bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probing the current-phase relation in Josephson point-contact junctions between $$\hbox {Pb}_{0.6}$$In$$_{0.4}$$ and $$\hbox {Ba}_{0.6}$$K$$_{0.4}$$(FeAs)$$_2$$ superconductors
Authors: Stepanov Valeriy A. , Lin Chengtian , Gonnelli Renato S. , Tortello Mauro 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe Josephson effect in point contacts between an “ordinary” superconductor $$\hbox {Pb}_{0.6}$$

Pb

0.6

In$$_{0.4}$$

0.4

($$T_c \approx 6.6 \, {\mathrm {K}}$$

T
c

≈
6.6

K

) and single crystals of the Fe-based superconductor Ba$$_{0.6}$$

0.6

K$$_{0.4}$$

0.4

(FeAs)$$_2$$

2

($$T_c \approx 38.5 \, {\mathrm {K}}$$

T
c

≈
38.5

K

), was investigated. In order to shed light on the order parameter symmetry of Ba$$_{0.6}$$

0.6

K$$_{0.4}$$

0.4

(FeAs)$$_2$$

2

, the dependence of the Josephson supercurrent $$I_s$$

I
s

on the temperature and on $$\sin (d\varphi )$$

sin
(
d
φ
)

with $$d = 1, 2$$

d
=
1
,
2

was studied. The dependencies of the critical current on temperature $$I_c (T)$$

I
c

(
T
)

and of the amplitudes of the first current steps of the current–voltage characteristic $$i_n^{exp} (\sqrt{P})$$

i
n

exp

(

P

)

$$(n = 0, 1, 2)$$

(
n
=
0
,
1
,
2
)

on the power of microwave radiation with frequency $$f = (1.5 \div 8)\, {\mathrm {GHz}}$$

f
=
(
1.5
÷
8
)

GHz

were measured. It is shown that the dependencies $$I_c (T)$$

I
c

(
T
)

are close to the well-known Ambegaokar–Baratoff (AB) dependence for tunnel contacts between “ordinary” superconductors and to the dependence calculated by Burmistrova et al. (Phys Rev B 91, 214501 (2015)) for microshorts between an “ordinary” superconductor and a two-band superconductor with $$s \pm$$

s
±

order parameter symmetry at certain values of the transparency of boundaries and thickness of the transition layer. It is found that the dependencies $$i_n^{exp} (\sqrt{P})$$

i
n

exp

(

P

)

cannot be approximated within the resistively shunted model using the normalized microwave frequencies $$\Omega = 2 \pi f / (2eV_c / \hbar )$$

Ω
=
2
π
f
/
(
2
e

V
c

/
ħ
)

with characteristic voltages $$V_c = I_c R_N$$

V
c

=

I
c

R
N

, $$(R_N$$

(

R
N

—normal resistance of the contact) found from the low-voltage parts of the current–voltage characteristics. The reasons for this failure are discussed and a method is proposed for accurately determining the value of $$\Omega$$
Ω
, which takes into account all the features of the point contact affecting the period of the dependence $$i_n^{exp} (\sqrt{P})$$

i
n

exp

(

P

)

. An analysis of the $$I_c (T)$$

I
c

(
T
)

and $$i_n^{exp} (\sqrt{P})$$

i
n

exp

(

P

)

dependencies shows that the superconducting current of the Josephson contacts under investigation is proportional to the $$\sin$$
sin
of the phase difference $$\varphi$$
φ
, $$I_s = I_c sin(\varphi )$$

I
s

=

I
c

s
i
n

(
φ
)

. The implications of these results on the symmetry of the order parameter are also discussed.
Comparison between rigid and soft poly-articulated prosthetic hands in non-expert myo-electric users shows advantages of soft robotics
Authors: Capsi-Morales Patricia , Piazza Cristina , Catalano Manuel G. , Grioli Giorgio , Schiavon Lisa , Fiaschi Elena , Bicchi Antonio 
Published: December 2021

AbstractNotwithstanding the advancement of modern bionic hands and the large variety of prosthetic hands in the market, commercial devices still present limited acceptance and percentage of daily use. While commercial prostheses present rigid mechanical structures, emerging trends in the design of robotic hands are moving towards soft technologies. Although this approach is inspired by nature and could be promising for prosthetic applications, there is scant literature concerning its benefits for end-users and in real-life scenarios. In this work, we evaluate and assess the role and the benefits of soft robotic technologies in the field of prosthetics. We propose a thorough comparison between rigid and soft characteristics of two poly-articulated hands in 5 non-expert myo-electric prosthesis users in pre- and post-therapeutic training conditions. The protocol includes two standard functional assessments, three surveys for user-perception, and three customized tests to evaluate the sense of embodiment. Results highlight that rigid hands provide a more precise grasp, while soft properties show higher functionalities thanks to their adaptability to different requirements, intuitive use and more natural execution of activities of daily living. This comprehensive evaluation suggests that softness could also promote a quick integration of the system in non-expert users.
Mild hyperthermia induced by gold nanorods acts as a dual-edge blade in the fate of SH-SY5Y cells via autophagy
Authors: Ghafarkhani Maryam , Avci Cigir Biray , Rahbarghazi Reza , Karimi Abbas , Sadeghizadeh Majid , Zarebkohan Amir , Bani Farhad 
Published: December 2021

AbstractUnraveling unwanted side effects of nanotechnology-based therapies like photothermal therapy (PTT) is vital in translational nanomedicine. Herein, we monitored the relationship between autophagic response at the transcriptional level by using a PCR array and tumor formation ability by colony formation assay in the human neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y, 48 h after being exposed to two different mild hyperthermia (43 and 48 °C) induced by PTT. In this regard, the promotion of apoptosis and autophagy were evaluated using immunofluorescence imaging and flow cytometry analyses. Protein levels of Ki-67, P62, and LC3 were measured using ELISA. Our results showed that of 86 genes associated with autophagy, the expression of 54 genes was changed in response to PTT. Also, we showed that chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) and macroautophagy are stimulated in PTT. Importantly, the results of this study also showed significant changes in genes related to the crosstalk between autophagy, dormancy, and metastatic activity of treated cells. Our findings illustrated that PTT enhances the aggressiveness of cancer cells at 43 °C, in contrast to 48 °C by the regulation of autophagy-dependent manner.
An infant burial from Arma Veirana in northwestern Italy provides insights into funerary practices and female personhood in early Mesolithic Europe
Authors: Hodgkins Jamie , Orr Caley M. , Gravel-Miguel Claudine , Riel-Salvatore Julien , Miller Christopher E. , Bondioli Luca , Nava Alessia , Lugli Federico , Talamo Sahra , Hajdinjak Mateja , Cristiani Emanuela , Romandini Matteo , Meyer Dominique , Drohobytsky Danylo , Kuester Falko , Pothier-Bouchard Geneviève , Buckley Michael , Mancini Lucia , Baruffaldi Fabio , Silvestrini Sara , Arrighi Simona , Keller Hannah M. , Griggs Rocío Belén , Peresani Marco , Strait David S. , Benazzi Stefano , Negrino Fabio 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe evolution and development of human mortuary behaviors is of enormous cultural significance. Here we report a richly-decorated young infant burial (AVH-1) from Arma Veirana (Liguria, northwestern Italy) that is directly dated to 10,211–9910 cal BP (95.4% probability), placing it within the early Holocene and therefore attributable to the early Mesolithic, a cultural period from which well-documented burials are exceedingly rare. Virtual dental histology, proteomics, and aDNA indicate that the infant was a 40–50 days old female. Associated artifacts indicate significant material and emotional investment in the child’s interment. The detailed biological profile of AVH-1 establishes the child as the earliest European near-neonate documented to be female. The Arma Veirana burial thus provides insight into sex/gender-based social status, funerary treatment, and the attribution of personhood to the youngest individuals among prehistoric hunter-gatherer groups and adds substantially to the scant data on mortuary practices from an important period in prehistory shortly following the end of the last Ice Age.
A novel Bacillus ligniniphilus catechol 2,3-dioxygenase shows unique substrate preference and metal requirement
Authors: Adewale Peter , Lang Alice , Huang Fang , Zhu Daochen , Sun Jianzhong , Ngadi Michael , Yang Trent Chunzhong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIdentification of novel enzymes from lignin degrading microorganisms will help to develop biotechnologies for biomass valorization and aromatic hydrocarbons degradation. Bacillus ligniniphilus L1 grows with alkaline lignin as the single carbon source and is a great candidate for ligninolytic enzyme identification. The first dioxygenase from strain L1 was heterologously expressed, purified, and characterized with an optimal temperature and pH of 32.5 °C and 7.4, respectively. It showed the highest activity with 3-ethylcatechol and significant activities with other substrates in the decreasing order of 3-ethylcatechol > 3-methylcatechol > 3-isopropyl catechol > 2, 3-dihydroxybiphenyl > 4-methylcatechol > catechol. It did not show activities against other tested substrates with similar structures. Most reported catechol 2,3-dioxygenases (C23Os) are Fe2+-dependent whereas Bacillus ligniniphilus catechol 2,3-dioxygenase (BLC23O) is more Mn2+- dependent. At 1 mM, Mn2+ led to 230-fold activity increase and Fe2+ led to 22-fold increase. Sequence comparison and phylogenetic analyses suggested that BL23O is different from other Mn-dependent enzymes and uniquely grouped with an uncharacterized vicinal oxygen chelate (VOC) family protein from Paenibacillus apiaries. Gel filtration analysis showed that BLC23O is a monomer under native condition. This is the first report of a C23O from Bacillus ligniniphilus L1 with unique substrate preference, metal-dependency, and monomeric structure.
A synthesis and future research directions for tropical mountain ecosystem restoration
Authors: Christmann Tina , Menor Imma Oliveras 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMany tropical mountain ecosystems (TME) are severely disturbed, requiring ecological restoration to recover biodiversity and ecosystem functions. However, the extent of restoration efforts across TMEs is not known due to the lack of syntheses on ecological restoration research. Here, based on a systematic review, we identify geographical and thematic research gaps, compare restoration interventions, and consolidate enabling factors and barriers of restoration success. We find that restoration research outside Latin-America, in non-forested ecosystems, and on socio-ecological questions is scarce. For most restoration interventions success is mixed and generally limited by dispersal and microhabitat conditions. Finally, we propose five directions for future research on tropical mountain restoration in the UN decade of restoration, ranging from scaling up restoration across mountain ranges, investigating restoration in mountain grasslands, to incorporating socio-economic and technological dimensions.
Attachment of zebra and quagga mussel adhesive plaques to diverse substrates
Authors: James Bryan D. , Kimmins Kenneth M. , Nguyen Minh-Tam , Lausch Alexander J. , Sone Eli D. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractLike marine mussels, freshwater zebra and quagga mussels adhere via the byssus, a proteinaceous attachment apparatus. Attachment to various surfaces allows these invasive mussels to rapidly spread, however the adhesion mechanism is not fully understood. While marine mussel adhesion mechanics has been studied at the individual byssal-strand level, freshwater mussel adhesion has only been characterized through whole-mussel detachment, without direct interspecies comparisons on different substrates. Here, adhesive strength of individual quagga and zebra mussel byssal plaques were measured on smooth substrates with varying hydrophobicity—glass, PVC, and PDMS. With increased hydrophobicity of substrates, adhesive failures occurred more frequently, and mussel adhesion strength decreased. A new failure mode termed 'footprint failure' was identified, where failure appeared to be adhesive macroscopically, but a microscopic residue remained on the surface. Zebra mussels adhered stronger and more frequently on PDMS than quagga mussels. While their adhesion strengths were similar on PVC, there were differences in the failure mode and the plaque-substrate interface ultrastructure. Comparisons with previous marine mussel studies demonstrated that freshwater mussels adhere with comparable strength despite known differences in protein composition. An improved understanding of freshwater mussel adhesion mechanics may help explain spreading dynamics and will be important in developing effective antifouling surfaces.
Broad attention uncovers benefits of stimulus uniformity in visual crowding
Authors: Rummens Koen , Sayim Bilge 
Published: December 2021

AbstractCrowding is the interference by surrounding objects (flankers) with target perception. Low target-flanker similarity usually yields weaker crowding than high similarity (‘similarity rule’) with less interference, e.g., by opposite- than same-contrast polarity flankers. The advantage of low target-flanker similarity has typically been shown with attentional selection of a single target object. Here, we investigated the validity of the similarity rule when broadening attention to multiple objects. In three experiments, we measured identification for crowded letters (Experiment 1), tumbling Ts (Experiment 2), and tilted lines (Experiment 3). Stimuli consisted of three items that were uniform or alternating in contrast polarity and were briefly presented at ten degrees eccentricity. Observers reported all items (full report) or only the left, central, or right item (single-item report). In Experiments 1 and 2, consistent with the similarity rule, single central item performance was superior with opposite- compared to same-contrast polarity flankers. With full report, the similarity rule was inverted: performance was better for uniform compared to alternating stimuli. In Experiment 3, contrast polarity did not affect performance. We demonstrated a reversal of the similarity rule under broadened attention, suggesting that stimulus uniformity benefits crowded object recognition when intentionally directing attention towards all stimulus elements. We propose that key properties of crowding have only limited validity as they may require a-priori differentiation of target and context.
Increased motor cortex inhibition as a marker of compensation to chronic pain in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Simis Marcel , Imamura Marta , de Melo Paulo S. , Marduy Anna , Pacheco-Barrios Kevin , Teixeira Paulo E. P. , Battistella Linamara , Fregni Felipe 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the associative and multivariate relationship between different sociodemographic and clinical variables with cortical excitability as indexed by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) markers in subjects with chronic pain caused by knee osteoarthritis (OA). This was a cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic and clinical data were extracted from 107 knee OA subjects. To identify associated factors, we performed independent univariate and multivariate regression models per TMS markers: motor threshold (MT), motor evoked potential (MEP), short intracortical inhibition (SICI), intracortical facilitation (ICF), and cortical silent period (CSP). In our multivariate models, the two markers of intracortical inhibition, SICI and CSP, had a similar signature. SICI was associated with age (β: 0.01), WOMAC pain (β: 0.023), OA severity (as indexed by Kellgren–Lawrence Classification) (β: − 0.07), and anxiety (β: − 0.015). Similarly, CSP was associated with age (β: − 0.929), OA severity (β: 6.755), and cognition (as indexed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment) (β: − 2.106). ICF and MT showed distinct signatures from SICI and CSP. ICF was associated with pain measured through the Visual Analogue Scale (β: − 0.094) and WOMAC (β: 0.062), and anxiety (β: − 0.039). Likewise, MT was associated with WOMAC (β: 1.029) and VAS (β: − 2.003) pain scales, anxiety (β: − 0.813), and age (β: − 0.306). These associations showed the fundamental role of intracortical inhibition as a marker of adaptation to chronic pain. Subjects with higher intracortical inhibition (likely subjects with more compensation) are younger, have greater cartilage degeneration (as seen by radiographic severity), and have less pain in WOMAC scale. While it does seem that ICF and MT may indicate a more acute marker of adaptation, such as that higher ICF and MT in the motor cortex is associated with lesser pain and anxiety.
A compilation and characterisation of lithics in kimberlite and common maar-diatremes and tephra ring deposits
Authors: Fitzgerald M. K. , White J. D. L. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMaar-diatreme volcanoes are the second-most common type on land, occurring in volcanic fields within all major tectonic environments. Their deposits typically contain an abundance of lithic fragments quarried from the substrate, and many contain large, deep-sourced lithic fragments that were erupted to the surface. Primary volcaniclastic deposits fill the diatreme structure formed during eruption. There is negligible inelastic deformation of diatreme-adjacent country rock, indicating that country rock is removed to create the diatreme structures, either by being shifting downward below observable levels, ejected upward to contribute to surficial deposits, or dissolved and hidden in magma erupted or intruded at depth. No previous study has systematically reviewed and analysed the reported lithic fragments of maar-diatreme systems. We present a comprehensive compilation from published work of lithic characteristics in maar ejecta rings and in diatreme deposits of both common and kimberlite maar-diatremes. For maar-diatremes and their tephra ring deposits, we find no correlations among lithic clast sizes, shapes, depositional sites, and excavation depths. This is difficult to reconcile with models involving systematic diatreme deepening coupled with tephra-ring growth, but consistent with those involving chaotic explosions and mixing. Larger amounts of data are needed to further examine how these types of volcanoes operate.
Identification of transcriptional regulatory network associated with response of host epithelial cells to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Su Chen , Rousseau Simon , Emad Amin 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIdentification of transcriptional regulatory mechanisms and signaling networks involved in the response of host cells to infection by SARS-CoV-2 is a powerful approach that provides a systems biology view of gene expression programs involved in COVID-19 and may enable the identification of novel therapeutic targets and strategies to mitigate the impact of this disease. In this study, our goal was to identify a transcriptional regulatory network that is associated with gene expression changes between samples infected by SARS-CoV-2 and those that are infected by other respiratory viruses to narrow the results on those enriched or specific to SARS-CoV-2. We combined a series of recently developed computational tools to identify transcriptional regulatory mechanisms involved in the response of epithelial cells to infection by SARS-CoV-2, and particularly regulatory mechanisms that are specific to this virus when compared to other viruses. In addition, using network-guided analyses, we identified kinases associated with this network. The results identified pathways associated with regulation of inflammation (MAPK14) and immunity (BTK, MBX) that may contribute to exacerbate organ damage linked with complications of COVID-19. The regulatory network identified herein reflects a combination of known hits and novel candidate pathways supporting the novel computational pipeline presented herein to quickly narrow down promising avenues of investigation when facing an emerging and novel disease such as COVID-19.
Modulation of oxidative and nitrosative stress attenuates microvascular hyperpermeability in ovine model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis
Authors: Fukuda Satoshi , Niimi Yosuke , Hirasawa Yasutaka , Manyeza Ennert R. , Garner C. Edwin , Southan Garry , Salzman Andrew L. , Prough Donald S. , Enkhbaatar Perenlei 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn sepsis, microvascular hyperpermeability caused by oxidative/nitrosative stress (O&NS) plays an important role in tissue edema leading to multi-organ dysfunctions and increased mortality. We hypothesized that a novel compound R-107, a modulator of O&NS, effectively ameliorates the severity of microvascular hyperpermeability and preserves multi-organ function in ovine sepsis model. Sepsis was induced in twenty-two adult female Merino sheep by intravenous infusion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) (1 × 1010 CFUs). The animals were allocated into: 1) Control (n = 13): intramuscular injection (IM) of saline; and 2) Treatment (n = 9): IM of 50 mg/kg R-107. The treatment was given after the PA injection, and monitored for 24-h. R-107 treatment significantly reduced fluid requirement (15–24 h, P < 0.05), net fluid balance (9–24 h, P < 0.05), and water content in lung/heart/kidney (P = 0.02/0.04/0.01) compared to control. R-107 treatment significantly decreased lung injury score/modified sheep SOFA score at 24-h (P = 0.01/0.04), significantly lowered arterial lactate (21–24 h, P < 0.05), shed syndecan-1 (3–6 h, P < 0.05), interleukin-6 (6–12 h, P < 0.05) levels in plasma, and significantly attenuated lung tissue 3-nitrotyrosine and vascular endothelial growth factor-A expressions (P = 0.03/0.002) compared to control. There was no adverse effect in R-107 treatment. In conclusion, modulation of O&NS by R-107 reduced hyperpermeability markers and improved multi-organ function.
Modulation of MagR magnetic properties via iron–sulfur cluster binding
Authors: Guo Zhen , Xu Shuai , Chen Xue , Wang Changhao , Yang Peilin , Qin Siying , Zhao Cuiping , Fei Fan , Zhao Xianglong , Tan Ping-Heng , Wang Junfeng , Xie Can 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIron–sulfur clusters are essential cofactors found in all kingdoms of life and play essential roles in fundamental processes, including but not limited to respiration, photosynthesis, and nitrogen fixation. The chemistry of iron–sulfur clusters makes them ideal for sensing various redox environmental signals, while the physics of iron–sulfur clusters and its host proteins have been long overlooked. One such protein, MagR, has been proposed as a putative animal magnetoreceptor. It forms a rod-like complex with cryptochromes (Cry) and possesses intrinsic magnetic moment. However, the magnetism modulation of MagR remains unknown. Here in this study, iron–sulfur cluster binding in MagR has been characterized. Three conserved cysteines of MagR play different roles in iron–sulfur cluster binding. Two forms of iron–sulfur clusters binding have been identified in pigeon MagR and showed different magnetic properties: [3Fe–4S]-MagR appears to be superparamagnetic and has saturation magnetization at 5 K but [2Fe–2S]-MagR is paramagnetic. While at 300 K, [2Fe–2S]-MagR is diamagnetic but [3Fe–4S]-MagR is paramagnetic. Together, the different types of iron–sulfur cluster binding in MagR attribute distinguished magnetic properties, which may provide a fascinating mechanism for animals to modulate the sensitivity in magnetic sensing.
Neutrosophic statistical analysis of resistance depending on the temperature variance of conducting material
Authors: Afzal Usama , Alrweili Hleil , Ahamd Naveed , Aslam Muhammad 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn this work, we have proposed a neutrosophic statistical approach for the analysis of resistance of conducting material depending on the temperature variance. We have developed a neutrosophic formula and applied it to the resistance data. We also use the classical statistical approach for making a comparison between both approaches. As a result, it is observed that the neutrosophic statistical approach is more flexible and informative. Also, this work suggests that the neutrosophic statistical approach analyzes the resistance of conducting material for big data.