial assistance has yet to be built.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Momentum Strategy for Responsible Investment in the Russian Stock Market
Authors: Ovechkin Danila , Reshetnikova Liudmila , Boldyreva Natalia
Published: January 2021

In modern conditions, the integration of ESG-criteria into investment decisions of asset managers is considered as a key factor in sustainable economic development. We examine the effectiveness of the Momentum-ESG strategy based on the Responsibility and Openness Index in comparison with the Momentum strategy, which is based on the Moscow Exchange Broad Market Index, since December 2011 to December 2020. We propose an algorithm for integrating ESG criteria into momentum strategy. We select "winners" and "losers" stocks based on their monthly return. The Momentum-ESG strategy has a high Sharpe ratio for a time horizon of 12 months, the Momentum strategy - for a time horizon of 6 months. The testing of the Momentum-ESG strategy shows its greater efficiency in terms of the Sharpe ratio compared to the Momentum strategy, which does not take into account the ESG-factors, in the investing period.
Digital Technologies in Ensuring the Protection of the Population and Territories of the Russian Federation from Natural and Man-Made Emergencies: Legal Aspect
Authors: Vedysheva Natalia , Mukhlynina Мaria , Efimova Olga , Nikiforov Andrey
Published: January 2021

The problem of sustainable management of digitalization of the environmental and technosphere security system at the legal and organizational levels both in the Russian Federation and in the world is now coming to the fore and requires immediate solutions. After analyzing strategic planning documents and other normative legal acts, the authors of the article attempt to consider current legal problems in the field under study in the aspect of digitalization, which ensures environmental and technosphere security of Russia, and implements the UN sustainable development goals in the environmental direction. The authors suggest that a successful economic policy aimed at achieving the UN sustainable development goals in the field of ensuring the safety of cities and human settlements is impossible without the introduction of science-based methodologies and tools for accounting for losses from disasters, improving modeling, assessment, monitoring of disaster risk, etc. In conclusion, a number of conclusions are drawn about the legal acts adopted in the Russian Federation and the organizational measures being implemented to help solve various problems related to the implementation of interdepartmental integrated systems of RSChS with the participation of the Ministry of digital development, communications and mass communications of Russia, etc.
Digitalization of the Russian Economy as a National Goal
Authors: Savoskin A.V. , Kurdyumov A.V. , Meshcheryagina V.A. , Vilacheva M.N.
Published: January 2021

The gist of this article boils down to the legal conditions for the formation of a unified system of digitalization of the economy based on the improvement of normative regulation of the digital environment are considered; creation of information infrastructure of the economy; providing the digital economy with competent personnel; ensuring information security. The authors conclude that the state concept of "digital transformation" has not yet been implemented, but the first steps in this direction have been taken. Achieving the national goal of digitalizing the economy will entail the creation of a new legal framework for relations between citizens, business and the state, which is necessary (and even inevitable) due to the development of digital technologies.
Problems of the Non-Cash Payments Development in the Russian Federation on the Example of the North Caucasus
Authors: Necheukhina Nadezhda , Kremleva Victoria , Dudina Olga
Published: January 2021

Currently, the use of cash payments in the economy is an undesirable element since it is the basis for the shadow economy development. The willingness of the Russian Federation Government to switch to non-cash payments has reason. The implementation of many state programs depends on the non-cash payments development, especially in developing regions. Non-cash payments allow to take control of the movement of funds, as well as assess its origin. Moreover, they contribute to the growth of tax revenues to the budget. The purpose of the article is to analyze the payment system development of the Russian Federation, the development level of non-cash payments in the territory of the Russian Federation in the context of the regions, to identify the main reasons that impede the payment infrastructure development. Much attention is paid to the regions, since it is here that the entering of banking services leaves much to be desired. The goals set by the authors - to carry out a comparative analysis, horizontal and vertical analysis, to identify the main indicators of the level of «non-cash» settlements. Accordingly, build hypotheses and draw conclusions and recommendations. It is necessary to transfer as many transactions as possible to non-cash payments, and this depends on the interest of consumers in settlements with bank cards and other non-cash instruments.