bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of 2D Porous Crystalline Materials in Simulated Microgravity
Authors: Contreras‐Pereda Noemí , Rodríguez‐San‐Miguel David , Franco Carlos , Sevim Semih , Vale João Pedro , Solano Eduardo , Fong Wye‐Khay , Del Giudice Alessandra , Galantini Luciano , Pfattner Raphael , Pané Salvador , Mayor Tiago Sotto , Ruiz‐Molina Daniel , Puigmartí‐Luis Josep
Published: June 2021

To date, crystallization studies conducted in space laboratories, which are prohibitively costly and unsuitable to most research laboratories, have shown the valuable effects of microgravity during crystal growth and morphogenesis. Herein, an easy and highly efficient method is shown to achieve space‐like experimentation conditions on Earth employing custom‐made microfluidic devices to fabricate 2D porous crystalline molecular frameworks. It is confirmed that experimentation under these simulated microgravity conditions has unprecedented effects on the orientation, compactness and crack‐free generation of 2D porous crystalline molecular frameworks as well as in their integration and crystal morphogenesis. It is believed that this work will provide a new “playground” to chemists, physicists, and materials scientists that desire to process unprecedented 2D functional materials and devices.
Encapsulation Strategy on All Inorganic Perovskites for Stable and Efficient Photoelectrocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Li Linjuan , Gan Liyong , Zhang Zhonghai
Published: June 2021

All inorganic perovskite CsPbBr3 nanocrystals are a promising candidate as photocathode for efficient photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) water splitting. However, the poor chemical stability severely limits its practical applications. The exploration of perovskite‐based ideal photocathode materials with efficient and highly stable PEC performance is still an ambitious and meaningful challenge. Herein, under guidance of theoretical calculations, an encapsulation strategy is proposed to prepare the CsPbBr3/Ni2P core/shell nanostructures. Compared with the pristine CsPbBr3 nanocrystals, the CsPbBr3/Ni2P nanostructures show a significant improvement of photocurrent density up to 10 000 folds with long‐term stability in aqueous solution, and present superior PEC activity for hydrogen generation with nearly 100% faradic efficiency. The encapsulation strategy opens up an avenue for rational design of perovskite‐based photocathodes for efficient and stable PEC water reduction.
Observation of Optically Addressable Nonvolatile Memory in VO2 at Room Temperature
Authors: Jung Youngho , Jeong Junho , Qu Zhongnan , Cui Bin , Khanda Ankita , Parkin Stuart S. P. , Poon Joyce K. S.
Published: June 2021

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) is a phase change material that can reversibly change between high and low resistivity states through electronic and structural phase transitions. Thus far, VO2 memory devices have essentially been volatile at room temperature, and nonvolatile memory has required non‐ambient surroundings (e.g., elevated temperatures, electrolytes) and long write times. For the first time, here, the authors report the observation of optically addressable nonvolatile memory in VO2 at room temperature with a readout by voltage oscillations. The read and write times have to be kept shorter than about 150 µs. The writing of the memory and onset of the voltage oscillations have a minimum optical power threshold. Although the physical mechanisms underlying this memory effect require further investigations, this discovery illustrates the potential of VO2 for new computing devices and architectures, such as artificial neurons and oscillatory neural networks.
Risk of sudden cardiac death in EXOSC5‐related disease
Authors: Calame Daniel G. , Herman Isabella , Fatih Jawid M. , Du Haowei , Akay Gulsen , Jhangiani Shalini N. , Coban‐Akdemir Zeynep , Milewicz Dianna M. , Gibbs Richard A. , Posey Jennifer E. , Marafi Dana , Hunter Jill V. , Fan Yuxin , Lupski James R. , Miyake Christina Y.
Published: June 2021

The RNA exosome is a multi‐subunit complex involved in the processing, degradation, and regulated turnover of RNA. Several subunits are linked to Mendelian disorders, including pontocerebellar hypoplasia (EXOSC3, MIM #614678; EXOSC8, MIM #616081: and EXOSC9, MIM #618065) and short stature, hearing loss, retinitis pigmentosa, and distinctive facies (EXOSC2, MIM #617763). More recently, EXOSC5 (MIM *606492) was found to underlie an autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by developmental delay, hypotonia, cerebellar abnormalities, and dysmorphic facies. An unusual feature of EXOSC5‐related disease is the occurrence of complete heart block requiring a pacemaker in a subset of affected individuals. Here, we provide a detailed clinical and molecular characterization of two siblings with microcephaly, developmental delay, cerebellar volume loss, hypomyelination, with cardiac conduction and rhythm abnormalities including sinus node dysfunction, intraventricular conduction delay, atrioventricular block, and ventricular tachycardia (VT) due to compound heterozygous variants in EXOSC5: (1) NM_020158.4:c.341C > T (p.Thr114Ile; pathogenic, previously reported) and (2) NM_020158.4:c.302C > A (p.Thr101Lys; novel variant). A review of the literature revealed an additional family with biallelic EXOSC5 variants and cardiac conduction abnormalities. These clinical and molecular data provide compelling evidence that cardiac conduction abnormalities and arrhythmias are part of the EXOSC5‐related disease spectrum and argue for proactive screening due to potential risk of sudden cardiac death.
A process intensification synthesis framework for the design of extractive separation systems with material selection
Authors: Tian Yuhe , Pistikopoulos Efstratios N.
Published: June 2021

In this work, we present a systematic approach for solvent selection and process intensification synthesis based on the Generalized Modular Representation Framework (GMF). GMF is a bottom‐up process synthesis strategy which leverages mass and/or heat transfer building blocks to represent chemical equipment and flowsheets. Thus, conventional and/or intensified process solutions can be generated to obtain optimal process design(s) without a pre‐postulation of equipment or flowsheet configurations. To address the challenge of module dimensionality estimation for capital cost correlation, orthogonal collocation is coupled to enhance GMF intra‐module representation. Material selection is achieved by incorporating physical property models (e.g., NRTL) in GMF model formulation to describe the nonideal liquid mixture behaviors and to assess solvent performance in facilitating separation. In this context, solvent selection and process intensification synthesis are simultaneously addressed within a superstructure‐based optimization formulation. The proposed approach is demonstrated on two case studies for ethanol‐water extractive separation, with two sets of solvents evaluated: (a) ethylene glycol versus methanol to obtain 99 mol% ethanol, and (b) ethylene glycol versus 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium acetate ([EMIM][OAc]) to obtain 99.8 mol% ethanol and 99 mol% water.
Isolation of Circulating Biomarkers for Liquid Biopsy using Immunoaffinity‐Based Stimuli‐Responsive Hybrid Hydrogel Beads
Authors: Kang Yoon‐Tae , Kim Young Jun , Rupp Brittany , Purcell Emma , Hadlock Thomas , Ramnath Nithya , Nagrath Sunitha
Published: June 2021

This work presents chemically stable and biodegradable hydrogel beads for the isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating exosomes in liquid biopsy. The liquid biopsy hydrogel beads (LBbeads) consisting of alginate and poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels show both chemical stability and stimuli‐degradable characteristics. Unlike single‐component hydrogels, this hybrid form is not easily degraded by buffers or cell culture media while its degradable characteristic remains; thus, it is useful in bio‐applications requiring multi‐step processes with various reagents and lengthy incubation periods. We applied our platform to clinical samples for isolating two promising circulating biomarkers for a liquid biopsy, CTCs and exosomes, by conjugating the hydrogel surface with anti‐EpCAM and anti‐CD63 antibodies, respectively, thus achieving 37.4 CTCs and comparable amount of exosome recovery per 1 milliliter of blood. The results show easy device‐free isolation and retrieval of CTCs and exosomes, with recovered circulating biomarkers successfully analyzed by western blot analysis and fluorescence microscopy. We believe that this simple and versatile platform enables us to isolate prominent circulating biomarkers for clinical use in cancer diagnosis.
Preparation of highly reflective silver metallized PVC film by autocatalytic deposition
Authors: Sun Xiaomin , Chen Jisi , Yin Yanan , Chen Huan , Wu Jinxing , Gao Zhaodongfang , Xiong Chuanxi
Published: June 2021

Metallized polymer films, used in many optical applications because of their high reflectivity, are usually prepared under complex conditions. In this work, a two‐step autocatalytic deposition method was adopted to prepare an Ag‐deposited polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film (Ag/PVC composite film) with high reflectivity. When Ag particles were used as a coating, the formed face‐centered cubic crystal endowed a higher reflectivity than other crystals. Therefore, Pd metal was introduced as the catalytic center for Ag deposition to promote the formation of face‐centered cubic crystals, thereby obtaining a highly reflective PVC film. Moreover, we improved the reflectivity of the Ag/PVC composite film by adjusting different process parameters, and the maximum reflectivity of the Ag/PVC composite film could reach as high as 93%. The two‐step autocatalytic deposition we used was a simple, efficient, and low‐energy method to prepare highly reflective films. The optimum process parameter was also significant for further research on highly reflective films.
Achieving superiorly highheat‐dimensionalstability, high strength, and good electrochemical performance for electrospun separators in powerlithium‐ionbattery through building unique condensed structure based on polyimide and poly (m‐phenylene isophthalamide)
Authors: Xu Jiali , Yuan Li , Liang Guozheng , Gu Aijuan
Published: June 2021

It is still a challenge for simultaneously achieving high heat resistance, high strength and outstanding electrochemical performance for separators in power lithium‐ion battery (PLB). Herein, new high performance electrospun separators are developed through building unique structure based on polyimide (PI) and poly (m‐phenylene isophthalamide) (PMIA). Orthogonal tests (44) show that the magnitude order of electrospinning factors on the morphology of membrane is concentration>injection rate>receiving distance>voltage. With the optimum factors, the electrospun membrane (PI/PMIA) was prepared, which was further pressed at 100°C for 10 min to get treated membrane (H‐PI/PMIA). Interestingly, the comprehensive performance of PI/PMIA is not a simple combination of those of PI and PMIA; instead, PI/PMIA has much better thermal and mechanical properties than both PI and PMIA, proving that PI/PMIA has a synergistic effect. PI/PMIA and H‐PI/PMIA not only have good ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability, but also have superiorly high properties including dimensional stability (thermal shrinkage temperature>300°C), tensile strengths (24.1 MPa for PI/PMIA, 34.3 MPa for H‐PI/PMIA) and capacity retentions (97.9%, 99.2%) compared with electrospun membranes for PLBs reported in the literature so far (SCI database). The mechanism behind these attractive performances is discussed from condensed structure of membranes.
Mechanical and scratch behaviors of polyrotaxane‐modified poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Molero Glendimar , Tsai Chia‐Ying , Liu Cong , Sue Hung‐Jue , Uenuma Shuntaro , Mayumi Koichi , Ito Kohzo
Published: June 2021

The mechanical and scratch behaviors of polyrotaxane (PR) modified poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were investigated. PR is a necklace‐like supramolecule with rings threaded onto a linear backbone chain that is capped by bulky end groups. Cyclodextrin (CD) serves as the ring structure and can be functionalized to induce specific interactions with the hosting polymer matrix. To systematically investigate the effect of CD functionalization on the mechanical properties of PMMA, PR with polycaprolactone (PCL) grafted chains on CD, and PR with methacrylate functional groups at the terminal of the PCL grafted chains on CD were chosen for this study. Tensile and compressive true stress–strain tests, ASTM scratch test, and coefficient of friction measurements were conducted to fundamentally understand how PR influences the mechanical and scratch behaviors of PMMA. Additionally, dielectric relaxation spectroscopy and dynamic mechanical analysis were conducted to explore how PR influences the relaxation dynamics of PMMA. The above findings suggest that the methacrylate functional group on PR induces favorable molecular interactions with PMMA matrix, leading to enhanced molecular cooperativity during deformation, which in turn improves tensile and compressive properties and achieves greatly improved scratch resistance.
The contaminated analyst and transgenerational trauma in Abkhazia après‐coup
Authors: Ivanishvili Khatuna
Published: June 2021

The Covid‐19 pandemic lockdown and restrictions imposed on freedom of movement in Georgia and the economic collapse as a result, evoked psychotic anxieties in society and revived a traumatic not‐too‐distant past that has not actually been worked through. Fear of an unknown virus and danger has turned into a feeling of war, which was so familiar and constant in the immediate past of Georgian history: the Soviet‐Union, the 1991–1993 Civil War, the contant threat of Russia which occupied two regions of Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. In this paper, I try to explain how the current traumatic situation in Georgia related to Covid‐19 gave après‐coup a new meaning to the transgenerational trauma. I presented the material of two of my patients, whose childhood was affected by the war in Abkhazia (1992–1993), the conflict that followed the declaration of independence of Georgia and led to the Russian occupation of its territories. Because of my contamination with Covid‐19 in transference–countertransference, the Covid turned into an inner conflict. The need and inevitability of informing patients about my infection caused a counter‐transference acting out with paranoid‐schizoïd splitting, projective identifications, unbearable pain and guilt, fear of starvation, and reparation.
Psychometric properties of the Cambridge‐Mindreading Face‐Voice Battery for Children in children with ASD
Authors: Rodgers Jonathan D. , Lopata Christopher , Booth Adam J. , Thomeer Marcus L. , Donnelly James P. , Rajnisz Christian J. , Wood Joseph T. , Lodi‐Smith Jennifer , Kozlowski Karl F.
Published: June 2021

This study examined the psychometric characteristics of the Cambridge‐Mindreading Face‐Voice Battery for Children (CAM‐C) for a sample of 333 children, ages 6–12 years with ASD (with no intellectual disability). Internal consistency was very good for the Total score (0.81 for both Faces and Voices) and respectable for the Complex emotions score (0.72 for Faces and 0.74 for Voices); however, internal consistency was lower for Simple emotions (0.65 for Faces and 0.61 for Voices). Test–retest reliability at 18 and 36 weeks was very good for the faces and voices total (0.76–0.81) and good for simple and complex faces and voices (0.53–0.75). Significant correlations were found between CAM‐C Faces and scores on another measure of face‐emotion recognition (Diagnostic Analysis of Nonverbal Accuracy‐Second Edition), and between Faces and Voices scores and child age, IQ (except perceptual IQ and Simple Voice emotions), and language ability. Parent‐reported ASD symptom severity and the Emotion Recognition scale on the SRS‐2 were not related to CAM‐C scores. Suggestions for future studies and further development of the CAM‐C are provided.

Lay summary

Facial and vocal emotion recognition are important for social interaction and have been identified as a challenge for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Emotion recognition is an area frequently targeted by interventions. This study evaluated a measure of emotion recognition (the CAM‐C) for its consistency and validity in a large sample of children with autism. The study found the CAM‐C showed many strengths needed to accurately measure the change in emotion recognition during intervention.
Early social rearing, the V1A arginine vasopressin receptor genotype, and autistic traits in chimpanzees
Authors: Weiss Alexander , Wilson Vanessa A. D. , Hopkins William D.
Published: June 2021

Previous studies found associations between autism‐related phenotypes and both rearing and V1A arginine vasopressin receptor (AVPR1A) genotypes. We tested whether these exposures as well as their interaction were associated with autism‐related phenotypes in 121 laboratory‐housed chimpanzees. We used expert‐derived weights to obtain autism scores from ratings on the 43‐item Chimpanzee Personality Questionnaire; higher scores indicated more autistic‐like traits. The first model included fixed effects for sex, age, and rearing, and a random effect that addressed the relatedness of subjects. The second model was the same except that it also included the rearing × AVPR1A genotype interaction as a fixed effect. Both models indicated that the phenotype was moderately heritable and that chimpanzees reared by their mothers had lower scores on the scale. The effect of genotype in both models indicated that chimpanzees with an indel deletion had higher scores on the scale, although the credible interval included zero. Moreover, the rearing × genotype interaction in the second model indicated that chimpanzees who possessed the non‐deletion genotype and who were reared by their mother were at even greater risk. The credible interval for this effect did not include zero, but fit statistics indicated that the model without the interaction was marginally better, and the interaction was in the opposite direction than we expected based on previous work. These findings highlight the importance of rearing effects in the typical social development of our closet‐living nonhuman relative.

Lay summary

We tested whether, in chimpanzees, scores on a scale comprising traits that resembled aspects of autism were related to a gene associated with autism in prior research and/or early rearing. Human‐reared chimpanzees had higher scores (indicating more autistic‐like traits). Chimpanzees that possessed the gene also had higher scores, but we could not exclude the possibility that there was no effect of genotype. These findings suggest that we can measure autism‐like characteristics in chimpanzees, and so study it in this species.
Ratiometric fluorescent probe for tetracycline detection based on waste printing paper
Authors: Liu Jing , Wang Tengfei , Wang Zhaoli , Zou Xue , Wang Wenjun , Zhang Shengli , Gong Zhengjun
Published: June 2021

Tetracycline (TC) is a broad‐spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. In this study, a ratiometric fluorescence (FL) probe was developed to detect TC in water samples using waste printing paper extract as a FL indicator. For this ratiometric probe, the emission of printing paper extract at 436 nm gradually decreased and the emission of a mixed solution at 538 nm significantly increased with the sequential addition of TC upon excitation at 390 nm, coupled with a marked FL colour change from bright blue to faint yellow. Therefore, a ratiometric F538/F436 FL probe was created for TC detection by simply mixing the printing paper extraction and TC. Under the optimized conditions, a linear range from 1 to 100 μM and a detection limit of 0.48 μM (S/N = 3) for TC were obtained. Importantly, the FL probe can be easily prepared with rapid response, high sensitivity, and good selectivity. The application of waste printing paper extract for detection of TC in environmental water samples was demonstrated.
Selective and sensitive turn on fluorescence cyanide recognition in aqueous medium based on Zn(II)–hydrazone metal complex chemosensor
Authors: Bouhadir Kamal H. , Elaridi Jomana , Sonji Ghassan
Published: June 2021

Detection and quantification of the cyanide ion (CN−) has attracted considerable attention because of its extreme toxicity. A novel Zn(II)‐complex, applicable as a fluorescent chemosensor for CN− recognition, was synthesized in excellent yields from the reaction of zinc sulfate with the novel hydrazone: 3‐(amino‐9H‐purin‐yl)‐N′‐(hydroxybenzylidene) propanehydrazide. The structures of the hydrazone (L) and the zinc–hydrazone complex (L.Zn) were characterized by ultraviolet‐visible spectrophotometry, Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometry, mass spectrometry, proton‐ and carbon‐13‐nuclear magnetic resonance. The sensing performance of the proposed chemosensors, L and L.Zn, towards common ions was investigated via naked‐eye studies as well as absorption and emission spectral analysis. Hydrazone (L) efficiently functioned as a fluorescence sensor for aluminum ions (Al3+) and zinc ions (Zn2+) with large binding constants, and exhibited colorimetric and fluorometric responses for several basic anions: OH−, CO32−, HCO3−, HSO3−, CH3COO− and CN−. However, L.Zn showed quick, sensitive and specific enhancement of fluorescence intensity towards CN− anion, and a linear relationship was observed as the concentration of CN− varied from 1 to 14 μM. The detection limit was determined to be 0.14 μM, which is lower than the 1.9 μM maximum value recommended by the World Health Organization for drinking water. The practical performance of the sensor was successfully demonstrated using various environmental water samples spiked with cyanide ion.
Retracted: Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress induced by inhaled paraquat in rat improved by carvacrol, possible role of PPARγ receptors
Authors: Amin Fatemeh , Memarzia Arghavan , Kazemi Rad Hamideh , Shakeri Farzaneh , Boskabady Mohammad Hossein
Published: June 2021

Control rats were exposed to saline aerosol, two groups were exposed to paraquat (PQ), 27 (PQ‐L) and 54 (PQ‐H) mg/m3 aerosols and six groups were treated with carvacrol, 20 (C‐L) and 80 (C‐H) mg/kg/day, pioglitazone, 5 (Pio‐L) and 10 (Pio‐H) mg/kg/day, C‐L+Pio‐L and dexamethasone, 0.03 mg/kg/day, for 16 days after the end of exposure to PQ‐H. Different variables were measured after the end of treatment period. Total and differential white blood cells counts, nitrite, malondialdehyde, interleukin (IL)‐10, and interferon‐gamma levels were significant increased, but thiol, superoxide dismutase, catalase, IL‐17, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were decreased in the blood due to both doses of PQ (p < 0.05–p < 0.001). Most measured parameters were significantly improved in treated groups with both doses of carvacrol, pioglitazone, the combination of C‐L+Pio‐L and dexamethasone compared to PQ‐H group (p < 0.05–p < 0.001). Treatment with C‐L+Pio‐L showed significantly higher effects compared to each one alone (p < 0.05–p < 0.001). Systemic oxidative stress and inflammation due to inhaled PQ were improved by carvacrol and pioglitazone. Higher effects of C‐L+Pio‐L than each one alone suggests carvacrol modulating PPAR‐γ receptors.
Microaerobic growth‐decoupled production of α‐ketoglutarate and succinate from xylose in a one‐pot process using Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Tenhaef Niklas , Kappelmann Jannick , Eich Arabel , Weiske Marc , Brieß Lisette , Brüsseler Christian , Marienhagen Jan , Wiechert Wolfgang , Noack Stephan
Published: June 2021

Background

Lignocellulosic biomass is the most abundant raw material on earth. Its efficient use for novel bio‐based materials is essential for an emerging bioeconomy. Possible building blocks for such materials are the key TCA‐cycle intermediates α‐ketoglutarate and succinate. These organic acids have a wide range of potential applications, particularly in use as monomers for established or novel biopolymers. Recently, Corynebacterium glutamicum was successfully engineered and evolved towards an improved utilization of d‐xylose via the Weimberg pathway, yielding the strain WMB2evo. The Weimberg pathway enables a carbon‐efficient C5‐to‐C5 conversion of d‐xylose to α‐ketoglutarate and a shortcut route to succinate as co‐product in a one‐pot process.

Methods and Results

C. glutamicum WMB2evo was grown under dynamic microaerobic conditions on d‐xylose, leading to the formation of comparably high amounts of succinate and only small amounts of α‐ketoglutarate. Subsequent carbon isotope labeling experiments verified the targeted production route for both products in C. glutamicum WMB2evo. Fed‐batch process development was initiated and the effect of oxygen supply and feeding strategy for a growth‐decoupled co‐production of α‐ketoglutarate and succinate were studied in detail. The finally established fed‐batch production process resulted in the formation of 78.4 mmol L−1 (11.45 g L−1) α‐ketoglutarate and 96.2 mmol L−1 (11.36 g L−1) succinate.

Conclusion

The developed one‐pot process represents a promising approach for the combined supply of bio‐based α‐ketoglutarate and succinate. Future work will focus on tailor‐made down‐stream processing of both organic acids from the fermentation broth to enable their application as building blocks in chemical syntheses. Alternatively, direct conversion of one or both acids via whole‐cell or cell‐free enzymatic approaches can be envisioned; thus, extending the network of value chains starting from cheap and renewable d‐xylose.
Using lysozyme amyloid fibrils as a means of scavenging aggregation‐inhibiting compounds
Authors: Ziaunys Mantas , Mikalauskaite Kamile , Sakalauskas Andrius , Smirnovas Vytautas
Published: June 2021

The aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins is linked to several amyloidoses, including neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Currently there are very few effective cures or treatments available, despite countless screenings and clinical trials. One of the most challenging aspects of potential anti‐amyloid drug discovery is finding which molecules are the actual inhibitors out of mixtures, which may contain hundreds of distinct compounds. Considering that anti‐amyloid compounds would interact with the aggregate, this affinity could be used as a means of separating such compounds from ineffective ones. In this work, we attempt to scavenge potential aggregation‐inhibiting molecules out of four, different complexity mixtures, ranging from oxidized gallic acid to tea extract, using lysozyme amyloid fibrils. We show that these compounds bind to aggregates with high affinity and can be later separated from them by different methods.
The duality of risk from threats: Are homicidal threats a novel determinant for suicide risk?
Authors: Basocak Ruby , Nargundkar Apurva , Warren Lisa J.
Published: June 2021

Suicide and homicide have long been considered to sit at opposing ends of a continuum of deliberate harm, initially emerging as separate fields of practice. While it is now accepted that suicide and homicide are associated, the evidence base for how they are associated is far from complete. Surfacing from this body of knowledge are questions of clinical and ethical responsibilities, such as assessors of risk to moving to a default position of evaluating risk to self and others, regardless of which is the presenting problem. The current study examined longitudinal suicide risk among those known to have uttered homicidal threats. 757threateners, known to the health and/or criminal justice systems for threatening to kill a person other than themselves, were examined via case matching methodology to reveal deaths recorded in a national coronial database. Over the follow up period, 11% of the threateners died, and over half of them (57.5%) perished from suicide. Threateners who died lost on average 47 years of potential life. That is, they lost more than half their life when compared to the average life expectancy of Australians. Further offending was also associated with higher mortality as was having a history of mental health treatment. This study provides support for the duality of risk from uttered threats as threatening homicide was found to be a novel predictor of suicide risk.
Comparative Quantitative Study of Ardisiacrispin A in Extracts from Ardisia crenata Sims Varieties and Their Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Podolak Irma , Żuromska‐Witek Barbara , Grabowska Karolina , Żebrowska Sara , Galanty Agnieszka , Hubicka Urszula
Published: June 2021

Ardisia crenata Sims (Primulaceae) occurs in natural habitats in two varieties, bearing red or white fruits. While roots of the red‐berried ardisia are valued as a medicinal product, the pharmacological activity of which is attributed to triterpene saponins, including ardisiacrispin A, data on the white‐berried variety are scarce. A TLC‐densitometric method was developed and validated to estimate the levels of saponins, calculated as ardisiacrispin A, in different plant parts in both varieties. Their content amounted to 22.17±4.75 and 25.72±1.46 mg/g d.w. in roots, and 2.64±0.74 and 3.43±0.70 mg/g d.w. in fruits of red‐berried and white‐berried ardisia, respectively. Assessment of cytotoxicity of ardisiacrispin A and A. crenata extracts on a panel of human cancer cell lines revealed a similar effect of root extracts from both varieties, with the highest potency against melanoma WM793 and colon cancer Caco2. Thus, roots of the white‐berried variety may be treated as a substitute for red‐berried ardisia and serve as an alternative source for the acquisition of plant material rich in bioactive saponins.
Improving Catalytic Activity and Reversing Enantio‐Specificity of ω‐Transaminase by Semi‐Rational Engineering en Route to Chiral Bulky β‐Amino Esters
Authors: Wang Yingang , Feng Jinhui , Dong Wenyue , Chen Xi , Yao Peiyuan , Wu Qiaqing , Zhu Dunming
Published: June 2021

The application of wild‐type ω‐transaminase was limited by steric hindrance towards bulky substrates, therefore improvement of the catalytic efficiency and stereoselectivity toward substrates with two bulky substituent adjacent to the carbonyl is of general interest. In this study, according to the double substrate binding pocket theory, a (S)‐selective ω‐transaminase from the Burkholderia vietnamiensis G4, which showed puny catalytic activity toward the β‐keto esters with small steric hindrance, was engineered to accept bulky β‐keto esters, which were not accessible by any wild‐type enzyme. A few desired variants were obtained that exhibited activity toward bulky β‐keto esters. Furthermore, a substrate‐dependent shift in enantio‐preference of HBV variant towards β‐keto esters with linear or branched aliphatic substituents was observed. The best variant was applied to the asymmetric synthesis of aliphatic β‐amino acids at semi‐preparative scale with high yield and enantioselectivity. This study will improve the general understanding and inspire further engineering work for reversing enantio‐specificity of ω‐transaminases.
Bottom‐Up Design of a Grafted Organic Selenide Interface for Sensitive Electrocatalytic Detection of Peroxynitrite
Authors: Kalil Haitham , Fouad Farid , Azeroual Sami , Bose Tiyash , Bayachou Mekki
Published: June 2021

Peroxynitrite is a reactive species that emerged as a major cytotoxic agent implicated in a host of pathophysiological conditions. Reports emphasized deleterious physiological reactivity of peroxynitrite with various cell components. Accurate determination of peroxynitrite concentration is inherently difficult. Detection methods based on electrochemistry are relatively limited and the pursuit of viable electrochemical probes or catalytic materials as interfaces for efficient peroxynitrite detection is still underway. We prepared and characterized a functional thin‐film material based on an organic selenide (4,4’ diaminodiphenyl selenide) grafted on graphite electrodes and used the interface in sensitive electrochemical determination of peroxynitrite. We characterized the grafted film material on the graphite interface using various physicochemical methods. We show that peroxynitrite is electrocatalytically oxidized on the grafted selenide film. The grafted functional film material showed a significant electrocatalytic enhancement in the presence of peroxynitrite compared to controls. The selenide‐based peroxynitrite sensors show a sensitivity of 200 nA/μM and a lower limit of detection of 250 nM. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time a grafted selenium‐based material on an electrode is used for catalytic detection and quantification of peroxynitrite.
Advancing Electrolyte Solution Chemistry and Interfacial Electrochemistry of Divalent Metal Batteries
Authors: Wang Hui , Ryu Jaegeon , Shao Yuyan , Murugesan Vijayakumar , Persson Kristin , Zavadil Kevin , Mueller Karl T. , Liu Jun
Published: June 2021

Divalent metal (Mg, Ca, etc.) battery chemistries potentially provide a sustainable long‐term technical solution for large‐scale energy storage because of the high natural abundance of divalent metal elements in the earth crust. Good progress has been made on materials especially electrolyte development in the past years; however, significant challenges exist, particularly the very limited fundamental understanding of electrolyte solution chemistry and interfacial electrochemistry. In this perspective, we review and discuss key discoveries and understanding of divalent battery chemistry with a focus on electrolyte‐dependent interfacial electrochemistry of divalent metal anodes. A concise review of electrolyte development, operando studies of the electrified interfaces, and unique charge‐transfer process is provided; the knowledge gaps and future research directions are discussed.
Oil fingerprint identification technology using a simplified set of biomarkers selected based on principal component difference
Authors: Zhang Lujun , Du Fei , Wang Yan , Li Yingde , Yang Chun , Li Sensen , Huang Xiaodong , Wang Chunyan
Published: June 2021

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), which can separate and quantify thousands of individual petroleum biomarker compounds, is generally acknowledged as the most powerful technique for oil fingerprinting nowadays. Traditional oil fingerprint studies employ the whole suite of biomarkers measured in chromatographic analysis, which is prone to introducing ambiguous variables in the whole set and being time and labour intensive. To extract the most representative and meaningful indicators for the oil fingerprinting and identification, this paper proposes a method based on principal component difference to select a simplified set of biomarkers, providing the possibility of faster elution and analysis procedures. For the purpose of further verifying the reliability and accuracy of our method, identification simulation experiments including principal component analysis (PCA) spatial clustering, hierarchical clustering, and generalized regression neural network are carried out with the whole set and the simplified set of biomarkers, respectively. All the results and analyses demonstrate that the simplified set of biomarkers selected by our proposed method can achieve almost the same or even better identification results than those of the whole set of biomarkers.
Microfluidic synthesis of platinum nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide, titanium dioxide, and carbon for PEM fuel cells
Authors: Suryawanshi Prashant L. , Gumfekar Sarang P. , Sonawane Shirish H.
Published: June 2021

Platinum (Pt) nanoparticles on various supports, such as commercial carbon powder, titanium dioxide (TiO2), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), were synthesized using a continuous flow microfluidic system. First, the support materials were separately synthesized using the sonochemical technique followed by the loading of Pt. The Pt nanoparticles on different supports were characterized using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) for surface area and porosity analysis; X‐ray diffraction (XRD) for structural confirmation; Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for surface composition; and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for morphological investigation. Further, polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells were fabricated using the Pt nanoparticles on different supports, and cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and power density were performed. Among the three electrocatalysts, Pt/rGO showed the highest electrochemical performance. Pt/rGO showed higher specific activity (119 mA/cm2), mass activity (238 mA/mg), current density (1274 mA/cm2), and power density (497 mW/cm2). We also determined the mass activity and specific activity of the electrocatalysts based on the electrochemical data. This work shows the potential of the microfluidic system to continuously synthesize the technologically important nanomaterials and their application for energy conversion devices.
Percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus: Cumulative meta‐analysis
Authors: Xie Qiuping , Huang Jianguo , Zhu Ke , Chen Qing
Published: June 2021

Previous meta‐analyses showed that coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has lower all‐cause mortality than percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the management of coronary heart disease (CHD), but the long‐term outcomes were not analyzed thoroughly in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). To perform a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to explore the long‐term effectiveness between CABG and PCI in patients with T2DM and study the temporal trends using a cumulative meta‐analysis. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and Clinical Trials Registry for eligible RCTs published up to September 2020. The outcomes were all‐cause death, cardiac death, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, and stroke. Nine RCTs and 4566 patients were included. CABG resulted in better outcomes than PCI in terms of all‐cause death (RR = 1.41, 95%CI: 1.22–1.63, p < 0.001), cardiac death (RR = 1.56, 95%CI: 1.25–1.95, p < 0.001), and repeat revascularization (RR = 2.68, 95%CI: 1.86–3.85, p < 0.001), but with difference regarding the occurrence of myocardial infarction (RR = 1.20, 95%CI: 0.78–1.85, p = 0.414), while PCI was associated with better outcomes in terms of stroke occurrence (RR = 0.51, 95%CI: 0.34–0.77, p = 0.001). The cumulative meta‐analysis for all‐cause death showed that the differences between CABG and PCI started to be significant at 3 years of follow‐up, while the difference became significant at 5 years for cardiac death. In patients with CHD and T2DM, CABG results in better outcomes than PCI in terms of all‐cause death, cardiac mortality, and repeat revascularization, while PCI had better outcomes in terms of stroke. The differences are mainly observed over the long‐term follow‐up.
A case report of prostate cancer with leptomeningeal metastasis
Authors: Dehghani Mansoureh , PeyroShabany Babak , Shahraini Ramin , Fazilat‐Panah Danial , Hashemi Fateme , Welsh James S. , Javadinia Seyed Alireza
Published: June 2021

Background

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer in men. However, leptomeningeal involvement by prostate carcinoma is a rare event.

Case

Here, we report a 69‐year‐old patient with castration‐resistant metastatic prostate cancer who presented with headache and ataxia. Brain MRI revealed a huge invasive interaxial mass at right occipital lobe with diffuse thickening and enhancement of meninges, the arachnoid, and the pia mater, and he was diagnosed with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. The patient received whole brain radiotherapy.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that brain and leptomeningeal metastases are not very common in patients with prostate cancer, signs and symptoms of nervous system disorders should be assessed carefully, and consideration of such unusual metastases must be considered.
Diboron Bonds Between BX3 (X=H, F, CH3) and BYZ2 (Y=H, F; Z=CO, N2, CNH)
Authors: Yang Qingqing , Li Qingzhong , Scheiner Steve
Published: June 2021

The ability of B atoms on two different molecules to engage with one another in a noncovalent diboron bond is studied by ab initio calculations. Due to electron donation from its substituents, the trivalent B atom of BYZ2 (Z=CO, N2, and CNH; Y=H and F) has the ability to in turn donate charge to the B of a BX3 molecule (X=H, F, and CH3), thus forming a B⋅⋅⋅B diboron bond. These bonds are of two different strengths and character. BH(CO)2 and BH(CNH)2, and their fluorosubstituted analogues BF(CO)2 and BF(CNH)2, engage in a typical noncovalent bond with B(CH3)3 and BF3, with interaction energies in the 3–8 kcal/mol range. Certain other combinations result in a much stronger diboron bond, in the 26–44 kcal/mol range, and with a high degree of covalent character. Bonds of this type occur when BH3 is added to BH(CO)2, BH(CNH)2, BH(N2)2, and BF(CO)2, or in the complexes of BH(N2)2 with B(CH3)3 and BF3. The weaker noncovalent bonds are held together by roughly equal electrostatic and dispersion components, complemented by smaller polarization energy, while polarization is primarily responsible for the stronger ones.
Microsampling: A role to play in Covid‐19 diagnosis, surveillance, treatment and clinical trials
Authors: Rajadhyaksha Madhura , Londhe Vaishali
Published: June 2021

The outbreak of the new coronavirus disease changed the world upside down. Every day, millions of people were subjected to diagnostic testing for Covid‐19, all over the world. Molecular tests helped in the diagnosis of current infection by detecting the presence of viral genome whereas serological tests helped in detecting the presence of antibody in blood as well as contributed to vaccine development. This testing helped in understanding the immunogenicity, community prevalence, geographical spread and conditions post‐infection. However, with the contagious nature of the virus, biological specimen sampling involved the risk of transmission and spread of infection. Clinic or pathology visit was the most concerning part. Trained personnel and resources was another barrier. In this scenario, microsampling played an important role due to its most important advantage of remote, contactless, small volume and self‐sampling. Minimum requirements for sample storage and ease of shipment added value in this situation. The highly sensitive instruments and validated assay formats assured the accuracy of results and stability of samples. Microsampling techniques are contributing effectively to the Covid‐19 pandemic by reducing the demand for clinical staff in population‐level testing. The validated and established applications supported the use of microsampling in diagnosis, therapeutic drug monitoring, development of treatment or vaccines and clinical trials for Covid‐19.
The underlying causes and effects of phytoplankton seasonal turnover on resource use efficiency in freshwater lakes
Authors: Zhang Min , Shi Xiaoli , Chen Feizhou , Yang Zhen , Yu Yang
Published: June 2021

The extent of intra‐annual turnover in phytoplankton communities is directly associated with the overall diversity. However, our understanding of the underlying causes and effects of intra‐annual turnover remains limited. In this study, we performed a two‐season investigation of the phytoplankton composition in the lakes of the Yangtze River catchment in China in spring and summer 2012, which covered a regional spatial scale. We analyzed the Sørensen pairwise dissimilarity (βsor) between the two seasons, their driving factors, and effects on resource use efficiency in phytoplankton. The results showed that the changes in phytoplankton composition from spring to summer were not synchronous among these lakes. The spatial environmental characteristics, temporal changes in environmental variables and the initial phytoplankton composition together explained the variation in βsor for phytoplankton, and their explanatory powers and primary driving variables depended on the phytoplankton taxonomic groups. Among the driving variables, increased nitrogen level and seasonal temperature difference will promote spring–summer community turnover and then improve the phosphorus use efficiency of phytoplankton community. The species diversity of the initial community might increase its stability and slow the spring–summer shift in phytoplankton, especially in cyanobacteria and Chlorophyta. Our study highlights the understanding of the patterns and underlying causes of temporal beta diversity in freshwater phytoplankton communities.
Historical and social–cultural processes as drivers for genetic structure in Nordic domestic reindeer
Authors: Røed Knut H. , Kvie Kjersti S. , Bårdsen Bård‐J. , Laaksonen Sauli , Lohi Hannes , Kumpula Jouko , Aronsson Kjell‐Å. , Åhman Birgitta , Våge Jørn , Holand Øystein
Published: June 2021

We have analyzed DNA microsatellites and the mitochondrial control region in reindeer from 31 different husbandry areas in Norway, Sweden, and Finland in order to better understand the processes that underlie the genetic variability of the Nordic domestic herds. The distinct differentiation found in the nuclear markers but less so in the mitochondrial marker gives evidence of an origin from a common ancestral population which later evolved into the two main gene pools characterizing the nuclear genomes of domestic reindeer in Finland and most of Sweden and Norway. Analyses of temporal trends in effective population size give evidence of a rapid increase in number of reindeer before the population growth associated with the pastoral transition. This implies that the ancestry of contemporary domestic reindeer lay among a rapidly growing wild population possibly located in the boreal areas of eastern Fennoscandia or European Russia. The evolution of reindeer husbandry in Finland, perhaps with input from European Russia, which later spread to northern Norway could explain the shared genomic pattern observed in these areas today. The structured selection of productive female‐centered herds may explain the genetic structure in other parts of Norway and in Sweden. The further substructuring of the Swedish/ Norwegian gene pool appears to follow the traditional language borders with the South Sámi language dominating the southern and the Central Sámi language in the more northern genetic subclusters. This suggests that traditional knowledge, cultural identities, and herd migrations have contributed to shape the genetic structure seen today. Ecological gradients are more pronounced within as compared to between the genetic clusters, giving further evidence that historical and social–cultural processes are important drivers for the genetic differentiations found in domestic reindeer across the Nordic countries.