bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Instrument Design and Image Reconstruction For A Laboratory X-Ray Microtomograph
Authors: Johnson Roger H. , Nelson Alan C. , Burns David H.
Published: June 2020

X-ray microscopy has received considerable attention over the years, since it has the potential of producing high-resolution images of thick specimens in air. We are developing an x-ray microtomograph for three-dimensional imaging of small biological specimens. The instrument, shown in Figure 1, has much in common with projection x-ray microscopes of decades past, but incorporates several technological advances of recent years to partially overcome the limitations of the older instruments. The most important of these are the use of a planar solid-state detector and the provision for volume reconstruction. We describe the design for a relatively low-cost instrument intended for 3-D imaging of biological specimens up to ten cubic millimeters in size.

The x-ray source for the microtomograph consists of a modified SEM. The electron beam, in spot mode and focused to about ten nanometers, impinges on a thin foil target to produce an emergent, low-intensity cone beam of characteristic and Bremsstrahlung x-rays. The foil resides in close proximity to an optional aluminum filter and a thin beryllium window which terminates the evacuated electron column. The specimen is mounted on a precision rotating shaft within two millimeters of the target foil. A two-dimensional detector is placed ten to forty centimeters from the sample, providing direct projection magnifications of up to 200 times. Two-dimensional projection views are collected at each of many angular orientations as the sample is rotated through 360 degrees. Cone beam backprojection algorithms are then applied to reconstruct a threedimensional data set.
A Metastable Crystalline Phase Coexisted with the Decagonal Quasicrystals in Rapidly Solidified Al-Ir Al-Pd and Al-Pt Alloys
Authors: Rong Wang , Lina Ma , Kuo K.H.
Published: June 2020

Up to now, decagonal quasicrystals have been found in the alloys of whole Al-Pt group metals [1,2]. The present paper is concerned with the TEM study of a hitherto unreported hexagonal phase in rapidly solidified Al-Ir, Al-Pd and Al-Pt alloys.

The ribbons of Al5Ir, Al5Pd and Al5Pt were obtained by spun-quenching. Specimens cut from the ribbons were ion thinned and examined in a JEM 100CX electron microscope. In both rapidly solidified Al5Ir and Al5Pd alloys, the decagonal quasicrystal, with rosette or dendritic morphologies can be easily identified by its electron diffraction patterns(EDPs). The EDPs of the decagonal phase for the two alloys are quite similar. However, the existance of decagonal quasicrystal in the Al-Pt alloy has not been verified by our TEM study. It is probably for the reason that the cooling rate is not great enough for the Al5Pt alloy to form the decagonal phase. During the TEM study, a metastable hexagonal phase has been observed in the Al5Ir, Al5Pd and Al5Pt alloys. The lattic parameters calculated from the X-ray powder data of this phase are a=1.229 and c=2.647nm(Al-Pd) and a=1.231 and c=2.623nm(Al-Ir). The composition of this phase was determined by EDS analysis as Al4(Ir, Pd or Pt). It coexists with the decagonal phase in the alloys and transformed to other stable crystalline phases on heating to high temperature. A comparison between the EDPs of the hexagonal and the decagonal phase are shown in Fig.l. Fig. 1(a) is the EDPs of the decagonal phase in various orientions and the EDPs of the hexagonal phase are shown in Fig.1(b), in a similar arrangement as Fig.1(a). It can be clearly seen that the EDPs of the hexagonal phase, especially the distribution of strong spots, are quite similar to their partners of the decagonal quasicrystal in Fig.1(a). All the angles, shown in Fig.l, between two corresponding EDPs are very close to each other. All of these seem strongly to point out that a close structural relationshipexists between these two phases:

[110]//d10 [001]//d2(D) //d2 (P)

The structure of α-AlFeSi is well known [3] and the 54-atom Mackay icosahedron with double icosahedral shells in the α-AlFeSi structure [4] have been used to model the icosahedral quasicrystal structure. Fig.2(a) and (b) show, respectively, the [110] and [001] projections of the crystal structure of α- AlFeSi, and decagon-pentagons can easily be identified in the former and hexagons in the latter. In addition, the optical transforms of these projections show clearly decagons and hexagons of strong spots, quite similar to those in [110] and [001] EDPs in Fig.1(b). This not only proves the Al(Ir, Pt, Pd) metastable phase being icostructural with the α-AlFeSi phase but also explains the orientation relationship mentioned above.
The True Size Distribution of Ain Particles Obtained from Extraction Replicas
Authors: Doğan Ö.N. , Kwon H.W. , Michal G.M.
Published: June 2020

Determination of the morphology and size distribution of particles in a multiple phase material can be accomplished using opaque planar section optical microscopy or thin foil and extraction replica TEM analysis. In all cases, measurements are obtained using two-dimensional information from a planar section or through a projection of three-dimensional space. The two-dimensional size and morphology data obtained must be converted into the true three-dimensional data to be of further use. For spherical particles, methods of two- to three-dimensional size distribution conversion have been developed for planar sections, thin foils and extraction replicas. However, A1N particles precipitated in FCC iron are rod-shaped with a square cross section. To analyze these particles, an iterative method has been developed to determine the true three-dimensional size distribution of rod-shaped particles from their projected images obtained from extraction replicas. This method assumes that the particles are randomly oriented in the matrix phase and that they have a common aspect ratio.
Hrem Study of Extended Dislocation in InP
Authors: Wang Lu-Chun , Liu Tian , LI Qi , Feng Duan
Published: June 2020

We observed the HREM images of extended dislocations in InP crystals and the effects of electoron beam on their configurations. InP crystals were grown by LEC method. The samples used for HREM observation were prepared by crushing technique. The observation was performed using a 4000EX HREM at 400KV with beam current density 10Pa/cm2 and magnification 8×10.5 The direction of observation is parallel to [110] zone axis of the specimen. It was found that there were a number of extended dislocations in InP crystal. They consist of two partial dislocations with Burgers vectors of 1/6[211] and l/6[121] and an piece of intrinsic stacking fault between them. Fig. 1. shows an extended dislocation observed. The contrast changes induced by the stress field of partial dislocations and the relative displacement of the lattice on the two sides of the stacking fault should be noted. The measurement show that the average width of extended dislocations in Inp crystal is about 155Å. The stacking fault energy estimated by the average width is about 170 ergs/cm2. Observation found that the extended dislocations might movei contract or further extend its width due to the electron beam irradiation during the HREM observation. Fig. 1. to 4. are the successive photographs of the same area. The interval between the two successive pictures is about 10 sec. The extended dislocation contracted continuously so that it became a nearly perfect dislocation with Burgers vector b=1/2[110l in Fig.4. It is obvious that the higher thermal stress induced by beam irradiation may produce the motion as well as the width changes of extended dislocations in InP crystal.
Mickey, A Computer Helping Hand for the Everyday use of the T.E.M.
Authors: Pierre Chemelle , Bernard Muller , Michel Crouillère
Published: June 2020

The efficiency of transmission electron microscopy investigations is drastically impaired by the time required for photographic plate development, measurements and interpretation. Very often, the operator has to go back to the microscope to complete his analysis. The evolution of the TEM, through the automation of an increasing number of operating parameters and the increasing use of small computers has led to a variety of performance improvements.

The outline of the microscope facility that we developed is shown in Figure 1. The TEM/STEM EM400T PHILIPS microscope is linked simultaneously to the EDAX PDP devoted to X-ray microanalysis and to a DEC μPDP for diffraction analysis. This second computer, operating in a multitask RSX environment can be used for on-line and off-line analysis of patterns, microanalysis data and crystallographic calculations. The μPDP is coupled to the microscope via ADC/DAC converters and the Hybrid Diffraction STEM apparatus. The two computers are connected through a serial line for data transmission (i.e. spectra and chemical analysis). As a whole, this facility is integrated in a DEC ETHERNET network connected to a mainframe VAX computer. Several image workstations, are among the other nodes of the network.
Spaces apart: public parks and the differentiation of space in Leeds, 1850–1914
Authors: Booth Nathan , Churchill David , Barker Anna , Crawford Adam
Published: June 2020

While the Victorian ideal of the public park is well understood, we know less of how local governors sought to realize this ideal in practice. This article is concerned with park-making as a process – contingent, unstable, open – rather than with parks as outcomes – determined, settled, closed. It details how local governors bounded, designed and regulated park spaces to differentiate them as ‘spaces apart’ within the city, and how this programme of spatial governance was obstructed, frustrated and diverted by political, environmental and social forces. The article also uses this historical analysis to provide a new perspective on the future prospects of urban parks today.
An Insight into the Sex Differences in COVID-19 Patients: What are the Possible Causes?
Authors: Maleki Dana Parisa , Sadoughi Fatemeh , Hallajzadeh Jamal , Asemi Zatollah , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Yousefi Bahman , Momen-Heravi Mansooreh
Published: June 2020

Studies have reported a sex bias in case fatalities of COVID-19 patients. Moreover, it is observed that men have a higher risk of developing a severe form of the disease compared to women, highlighting the importance of disaggregated data of male and female COVID-19 patients. On the other hand, other factors (eg, hormonal levels and immune functions) also need to be addressed due to the effects of sex differences on the outcomes of COVID-19 patients. An insight into the underlying causes of sex differences in COVID-19 patients may provide an opportunity for better care of the patients or prevention of the disease. The current study reviews the reports concerning with the sex differences in COVID-19 patients. It is explained how sex can affect angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), that is a key component for the pathogenesis of COVID-19, and summarized the gender differences in immune responses and how sex hormones are involved in immune processes. Furthermore, the available data about the impact of sex hormones on the immune functions of COVID-19 cases are looked into.
Sayyids and Social Stratification of Muslims in Colonial India: Genealogy and Narration of the Past in Amroha
Authors: NIAZI SOHEB
Published: June 2020

While Islamic scriptures like the Quran and Hadith are often quoted to negate the existence of social stratification among Muslims, authors of genealogical texts rely on the very same scriptures to foreground and legitimise discussions on descent and lineage. In the South Asian context, several conceptions of hierarchy as practised by Muslims in north India evolved over the course of colonial rule and were deployed interchangeably by Sayyids. These were based on notions of race, ethnicity, respectability and nobility, and occupational distinctions as well as narratives that referred to the history of early Islam. This article contributes to the study of social stratification among South Asian Muslims by exploring the evolution of Urdutarikh(historical texts) produced by Sayyid men in theqasbahof Amroha in the Rohilkhand region of the United Provinces during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The Sayyid authors narrated the past through the medium ofnasab(genealogy). While their texts place emphasis on lineage and descent to legitimise a superior social status for Sayyids, they also shed light on the changing social and material context of the local qasbah politics with the discourse on genealogy evolving into a form that engaged with social contestations.
LABOR TAX REDUCTIONS IN EUROPE: THE ROLE OF PROPERTY TAXATION
Authors: Bielecki Marcin , Stähler Nikolai
Published: June 2020

We use a New Keynesian DSGE model with search frictions on the housing market to evaluate how financing a labor tax reduction by higher property taxation affects the real economy and welfare. Search on the housing market enables us to explicitly model stocks and flows, which is necessary to differentiate between recurrent property taxes (levied on stocks) and property transaction taxes (levied to flows). We find that using recurrent property taxation as financing instrument outperforms other instruments although all policy measures increase aggregate economy-wide welfare. Our simulations suggest that using property transaction taxation as financing instrument is the least favorable measure.
Prioritizing professionals? How the democratic and professionalized nature of interest groups shapes their degree of access to EU officials
Authors: Albareda Adrià
Published: June 2020

Interest groups are key intermediary actors between civil society and public officials. The EU has long emphasized the importance of interacting with representative groups that involve their members. Additionally, there is an increasing trend toward the professionalization of groups that invest in organizational capacities to efficiently provide policy expertise. Both member involvement and organizational capacity are crucial features for groups to function as transmission belts that aggregate and transfer the preferences of their members to policymakers, thus reinforcing the legitimacy and efficiency of governance systems. Yet, not all groups have these organizational attributes. This paper quantitatively examines the effects of interest groups’ investment in member involvement and organizational capacity on the level of access to EU Commission officials. The results indicate that member involvement does not pay off in terms of higher levels of access. In contrast, groups with high organizational capacities have more meetings with public officials of the Commission.
Reconstructing infrastructure for resilient essential services during and following protracted conflict: A conceptual framework
Authors: Hay Alexander H. , Karney Bryan , Martyn Nick
Published: June 2020

The rehabilitation of essential services infrastructure following hostilities, whether during a conflict or post-conflict, is a complex undertaking. This is made more complicated in protracted conflicts due to the continuing cycle of damage and expedient repair amid changing demands. The rehabilitation paradigm that was developed for the successful post-World War II rehabilitation of Germany and Japan has been less successful since. There are a myriad of conflicting interests that impede its application, yet the issue consistently comes down to a lack of systems-level understanding of the current situation on the ground and a lack of alignment between what is delivered and the actual local need. This article proposes a novel conceptual framework to address this, affording a greater “system of systems” understanding of the local essential services and how they can be restored to reflect the changed needs of the local population that has itself been changed by the conflict. The recommendations draw on heuristic practice and commercially available tools to provide a practicable approach to restoring infrastructure function in order to enable essential services that are resilient to temporary returns to violence and support the overall rehabilitation of the affected community.
Delivering water services during protracted armed conflicts: How development agencies can overcome barriers to collaboration with humanitarian actors
Authors: Borgomeo Edoardo
Published: June 2020

This note discusses the challenges of water service delivery before, during and after protracted armed conflict, focusing on barriers that may impede successful transition from emergency to development interventions. The barriers are grouped according to three major contributing factors (three “C”s): culture (organizational goals and procedures), cash (financing practices) and capacity (know-how). By way of examples, the note explores ways in which development agencies can overcome these barriers during the three phases of a protracted armed conflict, using examples of World Bank projects and experiences in the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa. Before the crisis, development agencies need to work to prevent armed conflict. In a situation of active armed conflict or when conflict escalates, development agencies need to remain engaged as much as possible, as this will speed up post-conflict recovery. When conflict subsides, development agencies need to balance the relative effort placed on providing urgently needed emergency relief and water supply and sanitation services with the effort placed on re-establishing sector oversight roles and capacity of local institutions to oversee and manage service delivery in the long term.
Neue Pfade in Ausbildungsberufen der Pflegehilfe in Ulm (PfAU)
Authors: Winkelmann Claudia , Helmer-Denzel Andrea
Published: June 2020

Zusammenfassung. Das im Zeitraum September 2016 bis August 2019 realisierte Projekt Neue Pfade in Ausbildungsberufen der Pflegehilfe in Ulm (PfAU) soll mit einem Bildungsangebot unter anderem durch das Einbeziehen von Alleinerziehenden, Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund und Menschen mit Lernbehinderungen zur Fachkräftesicherung beitragen. Die Evaluatorinnen zeigen im Beitrag die Perspektive der Auszubildenden der Pflege- und Altenpflegehilfe auf und diskutieren die allgemeine Annahme, jeder könne pflegen.
Melting Curve and Phase Relations of Fe‐Ni Alloys: Implications for the Earth's Core Composition
Authors: Torchio R. , Boccato S. , Miozzi F. , Rosa A. D. , Ishimatsu N. , Kantor I. , Sévelin‐Radiguet N. , Briggs R. , Meneghini C. , Irifune T. , Morard G.
Published: June 2020

Nickel is the second most abundant element in the Earth's core. However, the properties of Fe‐Ni alloys are still poorly constrained under planetary cores conditions, in particular concerning the effect of Ni on the melting curve of Fe. Here we show that Ni alloying up to 36 wt% does not affect the melting curve of Fe up to 100 GPa. However, Ni strongly modifies the hexagonal‐closed‐packed/face‐centered‐cubic (hcp/fcc) phase boundary, pushing the hcp/fcc/liquid triple point of Fe‐20wt%Ni to higher pressures and temperatures. Our results allow constraining the triple point for Fe‐10wt%Ni, a composition relevant for the Earth interior, and point out a decrease of the melting temperature at core‐mantle boundary by 400 K with respect to pure Fe. A lower amount of light elements than previously predicted is thus required to reduce the crystallization temperature of core materials below that of a peridotitic lower mantle, in better agreement with geochemical observations.
Double Tropopauses and the Tropical Belt Connected to ENSO
Authors: Wilhelmsen Hallgeir , Ladstädter Florian , Schmidt Torsten , Steiner Andrea K.
Published: June 2020

A detailed analysis of double tropopause (DT) occurrences requires vertically well resolved, accurate, and globally distributed information on the troposphere‐stratosphere transition zone. Here, we use radio occultation observations from 2001 to 2018 with such properties. We establish a connection between El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phases and the distribution of DTs by analyzing the global and seasonal DT characteristics. The seasonal distribution of DTs reveals several hotspot locations, such as near the subtropical jet stream and over high mountain ranges, where DTs occur particularly often. In this study, we detect a higher number of DTs during the cold La Niña state while warmer El Niño events result in lower DT rates, affecting the structure of the tropopause region. Close to the Niño 3 region, this relates to a much lower first lapse rate tropopause altitude during La Niña and corresponds to an apparent narrowing of the tropical belt there.
Systematic Search for Repeating Earthquakes Along the Haiyuan Fault System in Northeastern Tibet
Authors: Deng Yangfan , Peng Zhigang , Liu‐Zeng Jing
Published: June 2020

Repeating earthquakes have been found at many faults around the world. The Haiyuan fault is a major left‐lateral strike‐slip fault along the northeastern boundary of the Tibetan Plateau. Two great earthquakes (1920 Haiyuan and 1927 Gulang) have occurred on and round this fault system, but the section between the ruptures of the two earthquakes, also known as the Tianzhu seismic gap, remains unbroken. Shallow creep has been observed from geodetic data at the Laohushan section of the Haiyuan fault near the eastern end of the seismic gap. However, the driving mechanism and depth extent of shallow creep are not clear. Here we conduct a systematic search for repeating earthquakes in northeastern Tibet based on seismic data recorded by permanent stations in 10 years (2009–2018). Based on waveform cross‐correlations, we find several repeating earthquake clusters at the Laohushan section. This is consistent with the shallow creep inferred from the geodetic data, indicating repeating earthquakes can be driven by nearby aseismic slip. Approximately 300 repeaters were found within clusters of intense seismicity near the rupture zones of the 1927 M8.0 Gulang and 2016 M6.4 Menyuan earthquakes. Relocation of events in the cluster near the Gulang earthquake delineates two possible unmapped faults orthogonal to the Haiyuan fault. In addition, we also identify several repeating earthquakes generated by mining activities with different waveforms and occurrence patterns. Our study suggests that repeating earthquakes around the Haiyuan fault are likely driven by long‐term postseismic relaxation process associated with the 1920 Haiyuan and 1927 Gulang earthquakes.
Juno Reveals New Insights Into Io‐Related Decameter Radio Emissions
Authors: Martos Yasmina M. , Imai Masafumi , Connerney John E. P. , Kotsiaros Stavros , Kurth William S.
Published: June 2020

The Juno mission is providing stunning new information about Jupiter and its environment. A new magnetic field model (JRM09) with much improved accuracy near the planet provides the basis for a better understanding of Io‐related decametric radio emissions (DAM) and implications for auroral processes. Here, we selected Io‐related DAM events observed by the Juno Waves instrument to shed light into the beaming angle, the resonant electron energy, and radio source location by forward modeling. We use the JRM09 model to better constrain the location and observability of DAM and characterize the loss cone‐driven electron cyclotron maser instability. We obtained good agreement between synthetic and observed arcs with calculated beaming angles ranging from 33° to 85° and resonant electron energies up to 23 times higher than previously proposed. In addition, through a quantitative analysis, we provide an explanation regarding the higher likelihood of observing groups of arcs of Io DAM originating in the northern hemisphere relative to those originating in the southern hemisphere. This is primarily a consequence of the asymmetry of the magnetic field geometry, observer location, and pitch angles of the electrons at the equator.
A new GABAergic somatostatin projection from the BNST onto accumbal parvalbumin neurons controls anxiety
Authors: Xiao Qian , Zhou Xinyi , Wei Pengfei , Xie Li , Han Yaning , Wang Jie , Cai Aoling , Xu Fuqiang , Tu Jie , Wang Liping
Published: June 2020

The prevailing view is that parvalbumin (PV) interneurons play modulatory roles in emotional response through local medium spiny projection neurons (MSNs). Here, we show that PV activity within the nucleus accumbens shell (sNAc) is required for producing anxiety-like avoidance when mice are under anxiogenic situations. Firing rates of sNAcPV neurons were negatively correlated to exploration time in open arms (threatening environment). In addition, sNAcPV neurons exhibited high excitability in a chronic stress mouse model, which generated excessive maladaptive avoidance behavior in an anxiogenic context. We also discovered a novel GABAergic pathway from the anterior dorsal bed nuclei of stria terminalis (adBNST) to sNAcPV neurons. Optogenetic activation of these afferent terminals in sNAc produced an anxiolytic effect via GABA transmission. Next, we further demonstrated that chronic stressors attenuated the inhibitory synaptic transmission at adBNSTGABA → sNAcPV synapses, which in turn explains the hyperexcitability of sNAc PV neurons on stressed models. Therefore, activation of these GABAergic afferents in sNAc rescued the excessive avoidance behavior related to an anxious state. Finally, we identified that the majority GABAergic input neurons, which innervate sNAcPV cells, were expressing somatostatin (SOM), and also revealed that coordination between SOM- and PV- cells functioning in the BNST → NAc circuit has an inhibitory influence on anxiety-like responses. Our findings provide a potentially neurobiological basis for therapeutic interventions in pathological anxiety.
The genomic and epigenomic evolutionary history of papillary renal cell carcinomas
Authors: Zhu Bin , Poeta Maria Luana , Costantini Manuela , Zhang Tongwu , Shi Jianxin , Sentinelli Steno , Zhao Wei , Pompeo Vincenzo , Cardelli Maurizio , Alexandrov Boian S. , Otlu Burcak , Hua Xing , Jones Kristine , Brodie Seth , Dabrowska Malgorzata Ewa , Toro Jorge R. , Yeager Meredith , Wang Mingyi , Hicks Belynda , Alexandrov Ludmil B. , Brown Kevin M. , Wedge David C. , Chanock Stephen , Fazio Vito Michele , Gallucci Michele , Landi Maria Teresa
Published: June 2020

Intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) and tumor evolution have been well described for clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCC), but they are less studied for other kidney cancer subtypes. Here we investigate ITH and clonal evolution of papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) and rarer kidney cancer subtypes, integrating whole-genome sequencing and DNA methylation data. In 29 tumors, up to 10 samples from the center to the periphery of each tumor, and metastatic samples in 2 cases, enable phylogenetic analysis of spatial features of clonal expansion, which shows congruent patterns of genomic and epigenomic evolution. In contrast to previous studies of ccRCC, in pRCC, driver gene mutations and most arm-level somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) are clonal. These findings suggest that a single biopsy would be sufficient to identify the important genetic drivers and that targeting large-scale SCNAs may improve pRCC treatment, which is currently poor. While type 1 pRCC displays near absence of structural variants (SVs), the more aggressive type 2 pRCC and the rarer subtypes have numerous SVs, which should be pursued for prognostic significance.
Ultrafine silicon dioxide nanoparticles cause lung epithelial cells apoptosis via oxidative stress-activated PI3K/Akt-mediated mitochondria- and endoplasmic reticulum stress-dependent signaling pathways
Authors: Lee Kuan-I , Su Chin-Chuan , Fang Kai-Min , Wu Chin-Ching , Wu Cheng-Tien , Chen Ya-Wen
Published: June 2020

Silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) are widely applied in industry, chemical, and cosmetics. SiO2NPs is known to induce pulmonary toxicity. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of SiO2NPs on pulmonary toxicity using a lung alveolar epithelial cell (L2) model. SiO2NPs, which primary particle size was 12 nm, caused the accumulation of intracellular Si, the decrease in cell viability, and the decrease in mRNAs expression of surfactant, including surfactant protein (SP)-A, SP-B, SP-C, and SP-D. SiO2NPs induced the L2 cell apoptosis. The increases in annexin V fluorescence, caspase-3 activity, and protein expression of cleaved-poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), cleaved-caspase-9, and cleaved-caspase-7 were observed. The SiO2NPs induced caspase-3 activity was reversed by pretreatment of caspase-3 inhibitor Z-DEVD-FMK. SiO2NPs exposure increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, decreased mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and decreased protein and mRNA expression of Bcl-2 in L2 cells. SiO2NPs increased protein expression of cytosolic cytochrome c and Bax, and mRNAs expression of Bid, Bak, and Bax. SiO2NPs could induce the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related signals, including the increase in CHOP, XBP-1, and phospho-eIF2α protein expressions, and the decrease in pro-caspase-12 protein expression. SiO2NPs increased phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activity and AKT phosphorylation. Both ROS inhibitor N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) and PI3K inhibitor LY294002 reversed SiO2NPs-induced signals described above. However, the LY294002 could not inhibit SiO2NPs-induced ROS generation. These findings demonstrated first time that SiO2NPs induced L2 cell apoptosis through ROS-regulated PI3K/AKT signaling and its downstream mitochondria- and ER stress-dependent signaling pathways.
Reductions in task positive neural systems occur with the passage of time and are associated with changes in ongoing thought
Authors: Turnbull Adam , Karapanagiotidis Theodoros , Wang Hao-Ting , Bernhardt Boris C. , Leech Robert , Margulies Daniel , Schooler Jonathan , Jefferies Elizabeth , Smallwood Jonathan
Published: June 2020

Cognition is dynamic and involves both the maintenance of and transitions between neurocognitive states. While recent research has identified some of the neural systems involved in sustaining task states, it is less well understood how intrinsic influences on cognition emerge over time. The current study uses fMRI and Multi-Dimensional Experience Sampling (MDES) to chart how cognition changes over time from moments in time when external attention was established. We found that the passage of time was associated with brain regions associated with external attention decreasing in activity over time. Comparing this pattern of activity to defined functional hierarchies of brain organization, we found that it could be best understood as movement away from systems involved in task performance. Moments where the participants described their thoughts as off-task showed a significant similarity to the task-negative end of the same hierarchy. Finally, the greater the similarity of a participant’s neural dynamics to this hierarchy the faster their rate of increasing off-task thought over time. These findings suggest topographical changes in neural processing that emerge over time and those seen during off-task thought can both be understood as a common shift away from neural motifs seen during complex task performance.
Selective detection of phospholipids using molecularly imprinted fluorescent sensory core-shell particles
Authors: Li Qianjin , Shinde Sudhirkumar , Grasso Giuliana , Caroli Antonio , Abouhany Rahma , Lanzillotta Michele , Pan Guoqing , Wan Wei , Rurack Knut , Sellergren Börje
Published: June 2020

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingo-lipid with a broad range of activities coupled to its role in G-protein coupled receptor signalling. Monitoring of both intra and extra cellular levels of this lipid is challenging due to its low abundance and lack of robust affinity assays or sensors. We here report on fluorescent sensory core-shell molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) particles responsive to near physiologically relevant levels of S1P and the S1P receptor modulator fingolimod phosphate (FP) in spiked human serum samples. Imprinting was achieved using the tetrabutylammonium (TBA) salt of FP or phosphatidic acid (DPPA·Na) as templates in combination with a polymerizable nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD)-urea monomer with the dual role of capturing the phospho-anion and signalling its presence. The monomers were grafted from ca 300 nm RAFT-modified silica core particles using ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as crosslinker resulting in 10–20 nm thick shells displaying selective fluorescence response to the targeted lipids S1P and DPPA in aqueous buffered media. Potential use of the sensory particles for monitoring S1P in serum was demonstrated on spiked serum samples, proving a linear range of 18–60 µM and a detection limit of 5.6 µM, a value in the same range as the plasma concentration of the biomarker.
Circadian disruption with constant light exposure exacerbates atherosclerosis in male ApolipoproteinE-deficient mice
Authors: Chalfant Jeffrey M. , Howatt Deborah A. , Tannock Lisa R. , Daugherty Alan , Pendergast Julie S.
Published: June 2020

Disruption of the circadian system caused by disordered exposure to light is pervasive in modern society and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms by which this happens are largely unknown. ApolipoproteinE-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice are studied commonly to elucidate mechanisms of atherosclerosis. In this study, we determined the effects of light-induced circadian disruption on atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice. We first characterized circadian rhythms of behavior, light responsiveness, and molecular timekeeping in tissues from ApoE−/− mice that were indistinguishable from rhythms in ApoE+/+ mice. These data showed that ApoE−/− mice had no inherent circadian disruption and therefore were an appropriate model for our study. We next induced severe disruption of circadian rhythms by exposing ApoE−/− mice to constant light for 12 weeks. Constant light exposure exacerbated atherosclerosis in male, but not female, ApoE−/− mice. Male ApoE−/− mice exposed to constant light had increased serum cholesterol concentrations due to increased VLDL/LDL fractions. Taken together, these data suggest that ApoE−/− mice are an appropriate model for studying light-induced circadian disruption and that exacerbated dyslipidemia may mediate atherosclerotic lesion formation caused by constant light exposure.
Matrix metalloproteinase 1 1 G/2 G gene polymorphism is associated with acquired atrioventricular block via linking a higher serum protein level
Authors: Chen Jan-Yow , Chang Kuan-Cheng , Liou Ying-Ming
Published: June 2020

Limited studies are available regarding the pathophysiological mechanism of acquired atrioventricular block (AVB). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of arrhythmia. However, the relationship between these molecules and acquired AVB is still unclear. One hundred and two patients with documented acquired AVB and 100 controls were studied. Gene polymorphisms of the MMP1 and ACE encoding genes were screened by the gene sequencing method or polymerase chain reaction-fragment length polymorphism assay, followed by an association study. The frequencies of the MMP1 −1607 2G2G genotype and MMP1 −1607 2 G allele were significantly higher in the AVB group than that in the controls (OR = 1.933, P = 0.027 and OR = 1.684, P = 0.012, respectively). Consistently, the level of serum MMP1 was significantly greater in acquired AVB patients than that in controls (6568.9 ± 5748.6 pg/ml vs. 4730.5 ± 3377.1 pg/ml, P = 0.019). In addition, the MMP1 2G2G genotype showed a higher MMP-1 serum level than the other genotypes (1G1G/1G2G) (7048.1 ± 5683.0 pg/ml vs. 5072.4 ± 4267.6 pg/ml, P = 0.042). MMP1 1 G/2 G gene polymorphism may contribute to determining the disease susceptibility of acquired AVB by linking the MMP serum protein level.
Quantitative 1H-NMR spectroscopy as an efficient method for identification and quantification of PVC, ABS and PA microparticles
Authors: Peez Nadine , Imhof Wolfgang
Published: June 2020

This work presents a new, size-independent, fast, mass based MP-analysis of PVC, ABS and PA 6.6 using quantitative 1H-NMR spectroscopy.
Deep learning for ‘artefact’ removal in infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Guo Shuxia , Mayerhöfer Thomas , Pahlow Susanne , Hübner Uwe , Popp Jürgen , Bocklitz Thomas
Published: June 2020

To remove the 'artefact' in IR spectroscopy, a 1-dimensional U-shape convolutional neural network (1D U-Net) was developed.
A catalyst- and additive-free synthesis of alkoxyhydrosiloxanes from silanols and alkoxyhydrosilanes
Authors: Satoh Yasushi , Fuchise Keita , Nozawa Takeshi , Sato Kazuhiko , Igarashi Masayasu
Published: June 2020

A convenient method for the selective synthesis of alkoxyhydrosiloxanes that bear SiH and SiOR groups on the same silicon atom via a catalyst- and additive-free dealcoholization reaction between silanols and alkoxyhydrosilanes has been developed.
Biotinylated platinum(ii) metallacage towards targeted cancer theranostics
Authors: Wang Xingchen , Su Qi , Zhang Zeyuan , Yang Jin , Zhang Yanmin , Zhang Mingming
Published: June 2020

A biotinylated metallacage was prepared and employed for targeted cell imaging and therapy, offering a platform for cancer theranostics.
Kryptoracemic compound hunting and frequency in the Cambridge Structural Database
Authors: Clevers Simon , Coquerel Gérard
Published: June 2020

Determination of kryptoracemic compound frequency in the Cambridge Structural Database using CCDC Python API script.
Magnetic polyelectrolyte microcapsules via water-in-water droplet microfluidics
Authors: Navi Maryam , Kieda Jennifer , Tsai Scott S. H.
Published: June 2020

We report an all-aqueous microfluidic platform based on integration of ferrofluid and water-in-water droplets for fabrication of magnetic polyelectrolyte microcapsules.
Fluorescent detection of HCl in halogenated solvents via photoinduced electron transfer: towards efficient gamma radiation detection
Authors: Gao Shumei , Yang Li , Chen Qianqian , Guo Keke , Han Ji-Min
Published: June 2020

A series of perylene tetracarboxylic diimides (PDIs) fluorescent molecules are reported to detect the concentration of HCl in non-polar CHCl3 solution. The PET-based fluorescent molecules can eventually be used to identify the intensity of γ-rays.
Nitrogen-doped hollow carbon nanoflowers from a preformed covalent triazine framework for metal-free bifunctional electrocatalysis
Authors: Zheng Yong , Chen Shan , Song Hui , Guo Hele , Zhang Kai A. I. , Zhang Chao , Liu Tianxi
Published: June 2020

N-doped hollow carbon nanoflowers with high nitrogen content up to 5.3 at% were prepared via a step-wise polymerization and carbonization route from a covalent triazine framework.
Near-infrared fluorescent molecular probes for imaging and diagnosis of nephro-urological diseases
Authors: Huang Jiaguo , Pu Kanyi
Published: June 2020

Near-infrared fluorescent molecular probes with improved imaging depth and optimized biodistribution have been reviewed, showing great potential for diagnosis of nephro-urological diseases.
The Results of Mining and Geometric Analysis in Open Pit Mining of Promising Kuzbass Coal Deposits with Block System
Authors: Selyukov Alexei , Gerasimov Andrey , Grishin Valery
Published: June 2020

Currently, in developing the most inclined and steep coal deposits in the Central and Northern Kuzbass (Western Siberia, Russia), the deeping longitudinal open pit mining method is used with overburden rock moved to external dumps using transport technology. One of the ways to reduce the rate of land withdrawal while reducing development costs by shortening the distance of overburden movement is to use block lateral mining method with overburden storage in the worked out space. The paper emphasizes that well-known technological solutions consider quarry fields untouched by mining, or in the process of exploitation, so the block mining procedure is using fragmentally along with moving overburden by dump trucks. Internal dumping, as an element of land preservation, has not been generally considered to date. This is a deterrent to the implementation of resource-saving mining technologies, both in design and mining practice.
Prospects for the Use of Technology of Rotary Steerable Systems for the Directional Drilling
Authors: Epikhin Anton , Zhironkin Vitaly , Cehlar Michal
Published: June 2020

In the process of gradual reorientation of the oil industry to the production of heavy hydrocarbons, inaccessible to traditional methods of production, the need arises for the application of modern technological solutions. One of these technologies is directional drilling, which poses new challenges for drilling equipment, such as facilitating sliding - changing the angle of well bore, improving the cleaning of the wellbore, reducing the risks of differential sticking, overcoming resistance during horizontal drilling, etc. A modern technological solution is rotary steerable systems (RSS) representing a new generation of downhole systems used in directional drilling. The article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of RSS technology, its modifications, gives a classification, also provides a comparative analysis of well wiring using rotary steerable systems and, the most widely used, mud motor.
Selection of Excavating Equipment for the Outpacing Development of the Coal-bearing Zone
Authors: Katsubin Alexander , Markov Sergey , Khoreshok Alexey , Tyulenev Maxim
Published: June 2020

When choosing equipment for working out a coal-bearing zone of a quarry field, one of the most important factors is the use of excavator equipment available at the enterprise. From previously published works, the main advantages and disadvantages of the most common types of excavators (rope shovel and backhoe) are known. In this article, the authors propose an organizational scheme for the development of a coal-bearing zone using both types of excavators. A technological scheme of the development of a coal-bearing and a coalless zone of a quarry field by the complexes of these excavators is given. The advantages of the given scheme of mining are determined.
The influence of the coal mining process on the state of the earth’s surface in the district of the block
Authors: Abramovich Alexander , Stepanov Yuri , Janocko Juraj
Published: June 2020

This article considers the prerequisites to the development of technologies and a method of computer analysis of the influence of the coal mining process on the state of the earth’s surface in the district of the breakage face. The paper presents an algorithm for the implementation of preparatory works for analysis of the influence of coal mining on the state of the earth’s surface in the district of the block in the form of activity diagram, as well as the tools that are necessary for this analysis are considered. The technologies of 3D modeling of massif by means of FreeCAD are considered, and the analysis of solids formation methods, characterizing rock formation, is carried out. For more accurate calculations and analysis, the finite element model of massif must be built with detail, that is, to break down solids into smaller elements. The article represents a technology, the application of which will be implemented in cooperation with rock geographic information systems, which be capable of a detail analysis and assessment of the impact of coal mining on the surface within the second working.
Theoretical Background of Quarry Wastewater Filtering Through Filters of Coarse-Grained Blasted Overburden Rocks
Authors: Makridin Eugene , Markov Sergey , Murko Elena , Lesin Yuri , Hellmer Mark
Published: June 2020

Quarry wastewater is the main pollutant for the surface and underground natural water bodies during mining operations. Negative impact is expressed in contamination of natural reservoirs with fine suspended particles and salt solutions. To reduce the harmful impact of quarry wastewater they are treated using artificial filtering massifs. Such massifs are commonly constructed using artificial and natural sorbents. The retention of particles in the filtering layer is the result of two main processes: the adhesion of fine particles of suspension to the surface of the particles of the artificial filtering massif and the jamming of coarser particles in the pores of the filter layer. Simultaneously with the processes of contaminants capture, the process of contaminants washing out of the filter array may occur. It occurs when the particle size distribution of the filter layer is unappropriated and filtration speeds are high, and may be accompanied by deformation of the filter media.
Detection and location of places of spontaneous combustion of coal in mines due to gas anomalies on the earth’s surface
Authors: Portola Vyacheslav , Bobrovnikova Alyona , Shirokolobov Georgii , Paleev Dmitiy
Published: June 2020

The effectiveness of localization and extinguishing of places of underground fires that occur in mine worked out spaces depends on information about the location of a place of spontaneous combustion. Existing methods to detect the processes of coal spontaneous combustion in mines include monitoring the content of gases in mine atmosphere, released during the spontaneous combustion of coal. However, this control method does not allow determining the location of a place of combustion, since the paths of gas movement in the worked out space are unknown. The surface gas survey allows to determine the location of the underground fire. The calculations showed that gases, generated in the fire seat, spread to the earth’s surface due to molecular diffusion, the thermal depression developed by the fire seat and the drops of air pressure created by the ventilation fans. The dependences of the distribution of fire gases content in rocks on the rate of drops of air pressure between the worked out space in a mine with a fire seat and the atmosphere on the surface of the earth are obtained. Mine researches have confirmed the formation of anomalies of fire gases in rocks and soil over places of spontaneous combustion of coal occurred in worked out space. When conducting a gas survey, it is sufficient to measure the content of fire gases in the soil at a depth of 0.5-1.0 m.
The Mathematical Approach to the Identification of Trouble-Free Functioning of Mining Facilities
Authors: Abu-Abed Fares
Published: June 2020

Modern drilling rigs are complexes of high-tech equipment operated in difficult climatic and technological conditions, characterized by sudden spasmodic changes in the process of drilling a well, which contributes to increased wear of drilling components and increases the likelihood of pre-emergency and emergency situations. Drilling equipment has a wide range of characteristics and technological parameters, the values of which are available during drilling due to the use of modern software and hardware systems for processing geological and technological information. In order to single out the most frequent pre-emergency situations in practice and to preliminarily determine the set of signs necessary for their recognition, a corresponding analysis of the complications arising during well drilling has been carried out.
Ants as an Indicator of Restoration of Disturbed Areas (on the Example of Coal Industry Dumps, Kuzbass, Russia)
Authors: Blinova Svetlana , Luzyanin Sergey , Dobrydina Tatiana
Published: June 2020

In 2010-2019, we studied the restoration capacity of ecosystems formed on the dumps of coal mines and opencast mining complexes of Kuzbass, Russia. Ant communities were used as indicators of restoration. We found that the restoration of ant assemblages occurs due to ubiquist species, which are replaced by species that predominate in natural cenoses. An increase in the proportion of the latter species is an indicator of restoration of disturbed areas. The fastest restoration process is observed for the forest-steppe zone. In recultivated areas, the restoration of the natural species composition was noted by 30 years of formation, but the density of nests is significantly lower than the control. Uncultivated areas begin to restore only by the age of 35-40.