bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling And Characterization of Carrier Mobility For Truncated Conical Quantum Dot Infrared Photodetectors
Authors: El-Batawy Yasser M. , Feraig Marwa 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In the present paper, a full theoretical model for calculating the carrier mobility coming as a result of the existence of a truncated conical quantum dots of n-type quantum dot infrared photodetectors (QDIPs) is developed. This model is built on solving Boltzmann’s transport equation that is a complex integro-differential equation describing the carrier transport. The time-domain finite-difference method is used in this numerical solution. The influences of dimensions and density of the QDs for this structure on the carrier mobility are studied. Eventually, the calculated mobility for truncated conical InAs/GaAs QDIP is contrasted to other conical, spherical, and hemispherical QD structures. The model put forward is a generic model that is applicable to various structures of truncated conical QDs devices.
Emodin-loaded polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles enhance the sensitivity of breast cancer to Doxorubicin by inhibiting epithelial mesenchymal transition
Authors: Zou Tengteng , Lan Meng , Li Lihong , Cai Tiange , Cai Yu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
The role of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) involved in breast cancer metastasis and chemoresistance has been increasingly recognized. However, it’s necessary to search for more effective strategies to inhibit EMT thereby increase the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs. Emodin has a potential in overcoming tumor drug resistance and restraining the development of EMT, but the poor internalization into breast cancer cells limited the application.
Results
MCF-7/ADR cells have more EMT characteristics than MCF-7 cell. EMT in MCF-7/ADR cells promotes the development of drug resistance via apoptosis resistance and facilitating the expression of P-gp. The anti-cancer effect of DOX enhanced by the decreasing of drug resistance protein P-gp and apoptosis related proteins after EMT inhibited in MCF-7/ADR cells. E-PLNs increase the cellular uptake of EMO and restore DOX sensitivity in MCF-7/ADR cells by inhibiting EMT.
Conclusion
E-PLNs inhibit EMT to enhance the sensitivity of breast cancer to DOX. The combination of E-PLNs and DOX can improve the efficacy of DOX in the treatment of breast cancer, which provides a new method to prevent or delay clinical drug resistance.
Characteristics and Bioactivities of Carrageenan/Chitosan Microparticles Loading Α-mangostin
Authors: Nguyen Hien Thi , Nguyen Chinh Thuy , Nguyen Tu Thi Minh , Hoang Hoa Dinh , Tran Trang Do Mai , Tran Thang Dinh , Hoang Thao Phuong , Le Tan Van , Tran Ngan Thi Kim , Thai Hoang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This study attempted to develop carrageenan/chitosan based microparticles loading α-mangostin which was extracted from Vietnamese mangosteen skin. The carrageenan/chitosan/α-mangostin microparticles were prepared by ionic gelation method by mixing chitosan, carrageenan with α-mangostin and subsequently cross-linking the mixtures with sodium tripolyphosphate crosslinking agent. The content of α-mangostin in microparticles was changed to evaluate the effect of α-mangostin content on physical, morphological properties, particles size and bioactivities of the carrageenan/chitosan/α-mangostin microparticles. The obtained results showed that carrageenan, chitosan was interacted together and with α-mangostin. The presence of polymers matrix improved the release ability of α-mangostin into ethanol/pH buffer solutions. The carrageenan/chitosan/ α-mangostin microparticles have antibacterial (gram (+) strains) and anti-oxidant activities. The results suggested that combination of chitosan and carrageenan in the microparticles can enhance the control release of α-mangostin into solutions as well as keep the bioactivities of α-mangostin.
Electroencephalography Sample Entropy of Driver Passive Fatigue Threshold in Automated Driving
Authors: Zhang Yijing , Ma Jinfei , Zhang Chi , Chang Ruosong 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
With the continuous improvement of automated vehicles, researchers have found that automated driving is more likely to cause insufficient mental workload for the driver, which induces passive fatigue and endangers traffic safety. To explore the impact of automation and scenario complexity on the passive fatigue of the driver, we developed a three-factor, 2 (automated driving, manual driving) × 2 (monotonic condition, engaging condition) × 6 (measurement stage: 1–6) mixed experiment. We collected electroencephalography (EEG), detection-response task (DRT) performance, and the subjective report scores of 48 drivers. We found that in automated driving under monotonic conditions, the topographic map’s activation range of the drivers brain was the smallest in the six stages, and the mental workload of this group continued to maintain the lowest state at each stage; however, the subjectively reported fatigue level was significantly increased; thus, the driver experienced passive fatigue. After simulating a low-load scenario for 40 min, the power of the alpha of the driver’s EEG indicators increased significantly, the accuracy of the detection reaction task decreased, and the reaction time became slower. The EEG sample’s entropy value of the driver’s passive fatigue was 0.243, and the judgement accuracy rate was 0.71. We proved that in automated driving under monotonic conditions, the driver is more prone to passive fatigue owing to insufficient mental workload.
Assessing risk to human health for heavy metal contamination from public point utility through ground dust: a case study in Nantong, China
Authors: Wang Yanping , Qian Peng , Li Dongming , Chen Haifeng , Zhou Xiangqian 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Heavy metal contamination in ground dust presents potential environmental and human health threats. However, the heavy metal contamination status of ground dust in the vicinity of public point utilities remain poorly explored. Therefore, this study has been designed to analyze the heavy metal contaminations in the ground dust collected monthly near a public bronze sculpture in an urban campus of Nantong, China, using geo-accumulation indexes (Igeo), enrichment factors (EF), potential ecological risk indexes (RI), and health risks (non-carcinogenic risks-HI and carcinogenic risks-CR). This study revealed that the maximum Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations in ground dust samples were 156.2, 708.8, 869.8, 140.8, 180.5, and 1089.7 mg kg-1 respectively in which the mean Cu and Zn concentrations were 9 and 7 times higher than the background level in soil. Temporally speaking, for the majority of heavy metals (with the exception of Ni), the high concentration seasons tend to mainly be the summer and autumn, as indicated by the higher Xlf and SIRM values during those seasons. It was observed that Cu and Zn exhibited significant enrichment (EF = 11.7 and 8.4, respectively), moderate to strong pollution (Igeo = 2.4 and 2.0, respectively), and moderate and low potential ecological risks (Eir = 45.6 and 6.6, respectively). The non-carcinogenic risks which adults exposed to the heavy metal concentrations suffered were found to be insignificant. However, the carcinogenic risks related to Ni (1.3E-04) had exceeded the acceptable level. Based on the obtained PCA and correlation analysis, the heavy metal concentrations in the ground dust of urban campuses could be related to public utilities, traffic-related exhaust sources, and industrial activities. This study’s findings demonstrated that urban public utilities require increased attention due to their significant enrichment, ecological risk factors, and the significant carcinogenic risks to the population.
Perfect isolation of π-conjugated molecules on inorganic surfaces with [1]rotaxane structure for enhancing electrical properties
Authors: Chou Sheng-Ying , Masai Hiroshi , Otani Masaya , Sakamoto Gentaro , Yamada Yusuke , Kinoshita Yusuke , Tamiaki Hitoshi , Katase Takayoshi , Ohta Hiromichi , Kondo Tomoki , Nakada Akinobu , Abe Ryu , Tanaka Takahisa , Uchida Ken , Terao Jun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
π-Conjugated molecules have been utilized to functionalize inorganic surfaces to form organic–inorganic hybrid materials. However, the intrinsically strong π–π interaction results in undesirable aggregations on the inorganic surface, thereby disturbing the charge transfer through the organic–inorganic interface. In this study, a new strategy was developed using insulated π-conjugated molecules bearing a [1]rotaxane structure, where the π-conjugation was covered with covalently linked permethylated α-cyclodextrins. Aggregation-free immobilization was achieved on an inorganic surface by using insulated molecules to suppress intermolecular interaction. In the presence of these insulated molecules, the hybrid interface displayed excellent interfacial electrical properties. Moreover, the functionalized hybrid surface was utilized as an electrocatalyst to produce hydrogen peroxide using a Co(II)–chlorin complex, wherein the catalytic efficiency was improved dramatically by utilizing insulated molecules as bridging moieties at the interface. These results demonstrate that the insulation of π-conjugated molecules is a powerful strategy for modifying inorganic surfaces.
Enhancing Denitrification in Constructed Wetland with Algae Addition
Authors: Cheng Shuiping , Huai Jing , Zhong Fei , Wu Juan , Yu Shaole 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Constructed wetlands (CWs) can be used for tertiary treatment of wastewater; however, carbon source shortages limit denitrification. We studied the effect of algae addition as an external carbon source in CWs and found that the nitrogen removal efficiency of CWs is highly dependent on the algae dosage. Optimal nitrogen removal can be achieved by adding 80 mg·L− 1 dry weight algae to the influent when the chemical oxygen demand/nitrogen (COD/N) ratio reaches 5.3. Longitudinal changes in the nitrogen concentrations, organic matter concentrations, and nitrogen functional genes were also analyzed. The algae addition strengthened the anoxic environment, boosted the volatile fatty acid concentrations, and proliferated the nitrite reductase gene (nirS) and the nitrite oxidoreductase alpha subunit gene (nxrA), thereby expanding the active space for denitrification. The integration of algal ponds with CWs could potentially provide enough carbon to enhance denitrification during treatment of wastewater with a low COD/N ratio.
Video Person Reidentification based on Neural Ordinary Differential Equations and Graph Convolution Network
Authors: ZHANG Li-qiang , HUANG Long-yang , DUAN Xiao-li 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Person reidentification rate has become a challenging research topic in the field of computer vision due to the fact that person appearance is easily affected by lighting, posture and perspective. In order to make full use of the continuity of video data on the time line and the unstructured relationship of features, a video person reidentification algorithm combining the neural ordinary differential equation with the graph convolution network is proposed in this paper. First, a continuous time model is constructed by using the ordinary differential equation (ODE) network so as to capture hidden information between video frames. By simulating the hidden space of the hidden variables with the hidden time series model, the hidden information between frames that may be ignored in the discrete model can be obtained. Then, the features of the generated video frames are given to the graph convolution network to reconstruct them. Finally, weak supervision are used to classify the features. Experiments on PRID2011 data sets show that the proposed algorithm can significantly improve person reidentification performance.
Prevalence and predictors of anaemia among adolescents in India: An exploration from Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults Survey
Authors: Chauhan Shekhar , Kumar Pradeep , Marbaniang Strong Pillar , Srivast Shobhit , Patel Ratna 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background

Anaemia is a public health concern affecting both developed and developing countries with significant consequences for both human health as well as social and economic development. Unfortunately, the anaemia intervention program, such as the National Nutrition Anaemia Prophylaxis Programme, mostly targets infants, young children, pregnant and lactation women, and not adolescents. Therefore, this study tries to fill this gap, aimed to study the prevalence of anaemia and the associated factors among adolescent boys and girls residing in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India.
Methods

Secondary data analysis was performed on cross-sectional survey data from the Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults (UDAYA) project survey. Three levels of severity of anaemia were distinguished: mild anaemia, moderate anaemia, and severe anaemia. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis were used to find the preliminary results. To provide the adjusted estimates for the analysis, multinomial regression analysis was carried out.
Results

Overall, a higher percentage of adolescent girls suffered from mild (42% vs. 23.7%) and moderate/severe (20% vs. 8.7%) anemia compared to the adolescent boys. Moderate/severe anemia was 0.24 and 0.49 times less likely among adolescent boys and girls, respectively, who had 10 & above years of schooling than adolescents with no schooling (p < 0.01). Rural adolescent boys were 1.22 (p < 0.10) and 1.49 times (p < 0.05) more likely to suffer from mild and moderate/severe anemia, respectively, compared to urban counterparts.
Conclusion

Anaemia among adolescents must be addressed through effective public health policy targeting adolescents residing in poor households and rural areas. There is a need to disseminate information about anaemia through mass media, and subsequently, the public health system may be prepared to tailor the needs of adolescent boys and girls.
Nitrogen Reduction by the Fe Sites of Synthetic [Mo3S4Fe] Cubes
Authors: Ohki Yasuhiro , Munakata Kenichiro , Hara Ryota , Kachi Mami , Uchida Keisuke , Tada Mizuki , Cramer Roger , Sameera Wmc , Takayama Tsutomu , Sakai Yoichi , Kuriyama Shogo , Nishibayashi Yoshiaki , Tanifuji Kazuki 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
N2 fixation by Nature, which is a crucial process to supply bio-available forms of nitrogen, is performed by nitrogenase. This enzyme employs a unique transition metal-sulfur-carbon cluster as its active-site cofactor ([(R-homocitrate)MoFe7S9C], FeMoco), and the sulfur-surrounded Fe atoms have been postulated to capture and reduce N2. Whereas synthetic counterparts of FeMoco, metal-sulfur clusters, have displayed binding of N2 in a few examples, the reduction of N2 by any synthetic metal-sulfur clusters or even by the extracted form of FeMoco have remained elusive despite a near-50-year history of research. Here we show that the Fe atoms in our synthetic [Mo3S4Fe] cubes capture an N2 molecule and catalyze N2 silylation to form N(SiMe3)3 under treatment with excess Na and Me3SiCl. These results exemplify the first catalytic N2 reduction by a synthetic metal-sulfur cluster with an Fe center supported only by S ligands. This work demonstrates the N2-reducing capability of Fe atoms in a S-rich environment, which Nature has selected to accomplish a similar purpose. This work also suggests some critical features for successful by metal-sulfur compounds, which serve as clues to understand the origin of N2 fixation on Earth.
Impairment of emotional expression detection after unilateral amygdala resection
Authors: Sato Wataru , Usui Naotaka , Sawada Reiko , Kondo Akihiko , Toichi Motomi , Inoue Yushi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Detecting facial emotional expressions is an initial and indispensable for face-to-face communication. Neuropsychological studies on the neural substrates of this process have shown that bilateral amygdala lesions impaired the detection of emotional facial expressions. However, the findings were inconsistent, possibly due to the limited number of patients examined. Furthermore, this processing is based on emotional or visual factors of facial expressions remains unknown. To investigate this issue, we tested the group of patients (n = 23) with unilateral resection of anterior temporal lobe structures, including the amygdala, and compared their performance under resected and intact hemisphere stimulation conditions. The patients were asked to detect normal facial expressions of anger and happiness, and artificially created anti-expressions, among a crowd with neutral expressions. Reaction times were shorter to detect normal versus anti-expressions when the target faces were presented to the contralateral visual field (i.e., stimulation of the intact hemisphere) than to the ipsilateral visual field (i.e., stimulation of the resected hemisphere). Our findings suggest that the amygdala plays an essential role in the detection of emotional facial expressions, according to the emotional significance of the expressions.
Regional Changes in Myocardial Strain Predict Ventricular Remodelling after Myocardial Infarction in a Large Animal Model
Authors: Mansell Doyin S. , Bruno Vito D. , Sammut Eva , Chiribiri Amedeo , Johnson Tom , Khaliulin Igor , Lopez Daniel Baz , Gill H. S. , Fraser Katharine H. , Murphy Michael , Krieg Thomas , Suleiman M. Saadeh , George Sarah J. , Ascione Raimondo , Cookson Andrew N. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
To identify early predictors of late left ventricular remodelling (LVR) post-myocardial infarction (MI) and related molecular signatures, a porcine model of closed-chest balloon MI was used. LVR was assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) at baseline, 12–48 hours (acute), and 5–6 weeks (chronic) post-MI. Changes in myocardial strain and strain rates were derived from CMRI data. Tissue proteomics was compared between infarcted and non-infarcted territories. Peak values of left ventricular (LV) apical circumferential strain (ACS) changed over time together with peak global circumferential strain (GCS) while peak GLS epicardial strains or strain rates did not change over time. LVR post-MI enhanced abundance of 39 proteins in infarcted LV territories,21 of which correlated with LV equatorial circumferential strain rate (ECSR). The strongest associations were observed for D-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (D-3PGDH), cysteine and glycine-rich protein-2 (CG-RP-2), and secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (sFRP1). Results indicate that early changes in regional peak ACS predict late LV remodelling and LVR post-MI is associated with augmented levels of D-3PGDH and sFRP1, which show the strongest association with peak ECSR. These findings might help to prevent LVR post-MI by influencing/directing LV unloading strategies or by pharmacological control of tissue levels of D-3PGDH and sFRP1.
Molecular mechanisms mediating stiffening in the mechanically adaptable connective tissues of sea cucumbers
Authors: Bonneel Marie , Hennebert Elise , Aranko Sesilja , Hwang Dong Soo , Lefevre Mathilde , Pommier Valentine , Wattiez Ruddy , Delroisse Jérôme , Flammang Patrick 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In most animals, connective tissues such as the dermis or tendons present invariant mechanical properties, fine-tuned for their structural function. However, echinoderms, a group of sea creatures including sea cucumbers, possess the ability to voluntarily modify the mechanical properties of their connective tissues, which are therefore called mutable collagenous tissues (MCT). Understanding the molecular mechanism underlying MCT mutability is a prerequisite for the development of biomimetic smart dynamic materials. The stiffening and softening cycles of MCTs are made possible by the release of specialized effector proteins. We identified a stiffening factor from the dermis of Holothuria forskali, Hf-(D)Tensilin, and showed that it is localized in the secretory granules of juxtaligamental-like cells, a MCT specific cell type. Using recombinant proteins, we confirmed its effect on the dermis and its aggregation effect on extracted collagen fibrils. A model is proposed for the molecular interactions which mediate collagen fibrils cross-linking by tensilin.
Locus of control moderates the association of COVID-19 stress and general mental distress: Results of a cross-sectional survey in two large samples from Norway, Germany, and Austria
Authors: Krampe Henning , Danbolt Lars Johan , Haver Annie , Stålsett Gry , Schnell Tatjana 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: An internal locus of control (LoC I) refers to the belief that the outcome of events in one’s life is contingent upon one’s actions, whereas an external locus of control (LoC E) describes the belief that chance and powerful others control one's life. This study investigated whether LoC I and LoC E moderated the relationship between COVID-19 stress and general mental distress in the general population during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional survey study analysed data from a Norwegian (n=1,225) and a German-speaking sample (n=1,527). We measured LoC with the Locus of Control-4 Scale (IE-4), COVID-19 stress with a scale developed for this purpose, and mental distress with the Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ-4). Moderation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro for SPSS. Results: The association between COVID-19 stress and general mental distress was strong (r=.61 and r=.55 for the Norwegian and the German-speaking sample, respectively). In both samples, LoC showed substantial moderation effects. LoC I served as a buffer (p<.001), and LoC E exacerbated (p<.001) the relation between COVID-19 stress and general mental distress. Conclusions: The data suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic is easier to bear for people who, despite pandemic-related strains, feel that they generally have influence over their own lives. An external locus of control, conversely, is associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety. The prevention of mental distress may be supported by enabling a sense of control through citizen participation in policy decisions and transparent explanation in their implementation.
Functional Organization of the Endoplasmic Reticulum Dictates the Susceptibility of Target Cells to Arsenite-Induced Mitochondrial Superoxide Formation, Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Apoptosis
Authors: Guidarelli Andrea , Catalani Alessia , Varone Ersilia , Fumagalli Stefano , Zito Ester , Fiorani Mara , Cantoni Orazio , Spina Andrea 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Arsenite induces many critical effects associated with the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through different mechanisms. We focused on the Ca2+-dependent mitochondrial superoxide (mitoO2-.) formation and addressed questions on the effects of low concentrations of arsenite on the mobilization of the cation from the endoplasmic reticulum and the resulting mitochondrial accumulation. Using various differentiated and undifferentiated cell types uniquely expressing the inositol-1, 4, 5-triphosphate receptor (IP3R), or both the IP3R and the ryanodine receptor (RyR), we determined that expression of this second Ca2+ channel is an absolute requirement for mitoO2-. formation and for the ensuing mitochondrial dysfunction and downstream apoptosis. In arsenite-treated cells, RyR was recruited after IP3R stimulation and agonist studies indicated that in these cells RyR is in close apposition with mitochondria. It was also interesting to observe that arsenite fails to promote mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation, mitoO2-. formation, mitochondrial toxicity in RyR-devoid cells, in which the IP3R is in close contact with the mitochondria. We therefore conclude that low dose arsenite-induced mitoO2- formation and the resulting mitochondrial dysfunction and toxicity, are prerequisite of cell types expressing the RyR in close apposition with mitochondria.